I love hotpink.

Boracay 2011

2011-11-30T14:14:00.000+08:00

Date of Visit: November 27 - 29, 2011

Hotel: Boracay Regency Hotel, Station 2

Airport: Kalibo International Airport

For my first trip since I gave birth, we decided to be at Boracay and at Boracay Regency Hotel. The original plan was to bring our 6-month old son and my MIL (mother-in-law). We ended up enjoying Boracay. It was fun to bring my MIL to Boracay as it's her first time to ride a plane and be at Boracay. :)

I'm so glad Boracay Regency gave us a big discount as we are returning guests. Funny lang because our room before was 362 and now is 262. haha.

What's new with Bora? A lot. But I'm not fond of the glass bottom boat, helmet diving, and ATV. I'm a snorkeling and beach-addict person. I was disappointed with the Crocodile Island as the corals have been damaged already due to the storm. In addition, super lakas ng alon so we were not able to step on the Puka Beach and at the Shangrila. My best part of Boracay was the sail boat. It was so peaceful. D'Mall has also expanded.

Boracay Regency has expanded also. They have 2 new additional restaurants and 2 more beach resorts in Boracay. Their buffet breakfast still met our standards.

As I've mentioned to my husband, there are 2 things that we should no longer do when we visit Boracay. 1) Our island hopping shall be our last at Boracay. 2) It shall be our first and last travel to Boracay via the Kalibo International Airport. Good thing we did not bring our son. It took us almost 3 hours of travel. Our 1st and last day were mostly spent traveling. :(

Next time we go to Boracay, we'll surely check-in at Boracay Regency Hotel.

Uber Sad Love Songs

2011-11-06T22:36:00.004+08:00

Aside from upbeat and danceable songs, I'm also into sad and pathetic love songs. If you just been ditched by your special someone, these might help you release that "one last cry". Here are my choices. (Note: I'm a Mariah Carey fan so she has more entries.)

Broken By You - Jordan Knight
How Do You Heal a Broken Heart - Chris Walker
I'll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me
One Last Cry - Brian McKnight
Against All Odds - Mariah Carey / Phil Collins
Separate Lives - Phil Collins
Love Takes Time - Mariah Carey
Almost Over You - Sheena Easton
Blue Eyes Blue - Eric Clapton
On Bended Knee - Boyz II Men
Broken Vow - Josh Groban
Can't Let Go - Mariah Carey
All at Once - Whitney Houston
Crave - Marc Dorsey
Without You
Exchange of Hearts - David Slater
First Love - Utada Hikaru
How Do I Deal Withou You - Frankie J
I Miss You - Klymaxx
She's Out Of My Life - Michael Jackson / Josh Groban
There's No Easy Way - James Ingram
Shoulda Woulda Coulda - Beverly Knight
We Belong Together - Mariah Carey
When It Was Me - Paula DeAnda

Filipino Artists/Songs:

Kahit Isang Saglit - Martin Nievera
Till My Heartaches Eng - Ella Mae Saison

Kahit Sandali - Jennylyn Mercado
Bakit Pa Ba? - Jay-R
Before I Let You Go - Freestyle
Bakit Iniwan Na - Freestyle
I Need You Back
Di Lang Ikaw - Juris
Half Crazy - Freestyle
One More Chance - Piolo Pascual
Nanghihinayang - Jeremiah
Pagbigyan Muli - Erik Santos
Paglisan - Color it Red
Pain In My Heart - Second Wind
Sa Isip Ko - Agot Isidro
Same Ground - Kitchie Nadal

Top Songs that Helped Me Get Over Someone

2011-11-06T22:20:00.000+08:00

Some songs are bitter but, hey, it really helps ease the pain. I'm a Mariah Carey fan so most songs are from her.

Fighter - Christina Aguilera
Someday - Mariah Carey
Doin' Just Fine - Boyz II Men
Through the Rain - Mariah Carey
Win - Brian McKnight
Irreplaceable - Beyonce
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfiled
I Don't Wanna be Your Friend - Nina
Over It - Katherine McPhee
So Sick - Ne-Yo
I'm Not Missing You - Stacey Orrico
Up Out My Face - Mariah Carey
Malaya Ka Na (Filipino) - Lani Misalucha

1st time: Attending a kiddie birthday party

2011-11-05T22:05:00.000+08:00

And here's another first of the firsts experiences of motherhood...

We just came from a 6-year-old birthday party of my son's cousin. There, he met more relatives and more children. I like Elcid seeing other kids as he's the only child in the house (I am the only married child and my son is the first grandchild). I just noticed that he likes seeing young boys as compared to girls. He "bikes" and becomes excited when he sees them.

It was also the first time that Elcid traveled at night. He likes the light from the other cars and does not want to be on his car seat.

Elcid is really behaved. He is not picky of who will carry him. He smiles when you talk to him. Not the baby talk but the adult talk. These make him even cuter and more lovable. I am really fond of Elcid. :) I love you, Elcid!

