tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12378732964893807842024-02-19T23:38:37.156+08:00Electronic Pensievechunks of memories stored in cyberspaceyou.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-67283358783751349302012-04-28T20:37:00.000+08:002012-05-03T20:38:37.246+08:00Day 1, Coron (Inland town tour)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After having lunch at Dive Link Resort, we went back to the port to start our tour of the town. Coron's main town was not as large as I thought. It seemed that, from the pictures from the other blogs that I have read, that Coron is a big town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coron is a place where you can never get lost even if you do not have a map. It's small streets are busy though with the people of Coron and tourists that come and go. You can add to that the tricycles that go around as it's main public transport to go around town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As agreed, we met with two tricycle operators that Ate Cherry contracted for our group of seven. One tricycle fits three to four persons. It costs P300 for one tricycle for the whole trip.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo by Tina Calanog</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our first stop was the Municipal Town Hall of Coron. It was a small building with a small garden. We just took pictures with the CORON sign in front of it.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo by Tina Calanog</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We next dropped by the souvenir shops to buy pasalubong. The souvenirs they sell are just the usual things that are also being sold in other tourist spots. There were assorted ref magnets, colorful keychains, wood carvings, pencil holders, paper weights, t-shirts, etc. As compared to souvenirs being sold in other places, though they were just ordinary, their price in Coron were a bit expensive. Keychains were sold at P20 each where you can buy them for only P15 in other places. T-shirts cost P230 where in other tourist spots they were being sold for only P120. I got to buy a t-shirt though for P100 for my younger sister in another shop. You just need to ask the tricycle drivers to take you to other stores.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we went to the most challenging part of the tour: Mt. Tapyas. You need to climb up more than 700 steps to reach the top. You can see old people also climbing the mountain. I could not imagine how can they climb that height at their age! I almost wanted to give up when I was just half-way. We climbed up Mt. Tapyas despite of the heat. You really need to have a bottle of water when you hike up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even just on the 400th step, you can see the beautiful islands of Coron. I was able to take the view from this point only since when I was able to reach the top, I did not have the energy to stand up and take pictures. My friends though were able to take some pictures of themselves with the Mt. Tapyas' famous iron cross.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photo by Tina Calanog</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Going down Mt. Tapyas was a lot easier. We were so tired when we were able to get back at the foot of the mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We next went to Coron Harvest, a store for different types of cashew nuts. I bought roasted cashew nuts and cashew nut brittle. They were a bit expensive which was a disappointment. I thought that since Coron boasts of its cashew farms that they would be selling it a a cheaper price, but they were selling it as if you were in Manila.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were supposed to go to Maquinit Hot Springs but we did not have enough time since it was already getting dark and the free boat service of Dive Link was only up to 7:00 p.m. We would have to pay P100 each if we went beyond that time to get us back to the hotel.</span></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0Coron, Philippines12.0772376 120.188469111.5803171 119.5567551 12.5741581 120.82018310000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-78000810514579250082012-04-28T18:25:00.000+08:002012-05-02T19:06:44.860+08:00Dive Link Resort, Coron<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">After months of waiting, finally, the day of our trip to Coron, Palawan came! Me and my officemates booked a 3D/2N trip with J2 Travel via cleverbuy.com.ph last year. The vouchers we bought include roundtrip airfare to Busuanga via Cebupacific, accommodation at Dive Link Resort with daily buffet breakfast, and Coron island hopping tour with lunch, all for less than P5,000/pax.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Flight to Busuanga was on time but it was oven hot inside the plane. I heard one passenger say "It is really more 'fan' in the Philippines" with everyone aboard fanning themselves. It was just a short trip for less than 45 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At midday, we touched down on top of the mountains of Busuanga and we were warmly welcomed by a staff from Dive Link Resort ans ushered us to the van that would take us to the port. It was a 30 minutes drive to downtown and you can see nothing but farmlands and greens along the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were greeted by Ms. Cherry of J2 Travel at the port and explained the details of our voucher before helping us board the boat that would bring us to Dive Link Resort. We asked her to arrange a town tour for us after we check in and have lunch at the resort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unlike most inns and hotels in Coron which are located within the Coron mainland, Dive Link Resort stands on its own island apart from the others which allows for a more peaceful and quiet stay. A wonderful concrete pathway to the resort greeted us when we arrived. Whichever way you look, all you would see are beautiful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">We were welcomed warmly by the Dive Link staff with cold drinks and shell necklaces. All of them were very accommodating and attentive to your needs. The resort manager also briefed us about the resort and all the services they provide plus the facilities that we could freely use during our stay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were a group of seven and they provided us with four rooms for the four vouchers that we purchased. The rooms were setup in small cottages. They are all clean and cozy, complete with large pillows and blankets. They clean the room on a daily basis even if you do not ask them to, so you just need to inform them if you do not need your room cleaned for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our cottage was located just beside the water and you could feel the sea breeze when you sit by the veranda and hear the soft waves at night. The cottages have large windows that you can open during the day when there is no electricity in the whole of Coron. Power is only up from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. You would not have to worry about warm nights as the rooms are air conditioned by then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We decided to have lunch at the resort since we were not decided yet as to where we would eat. We were all glad that we had lunch at Dive Link. The food was very delicious and in large servings too! We ordered their specialty lechon kawali and kare-kare which costed around P1,800 including the rice for all of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After lunch, we rested for a while before starting our inland town tour of Coron.</span></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com2Coron, Philippines12.0772376 120.188469111.580376600000001 119.5567551 12.5740986 120.82018310000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-30906108858273099402012-04-21T19:30:00.000+08:002012-04-22T13:21:09.763+08:002012 Thomson Reuters Volunteer for the Community Day<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is the time of the year again for the Thomson Reuters Volunteer for the Community Day. This has been happening annually since 2009 and today is its 4th year celebration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Employees across all the business units of Thomson Reuters sign-up for the event and choose their beneficiary activity they would join in. The choices were Childhaus, Virlanie, Isang Litrong Liwanag, UP-PAUW, and Kythe Foundation among others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the third time that I have joined the event. Ever since I have become part of the Thomson Reuters family, I immediately grabbed the very first opportunity for me in 2010 to join this celebration. Since then, I have committed myself to engage in the activity every year. In 2010, I joined the Quezon City Circle clean-up of its grounds. In 2011, I helped with the repainting of the school buildings by the UP-PAUW located within the UP Campus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, I chose to be part of the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm house-building and landscaping activities in Angat, Bulacan. As usual, me and my office friends always are together in the same activity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Named after the place of its origin, Bulacan’s Barangay Encanto—which connotes images of the supernatural and magical in Filipino—the Enchanted Farm is the canvas for Gawad Kalinga’s second phase of the 2024 road map to end poverty in the Philippines. Once idle and unproductive, the area is being transformed into a landscape of vast potential that will sustain communities for generations to come. The first of 24 CSI sites around the Philippines, The Enchanted Farm in Bulacan follows a template that fuses three different concepts. (<a href="http://gk1world.com/gk-enchanted-farm">GK Enchanted Farm website</a>)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The schedule of our voluntary work involved house building, compost pit digging, football field leveling, and garden landscaping. Just with words, we already knew that it wold not be easy tasks especially in the middle of summer with the country burning and scorching in heat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We left the meeting place in Makati at 6:00 a.m. and we arrived in the farm at 8:00 a.m. We were first oriented and briefed about the GK Enchanted Farm. It was not only the group of Thomson Reuters employees who came there. There were also a lot of other volunteers and support groups scheduled to be in the farm that day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our first stop was house building. This was not new to me since I have already volunteered for Habitat for Humanity some years ago to build houses. I helped with the shoveling of sand and gravel to be used for the house's flooring. My other friends helped too with the shoveling while the others helped in leveling the soil to where the cement mix would be poured.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other members of the group at the same time as us helped with the flattening of the grounds that would be converted to a small football field while the others went to the compost pit site.</span></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540170_10150696230066361_721446360_9910701_1263580160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540170_10150696230066361_721446360_9910701_1263580160_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next activity I joined in was the landscaping of the land around GK Enchanted Farm's "palace" which would be a place and reception for future weddings and other functions. We scraped and pulled of the grass around. It was fun even though the heat of the sun burned us and we were soaked in sweat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The activities ended in midday and we went back to Quezon City to have our culminating activity and recognize all the volunteers who participated. It was another successful day for Thomson Reuters.</span></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0GK Enchanted Farm, Angat, Bulacan, Philippines14.9193666 121.013440614.9040246 120.9936996 14.9347086 121.03318159999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-70876023515970139852012-01-22T22:35:00.000+08:002012-04-11T22:39:50.420+08:00Day 2, DIY Puerto Princesa tour (Underground River)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a beautiful morning when I woke up on our second day at Puerto Princesa. We all needed to get up at 6:00 a.m. to have breakfast since our guide for the world-famous Underground River tour would pick us up at 7:00 a.m. Hotel Centro serves breakfast at 7:00 but they happily began serving food early because of our request.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">True to their offer in their Metrodeal voucher, they served buffet breakfast. They always do every day. There were Filipino, American, Korean, French, etc. food. Fresh fruits were also available, even kimchi. This was maybe because there are always so many Koreans checking in the hotel.