A Day In The Life Of This Miss

The Chicken Rice Shop at Berjaya Times Square

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:58:00 +0000

If you have travelled to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore aboard one of the coaches that ply the Johor Bahru route, then for sure you have seen Berjaya Times Square already. It is the usual drop off point of the passengers. The day after we arrived in Malaysia, my travel buddy (Olive) and I decided to explore the BTS Mall. Berjaya Times Square Mall is the largest building ever built in single phase in Malaysia. There were interesting shops that sells high end stuff and some items you commonly see in a tiangge here in Manila. When we went there we were both hungry and so we decided to look for a restaurant that isn't too crowded and that serves Hainanese chicken.

The lobby, one of the twin towers, the escalators at the Berjaya Times Square Mall.

I am happy that the menu was written in English. I think I am still traumatized by the all-Chinese or whatever language the menus were written in Macau. PHP to RM exchange when we went there was around RM1=PHP13.25 so the meal prices weren't at all expensive.

We settled in The Chicken Rice Shop which was located at the 4th floor. The ambiance felt like the usual fast food here in the Philippines. I ordered their Hainanese Chicken Rice Meal.

This is their personal serving of chicken curry. They asked me how hot I want the curry to be and I said just medium. When it was served, it was still very hot for me that I only manage to eat one slice of chicken. I got "umay" and was not able to finish the chicken dish.

This is the rainbow delight dessert. I could not describe exactly what it was but it seemed to taste like nata de coco (same texture). The colors were probably just food coloring. I didn't bother to ask the servers. Anyway, you'll see Olive's roasted chicken in the background.

This is the Ipoh Bean Sprouts dish. It was perfect to clean the palate after the burning curry.

This is the Nyonya Pai Tee. It's like an open-faced lumpia. As far as I can remember, the filling was a mix of vegetables (carrot, cucumber and french beans). The shell is made of flour, egg and water (basic batter).

The food was good but not splendid. I would like to go back to try their roasted chicken and soy chicken rice though.

The Chicken Rice Shop @ Berjaya Times Square
Lot 04-97 & 04-98, 4th Floor,
Berjaya Times Square,
No. 1 Jalan Imbi, 55100, Kuala Lumpur.
Telephone/Fax: 03-21442602

2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet Arrivals

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:40:00 +0000

It's awards season once again and of course all eyes are on the gowns and jewels and fashion faux pas of the Hollywood stars. It seems like the stars all channeled the ethereal look (except of course the ones who still opted to wear the colorful ones). Here are a few pictures from the red carpet arrivals: SOURCE

Elle McPherson

Jessica Chastain

Julie Bowen

Sarah Paulson

Shalaine Woodley

Charlize Theron (She looks a little washed out but I think this ensemble worked for her.)

Watch out for more arrival pictures as the awards night progresses...

UNFURGIVABLE by Strip Manila for PETA Grand Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:38:00 +0000

Strip Ministry of Waxing Manila PETA will have a grand launch of a campaign for (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The campaign is aptly called UNFURGIVABLE. There will be a photo exhibit by Miguel Miranda and a fashion show by Wanderlust.

Some of the models of the shoot are Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Isabel Roces, Phoemela Barranda, Ornusa Cadness, Laureen Uy, the DJs of Boys Night Out and many others, stripped down to nothing but their favorite designer accessories. The event will be on January 12, 2012 at Prive Luxury Club, The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

PETA X STRIP TEASER: UNFURGIVABLE from Ynigo Santos on Vimeo.

The event goes out as part of PETA's ongoing efforts to end animal cruelty and put a stop to illegal fur farming.

Spread the word... :-)

It's 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:12:00 +0000

Happy New Year!!!

I met with my cousins around 5PM and had coffee at Starbucks because I am feeling a little sleepy (see I still had to work last night and I only had a couple of hours sleep this morning). I woke up around noon and I couldn't go back to sleep anymore. After coffee, we decided to walk around Greenbelt but most of the boutiques were closed as early as 7PM so we decided to have dinner instead. I will talk about the dinner in another post.

For now, let me share to you the pictures I took from the Makati City New Year Countdown.

The Makati City 2012 ball was some sort of a ball drop, only it was on a zip line form and not a drop exactly for the countdown. We were actually joking that the city mayor will be on the line with the ball but he wasn't. Instead, he was made to appear on the stage by the magician who performed a show.

The Binay Family with their friends from China and Australia who opted to celebrate the New Year in the Philippines. The hosts gave the Vice President the microphone for a speech or something but the VP gave it to his son, the City Mayor. He clearly did not want to steal the thunder from the current Mayor. Note that before VP Binay was elected to office as such he was the Mayor of Makati.

The dropball passed by where I am standing and it scared me to bits. Thoughts about it malfunctioning along its course made me think of it falling and hurting people. Good thing, the drop (or in this case, zip) made it more interesting.

The countdown was well-attended by Makati City local residents and expatriates. The street party event was a tie-up with the newest television station, TV5. The whole stretch of Ayala and portions of Makati Avenue were closed to vehicular traffic. The program hosts were Iza Calzado and a few other TV5 stars.

I was not able to find the perfect setting for my camera and I did not bring a tripod too so please excuse the crappy pictures... I will be buying an advanced camera this year so hopefully next new year I will be able to capture better fireworks shots.

The ‘Magical, Musical Makati 2012’ countdown party featured the magic tricks of Jeffrey Tam and entertainers led by The Dawn, The Company, Antimano Band, Bloom Brothers and Silk Band. There were also mimes and clowns on stilt. The atmosphere at the venue was really very festive and fun.

