FOOD TRIP

Filipino overseas workers always consider finding authentic Filipino restaurants around here in Hong Kong like finding a gem.  There are just a few. That's why, when they find a good one, words spread out like wild fire. A couple of nights ago, my friend had flown from the Philippines to attend a convention. We took her out for dinner and agreed on Food Trip, in Jordan. It was just my first time to eat there but I would rate it up as 8 because of the air-conditioned extension at the 1st floor across the building of the original location. They had to have that extra space because they're food is so good that their customers are not limited to Filipinos only.

With a hospitable team of servers, it was like eating at home in the Philippines with the vibe of positivity and fun over a good delicious feast. Filipinos are known for their warmth in welcoming guests and visitors and this is practiced in Food Trip. From work, my friends had indeed chosen a great place worth of my money and my time. I didn't have to go to work but I had a fair share of hunger with the rest. I expected and believed that Food Trip would exceed my expectations when I heard their description ... and it certainly did, ... even more.

FOOD TRIP'S LOCATION:

Situated in Shop J, G/F, No.2 Saigon St., Jordan, it may be accessed in several ways. You can order UBER and/or a cab to take you there but the fastest, cheapest and easiest way is the train. From exit B3 of the Jordan station, Food Trip is just but a 5-minute walk. For people who love exploring and who love long walks, it is worth it to put an effort finding it if you're around Mong Kok.

Jordan is known for its Temple street for shopping segue to its street dining experience right after. What Food Trip's edge is that they are able to cater to Filipinos longing of a good authentic Filipino meal. A few restaurants strive in cooking dinuguan, sinigang, and tinola just to be called a Filipino restaurant but the taste is "not quite" the same as in Food Trip. In here, you could tell that the chef got that gift of tongues,... and more. So, with that patriotic touch yet natural talent, Food Trip stays jam packed during weekdays (We went there on a Monday) too. And we had to eat at the room they reserve for big a number of people. Meaning, apart from the small corner pertaining to the picture above, there's an extension across the street that is more comfortable for everybody. So don't worry that you may have to wait a long time to settle. Before you know it, they have a table ready for you.

Halo-halo is an original
Philippine dessert. 

THE FOOD

We had ordered viands to be shared and the garlic rice had made them extra zesty at every bite. One of us had eaten dinner already so she ordered the infamous halo-halo for dessert.

The rest of us couldn't resist the temptation to get Lechong Kawali, Pancit Bihon, Dinuguan, Tinola, Karekare, Inihaw na Pusit, Bicol Express, Lumpiang Shanghai, Crispy Pata and of course, Chicken Pork Adobo. If you're a Filipino, you would understand how meticulous each dish is in terms of taste, ingredients and meat. These are the most sought after in the Philippines for every overseas worker because these are delicacies that are solely owned by Filipinos.

Overall, with each dish good for 2-3 people, the price was worth it! The total was just around 1,500+ and there's 10 of us. That means, it was HK$150 each more or less. Let's just put a range of HK$100-200/person if you are eager to go alone or with a friend. Some are quite familiar of how it goes around Food Trip, so they ordered in advance. By the time we got there, we didn't have to wait so long for the food to come. To do the same, contact the number: 2332-3643 and just let them know that you want to pre-order.

Here are some of the dishes that we have tried:

my order: Pancit Bihon

Tinolang Manok

Crispy Pata with Garlic Rice

AMBIANCE

It is quite common in the Philippines that mini-convenience stores, bakeries and small eateries are put up in street corners. Because of this kind of setup, local people catch up with their gossip while they get to finish their drink or smoke and those who stay in dormitories while finishing college are able to eat a complete meal for a very affordable price. As you can see on the very picture above, Food Trip is set up this way. So that for me, reminds me so much of how it is back in Manila.

