DOT Announces 3rd Leg of Phil. Kayaking Series 2009

Following the successful first two parts of the Philippine Kayaking Series 2009, Kayak Explore Hundred Islands and Kayak Explore Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is urging all kayak enthusiasts and novices to join the 3rd leg of the series which will be held in Cebu and Bohol on December 4-6, 2009.

Entitled Kayak Explore Cebu-Bohol crossing, the 3rd run will follow the route of Mactan Island to Bohol, where paddlers will cross the 125-km scenic route passing through a motley of islets, coves, mangroves and river deltas.  The DOT together with the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) is supporting the event.

“We have 7,107 islands, with infinite possibilities for kayaking adventure.  Exploring the span of our clear waters surely opens travelers to the unique splendor of our country,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

 
The tourism chief also commended different sectors for their active participation in boosting the eco-adventure package, “The Philippines can undoubtedly become the Kayaking Capital of Southeast Asia with these overwhelming support from the private sector and local communities.”

Eduardo Jarque Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions highlighted the country’s bountiful natural waterways, “This unique eco-adventure allows tourists inside secret coves, inlets, channels that lead to stunning views of our mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, unspoiled coastlines and other exciting mysteries around our islands.”

The Caramoan Peninsula offers a view of limestones, rugged coastlines, and white sand-ringed islands, complemented by a stunning view of underwater marine life by snorkeling around shallow waters.

 
For the high-spending market, the DOT offers Luxury Kayaking in Palawan.  Known for its idyllic beaches, lagoons and caves, Palawan enjoins travelers to kayak in El Nido and Coron.

 
Cebu draws attention to paddling in Hilutungan Island and Marine Sanctuary, Sulpa Island, Olango Island and Mactan Island for moonlight kayaking.

How to Go to Cagbalete Island

The other day, I gave you a sneak peek into this wonderful paradise we’ve visited over the weekend — Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon. On this post, I am going to share with you how we were able to go there on a tight budget but with memories and experiences full of sunkissed glorious moments. It all began about a month or two ago when my girlfriends and I planned for an island getaway. Koryn was the one who recommended the place since she has already been there with her family over the summer. She was telling us how nice, serene and “virgin” the place was. It’s not intended for vain travelers as we would need to just simply commune with nature and let go of all the luxuries we’re used to in all the other beach resorts we’ve visited before (like nice toilets and shower rooms). We all said “game!’ and the planning began. There were supposed to be around 7 of us. But as the intended date of departure from the city (Nov. 14-15, 2009) was nearing, attendance boiled down to four (Peter, Koryn, Danes and moi). Since we originally budgeted P2000 per person, we presumed that our budget would go up to P2500 or even P3000 per head. Well, we couldn’t back out anymore. We’ve waited for this moment and we were raring to go! We coordinated via email and the final budget and  itinerary was as follows (emailed by Koryn, intended for five people):

Hi guys! Eto na!  Eto na!

Masasarap food nila, promise!  Think lutong-bahay and fresh seafood.

 

Because we’ll arrive at the island around 11:00am, the serving of meals will be as follows:

 

SATURDAY

Lunch

Snack 1

Dinner

 

SUNDAY

Breakfast

Snack 1

* We decided to stay until 4 pm on Sunday so we added P200 each for Sunday lunch. ^_^. We also gave tip of P100 each. So total planned budget went up to around P2700 per person.

Finally, Nov. 14, came. I was so excited! We all were! I’m all packed since Friday the 13th. Peter arrived at 12 midnight from work, packed in a flash and slept for a few hours. At 4:00 a.m, Koryn and Danes were here at our home and we were all set to go. We left our house and was on the road by 4:30 a.m. Below is the map we followed from Muntinlupa to Mauban, Quezon.

If there were more than five of us, we would’ve used the bigger car, the Revo, which consumes more gas than usual. But because there were just four of us, we used our smaller car instead (Toyota Yaris). Full tank of gas cost us P1,200. We hoped to save as much as we could so we can make the most out of this trip.  For directions, here is the text message sent by Koryn’s brother Carlo. You can follow this too:

From SLEX, exit to Sto. Tomas Batangas (going Legaspi/Bicol). Pass through San Pablo going to  Tiaong Town proper (take that). Go straight to the towns of Candelaria and Sariaya. In  Sariaya, there’s this fork going to Lucena, the other going to Tayabas. Take Tayabas (there’s a sign), go straight until you reach Tayabas town proper. Once in Tayabas, find the main road. If it’s one way going to the church, take the second corner from the church. Take a left turn to the main road. Once in the main road, find the Shell gas station. Take the  road beside it. At the end of that road, turn right. That road will already take you to Mauban. It’s quite a long road. You will pass by Pansacola street on your right…a school…. until you see another Pansacola street cor. Quezon street., also on your right. Stop there on that corner. Park your car and cross the street.