The street party hosts with Makati City Jun Jun Binay who said that it took them six (6) months to plan this event.

The famous crooners of The Company, serenading the party goers with songs from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and some other Top 40 songs. They were wonderful and a joy to watch.

The Dawn entertained the crowd as well with their music.

Jett Pangan, vocalist of The Dawn, rocked the stage...

The grand event was capped by a 15-minute spectacular pyro-musical show to usher in the New Year. There was another band who played for the party-goers after the fireworks but the crowd slowly dispersed. Me and my cousins were among the first ones to leave and we walked around Greenbelt for a bit to take some more pictures.

LMK, JS, and Jaycar

On the other hand, here are some snapshots from around the world:

Singapore Fireworks Display (Source)

Sydney, Australia Fireworks Display (Source)

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fireworks Display (Source)

Hong Kong Fireworks Display (Source)

How did you celebrate your New Year's Eve?

2011 Year-Ender Report

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:47:00 +0000

This is my 281st and the last post in this blog for this year. It's 27 posts shy of 2010 but if we include my other posts here, here and here and another in an undisclosed kind of private blog, I could say that I have been quite on a roll this year. Before I jot down the highlights and low lights of this blog, allow me to thank you all my dear readers for constantly visiting and reading my posts. Thank you to those who have subscribed and to those who have left thoughtful comments. I will not be motivated to write as regularly as possible if not because of all of you. I hope that this coming year you would still be there to accompany me in my journey, my life.

I started the year all too positive of what 2011 would bring to me. I changed the layout of my blog and I roamed Manila with my friend, Eddene. We were fixtures of Saturday and Sunday markets in the metro and malls and parks too. We were just so full of energy. February rolled in but it wasn't as eventful as I had expected it to be. I felt like I was in a one-sided relationship at that time and I just had to learn how to let go. This wasn't a painful thing to go through though because I kinda knew that it would end this way. Maybe it was all wrong at the very start and to forget about the sinking feeling, I just burrowed myself in doing the best I can at work. Oh yes, 8-hour shifts stretched to 10 until I reached even 12-hour workday sometimes. It was a little toxic but I managed to carry on like that for months.

March was when my parents and my sister visited me here in Manila. I was not able to blog any of our activities here but I sure did enjoy our time spent as a family. The last time I saw them was October of last year. What I liked most was my mom cooked some meals in my apartment. It was also the time when I bought a new fridge because the old one has been wonky and so small for my groceries. April came and went like a blur and all I could remember were attending the Samsung TV launch and the days when my BB conked out on me. The last one was the most memorable as I was told by Globe that they have to send my BB to Singapore for repair and it would take at most 2 months for it to get repaired. I was beyond disbelief (If you are a BB user and your phone will be taken away from you for that long is unimaginable). Yes, I am exaggerating a bit but that is exactly how I felt. Worst is Globe did not have a loaner phone that I can use. I had no other choice but to apply for another plan with that thought of giving the phone and line to my sister when I finally get my BB back.

My Boracay trip did not push through in May so all the planning I did just went to waste. It's okay though because the money I saved went to the out of the country trips that I had later in the year. June came and I was a little disappointed because I had to work on my birthday. Everything was quelled when I was given a surprise party by my coworkers led by the supervisors that reported to me. I got teary-eyed. I felt loved. Hehe! I also came out with my 30 before 30 list. I only have more than 5 months left and I am not even half-way through my list but of course I still have time, 5 months is still 150 days. I am crossing my fingers now that I won't be as busy and devote some of my time to my list. Wish me loads of luck!

I was only able to travel out of Manila in July. That was when I decided that I should smell the roses and leave work behind for a little bit. I travelled to Coron with some officemates and a friend from Denmark. It was all our first time to visit the island in Palawan and everyone had an awesome time. I did develop a little rash from the hiking and swimming and rubbing against the life vest on my arm but it went away after a couple of days. There's nothing a rash cream and powder can't heal. August was spent planning my first trip to Hong Kong and Macau with Olive. I was still kind of scared that time because of the hostage crisis that happened to Hong Kong nationals here in the Philippines but we braved it. I have written quite a few articles about the trip which took place in September.

I went home to see my family and help out for the last minute preparations for my sister's wedding in October. She married her long-time boyfriend and it was a lovely wedding attended by their friends from work, church and school as well as families of both parties. I was the maid-of-honor of course. At first, I was hesitant to attend because I had foreseen that I will be the subject of interrogation as to why I am not married yet and all that. Then again I still attended and told myself that it's better that I am still single because if I am already married then I will be called matron-of-honor. That is worse I think. I'm too young to be a matron. Haha!

Kidding aside, November saw me and Olive in Malaysia and Singapore. We had loads of fun as usual except for some setback with the hotel that we booked online but nevertheless we made the most out of our opportunity to travel. I also quit my job and reported to a new office the week after I got back from my vacation. I haven't written that much articles about this trip because I took too many pictures and I was just too lazy to watermark them. I have posted a couple but I still have lots of articles waiting in my drafts folder. I will try to find time to publish these travel stories this month (hopefully before I fly back to Singapore next month). I was also able to meet Mika Hakkinen on the first week of November (loads of thanks to Johnnie Walker's Step Into The Circuit campaign).