With the secluded extension, they designed it with banderitas which signifies festivities in the Philippines and the walls are decorated with paintings of things that you would only see in the Philippines. The Mayon Volcano, the first painting from the left, is one of the majestic tourist spots in Bicol, Philippines. Next is a painting of a jeepney, the most common mode of transportation in Manila and Taal, where a volcano lies inside the mouth of another volcano, is featured with carabaos surrounding the crater, a farmer's best friend in the Philippine provinces that helps in toiling the soil of the plantation.

The music background of the room had brought us back for a couple of hours to our youth with familiar Filipino jams back in the 90's. The toilet was a sanctuary. It was huge and was very homey. Super tidy, you question if it's really for public use.

ACCESSIBILITY

You have to park at your own risk around the area, it's situated in a not so busy street so I think you won't have a problem finding space.

Jordan station is accessible thru the red and green line. So whether you are coming from the Kowloon or Hong Kong or New Territories, it's pretty much the same distance come what may.

Food Trip is open from 6pm to 5am. And in terms of payment, cash and eps (thru Unionpay) can be done. There's a lot of ATM's in the area so if you need it, it's pretty much accessible. Open Rice had set the budget to as low as HK$50/person. This can actually be given justice by their set meals. Lately, they have had a lot of requests to open earlier so they have changed it to Mon-Thursday, 2pm to 5am then Friday-Sunday, 12pm to 5am.

Any updates that may come could be checked out in their own Facebook Account under the name: Foodtrip Bedana's Filipino Restaurant. Just search this one and you'll get hold of the latest about Food Trip!

Kain tayo!

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THE 3 BASIC LAWS OF MONEY

having a photo opportunity with Sergey

Almost 7 years ago, I had a Russian friend named, Sergey, who poked me regarding a romance novel that I was reading one day. We were on our way to work and he asked me why I was reading it. I said I just like to read. So I read whatever I get my hands into. And then he told me, "You are young. Take advantage of your time and read this," and he showed me a book about stocks. My first reaction went, "Isn't that gambling?" And then he simply answered, "That's why I asked you to read it first."

I know I've shared this more than once, that there's no other greater investment than to educate yourself. Last year, I am thankful to have found out an interest in pursuing financial education. Now, I am aware of the importance of "how to" handle money. And that's what I aim to share today. I never knew about the 3 Basic Laws of Money until then.

I read a shortened version of George Clason's book, "The Richest Man in Babylon" and it was a story of how a lowly man had become rich and how he multiplied it further. From it, the 3 Laws were simply put this way:

The first law talked about SAVING.

The second law talked about INVESTING.

And the third law talked about RE-INVESTING.

In today's setting, many people who had been working in Hong Kong for more than a year don't realise that they are actually doing these three laws thru their MPF Fidelity Accounts already. By law, an employee, contractual or not, after having completed a year of employment here in Hong Kong, and is still expected to work thereafter, is required to open an MPF account and to contribute monthly afterwards the 12th month to their MPF's. This MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund) becomes compulsory amongst employees who are working more than a year in Hong Kong. But you can start as early as possible. The Mandatory Provident Fund forms an important role to your retirement planning. To ensure that your MPF funds are handled well, it's good to choose an MPF scheme provider that has a secure and proven investment management track record and extensive global investment experience.

My interest in the proper handling of money got ignited and I pursue getting informed about it. Before, I would always just go check out nonsense stuff in the internet. Right now, I receive newsletters from ColFinancial for my dividends from the stocks I own, The Rich Dad Company that pings me when there are free upcoming webinars and I am now a pathfinder for www.spearheadmission.com, a platform that aims to help people become successful by empowering them thru financial education. I know it's not that much but these sites lead me to researching deeply.

I aim to learn as much about each related topic as possible because I would like to claim and pass the abundance in God's blessings bestowed to me everyday. That sounds corny, right? It's undeniable that personal gains are present but in addition, I would want to help others, most especially, those who are helping themselves while I, myself, am learning. To make that purpose short, I want to be rich. And in helping others, I "need" to be rich. This is ambitious in all its actuality but imagine a financially educated world. 'Nuf said!