Across from where we parked, we saw this house with capiz windows on the second floor and  store/carenderia  below. That’s the house of Mr. Rommel Pansacola (0928-5058633), the owner of the Pansacola Beach Resort in Cagbalete Island. Because we had previous arrangements with him through Koryn, he let us park our car inside his garage and assisted us in getting a tricylce that will take us to the boat station. 

***When you call him for booking, tell him you got to know about his resort through Jen and Koryn, who went there last Nov. 14-15, 2009. You might just get a discount like we did. ^_^

We were there at around 9:30 a.m. We unloaded our stuff and rested a while inside their carenderia. Peter was very exhausted since he hasn’t been sleeping for two days due to his very hectic work schedule. So after a few photo sessions, we let him rest while we waited for our tricycle ride.

The tricycle ride took no more than 5 minutes and cost us only P5.00 per head. The boat station is nothing special. The boats they have are small, something like the boats we used to ride when going to Puerto Galera, only a bit smaller. It was supposed to leave port at 10:30 a.m. but because the captain was trying to fill up all possible spaces with people, food, drinks and other commodities, we waited a bit longer.  Here, you will smell all kinds of possible smell. Like I told you before, this is no picnic. But wait till you get to the island and everything will be worth it. By the time the boat left port, it was already drizzling and we were feeling gloomy. We’re all praying for the weather to be nice at the island and hopefully the sea won’t be as turbulent.

The boat ride took an hour. By the time the boat docked, the sun was already shining. Hurray! However, our calvary is not yet over. Considering that it was low tide, the boat docked not so far from the beach. We still had to wait our turn to ride  (in standing position) an even smaller boat that will take us to the beach. Quite an adventure, I tell you! On the beach, people were asking us where we’re staying. We didn’t mind them coz Koryn already knew where we’re going. But we still had two kids guide the way because it was a bit far from where the boat docked. I can’t say how many kilometers we walked that afternoon. Probably a kilometer or two or even more. I thought it was neverending. But I didn’t complain. I was enjoying the view while I was losing more and more calories every minute. ^_^

  At last! Our first view of paradise!

Then we still had to walk some more…

We passed by the locals’ boats, sari-sari stores and houses and crossed this trail amidst a coconut plantation. Watch out for snakes! Kidding! Teehee!

Just when I thought we still had to go farther, we reached Pansacola Beach Resort. This was the hut we reserved. It is good for 12 people for only P1500. First floor is open air and mezzanine has a small window. Bed cushions were to be placed in the evening. No bathroom. We had to use the common bathrooms scattered at the resort.  We didn’t care! We just want to stay at the beach forever!!! Weee!!!

We were so far from civilization…

 One of the many things we liked here  was the yumminess and amount of the food they served us every meal time! Holy Moley!

 For lunch on our first day, we had Squid in Coconut Milk, Tuna and Veggie Salad, Crispy Pata (so soft and tender…yummy!!!), tons of rice and Leche Flan for dessert. We should’ve taken our bikini photos first before we ate all these wonderfull yummy goodness. Teehee.   

While we were all eating, Peter enjoyed the swing. You know why? Coz he knew we couldn’t eat all that food. So he waited his turn and planned to eat all the leftover when we’re all done. Hehehe.

Watch out for my next post about Cagbalete… Bikini shots coming up!     

 To be continued…

The Wonderful World of Coffee

Thanks to Ria for my “tapis”. So perfect for the event, haha!

