WhereAbouts

Booking a flatshare online – The fast and easy way!

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:08:00 +0000

Over the years something which has made an impact on the way we travel has been the internet. The entire planning process can now be done online; booking flights, reading recommendations, assessing accommodation and so on. These have all been pretty cutting edge advancements over the past several years. Flat sharing has been the new revelation amongst the travel community, keeping costs down and bringing in a new social element to going abroad. Despite being a little pessimistic about the whole process, staying in private accommodation, I decided to take the plunge and see what all the fuss was about.

If you already haven’t found out for yourself, Paris is on the higher end of the cost-scales for most things, from a tube of toothpaste to accommodation. Unfortunately these two things are necessities when you happen to visit this lovely town but booking a short term apartment in the area of Belleville was perfect. For first time users, it is understandable to be a bit skeptical staying in private bed and breakfast or apartment, without the usual regulations of the common forms of holiday accommodation (hotel, hostel). All those thoughts can be thrown out the window once you give it a shot. Online sites, which are more like agencies in a way, have detailed information, photos and even independent reviews from past guests, so you have a good grasp of what you’re booking. It is this type of information which is hard to obtain at times from many hotels and hostel websites.

The best thing about flat-sharing is that you can choose to stay with your host or have an apartment all to yourself. Although some might stay away from living with your host, the experience can be incredibly fun. Those more adventurous might prefer having your host around beneficial as they are a foundation

Linabo's 3,003 Steps Gateway

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:47:00 +0000

I've been truly lazy these past days that I prolonged posting more about that tiring yet fun adventure my sisters and I did on the Holy Week which was climbing the 3,003 steps to Linabo Peak. On my previous post, I wrote about the rocky and hilly drive to the foot of Mt. Linabo. That was a crazy motorbike drive but yes, it was fun!

So there we reached the entrance or the gateway of the 3003 Step to the Peak of Mt. Linabo as the above picture shows. Those were my kid sisters in the picture with our friend and kind of our assistant Pabz. He was used as our foods and drinks carrier the entire climb. Lol! Anyway, it was where the exhausting yet fun climb started.

Off we climbed to the First Station of the Cross....will be posted next.

Find the right hotel in Holborn

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Sun, 06 May 2012 06:23:00 +0000

Whatever the reason for your visit to the heart of central London, there's every chance for you to find the right hotel in Holborn these days with a minimum of effort and at very reasonable prices. Travelodge offers one of the stand-out propositions, with a truly excellent location for anyone with meetings to attend in the City of London or indeed anywhere in Midtown or the West End.

In fact, if you stay in Holborn you could hardly be more central and the entire of London is within easy access whether you plan to walk or cycle, take a taxi, the tube, the train or a bus. Traffic at peak times of course gets fairly hectic on the roads but you really could hardly be better placed to traverse the city as a whole than if you book to stay in a Holborn hotel.

And that doesn't mean that Holborn itself is an uninteresting place. There are in fact some strikingly elegant buildings in the area and plenty of bars and restaurants open for business all year round and ready to offer you a very warm welcome. Holborn as a whole seems to ooze historical significance and you would do well to find even a single street without at least one blue plaque adorning a building worthy of note for one cultural reason or another.

In all likelihood though the purpose of your trip to Holborn will be business-related and the area, as well as Travelodge's hotel, is keenly attuned to the needs of visiting professionals. So you'll find coffee shops and convenience stores whenever you need them and a genuine abundance of options when it comes to your transport links. And it all falls against a backdrop of the City of London, the Gherkin, the Bank of England and of course the iconic St Paul's Cathedral.

The Eternal City Rome

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:53:00 +0000

It is one of the world’s great cities and was once the center of the greatest Empire the world has ever known. So it’s no real surprise that Rome has been a magnet for tourists for centuries. There is plenty to do when planning a vacation in Rome .

