Mary's Life Chronicles

Rainforest Park Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 07:18:00 +0000

I admit it. I’m not the adventurous type. I have a fear of heights. I’m not good in any sport. To top it all, I’m very clumsy.

Upon looking at a friend’s blog on the newest park in Cebu, I convinced myself to try it out with my high school friends. We arrive on a Thursday afternoon at Rainforest Park located in Panagdait, Mabolo. We availed their one-hour package for P250/head covering 9 rope obstacles. Little did I know that it was the start of the longest HOUR of my life.

group shot

Rope Obstacles:

1) Cargo Net

2) Zig-Zag (Mini Zipline)

3) Burma Bridge

4) Earthquake Bridge

5) Deep Bucket Bridge

6) Wall Climbing

7) Jacob’s Ladder

8) Catwalk Bridge

9) Vines Bridge

The two biggest challenges for me were the earthquake bridge and wall climbing. My knees wobbled and my hands were getting numb already. I was able to finish the earthquake bridge though. Thanks to my ever supportive friends who were cheering on me. As for the wall climbing part, I tried gazillion times to reach the top but was unfortunate enough to fall everytime. Oh well. At least I tried.

I’m still proud of myself and my friends for not skipping any obstacle. Hats off to Vicky for breezing through the rope obstacles and still had enough energy to repeat the other obstacles.

This was truly an awesome park best spent with family and friends.

happy faces

You may check their facebook page by clicking this link - Rainforest Park .

Gumbo - A Taste of New Orleans

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 03:24:00 +0000

My high school friend, Vicky, finally arrived in Manila after a year of working in Saudi Arabia. Since it's a weekday, I rendered a half-day leave in the office just to accompany her before her flight to Cebu in the afternoon. We went to the nearest mall from my place - SM Megamall.

I was trying to check for a new restaurant for us to dine when we chanced upon Gumbo located in SM Megamall Atrium. We were greeted by a girl in a cute head dress and she served us a complimentary loaf of bread while waiting for our order.

They have generous servings of the meals that's totally good for sharing. The food was great and the sea foods in the Jambalaya were fresh. Hats off to Gumbo!

Vicky and I

Seafood Jambalaya (petite)

Roasted Beef Sandwich

ala- Mardi Gras!

Mississippi Mud Pie

Pure heaven. Yum!!!

Moi

Gumbo - A Taste of New Orleans

Mega Atrium
2/L Mega Atrium Bldg.,
SM Mega Mall,
Mandaluyong City Philippines
(+632) 635-3015
(+632) 635-9571

website: http://www.gumbo.com.ph

Mercato Centale Food Trips

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:55:00 +0000

My blogger idol, Anton Diaz, is part of the organizing committee of Mercato Centrale.

That's how I came about discovering this weekend market. So I was really itching to visit this place since it opened but I just couldn't seem to squeeze it in my schedule during weekend. It's located in Taguig City - a place not so accessible to public commuters like me.

So when the time that one of my closest friends in Cebu (who happens to be a pastry chef) told me she'll be staying in Manila for a few days, I confidently volunteered that we try Mercato Centrale. I sent them Mercato's Facebook page link and they seemed to agree with my venue recommendation. True enough, my friends (Aileen and Kazoot) and I were soooo overwhelmed with our first ever Mercato Centrale experience. There were several vendors offering free taste/s and we can't help but try almost all of them. The result? We were almost full when lunchtime came.

Gotta share with you several pics on my first Mercato Centrale visit.

us three (Moi, Aileen and Kazoot)

Mochi ice cream

Gotta love Manang's Chicken..

Rodrigo's Roast

what we hoarded

Creme Brulee.. nom nom nom...

A month after, I went to Mercato Centrale this time with friends from my previous company (IBM). I noticed new booths and discovered new food treats this time. We got our tummies full and bought Dezato mochi ice cream for dessert.

Naj, MJ and Moi

French Macarons @ P35 each. Tempting...

potato lovers, anyone?

with Bleu and MJ

Bagwang meal

Isaw @ P30 per stick

Last May 14, we went to Mercato Centrale with college friends and a traumatic incident happened. I don't really know how it started but it seemed that while we were busily chatting, my friend's laptop bag hidden under the table got stolen. We immediately reported the incident to the security but the 'mysterious guy' is nowhere to be found. It was really a sad day for all of us. Hope this will serve as a lesson to everybody to be extra careful with your valuables when visiting weekend markets.