Movies, Series & Teleseryes that I will never get tired of watching

2011-11-01T21:04:00.001+08:00

There are movies that I really liked but there are some which I find myself watching it for more than 10 times. Even though I've almost memorized their lines and stories, I still finish the movie.

These are the movies that made in my list. I swear I watched them more than 40x already.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith - Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. I love her and her movies.
Notting Hill - Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant
The Last Samurai - Tom Cruise
Captain America: The First Avenger - Chris Evans
The Blind Side - Sandra Bullock
Freedom Writers - Hilary Swank
Miss Congeniality 1 - Sandra Bullock
A Walk in the Clouds - Keanu Reeves
Sex & The City 1 and 2 - Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon
Step Up 1 and 2
V for Vendetta - Natalie Portman
Bridget Jones' Diary - Renee Zellwegger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant
The Brave One - Jodie Foster
Taken - Liam Neeson
Burlesque - Cher and Christina Aguilera

Then, there are the series...

Sex & The City
Grey's Anatomy
Glee

Of course, I also watched teleseryes..

Meteor Garden
Princess Hours (Korea)
Lovers in Paris (Korea)

1st Time Halloween Experience

2011-11-01T20:22:00.001+08:00

Though I had organized family days during my early HR days, I was never fond of kiddie-related parties like magic shows, birthday parties, field trips, clowns, etc. But then, I became a mother! Haha.. It took me almost a month finding that costume for my 5-month old son. Gosh, it's so difficult. I searched online and at the malls. I opted for a non-scary costume so I can reuse it later. My choices were cowboy, Mickey Mouse, or Flintstone. Good thing I found a cow costume for a toddler, which was a perfect fit for my uber healthy/chubby baby.

No matter how simple the program was, I am happy to say that I did enjoy it. Simply because I'm a mother. :)

Belle de Jour Power Planner - Definitely A Must Have

2011-10-22T17:26:00.000+08:00

I'm not a "planner/organizer"-kind-of-gal but when a friend encouraged me to buy the Belle de Jour (BDJ) Power Planner, I got hooked. For 3 consecutive years, I purchased BDJ through their website -- belledejourpowerplanner.com. Yesterday, I got the 2012 BDJ Planner.

What do I like about this planner?

I got lot of stuff going on at work and in my personal life. BDJ has helped me prioritized and accomplished more tasks at work while doing my personal things. I find myself not harassed nor struggling to perform all of these. I used to list my to do's at work every morning and not accomplishing them at the end of the day due to daily transactions and more important work to do. But with BDJ, I was able to prioritize and just create a realistic list daily, weekly, and monthly. At the end of the day, I'm more relaxed. It helps that I see them in my planner/calendar, which makes me see that I have more time to accomplish them.
It's a notebook and planner at the same time. I use to scribble quotes, stuff to do, buy, and check, track finances and menstrual period, birthdates and important dates/schedules, and all other notes and information -- both work and personal.
I still keep my 2009 and 2010 planner because of some notes. I transfer some items to my 2011 BDJ Planner.
The planner is not boring. It's colorful and girly inside and out. I could actually say that the planner is so me. I guess you could really appreciate it if you have the same personality/character as the BDJ Planner. I gave 1 as a gift to my husband's cousin. She is just as girly and colorful as me and she really liked it. She even asked another 1 as a gift the following year. :)
It has discount coupons which you can use and this year, they introduced a BDJ discount card. I was able to appreciate it when I bought dresses in one of my favorite shops and I got 25% discount!

Kudos to the creator of BDJ! You may check their website for more details of this amazing planner. BDJ Planner is definitely a must have for me.

Personal Experience as a College Professor

2011-10-21T23:06:00.001+08:00

Some time ago, I was invited to teach HR courses in a prestigious university. The chairperson's vision was to bring the corporate HR values and reality to the university's HR students. HR Practitioners were asked to teach HR theories and, at the same time, to prepare the students to the real HR world. It was an interesting offer. I've been doing this since I started working but for my OJTs only. I have never tried applying this for more than 3 students.

Before I share my learning, observations, and personal insights, let me give you my background as a college student, particularly during my junior and senior years. I have, if not the best, been one of the best students. I had no struggles working on assignments, reviewing for exams, and doing research. I rarely absent myself in class. Call me nerd, but I was not. I was a member of dance and theater/art organizations and had performed in college and university-wide activities. I also tutored some of my friends in math-related subjects. I can say I had fun in college.