The eternal city’s long list of attractions reflects its spectacular history. Since the days of the Emperors and the gladiators themselves, the Colosseum, Pantheon and the Roman Forum have been at the heart of the city. To walk in these amazingly well-preserved buildings, is to take a step back in time. It was here that the legendary names of the Empire carved their names in history, from Julius Caesar and Nero, to Caligula and Claudius. You can walk many of these areas free of charge, but a tour guide is often a good idea. Their grasp of the history and drama of the locations and the general information they provide on Rome and its fascinating - often bloody - history can really bring the city to life.

Rome has been an artistic capital for centuries too, a home to some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. Its art and architecture reflects this with such famous landmarks as the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, both immortalized in the famous movie Roman holiday starring Audrey Hepburn. And then, of course, there is the magnificent St Peter’s, home of the Catholic Church, and the Vatican. The Sistine Chapel with its world famous ceiling by Michelangelo is trip one should not miss but there are countless other churches filled with masterpieces by such artists as Raphael and Caravaggio.

In many ways, Rome is too much to take in during one trip, so it’s important to pace yourself and enjoy it. Fortunately, Rome’s restaurants, bars and - above all - wonderful cafes offer the ideal place to soak up the Roman lifestyle. As you head home at night, of course, don’t forget to throw a coin in the Trevi fountain and make a wish. You never know it might come true.

For more information on Rome as a holiday destination visit HolidayCheck.com.

The Hilly and Rocky Roads to Mt. Linabo

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 22:50:00 +0000

Before the sacrifice climb to Linabo Peak, we first sacrificed out bikes' wheels to run through the hilly, a bit zigzag and rocky roads.

A motion picture this is! Credit to my sister Cheem for taking the pictures to my command while I was driving. Great job! Now I know I drove that fast.

Then there goes the rocky road! It was my first time to actually driving a bike on hilly and rocky roads and it wasn't easy! You've got to have strong arms to hold the handlebars. Going there by car would be easy but not when you reach the parking area for you'll truly be having a hard time looking for a space especially when going there right on Holy Thursday.

Since we went there on Good Friday, looking for a parking space was easy. I wasn't able to take a picture of the parking area that day but I have here a photo taken by Cheem on Holy Thursday. Parking fee was Php30.00 per bike.

So finally we arrived at the foot of Mt. Linabo after the 10 to 15 minutes drive from the main road. We were all excited for the climb. To be continued.....

Summit Pointe Conference and Event Center

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:40:00 +0000

Are you looking for a nice venue for that very important business meeting or for the most especial events of your life, let us say a wedding or a birthday party? Summit Pointe Conference and Event Center located in Westside of Spartanburg, South Carolina could be the place you are looking for. If you are near South Carolina, you might want to check the place out. The said event center has over 19,000 square feet of flexible event space with meeting rooms spacious enough to accommodate groups of 10 to 600.

Thinking of being creative in hosting an event or a meeting for the delight of your guests? Summit Pointe Conference and Event Center allows you to let your imaginations come out with their open vendor policy. When it is a meeting you are to plan at Summit Pointe, they have the complete meeting package that makes life easier for a meeting planner to handle. They give understandable estimate on prices basing on 'per person per day' with no surprises and unexpected final costs. If you want flexible meeting packages that can be customized to suit your needs, you can choose from the following meeting packages: Morning Meeting Package, Afternoon Meeting Package, and Breaks Only Package.

Summit Pointe Conference and Event Center’s warm, unique and beautiful ambiance sure can contribute success to every meetings and parties held in there. With each meeting rooms or venues’ warm color decors, beautiful artwork accents and wood floors plus the patio, dining and lounge area, the event center truly is unforgettable for the guests. What’s more convenient about this conference and event center is that it is connected to an award-winning hotel, the Hampton Inn and Suites for you and your quests to have the “Cloud Nine’ bed experience. For a last shopping and dining, Westgate Mall is within walking distance from Summit Pointe.