I don’t know if I’ve told anybody this. But I used to not drink coffee. I’m more of a juice kind of person. But since I went out with Peter in 1999, I slowly got introduced to the wonderful world of coffee. When we got married seven years ago, I witnessed how coffee was very much a part of Peter’s family’s life and it still is until now. And I’m not talking about the 3-in-1 instant kind. I’m talking about their family, particularly his mom, brewing her own and Peter concocting all sorts of flavor for it — cinnamon, hazelnut, vanilla, etc. It was so awesome! Needless to say that through the years, I became quite addicted to coffee myself and eventually, I learned how to brew my own too. I started with a coffee maker and now, due to time constraints, I find it easier and faster to use a coffee press for my daily dose.  Lately though, we make sure that we buy Philippine coffee. Ours taste so much better anyway. ^_^  So when I found out about the Coffee 101 Seminar to be conducted by Ms. Pacita “Chit” Juan , co-chair of the Philippine Coffee Board, I signed up for it. ^_^ 

with my fellow coffee addicts

(from top, left-right: Ria, Arvin, Jonel, Earth, Azrael, me, Sire, Leirs)

The seminar was held yesterday, Nov. 17, 2009 at Le Bistro in Fraser Place, Valero St., Makati. It was my first time there. It was huge and cozy and since the holiday season is here, I keep thinking how perfect it would be to hold meetings and Christmas parties at Le Bistro. Hmmm. That’s really something to consider. I better tell my friends about it.

 Le Bistro’s ambience is sooo cozy! I loved the wall painting too!

Le Bistro is a coffee shop and restaurant that offers a lot of delightful dishes, desserts, coffee and drinks at very reasonable prices. They have salads, sandwiches, wraps, food for the soul, pasta, pizza, breakfast, spirited partners, hot and cold drinks and pastries. Better check their site for the complete list of menu. ^_^

 This was what I got — yummy Putanesca with fresh vegetables, Chicken Ceasar sandwich, soup and veggie salad!  

Anyway, the following were the topics discussed by Ms.Chit Juan:

The Myth and History of Specialty Coffee

Did you know that coffee was used and utilized primarily as food and medicine before it became known as beverage? Did you know that coffee originated in Ethiopia? It was first cultivated in the monastery gardens of Yemen (c.1000). And the people who brought coffee to our country were the Franciscan friars who brought 3 gantas of coffee beans into the Philippines and planted them in a monastery (1740). Today, coffee is the most drank beverage next to water. It is a giant global industry employing more than 25 million people! It ranks second only to petroleum in terms of dollars traded worldwide. How astonishing is that?!

Coffee Species

Coffee is the seed of a berry/cherry from an evergreen tree that grows in a subtropical belt that circles the globe, and grows to heights of 20 feet. It has four (4) species. We call them REAL Coffee: R - Robusta, E - Excelsa, A - Arabica and L - Liberica. Robusta is the most disease resistant and high yielding (from the word “robust”). It is used in blending coffee because of its body and strong character. Most, if not all, instant coffee blends are made up of Robusta because it is the most affordable of the species. I learned that this is the strongest kind, the one that has the most caffeine content and the one that can cause my heart to palpitate. Yikes! Excelsa  is characterized by a fruity taste. It is more popular as a blending variety and often used as extender. Arabica is smooth in flavor. It is the most widely-traded variety of  coffee in the world and the most fragrant among the four species. Liberica is locally knwon as “Kapeng Barako”. Its berries are the largest among the four and have a distinct earthy flavor and aroma.  

Phases of Specialty Coffee

Planting coffee takes 3-5 years. Next comes harvesting (selective picking, strip picking, mechanical picking), processing of cherries (wet [pulping, fermentation, dying] and dry), milling, hulling (friction and impact hulling), polishing, sorting and grading (gravity & screen, electronic, hand), decaffeinating (chemical and swiss water), roasting (hot air and drum), grinding and brewing (levels of roast: Cinnamon, City, Italian, French), blending , flavoring and cupping, packaging and storage. Whew! And did you know that per tree, one can only harvest about a kilo of fresh cherries per year? Once selected and roasted, this will go down to around 400 grams harvested per tree per year. No wonder coffee is so expensive! So beware of those selling cheap ones. They may not be made from real coffee beans. Or worse, they may be made from old coffee beans! Eww! 

Espresso 101
A concentrated coffee extract from 1.5 ounces of hot water (198 degrees F) passing through 6 to 8 gms of finely ground coffee at 135 psi within 20 to 25 seconds.

Coffee Trivia

“Over all research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful” - Dr. Tom De Paulis, Instiutute for Coffee Studies, Vanderbilt University. I guess, as long as it is taken in moderation, then coffee is a pretty safe bet to health.

The whole session was so educational and informative! I learned a lot that night.  But there are still so many things I gained. What I’ve shared with you is just the tip of the iceberg. It would be better if you attend a session yourself. I promise you fellow coffee lovers and addicts — you will have a grand time!

