Synz Memoir

Manila Part 1 : Shakey's Pizza

2012-02-09T21:13:00.000+08:00

Manila is the capital of the Philippines.It is where all the trading takes place. The place where you can find a lot of cheaper clothes compared here in Cebu. The City where you can find all different kinds of people from different parts of the Philippines. The home of celebrities.

Born and raised here in Cebu, it has always been my dream to go to Manila. When I learned that my father is attending a wedding there, I ask him if I could come. I was lucky he was in a good mood by then. Without any hesitation, he said yes and asked me to book our flight.

my mom, my sissy Claire with nephew Jah and my sis Ciamz

The day of our flight was a bit nerve wracking. We almost miss our flight that morning. If you can see my father at the back of these ladies, he was talking to the Cebu Pacific staff to just let us through. We were lucky the plane were about to ride was delayed.

This is my first time to ride a plane. Yup! You heard it right. It is a bit embarrassing, but I don't care. :) It was a nice experience though. More or less you're just like riding a bus.

We arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 around 2pm. We haven't had our lunch that time, and my little friends inside my tummy are starting to get mad. My father mention a food court inside the airport, so we decide to just have our lunch there. Shakey's was the first restaurant we saw when we arrive in the food court. So everyone just agreed to have our late lunch in Shakey's.

When we heard a word Shakey's, we automatically think of a pizza parlor. Right? Anyway, Shakey's offers a different kinds and flavors of pizza. Because most of us were hungry at the time, the ordering of food was left to me. I was thinking back then, that Pizza alone can't satisfy our hungry stomach. So I ordered a group meal with a large Pepperoni Pizza, Crispy Chicken with Mojos, Spaghetti, Garlic breads and Ice tea.

Aside from Shakey's thin crust pizza, they are also known for their crispy chicken and chips (mojos). I had dined in Shakey's a few time here in Cebu, and their chicken is always one of my order.

I was a bit disappointed with their spaghetti. Honestly, I don't like it. Even my sissy agree with me. We only consumed half of it. The Crispy Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza was enough to satisfy our hungry tummy.

If you want to chech their Menu, CLICK HERE!

Shakey's Pizza

NAIA Terminal 3

Parañaque City

Tel. No.: 849-8269

Trading Hours: Mon-Sun (11AM-11PM)

Get Together

2012-02-07T20:45:00.000+08:00

Like most people, I love family get together. I love to spend time with my family as much as I love spending time with my friends. I'm so glad how my parents have raised us to value family above all. After celebrating my Lola's birthday last December, we planned another get together. We wanted to start our 2012 spending time with each other. Initially we wanted to go to the beach somewhere in Lapu-lapu, but it was just too far. Eventually we ended up in Ruvi Cave.

Before heading our way to Ruvi Cave Resort, we went to Talisay Public Market to buy some food. Since one of my cousin is familiar with the place, he mentioned a hanging bridge just located at the back of the market. Knowing about this, we got curious and walk our way to the hanging bridge. This is actually a community hanging bridge. Instead of getting wet from crossing the river, this is where the people pass to cross to the other side. After taking a few pictures, we headed out to Ruvi Cave Resort.

Everyone had a great time, especially the little ones. They really enjoy the water.

Ruvi Cave Resort is great place for family gathering or outings. They don't have white sand beach, but they this pool which everyone can enjoy. Although the place is small, I'm pretty sure you'll have a great time. They have cottages and rooms for overnight stay. For more information about Ruvi Cave Resort, read my other blog post about the place HERE!

Microwave Baked Tahong

2012-02-01T17:09:00.000+08:00

Baked Tahong or Baked Mussels is a popular seafood appetizer here in the Philippines. In fact, this is one of my favorite appetizer. I was so excited when my father bought a new microwave. This means I can cook more food with the help of it. I never thought baked tahong can be cooked in a Microwave. But my sister's boyfriend knows more about cooking than I do. He volunteered to make these baked tahong for us.

Making baked tahong is quite easy. You'll just need mussels, butter, cheese and sauteed garlic. First, you need to open up those closed tahong. To do that, put mussels in a pot of water. Bring to boil or until all the mussels opens. Remove other half shell of mussels and arrange the remaining shell in a plate.

Top the mussels with butter, grated cheese and sauteed garlic. Arrange it in a microwave safe plate and place inside the microwave for 2 minutes or until cheese melts. Transfer baked tahong in another plate afterwards and serve.

Microwave Baked Tahong Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 kg Tahong/Mussels (cleaned and boiled until shells open)
5 cloves garlic (minced and sauteed)
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 cup quickmelt or ordinary cheese (grated)

Directions:

Remove the other half of the shell and arrange the remaining half in plate.
Place some butter, cheese and sauteed garlic on top of the mussels,
Place mussels in a microwave oven safe plate and put it inside the microwave for about 2 minutes or until cheese melts.
Remove from microwave and transfer in a serving plate.
Serve appetizer while it's hot. Enjoy!