The Drive To Mt. Linabo

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:56:00 +0000

It was Good Friday. The idea to climb to the 3003 steps to Linabo Peak just popped in my head at the last minute. I asked Cheep to climb with me since we weren't able to climb on the Holy Thursday, which she agreed. Pabz and Cheem, who climbed already on the Holy Thursday excitedly went to climb with us too. Darn, weren't they tired?

So all four of us got ourselves and our two bikes (mine and Cheem's) ready. We left the apartment around 2:00pm. We were all excited. There we drove down the center city to look for a gas station. Cheem's bike, which I was driving that day with Cheem was out of gas. Pabz on the other hand drove mine with Cheep. It was a bit chaotic search for a gas station for there wasn't one gas station opened that day. Every single station is closed even the stores. Darn again! Where could we find gas and where could we find a store to buy foods to bring along our climb? Good thing, there was this sidewalk stall we saw selling bottled gasoline as we headed out Dipolog City to Turno. The foods? We bought enough at Quick Pick, good thing it was opened. Thanks to the owner Kevin for opening his store on the Good Friday or else we'll be buying foods at the stores in Linabo with doubled prices!

Anyway, we headed to our drive to Mt. Linabo. It was a smooth drive halfway there for the road, although hilly and zigzag, was concrete.

Entering Mt. Linabo. Zigzag, a bit hilly, and rocky roads awaited. The banner says "Katkat Sakripisyo" or "Sacrifice Climb".

Linking this late post to:

Custom Written Essays

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:58:00 +0000

Essay writing is surely one of the hardest things a student has to do in school. I can tell for I once struggled completing an essay during high school and college days. And I was even good in English. I mean I can understand, speak and write English language but why was it everytime our teacher gave out task to write an essay my mind had always gone blank? Mental block, it happens. If you are currently struggling to write an essay you must check out write my essay, a custom essay writing service. It will surely answer your trouble with essay writing.

At The Beach on Easter Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:18:00 +0000

I spent the Easter Sunday with family. From Dipolog City, I drove my bike home to Manukan with my sisters, father and friend Pabz. We arrived around one in the afternoon to push through my plan to take my parents and sisters to Saluyong for a fun pool swimming. But since we arrived late and nowhere could we find a jeep for hire to climb up to Saluyong, we just decided to go to Tabon, where there is a semi-white sand beach that I called little Boracay of Ponot. It was about fifteen minutes drive on motorbike.

I hired a tricycle for mama, papa and the kids' transportation. It cost me 300 pesos back and forth. We arrived there almost 3:00 p.m. We started the grilling right away so we could enjoy the sea early. We grilled some fish and pork meat and brought some colas and liquors. We brought a table too to put the foods and stuffs so it was like a beach picnic.

Sunset came, we were all amazed with the view. My little sisters playfully posed with the setting sun with our friend Pabz as their photographer. Pabz was as well amazed with the little paradise as it was his first time there. He enjoyed a lot during that short beach outing.

The night came, our parents and the kids went home first. It was about 8:00 in the evening when the tricycle driver came to pick them up. And so we were left there with the cousins and we all had a great time swimming and drinking some beer.

We stayed there for about two hours. The four of us (me, pabz, cheem and cheep) made use of that time to enjoy the sea and the bonding as much as we could for after that, when we go back to the city, we'll be back to our busy city life.

It Is Beach Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:03:00 +0000

The heat is slowly wrapping around some parts of the world. Summer time or dry season here at our end, is the time everyone looks forward to for it does mean beach break. And who doesn’t like to be at the beach during summer? I love the beach, the sand, the blue sky that kisses the clear seawater, the sceneries, the bonding with the family and the foods that go along with having a break at the beach! Almost everyone, young and adults enjoy the fun activities that can be done at the beach such as beach volleyball, sand castle building and others. Aside from the beach break, many fun outdoor activities can also be done such as mountain climbing or trekking, which I already did last Friday, last week.