The Philippine Coffee Board holds Coffee 101 with Barista  101 Training. I learned how to  make my own mocha coffee using Le Bistro’s very expensive coffee machine (Ms. Juan said it’s priced around Php350,000.00.) Woot! And you will be trained too when you sign up for their courses:

BASIC BARISTA TRAINING

An intensive  3-Saturday course for corporate types looking for a new skill to learn . At the heels of Coffee Month, this special  course module is conducted by the Philippine Barista and Coffee Academy.
Le Bistro in Fraser Place, Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati
November 7,14 and 21
Call Pam at 813-1028 or text 0915-576-7886 for inquiries.

COFFEE 101 with BARISTA 101

Basic knowledge about the world’s most popular beverage. Conducted by Chit Juan, Coffee advocate and Philippine Coffee Board Co-Chair.  A three-hour course to introduce you to the wonderful world of coffee. Includes Espresso-making and basic preparation of  cappuccino and latte drinks.
Le Bistro at Fraser Place, Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati
Schedules are after office hours! November 17, 530-830pm
Call 8131028 or text 0915-576-7886 for reservations

 L-R: Azrael, Ria, Dante,Janette, Ms.Chit Juan, Arvin, moi

Towards the end of our Coffee 101 and Barista 101 training, we were given wonderful tokens by ECHO Store.  They are Philippine-made, of superb quality and beautifully packaged. I think, how perfect it would be to buy Christmas gift baskets at Echo Store.  The green baskets would be fantastic  gift alternatives today! There are numerous packages to choose from! Take a look!

 These are the tokens I got — Antibac hand sanitizer (I love its lemon scent!), peppermint lip balm and Kape Isla’s Yrong Yrong Coffee Blend

(more…)

Sneak Peek: Cagbalete Island

Hi folks! I’m all tanned and gorgeous from our weekend island getaway. I know I’m not yet done with my Singapore blog posts but I couldn’t help giving you a preview of my latest vacation. I don’t have the time to blog much right now so let me just give you a sneak peek of the beauty of this wonderful paradise .. Cagbalete Island… the nearest island to Mauban, Quezon…

In Focus: Metropolis

Philippine independent cinema may well become a global phenomenon  as it continues to delight critics & audiences around the world with the diversity, vitality & creativity of the Philippine film industry. These are artists & producers who can truly go places when it comes to evoking the essence of a unique cultural landscape without disregarding a defiant, homegrown sophistication that can only enhance the beauty & bravura in their work.

The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival held annually at the Cultural Center of the Philippines has played a key role in representing & nurturing talent as well as encouraging the creation of new cinematic works with an unequivocal commitment to enduring, contemporary filmmaking. For the movement & the movers, there is also an emphasis on works ‘that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience’ with fresh insight & artistic integrity.

Standing up for culture & the world of art films, be sure to drop by Indie Sine at Robinson’s Galleria on Tuesday, November 24 for the first installation in a series of indie film screenings called Metropolis presented by community based artistic collective & grass-roots production team Anahata Foundation.

With an urban punk rock vibe ‘Iskwaterpangk’ (2006) directed by Khavn De La Cruz will play back to back with ‘Batad: Sa Paang Palay’ (2006) & Hawaiian Orchid Award nominee ‘24K’ (2009) as the third headliner, where in exploring tribal customs & the indescrutability of the human spirit, directors Benji Garcia & Ana Agabin together embrace an evolving pilgrimatic sensibility that might also serve as a metaphor for modern times.

Following in the footsteps of the recent Wi_i Body 4 ‘In Focus’ series at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, don’t miss this bold line-up of works, well regarded in the arts scene for the social issues explored as well as for their historic & cultural significance, educational focus & entertainment value.

Metropolis is made possible through the assistance of the Indie Filmmakers Cooperative (IFC), the Cultural Center of the Philippines Media Arts Division & Cinemalaya. Screening times are at 1pm, 3pm & 5:00pm with featured filmmakers dropping by to introduce their films & share industry insights.

Tickets are P150 with proceeds supporting Anahata Foundation’s community based projects involved in movement, performance, fashion, media, visual arts & concern for the environment.

For reservations / inquiries please call Indie Sine (632) 395 2038. You may also text (63) 9296944138 / (63)9087568699 / (63)9278748789 or email anahatafoundation@yahoo.com.ph.

Indie Sine is located at Level 4 of Robinson’s Galleria along EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.