Red Box : Rock • Dine • Roll

2012-01-27T17:08:00.000+08:00

Red Box in Cebu has been here for almost 2 years (if I'm not mistaken). First Red box was opened last December 2003 in Manila, at Greenbelt Makati. There are 3 branches of Red Box in the Philippines right now, including the branch here in Cebu. The other branch is in Trinoma. Red Box is not only a great place for pips who love to sing but also for people who just love to hangout with friends and dine. If not for the gift certificate I receive from winning the Pre-blog post contest during VBS2011, I wouldn't have consider going there. ^_^

It was my cousin's birthday when I decide to use the GF. We bring along my sissy and my cousin's friend. Of course, I had free entrance and a glass of ice tea, while they pay for theirs. ^_^

If you're the kind of person who doesn't like to sing and just want to hangout, Red Box has this cute little bar at the entrance. You can order drinks here.

poker room

The staffs will provide you a room according to the number of people you're with. They have billiard room and poker room good for 15 people and above.

Because there were only 4 of us, they provide us a room just enough for us. Actually the room is bigger for 4 person. They have great service and easy to manage karaoke system. You can't see any song book here. Here in Red Box, they use the modern style. That little monitor below the screen is where you will chose your song from. If you don't know how to use it, no need to worry. The staff will orient you on how to use it.

For P49 you can have this barbecue flavored french fries. It's actually very affordable and delicious.

Cheese Sticks cost P149. It's actually worth its price. The cheese inside is a lot bigger compared to other cheese sticks I've tried.

Crispy Calamares is worth P199. Their servings for calamares is worth its price. But honestly, I don't like their calamares sauce. I prefered if they give us those mix ketchup-mayonnaise dip. Well anyway, I love their calamares. It's really crispy and yummy. I guess all their food are delicious.

With their rates, I'm sure you'll get the best. They have friendly staffs and great service. I will not have any second thoughts on going back there.

Red Box Cebu
Ayala Center Cebu
Call : (032) 417-1675 to reserve a room

Getting Organized...

2012-01-25T22:46:00.000+08:00

After thinking for several days, I have finally decided to organize my blogs. Blog post on this blog will be mainly about food, recipes, blogging and personal things about me. Regarding my outdoor blog From Sea to Summit, I decided to make it a travel blog as well (feeling traveler! ^_^). So all my outdoor activities, and all related to travel , will be on my other blog.

Check out my Whale shark or butandeng experience (my recent blog post) on my other blog

Click here!

Thanks for reading! ^_^

Sinulog 2012

2012-01-17T15:52:00.002+08:00

Sinulog 2012 turns out to be one of my best Sinulog celebration ever! These are just some of the things I did to make it more fun...

Get a henna tattoo. I had a friend who is great at doing it. I just ask a little favor from him and tahdah! Got a FREE henna tattoo right away. ^_^

Met a star. Actually it was unexpected. Jay-R Siaboc happens to be a friend's neighbor. After eating his dinner at our friends house, he was nice enough to have some pictures with us.

Went Street Party hopping. It was so much fun. Hopping from one street party to another is a must-do on Sinulog. I saw a lot of friends.

Getting wet and wild. Yes! Literally wet. While were dancing in a crowded (and I mean very crowded) party, some other guys from the second floor just started pouring water all over the place.

Drinking booze til morning. Yup! I got home at 7AM. I even heard my father said 'Nabuntagan man!' when I get home. hehehe... No worries, we're still cool!

How was your Sinulog by the way? Hope you had a lot of fun. ^_^

Buko juice with Sweetened Condensed Milk

2012-01-15T12:00:00.000+08:00

Coconut or Buko is great for dessert and drinks. Its juice is sweet and has a lot of health benefits. It is usually what people with UTI drink. It cleanses your body and has therapeutic effect. Its fruit can be use in different recipes.

As for our recipe today, this is very common and very easy to do. We both need the meat and the juice of the coconut.

Pour coconut juice into a pitcher. Cut coconut in half and add coconut meat in the pitcher.

Add the condense milk to the mixture and mix. It's that simple, and your ready to serve. ^_^

Buko juice with Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Ingredients:

10 coconut meat and juice
1 cup condense milk
ice cubes (optional)

Directions:

Open coconuts on top by boring a small hole to extract the liquid, place coconut juice in a large pitcher.
Open the coconuts in half then using a fork score the young coconut meat before removing it with a spoon, place coconut meat in the coconut juice mixture.
Add condensed milk into the pitcher then mix until totally dissolved.
Place ice cubes then serve.

*** This post is submitted to Mingle Monday.

MV Logos Hope Docks in Cebu

2012-01-14T01:22:00.005+08:00

Life is a journey, we're all going somewhere, but where are we going? -Logos Hope

The biggest book fair and floating library is here in Cebu, MV Logos Hope. The ship that brings knowledge, help and hope. After hearing about this from Carla, I was so eager to see it for myself. Last time the MV Doulos (Logos Hope's sister ship) was here in Cebu, I wasn't able to check it out. So when I heard about Logos Hope, I excitedly went to see it. ^_^

click image to enlarge

Here's a simple map of the ship to help you around. This map is available for free at the information area of the ship.