Making good use of such investment, the knowledge earned from self help, is an achievement for me. Moreover, this education would be at its utmost potential if it is shared. Once it's shared, it may even earn more clarification from other people, that means further learning for me. I am aware that learning from other people is inevitable. I embrace this moment.

The topic about saving is almost "always" taboo to many people. They consider it too personal to be talked about. Some take it offensive even. But you would know those who are truly rich, they don't mind talking about this subject. In fact, they are open to views, opinions and discussion about money. Because for them, there's opportunity everywhere and in everything. They would even be willing to  help you out if they sense potential in you.

The thing is, upon getting hold of empowering books in becoming rich, I've learned to create a team in my mind for a moral boost and a push at challenging times. I've learned that, when a person is actually blunt enough to tell you to save up, include that in your team. When there are people who aid you in opening yourself to embracing "good" habits that will lead you to having more "savings", put that in your team. In addition, having a trusted financial adviser eases the tension between your limited knowledge and the drive to pursue your financial goals, put one in your team. Having a professional advice is another option to be considered if you want to keep your financial standing discreet. You want to manage your loans and not be judged by it so having a financial adviser is one of the most sufficient moves for that. And last but not the least, the people who are actually inclined to doing the same thing, "saving"? Surround yourself with such if you aim to be rich. If you are saving up, and you are surrounded with one day millionaires, I don't know how you will survive.

Going back to the MPF. Here in Hong Kong, Fidelity is a partner of the Hong Kong government. They see to it that every Hong Kong resident has something set aside for their retirement. It's such a great law to impose as this takes care of the Hong Kong residents' welfare regardless of how long they would want to stay. And as for a general overview, this makes the country's reserves kept and are put in to work for the entire country. What does that mean?

People trust the investment schemes so they will be more than willing to fund for their retirement. This act alone saves a country from being under debts, saves it from a lot of crimes and gives it a sense of stability with its finances (gross national product). People have savings and at the same time, they have money to spend. This balance is necessary for a country's economy for cash-flow to be generated and spent. The laws of demand and supply are in balance. The producers earn and the customers are satisfied. Hoarding is minimised, small businesses are not crippled and most importantly, nobody becomes homeless or hungry upon reaching retiring age.

The beauty of it being compulsory is that I am saving (whether I like to or not) and it is being invested. The investment part can be diversified by the account holder himself/herself. Fidelity had assigned the account holder eligible to do so based on how they manage risks. It is lenient in a way in letting the account holder manage the percentages anytime. But as far as withdrawing the funds go, denouncing residency to the country needs to be done before they'd allow processing of these funds getting transferred to you. If you decide to come back to Hong Kong for another gig and then you work for another year and had to open an MPF account once again, then you can only withdraw those funds when you reach the retiring age of 65. But with its main purpose, why would you withdraw it if you need to leave the country when that was supposed to be for your own retirement? Why not just let it compound?

I am writing this post for those who are currently holding an MPF account. You are already doing the 3 Basic Laws of Money. It wouldn't hurt if you would put time in mastering the percentage allocation based on the risks you are ready to consider in investing your retirement funds. As of the present, the allocation depends on different indexes of banks, bonds, stocks and elements (gold, silver). Sergey had a point after all. It's not bad to learn about stocks as the second and third law may benefit from it.

*In 2010, changes had happened at work. Jugglers were changed for diabolo performers to welcome a different vibe. One time, my husband was watching one of my shows when he spotted an oddly looking fella, with long hair, long beard, in shades that was watching the show in the happiest place on earth... When he had seen him, the man had put down his shades and smiled, it was Sergey.

Related posts:

1. PARADIGM SHIFT - this is how I see time, compounding interest and saving works for me.
2. HOW TO SAVE HK$5,000 IN 52 WEEKS - the concept of saving put into trial. If you want to save more than that in a year, just make the necessary adjustments.
3. A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO STOCK INVESTING WITH THE EIP COL EASY INVESTMENT PROGRAM - follow these system of long term investment to gain sure profit over gains of a day trading's gamble.