So here goes:

When I stand in the professor's platform, I can hear students' conversation even the buzzes. I can compare it to a moviehouse before a movie starts and trailers are not yet played. I can clearly see who are texting, and not paying attention in class. It's also obvious when a student is clueless during class. I can even count the times and the duration of each time. I may be busy talking and writing on the board but I am aware of my surroundings. I don't know if this has something to do with the elevated platform or with my presentation skills, but I can only attribute these to the platform.
Junior students looked so "nene" and "totoy" as compared to my senior class. I can only attribute this to OJT experience as the former have not taken their OJT yet.
I am a trained recruiter and I have more than 9 years of experience in interviewing and placement. Attitude plays an important role in becoming successful and I can already pinpoint in class who are more likely to succeed in their careers.
One needs patience, understanding, and flexibility to teach.
Generation Y is really something. They voice their thoughts and opinions. Yes, they are more confident but they are more aggressive than the previous generations. They know what they want and they expect to have it NOW. So for those who will hire them, be prepared!
Faculty rooms are so big. There's a conference room, a powder room, and very clean comfort rooms. And just like a workplace and any society, there are groups, politics, and relationships. Groups of young faculty, old faculty, young & hip faculty, fun faculty, etc.
Have you experienced during college when university employees were not nice and "masungit"? Ahhh, I was a professor and all of them were so nice and accommodating to me. These even include employees from the library. Student assistants were more than nice.
Tuition fees were OMG! For teachers, give the students quality. For the management who will hire teachers, get good ones. However, this is in conflict with the compensation in teaching (see below).
My salary was just average. I was informed that it depends on the experience, tenure and levels. I actually do not mind the salary as I was after the experience. But hey, if you think of the work, the effort, and the behavior that a professor performs/exhibit/gives to teach students, then they are not compensated enough. Teaching is a calling. Money is not enough to be a motivation to teach. So be nice to your teachers. Kudos to all teachers out there.
Teaching made me reflect on where I should enroll my child when he starts schooling. The name nor the tuition fee of a school is not enough. I should be able to check the program, profile of facuty, and profile of graduates.
It helps to be a strict and a terror teacher. I think, and I was also advised by my former professors, that this is the recommended style for Generation Y students. Though, I did not do the last one.
I had a 3-hour class so if the students are hungry and thirsty, so am I!
I believe that the person is responsible for his/her own success. Whether there is a teacher or someone superior, it is a person's determination and behavior that makes him/her successful. However, there are some who need guidance and mentoring to be successful. This is where teachers come in. They must be able to create or offer an environment/experience that will enable one's abilities and competencies to develop or to come out. One must be open to learning and criticisms to be successful. I believe lecturing is not enough. (Sounds familiar? It's just like a workplace/corporate organization.)

Do I want to teach again? Yes. Competition is tough outside school and if I can help students to gain advantage, I will.

Help pass on skills to survive culture and corporate world.

Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City

2011-10-21T22:40:00.001+08:00

Date of visit: October 2011

I attended a 3-day conference at Cagayan de Oro. Before I finalized my packing, I checked the hotel's website first. Our travel agent booked us here so I have no idea how much they paid for my stay. The hotel was near the Limketkai Mall, where our conference will be held.

Upon arrival at their lobby, I got disappointed. On my right was the waiting area and 3-5 steps forward is the reception. Another 3 step is their dining area. I let this pass as I was not in Manila.

We were given a room at the 4th floor. There was a smell in the hallway. It smelled like a cafeteria.

Our room was spacious. There were twin beds, AC, personal ref, a Samsung LCD TV (cable is Sky), cabinet, an office desk and a powder area. Their comfort room has a bath tub and a shower. There were 2 windows in the room but the view was not nice (houses with rusty roof tops). Lighting is not good in the comfort room.

The TV remote control was not working on the first day. After our first 2 hours, we experienced a brownout for 10minutes, i.e. no electrical power at all. There were no complimentary water given and bar. When you shower, water drips at the floor through the shower curtain. No blower in the room and no blower to rent. Blowers are only provided in their suite rooms. The worst part was there was no hot shower. This is the most frustrating part as I only shower in warm water. Aside from this, water smelled off.

Breakfast varied per day. There was always 2 choices, i.e. beef tapa or ham & eggs. I opted to eat lunches and dinners in my room. Food, though, tasted good. It's good for 2-3 persons at a reasonable price. I just asked for a pitcher of water and bucket of ice.

Airport transfer was also provided. The van is new and spacious.

Wifi is only available in the dining area but it was not fast enough. I just had 2 bars on my iPad. Printing service is made available from 8am to 6pm at P5.00 per page.

The 48th PMAP Conference (Oct 12-14, 2011)

2011-10-16T23:25:00.000+08:00

I was alone for 2 days at the conference. My colleague went home after the first day due to an emergency. But I did not let this affect my participation/attendance to the sessions in the conference.

The 2nd day sessions were worth attending to. On the 3rd day, I was the early bird, which was highlighted at the start of the program. I should've confessed that the reason why I was early because I was blogging. Haha.. I needed the ambiance. In fact, I was able to finish 3 blogs.

Aside from increasing my network, my purpose in attending PMAP Conference has been to learn best practices and get new insights/trends.