Upon entering the ship, you'll see the information counter in which you will pay your entrance fee. After paying, you are expected to sit at their lifeboat theatre for some quick orientation about the ship. At the side of the lifeboat theatre, you'll see this magnificent History Wall of Logos Hope and its sister ships.

After learning something about Logos Hope history, you can proceed directly to their book fair section. Here, you'll see over 5,000 book titles ranging from Classics, Friction, Cookbooks, Parenting, Religious books, Children's books and so much more. This is a book lover's haven. Mind you, their books are way cheaper compare to our Bookstores. For P350, I was able to buy 3 books. You'll really gonna love it here.

Aside from books, Logos Hope also carries Audio and instructional DVDs and VCDs. This is located inside their Book Fair section.

After picking up those books you desire, pay for it at the counter with the super duper friendly cashiers. Actually, all the staffs and crew of the ship were very friendly. They even try to learn some simple Bisaya language like "Maayong Hapon!".

Further from the book fair is the Journey to Life Exhibit. Journey to Life is a story of a prodigal son, in which his story is represented with pictures and hung on those walls to tell his story.

You'll enter in the Logos Hope's Theatre after understanding the prodigal son's story.

Upon entering the International Cafe, you'll see this net book place at the corner. It serves as the Captain's Logbook. Don't forget to sign here, leave a quick message and give your email address to receive a free souvenir digital photo from the captain.

Across the Captain's Logbook is this cute little nook for the kids. Here, children are free to play and learn. That American girl right there is teaching this cute little kids something. I'm pretty sure, kids would love it here.

If you got hungry after touring around the MV Logos Hope, you can enjoy a brief snack from their international cafe that is big enough to accommodate over a hundred guest (I think!).

Here's MV Logos Hope Cafe Menu in the Philippines. Its affordable compared to cafes here in Cebu (promise! ^_^).

Before you exit the ship, try to spend a few minutes here in their Life X-Perience booth. You'll gonna learn a lot from here.

You can visit MV Logos Hope in Malacañang Park, Cebu Port. It is open to public from January 11-February 14, 2012 (Tuesday-Saturday 10:00AM-9:30PM and Sunday 1:00PM-9:30PM). An entrance fee of P20 is required from everyone who wants to go inside. Children below 5 years old is free. ^_^

What are you waiting for? Visit Logos Hope now and shop for good books. Don't forget to bring your family with you. ^_^

Just Got Lucky?

2012-01-13T03:03:00.000+08:00

Last November, I attended the coolest and the grandest blog conference here in Cebu, the Visayas Blogging Summit 2011. To be admitted to this event, one should create a blog post about it. Because I'm so eager to attend an event like this, I excitedly made mine. Later on, the organizer of the VBS2011 announced a contest for bloggers. This is to create a pre- and post-blog post about this amazing event. Just for fun, I submitted my entry to VBS.

I don't know if it was just luck, but I won the 2nd Prize for the Pre-Blog Post Contest (Big Smile!). It was midnight of Jan5 when I receive a text message from the President of Cebu Bloggers (organizer of the event), that I won the 2nd prize for the pre-blog post contest. Since I was checking my emails that time, I eagerly check VBS' website to confirm it. My name was really there.

So by Saturday that week, I went to Ayala to claim my prize: a gift pack from GT Cosmetics, a gift certificate from Red Box, Maribago Bluewater and Hero Sausages worth P200 . ^_^

Talking about winning, I wrote a blog post about being on the top 10 famous bloggers in Cebu last month. A few days after, the result was posted in our local newspaper. If not because of a friend who inform me about reading my name in Sunstar, I wouln't have known about it.

Winning a spot in the Top 10 Famous Bloggers and a 2nd Prize from Pre-Blog Post Contest, isn't it lucky?^_^

Sogod, Cebu : Alegre Beach Resort

2012-01-06T06:49:00.001+08:00

Alegre Beach Resort is one of the resorts in the North side of Cebu that has beautiful white sand beach. This magnificent resort is located in Sogod, Cebu.

I had the opportunity to explore this gem last month. A team building of a certain company was being held here and I'm one of the privileged Adventure Facilitator to be part of this TB. Click here to read more about this...

ALEGRE BEACH RESORT & SPA
Calumboyan, Sogod, Island of Cebu, Philippines
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1094, Cebu City Philippines
Tel. Nos. +63 (0) 32 2549800 ; 2549811; 2549822;
Fax: +63 (0) 32 2549833
Direct Line: +63 (0) 32 2556388
Email address: reserve@alegrebeachresort.com or guest@alegrebeachresort.com

New Year's Eve

2012-01-02T03:17:00.000+08:00

welcome 2012 with hope, love and smiles...

