A Malatean Day
It has been awhile since the last time I “documented” my bonding sessions with friends, so thank God for my Saturday last April 27 because it was definitely one for the books — or this blog for that matter! Haha!
It all started at lunch time when I attended the graduation party of my high school friend Talitha and her sister Jenina. From being our valedictorian in high school to now graduating from med school, Talitha is someone we’re really proud of! 
Of course what made the celebration even more exciting was the attendance of our other high school friends and one of our favorite teachers — all while filling ourselves with sumptuous Chinese food from Hong Kong Chef Restaurant! Yuuum!
Look at these “MD” cakes! 
with our favorite Physics teacher in high school, Sir Hermano (who we call Daddy!)
Batch 2005 FTW! Hahaha!
After that, Abby, Chona, Dexter, and I had a “spontaneous” trip to The Podium and it was such a milestone for me because…
a) it was my first time to drive along EDSA without any of my sisters! I’ve been driving since 2008, but I’ve always dreaded driving along EDSA. Whenever I had to do so, I made sure that I was always with one of my sisters… kaya big deal talaga ‘to, friends! BIG DEAL talaga, ‘to! But I’m glad that I was able to share it with yoouuu! HA HA HA 
b) it was my first time to go to The Podium! Like seriously! I’m NOT an “Ortigas” person, you know?! And since it was my first time, I really didn’t know how to go there… so imaginin niyo nalang ang kaba ko while driving along EDSA! Thank God we arrived there safely! Heehee.
Once there, we also saw our other high school classmates Jez and Reg.
Reg, Dex, Abby, yours truly, and Chona (Jez, we have to take our picture next time! Haha!)
We stayed there for at least four hours — or at least I did because Paul finally arrived and we were off to another place…
…my Idol Tinah‘s new “home!” 
The very “sweet” WELCOME! ♥
we call each other “idol” for a reason… it’s a long story! hahaha!
Tinah‘s also my high school schoolmate but she’s one batch higher than me. We reconnected a few years ago… which all started because of our “interest” in running. Speaking of which… Although it’s not yet obvious right now, I’m planning to train for a run this coming May — and hopefully get back in shape, too! Wahahahaha!
Seriously though, I’m training for this:
I’m doing this because Malate Catholic Church has always been very dear to me — and not just because Malate Catholic School (or MCS, where I spent my elementary and yes, HIGH SCHOOL days!) is a parochial school of the aforementioned church. I’ve been a MALATEAN all my life in every sense of the word. I studied at MCS, lived and continues to live in Malate, and it’ll always be part of my personal history.
On the other hand, Malate Catholic Church IS part of our history. It was built in the 1500s (during the Spanish period), survived World Wars, but most of all, it was, is, and will always be a place where Catholics can go to and talk to Him.
So yes, whether or not you’re a Malatean, I’m inviting you all to join the Run for Restoration on May 26, 2013! For more details, click HERE.
♥♥♥
Anyway, you can see that if there was a “theme” for this day, it’d be HIGH SCHOOL! My entire Saturday was filled with nostalgia, laughter, food, and of course, FRIENDSSS. Eight years may have passed since we all left our beloved Alma Mater and went on to our own separate journeys, but I’m glad that we still get to do this NOW. Wherever life takes us — Pasay, Ortigas, Japan, or Canada (literal pala daw!) — one thing remains: there was, is, and will always be a school by the church of Malate… that in return produced the “Malateans” we are today.
Staycation Destinations
The heat we’ve been experiencing these days is truly undeniable and suddenly, all we can think about is it’s already summer! Like seriously, has it really been three months since the last time I heard “Jingle Bells” and marveled at colorful, twinkling lights? Oh well. Time flies sooo fast, indeed. And apparently, this post is three months overdue too! Hahaha!
It’s a good thing though that whether it’s Christmas, summer, or just about any holiday you can think of, these hotels in the metro definitely define what a “staycation” ought to be.
My family and I spent Christmas 2012 at Fairmont Makati — the newest addition to the number of properties the hotel chain owns around the world, located in the middle of the country’s business and shopping district: Makati (duh!). =))
Of course the Fairmont brand is already known for its world-class customer service but aside from that, the hotel also boasts of its “Pillow Menu” wherein guests can opt to request for additional pillows that are made of different materials, as well as give different sleep benefits — free of charge. I think that’s a signature of the hotel chain because the “Pillow Menu” was also one of the things I enjoyed when we stayed at Fairmont Singapore a few years back.
Anyway, the other things I loved about Fairmont Makati were their Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Gold Lounge, and of course, Cafe Macaron! I swear, I’m a French Macaron addict and only three brands have passed my “taste” so far: TWG, Chez Karine, and Cafe Macaron. So trust me when I say that the ones served at Fairmont Makati’s Cafe Macaron are a must-try! Wahahahaha!