Although it rains here once in a while, I can still feel the summer heat slowly building up. That’s why the other day I treated my whole family and some relatives and friends to a beach in Tabon. Even the place was quite far from my parents’ house, we drove there just to indulge ourselves with white sand and clear and cold water. This time of the year really is the time to visit the beach. There are some who even travel far where nice beaches are located just to ease the summer heat and to feel the fun of being in a foreign place. If the place is likable enough to be frequently visited, some people are even buying the properties. If you are one who likes buying properties in foreign countries, you might want to check out Real estate in Belize. There’s a lot of beach properties for sale in their list that you might want to own. You can build your dream vacation house there for you and your family’s future summer vacation getaway.

Cheem Almost at the Peak of Mt. Linabo

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:23:00 +0000

This is a continuation to my previous post about my sister Cheem's sacrifice climb to Mt. Linabo with our friend Pabz last Holy Thursday, April 5, 2012.

I am so proud of her for she had trekked up the 3003 Steps in Mt. Linabo and climbed another more steps to reach the peak where a satellite tower is situated and is the perfect camping spot. Sadly though they weren't or all the climbers that day weren't allowed to climb up the peak and camp.

(This is for Blue Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday)

Just as the banner stated, it is not allowed to camp and stay overnight at the peak. All climbers must go down at exactly five in the afternoon.

Being left with no choice, campers that day just suited themselves to put up their tents at the foot of the peak and on any flat areas of the mountain. I tried enhancing the photo above so you can see the tents.

The three photos above were taken when Chem and Pabz were on their way down from the
almost-peak (yeah almost) of Mt. Linabo. Here are the photo on their way up.

The spot overlooks Dipolog City. These people taken in the picture are just some of the climbers. Some of them are disappointed for not being able to climb the peak.

And Cheem sure was one of those who were disappointed. She was curios what lies at the very peak of mountain, what's special about the tower and on what to see up there. Still though I am proud of her endurance. According to Pabz, she climbed fast as if wasn't tired.

Yet here's how she looked like. All sweaty and for sure....tired. Well, disappointed too. She wanted to climb the peak! No wonder she was eager to go with me and Cheep when I decided to climb the next day.

Your Jordan Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:26:00 +0000

One of the most modern and progressive Middle Eastern countries is Jordan, it’s an often over-looked location for luxurious vacations. This country is surrounded by land on all sides including the countries of Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iraq. Because of the country’s age, there are many diverse places to visit in this desert country.

One of the cities that is host to many amazing features is the capital, Amman. These attractions range from ancient to modern. These are:

The Roman Theatre that was built around 150 B.C. during the reign of Antonius Pius. It was located in the downtown area and was one of the places in the ancient world where 6,000 people could watch a theatrical or musical performance.
The Dead Sea. This lowest place on earth straddles the border between Jordan and Israel. During your holiday you can take a short bus ride from Amman for a relaxing float in its mineral laden waters.
The Souk. This is a modern commercial district that is located downtown Amman and is a great place to walk for shopping, dining, and meeting people.

Not only is Amman one of Jordan’s largest cities, but also the city of Irbid is quite large. This modern city is built on top of the ruins of the ancient city of Arabella. It is a great place to shop, eat delicious Arabic food, and enjoy the nightlife. It is also home to the Museum of Jordanian Heritage where guests can study and learn about the history of Jordan. There is also the Archaeological Museum where visitors can see the remnants of the ancient civilizations, and the Natural History Museum where you can study artefacts representing the flora and fauna of the region.

Another place to visit during your tour of Jordan is Jerash. This city, known as the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa, is one of the ten ancient Roman cities known as the Decapolis. It is now one of the most popular places for visitors to tour in Jordan because of its well-preserved ancient ruins. One of the best times to visit the Jerash area is during the annual festival, which lasts for three weeks in the summer months and includes dancing, theatre, music, and army and chariot exhibitions.