HOW TO LOOK EXPENSIVE

I was not wrong in giving in to this book as it truly lives its purpose of being the bible of beauty secrets and tips. The title itself is truly catchy. I mean, who doesn't want to look expensive? It "basically" pinpoints most girls' aim when it comes to dressing up. I practically followed the most essential for me. 

My hair is my crowning glory. At the time I got hold of this book, I was dying for a makeover. And I got complimented on because of the change with my mane alone just by following Andrea Pomerantz Lustig's advice to keep the colours a shade or two different from your own and nothing more. This book does wonders.

The female species crosses bridges just to get the right look and often times, they are led to a sabotage just to be milked of their money. This book actually gives you techniques to be able to know and demand to serviced boutiques, salons and spas of what you need for the "better" you. It is also a huge mirror letting the reader understand that what you may want is not necessarily what is right for you. Instead of wasting a fortune in something that will make the people mistake you for another person (because of so much surgery you've done to enhance your look), being learned of what will make you look fresh and different without any invasive procedure is still the better option. The good thing is, this book doesn't limit you to just following every step. It encourages you to DIY too since that's the cheapest and most convenient way of innovating your look.

The book is worth to read from cover to cover but the tips are simply revolving around these main points:

"1. Less is always more. Cheap is often too much of a good thing. Simple looks classic; flashy looks trashy.

Emma Watson wears this cliche on her belt as her strength.
She's the best example of this mantra.
That make up, that confidence and that simplicity
plus the real her.
Who else can "actually" do that?

2. Build an edited beauty collection. By choosing the right products, you'll need less... and spend less.

3. Knowledge is priceless. If you know what you want and how to get it, you can DIY. If you're an informed client, you'll get your money's worth at the salon, makeup counter, dermatologist, or nail spa.

4. Price point isn't as important as good taste. All the money in the world can't buy taste, but once you develop good taste, you can find it for any price.

5. Maintenance is everything. Remember that a cheap manicure is a good manicure that's been on too long.

6. Expensive-looking hair and makeup doesn't advertise itself. It's understated, refined, tasteful, not blingy. It makes you look like the best version of yourself, not like somebody else.

This book is heaven sent regarding the best products.
It features products that are a lot cheaper than the original
one, yet has the same effect.
It's magic!

7. Buying new beauty products is a lot cheaper than buying new clothes - and you'll get more wear out of them. A new lipstick, eyeliner, or especially nail polish is a way to accessorise your existing wardrobe and feel fresh and stylish without stepping into a fitting room.

8. The key to a look that reads high net worth is to enhance what you've got without worrying trying to become someone else. 
"You only better" is the goal of each and every tip and technique you'll read about in this book."

- Andrea Pomerantz Lustig

While the book encourages changes here and there, may I add 2 more points in her first 8 mentioned above.

9. Get a decent amount of exercise. This makes your body regenerate in its most natural way. It helps your body overall to stay rejuvenated. When you exercise, your lungs are put to its maximum use, your body gets filled with endorphins (happy hormones) and your cells get to multiply efficiently to change the dead ones, revealing a newer, fresher you.

10. Get enough sleep. What you may have to do to your body to achieve a certain look, needs a certain amount of exertion. In return, be kind to it by listening to its demand for rest. The number of hours of sleep vary from person to person so allow self awareness to kick in. Take your time in learning your own body. Master how to say yes to optimum health and no to unnecessary engagements.

Related posts:

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MY CROSSFIT EXPERIENCE AT FITNESS ACADEMY HK

with a fellow CrossFitter and Anthony,
one of the main inspirations
of the academy.

Being a mom can be compared to being a juggler, always putting up a smiling face for everybody no matter how much circumstance she's tossing up and juggling in the air as she fulfills what is expected of her. Besides the will to live up to the responsibility, and the huge love we have for our families, most especially the kids, it is important to keep a healthy body to literally be present and able.

Our society has a typical definition of a mom, they are mostly at home, doing the dishes, the bills and the kids. They are expected to sport the baseball mom hair, wear baggy pants and to just carry the laundry basket. People jump into conclusions that they are always preoccupied. The worst part is that, people tend to judge when mothers are considering their own time and/or working to be bad ones or lacking in becoming a mom. But it is important to preserve time for ourselves to keep us in fine balance and shape.

