Before I Go To Cebu

Gosh, this week has been so hectic! The only thing that kept me alive and kicking during my busy working schedule was watching Jack Bauer’s heroic acts in both Seasons 5 and 6 of 24, while working. Awesomeness! But before that, Peter and I went out with our friends, Carelle Mangaliag (yes, that kid from Kulit Bulilit and the one who sang the 1995 World Youth Day theme song) and RR Herrera (yes, the former childstar and current endoser of GSM Blue). We all met at Keiseki at The Fort for dinner last Saturday night. It’s been so long since we last saw each  other. But I didn’t forget how great their company always is.

Then we transfered to Mint Bar where we danced  the night away over a pitcher of Mojito *hick!*. We wanted a change of scene so off we went to Suite (formerly Embassy Cuisine) where we inched our way to the bar and I ordered a glass of  Long Island  iced tea. It was the first time after a loooong while that I got really tipsy while partying in a public place. It was soooo much fun! I should do this more often Hehehehe. 

Even when we went to The Cafeteria to chill out, we still ordered some wheatgcrass alcoholic concoction. Teehee. Haylaveeet!!! We all had a great time and I even got to meet two of Carelle’s equally fantastic friends, MC and Maia. ^_^ I hope to see them again, hopefully next week, when we party with Brownman Revival. It was supposed to be tonight. But when RR called and told me that our flight tomorrow is at 9:30 am, we all decided to reschedule our party night next week. Plus, I still have to finish packing and get some work done.

Anyway, I can’t believe that January is almost over and I managed to keep my schedule so far.  Time surely flies so fast when one is having fun with his/her life. I know I am and I am always grateful. The only time I was able to rest was when I cooked meals for myself. Other than that, I was busy working in front of the computer just so I can finish everything before I go to Cebu tomorrow. Yup, you read that right. I know I haven’t even finished posting about my Malapascua trip last November 2009  and  still got to sort out photos and videos of my Asian trip, and now I’m  flying again. But this time, it’s for work. No, I didn’t take a different job. Our friends Carelle and RR will be having a three-day life coaching workshop and they need an assistant to tag along with them. Ever since that time in Les Caraibes, when Peter and I met them and considered them two of the most amazing people we know, I have always been interested in joining their company, eMotivating Minds. I just don’t know how or where to start since I have been working as a virtual assistant full time and I’m loving my current job too. So when we all met up at The Fort last weekend and Carelle mentioned about the the assistant thing, I immediately grabbed the opportunity. This way, I get to somehow apprentice with them. Anyway, it’s a weekend and I’d really love to see them work. ^_^ At last, I’ll be able to use my new KECCi backpack. So anyway, I gotta go and finish packing. See yah when I see yah and enjoy the rest of the week! Carpe Diem, folks!

 For more photos, please click the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=37656&id=1619903650

Get Paid Taking Surveys

Hi there! Some of you might be looking for ways to add a bit more income to your bank account (or paypal account for that matter). I know there are a lot of venues to do this online. As a virtual assistant, I have come across many but because of my hectic schedule, plus most of them don’t really pay that well, I tend to brush them aside.

Then this morning, I was doing my job when I came across this opportunity  from getafreelancer.com. It’s not like the usual CPC or pay per click stuff that I keep seeing on SEO sites. Furthermore, I didn’t have to shell out any money or give any credit card information for me to register. So I tried it out. I was pleasantly surprised when I got credited $6 in my account just for signing up! Then I started taking surveys and I was paid a minimum of $4 per survey. I did each one in less than 5 minutes. So far, I have already earned $40 in my account in just a few hours. 

If you want to do the same, just click this link (or copy paste the link on your browser) and register. It’s free and very easy.

http://www.AWSurveys.com/HomeMain.cfm?RefID=jenjuan

To top it all of, when you refer a friend, you will get an additional amount of $1.25 for each referral in your account. I really do hope this helps out those people like me who can spare a few minutes of their time answering surveys online. The money is not a lot but it’s good money, something that we can’t just pick up off the streets. So  try it out and see how much you can earn today. ^_^

P.S. Please carefully read their T.O.S. and don’t try to create fraudulent accounts. Otherwise, your account will be banned and you may not be able to cash in your money. Happy answering!