In Jobstreet's poll survery, 58% percent of their respondents said that they applied after seeing a relevant job advertisement online even if they are not actively looking for a job.
In the said poll survey:

Online job portal is the top preference of job seekers.
Job alerts by email is the top driver for job applications.
The top concern of applicants is the lack of feedback on their job applications.

A major concern right now is leadership maturity. In a normal corporate scenario, one ascends to higher position as he/she stays in the company. Maturity = Experiences. However, we have a different scenario now. One can manage a team upon college graduation. According to the FGD that PMAP conducted, the competencies for management maturity are: character, self-mastery, collaboration, execution, results, orientation, business acumen, strategic thinking & visioning, and systems thinking. These are at par with the findings of research studies. During the PMAP session, it was agreed by the panel and audience that the indicators of potential or willingness to grow in maturity are reflection of past experiences and openness to feedback. ( I did love this session!)
The major focus of corporations, leaders, and workers is preparing the Philippines for the effects of globalization. Simple ways of doing this are using LED lights, removing the plugs from the outlets even when not in use, not using the yellow bulbs, and using the rain as alternative water.
One of the most important role of HR is cultivating leaders.
I've heard and seen studies on the mismatch of skills of graduates with the requirements of organizations. I have to see the research that DOLE conducted. NSO provided statistics on the mismatch.
Technology is important in business. But one has to think whether you allow technology to drive your business or use technology in doing your business.

My Own Version of Resume Writing

2011-10-08T15:26:00.001+08:00

I'm not an expert in my field but I've been doing recruitment for almost 10 years. Here's my version of resume writing tips.

Place your educational background in the first page especially if you are a fresh graduate. However, I do not mind this if you are already experienced (i.e. more than 10 years work experience) and if your education is not relevant to the career you are into (i.e. You are an IT graduate but you are in finance & accounting).
Indicate in your education if it's a bachelor's degree or not (i.e. BS Electrical Engineer or Diploma in Computer Programming). It would be better if you also indicate the covered period (i.e. 1998-2002).
If you have a license (PRC license, certification in Cisco, Microsoft, project manegement, etc.), place this beside your name or in the first page of your resume.
Place your contact details in the first page. I would recommend below your name.
If you have more than 5 years work experience in the same function/field, provide a summary of your qualifications on the first page. This way, the one screening your resume will just check this portion before going through your resume.
Indicate the covered period of each employment (i.e. July 2002 - January 2006).
Be grammatically correct.
If you are a fresh graduate or have below 3-4 years work experience, try to have a 1 page resume only.
If you are a skilled professional (i.e. writer, artist), always carry a sample of your work. You might never know when this is needed. At least, you already have it.
Avoid scented resume, resume printed in colored paper, and resume not printed in a letter-sized paper (i.e. booklet style, CD).
If you are to provide a picture, have yours taken in a studio. I have experienced seeing cut out pictures from a group picture (with another's arm placed on the applicant's shoulder) and from a swimming pool!
If you are to provide a picture, choose one that resembles you. No childhood, single, slim pictures. You might end up frustrating the interviewer when s/he sees you.
Highlight your achievements and summarize your deliverables. Job description may also do but I prefer competencies.
No need to place personal information such as your birthdate, religion, spouse/parent-related information, birthplace, etc. This way you prevent recruiters from subjectivity issues. We do not have an equal opportunity law but I'm an advocate of one. In addition, it also adds to your resume space.
Be mindful of your spaces. If you can limit your resume from1-2 pages, please do.
Font size should not be that small. Some find it hard to read if it's too small or too big.
Sometimes, presentation matters so avoid photocopied resumes. Some want their resumes enclosed in a folder.
Always have an application letter prepared.
Always have a comprehensive resume.
You can always customize your resume depending on the position you are applying for.
Do update your resume as needed.

Happy resume writing!

-as of 10.2011

Batangas Beach Resorts

2011-10-08T14:25:00.000+08:00

One part of my work has been preparing for corporate company outing. Ik find it difficult to search for blogs for this kind of event. This blog is a collection of Batangas beach resorts that I've been into. Hopefully, this will help those who, like me, have been tasked to handle company outings. Some are just ocular visits while some were actual venues for the outing. I encouraged you to visit their website also.

Eagle Point Resort, Mabini, Batangas

Date of Visits: February 2007, May 2007 and February 2011

Facilities/Amenities: 2 adult swimming pools, children's pool, pool slide, saltwater pool with mini sharks, diving spot, Sepoc Island, recreation center, eagle sanctuary, butterfly garden
Can accommodate: more than 100 pax
Beach: at Resort - with pebbles; good for diving and snorkeling; Sepoc Island - white sand; good for snorkeling

The first time I visited Eagle Point, I was in awe. "Wow!" Great view at the dining area. More "wows" for me as I toured the resort. This resort is also a hotel and in AAA category so expect hotel-like rooms and service. Of all the resorts I've seen, this is my favorite venue for an outing. They have 2 rooms which have a mezzanine and can occupy 7 persons. All rooms have balconies facing the beach.