French Macarons at Cafe Macaron!!!
LIKE and SHARE Fairmont Makati’s Facebook page HERE.
And then just a tumbling away from Fairmont (you know what I mean!) is Raffles Makati. Actually, this is both a residential area and a luxury hotel. Most of the floors are allotted to the former (so those are off-limits unless you know someone who owns a unit), and just a few floors for the latter. But of course, the hotel experience Raffles Makati gives also makes you feel like a unit owner — even their suites (yes, there are no “rooms”) are designed as if you’re staying in your own personal space… even for just a couple of days!
LIKE and SHARE Raffles Makati’s Facebook page HERE.
SEDA BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY (BGC)
If our Christmas was spent in Makati, our New Year 2013 was celebrated at Bonifacio Global City — at Seda Hotel to be exact!
Before you even wonder why name a hotel “Seda,” well it’s actually the Filipino equivalent of “silk.” And according to the management, silk is “a lustrous yet strong fabric that perfectly represents our commitment to providing a seamless accommodation experience.” At least now you know!
Located in the middle of Bonifacio High Street, Market! Market!, and Serendra (just imagine what a perfect location this is!), the BGC branch is only one of the Seda Hotels located all over the country; the others are in Cagayan de Oro (Centrio), Davao (Abreeza), and Laguna (Nuvali) — although this one’s still under construction.
LIKE and SHARE Seda Hotels’ Facebook page HERE.
♥♥♥
So the next time you plan to take a staycation, remember these three words: Fairmont. Raffles. Seda.
Now off you go and may you all have a blast this summer (or any staycation-worthy event for that matter!).
xoxo,
Mika
Of Beautiful Weddings, Family Reunions, and Sunset Limitations
The last time (also my first time) I was in Bohol was just last April. I was with two of my college friends, we got left by our original flight to Cebu, our flight from Manila to Tagbilaran was delayed for two hours, and to top it all off, our luggage went to Cebu instead of Bohol — so go figure. In fact, I wrote a very looong blog entry about it. Hahaha!
And then last Friday, I was supposed to go to Bohol again for my cousin Brian‘s wedding… I booked a flight with another cousin, Charlene, with her husband Ryan.
Thanks again, Ate Cha and Kuya Ry!!!
So we arrived at the airport before lunch since our flight WAS SUPPOSED TO BE at 2PM. But then again, it got delayed for two hours… and then it eventually got cancelled. CANCELLED!!! To think that my first trip to Bohol was already jinxed! How malas could I be? 
The Sunset Limitation Experience
The reason why our flight got cancelled was because of LIMITED SUNSET. Tagbilaran’s runway isn’t equipped with lights and whatnot needed for a plane to land — hence, it’s not fit for night arrivals! Okay, understood. But as to why our flight got delayed in the first place, that still remains a mystery! Kaloka diba?!
Luckily, our airline that time was Philippine Airlines (PAL). So to turn our kamalasan into something good, our cancelled flight was exchanged for a new flight the following day — with a free overnight stay and buffet dinner at Diamond Hotel to boot! Malas ba? Well, hindi pala!!! Wahahahaha!
It was then that Ate Cha, Kuya Ry, and I met the bride’s friends: Minnie and her husband Dao, and of course my roomie that night, Ate She!
my shared hotel room with Ate She
And since most of us are part of the bridal entourage (Ate She was in fact the Matron of Honor!), just imagine if we all didn’t make it to Bohol in time! Whew.
making the most of our buffet dinner at Diamond Hotel – courtesy of PAL!
Magrereklamo pa ba kami? Even the transfers to the hotel and back to the airport were shouldered by the airline. So really, THANKS PAL!!!
Meet My Relatives
Of course, with weddings come family reunions! ’Nuff said.
at the beach reception ♥
The Sanvictores Family
(photobooth photos courtesy of Artline)
with my young cousin from Sacramento, California – Katrina
The Sanvictoreses
with the California Girl again! Heehee.
Miss Bridesmaid and The Newlyweds
This wedding was actually my fourth time to be a bridesmaid. The first time was waaay back in high school (I think!) and I don’t even have a picture of that! But after that, I made sure to document every dress I wore — just in case I collect 27 Dresses and be my very own Katherine Heigl! Chos!
“Always the bridesmaid, never the bride!” (Patay tayo diyan! HA HA HA)
Anyway, back to the real reason why I was in Bohol in the first place! Of course, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLYWEDS!!!