I'm sooo in love with Mercato Centrale and I can't wait to be back there soon...

xoxo,

Mary

Radisson High

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:06:00 +0000

(photo courtesy by my sister)

I want to make a separate post for my experience at Radisson Blu Hotel (Cebu City). Last December, my family checked in one of their business suites and it was an entirely memorable stay.

This is a fairly new hotel which opened last September 2010. It's highly accessible since it's located right beside SM City Cebu. The interior design was well-planned not to mention the designs were exquisite.

lobby area

a huge Christmas tree in their lobby area

elevator area

very spacious

As soon as we entered their business class premier room, it spelled C-O-M-F-O-R-T. The size is approximately 73 meters. Pretty neat and spacious. Everything is fully carpeted (except the restroom of course). Mounted in the living room and in the bedroom were 37-inch LCD televisions. My bro got to watch sports channel in the living room while my sister and I enjoyed chick flick series in the bedroom. The bathroom area was also totally clean and roomy. Plus it has complete amenities like hair dryer, bath tub etc. They also offer complimentary high speed wireless internet.

Wow, Personalized?

Living Room area

Mom and my bro

Ate, Poy, Moi

Radisson High

Indeed, the hotel boasts high-end amenities which translate to comfort and relaxation.So the next time you're in town, don't forget to check in at Radisson Blu Hotel. For details, visit their site - http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu

xoxo,

Mary

I'm Back to Blogging!

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:51:00 +0000

Wow. It's been a year since I last visited my blog. Really sorry. There were just too many things to juggle - work and home related that I didn't have enough energy to write.

But, looks like I'm back. So expect that I'll be updating my blog as often as possible.

So, what did I do for the last year or so? I'll be giving you some neat stories of what I was up to.

READY? (Warning: Expect a photo heavy post. ooppss.. Sorry)

August 2010 - I, together with my former officemates at IBM, traveled to the City of Smiles (Bacolod City).
It was an awesome trip. We were all excited and giddy to try what they're known for -delish food. And we were not disappointed. I finally tried the famous Calea cake and chicken inasal. Boy, it was totally worth every penny. Aside from food-tripping, we stayed overnight in one of their white sand resorts. Totally relaxing. See some of our pics below.

Yummy... Chicken Inasal

The gang @ Mambukal Resort

Calea Cake - a must-try

Tried ziplining...

BEACH

September 2010 - Booked myself a flight to my hometown, Cebu City. Got to bond with my high school and college friends. Spent a few days with my family as well. It was a short vacation but it's always good to be home.

with my high school besties

with my high school roommates

College friends

October 2010 - Back in college, I was part of a clique called APA (short for guapa 'beautiful). Because a few hours of catching up with each other were never really enough, we envision that a vacation trip (outside Cebu) would be perfect to bond again. This year marks the beginning of the many more trips to come. Our destination? CARAMOAN ISLAND, CAMARINES SUR. We didn't mind the 12 hour road and boat rides. When we got there, it was breathtaking. Indeed, it was a perfect venue to celebrate almost a decade of friendship.

Before - college pic ; After - Taken during our Caramoan trip (Notice one of our friends, George, was not able to join so her pic was just placed in the center :D)

Our mala-Survivor shot

jump shot

awwwww..

These gals are the best!

@ Lago del Rey, CWC

HAPPY faces

December 2010 - Spent Christmas in Cebu. We checked in at Radisson Blu Hotel on the 23rd and I fell in love with this new hotel. Great customer service, spacious room, excellent wifi connection. I got to also have bonding moment with my girlfriends. A memorable way of ending year 2010 ^_^

Mom and our baby bro

Facebooking :p

living room area

jump shot in bed

lobby area

Ate, bro, moi

spending Christmas day with my APA girlfriends

with Ate - adopted member of APA

with high school friends

Til next...

xoxo,

Mary

Family time @ Costabella Tropical Hotel (Mactan Island, Cebu)

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 03:26:00 +0000

The following day after my mom's birthday, we checked out from the hotel and immediately headed to Costabella Tropical Hotel in Mactan, Cebu.

We just availed the day tour package priced at Php 595 (net) / person which includes buffet lunch (on Sundays) and the use of their swimming facilities. Super sulit, right?