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/421352_10150521118516361_721446360_9360003_967286747_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/421352_10150521118516361_721446360_9360003_967286747_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My plate -- fried rice, omelette, smoked longganisa, chicken adobo, fish teriyaki, and mixed vegetables</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh fruits, bread, and butterscotch</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That was the breakfast we exactly wanted and we needed to fill our stomachs in preparation for the long travel to the Underground River. I was able to get live updates and scores on the 2012 Australian Open. Thanks to their free wifi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soon enough, our tour guide arrived in a van. We were a group of twelve people. The Underground River tour costs P1,300/pax which includes the roundtrip van ride, lunch, boat fare, and entrance fees to the park. The guide told us that it was going to be a two-hour drive to get to Sabang Beach port where we will ride a motor boat to get to the side of the Underground River under St. Paul Mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After one hour of driving and passing by a lot of mangroves and some forestry, we stopped over the Buenavista Viewing Deck to take a good look of the seas from above. It was so serene.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the Buenavista Viewdeck</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We continued our journey to Sabang Beach and we passed by beautiful rock formations and landscapes. There were mountains of solid marble and some caves too.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/409549_10150521123431361_721446360_9360020_2063877694_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/409549_10150521123431361_721446360_9360020_2063877694_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Side of the Lion's Roar</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/420539_10150521123796361_721446360_9360021_1379824148_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/420539_10150521123796361_721446360_9360021_1379824148_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rock mountains</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was almost 11:00 a.m. when we arrived at Sabang Beach to register for the Underground River tour. Our guide arranged for everything. We decided to have lunch after the tour thinking that it won't be long. We were very much wrong.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Underground River registration area</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/409194_10150521124926361_721446360_9360025_1896403333_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/409194_10150521124926361_721446360_9360025_1896403333_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sabang Beach</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It took us at least 30 minutes to get to a boat that would take us to the edge of the Underground River. There were a lot of tourists even in the month of January and the staff told us that they were taking in more than their average number of guests for the tour. No wonder the long wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a twenty-minute boat ride to the river. The shores of the that edge of St. Paul mountain was really breathtaking, made us think that we were on paradise. The mountain by the way was named after St. Paul since it was shaped like St. Paul sleeping on his back. The curves of the mountain top really resemble human features.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/398375_10150521129191361_721446360_9360042_2010751159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/398375_10150521129191361_721446360_9360042_2010751159_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">St. Paul Mountain shores</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The place was crowded. It was a mistake that we did not eat lunch first. We just amused ourselves with the exotic animals scattered and freely wandering around the park. They were harmless but beware of the monkeys. It was not allowed to feed them nor show them a plastic bag since they would think that it has food in it and would grab it from you.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A celebrity monkey</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/425273_10150521134336361_721446360_9360073_1808287765_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/425273_10150521134336361_721446360_9360073_1808287765_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A very large bayawak</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After more than an hour of waiting, to change scenery, we were brought to the entrance of the cave. It was marvelous! The river was a crystal clear aqua blue and was so clean. Being from Manila, you could really admire the river's unspoiled quality.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">River edge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/428335_10150521142076361_721446360_9360127_394373767_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/428335_10150521142076361_721446360_9360127_394373767_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Entrance to the cave</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With so long a queue, it was already 3:00 p.m. when we were able to get in the cave. We were on a large boat which could seat ten people. Other boats could only seat eight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was so dark inside and a bit cold. Only soft spot lights held by people seated at the front end of the boat lights the cave so you would be able to see the stalactite and stalagmites. The Underground River extends to 4 km but only a very small portion of this was being traveled in the tour. The guide told us that to access the other areas, special permits are required. Most of the people who navigate those areas are usually scientists who study the lime stones and the cave.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spotlight</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The formations inside the cave were formed for hundreds of years. The stones were in different shapes and textures. And the guide had stories and jokes while we cruised the river. It took us 45 minutes to get in and out of the cave. Though it was just a short tour, I could say that it was well worth it. Just imagine that you would be able to touch stones hundreds of years old! Also, it would be a pride to say that you were able to see one of the world's best seven wonders of nature.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cross etched by Spanish priests during Spanish regime</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A lime stone formation which looked like the face of Christ</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/423747_10150521147851361_721446360_9360173_1314581915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/423747_10150521147851361_721446360_9360173_1314581915_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cave entrance/exit</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had our lunch back at Sabang Beach at 4:00 p.m. and was able to return to the city at 6:00 p.m. We had dinner at Shakey's (yes, there was one there) and had our one-hour aromatic hilot-massage at Hotel Centro which was also included in the Metrodeal voucher. It was very relaxing and soothed our tired body.</span></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0Puerto Princesa, Philippines9.9672163 118.785518.9663568 117.5220825 10.968075800000001 120.04893750000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-28283083072668179732012-01-21T22:06:00.000+08:002012-04-07T22:11:00.374+08:00Day 1, DIY Puerto Princesa tour (Puerto Princesa City tour)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, my most awaited trip to kick off 2012! The long wait is over and we have arrived at Puerto Princesa, Palawan!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This trip has been booked since the middle of last year. As usual, we took advantage of the Piso Fare promo only this time by AirPhilippines. It only costed P350/pax for a roundtrip airfare for Manila-Puerto Princesa-Manila route. Are we not lucky? Regular roundtrip fare would have costed P8,000 if it was not booked early.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our flight to Puerto Princesa was scheduled to arrive at around noon. We decided to grab an early lunch at NAIA 3 before our flight since the city tour we booked would immediately start upon our arrival with check-in to the hotel included.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a hot hot day when we arrived at the Puerto Princesa Airport. I looked for the shuttle service that would bring us to the hotel that we booked. We were welcomed by a uniformed driver of the hotel and ushered us to a van. We had the van all to ourselves since there were no other guests checking in to the hotel at the same time as us.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/395908_10150516929416361_721446360_9349164_118235475_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/395908_10150516929416361_721446360_9349164_118235475_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hotel Centro shuttle</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Again, our accommodation was courtesy of a deal bought from Metrodeal. I bought the vouchers months back for a 3D/2N stay at <a href="http://www.hotelcentro.ph/">Hotel Centro</a> for P6,600 for 2 pax. When I saw this deal on the net, I immediately grabbed it since the validity dates jibed with our flight schedules.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me tell you first about the deal and Hotel Centro.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many scams nowadays in groupon sites, so just to make sure that I will not be scammed, I sent a mail to Hotel Centro. Before I purchased the vouchers, I inquired first from Hotel Centro if they indeed accept vouchers from Metrodeal. I was glad that their representative promptly answered my inquiry and confirmed that they do have a deal ongoing. After reading their response, I then purchased two vouchers.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317454_10150353188141361_721446360_8702702_1503549589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317454_10150353188141361_721446360_8702702_1503549589_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Metrodeal voucher</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The details of the deal are shown in the voucher above. Hotel Centro is a bit pricey compared with the other hotels/inns in Puerto Princesa if you consider their regular rates. This is just right since the hotel is recognized as a four-star hotel and glamorous events such as Miss Earth are held there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made our reservations as early as July last year and requested for room arrangements for four pax. Yes, I was able to request for a room with a queen sized bed and another room with two twin beds. I was glad that when we checked in, the rooms were already set up. We were also welcomed by friendly staffs with cold refreshments at the lobby. Hotel Centro was indeed a classy hotel. There were a lot of foreigners checked in, majority are Koreans. I was not able to take photos of the rooms but I can say that what are shown in their website are true each with safe deposit boxes and the toiletries are complete too from toothbrushes to sewing kits! I love the hotel!</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423879_10150521121181361_721446360_9360012_386172752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423879_10150521121181361_721446360_9360012_386172752_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hotel Centro lobby</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405620_10150521119766361_721446360_9360006_1755571119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405620_10150521119766361_721446360_9360006_1755571119_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hotel Centro poolside</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After checking in, we were fetched by our guide for a tour of the city. We had this tour booked from outside the hotel since it was a lot cheaper. The hotel charges P600/pax for the city tour on a van. We opted for a tour via tricycle which only costed P600 for all the four of us. Entrance and other fees however were not included. But hey, it was still a lot cheaper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some parts of the city are still under developed and the roads to some tourist spots were rough and dusty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our first stop was the Crocodile Farm and Nature Park. This is where you can have a photo holding a small croc and learn things about crocodiles. There was an entrance fee of P50/pax and P30 for each photo op. There are also other wild animals in the park.