Sexy Nomad’s Current Lifestyle

It was year 2008 when I first decided to work from home. I remember our maid then asking me “Ano naman gagawin mo dito sa bahay? Baka ma-bored ka lang.” (What will you be doing here at home? You might just be bored.) Well, I’ve been at it since then and I’m proud to say that with everything I do here around the house (especially after I let our maid go coz I found out how lazy she really was… maybe that’s why she was anxious of me staying at home, hrhrhr!),  there’s really no time for me to feel bored. I even miss our house when we travel, especially when I go on a trip without my hubby for a certain period of time. Coz… I know he’s not really that O.C. around the house. So anyway, now that I’m back to my hectic schedule, I not only  make sure that I keep our house pretty clean and orderly but I also keep myself productive and happy.

A Little Quiet Time

I’ve set a little schedule for myself this week. When I wake up in the afternoon, after I drink my Vita Plus veggie drink and do my meditation, I spend some  time relaxing in our balcony by reading a few pages each of my self-help books (Oprah’s Live Your Best Life, Jack Canfield’s The Success Principle, Richard Carlson’s Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff in Love, Paramahansa Yogananda’s Para-Grams) and my Drums Book. Through the years, I was able to collect tons of books and I can only wish to finish them all in my lifetime. Anyway, I’ve always been ga-ga over self-help stuff. I’ve been at it since college when I realized that I have a choice to be happy and wealthy. I think my life right now is a living testament to that.Thanks to Oprah, my ultimate idol. See the stuff I’ve been sharing so far in my self-help blog, Kicking Pinay.

Enjoying Nature

It’s true that the best things in life are free. Take this situation for instance. Despite my busy schedule, I can still have a little moment enjoying nature. We may not have tons of plants at home but at least I can  still watch the grandeur of the skies from our balcony. I even caught the moon rise.  I also bike around our village now. The weather has been breezy and nice lately and it’s just so awesome for biking! Plus it also gives me a good cardio workout.

Let’s Get Physical

I tried working during the day. But my body clock has just been used to graveyard shift for so long that it refuses to wake up during day time. The problem is, I usually get very, very sleepy in the wee hours of the morning. I figured, maybe if I do some workout routine plus yoga, I can up my energy levels and stay awake longer. I was right! Plus, I need to shed off all that buttery fat I’ve been ingesting since I started cooking almost everything with butter. Yummy kasi eh! ^_^

Music and Me

I have no illusions of becoming a rockstar. I know I’m not that talented in that area. I am however, hopeful, that I can at least play some nice tunes with my drums and guitar. They help me de-stress and have fun. I still have Peter’s keyboards and bongos to learn though. Next time…

Our Bedroom

I used to work here in our bedroom. But because I wanted to separate work from bedroom activities (*wink*wink*), I had to declutter this space, take out my workstation and transfer it to our study room where it is more appropriate. I’ve also read somewhere that keeping the bedroom “clean” can do wonders for a couple’s sex life. ^_^  

The Guestroom

I reorganized the guestroom a bit to make it more homey for friends who might come & stay over.  I transfered the couch from our bedroom, and put it beside the guest bed, directly across the TV, for better and more cozy TV viewing. I also stationed the little bamboo table at the corner and placed the electric fan on top instead of on the floor.

Our TV Corner

This is where we watch 24, Lost, Supernatural, Dexter (and other TV series) as of late; where I play our wii (I open up the Capiz divider and rotate the TV 45 degrees for better playing action);  and where I read magazines when I have the time.