Last month, I thought will just be spent adjusting to my new work environment. Then Nuffnang gave me the opportunity to travel back to Malaysia (all expenses paid including the travel tax and terminal fees, airfare of course and accommodation at Marriott Putrajaya) to meet 500 other bloggers from all over the Asia Pacific and Australia for the 2nd Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards. It was an awesome chance I consider it the cherry on top to my awesome 2011. The experience gave me a chance to get to know other bloggers, be on a tour bus with them and motivated me to be more diligent in blogging and keeping you all posted.

The past year came by and almost went unnoticed. I am grateful to have started this blog as I had a way to document the things that happened in my life. I thank you all for visiting my blog even when I talk about nonsense things sometimes. Let's all hope for a better 2012 and exert every effort we can to learn from the previous year's mistakes and misses.

Food Find: Chee Cheong Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:52:00 +0000

I almost always blog about food that I really love. When I was in a hawker center in Singapore (Pek Kio Market/Hawker Center along Owen Road), I bought an interesting food that I really liked. I found the Chee Cheong Fun interesting because it was made on the spot and you see how your food is made.

Chee Cheong Fun is a type of rice noodles roll or steamed rice roll. It is commonly rolled in round shape but some are cut in very thin square pieces. There are two types of Chee Cheong Fun; one is the local (Malaysia/Singapore) kind which is served with tim cheong (sweet bean sauce) and another one which is the Hong Kong style served at dim sum places with fillings like shrimps, roast pork or minced meat in it. The one I tried at the Pek Kio Hawker Center is the Hong Kong style.

How it is made is by mixing flour, starch and corn flour and then water is added to the mix and stirred continuously to avoid any lumps. The consistency should be light so that the texture is maintained smooth. Salt and oil is also added to the batter. The mixture is then poured to a steamer. A thin layer is what you need for the steaming. While in the process of steaming, sprinkle thinly sliced herbs (to your liking0 as well as any filling you wish to eat. Once the mixture becomes opaque, scrape and fold and slice. You may opt to garnish with sesame seeds and pour sesame oil on top for added flavor. You can use any light soy sauce or hoisin sauce for dipping.

This delicacy is not easy to like especially if you are a sensitive and/or picky eater. It looks like pig intestines (thus the name chee cheong). Regardless of how it looks, I can tell you that it is so yummy and it's worth a try.

Sweet Stuff at USS

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0000

The one thing I really liked about Universal Studios is that they don't frown upon taking pictures of their merchandise. I didn't have to resort to taking some ninja shots to post here. I hate it when store don't allow photography. It's as if I am stealing their products if I do or will their merchandise fade with the flashes? Ah, mind boggling... Anyway, let me share to you some of the pictures I managed to take when I visited Universal Studios in Singapore last month.

The giant Universal globe outside the theme park. The smoke you see is some form of mist to freshen up anyone who comes near .

Colorful lollies. There were so many kids around this candy post before I took a picture.

This candy store is situated on the corner before you turn right to go to the SciFi City. This is a sweet tooth's haven. The candies and chocolates were sold at a reasonable price too.

Giant Chupa Chups... Ah, for sure you can't eat this big lolly. What's inside is a plastic container full of the normal lollipops. I wonder if that lolly is really that big, how long will it take for someone to finish it.

Chocolates!!! You can pick and mix 10 pieces for only S$5.90. I could stay here all day...

Some more colorful lollies...

And now, the Hershey's store just outside the park. You wouldn't miss this store...

I had so much fun at the Universal Studios. I am going back again next year. I made sure that this is part of my itinerary. I really had so much fun in Singapore. One of the reasons why I will go back is this heady feeling of being a kid again in a theme park.

Oh Singapore, I Want More!

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:47:00 +0000

My next trip to Singapore early next year is already ironed out and I haven't even finished blogging about my last trip yet. I went to Singapore last month with Olive. It was a very full trip and an eventful one too. Some of the things that happened I will not write about anymore but for sure those were etched in both my memory and Olive's too. While in Singapore, we were able to meet Eddene (my high school classmate) and Amayah (our college classmate).

I did fiddle with my camera and chose an automatic setting that was very nice in my camera but very dark and unreal when I uploaded it. Anyway, I will be sharing some of the pictures that I think came out nice at least.

Eddene, Olive and I met at Ion Orchard and we had our lunch at Food Republic. I love Singapore's food courts because it doesn't look like a food court. It's relatively clean and organized unlike the food courts here in the Philippines. I also observed that each stall offers unique food choices. There's a stall that offers dim sum, another one offers curry and vegetables, another one offers chicken rice variations, another one for laksa and soup-based dishes as well as ramen and many others. Hmmmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Approaching Singapore aboard PAL plane

The cleanest train so far. It's a little scary because there were only a few passengers. I kept thinking about the horror movies I have watched with train scenes. This was from Changi Airport (Terminal 2) to Tanah Merah station.

The Christmas tree at the Orchard Road

We were at the Esplanade when I took this picture. Super zoom lens at work...

Marina Bay Sands Hotel (another super zoom at work)

The Merlion and Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The barrier was set-up to thwart any suicide attempts. There has been reports that many people took their own lives by jumping to the water to drown. Gave me the creeps!

Olive and Amayah near the Merlion.

Me posing with one of the elephants scattered around public places in Singapore.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel and The Singapore Flyer (Helix Bridge and Art Science Museum can be seen where we were too)

The Durian elephant. How artistic!!!

Chijmes is a historic building that is considered to be a national monument. It was once a Catholic Convent School. This complex now houses restaurants (indoor or al fresco options).