The only place in Jordan that is more popular than the city of Jerash is Petra. This hidden city made of pink sandstone was built in the 500s BC by the Nabatacans and is one of Jordan’s most popular places to visit and on BBC,s list of top 40 places to visit in your life.

The history of the region surrounding Jordan and its ancient diversity, makes it a great place to take your family on your holiday to the Middle East.

The Climb to Linabo Peak

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:18:00 +0000

Yesterday, my friend Pabz and my sister Cheem asked me to go with them to climb up to Mt. Linabo Park or popularly known as Linabo Peak in Dipolog City. In order to reach the peak (or I don’t know if one could ever reach it) of Mt. Linabo, you first have to go through the 3003 steps. Climbing up the 3003 Steps in Mt. Linabo has been a practice of the locals here during the Holy week. Why, because it is where the procession after the holy mass is done for the 3003 steps cover the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Here's Cheem at the 1st Station of the Cross. Did she ever reached the peak? We'll see.

Warning: Please use the Concrete Steps in climbing up/down to avoid accidents.

Climbing up and up the steps. Stopping for a drink. I wonder how many steps she had already climbed in this picture.

Stopping to rest and to eat their baon mamon from Red Ribbon.

Stopping for some camera shots. Can you tell they were tired by their look? I am sure they were and they were just faking their smiles. Haha!

Wow! 14th Station huh? Congrats sis.

Have they ever reached the peak though? Well, they did and the photos will be posted next time. I am envious looking at their photos and I feel like climbing up there right now. Hmp? Maybe.

Finding the perfect holiday package deals

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 08:40:00 +0000

There are so many holiday package deals available this year that it has never been easier to find the perfect option for you and your travelling party. A few simple steps online can lead you to the most viable possibilities based on some basic stipulations like how long you'd like to stay and how many adults and children you'll be travelling with. There's no need to compromise on quality with hundreds of equally excellent resorts to choose from and you can take advantage of some sizeable discounts when using the internet to place your booking.

In terms of accommodation, the basic choices you'll have run from self-catering, through half and full-board and on to the all inclusive option. Whatever you're preference you can pick out the perfect resort and you'll have every chance to make the most of your time away. There are advantages to each option and it really just depends on how much you like your trip to be planned out and paid for in advance.

The list of holiday hotspots within just a short-haul flight of the UK is an extensive one and takes in some spectacular destinations that are well equipped with exquisite beaches and all manner of attractions. So whatever time of year you have ear-marked for your next getaway, you can make your plans and place your bookings right now by running through the details online.

If you're looking for a classic sun-drenched beach and poolside escape then there aren't many places more perfect than the Balearics. The Spanish islands have been attracting thousands of British families to their shores on an annual basis for decades and they really do have something for everyone to enjoy and make the most of. Majorca is perhaps the best known of the Balearics and it is among the most visited holiday destinations anywhere in the Mediterranean. The island offers everything that families could possible want from a sunshine escape and there are great deals available on accommodation there right now. And when it comes to making the most of Majorca hotels all inclusive package deals offer arguably the ideal way to relax and indulge yourself in true Balearic style.

Fourth Visit to Cut and Clear Salon

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 06:51:00 +0000

My first visit to Cut and Clear Salon inside Lee Plaza was when I got cellophane hair treatment. I got my already brown-colored hair colored into reddish brown. The second time was when I treated my younger sisters there for foot spa while I had the hot oil treatment. The third time was when I got a new hairstyle. Then recently, I visited the same salon again to give myself and my sisters a manicure and pedicure treat. It's clear to say that I started to frequent the place, which means I like their attentive and friendly service.

It was my first time to try their manicure and pedicure service. Pedicure at Cut and Clear Salon cost Php100.00. They soak the feet first in a tub of treated water with stones and marbles where you can do a self feet massage. It felt very relaxing.