I do love their saltwater pool as there were at least 10 mini-seaweed-eater sharks swimming in them (Note: For those women out there who have their monthly period, it's ok to swim as they only eat seaweeds.) Because of their Sepoc Island, I started being into snorkeling. The newest additions to their facilities are the dining area and an adult swimming pool located at the far end of the resort. One can opt to have this area exclusive to you. You can also extend the use of the pool but with no lifeguard. But then, who need lifeguard when it's only 4-5 ft deep.

The only thing that may turn others off is the way going to this resort. Travel time will take you 4-5 hours including traffic. When you have reached that point where it seems that there are no more resorts along the way, you are very near Eagle Point. :) Then upon arrival at the resort, there's a shuttle that will take you to the lobby, about 5-minute ride. I can describe it as "maraming paliko, matarik, and makitid". But it's safe as they have not yet experienced any accident on the road.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 5
Food - 5
Rooms/Accommodation - 5
Service - 5

Club Balai Isabel, Talisay

Date of Visit: February 2011
Can accommodate: more than 100 pax
Beach: none

This resort gained more popularity since Oyo & Kristin's wedding. Aside from their single/double occupancy rooms, they have villas with kitchen which can accommodate big groups per room. Garden is well-landscaped. Their pool is enormous. :) Dining area is small but they offer outdoor dining overlooking the Taal Volcano.

This is in Talisay so definitely no beach but have access to Taal Lake. Thus they offer ride/trip to Taal Volcano.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 5
Food - NA
Rooms/Accommodation - 5
Service - NA, though they were accommodating when I was inquiring on the rates and had an ocular visit.

Beach Resorts in San Juan

Acuatico Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan

Date of visit: February 2009

Can accommodate: 50 pax

What you see in the website is for real -- pool, architecture of their villas. However, they can only occupy 50 pax at that time. Thus, not ideal, for big groups.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 5
Food - NA
Rooms/Accommodation - I wasn't able to take a peek as they were fully-booked.
Service - NA.

Blue Coral Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan

Date of visit: February 10, 2009

Can accommodate: no info

This is one of the resorts in Laiya that has a swimming pool. I just passed by this resort. Their pool is so small.

La Luz Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan

Date of visit: February 2009

Can accommodate: more than 100 pax

This is located at the far end of Laiya beach. It has beach cabanas along the shore where one can have massage. Rooms are spacious enough. No swimming pool. And they can occupy more than 100 pax.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 3
Food - NA. But they offered us welcome drinks upon arrival.
Rooms/Accommodation - 4
Service - NA.

Sabangan Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan

Date of visit: February 2009

Can accommodate: less than 100 pax

This resort also has no pool. Accommodations are villas thus some can accommodate big groups per room.

Virgin Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan

Date of visit: February 2009

Can accommodate: less than 100 pax

I have only visited this resort once but when I saw the movie "Here Comes the Bride", I immediately recognized the resort. Accommodation in this resort are in villas and can occupy an average of 4 pax per room. As with the other resorts in Laiya, this one has no swimming pool also.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 3
Food - NA
Rooms/Accommodation - 5
Service - NA

Palm Beach Resort, Hugom, San Juan

Date of visit: February 2011

Can accommodate: less than 120 pax

Still within the Laiya beach, one has to go up before you reach this resort. The road is not good at all. There was some construction going on. I read a review before about this but I thought it's finished as it's been more than 1 year already. Once you've reached the entrance, you have to go down the stairs. The resort is the website does not match the actual site.

The rooms and the pool are on opposite ends. There was also a chapel beside the pool. Pool is closed when there's a mass.The rooms are nice. The pool is big but has no trees nor umbrellas so imagine the sunburn you'll get when you swim. The dining area is also small.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 3
Food - NA
Rooms/Accommodation - 4
Service - I had a scheduled ocular inspection but when I got there, it took a long while for us to tour the resort.

Canyon Cove Resort, Nasugbu, Batangas

Date of visit: February 2009 and April 2010

Can accommodate: more than 100 pax
Beach: white with brown sand; no fishes.

The pictures in the website are real. They have an enormous pool with coconut trees. The other pool is exclusive to its members. According to their sales, they can accommodate more than a hundred. If I'm not mistaken, even more than 500. They have enough space. So just imagine if there are more than 500 pax in the resort.. It's so crowded.

Sorry but the service is worse. Rooms are ok but not all rooms.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 4
Food -1
Rooms/Accommodation - 3
Service - 1

Dive Solana, Anilao

Date of visit: February 2008

Can accommodate: 50 pax
Beach: same with Eagle Point; with pebbles

I can only describe this place as great for relaxing and unwinding. Even the sea is calming. But to go there, we had to climb more than a hundred steps! Whew! But it's worth the climb.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 5
Food - NA
Rooms/Accommodation - 5
Service - NA. But they were all nice and accommodating even if we just walked in the venue to check.

