Yes! No Caffeine!!!

The Caramoan Island-hoppin' Experience!

2012-03-05T12:57:00.005+08:00

This is one of my summer bummerin' experiences in the Southern part of Luzon - the great Caramoan 2010 escapade in Camarines Sur, Philippines! Though I was having difficulty remembering the names of each island we set-foot in, the short and long trips from one island to another were oh-so worth waiting especially the sand-bar in Manlawi island. Here goes the glimpses of our escape, my second time around in Camarines:

After the two-hour boat ride to Manlawi island...

This wonderful sand-bar welcomed us! :)

Lovin' the view, the ambiance and all!

Jump shot with the Caramoaners, lol!

I think I was taking a pic of the ex-bf there in white shirt, tall guy (six-footer indeed)

First island (Manlawi) for our Day 2 trip. Our Day 1 was spent in Naga & CWC.

Missin' this place, very peaceful

We visited around 4 to 6 islands until the next day. I remembered Matukad, Sabitang Laya, a private island, Hunongan and Tinago islands *damn to poor memory*. Lunch were served in the islands and we had dinner in a simple nipa hut-like resto in the Caramoan proper. Those good food were served and packed by Bed and Dine...loved their grilled pork, seafood and veggies! And ooopppsssie before I forget, here's one of the side trips - The Grotto.


The view from the grotto after...around 500 steps?


The Grotto

The view before going down from the grotto

that was summer twenty-ten then,

-=B e L i N d a=-

Voulez Vous Cebu

2012-02-17T21:42:00.000+08:00

This was my last hurrah slash work-related getaway for 2011! Highlight of this trip? Food, food, food! And livin' each day ssslllooowly, its like the place is tryin' to say, "Hey, no need to hurry!"

The picture speaks for itself

with Rose Ann and Smile at Magellan's Cross

Time to have a relaxin' weekend at Bluewater Maribago Resort!

My mala-turista shot!

International cuisine for Rose Ann, Japanese set for Belle and Filipino dish for Smile...BURP!!!

Lunch by the pool...

Here goes the APPETIZER for each set meal! Great!

Smile's grilled tanguige

Rozahn's grilled porkchop with mushroom sauce

Belle's fish tempura

Bluewater's bar

Goofin' with Rose Ann! lol!

Amuma Spa!

Lovin' the view from our end

Smile missing her lovey-dovey *hihi*

The Rozahn and Belleski pose!

Basilica del Santo Nino, Cebu, Philippines

To be attacked in a few seconds...

Yummeh!

What to drink?!

last gluttony night at Cebu...dinner at Mooon Cafe

Mexican Baby Back Ribs

'till next opportunity to gain 5 pounds in a week *haha*,

<3 Bella <3

Potipot, a laidback island

2011-07-01T18:24:00.003+08:00

Planning for a simple and laidback getaway for the weekend? Potipot island is calling you with your family, friends, and loveys! Just be sure that its okay for them to camp and to experience suburban life for awhile. Here's a glimpse of our bonding time in Candelaria, Zambales (Philippines).

The laidback island of Potipot

There is a 5-6 hour road trip from Manila going to Uacan, Candelaria, Zambales and a 10-minute boat ride from Sun Bloom Resort to Potipot Island.

Stop over!

Cha and moi are lovin' our hats =)

I.T. guys in SunBloom Resort

The ladies' undying jump shot!

The cool gang's Summer 2011 =))

My former Sun Cellular officemates

Potipot boys, lol!

The greeny part of the island

Our little starfish

Told yah, I just lllooovvveee my hat! =)

In our poshness pose - Carl, Cha, Belle, Mac

Potipot island, Zambales. April 2-3, 2011

Summer tu-oh-wan-wan,

-=b e L L e=-

Road Trip: Calaruega. Tagaytay. Nuvali.

2011-06-09T19:48:00.001+08:00

Get the stress out from your busy week and just head to the South! Road trip. Food trip. Chill. Have fun!

Southbound with college best pals Chelle and Icy :))

First stop: Calaruega (Batangas)

Reception area in Calaruega

Inside Calaruega Church

Time to have our lunch at Memory Lane!