How did you welcome your 2012? I hope you had a great time. As you can see, I spend my eve with the entire family and it was awesome! We rarely got the chance to have our family picture, but I'm glad we had this yearly celebration as a good excuse to have one. It's been awhile since we do this. This is our first family picture with my sister's son and her man. :)

Since New Year's Eve is a celebration, food are flowing all over our table. We had plan all these food after Christmas. We wanted finger food, which is easy and quick to prepare. Using those chocolate gold coins to design our table makes it perfectly fit for a new year themed table. It add drama to our glittering 2012. After making those glitter candles last Christmas, I just feel in love with glitters. ^_^

With the help of Yummy Party Booklet, I was able to prepare my own version of Cojunundo. This dish is similar to egg Benedict but without the sauce.

Aside from Cojunundo, I also made my own version of Montadito Don Pepito. These are small sandwiches topped with an assortment of ingredients that can include meat or seafood.

After eating those delicious Cameron Rebosado in Chika-an sa Cebu, I decided to include the dish for that evening. The shrimp in the grocery was so pricey, but it was all worth it. I've been craving for this dish for quite awhile.

Since we had a lot of extra ground pork, we decided to make something out of it. We just added some seasoning and eggs in it to make it like these.

We had this ham left in our fridge for a week. So we decided to cook it. It was yummy though. ^_^

After having all the food prepared for the coming new year, we waited and countdown our way to 2012.

Happy New Year Everyone!

On Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000+08:00

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Aside from family gathering and lots of party, its also a good reason to prepare and make delicious food.

Christmas wouldn't be complete without fruit salad. It's easy to prepare and gives you a lot of extra time to cook another dish for dinner. I'll try to post the recipe here this week, if I have enough time. :)

My brother made this. He called it Hot and Spicy Carbonara. Have you ever tried eating one? It's kinda delicious though. I don't like spicy food, but I tried to eat this. Of course, with a glass of water at the side. This is a disaster recipe. My bro suppose to be using flakes and oil tuna but instead, he accidentally grab the hot and spicy one. Only then he had realize it, when he got home from the grocery store.

My cousin Caitlin made this Monte Cristo Sandwich. It was the most popular food that evening. I made this before and had blog about it. Click here for the recipe.

I know how children love munchkins. So I asked my little sissy to make these. We have a few youngster in the family that enjoyed eating these.

The very attractive Deviled Eggs. I was making these when two of my nephew approach me and watch. They're so cute. :)

The rest of the food on our table were either ordered or given by our relatives. I had a great time that night, and I know, my entire family also did. We opened our gifts together at the strike of 12 midnight. As for the rest of the night, we spend it with booze.

How about your Christmas eve? Hope you enjoy spending time with your family.

Glitter Candles

2011-12-26T17:52:00.002+08:00

How was your Christmas? Ours is full of glittery and food. :) This was a last minute DIY crafts for our Christmas table. We initially plan to buy glitter candles, but the price was just to high for our budget. So I just decide to make one, five actually. I can't wait to share this to you guys. You can also make one like this for New Year's eve.

To make this glitter candles, you need: glitter dust in different colors, candles, glue, scissors and small plate for the base.

Start by rubbing glue all over the candles. Then sprinkle the glitters all over it. The glue will help the glitter stick to the candle. Do the same with the rest of the candles.

Glue candles in a plate and sprinkle the remaining glitters all over.

Place your glitter candles at the center of your table, or where ever you like it to be. ENJOY!

~ M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S ! ~

Recipes for Christmas

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000+08:00

4 days til Christmas eve!

Having a hard time thinking what to prepare this holiday season? Here's your party saver. Yummy magazine has produce this cute recipe booklet just in time for Christmas. It has 62 wonderful recipes inside, which is fit for different kinds of party.

Now you don't have to worry on your menu this coming Christmas.

Having an outdoor party? There are few recipes that will fit on your outdoor party menu.

Love Asian food? Asian-inspired Holiday Menu is for you.

Hosting a cocktail party? Here's a sample of cocktail recipes.

What makes this booklet super different from any other recipe book? Aside from being handy and having colorful pictures, this booklet provide tips on cooking. Just like the one in the picture above.

What are you waiting for? Rush now to your nearest National Bookstore and purchase this excellent recipe booklet. Only for P125.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Chikaan sa Cebu

2011-12-19T01:11:00.000+08:00

Recently my father went home from his work in Singapore. After picking him up at the airport, we headed directly to Chika-an sa Cebu located in Cebu Parkmall Mandaue. My dad wanted to eat mongo soup, so he bring the whole family in Chika-an, where he believe, serves the yummiest mongo soup. Its his favorite, so I trust him with this. :)

As soon as our ass hit the chair, my father ordered the mongo soup[P130]. This soup is good for 4-5 persons per serving. Like what my father said, this mongo soup is really delicious.

By the way, this little guy seems to have a lot of food to order. heheehe

My father seems to miss Filipino food coz he ordered this Relienong Talong[P75]. I don't like talong very much so I didn't had a chance to nibble on this one. It looks great though. ^_^

After my father ordered Chicharong Bulaklak [P110], I realize that he is craving for Filipino food. He usually order seafoods whenever we dine outside. But that day was different. Anyway, this Chicharong Bulaklak is great. Its crispy and delicious.