Cheep and I enjoying the soak. Cheem was taking the picture while waiting for her tub.

Here are my little sisters Cheep and Cheem. Looks like they are enjoying my treat.

Manicure on the hand cost only Php60.00. It includes a short hand massage. I liked it a lot that I almost asked for more time. But heck, we were in a hurry for it was almost dinner time. Both manicure and pedicure took about an hour to finish. It was enough time to have a salon bond with my younger sisters.

I am linking this post to:

366 Blog Photo Challenge hosted this month at Velvet Dreams

Finding cheap skiing holidays in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:42:00 +0000

There is no easier or more effective way to find the best cheap skiing holidays 2012 has to offer than by doing so via the wonders of the internet. Your online holiday search systems these days are remarkably effective and you could line yourself up an amazing bargain on a great getaway within just a few minutes and at a price well below what you might have been expecting to pay.

The trick is just to be clear in your mind about the kind of skiing or snowboarding holiday you're after this time around. It could be that you're looking for a new experience in terms of destination and there are a growing number of great slopes and après-ski sites to choose from across Europe and beyond.

There is beauty in abundance whichever mountain range and whichever resort you choose to stay at and if you are prepared to do some homework online you can dig out some heavily discounted offers. A key consideration of course is always the kind of accommodation that you're hoping to utilise during your stay beside the slopes and there is plenty to be said in support of staying in either a hotel or a self-catering apartment.

A reliable favourite however for families and groups of friends in particular as they enjoy their snow sports each year is a luxury catered chalet. You can lap up some home comforts and enjoy the company of your fellow holidaymakers in a delightfully cosy environment without having to worry about the cooking or even the washing up.

Chalets are always popular with groups travelling together and booking one can be the basis for a truly wonderful stay wherever you might be. In fact if you're planning a collective skiing trip or looking for group snowboarding holidays this year then a catered chalet could be the perfect accommodation option. Check out the best deals online and start shaking off your salopettes.

Trip Plan to Pagadian

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:38:00 +0000

Pabz invited me again for a trip to Pagadian for another Church event this coming April 09, 2012. The good thing about the said trip is the free transportation from Dipolog City to Pagadian City. A great travel opportunity, isn't it? I was so excited when he told me about it yesterday. He can only invite one person and I was the one that he first thought of. So sweet of him! It would be my oppurtunity to visit Pagadian and I dare not miss it. It would be my first time to travel to Pagadian too and I do look forward to it. So right now, I am preparing for it. I can't wait to ride their tricycle there, which is the city's symbolic icon. Hopefully, there will be no conflicts on my schedule when the date comes.

Cheap Holidays Abroad: A Turkish Delight

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:07:00 +0000

Turkey has become increasingly popular as a holiday destination for those looking for cheap holidays abroad, and the reasons why holidaymakers book Turkey holidays year after year are numerous. Here’s a look at what draws holidaymakers to Turkey’s Eastern charms:

East Meets West
Turkey is an intriguing mixture of Eastern culture and Western influences, which makes it an exciting yet approachable summer holiday destination for all to enjoy.

Spend time relaxing on Turkey’s beautiful beaches, or haggling in the bazaars, for a holiday experience with a lot to offer. Combine cobbled streets, traditional Turkish baths and delicious Turkish food and drink, with family friendly resorts, fantastic nightlife and a wide range of activities, and you can enjoy an Eastern adventure with the familiar comforts of Western holiday resorts.

Sunshine and Smiles
Turkey has a fantastic climate, with year round sunshine. Sun worshippers will love the highs of 35 degrees that Turkey see’s in peak season, whereas those who prefer gentle sunshine may prefer an out of season holiday when temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees can be expected.

Another reason why holidaymakers return to Turkey year after year is that the welcome is as warm as the weather. Turkish people are generally very welcoming to tourists and the country makes itself as accessible as possible to encourage tourism and the economic boost that it provides.