Yummy food and fruit shakes. Try their SINIGANG na LECHON! :))

MENU please?!

We're really caught up by this reminder...

Memory Lane is in Tagaytay owned by singer/actress Jolina Magdangal

Third stop: Pink Sisters Church/Chapel (Tagaytay)

Just finished praying in the solemn church/chapel

Fourth stop: Nature Trails Cafe in Nuvali

Snackin' on NTC's Mozzarella Platter :))

Coolin' down with our mocha frappe, cappuccino, and vanilla milkshake

Nature Trails' cozy interior

Nuvali, Sta. Rosa (Laguna)

pretty girls rock,

beLLe 04/vi/2011

Price Tag: It's all about the beat and good vibes

2011-05-19T17:00:00.001+08:00

I was along the road when I heard this song and left me humming it for a week now. The beat is just oh-so-summery and is givin' me good vibes, really. I may not agree with the lyrics that much (who doesnt' need money by the way? hehe) but this leads me to a daydream to hit the beach or out-of-town again while sippin' on my fruit shake by the shore, lake, field, garden...whatsoever (wherever *technically*) then havin' Price Tag as my background music. The music video was a bit boring so I just chose this chic version with on-screen lyrics. Cha-ching cha-ching, ba-bling ba-bling!

Hit on the lines:

So we aint gon stumble and fall never
Waiting to see this in the sign of defeat uh uh
So we gon keep everyone moving their feet
So bring back the beat and then everyone sing

Good vibes,

-=beLinda=-

Relax, Say It Right

2011-05-06T17:46:00.000+08:00

If there's no Lady Gaga, my favorite female artist would be Nelly Furtado! I was browsing my ol' playlist and Furtado is everywhere plus the remix version of the songs. Caught up with this song leavin' me to hit it a number of times during my Friday vibes.

And the lyrics goes like this...

Took a ride to the end of the lane
Where no one ever goes.
Ended up on a broken train with nobody I know.
But the pain and the longing's the same.
When you're dying
Now I’m lost and I’m screaming for help alone.

Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that we can't do.
Relax, take it easy
Blame it on me or blame it on you.

It’s as if I’m scared.
It’s as if I’m terrified.
It’s as if I'm scared.
It’s as if I’m playing with fire.
Scared.
It’s as if I’m terrified.
Are you scared?
Are we playing with fire?

Relax
(Love) There is an answer to the darkest times.
It’s clear we don’t understand it, but the last thing on my mind
Is to leave you.
I believe that we’re in this together.
Don’t scream – there are so many roads left.

Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that we can't do.
Relax, take it easy
Blame it on me or blame it on you.

Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that we can't do.
Relax, take it easy
Blame it on me or blame it on you.

Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that we can't do.
Relax, take it easy
Blame it on me or blame it on you.

Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that we can't do.
Relax, take it easy
Blame it on me or blame it on you.

It’s as if I’m scared.
It’s as if I’m terrified.
It’s as if I'm scared.
It’s as if I’m playing with fire.
(Relax)
Scared.
It’s as if I’m terrified.
Are you scared?
Are we playing with fire?

Relax
Relax

Am I terrified? Am I scared?

.:!beLLe!:.

What's on my desk?

2011-04-27T18:30:00.001+08:00

What if someone ambush-ly asked me 'What's on my desk' rather than 'What's in my bag?', this will be the mess (?) *hihi* that will welcome the saint!

My working table at the client's office in Ortigas, my desk in Makati office follows the 5S rule. =)