Michelle and Brian ♥♥♥ (photo courtesy of Artline)
I wish I took more photos! But I was so caught up with all the happenings, so I’ll just rely on my relatives’ pictures when they finally upload them! Haha! But overall, I say Bri and Mich‘s wedding was a blast! And that whole sky lantern thing at the end? Totally epic! As Katrina put it, “It’s just like the movie Tangled!”
Again, Bri and Mich… Congratulations!
(photo courtesy of Artline)
May you live happily ever after! ♥
…was, am, and will forever be a Candy Girl ♥
Just last March, the Philippines’ #1 teen magazine — Candy — celebrated its 13th anniversary!
Next, next month, I’ll be celebrating a decade of being a loyal reader. Yes! It was in July 2002 and I was in my sophomore year in high school when I first became a Candy Girl.
It all stared with THIS issue! Haha! (photo courtesy of CandyMag.com)
And then six years after that, I made my teenage dream come true when I was given the chance to be one of its contributing writers (as well as appear in the magazine itself from time to time!)
some of my Candy features (articles not included)
It started in the year 2008, I was 18, and I just graduated from college. And even though I decided to have some sort of a “gap year” by focusing on my Master’s Degree and not diving into the corporate world head-on, Candy gave me a sense of self-worth by helping me develop my writing skills, gain a new and once-in-a-lifetime experience, while getting paid all at the same time! So you can say that my “glory days/years” were those when I was still with Candy.
Anyway, even though almost two years have passed since my last article was published, I still continue to be a very loyal Candy Girl. And just today, I finally got my last charm for my Candy bracelet! Hahaha!
this “Keep Calm Candy Girl” charm comes with the June 2012 issue
The Lady’s personalized Candy charm bracelet!
Why PERSONALIZED? Simply because during my Council of Cool days, Candy happened to celebrate its 10th anniversary (2009). And that year, they also gave away a free charm bracelet. You can say that for the past three years, I’ve been wearing my own Candy charm bracelet — which included acquiring my own charms, apart from the free ones. And knowing me, each charm has its own meaning. Haha!
5 charms; 5 meanings
The “C” (middle) was the very first charm I had. It represents the Candy logo. And well, it doesn’t hurt that my surname starts with this letter too!
The Mini Cooper with the Union Jack (top left) represents… err… my Anglophilia. It was also my niece’s Christmas gift to me, so that makes it extra special!
The Cross (top right) represents my faith. Roman Catholic all the way, AMEN.
The Heart with the Universal Studios Singapore logo (bottom left) represents my family. I bought it during a family trip to Singapore, and the heart shape just says it all.
The “Keep Calm Candy Girl” (bottom right) represents my two loves: the U.K. (Keep Calm and Carry On, anyone?) and of course, Candy!!!
For those who collected, collect, and will collect the Candy charm bracelet, you may ask what happened to the other bracelet and charms? Well don’t worry! I’ve been keeping them…
…and I’ve been planning to give them to somebody.
(I still just don’t know WHO! HA HA HA)
So TEN YEARS, huh? Well, I can truly say that it was the sweetest decade of my life! It just amazes me to think how one simple form of media can affect not just my life, but the lives of many Filipino teenagers! And I know that some of you may say that I’m already too old for THIS… you’re right. After all, Candy‘s main market is girls aged 13-21. But for someone like me who actually grew up with the magazine, it’s a whole different story.
Yes, I’m 22. And yes, I’m still very much proud of being a loyal Candy Girl. In fact, I think that if there’s one thing Candy has taught me, it’s loyalty — loyalty to my family, loyalty to my friends… but most of all, loyalty to myself. And as cliche as it may sound, you can’t deny it: it always pays to be true to who you are. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful. Grateful for Candy for being my best-est friend for the past sweet ten years… and for the many years to come. May you continue to inspire the current and the next generation of Filipino teenagers! More power to you! And of course, Happy 13th Anniversary again!!!
Having said that, know that The Lady was, is, and will forever be a Candy Girl. I, thank you. ♥
When in Bohol and Cebu… KEEP CALM, CARRY ON, MAKE LEMONADE, and HAVE F.E.A.R!
Intrigued by the title? Well, my latest domestic trip pretty much revolved around those Words Of Wisdom…
…but before I tell you all about THAT trip, have you watched the parody movie A Tale of Two Cities and Three Friends? It’s actually a local indie film released early this year, and its synopsis is quite relevant to this post.
So if you still haven’t watched it, the synopsis is about three friends who went to two cities (DUH — what a stupid introductory sentence! Haha!).