We're a big fan of crabs, especially my sister. We usually dine on restaurant that serves crabs in any form. Fortunately, Chika-an sa Cebu serves crabs [P99/100grams] in different ways. It can be cook just the way you want it. They can serve it with garlic, with coco cream, with salt & pepper, fried with garlic vinegar, or steamed. As for our order, we have it steamed, just the way we like it.

Hmmm... Baked Scallops [P128]. This is one of my favorite. Need I say more? ^_^

Yeah! I love seafood, especially shrimp. Shrimp is my super favorite. Trust me, this Camaron Rebosado [P165] taste really great.

Lastly, the Crispy Pata which is sooooo crispy. Their Crispy Pata came in small [P255] or large [P299] serving. Small Crispy Pata, which is what we ordered, is good for 4-5 person.

Rice eater? No worries. Chikaan sa Cebu offers unlimited rice. So you can ask for more rice if you want. All in all, they have great food, cozy ambiance and excellent service. Prices of food ranges from P35-P300. Their food really worth every penny. ^_^

Chika-an – Lahug
Salinas Drive, Lahug [across Cebu Northwinds Hotel]
Tel nos.: 63-32-233-0350, 63-32-233-0358
Hours: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm / 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Chika-an – SM City Cebu
2nd Floor, Northwing Extension
SM City Cebu

Chika-an- Parkmall
Parkmall, Mandaue
Tel.no.: 4209221

Best Cebu Blogs Award 2011

2011-12-13T12:00:00.000+08:00

Best Cebu Blogs Award aims to recognize the existence and relevance of blogging in Cebu’s local blogging scene by pooling the finest online publishers in the Queen City of the South.

Fortunately, I'm one of the 40 nominee for Best Cebu Blogs Award, with a personal and food niche. My featured post: http://synzmemoir.blogspot.com/2011/08/street-foods-foodtrip-in-pardo.html

[from Best Cebu Blogs Facebook wall]

Just last Friday (December 9, 2011), they announced the Top 10 Famous Bloggers. Weeee.. I'm in Top 8! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the awards night to claim my price or certificate. Well, there's always a next time. Looking forward to next years BCB Awards. :)

Sinulog 2012 : Schedule of Activities

2011-12-13T02:46:00.001+08:00

Sinulog is the biggest festival being celebrated here in Cebu. All Cebuano are looking forward to this event. Even the government had prepared a lot of activities a month before the event.

Here's the official schedule of activities for Sinulog 2012.

Dec. 1, 2011 – Jan. 31, 2011 - Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.

Dec. 11, 2011 - Sinulog Poster Making Contest at EMall

Dec. 15, 2011 - Sinulog Photo Exhibits at SM City Cebu

Jan. 5, 2012 (THURSDAY) - Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
* 4:00 AM - Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
* 4:30 AM - Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
* 5:30 AM - Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2012

Jan. 6, 2012 (FRIDAY) - Sinulog 2012 Kick Off
Sinulog Photo Exhibits through the years at SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu and MCIAA
* 2:00PM - Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)
* 3:00 PM - Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
* 7:00 PM - Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña featuring Mandaue City Children’s Choir, Dance Sports Team Cebu and Dance Troupes from Cebu’s schools and universities
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Street Party Bands

Jan. 7, 2012 (SATURDAY) - Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
* 1:00 PM - Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
* 2:00 PM - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
* 4:30 PM - Awarding of Winners
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) DepEd, Cebu Province
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 8, 2012 (SUNDAY) - Sinulog sa Kabataan - Dakbayan
* 4:00 AM - Cebu City 2012 Marathon – Check www.cebumarathon.com for more info
* 1:00 PM - Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
* 2:00 PM - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
* 4:30 PM - Awarding of Winners
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Carlos
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 9, 2012 (MONDAY)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 10, 2012 (TUESDAY)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 11, 2012 (WEDNESDAY)
* 9:00 AM - Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
* 7:00 PM - Ms. Cebu 2012 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 12, 2012 (THURSDAY)
* 9:00 AM - Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
* 6:00 PM - Balik Cebu, Welcome Party at Ayala Center Cebu
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 8:00 PM - Handumanan at Ayala Terraces
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 13, 2012 (FRIDAY) - Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
* 4:00 AM - Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña to Sto. Niño
* 7:00 AM - Misa de Translacion (Motorcade)
* 9:00 AM - Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent / Floats / Higante / Puppteers) at Cebu City Sports Center Gym
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
* 7:30 P.M - Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
* 7:30 P.M - Sinulog Festival Queen 2012, Cebu City Sports Center
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 14, 2012 (SATURDAY)
* 6:00 AM - Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
* 9:00 AM - Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño
* 2:00 PM - Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
* 7:00 PM - Sinulog Fireworks Competition at SM City Cebu
* 7:00 PM - Street Party at Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
* 8:00 PM - Gala – Passionata a Cultural Heritage Celebration in Honor of Sto. Niño de Cebu at SM Cinema I
* 8:00 PM - Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras at Ayala Center Cebu
* 8:00 PM - Handumanan Concert, USP-F Theater for the Performing Arts