Singapore 2009: Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards

We are still on Day 1 of my Singapore trip. Date is Oct. 23, 2009. For prior details on this trip, please click the links below:

Singapore Arrival

Food Tripping at Tiong Bahru

 Little India

 ~~~oOo~~~

At around 6 pm that day, all bloggers from the Asia Pacific region (Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia) got ready for the awards night. We all congregated at the lobby of Link Hotel and waited for the bus that will take us to Pan Pacific Hotel where the event was to take place.

Everyone looked so pretty and fabulous!

If only I had enough time and energy to fix my hair… 

But since I still haven’t really slept yet since I got off work Thursday evening that week and I wanted to spend my time exploring the city rather than fixing myself, I was content and happy with wearing a pearl headband and ponytail while other bloggers really prettified for the event.

At around 6:30 pm, we’re off to our bus, excited and giddy.

The place was so impressive and illustrious. They really prepared for this event. Well, why not? It’s the first ever Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards, after all.

The event was hosted by Allan Wu (bottom right photo). He is the Amazing Race Asia host and is undoubtedly one of the most sought after hunks on screen.

Allan has hit the big screens with movies such as Raintree Production’s romantic comedy “I Do, I Do, I Do” and “Night Corridor”, a Hong Kong production produced by the acclaimed Stanley Kwan. Allan recently completed a film in China entitled “Kung Fu Hip Hop”.

The food they served us that night was simply delightful! 

Nuffnang’s co-founders, Timothy Tia and Cheo Ming Shen gave their opening remarks and while we were having dinner, a perfomance was done by Magic Duo JC Sum and “Magic Babe” Ning, who are Asia’s Most Lethal Combination in Magic! Channel News Asia calls them “the new faces of an old-age art form” and the Straits Times acknowledges them as “Asia’s most famous illusionists”. Representing a new breed of world-class urban illusionists, their distinct contemporary East-meets-West style makes them one of the world’s definitive international acts.   

They are the First Singapore illusionists to be awarded the coveted Merlin Awards from the International Magicians Society for “Most Original Illusionists 2009″. JC & Ning specializes in prsenting sophisticated illusion performances for special events and entertainment venues. 

There was a 10-minute break and that’s when Jane and I found the time to go see Kate at her table then outside to have our photos taken while the band, Electrico, did their thing on stage.

Many credited ELECTRICO for reviving the local indie music scene. They’re proud of that too. After all, it’s for the love of music they started this journey in 2003. It’s a blessing to bring together a group of people who share the same passion and this was what they got — So Much More Inside (2004), Hip City (2006) and their latest effort We Satellites in 2008.

And now, the winners of the 1st Asia Pacific Blog Awards… this was copy pasted from http://jehzlau-concepts.com/ without permission. ^_^

Best Blogshop: bonitochico.livejournal.com
Best Food Blog: ieatishootipost.sg
Best Fashion Blog: ladymelbourne.blogspot.com
Best Parenting Blog: childhood101.blogspot.com
Best Travel Blog: ironwulf.net
Best Celebrity Blog: joannepeh.com
Best Entertainment Blog: kennysia.com
Best Geek Blog: mrgadget.com.au
Best Hidden Gem: dedoodleblog.blogspot.com
Best Original Blog Design: xiaxue.blogspot.com
Most Influential Blog: xiaxue.blogspot.com
Region’s Best Blog: xiaxue.blogspot.com
 

Best Travel Blog: ironwulf.net (top photo, sitting down in the middle with striped tie), was the only Filipino who won that night! Kudos to you fellow travel blogger! Keep it up! The party ended at around10:30 pm, 30 minutes earlier than expected. We all went out and had some more photo ops. Of course, I had my photo taken with an Australian finalist in the Pringles video blog contest. I didn’t get her name but she’s just so cute as a doll, I had to have my photo taken with her.

Fellow bloggers went back to the hotel at around 11:00 pm while I waited for two of my closest  Filipino guy friends who live in Singapore (Mark and JP)  to come pick me up. My party was just getting started. ^_^

To be continued…

Singapore 2009: Little India

We are still on Day 1 of my Singapore trip. Date is Oct. 23, 2009. For prior details on this trip, please click the links below:

Singapore Arrival

Food Tripping at Tiong Bahru

 ~~~oOo~~~

When we got off at Little India, we dropped by the SRI VEERAMAKALIAMMAN  Temple first located at 141 Serangoon Road. We would’ve loved to go inside. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, they were already closing the doors of the temple. Tsk, tsk. 