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/427109_10150516943821361_721446360_9349230_433594387_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/427109_10150516943821361_721446360_9349230_433594387_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crocodile Farm</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/425309_10150516936526361_721446360_9349197_1029451263_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/425309_10150516936526361_721446360_9349197_1029451263_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sister's photo op with the star croc</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next, we went to the Butterfly Garden. Entrance fee is also P50/pax. My sister took the opportunity to take pictures of the colorful butterflies in the farm and the little creatures knew how to strike a pose! They were not shy at all!</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425452_10150516946551361_721446360_9349242_1181695345_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425452_10150516946551361_721446360_9349242_1181695345_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Butterfly Garden</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423695_10150516951346361_721446360_9349259_382547196_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423695_10150516951346361_721446360_9349259_382547196_n.jpg" width="260" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The butterfly pose</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we went to the famous Mitra's Ranch. We just took pictures of the view here since there was nothing for us to do here but relax and enjoy the fresh air. There was a zipline activity though, but we did not try it.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425991_10150516953626361_721446360_9349271_605635287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425991_10150516953626361_721446360_9349271_605635287_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tourist vans at Mitra's Ranch</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/396617_10150516954751361_721446360_9349276_1398048486_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/396617_10150516954751361_721446360_9349276_1398048486_n.jpg" width="260" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zipline adventure</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Near Mitra's Ranch is the Baker's Hill where you can buy freshly baked goods like chocolate crinkles, hopia and ther pastries and breads. There were also a lot of colorful statues around the vicinity of the bakery and other snack posts. We enjoyed taking pictures here.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401274_10150516956686361_721446360_9349286_1161636921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401274_10150516956686361_721446360_9349286_1161636921_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baker's Hill</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our last stop was the Tiangge, Tiangge were we bought some of our pasalubongs for friends and family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, we had dinner at the Badjao Seafront Restaurant. It is too bad that we were not able to watch the sunset there since it was already dark when we got there. Just a note, the place is always crowded and it was strict that you make a prior reservation when you want to dine there. Thanks to the staff of Hotel Centro who made the reservations earlier for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The restaurant stands by the edge of the sea. The sea is literally under it. It has a very classy ambiance and an old man plays the piano for the guests. The food we ordered were all delicious and were not expensive. We really enjoyed our dinner at Badjao Seafront.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/419934_10150516962411361_721446360_9349315_700145019_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/419934_10150516962411361_721446360_9349315_700145019_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Badjao Seafront Restaurant</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went back to the hotel after dinner to rest and prepare for our next adventure!</span></div>
</div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0Puerto Princesa, Philippines9.9672163 118.785518.9661913 117.5220825 10.9682413 120.04893750000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-83552512095219598152011-11-05T20:30:00.000+08:002012-04-07T09:38:39.038+08:00Kindle e-reader<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been fond of reading ever since I was a child and I have collected lots of pocketbooks since. I have lost most of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then came the technology in which you can read books in electronic devices. And I have jumped and adapted to this immediately. Since I always have my phone with me and I am always in front of a PC at work, it has never been a problem to me reading on such devices. Reading electronically is almost free since I get to download from the net all the books that I wanted to read as compared to buying them from the bookstore. My phone has become my friend during long waits for the shuttle to home and my companion before I sleep when the lights are already turned off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have known about e-readers since they existed. When the very first Kindle was launched, however, it did not interest me much. I thought, "buying a black and white device is not practical at all when I have my phone already in color". I was very satisfied reading via my phone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kindle did not actually get popular in the Philippines since recently when Amazon, its maker, started shipping the product internationally. It was just initially available at the States.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How was I convinced to buy a Kindle?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before I bought one, I read a lot of reviews first about the previous Kindle generations. I usually do this so I know I would be buying a product for its worth. I found out that the Kindle being sold at that moment and was just released a few weeks back is in its fourth generation. It has buttons you can click to navigate a book and control the device, and of course, it is in black and white. A touch version called the Kindle Touch and a colored tablet-like version called the Kindle Fire are being released also but on a later date on the time that I bought the Kindle.</span></div>
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<a href="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/tequila/dp/KT-aag-01._V139457033_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/tequila/dp/KT-aag-01._V139457033_.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was not as expensive as I thought. I bought the "with special offers" version (with advertisements) which only costs $79. The version without ads costs $109. I have read that the ads would not bother you while you are reading and they will only show up on the main menu at the bottom of the screen. The reviews on the device were all great. I knew that it was not just a marketing tactic since those who posted the reviews were those who really bought and tested the product. The product also boasts that you will experience reading on a real paper, with no glare even in bright sunlight which all the tablets and phones available in the world fail to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had my Kindle shipped to a friend in the US last month who brought back the Kindle to me when she got back in Manila and gave it to me earlier today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was so excited and I loaded it up immediate with the books I currently wanted to read. And the reviews were all true. It was a wonderful reading experience. I could not believe that I am actually holding an electronic device and not a real book. The text is also crispier on the device than on paper. It was also easy to navigate and is very light to hold given that it is the thinnest e-reader available that you can buy. However, you would need to buy a book light to be able to read at night since the device has no backlight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I immediately fell in love with my Kindle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More information about Kindle in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a>.</span></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-22652938993118946092011-10-01T23:30:00.000+08:002011-10-20T02:45:05.052+08:00Woodfire Grill Republic, Metrowalk<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have set October 1 as voucher day. After trying out each week to be accommodated at Woodfire Grill Republic in Metrowalk, finally we got to get ourselves a reservation to use the voucher for a monster burger that I purchased at Ensogo.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought the voucher for P400.00 which said that it was a 50% off deal since the total cost of the monster burger plus a pitcher of house iced tea or any cocktail of your choice was P800.00. But when we got there and checked out the menu, the burger only costs P400.00. We realized that the deal was really getting a pitcher of drink for free. A pitcher of iced tea would not cost that much to sum up to P800.00, would it?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, to keep our spirits up, my friends ordered some other food from the menu. They ordered chili cheese sticks, garlic mushroom and pipino juice for the drinks. I did not eat any of them since I was still full from the food that I ate at home before I went to Metrowalk. They said they were good.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pipino juice</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And now for the main event, the monster burger with a pitcher of iced tea.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reading their ads, the restaurant served true to the size of the burger. It was an 8-inch burger placed on a large plate with potato chips on the side. I knew how it would taste by its smell as it was served on our table. It was just a giant Jollibee TLC burger. Totally not tasting like pure beef as the ads have said. Too commercialized. They could have at least made it taste like the burgers served at Brothers Burger. I just ate a slice of it. The iced tea, was just not an iced tea. There was nothing special about it but its presentation. It looked good on the photo.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The monster burger, a.k.a. the Giant Jollibee TLC burger</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was not a good deal, really.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We watched No Other Woman using our SM Megamall P80.00 vouchers also purchased from Ensogo. This at least was value for the money.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-86243289647477341892011-09-23T02:08:00.000+08:002011-10-20T02:10:23.339+08:00Old Vine Grille, Eastwood Mall<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A colleague who now resides in Singapore dropped by Manila to meet me and my other colleagues in my previous work. I suggested that we try having dinner at the Old Vine Grille at the Eastwood Mall. None of us has eaten here before, but as I have have read in reviews, Old Vine serves good food.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I called in the restaurant the day before to reserve six seats for us. I have learned that you really need to make a reservation if you are dining in the restaurant on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday since a lot of people come to eat there during such days and you may not have a seat and wait for a table to be available.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Old Vine Grille</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For appetizer, we ordered the Tessie Tomas Salad. I do not eat vegetables so I was not able to taste it. My friends said that the combination of the vegetables was good.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tessie Tomas Salad<br />Small P295.00 / Large P595.00</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ordered fresh pineapple fruit shake for my drink which was kind of expensive for a fruit shake in a small glass. It just looks cute and decorative on the table.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh pineapple fruit shake<br />P110.00</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we ordered the heavy part of the dinner. Meat, meat, more meat, and some pasta. It was a good thing that the restaurant had a promo that when you order two main entrees, you get a free entree. There was already a list of entree combinations to choose from.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our first set of 2+1 meal was a combination of Steak Tagalog, Pork Barbecue Ribs, and Steak and Cheese. The Steak Tagalog was the one I liked the most. You can taste the Filipino traditional way that the beef was cooked but is much tastier and it seemed like it was cooked for a long time to get the flavors all in and made the meat so tender. The Pork Barbecue Ribs tastes like the one served at Uncle Cheffy but not as flavorful (by the way Uncle Cheffy and Old Vine are sister restaurants together with Chef's Quarter). Meanwhile, the Steak and Pasta was round chunks of steak with cheese sauce on top with pasta on the side. It was cooked just right so I still got the steak flavor that I was looking for.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Steak Tagalog<br />P485.00</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pork Barbecue Ribs<br />P485.00</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Steak and Pasta<br />Free</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also ordered Baked Cream Dory, which was a famous dish at Old Vine. I did not really much like it because the flavor was so strong.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baked Cream Dory<br />P350.00</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ordered another set of 2+1. This time we reordered the Steak Tagalog and the Pork Barbecue Ribs and added for free the Steak and Cheese with Asparagus. I really liked the grilled asparagus with all its flavor and crispness preserved.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Steak and Cheese with Asparagus<br />Free</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, I would recommend dining at the Old Vine Grille, a definite value for your money. We left the restaurants with our stomachs and taste buds contented. It is a restaurant that I would want to go back to.</span></div>