My Office

Like I said, I transfered my workstation in our little study room. Being surrounded by our books, gadgets and other what-nots help me concentrate and focus on my job; plus, the aircon here can be so cold, like in a real office; there’s no TV to distract me either. However, when I do get tired, I set up a little cot on the floor beside my tiger carpet for my little catnaps. ^_^ Or sometimes I take a short break and play with my PSP. ^_^

My Little Helpers

I bought a back and foot massager with infrared heat years ago  from Watsons then I forgot all about it until I did some general cleaning one day and voila, it’s  still almost as good as new. I figured this is so perfect for my aching back. I sit in front of the computer for several hours a day and it does its toll on my lower back. Thank God for this massager, I am now able to work much better. The slender shaper on the other hand is meant for trimming and toning the muscles in the tummy, thighs, arms, etc. Since I only have 1-2 hours for my workout these days (kickboxing, wii sports, biking, yoga), I can now tone my muscles while doing my work! And of course, I have my old reliable manual foot massager — perfect for rejuvenating my feet’s pressure points while I am busy working. All these apparatuses help keep me energized and awake all throughout my shift. 

P.S. Thanks to Popsy and Peter. If not for them, I won’t even be enjoying this kind of life. They’re God’s gifts to me. *hugs&kisses*

How about you? How have you been living your life lately? ^_^

A Word from the Sexy Nomad

Hello dear readers!

Just want to share with you that whenever you don’t see a new post on this blog, I may have new posts on my other blogs. I try as much as possible to separate the contents and put them on their proper niches. Hope you can visit my other blogs too. The links are on my side bar at the lower portion of this blog.

Here are the quick links for now:

fashionko.i.ph
kickingpinay.blogspot.com
dietmotivator.blogspot.com
thejenadamsproject.blogspot.com
bookworm.i.ph
witchcraft.i.ph

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! *kisses*

Weekend at Malapascua Island, Cebu: Day 1

On Nov. 28-30, 2009, Peter and I decided to spend the long weekend somewhere we’ve never been to before and Malapascua Island popped in my head. Though we’ve been to other parts of Cebu  like Marigondon, Moalboal (this one’s in the Southern part, near Badian), Mactan, Sogod & Bantayan (this one’s going up north), and Cebu City itself, there are still many places in that region that we have yet to discover and Malapascua is one of them. To get to this place, please review my other post on Malapascua:

Off to Malapascua Island

~~~oOo~~~

The first thing I wished for that day was for Cebu to have a good weather. It’s been drizzling on and off in Manila last November  2009 and I wanted this vacation to be perfect. It might be our only time alone together before that year’s Christmas holiday begins to kick in and Peter will start sleeping again in the office (which actually happened last month). Anyway, my wish was granted because the moment we hit the road, all I saw  and felt were blue skies and cold breeze. Whoopee!!!

From the airport, we took a cab going to Terminal I where buses going  up north were stationed. I was shocked that the cab driver asked me for Php250.00 for our fare but I had no time nor patience to haggle/argue/look for other cabs. I just wanted our honeymoon to begin. ^_^ At the bus station, there were no available Maya-Bagay aircon buses so we had no choice but to ride the non-aircon ones. The fare  for our four-hour scenic ride was only Php130 each. We chose to sit somewhere in the middle to be cushioned from bumpy rides (there were still roads up north that have not yet been cemented). It’s also a good thing that I was wearing my  jacket then… I was not only protected from the cold breeze but I was also protected from the dusty ride as we were nearing Maya port. ^_^

At Maya port, we had a choice to either ride the public boats that wait for passengers for only P20 each. Otherwise, we can rent one of the boats for P1000 so we can immediately head to the island which was an hour away from the port. As we were deciding what to do, I saw a group pf Korean tourists inquiring about the boats. I figured, if I can have them rent the boat with us, then we can all immediately head to Malapascua and it will only cost us Php100 each max. So that was what I did! In no time at all, we were off to the island. Yay!

After an hour (around 12:00 noon), we finally stepped on the white sands of Malapascua Island. I was so awed by its beauty. All I knew about Malapscua was that it’s a haven for scuba divers. So I was expecting coral beaches… not this wide, fine, white sandy beaches. Woohoo!!! And there were only a few people to boot! I was starting to really love this vacation already!

If you read my last post on how to get here, I mentioned that I got us booked at HIPPOCAMPUS Beach Resort but it didn’t hurt to look at other resorts too. As we were walking, I can’t help comparing Malapascua to other beaches we’ve been to before. And I thought, if Bohol and Boracay will have a baby, Malapascua is it! 

Malapascua island has Boracay’s fine white sands and Bohol’s serenity and peace. I loooove it! Oftentimes, when we travel to places like this, we seem to be the only Filipino tourists around. Most people who come here are Europeans and it was no different when we were there.

After looking at other resorts, we finally checked-in at HIPPOCAMPUS Beach Resort. For only Php1,450 per night,  we had two single beds that they positioned side by side, toilet and bath, a balcony, towels, fan, mosquito net plus the service maids were really helpful and friendly. For an expensive place like Malapascua, that’s  already a great value for our money.  

 On our first afternoon, we walked the length of the beach. It was a cloudy one but at least it was hot and not raining. 

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Philippine Holidays for 2010

I’ve had this information posted on my sidebar since  early last year, 2009. I thought of putting it here so every nomad out there can plan their vacations ahead. Happy traveling!!!

 Here is the schedule of Philippine holidays and long-weekends for 2010 based on RA 9492 and Proclamation 1841:

P36-Billion Tourism Investments in ‘09

Between January - November 2009, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has listed P36-billion worth of endorsed investments composed of tourism-related facilities and establishments, generating 15,000 jobs and 4,000 additional rooms.

              “These projects mean strong investor confidence, more jobs and a gainful economy.  Tourism is bound to have a positive year,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism. 

              Endorsed to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and the Bureau of Investments (BOI), the list is composed of projects which include the Eagle Entertainment City and Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment City in Paranaque; M Hotel in Binondo; Remington Hotel in Pasay; Big Cedar Hotel in Malate; Microtel Inns and Suites in Pasig; The Bayleaf Hotel Manila in Intramuros; Go Hotels-Cybergate in Mandaluyong; Newport Entertainment and Commercial Center in Makati, Highlander Hotel and Resort in Nueva Vizcaya, Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital and Dasoland: A Family Adventure Park in Pangasinan, Green Canyon Eco-tourism Park in Tarlac, Clark Wakeboard Camp in Angeles; Sheridan Beach Resort and Convention Center, A & A Hotel Special Tourism Zone, Cagdanao Resort, West Villa Resort, Cuyo Land Villa and El Nido Adventure Sports in Palawan; Embarcadero de Legazpi Special Tourism Zone in Legazpi, Akean Resorts in Aklan, Ilawod Estate Tourism Zone in Iloilo, Costa de Leticia Resort and Spa, Museum and Art Gallery, Marine Sports and Leisure Center, and Caracalla Spa in Cebu; and expansion of Garden Orchid Hotel Annex in Zamboanga.  A few of the listed facilities had a groundbreaking in mid 2009, while others are set to open beginning 2010 – 2014.

              Durano likewise noted the strong diversity of these investments, which have been classified into Accommodations, Resorts, Medical Tourism facilities, Sports and Recreational facilities and Agri-tourism facilities.

            “Upon registration with the BOI, these tourism endorsed projects are eligible to avail of an income tax holiday for 4-6 years, and duty-free importation of selected capital equipment for operation of accommodations and facilities,” stated Attorney Victoria Jasmin, DOT Director of Office of Tourism Standards.              

            The DOT urges the business community to invest in tourism estates, accommodation facilities, retirement villages, healthcare and wellness products and services, ecotourism and agri-tourism projects as a response to the global demand for an integrated development in the industry. 