Anyway, they arrived at the airport ON TIME, underwent the usual airport protocol, found seats near their boarding gate… sat still there until it was already near their boarding time. When they realized that it was already past their boarding time and they still haven’t heard anything from the airport announcements, they assumed that their flight must’ve been delayed. And so they waited… and waited… until it was too much. It was really odd to have a delayed flight just like that, so one of them decided to finally ask an airport staff. That’s when they found out that their plane had already taken off and they were left behind at the airport! x_x
Of course it was a total bummer, but one missed flight wouldn’t stop them from pushing through with their trip. They immediately went to the ticketing office inside the airport, booked the next flight (even though that meant spending half of their pocket money!), and attempted to get their luggage BUT they were told that those could just be redirected to their next flight. And they believed it.
When they finally boarded the next flight, it turned out to be 2 hours delayed! Yes, TWO FREAKIN’ HOURS! Upon landing on their first destination… surprise, surprise! Their luggage was missing! Turns out that the airline failed to “redirect” their luggage to their destination, and the three friends were forced to spend one whole day without any of their clothes! Of course they decided to buy toiletries at the nearest store, and considered THAT action as their “first lemonade.” But c’mon, mamon! Take a bath, but wear the same clothes for more than 24 hours? Survivor Philippines ba ito?!
Okay, their luggage arrived just before lunch THE NEXT DAY. From then on, they “traveled” happily ever after…
Aaand you caught me! What indie film synopsis was I blabbering about? Indie film?! More like hindi film — dahil hindi talaga yun film! Hahaha! That “synopsis” you just read was exactly what happened during my trip to TWO CITIES in Bohol and Cebu, with my two friends Carol and Maxine.
THE Three Friends! Hahaha!
That’s right. Those things happened to us!!! And when faced with those kinds of scenarios, we turned to “words” for help — our Words Of Wisdom. Having said that, let me enlighten you more with the aforementioned WOW.
Mika: “KEEP CALM…”
Since we were able to score round-trip tickets to Cebu-Manila and vice versa at very reasonable prices, our original travel plan was take a plane to Cebu, ride a ferryboat to Bohol and stay there for 3D/2N, and then go back to Cebu for an overnight stay.
But when we found out that we were left by our plane (1/8 of the blame goes to the airport; the rest is on us! Haha!), there was nothing left to do but to KEEP CALM. And how did we do that? We decided to just buy the next direct flight to Tagbilaran, Bohol. Of course that time, there was no promo. So we had no choice but pay the original price — which kind of defeated the purpose of buying our “promo” fares because when we added the total price of ALL our tickets, it seemed like we paid the original price from the very beginning. Right.
Mika: “…AND CARRY ON!”
When we finally had our NEW boarding passes, we tried to get our luggage but the airport staff reassured us that they could just change the sequence number, blah, blah, blah. Edi syempre we had no choice but leave everything to the travel gods…
And then when we were already on our plane bound for Bohol, our flight was delayed for TWO HOURS! I repeat, TWO HOURS!!! Okay, CARRY ON.
Carol: “WHEN LIFE HANDS YOU LEMONS, MAKE LEMONADE!”
Upon arriving at Tagbilaran, my friends and I were even joking that our luggage must’ve went straight to Cebu…
…turns out, hindi pala joke yun! Grrr!
Nasa Cebu nga ang mga luggage namin! This time, hindi na namin aakuin ang pagkakamali! Ibang usapan na ‘pag sinabi sa inyong “ililipat” ang sequence number whatever, tapos hindi naman pala magagawa!
Kumulo talaga ang mga dugo namin! Lalo na siguro ako at nasabi ng mga kaibigan ko na hindi na daw talaga mapinta ang mukha ko! And to make things more lemon-y, our Tagbilaran flight was the last flight for the day! P***** ***** **n! Oops, sorr-eh. PEACE.
So anyway, since our airline doesn’t have Cebu-Tagbilaran flights, our luggage had to go back to Manila, and then from there, fly to Tagbilaran — THE FOLLOWING DAY! Since we were so hopeless, we just decided to buy toiletries at the nearest drugstore AND try to survive for the day…
…tadah! Instant SWEET LEMONADE, made from 100% BITTER AND SOUR LEMONS! Wahahahaha!
Extra squeeze: When traveling, ALWAYS include your first articles of clothing in your carry-on bags! No exception!!! —Credit goes to my friend Carol. Heehee.
We stayed at Bohol Bee Farm in Panglao, Bohol and I must say, I felt like I went to a detox retreat or something because everything was organic! Not that I’m complaining, thank you very much!
organic food!!!
Plus, their ice cream was to die for! My favorite flavors are malunggay and tsokolate (made from cocoa tablets!) YUM!!!
Maxine: “HAVE F.E.A.R. (Face Everything And Recover)”
Now, we’re on the “tour” proper. When our luggage arrived just before lunch the following day, we were finally able to kick-start our “travel plans” — the PLAN B version!