</div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-9835267163597746242011-09-14T22:30:00.000+08:002011-10-17T02:03:23.032+08:00Day 3, DIY Camiguin-CDO tour (Cagayan de Oro)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Third day : White water rafting</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Great White Water Tours, Cagayan de Oro</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrived at around 7:00 p.m. at Cagayan de Oro Agora Bus Terminal coming from the Port of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. We headed straight to Victoria Suites where we booked two rooms good for three persons each to stay for the night.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After checking in we immediately hailed cabs to get us to Limketkai Mall to have dinner. We were surprised that the mall wass already closing when it was just 8:00 p.m. Luckily, the mall is surrounded by restaurants. The area is like Eastwood/Metrowalk where people hangout.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A friend of a friend suggested that we try eating at Candy's, an steak restaurant. Food was expensive but we had the chance to see Ryan Cayabyab, a famous Filipino composer and some lead vocalists of some famous bands in the country.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to sleep and rest since our rafting guide would pick us up at 7:00 a.m. We had breakfast at the hotel which was included in the package, two sets of meal per room. Since there are three of us in each room, there was an additional cost for the breakfast of the extra person.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We booked our rafting adventure with the Great White Water Tours. Our guide was right on time in the morning. We rode on a jeep with the rubber boat on top. We were also joined by two middle-aged couple.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a bit scared during the drive to the river anticipating the adventure ahead of us. The river was calm, which meant that it was deep and brown. The color of the water probably was because of the rain the previous night.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were first dropped at the Great White Water Tours office to register and sign waivers. We also left our things there. We had the option to let them take pictures of us for a charge of P1,500 but since we have a DSLR camera of our own, we just let the guides use it to take pictures of us for free.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a bit of a long drive down the river. Cagayan River separates Cagayan de Oro from Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro on the left and Bukidnon on the right.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we got to the spot where the rafting starts, we were made to wear life vests and sunscreen. We were also briefed on basic rafting: how to paddle, the dos and the don'ts.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could not describe how I was feeling when I hopped on the rubber boat. I was nervous and excited at the same time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then the adventure began.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We only took the beginners course since none of really know anything about rafting. According to the guide, we would embark on 14 rapids within two hours.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first rapid was only a few meters away from where we started. I was anticipating how the boat would rock and trip off the boat on that scary rush of waters. I had my feet locked up on the boat so I won't fall off the boat. Then it came. We were all shouting as we rowed ourselves to the rush and got wet with the water splashing everywhere. And then the first rapid was over. We all cheered. I realized that it was not scary as I have anticipated. It was fun!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had snacks some time during the two-hour rafting and the guides entertained us with their corny jokes. There was a time when one guide was telling a joke and we were all laughing that we did not realized that we were to plunged on a rapid. It almost tripped the boat! We learned that it was the style of the guides to divert our attention with their jokes and intentionally bring us to the water, adding more to the fun. But the guides were not successful to get us off the boat. We just laughed so hard afterwards. That moment when we were actually tripped was captured. I always laugh whenever I see this picture.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After two hours of rafting, we thanked our guides and headed back to the tour office to have lunch. We were served with chicken inasal and pork barbecue, rice and softdrinks. Then we were dropped back to the hotel. It was already past 12:00 noon and check out time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We extended our stay for an hour to pack our things. The hotel charges P100.00 per extended hour. After packing, we headed to the airport to take the plane back to Manila.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Day 3 - Summary of Expenses</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Cab to Victoria Suites - P120.00 per cab (three pax per cab)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Victoria Suites Deluxe Room - P1,000.00 (three pax per room)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cab to Limketkai Mall - P70.00 (three pax per cab)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dinner - prefer not to mention</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rafting Tour - P900.00 each (includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, tour, snacks and lunch)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cab to Airport - P120.00 per cab (three pax shared)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Airfare to Manila - P400.00 each (Piso fare promo plus taxes and charges)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 3 total estimated - P1,735.00 per pax excluding food</span></div>
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<br /></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-84948977850416540442011-09-13T22:06:00.000+08:002011-09-25T17:20:11.624+08:00Day 2, DIY Camiguin-CDO tour (White Island / Katibawasan Falls / Mantigue Island)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Second day : Island hopping</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>White Island, Katibawasan Falls, Mantigue Island</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were picked up early by Kuya Chris on the second day of our tour of the Camiguin Island. We made sure we had a very heavy breakfast before going. Villa Paraiso Resort provided us with toast, eggs, and coffee for breakfast. I was already informed of this when I reserved a room at the resort a few weeks back. We cooked the canned goods we bought in Manila and some of the left overs from dinner and had a sumptuous breakfast of fried rice, spam, and corned beef in addition to what the resort has served us.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our first stop was the famous White Island. It is not really an island but a sand bar which shows up when the tide is not high. The sky was a bit dark and cloudy when we went there. It rained and there were thunderstorms on the night that passed. I thought that we are not going to have great pictures because of the dark clouds and the rain seemed that it would pour.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We hopped on a boat which can seat six people. I noticed that the waves were a bit strong. I was scared. I do not know how to swim and I am always afraid of the dark seas. As the boat started, I held on tight to the pole and securely wore my life vest. Thank God the island was just 10 minutes away from the shore but still I could not avoid to scream when the boat slows down whenever there is a big wave.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we reached the sand bar, the boatman parked the boat on the shore. You can see the different colors of the sea. There were blue green parts and there were dark blue parts. Only a small area around the sand bar are blue green which means that they are not the deep parts. A few meters away are the dark blue spots which means that there is a sudden drop of depth in the area. They are very deep. We were careful to stay only near the sands.</span></div>
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/313776_10150312449626361_721446360_8471742_1180036997_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">White Island, Camiguin</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even if it was not sunshiny that morning, we managed to take great pictures. You can never go wrong to take a shot at any part of White Island. Eventually, the dark clouds went away and the sun finally showed. The sand bar was clean and the water was very clear too. There was just one vendor on the island and he offered us to buy sea urchins. None of us dared. We stayed on the island for one hour and we left just as the water started to rise and covered the sands.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sister demonstrating the clear waters</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We headed back to the main island and bought some souvenirs there. Kuya Chris advised us that we buy the lanzones from there since they were cheaper than at the market. There was just one manang selling lanzones and we all bought all her lanzones! I don't really eat lanzones but my friends told me that they were really sweet. The lanzones season has begun and by next month there would be more lanzones in the island which is just in time for the famous Camiguin Island Lanzones Festival. I also bought ref magnets and key chains to give away to my friends in Manila.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our next destination was the Katibawasan Falls located high up the main island of Camiguin. We planned to swim there to relieve off the heat but upon seeing the waterfalls, we decided not to. The water was clear, very cold and inviting but was brown at the time and we could not see the bottom of the basin. It was a bit scary so we just dipped our feet and took pictures.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katibawasan Falls</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After dropping by the Katibawasan Falls, Kuya Chris sent us back to the resort to pack and get our things since it was already check out time. We did not want to be charged extra if we extend beyond the check out time. We decided not to have lunch since we still felt full at the time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before going to our last destination for the day, Kuya Chris dropped us off the Vjandep Bakery where the famous and delicious delicacy of Camiguin Island is being made. We bought boxes of the sweet pastry to bring back to Manila.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were supposed to go to the Ostrich Farm, the Giant Clams Sanctuary and Mantigue Island. We only had a few time left to be able to catch an earlier ferry back to Cagayan de Oro at 3:00 p.m. so we only to chose to visit Mantigue Island. Afterall, my friends and I all love beaches and they wanted to try snorekeling also as Mantigue is famous for that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We rented snorkeling gears at the terminal and hopped on a boat to Mantigue Island. It took us 25 minutes to get there. The sea was calm at that time and there were no waves at all so I was not frightened. The waters going to Mantigue Island was spectacular and you could see the bottom with its clarity. You could also see the white sands of the island shining even from afar.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mantigue Island Marine Sanctuary from afar</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Approaching Mantigue Island</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We rented a glass boat when we got there and a boat man took us around the marine sanctuary area. The marine life was vast and you can see various species of fish and corals. We asked the boatman to take us to a shallower part of the marine forest so we could go down and snorkel and take pictures underwater. I hopped out the boat for just a few minutes because the thought of not knowing how to swim scared me even if I was wearing a life vest. It just felt weird not stepping on to something. The spot the boatman actually took us was not shallow, it seemed like it was at least 10 feet deep. I was able to take pictures though by dipping my camera underwater.