Outrigger Resort, Anilao

Date of visit: February 2008

Can accommodate: more than 80 pax
Beach: same with Eagle Point

This place is excellent for diving as they have the equipment. I was just deceived by their website. (Why do they always present everything so nice in the website? Then, when you actually go to the place, it doesn't look the same.)

Ratings: 1- lowest, 5 - highest.

Amenities and Facilities - 2
Food - 3. Though we were just checking, they still offered us some lunch.
Rooms/Accommodation - 2
Service - 5

Verde Island Resort

Date of Visit: March 2006 and May 2006

Can accommodate: more than 100
Beach: browny, with lots corals; great for snorkeling. I've read in the newspaper that they found the smallest sea horse in Verde Island

To reach this resort, you have to take a 45-minute boat ride from Batangas pier. Personally, I don't mind this but some people don't like it. Their pool is not that small, not that big but it's overlooking the beach. You'll get nice shots during sunset when you are in the pool.

I didn't try the beach for snorkeling as I wasn't into snorkeling yet at that time. But if you want to swim in the beach, I highly recommend that you wear something for your feet.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 5
Food- 5
Rooms/Accommodation - 5
Service - 5

You may also check my other blogs for other locations.

Body Shop's 1 hour Buy1Take1 Promo

2011-10-07T13:31:00.000+08:00

I was on my home last night when I saw this 1 hour Buy 1 Take 1 Promo of Body Shop. Since I just bought new stuff, I decided to just take a peek to see what items are included in the promo. There was 15 minutes left.

According to them, this is the first time they had this promo. I ended buying anyway. :) I purchased the Lip & Cheek Stain and got the eye cream for free.

What can I say? I love Body Shop! Hoping for more of this promo in the future!

Blogging and Me

2011-10-01T20:04:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, a colleague encouraged me to blog. I've had draft blogs for a long time. I just had no time to publish them. I'm always reading blogs about beaches, makeups, resorts, etc. So now, I might as well publish mine. I hope you find it useful.

Additional Body Shop items

2011-10-01T19:00:00.000+08:00

My recent Body Shop Collection..

When I got pregnant, I bought the Body Butter in Cocoa for my tummy. It smells good...

For my birthday treat, I got their coral pink shade. Goes well when I'm in that nude look or in my khaki/brown getup.

And I did not stop there. They converted my points to money vouchers thus I purchase more. This extra virgin mineral blush is so great! I really love Body Shop brushes. It's worth the price.

Their hottest shade lately is # 22. It's red but the "professional" red (if you know what I mean). I was hesitant at first because I'm not a red-wearing-lipstick-gal but when I tried it on, I immediately bought it.

Since my mineral blush has run out of stock, I considered the Extra Virgin Minerals foundation powder. I'm a mineral powder user. I find myself hesitating to buy it but since it's Body Shop, I know it would be great on skin. After 2 days of using it, I now love it. :)

Punta de Uian, Zambales

2011-08-15T22:19:00.000+08:00

Date of visit: March 2011

Can accommodate: more than 100 pax

Beach: gray, sandy; overlooking Capones Island

Punta de Uian is a Bali-inspired beach resort. It offers villas, hotels, mansions, and standard rooms. It has 2 pools and a man-made lake where you can have fishing. It's beach is not good so I would recommend that you visit the nearby island of Capones because of it's white sand beach. Travel period is 4-5 hours.

Ratings: 1- lowest, 5 - highest

Amenities and Facilities - 5
Food - 3
Rooms/Accommodation - 4
Service - 4

My Baby Essentials

2011-07-30T14:59:00.000+08:00

This is my personal practical list for baby essentials (for new moms like me). I classified them as "must have" and "nice to have".

One important note, though, is to check the weather when you give birth. I gave birth during Summer so weather's too hot. But then a few weeks later came the rainy season thus I wasn't able to use the sleeveless tops.

MUST HAVE - IMMEDIATE

Clothing

mittens- 5 to 8 pcs
socks - 5 to 8 pcs
sleeveless - 5 pcs
short sleeves - 5 pcs
long sleeves - 5 pcs
swaddling cloth - 2 pcs
bonnet/hat/cap - 3 pcs
towelettes - 5 pcs
shorts and PJs - 2 to 3 pcs

Bath/Hygiene

bath towel - 2 pcs
bath tub
rubber mat/changing pad
liquid soap (Cetaphil)
alcohol
cotton balls
zinc oxide for diaper rash and other rashes
baby oil
wet wipes (lots and lots)
antibacterial soap (this is for you and for those who shall be holding the baby)
petroleum jelly

Linen/Bedding

Crib
Mattress
bed sheet - 2 to 3 pcs
pillows
mosquito net

Feeding

breast pump
bottles - 2 to 3 only if you are breastfeeding
Bottle cleanser and brush
containers for storing breastmilk
sterilizer
storage for the bottles, etc.