CHIJ means Convent of Holy Infant Jesus. This is located in Victoria Street. This old church functions as a wedding venue by Watabe weddings. The architecture is very intricate.

This is one of the rows of shophouses in Kampong Glam (just north of the Singapore River).

I had so much fun in Singapore but I felt the days we spent there are not enough. You can also read about my others posts of Singapore here, here and here. I will be posting about an experience at a hawker place where I tried the kedong dong juice sometime next week. It's going to be a food post.

I am going back there in February and all reservations have been made and everything's paid already as well. My itinerary is not that hectic though. It will be relaxed (with wine and cheese moments and just lounging in my hotel room). After that trip, I am hoping to come up with Top 10 things to do or eat or whatever.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Please do let me know if you have any suggestions on what I need to try when I go back to Singapore. I would appreciate all suggestions.

Happy Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:02:00 +0000

Happy holidays to you all my dear readers...

Hope you all enjoy the festivities! Stay safe and blessed everyone.

Exposed: Instant Stylist

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:50:00 +0000

I have been amazed at how stylists live their lives and how they seem to never run out of creative juice. I was also able to be around stylists, fashionistas and personal shoppers many times and sometimes I think it's something I want to do as well. Of course, there are hits and misses but it's more hits than misses. I hope I made sense with that statement.

Imagine how I squealed in delight when I found this little game created by InStyle. Yes, I have tried Polyvore at some point and I still have my account active. This is like the digital equivalent of the paper dolls I used to play with when I was little.

How this game works is that you complete an outfit by choosing an item from four choices. If you get it right, there is an option where you can buy and how much each part of the outfit is. Sounds exciting isn't it? It is more exciting to play it so head on over to the site and leave me a comment what you think. Oh, you get scored too...

Here are some of the ensembles I like:

1 IRO Jacket from Saks $594 | Candace Ang Faux pearls and silk ribbon and brass necklace $205 and Rachel Gilbert Silk Tank Top $448 | 3 Matthew Campbell Laurenza Earrings $490 | 4 Joan and David Leather Flats $180 |5 Ann Taylor Color Elastane Skirt | 6 Gray Generic Clutch with handle - A motocross jacket in a ladylike wool knit maintains the edge of an orange skirt without going overboard.

I hope you like my discovery. If you want to exercise your inner stylista, go ahead and while your time away in front of your computer. Share to me the ensembles you like. You may also visit my other blog for the other outfit I like.

Say Goodbye To Baking Life

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 03:51:00 +0000

I received an email today telling me that Baking Life, an app I play in Facebook, will be shut down early next year. I'm broken-hearted. I am close to tears. You may think that I am being shallow but then I have spent so much time making my "bakery" pretty. I have spent long hours building my "bakery".

Here's the letter from the Baking Life Team:

Dear Bakers,

We are sorry to announce that Baking Life will be taken offline on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Though it makes us sad to shut down the game, it will allow us to focus on creating new and engaging games for you to play. Please take a look at our other games- Bejeweled Blitz and Zuma Blitz! Play now, and as a token of our appreciation, receive a one-time free gift in each game! This offer expires on February 1st, 2012.

We encourage you to spend your remaining Zip Cash before January 31st. All virtual currency (Zip Cash) and virtual items will be lost after January 31st. Any remaining Zip Cash (even if it was purchased and unused) is not transferable between or among different games or applications and is not redeemable for any sum of money or other monetary value.

Thank you again for your support, creativity, and enthusiasm over the last year and a half!

- The Baking Life Team

And so today, I will play this game one last time and start to move on...

Have you tried playing this game too?

Typhoon Sendong: How To Help

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:47:00 +0000

I was in Malaysia when I first heard about the typhoon that swept over some areas in Mindanao. I did not understand it's intensity until after I saw some pictures and read news about how many people were affected and lost their lives. I could not begin to reconcile upon myself how unfortunate those affected people are. It's unnerving to know that my family could have been easily affected by the typhoon too as they are in Mindanao and a mere 8 hours away from the center of the devastation.

I am glad that they were spared but I am equally sad for those who had to suffer the loss of life, livelihood and property among others. Amidst all these turmoil, I still don't know what is the purpose of this catastrophe. My heart bleeds...

Here's the recent update from the Red Cross of The Philippines website as of 12/20:

Tropical Storm Sendong (international name: Washi) ravaged Mindanao, slamming it with devastating rains and unleashing flash floods and landslides that have left a horrifying trail of destruction. As of 12PM, the death toll has reached 720 (Cagayan De Oro 346, Iligan City 279, Bukidnon 47, Negros Oriental 37, Lanao del Norte 9, Compostela Valley 5, Zamboanga del Norte 3, Surigao del Sur 1). Most of the dead were asleep in the middle of the night on Friday when raging floodwaters pounded their homes from rivers and cascaded

from mountain slopes following 12 straight hours of heavy rains in Mindanao. Drowning has been identified as the main cause of death. Sendong affected 21 municipalities, 78 barangays and 13,924 families (63,779 persons), with 245 injured and 807 reported missing. 3,422 houses were totally or partially damaged and there are still 38,332 persons housed in evacuation centers to date.