A Dramatic Landscape
With its dramatic mountain peaks, stunning coastline and beautiful pine forests, Turkey really is a sight for sore eyes. A great range of excursions are available to enable you to really explore this beguiling country, meaning that you’ll take home some amazing memories of the delights of Turkey, as well as a great sun tan.

If you’re looking for a holiday destination that manages to be both different and familiar at the same time, Turkey is the perfect choice.

Missing My Brother

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:02:00 +0000

My brother who knows nothing but depend on us decided to find his luck in Manila. He flew to Manila for about a couple of months ago already. He is currently applying for a military job. He's done with the exams and currently waiting for the result, which will be posted this June. Hopefully, he'll get accepted for a military training.

While he's waiting for the result of the exam, he is able to realize how hard it is to be responsible even for his own self. He realized how hard it is to get a job and earn. Still though, I am supporting him. I am still sending him money for food. I do bitch about it sometimes for we send him over there to make money and send us. Lol. Anyway, while waiting for the result of his exam, I told him to try applying for a temporary job, which he agreed. He even said that even if it's a Janitorial job he'll gladly take.

Bargain Beach Breaks: Dominican Republic

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:16:00 +0000

If you like beach breaks and you’re searching for inspiration on your next holiday getaway, one thing’s for sure - trips to Dominican Republic are completely and unashamedly all about the beach. A barefoot paradise, this sun-baked corner of the Caribbean is all twinkling shores, porcelain-white sands and an endless expanse of azure seas disappearing into the cloudless horizon.

Here you can laze away your days under the warm Caribbean sun, enjoying a refreshing dip here and there or moving under the shade of a palm tree when the weather really hots up. Scuba divers and keen snorkelers can soak up the vibrant underwater life and coral reefs of the Dominican Republic’s stunning shores, or if you prefer to stay dry, hop on a local boat excursion for a memorable whale watching tour or for a chance to discover the tiny islands nearby.

Holidays to this corner of paradise don’t have to cost the earth, and in fact when choosing a package break you will often find great deals and discounts to make your trip that little bit easier. For instance cheap Thomas Cook holidays to the Dominican Republic are widely available, thanks to last-minute deals or travel agent incentives to encourage your custom.

Booking early is a great way of ensuring you have the best choice while still making great savings, and you’ll often enjoy healthy discounts if you book out of peak season or during school term time. When booking out of season, just be aware of the local climate - weather conditions in the Caribbean can change at the drop of a hat so choose your dates carefully and be alert to the possibility of storms, monsoons or even hurricanes.

When all’s said and done, the Dominican Republic is a magical place with all the key ingredients to create many happy and long lasting holiday memories.

Attended MTV Exit Traffic Jam

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:17:00 +0000

I attended MTV Exit Traffic Jam last Friday held at Dipolog Sunset Boulevard wherein many of the local rock bands here in Dipolog and bands from Metro Manila gathered together, showed off their talents and rocked the stage.

Photos not mine.

It was a free live concert for a cause made possible by the groups of Anti-Human Trafficking advocates along with the generous sponsors. To name one of the sponsors was Bewear Apparels, a local indie store of custom printed tees in Dipolog City owned and managed by a friend.

Linking this to:

366 Blog Photo Challenge

Dinner At CLS Food Plaza

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:33:00 +0000

We had a father-daughter bonding slash dinner last night at New CLS Food Plaza here in Dipolog City. It was an unplanned dinning in the said diner but because my electric burner crashed coincidentally just in time for dinner last night, I thought of just taking my father out and sisters and had our dinner at our favorite diner CLS. Besides, dad has been craving for Sinigang na Bangus and I thought CLS has it.

Papa and Cheep.

Cheep still wearing her P.E. uniform stroke a pose with Papa. Notice the rhum on the table? That is our father's water. He drinks rhum and/or coconut wine everyday. We, his daughters are used to it now. Well, I stuck with my favorite lemon grass iced tea while my sisters had mango juice.