Last week was mother's day and I got the most heartfelt greetings coming from fellow moms that understand the depth of such label. I feel beyond "honoured" to belong to a worldwide club called "MOMS". But I do feel that it doesn't mean, we should lose consideration for ourselves.

I love being extraordinary. I believe I own one of the coolest jobs in the world but this comes with a price. Keeping yourself in shape and maintaining your skills is the name of the game. Besides having the looks and the whole package for an investment, you have to maintain a certain standard for yourself. You should keep yourself healthy and empowered from within. You should not just look good on the outside as the passion is the basis of it all. Otherwise, it's hard to go on being good-looking if it's all superficial. On top of that, aesthetically, we could be good looking but it's the "how we got there" that helps us sustain it. Meaning, anything you achieve in an instant matter usually doesn't last. Unlike if you had worked hard for it, you are more inclined to keeping it that way because you understand its value.

a BOX is what you call a CrossFit gym

FITNESS ACADEMY HK holds a ground for health buffs who choose to get committed with an extraordinary lifestyle. For many, they think dieting alone is the solution to owning a great body. But that's not usually the case. It comes with great effort of finding a suitable workout for you. And the idea is to eat accordingly to how you consume your energy. There goes a cliche, "you are what you eat" and there's nothing more fulfilling than applying this to our own selves. If you only take supplements to give you the necessary nutrients, where's the satisfaction in that? If you only take steroids and not have enough protein intake, then your muscles are a joke. If you only want to lose weight by doing crash diet, you're in for a suicide. So why not embrace a lifestyle that doesn't stop you from eating yet allows it to be burned efficiently? FITNESS ACADEMY HK suggests crossfit.

As people from Facebook saturates my posts regarding workouts, I got an ad regarding this incredible place. It offers 3 free crossfit sessions as for your own trials. All you have to do is sign in. So I did.

Now, the struggle is real. I've written ways on how to counter that. But undeniably, moms, being in their comfort zones of "just being moms" tend to choose staying so when fitness is being talked about. With all honesty, I had excuses of my own but I would love to write about this experience in pursuit of being an inspiration to all the moms out there.

At first, I thought it was going to be such an unbearable routine. As I researched thru what I should expect in a crossfit training, weightlifting, running even though it rains (Fitness Academy HK's own mantra) and kettle bells, it gave me cold feet the night before. I am probably obsessive compulsive when it comes to reproductive health that weightlifting may lead to prolapse in whichever part of my body that it prompted me to emailing the Fitness Academy HK crew that I'm a mom of a 1 year old (emphasis on the age since I want to be reconsidered in terms of healing up from giving birth, hahaha!). But for the sake of learning, I got up in the morning and went for it. I am well rested and I basically do the parade twice a day, I'm sure it's not that bad. Located in Shop D, King's View Court, 901-907 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. On my way, there, I continuously convinced myself that there's nothing to fear.

Getting to the box from my place is approximately an hour and a half. It was my first time to find the place. Apparently, my 10 minutes to spare in looking for it was not enough distance wise per se. Needless to say, I was late and I had missed good 10 minutes of warm up. And not having enough warm up is actually a big deal.

I was added as the last participant at the WOD board.

So, I got there and was on time for the WOD (Workout of the Day) being explained by the Coach. All that I read about CrossFit was coming to life in terms of the huge clock staring at me, personal board to mark your completed routines with, and boom, our names on the board and beside it would be the weights assigned as per kettle bell and the medicine ball for the wall ball shots. Hurmen, one of the HK Fitness Academy crew gave me a lighter one compared to everybody else's since I'm the only one who's a newbie. He wanted to test first if I could actually keep up.

The WOD that I did goes:

* Do as many reps as you can of the following in 15 minutes.

1. 20 Wall Ball Shots
2. 15 swings using an 8 KG kettlebell
3. 200m run outside

this marks 4 reps of the WOD that I made.