There are currently 7,431 persons in 4 evacuation centers in Iligan City, which was consumed by flashfloods last night after the heavy downpour of rains. Cagayan De Oro, which has now been placed undera state of calamity, experienced 180 mm of rainfall in less than 24 hours, which has led to massivefloods in 23 of its 80 barangays, leaving about 20,000 residents in evacuation centers. Prior to theonslaught of Sendong in Zamboanga del Norte, about 143 persons had already evacuated their houseswhich were destructed by flash floods that swept the municipality of Polanco as well as Dipolog andDapitan cities. Dapitan River had overflown early yesterday morning which flooded several barangaysin Dapitan.

Click this LINK to read more and to provide any donation online through credit card or online banking. Your generous hearts will be blessed a hundred fold.

As of December 20, the Red Cross Organization has already collected: Php9,380,550.00 + US$1,000.00.

BANK ACCOUNTS FOR DONATIONS:

Banco De Oro

Peso: 00-453-0018647

Dollar: 10-453-0039482

Metrobank

Peso: 151-3-041631228

Dollar: 151-2-15100218-2

Philippine National Bank

Peso: 3752 8350 0034

Dollar: 3752 8350 0042

Unionbank of the Philippines

Peso: 1015 4000 0201

Dollar: 1315 4000 0090

All Check/Cash for the account of Philippine Red Cross (Swift Codes)

Banco De Oro

BNORPHMM

Bank of the Philippine Islands

BOPIPHMM

Metrobank

MBTCPHMM

Philippine National Bank

-PNBMPHMM

Unionbank of the Philippines

-UNPHPHMM

For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.

SMS and GCASH

SMS

Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

G-Cash

Text DONATEAMOUNT4-digit M-PINREDCROSS to 2882

You can donate the following denominations:

Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

You may also visit the blog of Patty Laurel for more information on how to donate through the Ateneo de Manila University. Help spread the word by posting redcross.org.ph #giveupgifts4cdo on your Facebook and Twitter profiles today! For Gawad Kalinga donations, please click this link.

If you want to volunteer, the Department of Social Welfare and Development needs volunteers to repack goods for distribution to evacuation centers affected by typhoon “Sendong.”

Please help mobilize volunteers for Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

Proceed directly to DSWD Covered Court in Masterson Ave., Upper Carmen, CDO and contact Division Chief Manny Borres at mobile number 09066150095.

For NCR based volunteers may go to the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) NAIA Chapel Road, Pasay City (beside Airport Police Department & back of Air Transportation Office) with telephone numbers 852-8081, 851-2681 and CP 09189302356 (Ronald). Please bring your own foods and drinks or look for sponsor for this.

DSWD through the NROC, is also accepting donations like bottled water, biscuits for children, and easy to cook foods.

Ellis Faas Creamy Lips

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:51:00 +0000

When this brand says creamy, IT IS REALLY CREAMY! I was able to try the creamy red lipstick they released last year and I liked that it stayed true to its name. The following days are filled with festivities and parties will be happening almost everyday, so there will be a lot of kissing going on (I am guessing). Therefore you really need a lipstick that is not only a beautifully warm shade, but one that also looks nice after it has faded. Ellis Faas Creamy Lips do just the trick: they are packed with pigments, so you don't have to re-apply all the time, and even a little goes a long way.

There are 9 shades in the collection and I am for sure wanting the red one really bad. Each costs US$35 (about Php1500). All Ellis Lips products are lightweight, long-lasting and extremely easy to apply. They all contain Vitamin E and are paraben-free. All the textures in the ELLIS LIPS collection are liquid, so they immediately blend into the skin on application – making them non-sticky!

Before you check out to confirm your order, please do not forget to submit the discount code SNOWL100 and you will get a 10% discount on your whole order. For issues related to shopping online, i.e. your order, account, product availability or concerns, please contact our Customer Care department via shopping@ellisfaas.com. Your email will be answered within 24 hours.

Bag Lust

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:37:00 +0000

I love bags as much as I love lipsticks and hugs. I am trying to lull away time while taking my sweet alone time in my hotel room and I decided to browse Net-A-Porter. There were a lot of interesting bags and if money wasn't a question, I will order the following right this very minute:

Bag1: Lanvin Amalia Medium Leather Shoulder Bag | Bag2: Miumiu Grained-leather Tote | Bag3: Michael Kors Hamilton Trompe L'oeil Cotton Canvas Tote | Bag4: Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Leather Satchel

I am kind of surprised with the bags I chose because they are colored. I usually like the neutral ones. I guess I am changing preference now. Do you love bags too? Please feel free to leave a comment of links of the bags you like.

PHOTO CREDIT: Net-A-Porter

Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:39:00 +0000

Finally, I have found a little time in between my hectic schedule for tours and shopping with all the bloggers I am with to sit on a chair and blog about the awesome experience I have had with the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards (NAPBAS) for 2011. I am in this gathering of at least 500 bloggers from all over the Asia Pacific Region because of my Nuffnang story post which won first place. You see I have been a member of Nuffnang for quite a while now and this is the biggest event that I have joined so far. Invited bloggers were all checked-in at the Putrajaya Marriott.