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aboard the glass boat</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We left Mantigue Island after an hour to catch the ferry. We showered and changed clothes at J&A Fishpen, a quite expensive seafood restaurant near the Benoni Port.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we arrived at Benoni Port, the ferry has already left. Luckily, a smaller shuttle has arrived. We boarded and went back to the Port of Balingoan and rode a bus back to Cagayan de Oro.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Day 2 - Summary of Expenses</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Breakfast (canned goods) - P350.00 (6 of us shared)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Boat to White Island - P400.00 (6 of us shared)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White Island Fee - P20.00 each</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Katibawasan Falls entrance fee - P30.00 each</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Boat to Mantigue Island - P550.00 (6 of us shared)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mantigue Island Fee - P20.00 each</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mantigue Island glass boat rental - P300.00 (6 of us shared)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Snorkel and mask rental - P150.00 each</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mantigue Marine Sanctuary Fee - P50.00 each</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">J&amp;A Fishpen shower fee - P20.00 each</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shuttle back to Balingoan Port - P175.00 each</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Motorela ride back to Balingoan Bus Terminal - P7.00 each</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bus back to Cagayan de Oro - P140.00 each</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Day 2 total estimated - P885.00/pax</span></div>
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you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-66309414014917136432011-09-12T22:35:00.000+08:002011-09-25T17:08:29.590+08:00Day 1, DIY Camiguin-CDO tour (Around Camiguin)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>First stop : Camiguin Island</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Getting to Camiguin and going around the island</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me and my sister had been planning this trip since the date when we were able to book Piso Fare flights via Cebu Pacific Air earlier this year. I have read a lot of blogs and guides on do-it-yourself tours at Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had an early flight scheduled to leave Manila at 4:00 a.m. and we had to be in NAIA Terminal 3 at 2:00 a.m. Because of the itinerary, I really had no time to have a good sleep.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before boarding, we ate an early breakfast at Let's Chow!, a Chinese food stop near the gates. My sister and a friend insisted that I try the chicken there. I actually ordered only pork siomai since I did not want to feel anything heavy in my stomach before traveling. I was afraid I would barf while on the plane especially that I still had no sleep and tensed and my stomach seemed to have all the gases on earth. For precaution, I took bonamine and I had a small plastic bag in my pouch.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's Chow! food stop at NAIA Terminal 3</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, we got on seat on the wing part of the plane. I could not get much of the view. But I loved the color of the skies and the clouds we were on top off during sunrise. I tried to take a picture. There goes the wing on the lower left corner.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over Cebu City</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After more than an hour, the plane finally touched down on the grounds of Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City. We were greeted with "Cagayan de Oro Airport Mabuhay" and "Welcome to the City of Golden Friendship" signs at the airport.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We hopped on a cab instead of the vans for P500.00 being offered there to see how much it really would cost us to go to the Agora Bus Terminal. Originally, our plan was to go to Macabalan Port and ride the Paras Seacat. However, the tour guide we contracted in Camiguin told us in advance that we could not take Paras Seacat anymore since it has already stopped its operations. With this, we took an alternative route going to Camiguin Island by first riding a bus heading to Butuan at the Agora Terminal to get to the Port of Balingoan. I did not know at first as to where in the Philippines is the Port of Balingoan until I searched the web. The port is already part of Misamis Oriental. I didn't know that I would be able to get that far!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a two-hour travel to the Port of Balingoan and all that I was able to see during the ride was the sea on the right side and mountains on the left side. I was able to fall asleep on the bus. When I woke up, I was able to read signs of "Balingoan" so I asked my friend to ask to conductor if we are still far from the port and he said that we are still minutes away.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was the problem that we encountered during our tour: dialects barrier. We realized that most of the people there do not understand Tagalog. None of us know the dialect they speak also, which is Visayan. If we asked a question in Tagalog, we were ignored most of the time. We spoke in the most simple form of English to them so we could understand each other. We even had to speak "barok-ishly".</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we arrived at the Balingoan Bus Terminal, we were immediately surrounded by men who drive "motorelas" and helped us carry our baggages. A "motorela" looks is a tricycle with a sidecar which accommodates passengers on its front and back.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a less than five-minute drive to the Port of Balingoan. When we got there, there was already a ferry waiting but was scheduled to leave only after almost two ours. So we found ourselves seats to rest and outlets to charge our phones. They have a small store there and I was amazed that they have Gatorades in small glass bottles. They charge P9.00 for unlimited time charging of your phone.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Port of Balingoan</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think it was Bohol Sea that we crossed. The sea was calm and the weather was great. It was a one-hour travel getting to Benoni Port at Camiguin Island. It was almost the middle of the day when we arrived at Benoni Port. We were immediately welcomed with a name sign "France T." written on a bond paper by our tour guide, Kuya Chris. He helped us carry our baggages to his red and well-maintained multicab waiting outside the gates of the port.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Multicabs are the normal transport vehicles used in Camiguin. A multicab can seat ten people comfortably. We contracted a one and a half day tour with Kuya Chris. He first dropped us off to the place we booked for our stay. Our first choice for our accommodation when we were planning the trip was the Paras Beach Resort. However, their rates got updated a month before a trip which was ridiculously expensive so I tried searching for another place to stay. We opted for the Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The resort was minutes fast drive away from the port. We booked for a Family Room which was already good for six persons, with one queen size bed and two single beds with one pull-out bed under each. The room also was fully airconditioned, with electric fan, shower, and cable tv. The room also has a dining area and kitchen which was equipped with everything you need for cooking and a refrigerator. I liked this place since we were allowed to cook our own food. The resort also provided us with breakfast of toasted bread, eggs and coffee, since we only stayed there overnight.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We just left our things in the resort and changed to our swimwears. Kuya Chris told us to change since our destinations include swimming spots. But before we started our tour, Kuya Chris brought us to a Pedro's Restaurant to have lunch. He said that they serve fast compared with other restaurants in the area. We ordered fried chicken, sinigang na baboy, pork chops, and sizzling spicy sisig. They have reasonable prices with large servings and we left the restaurant with our stomachs full.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuya Chris' Multicab</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we started our half-day tour. We climbed the old volcano. It has no name and they just call it the "Old Volcano". We stopped beside a cliff to take pictures. The sky was clear and you can see the clear waters below. According to Kuya Chris, this old volcano sank an old cemetery and destroyed an ancient church.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our next stop was the Sto. Nino Cold Spring. We rented a table to place our bags and towels then tried testing the waters with our feet. The water was really cold like it came from a fridge! Aside from this, the water is very clean and clear. Luckily for us, there were only quite a few people swimming there and it was not crowded. We dipped for an hour and refreshed ourselves.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sto. Nino Cold Spring</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we went to the Bura Soda Swimming Pool. According to what I have read, the water tastes like soda. Two of my friends were addicted to softdrinks so they thought visiting the place would be a a dream come true. But to our disappointment, the water has no taste at all. LOL. It was called soda pool because the water is bubbly, not because it really tastes like soda. Gotcha! o give credit to the place, just like the Sto. Nino Cold Spring, the water is very clear but not as cold as the Cold Spring. When we got there there were three old foreigners swimming and just relaxing on the sides of the pool. We stayed there for about 30 minutes. It was getting late and we need to hurry to the other destinations.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bura Soda Swimming Pool</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kuya Chris next drove us to Catarman Old Church Ruins. This was the church sunken by the Old Volcano when in exploded. There was nothing much to see here but you will be amazed when you closely look at the ruins. It was like you were living during the time when the Spaniards were in the Philippines. I could not imagine how they were bale to build the church with so many large stones piled on top of each other at that time. The little chapel at the entrance also gave me the creeps. The place was so quiet except for the sound of the birds chirping.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spot at the Catarman Church Ruins</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we went to the Old Cemetery which was sunk by the Old Volcano. There were steep steps to go down if you want to ride a boat to the cemetery itself, wherein according to the boatman, you will see skulls and other creepy stuff. The boat to the cross costs P300.00. We decided to look at the scene by the shore only since we need to hurry to our other destinations. It was great to watch the sunset here.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Sunken Cemetery</span></td></tr>
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We also passed by the Walkway to the Old Volcano and the Stations of the Cross. We did not dare climb up though I really wanted to see the giant stations of the cross. Kuya Chris told us that it is a more than a kilometer hike up and we were already tired to to do that and besides it has started to get dark and we need to go to the wet market to buy food that we will cook for dinner.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The sign says it all</span></td></tr>