Jan. 15, 2012 (SUNDAY) - SINULOG GRAND PARADE
* 4:00 AM - Mañanita Mass at Basilica del Sto. Niño
* 6:00 AM - Pontifical mass with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma
* 9:00 AM - Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
* 7:00 PM - Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
* 7:30 PM - Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

Jan. 16, 2012 (MONDAY)
* 1:00 PM - Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

Jan. 20, 2012 (FRIDAY) - "HUBO"
* 4:00 AM - "HUBO Mass" Ritual at Basilica del Sto. Niño

Jan. 28, 2012 (SATURDAY)
* 1:00 P.M - Screening of Finaslists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
* 1:00 P.M - Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest / Sinulog Short Film Festival
* 6:00 P.M - 1st Sinulat Awards, Sinulog Literary Awards for Short Story Writing, Poetry, and Essay Writing at SM City Cebu

Jan. 30 – Feb. 10, 2012 - Photo Exhibits "Winning Photos Sinulog 2012" at SM City Cebu

Visayas Blogging Summit 2011 : The Largest Blogging Gathering in the Visayas

2011-11-28T02:23:00.000+08:00

Visayas Blogging Summit 2011, the first blogging summit I had attended. Which makes me a little bit anxious. Nonetheless, we really learned a lot from the speakers, and enjoyed being there, not to mention all the surprises they prepare for us. It was indeed the biggest social media event of the year.

We arrived in SM just in time for the registration. We were hoping to get the early bird gift pack, but there were already a lot of people inside when we fall in.

A lot of participants had come to join the event. There were even students from different schools.

Upon arriving at the venue, we were given this simple and cute wrist straps and a bag of goodies, which never got the chance to be in this picture. I got overwhelmed by the people around me and totally forgot to take a shot of the bag.

[from L to R] Max Limpag, Evanjohnn Mendoza, Vernon Go and Tim Bennette

This are the first set of speaker for that day. Vernon Go shared about how he started blogging and what/how to keep it going. Evanjohnn Mendoza talked about finding your own niche. Tim Bennette on the other hand, talk how blogs can help your business, and lastly, Max Limpag which state that bloggers should know the basic html/CSS codes and writing skills.

[from L to R] Ruben Licera Jr., Coy Caballes, Joanne Apat, Brad Geiser, Chris Ducker and Kevin Ray Chua

I was amazed by the video clips Chris Ducker had prepared. It was a collection of greetings from international bloggers, which is also friends of Chris from BlogWorld Expo. One of my favorite blogger, Darren Rowse, was one of them. How I wish they would invite him for next year's VBS. :)

Did I mention surprises awhile ago? Introducing 4 contestant of Miss Earth 2012. That's right. It's really them with Mayor Mike Rama in the center. This is one of the surprises the CBSi had prepared for us. Aren't they lovely?

Sorry for this. This is the only shot I have of Regina Lopez. She's the managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Having her in that event had made a lot of people (including me), be aware of the serious issues of mining in Palawan. She manage to open our eyes to the situation of the environment and the people living in the area. She help us realize that we, bloggers, can help stop this disturbing mining in Palawan in our own little way---blogging about it!

I literally had goosebumps watching this video during Regina Lopez's talk. What are you waiting for? Yes you! You can help Palawan with your mouse. Sign the petition online, click here.

After a whole day of learning about blogging, the organizers started to raffle some gift certificates and phones for the participants. Lucky for my cousin, she won a VIP gift certificate from Red Box.

By the way, the free food they serve during the summit was delicious. Although I didn't quite like the Hungarian sausage, the packed lunch was really great. Everything in there was very yummy. ^_^

Street Food: Taho

2011-11-27T03:07:00.000+08:00

Taho is very common here in the Philippines. According to Wikipedia 'Tahô is a Philippine snack food made of fresh soft/silkentofu, arnibal (brown sugar and vanilla syrup), and pearl sago (similar to pearl tapioca).'

This guy right here is our favorite Taho vendor, which we call "suki". We've been buying taho from him since my high school days. He never misses to pass by our house everyday and shout "TAHO!!!".

Caitlin, my cousin, who happens to be a big fan of food, prepared her own taho. Don't worry, she ask permission from our Suki.

This is taho's main ingredient, fresh soft tofu. This is processed to a consistency that is very similar to a very fine custard. It usually taste bland because it lack sugar.

Pearl sago, and melted brown sugar with vanilla, are then added to the processed tofu to give its delicious taste. When it comes to Taho, I want it a little sweet, so I ask the vendor to add a couple of teaspoons of melted brown sugar.

This is children's favorite snack. Taho is rich in protein, which makes it nutritious. A cup of taho usually cost P5 or P10 each.