It was a big win for Nuffnang Philippines as we took home 4 awards. Here's the complete list of the winners (clicking the highlighted winner's name will take you to their respective blogs): (photos were swiped from the Nuffnang NAPBAS Flickr page)

Most Influential Blog and Region’s Best Blog - Xiaxue from Singapore

Best Micro Blog - Kenny Sia from Malaysia

Best Entertainment Blog - Beautiful Nara from Malaysia

Best Food Blog - Lady Iron Chef from Singapore

Best Travel Blog - Nina Fuentes from the Philippines

Best Fashion Blog - Cheesie from Malaysia

Best Photography Blog - Photoblog from HongKong

Best Geek Blog - Geekout from the Philippines

Best Parenting Blog - Childhood101 from Australia

Best Lifestyle Blog - Jenni Epperson from the Philippines

Best Original Blog Design - Eat Show and Tell from Australia

Hidden Gem - Googley Gooeys from the Philippines

It was a night full of beautiful bloggers, amazing entertainment, delish food and heartstopping suspense during the awards program. The Malaysian Nuffnang Team did a wonderful job organizing the event. Here are some more pictures from the event. Thank you to Nuffnang for posting these pictures in their Flickr page. Please feel free to visit the page for more moments captured last night.

Bloggers from Team Philippines

Award-winning bloggers from Team Philippines

Award-winning bloggers of Nuffnang Asia Pacific

Now, this is what we were looking at while having dinner...

Okay, my stomach was in a somersault after watching this performance...

I guess that's too many pictures in one post already. Click this LINK if you want to see more.

I will be writing another entry taken from other activities I did with bloggers here in Malaysia. This experience is truly one-of-a-kind and something I will cherish forever. Thank you Nuffnang Philippines for making it happen for me.

NAPBAS Blogger's KL Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

All the participants who attended the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards (NAPBAS) were treated to a semi-guided Kuala Lumpur tour. I was more than happy to tag along even if I had been to some of the places we were going already just last month. We boarded Bus No. 5 with a tour guide that kept on talking the whole time. He had so many stories to tell, from his Manila trip, to the current king, to the towns and provinces of Malaysia among others (and he sang Dahil Sa Iyo as well).

We went to Istana Negara first, then headed to Tugu Negara. We were supposed to stop by Dataran Merdeka but we all decided to go to Suria KLCC because we were all so hungry already. We had lunch at the mall and then we went straight to the Cocoa Factory. We then headed back to our hotel to rest and get changed for dinner and party. I opted to just dine with the group and then accompany Badet who flew back to Manila earlier than all of us.

Everyone had at least one camera and everyone just started clicking and snapping pictures. I just don't understand why I only managed to take a few photos. Haha! I need to wait for the bloggers to upload their shots so I can swipe.

Here are a few of the captured moments (and poses):

Badet, Kessa, Jane, Patty

Noelle, Kessa, Jane, Patty

Camille, Laureen, Kessa

Laureen and Kessa

Laureen and Badet

Kessa and Badet

Kaith and Kessa

It was too hot and my sweat was trickling already but yeah I just had to pose...

One more before going back to the tour bus.

Thank you to Nuffnang Malaysia for hosting a very wonderful get together of bloggers from all over the Asia Pacific region. I enjoyed every single time I have spent here in Malaysia with you all. Thank you to Nuffnang Philippines for inviting me to join this event. You really made it happen for me and I couldn't thank you enough. I will post more pictures soon... In the meantime, I need to snuggle against the ubersoft pillows and linger in the softest bed I have ever tried here in Putrajaya Marriott.

What Happened To LittleMissKessa?

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:31:00 +0000

I would like to apologize for not updating this site for quite a while (almost two weeks!). I just have been too busy adjusting with my new job and running some errands and setting up my blog in another platform. I have not been good with multitasking lately I must admit.

I will be back into the swing of things hopefully when I come back from where I am now. Yes, I am out of the country again. This year have been a year of travel for me and this would probably be the last for 2011.

Shop Tax Free In Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 10:52:00 +0000

Shopping is one of the many things that you can do when you travel. Shopping tax free is another thing. Wouldn't it be more fun to shop when you don't have to pay for tax? I have heard a few too many times how anyone of us at some point complain about our government's tax collection (well, at least here in the Philippines). One such country that offers tax free shopping to tourists is Singapore. Yes, the beautiful and clean and organized Singapore. The dollars you save can be put in a travel fund for your other future trips.

Before I discuss how you can shop without being taxed, let me tell you as well that Singapore loves its tourists. When you go to a mall, always make it a point to stop by the Information Kiosks and present your passport and you will then be provided with a shopping passport which has tons of shopping, lifestyle and dining privileges that have been especially put together for every tourist. Before you head to the unknown territory, pick up a copy of the illustrated shopping guide which has the store names and number. As a traveler, you don't want to get lost as time is of the essence right?

One such shopping haven is the Orchard Road where you can find rows and rows of malls spanning more than two kilometers. Establishments range from top fashion brands to retail, dining and entertainment to food courts to bars. It takes more than one visit to take it all in. It truly is a shopping paradise. Some of the malls in the road: Palais Renaissance, ION Orchard, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City (where Takashimaya is), Wheelock Place, Paragon, Knightsbridge, 313@Somerset, Mandarin Gallery and Orchard Central. I may have missed quite a few but these are the most visited ones. If you are in the Marina Bay area, ensure to make your way around Suntec Mall, Millenia Walk, Marina Square, Raffles City Shopping Center, CityLink Mall and Marina Bay Link Mall.

Now to get to the main topic of this entry, as a tourist in Singapore, you can claim the GST (Goods and Services Tax) that you paid for your purchases when you leave Singapore and go back to your home country. Yes, it is not deducted to the purchase price immediately. You need to show your passport at the point of purchase (before you pay) to prove that you are indeed a tourist. Do also note that a handling fee will still be deducted from the GST amount that will be returned to you. If you will use your credit cards to shop, it is advisable to just use one card for all your purchases so it would be easier to link all your purchase. Before you leave the store, make sure that you have with you a copy of the electronic tourist refund scheme ticket. When leaving Singapore, please proceed to the Customs Inspection Counter to have your refund forms stamped.