Others

Laundry Detergent
Emergency Kit - thermometer, dropper, etc. (Safety First Emergency Kit)
Salinase - for colds

MUST HAVE - TO FOLLOW (from 3 months onwards)

car seat
stroller
additional clothes (sleeveless and short sleeves)
more bottles if you are working
bag to store your breastmilk at work (I had a cooler at the car. I store the refrigerated breastmilk on my way home.

NICE TO HAVE

mobile toys
play mat/pen
vacuum (for cleaning the nursery/your room)

Body Shop Addiction

2010-10-12T17:49:00.000+08:00

Since I have sensitive skin, The Body Shop products suit me. This was introduced to me around 2004 by a friend who uses the lip & cheek tint.

Here are my Body Shop basics:

Lip & Cheek Tint - I find this is very handy. When I bought this the first time, my kikay kit has more space. I no longer have to bring (or buy) blush and my 2 lipsticks. All I need is a lipgloss. :) I use this when I'm usually in a hurry or when I'm carrying a smaller pouch. This is good for 3-4 months use.

Mini-Brush Set - The brushes are animal-friendly. I think they're nylon. It's washable (of course, you have to wash your brushes every month) and has a small mirror and a pouch, where I place a sponger (just in case). What's good about this is that the bristles do not fall off and their soft to the skin.

Lip Balm in Raspberry - It goes along the lip & cheek tint. In the afternoon, I no longer have to reapply the tint; I just have to put this on.

Divide & Multiply Mascara - Since i have long lashes, this is perfect. It's brush, i think, is harder than the usual mascara thus it also "combs" your lashes.

Other Body Shop faves are:

Shimmer Waves in Pink - This really makes my face glow. This is great for night outs. I tried this even when I'm tan. Just put on some cheek stain first then apply this on top.

Lipstick #69 (Pink)- Their best seller. I just so love it!

Brow & Liner Kit - It has 2 sets of shade: brown & black to line either your eyes or brows by using the brushes provided. The brush is so cute. :)

Hot Brights Blush (Limited Collection) - Another blush/shimmer but it's more light pink than the shimmer waves. Great to use when you're tan.

Bright Eye Colour (Limited Collection) in Pink & Violet - the partner of Hot Brights which can be used as eyeliner or eyeshadow.

Body Wash in Melon - i so love the smell

Body Butter in Papaya and Passionate Fruit - for dry skin especially in -ber months

Eye Shadow Palette (Spring Limited Collection) - it has 4 palettes and you can bring them individually. :)

Other products that I have and are using not on a daily use:

Bronze Shade: Warm Glow (Namibian Goddess Limited Collection) - i bought this when i got tan from Bohol

Eye Colour Shade: Starlight (Namibian Goddess Limited Collection) - an alternate to the black eyeliner shade/eyeshadow; great to have that "rocker" look. Great for that smoky eye effect.

Duo Glow Shade: Salvador Blush (Limited Collection) - it has a shimmer "paste" and glitter blush. great for partying.

Colorless Mascara

Tinted Glow Enhancer - for illumination

Blushing Daisies - again, for blush/shimmer

Blue Eyeshadow

Bohol Tour 2010

2010-10-12T17:47:00.001+08:00

Covered Dates: August 22-24, 2010
Accommodation: Amorita Resort, Panglao Island
Air Travel: Cebu PacificTo celebrate my husband's 32nd birthday, we have picked Bohol as our destination. It was a 1-hour plane ride from Terminal 3 and another 30-45 minutes from Bohol Airport to Amorita Resort.

We have availed of the Bohol Tourrific Package at Amorita Resorts which costs us around 21k - 3D 2N accommodation at De Luxe Room, daily buffet breakfast, use of facilities, 1-hour massage, roundtrip ride from and to the airport/resort, tour and fees to Chocolate Hills, Blood Compact Site, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc Cruise with Lunch, Man-made forest, and the store to get all Bohol goodies.

Amorita experience is the best. They have a very nice place. The villas are much expensive but we plan to avail of it the next time we go to Bohol. Amorita has the best facilities so far along Alona Beach except those far from the island that are the likes of Amanpulo. Their tour guide is from the Dept of Tourism.

We had our tour upon arrival. One of my colleagues went to Bohol a few months ago so she referred to us their island tour guide/boat. So on our 2nd day, we were able to go to Balicasag Island and Virgin Island. Balicasag Island is a marine sanctuary, while Virgin Island has this strip of sand/beach.