Bohol
My friend Maxine was able to find a Van for Hire, with Kuya Rommel as our driver:
If you happen to be in Bohol, I recommend that you give Kuya Rommel a call at 0906-7462885.
Having said that, we went to the following places:
THE BLOOD COMPACT SHRINE
BACLAYON CHURCH
BUTTERFLY GARDEN
MAN-MADE FOREST/TARSIER
CHOCOLATE HILLS
ALONA BEACH
Cebu
From Bohol, we rode a ferry called SuperCat to get to Cebu. The entire trip took almost 2 hours, but it was smooth sailing so no biggie!
aboard the SuperCat…
Aside from checking into our hotel, which was Cebu R Hotel, the first thing we did upon arriving in the Queen City of the South was — guess what — go malling at Ayala Center Cebu!!! But can you blame us? We’re all self-proclaimed mall rats anyway! =))
We actually watched the movie Battleship there and then in the evening, we went to Marriott Hotel Cebu to have our buffet dinner! Thanks, Max! SIMPLY DELISH!!!
just look at that LECHON! crruuunch.
buffet dinner = lamon forevah! harharhar.
But wait, there’s mooore! After dinner, we went back to Ayala Center (isang tumbling lang siya from Marriott, btw!) to meet our friend Biboy. We all found it so funny to meet in Cebu after NOT seeing each other for yeeaaars! Talagang sa Cebu pa nagkita-kita eh noh? Iba talaga ang mga college friends ko!!!
Biboy, we missed you!!!
The following day — our last day in Cebu — we attended Holy Mass at BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NIÑO, visited MAGELLAN’S CROSS, and ate lunch at CASA VERDE (which serves different kinds of steaks at very affordable prices! Awesomesauce.)
And that’s how we FACED EVERYTHING — by simply enjoying our trip! I think even the clouds on our flight back to Manila would agree…
heaven?
Now the next thing to RECOVER from is figure out a way to be NOT broke! Haha! I swear, my friends and I were so surprised to realize that we spent A LOT on this trip… halos triple nung nagastos ko sa Brunei, which was my latest international trip. Must have something to do with using the same currency and not thinking about conversion, etc? Oh well, perang papel.
—
And that’s it! Whew, right??? But just think about it… if all those things from the start of our trip hadn’t happened, then this blog entry would’ve been entitled “Bohol and Cebu” or “My Bohol and Cebu Trip.”
Honestly, that would’ve been plain BORING! And who needs boredom when you can have fun, right?
Exactly! MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES it is!!!
Now, now. I wouldn’t trade “having MORE fun” for anything! Would you?
A Floating Bookstore, A Dose of Carbon Dioxide, And A Whole Lot of Fun!!!
Weird title? Heehee. But yeah. Even though this is already considered a “late” post, let me tell you first about my Manila adventure with my two friends Mark and Maica, one fine (spontaneous) day…
(photo courtesy of my friend Mark)
Last week, we went to the heart of Manila with the hope of having a one-of-a-kind bookstore experience: the MV Logos Hope. As self-proclaimed bookworms, the three of us traveled all the way from Makati just to have our hands on very rare, but cheap finds! But lo and behold, it seemed that we lacked in the “research” department because when we finally arrived at the gate, we were told that the ship’s closed on Mondays! On MONDAYS!!! And we went there on a Monday. Fuuudge. 
Since we didn’t want to “waste” one whole trip (not to mention “excitement”), we decided to go to the Manila Ocean Park instead.
And that’s when ALL THE FUN started!!!
MANILA OCEAN PARK
It was already my second time to go there and honestly, I didn’t even think that I’d be back when I went there the first time! Oh well. I guess this spontaneous “excursion” was another proof that it doesn’t matter WHERE you are… what matters is WHO you’re with! Ahem!
Plus, it was nice to see Maica HAPPY after finally seeing penguins in the flesh! Trust me, you don’t know how much she loves ‘em!!!
Maica and her beloved penguins!!!
As for me, I kind of “penguined” out when it was my turn to feed them… that’s why I could only get as close to a penguin like THIS:
penguin hugs, anyone? HA HA HA
Good thing there was also another attraction to SMILE about inside the Trails to Antarctica part of the Park: SNOW VILLAGE!!!
Traveling to Antarctica is a dream of mine too, ya know?
Ready for some snow...
...and MORE "FAKE" SNOW!
After that, we decided to try a five-minute 4D movie (thanks to my insistence!) located at the mall outside the Park.
But wait, there’s more…
Once at the lobby, I suddenly saw a familiar “sight” — Mr. Carlos Celdran of Walk This Way fame!
—
ME: Carlos Celdran!
CARLOS CELDRAN: Hi, how are you?