If you have items that you plan to check-in, apply for GST refund at the eTRS self-help kiosk for purchases issued with eTRS tickets. If you have paper refund forms, proceed to the Customs Inspection Counter. If there are items that you wish to hand carry, check-in and proceed to the Departure Transit Lounge (after Departure Immigration). To apply for GST refund for purchases issued with eTRS tickets, proceed to the eTRS self-help kiosk. If you have paper refund forms, proceed to the Customs Inspection Counter. At most, you will get around 5%-6% out of the 7% total sales tax.

For general inquiry, click this LINK.

Of Monkeys At Batu Cave

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:50:00 +0000

I have never seen a monkey and its little one ever so I was kind of amused when I saw a few when we visited the Batu Caves in Malaysia. These monkeys feed on the coconut that the locals give them or from stealing food and water from the tourists. So if you have food with you, don't dangle it to the primates as they will for sure take it away from you in a very surprising way. When you hear shrieks of shock when you go up the cave, chances are it's from someone with food or water.

Mama Monkey climbed from the foot of the stairs leading to the cave with her little one hanging on for dear life in her belly. I was pretty amused. I just had to take a picture...

This monkey skillfully opened the bottle after stealing it from my friend and then spills the contents to drink some water. He can't do it like I do. Haha! Human=1; Monkey=0

And obviously this is the Papa Monkey. He's got balls (pun intended) to steal food... But hey, why do monkeys all look alike?

Hanuman Ji - the half-human/half-monkey Indian diety

Directions: Batu Caves is about 13km from Kuala Lumpur City. The easiest way to reach Batu Caves is by Komuter train from KL Sentral station. It costs RM2 for one way journey. You can also take a taxi, which would cost RM20-25 from KL Sentral (insist for meter ride-always). You can also reach Batu Caves by bus 11/11D buses from Bangkok Bank Terminus (Near the Puduraya Terminus) or Bus U6 from Titiwangsa.

More about Batu Caves and the Golden Statue of Murugan on my next posts...

Chinese New Year Declared As Holiday By Philippine Government

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:57:00 +0000

Photo Credit

President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino declared yesterday that Chinese New Year will be considered as ond of the official holidays, ignoring the objections of some in the business community who have commented that there are already too many public holidays.

It means the Chinese New Year, also known as the spring festival or lunar new year, will be celebrated annually starting next year, January 23, 2012.

"The joint celebration is a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people," Aquino's order said.

The Chinese New Year becomes one of 17 holidays that will be recognised by the Philippines in 2012 including Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter and Muslim holidays Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.

What does this mean to me? Since this will fall on a Monday, I can either report to work or take the day off (long weekend). If I do decide to work then I will earn a "day in lieu" which I can use for my February vacation. Either way, this is a good news for me. How about you? What do you think about this additional holiday?

Transformers 3D Ride At Universal Studios Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

When we went to Universal Studios Singapore a couple of weeks ago, me and Olive were lucky to have tried the test ride/run-up of the Transformers 3D Ride. based on the film franchise of the same name and will employ 3D high-definition video and audio-animatronics. We entered one of the sci-fi city area not knowing what to expect.

Ninja Shot 1. Photography is not allowed inside the NEST facility but before I kept my camera in my bag I had to snap a few pictures.

Ninja Shot 2. Photography is not allowed inside the NEST facility but before I kept my camera in my bag I had to snap a few pictures. This is the waiting line. Those with serious health conditions were discouraged to try the ride.

We entered the NEST facility and it looked a lot like the real thing I just saw in the movie. The command center bunker where you wait for your turn to ride sets you in the mood with the voice overs and graphics displayed in one too many monitors. Yes, I admit I watch and like the movie. I wasn't prepared of what's to come during the ride though. I tell you, it was AMAZING! The effects were spectacular. The unexpected turns, the flips, the fast and slow sequence, the thrill, and that drop near the end was all noteworthy. You will be so close to the Autobots and Decepticons. Hot air and fog generate the illusion of an explosion. I am not a big fan of amusement rides but this ride changed everything. I am a convert. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I would not go into more detail as I want you all to be surprised too. You really have to try the ride so you can relate to what I am saying. I am 101% sure that this will be a big hit.

After more than two months of non-stop tests and ensuring that the ride is safe and fun at the same time, Universal Studios Singapore is finally ready to unveil its multi-million dollar Transformers 3D ride on December 3.

Among its firsts is a new Autobot called EVAC, specially created for the ride.

John Hallenbeck, vice president of park operations at Universal Studios Singapore, said: "We're looking to definitely have people walk in the door, and when they get off the attraction, to be blown away. I've been in this business for a long time and this by far is one of the best attractions we've ever developed."

What are you all waiting for? Schedule your Universal Studios Singapore visit now. Be reminded though that riders must be at least 122 centimetres (48 in) to ride alone or 102 centimetres (40 in) if they are with an adult.

Shop Til You Drop

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:06:00 +0000

Dorothy Perkins is one of the retail brands that I love. Their petite line is what I personally prefer the most and since I am on self-imposed shopping ban right now for reasons that I have mentioned in my previous posts already, I am just gonna scour pages and pages of dresses, accessories, shoes and a lot more.

From today, November 30 to December 4, Dorothy Perkins items are offered up to 30% off. Isn't that an amazing offer.