Look at the fabulous dishes they have:

fried squid with chilli

assorted sushi

bacon carbonara

lechon manok

grilled squid

grilled pork ribs

Noodles station

blueberry trifle

bibingka

mango cake

happy for the overwhelming lunch escapade

Next Stop: swimming

the Hotel

Mama taking a pose

For sun protection

pool area

the beach

It was really worth spending time with my family at Costabella. Super fun fun fun... Sa uulitin ♥

xoxo,

Mary

Mama's birthday @ Waterfront Hotel Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:04:00 +0000

I know. This is a long overdue post. My apologies...It's just that we moved to a new office location and there were so many things to do during the transition. You guys, listen up. It's official. I'm now an Ortigas girl. (^_^)

Moving on, I had the grandest time in my life when I went home last June 3rd for my mom's birthday.

♥ The celebrant ♥

It was a worthwhile vacation because most of my time was spent with the people I love - my family. Definitely, a lot of catching up stories were being exchanged. We spent the night at Waterfront Hotel's Executive Suite room and it was pure heaven.

the hotel

inside our room with my lil brother

Would you surf the net here at P160++ per hour?

Mama @ the dining area

the bed

Ate

us three

the suite has two restrooms.. pretty neat, huh?

Indeed, Waterfront Hotel's amenities is world-class and we definitely enjoyed our stay.

Will spend the weekend in my Hometown ^_^

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 07:20:00 +0000

(photo taken from the Island Souvenirs Facebook page)

I can't wait to go home. In five hours time, I'l be boarding my flight to my beloved hometown, Cebu City. I terribly miss my family and since it's my mom's birthday tomorrow, I will be paying her a visit to surprise her. When I get back from my vacation, expect that I'll be filling this site with beautiful pictures from the queen city of the south. Gotta go now. Have to pack up my things..

P.S. I'm also excited to get my very own I ♥ Cebu shirt. Truly, I'm proud to be a CEBUANA ♥

xoxo,
Mary (aka South)

My very first winning!

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:52:00 +0000

I have been joining online promos from different sites for awhile now but I never won anything... not until Spot.ph announced I was one of the winners for their Losers Movie promo.

Indeed, being patient pays off. I'm now up to join more contests. Keep them coming, baby!lol♥

Finally! My 7-11 GULP GCs...

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Thu, 27 May 2010 05:27:00 +0000

Last April 19, I registered and received confirmartion for winning five 7-11 GULP GCs in the GULP your Candidate Promo. Delivery of said GCs will take 4-5 days. So, I waited. But it didn't arrive in the mail... until last Friday (May 21). It took one month for the GCs to arrive. I was happy still.. Who doesn't love to receive freebies? I went to the nearest 7-11 store and have them exchanged. Perfect drink this summer. It's better late than NEVER. lol ♥

I was already sipping the 5th cup while taking this pic. ^_^

Cosmo.ph's Fun Fearless Female Grand Eyeball 2010

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Sun, 23 May 2010 04:06:00 +0000

I got an unexpected call from Summit Media last May 18 inviting me to Cosmo's Grand Eyeball party scheduled the day after. I excitedly said YES in a heartbeat. The rest of the message came as a blur to me. I was already busy daydreaming how fun it would be to meet my fellow Cosmo sisses and of course, the outstanding Cosmo team.

I, together with fellow Cosmo chick sis Fairy, hurriedly went to the place after we met at Robinson's Pioneer. Set at the Fuel Bar in The Fort, the place was perfect for partying and some girl bonding. We arrived late but the fun was just starting. There were several games in store for us and they even invited the Cosmo's Summer Studs to join in the fun. I got a chance to dance and bond with the rest of the Cosmo's lucky active users.

with sis Fairy on our way to the venue

taken from sis Sherlyn's cam

drinks, anyone?

the Cosmo sisses

Cosmo's Summer Studs Joseph Boustani, Bryann Foronda, Adam Ibrahim,and Michael Acuna

Hats off to the Cosmo team for a well-celebrated Eyeball party. They were the nicest. And did I already mention that it's unlimited free food and drinks? We even got goodie bags from the Cosmo team. It was definitely a fun Wednesday night. I'm a Cosmo chick, so proud to be one! ♥

Goodies..goodies..goodies..

Check the Cosmo site for more awesome pics. http://www.cosmo.ph/
Want to experience the fun and exciting life of being a Cosmo chick? Register and become a member by clicking this link: http://www.cosmo.ph/beamember/

I got TAGGED!