ME: *smiling like an idiot* =))
—
I swear, I’ve been planning to go to one of Mr. Celdran‘s Manila tours since time immemorial, that’s why seeing him in person even before availing of his tour spelled only one word: STARSTRUCK! Hahaha!
I plan to FINALLY avail of his tour THIS YEAR and of course by that time, I promise to have my picture taken with him already. Don’t worry… knowing me, you’ll read all about THAT on THIS beloved blog of miiine! *more hahahas*
Lastly (for that Monday), I realized that with happiness comes PANIC MODE! On the way home while on the jeep, I witnessed my very first “snatch” encounter! I don’t want to rehash the details anymore, but I was ThisClose to being the victim! I’m just really relieved that it wasn’t me, but still sad for THAT lady… Overall, it was truly one OMG moment for me!
Nakakalokang OMG MOMENT talaga that it made me avoid public transportation for a week!!! I’m starting to get back to my usual “commuting ways,” but Mayor Lim, do something about THIS for the sake of my fellow Manileños, Taft Avenue, and the City of Manila in general! Please and thank you.
—
Moving on…
The following day (Tuesday), we finally stepped foot on the MV Logos Hope (we’re so full of HOPE, no?) with our other friends Angela and Jen.
...some of the places the MV Logos Hope has been to. "Some" being the operative word!
Inside the MV Logos Hope were BOOKS (duh), a cafe, and hundreds of volunteers! Actually, volunteering for the ship is NOW part of my bucket list! So when it gets back to our shores, I’ll definitely apply! Hehehe.
...couldn't really decide what to buy, so may the heavens help our credit card! =))
a cafe inside a ship - reminds me of our cruise trip! Not bad. Not bad AT ALL.
And there you have it! After all that’s been said and done, I realized that no amount of carbon dioxide (sad but true) can stop me from exploring the streets of my beloved Manila!
As posted inside the MV Logos Hope,
"Life is a journey. We're all going somewhere, but where are we going?"
My answer? Might as well go somewhere you’ll always keep coming back to (THAT song was right after all)…
…and for me, that’ll always be my hometown: MANILA. ♥
There’s A New “It” Phone in Town!!!
First thing’s first. At the end of this blog post, I’ll be giving away a FREE PHONE!!! *palakpakan*
Yes, you’ve read that right. But patience is a virtue, my friends. So before that, let me introduce to you…
DTC Mobile
(photo courtesy of DTC Mobile)
DTC Mobile was established just last year (2011) by DTC Mobile Distribution Inc.
It “was established to provide the telecommunication needs of Filipinos. DTC Mobile is designed not only with superior-quality, guaranteed durability and trendy fashion, but aims to be the best user-friendly mobile phone which suits users of all ages from all walks of life, at a very reasonable price.”
It’s true because their handsets range from Php888-Php2,888 only. Having said that, drop by their official website to know more about DTC Mobile.
Anyway, the brand carries the following phone units: Classic Bar, Qwerty Phone, and TV Phone. PLUS, I believe that Android, Tablet, and Touchscreen models are already in the works! So unlike other more expensive phone brands, you really can’t go wrong with what DTC Mobile has to offer!
DTC Mobile's First Era Units (photo courtesy of DTC Mobile)
Now, on to the fun part — the free phone!!! Thanks to our friends from DTC Mobile, I’ll be giving away a GTV1 Stark phone:
Click the image to know more about the GTV1 Stark.
How to join? Just follow these three simple steps:
Step 1- Click the Facebook LIKE button below this post, as well as the one on the DTC Mobile Facebook page.
Step 2- Get FIVE (5) of your friends to click LIKE, too, on both!!!
Step 3- Send your name, the names of your 5 friends you asked to click both of the LIKE buttons, and 1 mailing address to mikhaelageorgette@gmail.com on or before March 9, 2012. (Open to Philippine residents only.)
[CONTEST CLOSED]
And that’s it! The winner will be notified via e-mail. I repeat, you have until MARCH 9 (Friday) so I think that’s enough time to keep LIKING and SHARING the DTC Mobile Facebook page. See, I told you it’s that simple!
In the mean time, you can already buy your own DTC Mobile handsets by visiting any Mega One Phones and Gadgets Shop. Also, DTC Mobile kiosks are located at:
-Robinsons Lipa (soon to open)
-Robinsons Metro East (soon to open)
-SM Bacoor
-SM Batangas
-SM Bicutan
-SM Calamba
-SM Dasmarinas
-SM Fairview
-SM Masinag
-SM San Lazaro (soon to open)
-SM Southmall (soon to open)
-SM Sta. Mesa
-SM Taytay
With DTC Mobile, we can truly attest that our voice IS their passion! Thaaank yoouuu!