Now, if only I could really shop, here are the items I am going to pick: (click the photo to take you to the direct link and larger view)

If only, I can shop...

My Story Will Bring Me To Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:53:00 +0000

I received an email in my inbox on the 24th of October about the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards from the Nuffnang Team. Come December 16, 500 bloggers and guests from all over the Asia-Pacific region (including Australia) will once again take to the red carpet in a black tie event, and be treated to a night of fine dining and brilliant entertainment and after party in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Nominations were opened for the following categories: Hidden Gem, Best Original Blog Design, Best Entertainment Blog, Best Food Blog, Best Travel Blog, Best Fashion Blog, Best Photography Blog, Best Geek Blog, and Best Parenting Blog. The Blogger of the Year award was not opened for nomination. Bloggers and readers sent their nominations and a couple of weeks ago the finalists were released and readers were asked to vote for the most deserving blog for each category.

Nuffnang Philippines want to share the amazing experience that the finalists/nominees will feel so they organized a contest for anyone who would be willing to share their Nuffnang story. Of course, I joined! You see, writing is a form of therapy for me and I don't really have huge expectations when joining contests. There were two options available:

Option A: Write a blog post titled "My Nuffnang Story". Share about your journey with Nuffnang - the fun times you had, the friends you've made; if you're new to Nuffnang, you can write about the things you are looking forward to as a part of the community!

Option B: Write a blog post titled "Nuffnang Blog Awards, Here I Come". Share the top 3 reasons why you want to attend the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2011.

A winning entry will entitle you to: One invite to the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2011, 3D2N stay at Putrajaya Marriott, with breakfast included, semi-guided itinerary around destinations in Kuala Lumpur, one invite to an exclusive Blog Awards after-party at a secret location (I already know where but I will not reveal yet) in Kuala Lumpur, invite does not include flight ticket to Malaysia.

I chose to write about my Nuffnang Story (Option A). If you missed to read my entry, click this LINK. I wrote about my Nuffnang experiences since I joined back in 2009. See, even if the flight ticket was not included I still decided to join because Malaysia is one country I would love to visit time and again. I have just been there last week and I could not wait to go back. I joined because I wanted to share my amazing and fun-filled journey with Nuffnang and my blog. I have faced discouragements but I didn't give up hope because I know that one day, somehow, I will win big.

Imagine my excitement when I received a message through Twitter and my email that I WON that elusive grand prize. So yes, I could only be so grateful that Nuffnang liked my entry and that I will be able to attend the blog awards this year. And yes, Nuffnang was generous enough to throw in the airfare for free. Thank you so much Nuffnang for making all these happen for me. This event will definitely be added to my treasure trove of wonderful memories.

Now, what do I wear to the event? Kuala Lumpur here I come!!!

Product Feature: Cath Kidston

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:33:00 +0000

Flowers, dots, vintage prints = Cath Kidston.

Cath Kidston Ltd was founded in 1993 when designer Cath Kidston opened a tiny shop in London’s Holland Park. She began by selling the vintage fabrics, wallpapers and brightly-painted junk furniture she remembered fondly from her childhood. Her clever, witty re-working of traditional English country house style meant that her shop soon became a cult success.

I wonder when will a Cath Kidston store open in the Philippines?

Cath Kidston has a lot of products in their roster of offerings other than bags. They have items for home such as dining and entertaining sets, bathroom and other home furnishings. They also have knitting and sewing items as well as stationery and pretty wallpapers.

Some items I am seriously lusting for: (click the photo to take you to the direct link and larger view)

Spot Overnight Bag

Spot Day Bag

Stationery - notepad!

This will be a perfect item inside my bag to use in the fickle weather in the Philippines.

Mini Dot Shopper

Spot the dot! Isn't it obvious that I super like dots?

Ahhhh, if only I am not on a shopping ban right now... (See, I just started my new job and my old company will release my last pay two months from now. Sad holidays!!!) Santa, hear me out. You can order through Cath Kidston.

Shop now and if you order over US$100, shipping will be for FREE! Please use this code: FRCP. Happy Holidays!

NOTE: Only orders from the US will be processed by Cath Kidston USA. If orders are to be delivered outside the US, you may opt to use the services of Johnny Air (third party courier).

Petronas Towers of Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:01:00 +0000

One of the main reasons of my travel to Malaysia was to see the Petronas Towers (also known as Menara Berkembar Petronas in Malay) and to walk in the Skybridge. It remains to be the tallest twin tower in the world to date.

The building is amazing in pictures and even more so for real. I was actually thinking at the back of my head when will a structure as majestic as this be put up here in the Philippines. I think other countries think of design and aesthetics when constructing building, while here in the Philippines, all they think about is to put up a building and that is it. Anyway, I will not rant about how far behind we are in terms of architecture (not to mention the aged airport). But did you know that two Filipinos were involved in the design of the Petronas Towers? The tower was designed by Argentine architect César Pelli and Filipino-Malaysian Engineer Deejay Cerico under the consultancy of J. C. Guinto, also known as the Golden Boy of Architecture, and Filipino Designer Dominic Saibo, the Petronas Towers were completed in 1998 after seven years of construction and became the tallest buildings in the world.

The towers has a skybridge between them on 41st and 42nd floors, which is the highest 2-story bridge in the world. This is what me and Olive planned to visit, the Skybridge. Unfortunately, the bridge has been closed since September and will only reopen on December due to maintenance and other improvements. I wish it will be opened to tourists when I go back next month.