1. Laptop issued from the company and I bought my own 3D optical mouse
2. Orange post-it and stripey paper clips
3. Sports Gallery purple tumbler
4. My 2nd SecurID token! I lost the first ever which costs 5,000 bucks. Whatta!
5. A reading material entitled 'The Rise of Asia's Middle Class' (haven't read though) =)
6. Cutesy pinky lollipop-py cellphone pouch *wink*
7. A cup of de caffeinated coffee
8. A Year in High Heels by Camilla Morton (I'm already in page 295 of 501) Uh oh!
9. My oldie Samsung phone
10. A ballpen! I always have one wherever I go and it should be just cheap pen because I'm good in losin' it! =D
11. I found this CD at home given to me by my friend Rhina last year. It was our out-of-town trip in Lucban, Quezon and reminiscing the moment attacks when I started browsing the photos. Aaaawwww!
12. I wonder why I have two perfumes on my desk?! Victoria's Secret PINK Soft & Pure and Rustan's Le Posh Blvd Kisses. Pink is half-full and Kisses getting empty. P-fume freak?!
13. Tadddaaa...the 'certificate' from Confucious Institute! My name written on it with Chinese symbol for LOVE! <3 <3 <3
14. Latest copy of Development Asia on 'Dealing with Disasters' -- a must-read, totally informative

Grind it,

-=beLLe=-

Busy yet buzzy

2011-04-26T18:28:00.002+08:00

Summer 2011 has started already and this blog has taken its vacation ahead of moi! I don't even notice that its almost half-way of the Rabbit's year and I'm one week away from quarter life crisis. Middle of 2010 was really a rocky road and by November until end of Q1 were the busy bonanza period. Schedules piled-up but I stayed buzz-y in the e-world through my Facebook (this is given!) and tantananan....

Twitter (bvnantes) - have 3,151 tweets as of 26/04/2011 5:40pm and I'm updating it through web, mobileweb, and mobile via Tweetitow.

Twitpic - uploaded 105 photos and 1 video. Can't wait who's next in the 'spotted' limelight since the first one I caught was Mac Lintag. Lol!

Multiply (dreweybelle) - this serves as my FB account's back-up and old school photos are here! I just noticed that I have chosen a very chic theme and customized this long before Gaga has gone gaga. Was it an anticipation? *wink*

Friendster (dreweybelle) - yes, this is still alive with 191 testimonials and 19 albums! Oh, but I received an e-mail that Friendster users shall back-up photos, blogs, and other important data in their "Apps" site before 31 May 2011. See info below:

So there, I still do updates through my 5 major social network accounts and counting this Yes! No Caffeine! as the 6th.

Highfive,

-=beLinda=-

Lucky!

2010-12-22T22:19:00.000+08:00

Just got lucky a week ago during our firm wide Christmas Party! I was the 2nd prize winner in the raffle and took home a brand new 21-inch DeVant LCD TV.

My dad was really happy because LCD TV was in his Christmas wish list for this year. Good thing I won since I wasn't able to get my 13th month pay from the previous company I worked with...I don't know how will I be able to buy dad's request. But thank God, it was answered. Whew! :)

- Belle

a quarter after one

2010-12-13T10:45:00.000+08:00

Reachin for the phone cause I can't fight it anymore / And I wonder if I ever cross your mind / For me it happens all the time

Love U Leave U

2010-12-12T12:52:00.001+08:00

So I was channeling my emo-ness once again, downloading random songs off of YouTube. And Taa-daaaaaah! I got my song that will be running on my playlist for days.

Starting now....

"And it feels so much lighter, now I've met you...
And honey you should know, that I could never go on without you... Green eyes..."

haunting..

2010-12-06T09:45:00.000+08:00

Your fingertips across my skin
The palm trees swaying in the wind, images
You sang me Spanish lullabies
The sweetest sadness in your eyes, clever trick

Well, I'd never want to see you unhappy
I thought you'd want the same for me

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?

So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

We walked along a crowded street
You took my hand and danced with me in the shade
And when you left you kissed my lips
You told me you would never ever forget these images, no

Well, I'd never want to see you unhappy
I thought you?d want the same for me

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be?

So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

I cannot go to the ocean
I cannot try the streets at night
I cannot wake up in the morning
Without you on my mind

So you're gone and I'm haunted
And I bet you are just fine
Did I make it that easy to walk
Right in and out of my life?

Goodbye, my almost lover
Goodbye, my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Why can't you just let me be?

So long, my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heartache
Almost lovers always do

Games, changes and fears

2010-11-30T10:44:00.002+08:00

....

anything live is awesome..