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Our last stop for the day was at the Ardent Hot Spring. We really love to get wet. Haha. I told my friends to take a dip at the warm waters to relax or muscles a bit. When we got there, we actually did not want to leave the place and wanted to sleep while dipped in the pool. It felt good to the body. After this, we hurried off to the market and bought bread, rice, ice cream, ice, and some chicken from Chooks To Go.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ardent Hot Spring</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Camiguin Sunset</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Day 1 - Summary of expenses:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Airfare to CDO - P400.00 (Piso fare promo plus taxes and charges)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">NAIA Terminal 3 Fee - P200.00 each</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Snacks at the Airport - P100.00 each</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Cab to Agora Bus Terminal - P220.00 (for 3 pax)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Bus to Port of Balingoan - P140.00</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Motorela Fare - P7.00 each</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Ferry to Benoni Port - P135.00 each</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Port of Balingoan Terminal Fee - P2.50 each</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Kuya Chris's Multicab Rental/Tour for one and a half day - P2,500.00 (6 of us shared)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle Family Room overnight accommodation - P3,000.00 (6 of us shared)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Lunch at Pedro's - P1,050.00 (6 of us shared)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Sto. Nino Cold Spring entrance fee - P20.00 each</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Sto. Nino Cold Spring table rental - P50.00 (6 of us shared)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Bura Soda Swimming Pool entrance fee - P20.00 each</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Ardent Hot Spring entrance fee - P30.00 each</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Dinner (we bought from the market, prawns and Chooks to go, bread, ice cream, rice) - P800.00 (6 of us shared)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Day 1 total estimated - P2,400.00/pax</span></span></div>
you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-84371281448383302932011-08-19T21:02:00.001+08:002011-08-19T21:04:24.334+08:00House of Wagyu Stonegrill, Eastwood Mall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was never really fond of steaks. The sight of bloody meat served on the plate actually makes me puke.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But not until I have tasted the steak at the House of Wagyu Stonegrill.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time, the steak was served on top of a very hot stone, thus the term "stonegrill". I could not remember for how many times me and my friends have dined here, but as far as our tummies are concerned, we always leave the restaurant full and very, very satisfied.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only the special steaks are served on a stone, the others are served already cooked. The stonegrill steaks are the priciest ones and the price depends on the quality of the meat. We ordered the "not so expensive".</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">House of Wagyu Stonegrill is a fine dining restaurant. The waiters first gave us the menu for wines which we were really not interested at so they gave us the main dishes menu after a minute. The order of the steaks already comes with a basket of hot bread, soup and the steak itself.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also ordered gambas for appetizers, one regular alfredo and one seafood alfredo. They were all good.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then came the two steaks. As it was served in front of me, I immediately took the knife and began slicing. It was barbaric eating. LOL. When I first ate at the House of Wagyu last year, I made sure that the meat gets well done over the stone. This time, I noticed that I enjoy the meat more when it is just medium rare since it is juicier, softer and tastier. I could not describe eating it more, it makes me hungry just thinking about it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In conclusion, the table was clean after an hour.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/300521_10150288010936361_721446360_8264919_5991855_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/300521_10150288010936361_721446360_8264919_5991855_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wagyu means Japanese cow/beef</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299815_10150286551841361_721446360_8252564_6091351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299815_10150286551841361_721446360_8252564_6091351_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top sirloin good for three at P2,500++</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New York strip good for three at P3,000++</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299208_10150286552516361_721446360_8252574_3161439_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299208_10150286552516361_721446360_8252574_3161439_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Medium-rare</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0Quezon City, Philippines14.6760413 121.0437002999999514.581965799999999 120.97123879999995 14.7701168 121.11616179999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-10116752633503534752011-08-06T23:07:00.000+08:002011-08-06T23:07:59.221+08:00SM Mega Bags and Shoes Sale<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really don't have a plan to go out of the house this weekend and spend money. I actually have a tight budget this cut-off. However, I got bored at home and I got tired of doing Facebook. I decided to ask my sister to come with me to the mall and just look around to kill time.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was aware of the SM Megamall's Mega Bags and Shoes sale and I thought of dropping by hoping to find shoes that would fit my budget and my size. Afterall, one of my shoes that I use to work got ruined because of the rains the past month.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not so many people were up for the sale. My sister and I went around each of the brands and finally found the right pairs, yes pairs, that fit me and that I think are comfortable to wear to work. I am not a fashionista nor a shoes addict, I actually have a few pairs of shoes and I only buy when needed and I always have a hard time finding my size. My feet are quite small.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't wear shoes with heels, I am only into flats. I never got used to heeled shoes. Also, I need to choose shoes which are fit for long walks since our office is quite far from where public vehicles are allowed. I just wanted to buy a pair, but hey, the shoes are less than P1,000.00 each. I bought two pairs for P1,890.00 from Outland.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not bad, huh? Sale is still ongoing and would last until tomorrow, August 7.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7svIVJhOozENWVbg3NpZPhtvAbF50FxCmQ47K9TylXSxKC6KnRc0a1a4eDZHVFGvP4kLhyLalmB5BfxB53DbmcdVtDVMQGU-xZ74k318IMbIsGF53XVU_S8pbtbY6GFizoO0P2RG3hGng/s1600/IMG228_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7svIVJhOozENWVbg3NpZPhtvAbF50FxCmQ47K9TylXSxKC6KnRc0a1a4eDZHVFGvP4kLhyLalmB5BfxB53DbmcdVtDVMQGU-xZ74k318IMbIsGF53XVU_S8pbtbY6GFizoO0P2RG3hGng/s200/IMG228_.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF19_3dwJZRRudy-7Kkww6FSqdZOWTOAev_E2rnDqDwDfkkPHsV76pT9RSbEi81xESb5hvFzJlXF5ksKweWi3PY6LZeX1DX4JRE3PxGRKHC7lnzzM00_HxKZEfttNcimts7va99tC5e_v/s1600/IMG227_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF19_3dwJZRRudy-7Kkww6FSqdZOWTOAev_E2rnDqDwDfkkPHsV76pT9RSbEi81xESb5hvFzJlXF5ksKweWi3PY6LZeX1DX4JRE3PxGRKHC7lnzzM00_HxKZEfttNcimts7va99tC5e_v/s200/IMG227_.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb7pcmw7gzaM8MiSDNgimQw7dhd-dJGB3O5juYldhzyAmXgAuzc0RqNUmBoKAJKjY8K8pRGKrGwklwQ_i_JceaNaw_wHCB0563xnx1vA-jQxJzIYueJcU3JZRAz-fG78QNfu3O75Z6bem/s1600/IMG230_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb7pcmw7gzaM8MiSDNgimQw7dhd-dJGB3O5juYldhzyAmXgAuzc0RqNUmBoKAJKjY8K8pRGKrGwklwQ_i_JceaNaw_wHCB0563xnx1vA-jQxJzIYueJcU3JZRAz-fG78QNfu3O75Z6bem/s320/IMG230_.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-Ajy-bioBvNVHJPKHkPPCp0OkloVSPjixYDgIGGWnxRjaM04se-r3GBDsOeknoVumW483BduObe87-_epttnIWjdzE-516SQ5TQKSdPKG5suV6HranjIxx3Ad0KWwdigAIOlWRc0BFgo/s1600/IMG232_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-Ajy-bioBvNVHJPKHkPPCp0OkloVSPjixYDgIGGWnxRjaM04se-r3GBDsOeknoVumW483BduObe87-_epttnIWjdzE-516SQ5TQKSdPKG5suV6HranjIxx3Ad0KWwdigAIOlWRc0BFgo/s320/IMG232_.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-18293726700323307962011-07-09T11:28:00.004+08:002011-07-09T11:32:26.246+08:00Mr. Kurosawa, Eastwood Mall<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was time again to use another deal groupon. For this food trip, I used my CashCash Pinoy coupon which I have purchased months ago. This was just in time to celebrate my birthday last July 4. I invited three friends with me and my sister.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had four coupons worth P2,000.00 for dine-in at Mr. Kurosawa Euro-Japanese Restaurant at Eastwood Mall which I only bought for P1,000.00. Each coupon is P500.00 worth discounted to 50% the price.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was just actually my second time in Mr. Kurosawa. I liked some of their dishes when I first went there so I ordered those which I liked again and added some food from their menu which I haven't tried.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the things that I like about Mr. Kurosowa is the ambiance. The interior design of the restaurant is great, with combined European and Japanese sense with great color fusion.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261197_10150252827491361_721446360_7903597_3565125_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261197_10150252827491361_721446360_7903597_3565125_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Interior</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260101_10150252829511361_721446360_7903618_4131758_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260101_10150252829511361_721446360_7903618_4131758_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ceiling</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267636_10150252828536361_721446360_7903607_1891859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267636_10150252828536361_721446360_7903607_1891859_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ceiling artwork</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268482_10150252828926361_721446360_7903612_1896424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268482_10150252828926361_721446360_7903612_1896424_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ceiling artwork</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ordered food and chose from their big menu full of pictures, you would not have to worry about what the food is as every dish has a photo. We did not order drinks anymore to optimize the coupons' worth.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sister ordered pork tonkatsu bowl with cabbage salad side dish which is only good for one. But when it was served, we were surprised that the actual serving is good for two persons. It was placed hot on our table and really smelled delicious. Mary had their sizzling chicken with mixed vegetables. The sizzling chicken was a disappointment. It was not served sizzling and we could not really find the taste. We just thought that it is a healthy type of recipe which would be very much appreciated by people who are careful with their sodium intake.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261534_10150252829841361_721446360_7903621_341521_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261534_10150252829841361_721446360_7903621_341521_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pork tonkatsu</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260087_10150252831111361_721446360_7903630_7662738_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260087_10150252831111361_721446360_7903630_7662738_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sizzling chicken</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I ordered the house specialty pizza Iwo Jima. This is a thin crust pizza loaded with chicken teriyaki strips infused with mango bits topped with supermelt cheese. The combination of the ingredients is really good ans makes the pizza's unique taste. To go with it, I ordered the Japanese carbonara. It is the normal carbonara only enhanced by seaweed flavor and topped with ebi tempura.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267857_10150252830266361_721446360_7903628_7400256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267857_10150252830266361_721446360_7903628_7400256_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Iwo Jima pizza</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267834_10150252832101361_721446360_7903637_7993982_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267834_10150252832101361_721446360_7903637_7993982_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Japanese carbonara</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also ordered scallop fried rice which is rice mixed with assorted vegetable and scallops. One order of this rice bowl is already good for 3-4 persons. We also had beef teppan cooked medium well with bean sprouts. I loved the beef especially the stir fried sprouts that go with it. We also added ebi tempura. I just found out that ebi means shrimps.