 Outside the temple, there were flowers, magazines and wooden products being sold. Reminds me of Binondo. ^_^

Little India has always been known for cheap finds in Singapore. I promised myself not to shop anymore since I already got tons of stuff back home which I never get to use. So better save my money for something else of more value. We did some window shopping instead.

Then Kate brought us to KAARAIKUDI, a Muslim restaurant. They offer tons of Indian and Muslim food. I salivated over the chili crabs! I want!!! It’s one of those things I missed in 2006 when Peter and I first visited Singapore.   

Since we were still full from our lunch a little while ago, we just ordered milk tea, better known as pulled tea (only to find out that it was just black tea with condensed milk). It cost about S$1.50 I think.

 Too bad I didn’t finish my drink. It tasted good and I think I can make some at home. I think with a little honey, I can make it taste a little better. ^_^

*** Notice the name of the street at the bottom right photo. It says BABOO LANE. Hihihi! My Baboo has a lane named after him. Hihihi! ***

Then off we walked to Mustafa Shopping Center. Kate said this mall is open 24 hours! They sell almost all kinds of things from food to clothing to gadgets and beauty stuff. Since we’re on a budget, we just headed to their junk food section and bought chips not available in the Philippines (Unagi Seaweed and Wasabi flavored Potato Chips  and a variety of Poppa tillas and Poppa dums) and some Swiss chocolates too (Lindt). When I go back here, I’m gonna go look for perfumes. Mark Juan says they have imported perfumes here selling at more affordable prices. Yipee!

To be continued…

Singapore 2009: Food Tripping at Tiong Bahru

We are still on Day 1 of my Singapore trip. Date is Oct. 23, 2009. For details on my arrival, please click the link below:

Singapore 2009: Arrival

  ~~~oOo~~~

After  we secured our stuff at Link Hotel, five of us decided to start exploring the city with the hours we have left before the Nuffnang  Asia Pacific Blog Awards Night. The five of us included Kate, Crissy, Jonel and Jane. Near our hotel in Tiong Bahru is this mall called Tiong Bahru Market along Eng Hoon street. Before getting there, we saw locals happily eating along the sidestreet where delicious hawkers’ food are also located.

We crossed the street and figured our way around the market. We took the stairs going up and discovered a huge food court with numerous stalls selling Asian cuisines. Everything was smelling so good! The place looked simple but very, very clean. We also noticed that each stall would have an alphabet displayed in front. A means it is in perfect accordance with their cleanliness regulation. There’s B and there’s also C. We of course decided to get our food from one of those stalls displaying A in front. ^_^

While waiting for my food to be prepared, I went ahead and ordered some exotic sugarcane drink. I say exotic coz though we have sugarcane in the Philippines, I haven’t tasted yet what a sugarcane juice is like.So that’s what I ordered — Lemon flavored sugarcane juice. I saw how it’s done and it was so fantastic! They have this machine where they put the sugarcane in between the rotating cylinders thereby crushing the cane and squeezing the juice out of it and after a couple of rotations…voila! There’s my sugarcane juice!

They put ice and  sliced calamansi in it and it’s good to go. For S$1.40, I got a small cup (which wasn’t really small… my cup was huge that I didn’t even finish it all).

  I ordered A LOT. I was so famished! I had Oyster Sauce vegetable for S$2 and roasted chicken for S$2. They came with rice and soup. 

After lunch, it was time for some photo ops. All of the people were eating in the food court area. Nobody was using the tables and chairs with the umbrellas which were just across the food court so we took our chance. Perhaps, because it was so freaking hot in Singapore when we went there, nobody would really want to get toasted under the noon sun.

Being tourists and all, we posed with no shame. Photo was taken by Jonel.

Next stop would be Little India. We rode a cab (which was quite pricey) and spent around S$10. So make sure that when you travel to Singapore, you do so with a group so you can always divide expenses among each other. ^_^ One thing we noticed about their cab is that it has this device where passengers can use their credit card by having it swiped there. The device can also tell directions and stuff.  How cool is that?!  

To be continued…

Show Off Your Shape in 14 Days

I am all for having a voluptuous body coz I do have one myself. I love to eat healthy and yummy food particularly vegetables. But I do love sweets and carbs too! So it doesn’t really hurt to be on a proper diet in order lose a pound or two especially if it means becoming healthier and most especially if it can let me wear designer clothes! Who wouldn’t want to wear expensive clothes, right? I for one would love to wear those fashionably designed clothes by Hermes, Rhett Eala, Michi Calica, Religioso, Kate Torralba, Jun Escario, Chanel, and 7 for All Mankind! And you can too! Yes, you can! In 14 days, you can wear one yourself — once you win in NESTLE FITNESSE’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape contest. Out of all the designer clothes, here are some that I would really love to have:

by Kate Torralba

by Rhett Eala

by Jun Escario

So what is this NESTLE FITNESSE’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape contest?

“It’s a 14 day meal plan where each of the team members or fitness partner will have to lose at least 2 pounds in 2 weeks!“

Here’s a summary of what you have to do… 

1.) Register online using the registration form on their site.
2.) Form a group/team (around 2-8 members).
3.) Attend the weigh in event on November 14, 2009.
4.) Take the 14 day meal plan.
5.) Invite your friends to vote for you to win the wardrobe.
6.) Write one journal to summarize experience of the 14 day meal plan - no need to write several posts, but online status updates are encouraged.
7.) Attend the weigh off on Nov. 28, 2009
8.) Winners will be announced on December 10,2009.

Once you’re registered, nominate a Fashionably Fit friend on FACEBOOK OR  on the Nestle Fitnesse  website. As for me, I nominated a couple of my fashionably fit friends on Facebook (Ninette, Ces, Abby, Anmarie, Angel, Adine and Ada). Those you nominate will be sent a free NESTLÉ FITNESSE sampler pack.

For your 14 day meal plan, you just have to eat more whole grains so you can weigh less. Independent research has evidence that those who do tend to lose more  weight  over time. That is why Nestle created NESTLÉ FITNESSE whole grain cereal. By replacing breakfast and one main meal for 14 days with a cereal such as NESTLÉ FITNESSE whole grain cereal, you can lose 1-2 lbs. You can lose more if you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as low-fat carbohydrate-rich foods coupled with an exercise regimen.  Do this for 14 days and you’re on your way to a new and more fit you.

As you are trying to get into this perfect fitness program, chic and dashing accouterment made by our top fashion designers and selected  by the country’s top fashion editors are offered to you, fashion aficionados, to give you something to salivate about. “This is the first of its kind in the country,” says Myra Garcia, Consumer Marketing Manager, Nestle Fitnesse. “After all, there’s no better motivation than walking the streets of Manila while looking fashionably fit.”

So folks, let’s not wait much longer. Let us all register now!

For more information about Nestle Fitnesse’s 14 Days to Show off Your Shape, please log on to   www.fitnesse-14days.com.

Singapore 2009: Arrival

I was one of the lucky bloggers who got invited to attend Nuffnang’s First Asia Pacific Blog Awards last Oct. 23-25,2009. Unfortunately, Peter won’t be with me and it’ll be another long weekend without him. Sigh. We left early for the airport since I had to be there by 4:30 am. By 3:00, we parked and made our way to Cafe Amadeo where we spent some time just bonding over coffee. I will surely miss my Baboo and again, there’s this big empty space in my chest. This always happens when Peter is not with me. Nevertheless, despite my fear of riding airplanes, I was still excited about it all! Singapore, hereI come!!!

By 5:30 am, I was already with my other fellow bloggers having breakfast. I actually didn’t eat anymore since I had big breakfast at home. So I just tinkered with my Nikon D40. I seemed to be having a hard time focusing my lenses. It must be the cold temperature inside the airport. Teehee. ^_^

By 6:25, we were already boarding the plane. I was seated beside the talented siblings Alodia and Ashley Gosiengfiao. They both have very powerful DSLRs as compared to my cutie Nikki. Oh wow!

We arrived in Singapore safe and sound. I had some dollars changed then off we went to find our bus. This was my second time to visit Singapore. The first time was in 2006 for my Valentine  weekend adventure with Peter. 

Singapore still takes my breath away. It’s so clean and orderly I wonder how they do it and if we can ever do it in our own country. We wish! We saw the Singapore Flyer from afar… excited upon knowing that we will be riding it the next day. Weee!

The moment we reached our hotel (Link Hotel), bloggers did what they usually do best — take tons and tons of photos!!! It took a while before we all got checked in. We waited until we secured our bags near the reception area. Since we got there before lunch and check-in time was around 2:00 pm, we all decided to just secure our luggage first before heading outside to start exploring the Tiger city. ^_^

To be continued…