Kitchen Inspiration

2011-11-22T03:06:00.000+08:00

via Pinteres

After so many years, our kitchen will finally have a taste of remodeling. The great thing about this is I got the biggest say about the whole renovation thing. Recently, I start to love food and cooking. With this new passion, I start to dream of designing my own kitchen. Therefore, I keep persuading my parents to make some renovations to our kitchen. Having to notice my fondness on cooking and my eagerness to change our little dark kitchen, they decided to let me design the kitchen. That’s right! I got to be an architect for this project. To start, the picture above will be my kitchen inspiration; green walls, white drawers and black counter tops.

Urgh! This is embarrassing. I hate to post this but I need to. I want you to see what a disaster and UGLY our little kitchen look like, before the renovation. Originally, our kitchen has no windows. If you go inside our kitchen, you’re like entering into a cave.

We have dining table, which we never use for almost 5 years, because we all can’t fit in it. The space is too small for such a big family like ours (Parents + 5 children). And look at that unpainted walls! It’s disgusting isn’t it?

This happens to be our living room, but it seems to be more look like a dumping area. Our little kitchen is at the back of that drawer with a pink curtain. This living room hasn’t been put in use for almost 5 years. I’m planning to convert this area into a dining room and place our living room elsewhere.

When both my parents agree to start renovating our kitchen, I went to search for some kitchen inspiration online. When I saw this picture in Google, I immediately got an idea on what to do with our dark kitchen. Put a couple of windows to let the light in.

I asked the carpenter if he could make a couple of long chairs like these two in the picture, and he said he can. Wee, all I need to do is buy some cute fabric to put on my chairs.

I really wanted the kitchen countertop to be black granite, but unfortunately, we’re on a tight budget. We will be using black tiles instead. Basically, it will look like the picture above. I don’t know how it will actually look like, but I’m hoping it will look great.

I also would love to have one like this on my drawers. But I don’t know, I still have to talk about this with our woodworker.

As I was searching for more kitchen inspiration, I came across Autodesk Homestyler, a free online software that can help you create and share home design ideas for your dream kitchen, room addition, or interior design project. In my design, I focus more on our kitchen. So basically, this will be the arrangement of our kitchen, and how (more or less) it will look like.

Well, that’s it for now. Do you think I can pull this off? :)

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

2011-11-17T00:56:00.001+08:00

Last month, Krispy Kreme opened two branches here in Cebu. One in Ayala Center Cebu, and another in Asiatown IT Park(Lahug). Their branch opening was the talk of the town. I've heard people fall in a long line, waiting for their turn to order these mouthwatering doughnuts. Of course I got curious. What's with these doughnuts that people are so anxious to buy it?

My curiosity create my desire to taste these foreign doughnuts. Plus, Claire, my noisy sister, keeps on babbling about how delicious these is. That kinda add up to my desire to eat one.

Ciamz, one of my sister, went on a date yesterday. Claire found out where Ciamz and JR are planning to have dinner. So she asked Ciamz to buy a box of Krispy Kreme on their way back home.

Krispy Kreme's signature doughnut is the Original Glaze. We bought one of those, unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to take a picture of it. I guess it went through the mouth of either my Mom or Dad. Anyway, no worries though, I got a shot of this sweet Sneakers Classic.

Chocolate Iced Glaze is simple but fantastic. Its less sweeter compared to Sneakers Classic above.

This Peanut Butter and Kreme is my favorite. The distinctive taste of peanut butter is just perfect.

I wanted to completely eat up this entire Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled doughnut but I never did.

This saccharine doughnut is rich of filling inside. It was just too sweet for me.

This one, which the name I don't know, is the doughnut I never had the chance to take a bite. But judging from how it looks, I believe its more like the Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled with added powder sugar on top.

Source: Krispy Kreme website

Here's other types of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts you can choose from.

Nevertheless, my Krispy Kreme experience was great. But I have to say, most of these delicious treats are way to sweet for me. For those people who love sweets, I think you'll gonna fall in love with these mouthwatering doughnuts.

Krispy Kreme

Website: http://www.krispykreme.com.ph/

Location: Ayala Center Cebu, and Asiatown IT Park(Lahug)

Pacquiao vs Marquez

2011-11-15T11:19:00.001+08:00

Wew! Once again, this fight had our backyard packed full of neighbors. See what I mean? :) This is a normal scene every Pacquiao fights. Almost all of our neighbors goes to our place to join us watch Pacquiao Live via pay per view.

With all these people watching with you, it makes the fight more interesting.

My two grandma is cheering Pacquiao with beers. Rock n' Roll! :)

Now its decision time. Everyone can't keep themselves in their seats. So anxious of the Judge's decision. Honestly, I really taught Marquez won. But by majority decision, Judges held Pacquiao as the winner.

People's reaction on Pacquiao's win? Happiness! :)

Whimsy for Wendys: Joy-Infused Living for Grown Ups [eBook Review and Giveaway]:

2011-11-08T08:36:00.000+08:00

Growing up doesn't mean forgetting how to be fun and whimsy.