Overall, it was a great experience. We did not try the Danao Adventure as we preferred to be with the fishes. :)

Itinerary:
Day 1
10:30am - arrival at Amorita Resort
11:00am - start of Tour
Chocolate Hills
Loboc Rive Cruise (where we had our lunch)
Man-made Forest (passing through)
Tarsier Sanctuary
Blood Compact Site
Store/Shop to buy give-aways

4:30mpm back to Amorita Resort

Day 2
8:00am Island Hopping
Balicasag Island (for snorkeling)
Virgin Island

1:00pm back to Amorita Resort

6:00pm Complimentary whole body massage c/o Amorita Resort

Day 3
Strolling along Alona Beach
2:00 flight back to Manila

Amorita Resort, Panglao Island, Bohol

2010-09-01T19:30:00.000+08:00

I found Amorita through a blog. The pictures looked great and when you're there, it's even better. Amorita is an "elevated" resort. It's the best resort along Alona beach (exception is the resort beside it which has the same architect as that of Amanpulo).

It has 3 types of accommodation -- ocean villa, garden villa, and deluxe. We are supposed to stay at Garden Villa but managed to be contented with the Deluxe.

iPod dock for alarm

our room - Deluxe

Their garden overlooking Alona Beach, Panglao Island

Their elegant pool overlooking Alona Beach

They have excellent customer service from the moment I inquired through email until we checkout. I availed of their Bohol Tourrific Package which included tour with DOT guide, whole body massage for 2, roundtrip airport transfers, and daily buffet breakfast for 2. The first thing I always check at a hotel is their comfort room and shower room and, fortunately, they passed my standards.

They have very nice rooms, quiet but elegant ambiance, and beautifully lansdcaped gardens.

The downside of this resort is their menu. They have very few choices and quite expensive for me but we still availed of it as we found are no interesting food along Alona Beach.

Coron, Palawan 3D2N

2010-04-30T19:44:00.000+08:00

We celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Coron, Palawan. This was highly recommended by our colleagues as my husband & I are into snorkeling.

We visited the following sites: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Japanese Shipwreck, Hot Spring, Banol Beach, and Coron Youth Club. We weren't able to visit the Coral Gardens since due to tight schedule.

I'm not a good swimmer but I love the sea and what's beneath it. Snorkeling in Coron is kind of creepy and scary. The water is way too deep. Good think we had an individually assigned tour guide/swimmer as he managed to move me away from those very tall spikes of angry-looking black creatures. :)

I'm looking forward to our Puerto Princesa escapade...

Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte

2009-05-01T22:10:00.000+08:00

Ilocos Sur is nothing new to me, especially Vigan City, since my father is from Ilocos Sur. So this blog is about my husband's first visit at Ilocos. I toured him around Vigan City, which included the burnayan, Heritage Village, Secret Garden, Bantay Church and Gov. Singson's Baluarte, and ate Vigan delicacies such as sinanglaw, Vigan empanada, and Ilocos chichacorn. I even had him road the kalesa.

I also brought him to Ilocos Norte:

Batac - where we ate the best empanada and visited Marcos' museum, old house, and the late Ferdinand Marcos as well
Paoay Lake and the Malacanang of the North
passed by the Ilocos desert

Overall, hubby was satisfied. We'll go to Pagudpud next time. I'll have to keep him at ease during travel since he's not used to long hours of travel.

Potipot Island, Zambales

2009-02-03T22:20:00.000+08:00

One of the best islands of Zambales is Potipot Island. It has white sand, calm beach. I call this beach as "mini-Boracay" because the sands are like that of Boracay. When we checked this spot, cottages were being constructed. However, one can opt to camp. There's a deep well for water but you have to bring drinking water. It took us 5 minutes to travel from Candelaria, Zambales and 15 minutes to tour this island

There were few beach resorts near Potipot Island. (We checked Dawal Beach Resort since this was highly recommended.)

I guess I'll have to include this island when we tour other islands in Zambales.

Boracay Regency Hotel

2008-05-16T20:32:00.000+08:00

My first time at Boracay was spent at Boracay Regency Hotel. I have no idea of this hotel when I got here so I was shocked in awe. :)

We stayed in a Superior Room, which can already be considered as Deluxe Room in other hotels. Every moment we spent at Regency is the best (buffet breakfast, 3 pools, shower room, beds, customer service, airport transfers, beachfront, facilities, lobby, reservation).

It's a bit expensive but it's definitely worth it. There's no hotel like Regency. The only bad part is that this has been my husband's standard of a beach resort hotel that every time we go out, the hotel must be like that of Regency...

Boracay

2008-05-16T20:01:00.000+08:00

Rachel Lobangco with her fire dance

Puka Beach

My first visit to Boracay proved to be worth it. We stayed at Boracay Regency Hotel and were able to visit Crocodile Island, Puka Beach, and Crystal Cove.

Because I'm not a good swimmer, I enjoyed Boracay's White Beach as it's not that deep.

My boyfriend enjoyed the bar and it's night life. As for me, I did enjoy the snorkeling at Crocodile Island and Puka Beach.

I will definitely go back to Boracay.