—
This is a sponsored post.
Watch Mamma Mia, Go to Baguio
Sooo, I had another EPIC weekend. And knowing me, I just have to blog about it — again! But hey, this is a PERSONAL blog after all. So what did you expect? Haha!
Anyway, let’s start with ba-ba-ba-BAGUIO!!!
My family and I went to Baguio for the weekend since my brother-in-law was already there anyway for a golf tournament. We stayed at one of The Manor‘s family suites in Camp John Hay, and that’s where all the epic-ness started!
If you’ve been to The Manor (or Baguio in general), I think you’ll agree that the weather isn’t the same in Manila. And when I say “not the same,” I mean it in a positive way! I don’t know about you, but I’m actually a “cold person” — meaning, I looove anything cold, including the cold weather! But if you want to interpret my being a “cold person” in a different way, that’s NOT my business anymore! Go ahead, feel free to do so.
Hahaha! Of course, I kid!
Moving on, here are some more shots of The Manor:
view from our room
Aside from savoring the awesome cold weather (I heard that it was 10 °C when we were in Baguio), I just practically took advantage of the fact that I could be a “bum” in my own right for at least a day. So some of the things I did while in The Manor Baguio were watching DVDs (Bridesmaids and Chances Are — which by the way stars a very young Robert Downey, Jr. So spell H-O-T!), eating, shopping at the outlet stores, eating, having a massage at the spa, and yes, EATING! EATING!! EATING!!!
two of my newest discoveries! HARHARHAR
Hay, kaya nakakarir ko ang pag-shoshorts sa Baguio eh… eh pa’no, marami kasing baong “fats” ang legs ko! (Read: mga pata!) Wahahahaha!
jump shots!
Well, ganun talaga! Gotta love my cuuurves, people! And yes, gotta take advantage of the cold weather I’m so deprived of while in Manila! Kaya shorts all the way talaga!!! HA HA HA
But seriously, if you’re planning to GO TO BAGUIO, stay at The Manor. It’s ALL good!!! I actually give it a rating of: FIVE HEARTS (♥♥♥♥♥)
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And then… there’s MAMMA MIA!
The Lady's outfit wouldn't be complete without her favorite accessory - anything UNION JACK! Hehehe.
Speaking of the U.K., did you know that MAMMA MIA! The Musical is actually an original British production??? Ooh, plus! plus! points there!!!
Anywhooo, I watched it last Friday at CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) with my sisters and MY, MY, it was totally a very, very, lovely show! Of course my ticket was the cheapest (tumataginting na Php772.50 lang naman), but who cares? Nilibre lang naman ako eh… magrereklamo pa ba ako?! =))
view from my seat... not THAT bad! Haha!
my "cheap," but totally worth it ticket!
Besides… all those “accents,” all those witty lines, and all those wonderful ABBA songs? Totally WORTH IT!!! I actually plan on watching it again if I have the time… this time, with a more “expensive” ticket for a better view, and yes, a better “musical” experience! Rawr!
But yeah, you and I have to hurry because the show runs until February 19, 2012 only. We can cross our fingers and hope that it gets extended, but why depend on wishful thinking when you already have the power in your hands NOW? At meganon talaga?!
Sabi nga ng ate ko,
“Kung gusto niyo sumaya, manood kayo ng MAMMA MIA!“
Oha, rhyming lang si a-TEH! But it’s true. If you want to be happy, head to CCP and WATCH MAMMA MIA! now!!! I promise, it’s a rating of FIVE HEARTS and mooore (♥♥♥♥♥+++++)!
For more information on how you can buy tickets, click here.
♪ "...'cause somewhere in the crowd there's YOU!" ♫
Enjoooy!
I am a FILIPINO. And I am FUN!
Our Department of Tourism (DOT) recently launched it’s new campaign, “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” and despite being controversial, I honestly think it’s great! Because you know, it TRULY is more fun in my homeland — Pilipinas. And you couldn’t be briefer and truer than that!
Now for the (other) FUN part! Aside from the Department’s official photos, there’s this site called http://morefunmaker.com/ wherein you can customize your pictures and add the “more fun in the Philippines” slogan on them. I, for one, got crazy using it! Here are some of my photos:
Taken at BORACAY, AKLAN (in fairness, ang sexy ko pa dito! Haha!)
Taken at LAGEN ISLAND RESORT, EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Speaking of which, I highly recommend the EL NIDO RESORTS group! Go visit their site and book your trip NOW!!! You can also click here or check out my sidebar.
The Lady was, is, and will always be a Candy Girl! ♥
So what’re you waiting for?
TRAVEL AROUND/TO THE PHILIPPINES NOW!!!