###

 
 

–
Office of the Undersecretary for Planning & Promotions
Department of Tourism - Manila
Tel. No.  524-1694

Enjoy Backpacking with Hostelio

Backpacking is an art. It requires passion and commitment to finish your trip all the way from your first destination until you go back home. It would greatly help of course if you have already planned your itinerary and booked Cheap Hostels in advance. Hostel Booking can be easily done online without much fuss. This will help you make the most of your time going to exotic spots you want to explore rather than using your precious minutes looking for one of the Budget Hostels in the area, in the middle of the night, or dawn, or whenever you arrive at your intended destination. I found this site online which will greatly helped me and my friends and will continue to help us the next time we go backpacking around Asia again and hopefully around Europe as well. We just recently came from a backpacking trip in Vietnam and found one of the Ho Chi Minh City Hostels on their site. For those who would like to experience the same adventure, check out Hostel Reviews in advance to make your trip a more enjoyable one. Happy backpacking!

Setting Up Ads with OLX

One of the things that I want to accomplish this year is to be able to spread the good news about things that I am passionate about, like First Vita Plus and my mobile digital nail art machine for instance, as well as things that I want to sell like  the original and brand new Levi’s jeans we have been keeping in our closet for some time now, to as many people as possible.  A perfect way to do that is to post Classified Ads offline and online. I did just the latter with OLX.com.ph and here’s what my first online ad  with them looks like:

I plan to make some more. This one is so simple and with a little more editing and tweaking, I can make my ad look much better. What I like about OLX is that aside from being able to post classified ads for free, whether you’re registered or not (better if registered so I can manage my ads better in the future), is that they also have an Online Community of users for various niches inlcuding Art.  This means that not only can I post ads and find stuff here, but I can also look for people of specific talents and skills as well as find collectible materials too. Now, isn’t that awesome? Better start making some more to get ahead of the game. For those who are interested, try it!

New Year, New Blessings, New Do

I love this New Year!!! I strongly feel and believe that 2010 is going to be a much greater and better year for me and my loved ones. It helped that I started it with a blast by touring Southeast Asia with one of my bestfriends, Jem. I have yet to blog about it (I will, after I do my Malapascua travel blog post soon…) but let me just share with you now that more than anything else, the Asian backpacking  trip we did has been such a spiritual and enlightening journey for me. Jem said that with hardship, pain and sacrifice, I  will be able to appreciate more life’s blessings and let go of my  past angsts.  And because the month of December has been a trying one for me (emotionally, that is), both Jem and my hubby, Peter, believed that the trip will do my psyche some good. Indeed, going out of my comfort zone has enriched me well. I was able to overcome most of the fears that I’ve been nurturing all these years. To wit:

• 1. I was able to overcome my fear of flying. Yes, every time I travel, I’ve always had this foreboding feeling that something tragic will happen which brought me lots of anxiety and panic attacks in the past. But with this trip, in a matter of only 8 days, we did 6 flights. There was even one day when I was in three countries, flying in and out. I am proud to say that on my second flight, I already started feeling at ease and for the rest of the flights, I was already able to sleep and went through the whole process of  boarding as if I was just taking a cab. It was wonderful to be liberated from all those unnecessary anxiety and paranoia. Flying, after all, is still the safest way to travel.  With this realization, I expect to travel more from now on, discovering new places here in the Philippines and abroad. Who knows, I might just be approved for a Visa and start touring Europe and U.S. as well (*crossing my fingers*).
• 2. I was able to really backpack. I thought I was already an expert backpacker especially with having done several local provincial trips  with Peter in the past (e.g. Vis-Min trip in 2005: (Part I, Part II, Part III, from DUMAGUETE to BOHOL to SURIGAO to CAMIGUIN   to BUKIDNON to Cagayan de Oro). Well, this belief dissolved when I saw and experienced for myself what  a hardcore backpacker Jem is. I experienced sleeping and taking half baths in airports, I experienced traveling to three countries wearing the same clothes (no more time for vanity and fashion), Peter wasn’t there to carry my stuff nor to spoil me nor cuddle me. I experienced no luxury. I was on my own. We got lost. We talked to several strangers. We walked hundreds of kilometers. We scrimped. We blended with the locals. I got extremely exhausted, etc…etc.. I felt like I was in an Amazing Race and Jem said it wasn’t even extreme backpacking that we did. I am so proud of myself for going through all of that. Now, I feel like there is nothing that I can’t do. I am now more appreciative of all the simple pleasures and blessings that I experience everyday, I am now more in touch with the God and the divine in me and in other people. I am happier and grateful more than ever. Thank you Jem and Peter for encouraging me to do this. I am forever grateful to the both of you.
• 3. After ten long years, I had my hair cut short. No more pig tails, no more dry, sun-damaged hair, no more blow drying and ironing… for the next several months at least. My heart did skip a beat when they finally cut my hair in this posh salon in Kuala Lumpur but it was all worth it. I feel lighter and freer, as if all those baggage I’ve been carrying on and off the past years have been stripped down too. Yay!

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