Camilla Morton's A Year in High Heels

2010-11-27T20:33:00.000+08:00

A month ago, I bought a book since I found it interesting when I read the review from a certain fab magazine. And now, every page has lots of FYI! Here's a glimpse of A Year in High Heels that you may want to start lovin' on 2011 bellas.

If your resolutions, indeed whole diary, looks much the same from one year to another… and you are suffering from that niggling suspicion that someone, somewhere is having more fun than you, then get smart - A Year in High Heels is here to help. Forget TV dinners or waiting for that call, Camilla's done all the hard work for you so you can have the most inspiring year ever!

This is the ultimate guide to the year with each month featuring a perfectly co-ordinated combination of culture, challenges and shoe changes. You'll be amazed at all you'll learn! There's a monthly muse to inspire, books and themes for that soon-to-be-formed book club, plus anecdotes and information that make dumbing down so last season. Have content as well as the Cover Girl look. From Chanel, to Austen, to Monroe and more…

Armani, Gisele, Erin O'Connor, Diane von Furstenberg, Matthew Williamson, and other A List Fashionistas share secrets about their favourite destinations to help you with your own adventures. Dita von Teese, Anya Hindmarch and Christian Lacroix show you how to undress, go green and appreciate opera. Heidi Klum helps you plan that perfect holiday, Nick Knight a Masked Ball and Galliano takes you round the world!! Are there enough days in the to squeeze in this much fun?!

Eclectic, practical and fantastical, A Year in High Heels is crammed with fascinating tale and trivia, inspiring ideas plus surprisingly sensible advice. Commemorate the day Marie Antoinette was beheaded by blending up her favourite face mask, celebrate her introducing the croissant to France and detox on the dreary. Start a blog that will make Pepy's eyes pop, and let the female muses and modern mysteries of living unravel with style and wit. What are you waiting for?!

**Based on Camilla Morton's Website http://www.camillamorton.com/camilla-mortons-books/

Scarlet Cake

2010-11-25T20:47:00.001+08:00

Here we go again...it's weekend! From a spa session then looking for a place to eat somewhere comfy with special ambiance. Ended up in a restaurant where food is just sssooooo tasty and worth trying. Did not regret anything from their entree up to dessert. Cookbook Kitchen! This cozy resto is found in Eastwood, Libis.

And yeah, I'm showing one of the best desserts...Kittin's Scarlet Cake! A reddish velvet-y cake with cocoa powder. Yum! I'm sure I will go back here once my taste buds crave again for a cake that is not-so-sweet. Not too expensive too since the price per slice is less than Php200 and I even shared it with my friend Rhina.

iPhone 4 Metal Case

2010-11-25T11:47:00.000+08:00

Found a link over at Lifehacker.com regarding this awesome iPhone 4 Metal Case. Super interesting! I just hope I'll be able to replace my back cover once my new Metal case arrives!! Yaaaaaaaay!!

From the site:

Update: The product is out of stock at Cellular Nationwide Network, but the makers of this product (known as iArmor) have informed us that you can check them out on Facebook and email them with orders, which will be fulfilled via PayPal.

...Tout Le Monde Est Une Drôle De Personne...

2010-11-24T19:15:00.000+08:00

A friend of mine introduced me to this song and it has been my lullaby of choice since then. Distinctive voice, beautiful melody, French, awww! the perfect lullaby! I could've sworn I knew every lyrics to this song.. Bah!

Just listen to it..

Artist: Carla Bruni
Album: Quelqu’un M’a Dit (2002)
Títle: Tout Le Monde

Tout le monde est une drôle de personne,
Et tout le monde a l'âme emmêlée,
Tout le monde a de l'enfance qui ronronne,
Au fond d'une poche oubliée,
Tout le monde a des restes de rêves,
Et des coins de vie dévastés,
Tout le monde a cherché quelque chose un jour,
Mais tout le monde ne l'a pas trouvé,
Mais tout le monde ne l'a pas trouvé.

Il faudrait que tout l'monde réclame auprès des autorités,
Une loi contre toute notre solitude,
Que personne ne soit oublié,
Et que personne ne soit oublié

Tout le monde a une sale vie qui passe,
Mais tout le monde ne s'en souvient pas,
J'en vois qui la plient et même qui la cassent,
Et j'en vois qui ne la voient même pas,
Et j'en vois qui ne la voient même pas.