Whimsy for Wendys is an eBook created and compiled by Annie Passanisi, who is a Happiness advocate and Whimsy coach. This book pulls from the whimsical wisdom of 12 phenomenal women, as they apply childhood zest, zeal, wonder, and play to all aspects of life. Topics include: whimsied spirituality, adventures,workplace survival, romance at any age and so much more.

The Wendys that contributed their creativity in this eBook are Annie Passanisi, Jennie Mustafa-‐Julock, Megan Potter, Morgan Manasa, Premakarini{akaJustine}, Bobbi Palmer, Kathleen Passanisi, Maggie Tielker, J.Maureen Henderson, Megan Collier, Diane Reid, and Maggie Creamer

When I get hold of my copy of this book from Annie herself, I was so excited to read it. Who wouldn't? Just by looking at the cover, you can already tell that it's packed with wonderful stories.With all the wisdom and stories shared from these 12 wonderful women placed in one book, you are like buying assorted candies in one pack. The moment I start reading the book, I lost track of time and never mind my surroundings. I enjoyed reading it. Aside from all the wisdom and stories that these great women share, the book also helps you bring out the creative side of you and teach you how to achieve the happiness that you've been seeking. It suggest readers task that can make you realize and discover, how special and wonderful you are. This book help you to be yourself and enjoy the life you are now living. This book is full of fun, excitement and discoveries about yourself, and the person you want to become. You'll be amaze on what you can do the moment you finish reading this.

November 9, 2011will be the official launching of Whimsy for Wendys. You are all invited to the first ever Google+ Dance Marathon in celebration with the launching of this spectacular eBook. See you there!

I'm happy to inform you that Annie will provide a copy of Whimsy for Wendys as a giveaway to one lucky reader. Please follow instructions from rafflecopter to enter.

Disclosure: I received a copy of Whimsy for Wendys from Annie Passanisi. Any opinions voiced here are my own and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book.

The Giveaway

2011-11-05T11:04:00.001+08:00

Last August, I join A Touch of Sunshine giveaway hosted by The Adventures of J-man and MillerBug blog. Lucky for me, I won!

The other day, I received this postal receipt from our mailer. He advised me to pick up a package in our postal office. It is not indicated in the receipt what the package was, or how much it weigh. That's when my mind wonder. Where could this package come from? Then I thought of the prize I won from the giveaway and the book I request from Booksneeze. I wonder which of the two is the bundle from.

So the next day, I went to our postal office to claim the package. When I saw this brown envelope, I was sure, this is the necklace I won from the giveaway.

I opened the envelope the moment I arrived home.I remember Jeannette, the owner of the blog who hosted the giveaway, sent me an email last September, informing me that I won the giveaway. We had few replies, then Liz, the owner of A touch of Sunshine Etsy shop, contacted me by email asking about my mailing address. I was so excited then. I hadn't won any contest and giveaways before. But then after a month, I still hadn't receive my prize. So I thought maybe it was missent to some place I don't know.

Eventually, after almost two months, this wonderful necklace arrived. Weee! It is so cute and I like it. Now I'm motivated to join more giveaways. :)

For those of you who love to receive something, join some giveaways. You'll never know. You might be the next winner. :) Enjoy!

P.S.

Check out Liz's A Touch of Sunshine. More of her lovely creations are shown there. :)

Homemade Pizza

2011-11-04T08:53:00.000+08:00

I plan to make a Deviled egg last weekend for some Halloween treat, but my uncle died and I got no time to make one. So for now, let me share this beautiful homemade pizza we make last month.

For our pizza we need: loaf of bread, hotdogs, red bell pepper, tomato, pineapple tidbits, quick melt cheese and the secret ingredient to make it taste like an italian pizza--- is the Italian Pizza Sauce.

I love making this for snacks. Its easy, convenient and you can add anything on it. I mean ANYTHING! :)

Before putting on some Italian pizza sauce on your bread, make sure you toast if for 2-3-minute. Just until it makes the bread a bit crispy. Toasting the bread before putting the sauce prevents the bread from absorbing the sauce.

Add all the toppings you want. Add cheese, hotdogs, tomato, red bell pepper and pineapple tidbits.

Toast it for another 3-minute or until cheese melts. I'm glad my cousin lend me this precious oven toaster. I wouldn't have made these delicious homemade pizza.

Take out your pizza from the toaster and serve! My cousins and Nephews enjoy these. I'm pretty sure you'll also gonna love it.

Homemade Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

8pcs loaf bread slices
hotdog (slice thinly)-- as desired
tomato (slice thinly)-- as desired
red bell pepper (chopped)-- as desired
pineapple tidbits-- as desired
quickmelt cheese (grated)-- as desired
Italian Pizza sauce

Directions:

Toast or bake the loaf bread slices for 2-minute.
Spread Italian pizza sauce on top of the bread, top with cheese, hotdog, tomato, red bell pepper and pineapple.
Toast or bake for another 3-minute or until cheese melts. Serve!

ღ ღ ஐ Makes 8 servings ஐ ღ ღ