Anyway, we had Balamban Liempo, Sweet and Sour Pork, Bicol Express, and of course the Sinigang. It was my first try of Bicol Express from CLS kitchen and theirs is way better than the ones I've tasted before.

Here's the Sinigang. It is not Bangus though but Marlin, CLS was out of milk fish that night. It was all good. At least we got to have some sour soup. Sigh! It's still nice to eat sinigang that is not cooked by yourself. I ate most of the spinach and never touched a slice of okra.

My best gay friend was in the picture that night too. To pay Pabz unconditional help that comes over in just one call, respect and loyalty to us, I took him with us to dine out too.

Breathe The European Air

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:50:00 +0000

For a busy person, given a vacation for a day or two to any of the sovereign states in Europe will surely be highly appreciated. If ever I’ll be given an opportunity to travel to one particular state in Europe, it would be Ireland. I have met and known few nice and well, unlikable Irish people through my husband and my curiosity to learn more of their traits and culture influenced me much to wanting to visit the place. I wonder how it’s like to stand on the Emerald Isle. Will I ever get a chance to meet the mischievous creature wrapped in emerald green clothing called the Leprechaun? I hope he will direct me to the end of the rainbow so I could steal some of his gold. (Lol!) Since it is almost time for St. Patrick’s Day, Leprechaun should be present and Ireland, and other other counties, will definitely be painted emerald green and shamrocks will be everywhere.

What about you? Do you want to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day at a place where it truly was originated? It would be a great holiday escape from your chaotic workplace. Why not breathe the European air and free your mind from the deadlines at work? If you plan to have a vacation in Europe, particularly in Ireland, you must check out holiday homes Europe, which offers homes, vacation rentals and cottages to any must-visited countries in Europe like Ireland. Who knows you'll get connected with your Irish roots while there? If you want to travel to any places in Europe in the future, simply refer to holiday homes Europe to be guided in choosing the best accommodation that fits your taste and budget during your holiday getaway.

Only In Pagadian!

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:48:00 +0000

I previously talked about a friend who invited me to travel with him to the City of Pagadian, which I declined due to some conflicts on my schedule. He was there for a only a day to attend a church event with his cousin and came back to Dipolog around ten in the evening. It sure was a tiresome trip.

Anyway, I asked him if I could have some of his pictures taken in Pagadian if he has any so I could share it here in my blog. He promised me that he would share some photos after his trip. So above are photos taken in the City of Pagadian. I am so glad there is one picture of a tricycle that is inclined at about 25-40° angle. "Only in Pagadian" as people there claim. Meaning you can only see a tricycle that is inclined at that angle in Pagadian. It is the city's iconic symbol.

Limohire Warrington

noreply@blogger.com (Chie Wilks) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 07:04:00 +0000

How fancy of an idea it is exploring around and visiting each and every landmark of Warrington County in England riding a shining limousine. How about using a limousine as your bridal car? The feeling of riding on a limo as it is taking you to one of the landmark churches in Warrington sure is grand. You’ll feel like a princess for sure. How about enjoying a night out ride in a limo or a limo party with friends? Aw, it sounds so much fun! If only I could afford these fancy ideas I would definitely jump in. It is not bad to taste and enjoy that kind of luxury once in my life. But since I can’t, I could just simply dream of it. Even a back and forth ticket to England is for me hard to attain, how so if the expense for a limo service is added.

If you like and can afford the above ideas, check out Limohire Warrington for info on rates of renting a Limousine. Warrington country is worth a visit as it has great landmarks that are so worthy for your time penny to spend at and riding a shining limousine to visit each landmark is a total indulgence. Why not take the total treat if you can, right? And when it comes to renting a limo, Limohire Warrington is said to bestow the best service they could offer. They have 8-seat to 16-seat limousines of new popular and stunning styles such the Lincoln's and Bentley's.