Il faudrait que tout l'monde réclame auprès des autorités,
Une loi contre toute notre indifférence,
Que personne ne soit oublié,
Et que personne ne soit oublié.

Tout le monde est une drôle de personne,
Et tout le monde a une âme emmêlée,
Tout le monde a de l'enfance qui résonne,
Au fond d'une heure oubliée,
Au fond d'une heure oubliée

Universal Studios Singapore Hollywood After Hours

2010-11-24T10:55:00.001+08:00

According to Mr. Wikipedia, "Universal Studios Singapore Hollywood After Hours happens every Friday and Saturday night from 7:00pm to 10:00pm where visitors pay SGD$5 per entry into Universal Studios Singapore®'s Hollywood zone to dine and shop. The Lake Hollywood Spectacular pyrotechnics show happens at 9:30pm during Hollywood After Hours. Same-day park guests and Annual Park Holders can enter the park during Hollywood After Hours for free."

Aaaaand it was A-Ma-Zzzzzing!!! (at a cheap price *wink wink*)

Here are some random shots:

Share-a-blog: SAVANA vs. SABANA

2010-11-11T14:21:00.002+08:00

We just found out that sharing a blog together might be far more interesting because we’ll share our ideas together and at the same time be more aware of what’s happening in our current destined places somewhere out there. This also adds pressure on us to update the page on a regular or occasional basis too! LOL! It’s so funny that we do not know where this Yes!!! No Caffeine!!! will lead us and what could be the outcome. It might be the usual goody-ol’ SAVANA or the naughty within us…SABANA!!! LET’S SEE!

Here goes why I.T. peeps can be real IT gurls of the century…woohoo to SAVANA!

STORIES. This blog will be full of STORIES!!! Lots of ‘S’ stories that rock our wonderful world! SURPRISES! SHINDIG! STARS! SNEAK PEAK! STYLE! SENSIBLE STUFF that you’ll die to hear about! So, stay-tuned…wait and SEE!

ARIANNE’S RANTS. The first owner of this page! Loves to talk about her lifestyle in the City of Lion. She’ll be one of the correspondents in this blog and will update us on the latest in-and-out all the way from her current hometown!

SINGAPORE

VOLATILE BELINDA. Another correspondent who’ll be bringing the most up-to-date trends, raves, and talk-of-the-town stuff in downtown Manila. And if mood persists…more information will be posted about the 7,107 islands in our beloved country –

PHILIPPINES

AWESOME! Who doesn’t want to read something that will make him or her say AWESOME or at least AAAaaawww!

NO! Promise, NO PORNOGRAPHY will be posted UNLESS you pay us good amount! Hahaha!

ANNOUNCEMENT and ADS. We’re unbiased. So anyone who wants to share their stories, ads, announcements, schedules, what’s hot-or-not are merely acceptable! Conflict of interest is allowed! Woah!

Let’s turn the table and face it in a different direction…then good girls have gone bad? That’s a big uh oh!!!

SHOCK. Shocking news. Secrets revealed. Stalker mode. Stubborn mood. Strangers shut-up!

ANNOY. What if Kingsley Amis inspired us? As the saying goes, “If you can’t annoy somebody, there’s little point in writing…” =)

BLIND ITEMS and BOO! If there’s nothing to say and we’re not into what majority is talking about…sorry, it’s a BOO BOO! Oh, we’re thinking of blabbing stuff that will make y’all excited (haha!) – BLIND ITEM! So, who’s the first one in our row? And oh please, don’t let us get you…SPOTTED!!!

ANCIENT. There will come a time we’ll post something from the past. Don’t you like to be a little primitive at times or be grateful with the history of our planet, mankind, or the universe? Some FYIs will not hurt us so bad right? It’ll just kill you to boredom.

NON-SENSE. If there’s no boring story to tell, then FINE! Let’s go to another major topic…NON-SENSE. Who knows, there’ll be readers who’ll find our non-sense post as something out-of-the-ordinary.