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Thu, 20 May 2010 01:57:00 +0000

Em of My Fingers are Typing tagged me to answer these fun 50 questions. I was ecstatic to answer all of them that I finished it in less than 30 minutes. Again, thanks Em. It was so sweet of you.

1. What time did you get up this morning?

6:40 and I was late for work. Bummer. I could faintly hear the alarm sound. Tsk.tsk.

2. How do you like your steak?

well done, of course ;p

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

Honestly? I can’t remember na..

4. What is your favorite TV show?

Ellen, Showtime, Glee, Friday Night Lights, How I Met your Mother

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

United Kingdom, baby ♥

6. What did you have for breakfast?

Ham, skinless longganisa, lomi soup, fried rice

7. What is your favorite cuisine?

Asian (Filipino, Chinese, Indian etc) and American

8. What foods do you dislike?

Okra and catfish (hito)

9. Favorite place to eat?

Bigby’s, Pho Hua Vietnamese Noodle House, Red Ribbon, Max’s, Superbowl of China

10. Favorite dressing?

Caesar

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive?

I don’t drive either.

12. What are your favorite clothes?

Shorts, leggings, comfy dresses, eye-catching top

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?

I want to visit the Bahamas Islands and go home (Cebu) as often as I can. I’d love to go to CDO(white water rafting), Camiguin(the beach and the Sunken cemetery) and Camsur (Wakeboarding). I want to visit Singapore, Paris, Rome and explore UK.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?

Always half full… That’s the spirit :D

15. Where would you want to retire?

No exact destination in mind yet

16. Favorite time of day?

After shift. lol

17. Where were you born?

Cebu City, Philippines

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Volleyball, I guess

19. Who do you think will not tag you back?

IDK

20. Person you expect to tag you back first?

Can I take a wild guess? Someone who’s online right now. :D

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?

Everyone , of course.

22. Birdwatcher?

Not really

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Definitely, a morning person :D I can’t stay too long at night. I’d doze off before you know it.

24. Do you have any pets?

Nope.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?

I got invited to Cosmo’s Grand Eyeball party last night. T’was super fun and I finally met the Cosmo team and the other Cosmo sisses (yey). Will definitely write about it.

26. What did you want to be when you were little?

I wanted to become a model or a surgeon. None of that came to reality. lol

27. What is your best childhood memory?

Hide and seek with my siblings and cousins, patintero, first crushes, wearing my aunt’s high-heeled shoes while modeling in front of the mirror, playing fake money with my sis – imitating the cashiers in supermarkets/malls (we had an improvised cash register for that purpose too)

28. Are you a cat or dog person?

neither

29. Are you married?

nope

30. Always wear your seat belt?

uhuh

31. Been in a car accident?

nope

32. Any pet peeves?

Oh yeah. People yelling at each other when they’re just a few meters away, men riding in jeepneys who can comfortably sit with their legs spreading apart even if someone on the other end of the row can barely take a seat, barbaric people

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?

Bacon + shrimps

34. Favorite Flower?

lilies

35. Favorite ice cream?

Double dutch. I’m now craving for one.

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?

KFC, jollibee

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?

Once. I’ll take another test when I’m brave enough to do it.

38. From whom did you get your last email?

From my boss – some other tasks to do

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

Does 168 mall accept credit card? lol

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?

yep

41. Like your job?

kinda

42. Broccoli?

So - so... I prefer cauliflower though (even if they look just the same). lol

43. What was your favorite vacation?

My home-sweet-home vacation in Cebu (quality time spent with my family… Priceless :D)

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?

With my partner

45. What are you listening to right now?

My officemate’s lappie is playing some videos from youtube.

46. What is your favorite color?

Green, purple, yellow

47. How many tattoos do you have?

none

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz?

IDK yet

49. What time did you finish this quiz?

9:25 am

50. Coffee drinker?

Nope

There you go. So now, I’m passing this to the lovely bloggers:

Mojita_yanipot

Grace

Expanding Territories

Marose

Please comment on this post with your link so I can check your answers out. TIA♥

xoxo,

Mary a.k.a South

Things to Ponder

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Tue, 18 May 2010 06:35:00 +0000

photo from Sweet Nostalgia

photo from Pounding Hearbeat

photo from Equilibrium World

photo from Mega Life Quotes

photo from Pounding Heartbeat

photo from Sweet Nostalgia

photo from Pounding Heartbeat

photo from Beth's blog

photo from The Fox Rocks

photo from Pounding Heartbeat

photo from Sweet Nostalgia

photo from Pounding Heartbeat

Hair and What Not...