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268662_10150252830781361_721446360_7903629_658116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268662_10150252830781361_721446360_7903629_658116_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scallop rice</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261874_10150252831446361_721446360_7903632_2798694_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/261874_10150252831446361_721446360_7903632_2798694_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beef teppan</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264458_10150252831731361_721446360_7903633_1102088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264458_10150252831731361_721446360_7903633_1102088_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ebi tempura</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just added P300.00 to the bill as the total was over P2,000.00. It was really a great deal and we finished off all our food and came out of the restaurant very full.</span></div></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-17802955678855585292011-07-06T22:01:00.000+08:002011-07-06T22:01:54.581+08:00Free o.d.m. watches when you buy Canon printers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went to SM Megamall last weekend to buy a printer. My sister and I decided to buy Canon Pixma MX420. We were surprised to know that they currently have this promo with o.d.m. watches. When you buy selected Canon printers, you can have a free o.d.m. watch.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o.d.m. watches are now popular in Europe and Asia, which actually stands for "original, dynamic, and minimalist". The free watch that goes with the printer is their pixel square style.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sister got to redeem the free watch voucher at the o.d.m. SM Megamall branch this afternoon. She was surprised that the watch costs P4,900.00! The printer we bought costs P5,999.00. What great value for the printer!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Canon promo only runs until July 31. So you can hurry now and buy a printer and get a free and cool watch too! :)</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270880_10150253564271361_721446360_7912043_4873816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270880_10150253564271361_721446360_7912043_4873816_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o.d.m. pixel square</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-78577112109657304612011-07-03T14:59:00.005+08:002011-07-03T15:20:22.060+08:00Gumbo, The Atrium<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a great Saturday and Transformers 3 : Dark of the Moon is currently showing in cinemas. Me and my sisters decided to watch the movie in SM Megamall and have dinner there. The lines for the movie tickets were so long even though T3 is being shown in 10 out of 12 cinemas of SM Megamall. I was glad I bought the tickets online at <a href="http://smcinema.com/">smcinema.com</a> which saved me from the hassle of the long lines. I just had to click a few buttons online and have the code sent via SMS scanned through the machine in the cinema, and voila, instant passes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264592_10150250804426361_721446360_7877584_946022_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/264592_10150250804426361_721446360_7877584_946022_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">T3 tickets printed by myself</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then the much awaited dinner. I purchased a <a href="http://www.gumbo.com.ph/">Gumbo</a> groupon from<a href="http://www.dealgrocer.com/"> Deal Grocer</a> and I decided to finally use it and try out the food of Gumbo. The whole deal was good for four persons.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by their cheerful staff. I told them that I would be using my Deal Grocer groupon. They have a special menu for the deal as described by Deal Grocer. They also handed us their regular menu for extras.</span><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268147_10150250798066361_721446360_7877522_6217264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268147_10150250798066361_721446360_7877522_6217264_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gumbo menu</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the Gumbo deal, you get to choose one grande salad, one grande pasta, two main entrees, and one dessert. Drinks are not included. While waiting for our order, we were served with two small loaves of bread.</span><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268907_10150250801211361_721446360_7877560_2405444_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268907_10150250801211361_721446360_7877560_2405444_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bread and oil with garlic</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The salad was served afterwards. We ordered the Southern Chicken Caesar. It is tossed crisp Romaine lettuce, home made Caesar dressing, with crunchy croutons and lots of grilled chicken breast. I do not really like much salads but I loved the grilled chicken cubes in it.</span><br />
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</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263632_10150250802616361_721446360_7877573_6235218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263632_10150250802616361_721446360_7877573_6235218_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Southern chicken Caesar salad<br />
Petite 375.00 Grande 595.00 </span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next was the pasta. We chose the Sicilian Favorite. It is penne pasta cooked in vodka with andouille sausage, basil and tomatoes, in Creole seasoning garnished with parmesan cheese. It was kind off spicy but is rich in flavor.</span><br />
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</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263187_10150250801986361_721446360_7877568_5660391_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/263187_10150250801986361_721446360_7877568_5660391_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sicilian favorite<br />
Petite 295.00 Grande 475.00</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The two main entrees we ordered were both delicious. One is the Bourbon-style baby back ribs which was char-broiled to perfection. The other is the Cajun fried chicken. The two main dishes each comes with side dishes. We had mashed potato which is creamy and tasty and corn on a cob. We ordered extra cajun rice.</span><br />
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</span></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264942_10150250802291361_721446360_7877570_2849260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264942_10150250802291361_721446360_7877570_2849260_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bourbon-style baby back ribs<br />
Petite 495.00 Grande 945.00</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263627_10150250802986361_721446360_7877575_2488470_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/263627_10150250802986361_721446360_7877575_2488470_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cajun fried chicken<br />
Petite 325.00 Grande 495.00</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To cap it all off, hot chocolate cake a la mode was our chosen dessert. It was just right to balance the taste of all the flavorful dishes we ordered.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270757_10150250803841361_721446360_7877580_849787_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/270757_10150250803841361_721446360_7877580_849787_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hot chocolate cake a la mode<br />
275.00</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over-all, we were all satisfied and full. It was a really great deal. It would have cost us P2800.00 but because of the Deal Grocer groupon, it only cost us half the price.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will definitely visit Gumbo next time and try out their seafood dishes.</span></div></div></div></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-91962865415756776252011-06-25T14:37:00.002+08:002011-06-25T14:39:42.037+08:00Choi Palace, Eastwood Mall<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was one dinner with Jane and Krissy at Choi Palace in Eastwood City before watching Rio. This was actually our second time at Choi. We ordered the same food as what we have ordered the first time we visited the Chinese restaurant. One order is good for 3-4 persons. I loved the dimsum, especially the hakaw. The soup was great too. All that we have ordered cost Jane P1,400 and Krissy got to take home the left overs.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215731_10150173809636361_721446360_7243471_1194982_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had already eaten two hakaws before I thought of taking a photo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/207700_10150173809911361_721446360_7243474_5291947_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ho Fan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205144_10150173810021361_721446360_7243475_512614_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Steamed Fish Fillet In Garlic</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206231_10150173810101361_721446360_7243476_4737918_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crab Meat And Wintermelon Soup</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208782_10150173810186361_721446360_7243477_2527839_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sharksfin Siomai</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="300" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208312_10150173809746361_721446360_7243473_6018410_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hakaw</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208312_10150173809746361_721446360_7243473_6018410_n.jpg"></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Photos taken with my LG Optimus One</span></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-62617047167417056572011-06-20T16:42:00.003+08:002011-09-25T17:21:35.215+08:00Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a three-day out-of-town vacation for me, my sister, my two cousins and my uncle. Fortunately, I had only a handful of tasks to do at the office and with that, I was able to take a leave and my boss approved it without thinking twice. It was nice to get my U.S. counterpart off my back for two days.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When my uncle arrived from the U.S., he immediately asked my sister to book a room in any resort with pool and beach in Batangas. I suggested to enquire on the Acuatico Beach Resort in Laiya, Batangas. It has the best infinity pool that I have seen when I searched on the resorts in the whole of Batangas. I would have loved to take pictures of it. Unfortunately, the resort was already fully booked on our target dates.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I racked on Google again to find the second best place in Laiya. Why Laiya? I don't know. Maybe because I haven't been there, I wanted to be there. When I browsed through it, popular results were Palm Beach Resort, La Luz Beach Resort and Blue Coral among many others. I tried to look for pictures, not the resort website pictures, but pictures which were taken by the vacationists to see the real view.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After pages of Google results, I finally hit on the website of <a href="http://www.estrellasdemendoza.org/Laiya/Resort.aspx">Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort</a> (EMPR). It was not among the popular choices. I checked on the site's photo gallery of the resort and I found it interesting. There were not much real pictures by tourists.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is their swimming pool that attracted me most. Next to Acuatico's, I think EMPR's pool is quite nice. It is large and according the EMPR's website, it uses some kind of state-of-the-art water-filtering technology. With all the other features it boasts on its website, I asked my sister to book at EMPR.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We booked 3D/2N at EMPR. It was a 2.5h-3h drive from Manila and we did not have a hard time finding it. I was glad that we chose EMPR than the other resorts in Laiya because it was not crowded. All the others were full at that time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we got there, we were greeted by friendly hotel staff. Yes, the resort's accommodation is hotel-type and it is one of its kind in Laiya. We found out from the receptionist that EMPR just opened last April 2011, and the rates that we were charged were still promotional rates. We were just five and we took the superior room. The only other choice of accommodation you could have is the cabana which is good for 6-8 persons.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The superior room is good for 2-3 people. Rate was PHP7k++ (inclusive of tax) plus PHP1,500++ for each extra person. That cost us PHP11k++ for a night. The price includes a sumptuous daily breakfast.