ATTACK! If we do hate you, oh noes…we’re saying our deepest sorry now. If our wicked mind started popping and we’re on the trail of brainstorming and planning…tttaaadddaaaa! You’ve been victimized! Who knows, it might be your road to fame or shame. You might be the headline in the next day’s broad sheet or tabloid. And now we’re pushing the button…CONNECTION ACTIVATE! Yehoo!

Excited,

Arianne & Belinda

Worldwide Festival Sessions Singapore 2010

2010-08-28T10:47:00.000+08:00

Check out this Worldwide Festival happening @ Zouk!

"Worldwide Festival is back in the Lion city on the 27th and 28th of August '10 for two WF sessions of cutting edge grooves by the best of today's inspired artists. For the first time ever the whole of Zouk (Asia's clubbing mecca) will be transformed into a festival complex with one ticket giving you access to all the different spaces all united by the WF spirit, music & vibe. With four different musical enclaves, the magic of Zouk flows across its 4000-pax venue with its inventive architecture, distinctive style and mind-blowing soundsystems.

Artists already confirmed are: Dam Funk, Jazztronik, Dorian Concept, dOP, Zed Bias aka Maddslinky, Ikonika, Lefto, Gilles Peterson, Jeremy Boon, Andrew Chow, djB, Tony Tay, Hong, Eclipse, Ghetto, Syndicate, Kaye, Funk Bast*rd, KFC, Pushin' On, Daniel Koh, Michaela Therese.... Tickets are available at ZOUK BOX OFFICE, 17 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169420."

And yay I won!!!

YOG Hangover

2010-08-27T16:02:00.000+08:00

Mesdames et messieurs. Merci. Bonne nuit.

It. Was. Magical.

Check out below links for official videos and photostream for YOG:

Youth Olympic Games Closing Ceremony - Official Video

It's all because of you

2010-08-27T10:27:00.003+08:00

So on my way to the office, I was on my blackberry listening on shuffle mode. It hit this song. I realized, it almost sounds like a stalker song! Hahahahaha! This is fun! :) These lines struck me the most.

"And here I go, losing my control
I'm practicing your name
So I can say it to your face
It doesn't seem right to look you in the eye"

and the chorus..

"Say you'll stay, don't
Come and go like you do
Sway my way, yeah
I need to know all about you"

Real Yoga

2010-08-26T16:10:00.002+08:00

So yesterday, Clyde (girl officemate) and I finally decided to take up our free-trial at Real Yoga. As starters, we had Fusion Dance simply because we were told that this is the dance type with yoga. Or something like that. I was bored with the idea of yoga. I tried it at Sky Fitness (another free-trial) and it was a one-time thing for me. At Real Yoga, we will try to take classes which are not too yoga like a taebo-esque class called Combat. The instructor looks like a marine. But of course we will definitely try Hot Yoga. This is when perspiration meets yoga. Exciting!! :)

Youth Olympic Games Closing Ceremony

2010-08-26T15:22:00.001+08:00

I finally got this ticket for the closing ceremony of YOG! Sponsored by Ate Ana (my ex-officemate from Radha and the-stairs-separate-our-apartment neighbor), I will be catching this legendary event, LIVE!! This ticket is actually a Visa Card from DBS so after the event, I can use this to link to my DBS savings account. It works as the ticket to the event and an ez-link card as well! I can use this same card to tap into buses and mrt. How dope is this! :) In a few more hours, I will be joining the crowd in raising Singapore's flag and sing their songs.. See you later at YOG! :)

numero uno

2010-08-26T15:02:00.002+08:00

Randomly thinking of putting up a blog. And here it is.. :)

I will blog random things as it pass my way. Most probably during boredom and daydreams. ;)
Why the caffeine tag on my blog?! Because I have been caffeine-free for months now. Well, that's what I believe it to be. No more coffee in the morning, no more coffee during lunch breaks, no more coffee during coffee breaks, no coffee at night and this is freaky! With my 24/7 type of work, I need caffeine!! So why am I up and running?! No idea!!!

Let's enjoy this while it lasts! *clink clink*