Mukhang MOA :))
I’ve been spending my past weekends at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA). I even have a “secret” parking space at the parking lot already because that’s where I ALWAYS park whenever I’m at the aforementioned mall. I swear, dun talaga ako lagi nag-papark! Kung anong floor at saan dun… SECRET!!! Haha!
Don’t get me wrong. I love going to other malls, too. During weekdays, you’d most likely spot me at Glorietta or Greenbelt — because my workplace is just minutes away from them! During weekends, I usually go to MOA and/or Robinsons Place Manila! Emphasis on the “and/or” because there are really days that I go to both malls in ONE DAY! I call it my very own “mall-hopping!” =))
But anyway, I think November 26, 2011 tops my “weekend mall gimik” by far. Why? Simply because I spent both DAY and NIGHT at MOA! Hence the title: ako na talaga ang MUKHANG MOA! Wahahahaha!
Image via Wikipedia
MOA by DAY
I woke up extra early that day (3:50AM) to prepare for one of the things in my bucket list:
Yep! One of the things I want to do before I die is RUN FOR A CAUSE! And yes, I was finally able to do that by participating in the HSBC Anniversary Fun Run, which raised funds for the Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation (SAS), “a not-for-profit, professional Philippine organization that promotes the love and habit of reading in Filipino children in line with its vision to build a nation of readers.“
It was my very first run, and I’m happy to say that I survived! Of course I couldn’t have done it without my friends Danica and Tinah:
5K all the way!!!
with Tinah ♥
with Danica ♥
By the way, the (raffle) grand prize was:
Better luck next time!
Of course I did NOT win! Oh well papel. At least Danica and I had our consolation prize:
with HSBC Philippines' CEO and President
CHOS!!! Hahaha! And that’s it! But just because I’ve crossed “run for a cause” off my bucket list, doesn’t mean I won’t do it again! Of course this was just the first of (my) many runs! Mooore runs to cooome!
MOA by NIGHT
After the run, I went home to catch some ZZZsss. But when the sun finally set, I went back to catch my friend Marta‘s birthday dinner at Yakimix!
with Marta, the birthday girl ♥
Aside from celebrating a birthday, one of the things I loved about this night was our “instant” college reunion! Gaawwwd, I simply love these people! It’s just like college ALL. OVER. AGAIN!!!
♥♥♥
Sooo… Thanks a lot Henry Sy! Thanks for making one awesome place where people can spend good times with great people — MOA!!!
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Bonus: Did you know that Henry Sy‘s net worth is around $7 billion AND Steve Jobs‘ net worth is around $8 billion*?
Wala lang. Ang taray lang ng SM! Lumelevel sa Apple! Chos! =))
*The aforementioned people’s “net worth” is different from that of their companies’.
Season’s Greetings!
*all together now*
CHRISTMAAAS IS HEEERE! ♥
Yes, IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR once again! And if you still haven’t noticed, even my blog is being one with the Season! Heehee. So let me take this opportunity to be one of the first peeps to greet you: SEASON’S GREETINGS EVERYONE!!!
You see, the Christmas Season and I, we share a very deep, personal, deep, special, and DEEP relationship! Oha, oha! Wala nang lalalim pa sa relasyon namin ni Christmas! Hahaha! Kidding aside, I don’t know… I just feel really HAPPY whenever this time of the year arrives. It could be the nostalgia I feel that dates back to my childhood days… maybe it’s the awesome, lovely, and special people I spend it with… OR it could be the traditional lights and sounds show the city of Makati (my “work” town) showcases every year:
“Spectacular Spectrum” at the Ayala Triangle Gardens
happens every night, 6-9PM (until December 30, 2011).
Oo, ganito kami sa Makati! Hahaha!
Kahit ano pa ang dahilan, isa lang ang katotohanan: I. LOVE. CHRISTMAS!!!
So, in honor of my undying affection and love for the Season, I made a simple video (note: SIMPLE being the operative word! ) using “Christmas is” by Regine Velasquez featuring Jim Brickman as background music — which I consider one of the best Christmas songs ever made! It truly captures the real essence and meaning of the Season!
Please lang, panoorin niyo. Effort din maghanap ng pictures at mag-edit sa Windows MovieMaker noh! Wahahahaha!
Anyway, here are more pictures with SOME of the awesome, lovely, and special people I spend Christmas with:
with two of my sisters ♥
with my beautiful friends Camille and Tinah ♥
At akalain niyo, on this very same night… during our dinner…. LOOK WHO WE SAW:
JOSE MARI CHAN in the house, yo!
If that’s not “Chistmas” destiny, then I don’t know what is! Haha!
Having said that,
“Christmas in Our Hearts,“ anyone?