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After checking in, we immediately went to our rooms. I was able to take pictures of the hotel hallways. The building is still not fully constructed with more finishes to do. There were carpenters at the top floor. The building has seven floors and we occupied a room on the sixth floor.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hotel uses key card locks. The linens clean and very white. There is a mini fridge in the room and an electronic safe deposit box. Their ACs are all high-powered and great, you will never feel warm when you are in the room.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went for a stroll first around the resort before taking a dip in their wonderful pool. The hotel has a nice overlooking view of the pool and the beach from our room and is also elegant on the outside.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we tried the infinity pool. The water almost smells no chlorine and clean. However, I did not much enjoy swimming, because I do not know how to. I just stay on the sides. The middle part of the pool is already five feet and is six feet when you go further to the opposite edge. The kids would enjoy the round kiddie pool on the side of the infinity pool.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cabanas on the pool side</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The infinity pool</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My uncle enjoying the pool</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before the sun went down, we checked out to the beach. Like all the other beaches in Laiya, despite of it being a bit rocky, the water is clean. You can see astray colorful jellyfishes swimming and tiny crabs on the sand. Tides were very low during afternoons. Even from the beach, you can see a spectacular view of the hotel.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, my Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort was a great experience. It was a fun and relaxing vacation. I would definitely go back.</span></div>
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you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0Laiya, Philippines13.6727086 121.4520456000000213.6606576 121.43565210000001 13.6847596 121.46843910000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-76076942435857068272011-04-20T23:19:00.008+08:002012-04-12T18:45:55.088+08:00Royce'<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">I got to taste for the first time this famous chocolate from Japan. My sister brought home two bars of Royce', one milk chocolate variant and one dark chocolate. One bar costs P250. She got these from the Eastwood Mall Royce' store. She also made sure that these chocolates were shipped to the Philippines before the recent nuclear meltdown in Japan.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206725_10150182084926361_721446360_7321212_2266233_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206725_10150182084926361_721446360_7321212_2266233_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Royce Milk Chocoloate</span></td></tr>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><br />Just to give a background on Royce', it was founded in Sapporo, Japan.</span>Royce' chocolate is really outstanding in taste. It has the right sweetness and bitterness. of When you place it in your mouth, you will have to close your eyes and feel its smoothness. The buttery texture of the chocolate feels good to the tongue and you will not be able to resist to have another bite.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">"By gradually acquiring better techniques and enriching our experiences, we are dedicated to making real good chocolate of world quality in Hokkaido where the climate and the clean air are suitable for making confectionaries.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">The fundamental principle of Royce’ has been and will always be to painstakingly source for high quality ingredients, and to sell its products at prices that customers can afford for daily consumption.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">In the course of time, because of increasing demand, Royce’ began taking orders from customers from outside of Hokkaido by telephone. Customers’ names and addresses were recorded and their orders were sent one by one from our factory. That was the beginning of our mail order system.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">When we started to bake cookies at a small factory, the smell from the factory tempted and attracted the neighbors. A table was put in front of the factory and cookies were sold. That was the beginning of the direct management stores.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">Looking back, the history of Royce’ has been based upon the support of many people.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">Royce’ chocolate is enjoyed by many Royce’ chocolate lovers from Hokkaido to other parts of Japan, and now to other countries also.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">We will continue to make real good chocolate by observing our fundamental principle, and with our challenging creative spirit."</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">(<a data-mce-href="http://www.e-royce.com/" href="http://www.e-royce.com/" style="line-height: 1.4;">www.e-royce.com</a>) </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">In the Philippines, there are current five branches:</span></div>
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<ul style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 1.4;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">Royce' Power Plant Mall</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">Royce' Greenbelt 5</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">Royce' Trinoma</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">Royce' Robinson's Place Manila</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.4;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;">Royce' Eastwood Mall</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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</div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-14003380194915744912011-04-17T00:18:00.006+08:002011-06-20T16:45:03.243+08:00Volunteerism at its best<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thomson Reuters, the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, is celebrating its Manila Global Center's 3rd anniversary this April. To commemorate the occasion, employees from different divisions of the company rendered man-hours as part of its annual Volunteer for the Community Day.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been part of the company for a year now and I am very fortunate to be one of the employees who share skills and resources with the communities wherein we live, which is a key element of our corporate responsibility.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last year, there were over 400 employees who volunteered to do different community services in different parts of Manila. I chose to be with the Quezon City Memorial Circle clean-up project. For two hours, we picked up litters and dried leaves which were scattered in the area. The garbage were segregated to biodegradable and non-biodegrable, while the dried leaves were placed in a sack for composting.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/24845_376067056900_690886900_4362268_4068648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/24845_376067056900_690886900_4362268_4068648_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2010 Volunteer for the Community Day<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/25414_385493123699_654788699_3745387_7507681_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/25414_385493123699_654788699_3745387_7507681_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">QCMC Clean-up</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, I volunteered to help with the repainting of the ceilings and walls of a building in UP-PAUW (Philippine Association of University Women - UP Chapter) Child Care Center. The institution was put up to provide care and education to UP employees' children. Non-UP employee parents may also enroll their children in the said school.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206460_10150179025896361_721446360_7289433_8302416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206460_10150179025896361_721446360_7289433_8302416_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">UP-PAUW welcome tarpaulin</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/216115_10150179027221361_721446360_7289456_3016933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/216115_10150179027221361_721446360_7289456_3016933_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preparation</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The volunteers were warmly welcomed by the teachers and officers of the school. According to them, the buildings really need repainting before the school year starts in June and it was timely that Thomson Reuters came in to volunteer to do the works. The materials like paint brushes, paint trays and hardiflex plywoods were provided and donated by Thomson Reuters.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From old and dirty blue color of the building, we repainted it to become sunny yellow. We did the base coat up to the finishing coat. It took us only three hours to finish painting the whole building.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205796_10150179029991361_721446360_7289490_6030661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/205796_10150179029991361_721446360_7289490_6030661_n.jpg" width="292" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Primer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217240_10150179041326361_721446360_7289756_6053945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217240_10150179041326361_721446360_7289756_6053945_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second coating</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because of my experience last year at the QCMC clean-up, I decided to join the volunteer activities of Thomson Reuters every year. It was really a fun and rewarding experience knowing that the little help that each of one of us contributed, when combined, was a great help for the institutions that would last for years.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am now looking forward to the upcoming volunteer activities that Thomson Reuters has already lined up for us this year. May many more employees be inspired (like me) to become volunteers for the community.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216487_10150179040626361_721446360_7289734_5545474_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216487_10150179040626361_721446360_7289734_5545474_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thomson Reuters volunteers for UP-PAUW CCC</span></td></tr>
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</div></div></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-41569361770496305352011-04-13T23:12:00.001+08:002011-06-20T16:45:38.328+08:00Dessert<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSYYXEYGHwF_JE7PFIsyUjf7Bma1AnhnCZe-G5s8POq0lddiNoaW2SNZj4oSaDSvedAMAjrpwhfo5x39kAYG5lQUysjATSN7bnjvm35pFfWvOx9QswiYIKtZ3KbLtyusBq8XDE7sLchBD/'s%20dessert_img_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSYYXEYGHwF_JE7PFIsyUjf7Bma1AnhnCZe-G5s8POq0lddiNoaW2SNZj4oSaDSvedAMAjrpwhfo5x39kAYG5lQUysjATSN7bnjvm35pFfWvOx9QswiYIKtZ3KbLtyusBq8XDE7sLchBD/'s%20dessert_img_1.jpg" width="301" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Selecta Gold Label hazelnut Brownie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was craving for something sweet a while ago after I had lunch. I asked my officemate to come with me to buy dessert. I actually didn't know what I wanted. I was avoiding McDonald's because of the calorie content of what they serve. I had become calorie-conscious lately. There was no place to go but 7-11.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f4cccc; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was thinking of buying just a 202 pineapple juice but forgot about it when I saw the granola bars. I picked up a bar. Just when I was about to pay at the counter, I saw my officemate holding this cup of ice cream. I immediately grabbed one also forgetting about my diet. Maybe I can just reduce my calorie intake tomorrow? Lol.</span></span></div>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1237873296489380784.post-49824671175053616332011-04-13T22:33:00.000+08:002011-04-13T22:33:18.064+08:00Public blog<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been long privately blogging about my life experiences and adventures and it is just now that I have decided to share (from now on) some of my thoughts on things and activities.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not much of a writer, so apologies for my style of writing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let the blogging begin!</span>you.know.whohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04842362135527007378noreply@blogger.com0