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Wed, 12 May 2010 04:33:00 +0000

I naturally have wavy hair which I have trouble managing. When the world of hair rebonding is introduced, I was one of the first few who joined in the flock. After all, I did need help. True enough, I got the straightest, easy-to-manage hair that I longed for which lasted for about 4-6 months.

But it’s not an easy road after that. I still find my hair dull and dry. My hair has those annoying frizzy strands. I have tried several brands to maintain the smoothness of my rebonded hair and it was a trial and error process.

Finally, I discovered a great product which is worth sharing. Actually, it was my sister who recommended me to try Human Nature’s hair styling cream and boy, I was amazed by it. It works like magic. It has light to medium hold and doesn’t leave any residue. It got a nice smell and for P84.75 ($1.88), it’s definitely a great bargain. Plus, all ingredients are organic. My hair became manageable and frizz-free. Thank God, no more bad hair day for me.

Go to human♥nature's website: http://humanheartnature.com

See my Before and After pictures below:

BEFORE

My natural wavy hair

dry, dull hair

AFTER

more manageable hair

Just recently, I made a bold move of cutting my hair short. Which hairstyle do you think is better for me?

xoxo,

Mary (a.k.a South)

For you, Mom

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Sat, 08 May 2010 10:36:00 +0000

To the most caring woman I've ever known...

Thank you for nurturing us with your love.

Thank you for the unwavering patience and never - ending support.

You have been my ROCK for the past 24 years of my life.

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH, MAMA!

HAPPY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

From

Emz,Yan and Poy

Free Gulp GC from 7-Eleven

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 06:50:00 +0000

Vote for your candidate and get gift certificates from 7-Eleven for a FREE 16oz Gulp!

All you have to do is register. Register here. After you register, expect to receive a message and confirm it by clicking the link to validate your registration. You will receive another message confirming if you are one of the first 500 to register.

The first 500 registrants within the week will get the coupon. You will receive the GC within 4 to 5 days after registration.

The promo will run until May 2, 2010.

Hurry, register now. To register, visit the site.

Share thy Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:46:00 +0000

I spent most of my weekends doing chores. Since I don't have my parents here that I can rely on, I basically do all the household chores (with the help of my partner, of course). It's not that I'm complaining though. I have been very vocal with my desire to be independent. And I'm proud to say that I've been doing that for the last 3 years now.

So while I was cleaning my cabinet, I noticed that there are several clothes that I no longer use. Some of them were even used once or twice. And then it struck me...Why not donate them? I realized that instead of them being stuck inside the cabinet occupying so much space, it would be better if someone can use them. My partner then remembered that there's a donation box in our church for Caritas Manila.

So we hurriedly packed all the clothes that I no longer wear. And in no time, we went to the church and donated them to Caritas. It was a worthwhile experience. We were blessed so much and we were grateful to share some of them to the needy. It was definitely rewarding.

xoxo,

Mary a.k.a. South

Oh, yeah

noreply@blogger.com (mary) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:51:00 +0000

I have always wanted to start my own blog but I just didn’t have the time to do it. Since I was working on a night shift for the last 2 1/2 years, I was using my rest days to simply get my well-deserved sleep. Well, occasionally though I hang out with a couple of friends but I just didn’t see myself doing my very own blog soon. Good thing I resigned from my job and finally got my long lost dream- an office day job.

Let me share with you a few facts about me:

* I’m 24 years old; Cebuana (born and raised in the queen city of the south) but I’ve been working here in Manila for 3 years now

* I’m the middle child in the family. I have an elder sister who I deeply respect and I have a younger brother who is a proud Dota addict.

* I'm very much in love. I met my partner here in Manila and we just celebrated our first anniversary two weeks ago.

* I frequently travel to Cebu to bond with my family. I always anticipate and book flights to Cebu whenever CebuPacific announces their low fare promo. (saves me a lot.lol)

* I'm addicted to freebies... (I guess I'm not alone)

So there.. That’s all of me.. This is my very first post. Scratch the first list in my new year’s resolution. lol. Till then..

XoXo,

Mary a.k.a South