I was able to do 4 reps but I finished it around 17minutes. In all actuality, it should have been just counted as 3 but it was just the 200m run left so I just chose to finish the entire series. Some had paddled using the rowing machine instead of running. I asked why and one of them said, it's because they are part of a rowing club and they had asked if they could concentrate in making their upper body stronger for an upcoming race.

The good thing with Fitness Academy HK is that they will push your expectations to exceed what you thought you couldn't do. They surround you with alike minds establishing a sense of community that is committed to aiming for self improvement. They aid you by allowing you to get familiar with the training and then immersing you to a progressive intensity. They also make sure that you are safe and that you would know what to expect. They encourage full theoretical education before going further the introductory exercises. Whatever you fulfill, they would acknowledge and in the end, you gain friends and that amazing feeling that you were better than yesterday in terms of the exercise you were able to do and endure today.

One of the greatest benefits of exercise is the release of endorphins right after. I call it the natural glow. In line with this, you have that sense of empowerment and you get inspired all over again as you are reminded of the things you could do already that you didn't even imagine doing. I have never thought in my entire life that I would go for CrossFit. But, it surely was worth it to have another option for my daily exercise routine.

I admire these people for their dedication, determination and commitment to fitness.
Fitness Academy HK is the largest CrossFit facility in the Island East.

Visit the box for a free trial, have an amazing feel of its great energy and know the gentlemen who had started this last November. Fitness Academy HK believes that fitness is a lifestyle built in a community and I think that is the exact way of looking at it. Little steps in transforming your little habits could do wonders.

Now, it's your turn to do the unthinkable. 

Click here for you own free trial!

Additional information:

1. Wesley, one of the gentlemen that had put up Fitness Academy HK was very accommodating during the trial. He was carefully gauging what I can do and what I was having a challenge with. He made sure I was safe and made sure that I'm not pushing myself too much. He acknowledged me right after the training and gave me a two thumbs up that I can do CrossFit.

2. I instantly got so relaxed after I took a good hot shower right after the CrossFit trial and my mind was crying out for rest. Because of this, I forgot my make up kit at Fitness Academy HK. One of the guys whose name was Hurmen did me a favour by checking it out in the changing room and when he saw it was there, he had made sure that it is safe by letting me know I can just go back for it anytime. Same spot where I left it, untouched.

3. I was so tired that I forgot to leave the payment for the water available for purchase. They didn't pressure me nor judge regarding this one. I just made sure that I had paid it when I went back to get the make up kit and walked away with no judgement from them. Instead, they asked when I would want to come back again. They're all such gentlemen.

Related posts:

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2. MAGIC OF SHOES - There's always a good pair that goes for every occasion. 

3. MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE - Here's to all the moms out there.

PICO DE LORO BEACH RESORT AND COUNTRY CLUB

In the Philippines, April and May are the best months to go and explore beaches and resorts. I can't wait to share to you where I had brought my daughter to, during her first visit of my home country.

Hamilo Coast holding the Pico Sands Hotel,
 and the Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club

The salty warm sea breeze welcomed me upon reaching Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club. My eyes squinted with how the sun reflected thru the white sand and attacked my iris with a splendour of the Hamilo Coast's vast horizon. I was engulfing the scenery when I got distracted with a volleyball toss made on my left periphery and it instantly pulled me back into reality hearing my aunt's echoing voice regarding checking in.

Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club is strictly for its members only based on the regulations set for shareholders. However, the resort opens up a part for those who want to experience a great getaway as guests for a fair chance with one of Batangas' assets. In order to set this identification properly, they give you a water proof wristband that should not be in any way removed while you use the resort's facilities. It is actually to distinguish a guest from a member, where members get a full access to the country club's exclusive pool in mind. My auntie had to check that everyone got the wrist bands on just so nobody would be outcasted. Personally, it felt too much but they are concerned with everybody's safety so I complied. This wristband changes colour everyday. Once it gets tampered, damaged or broken, it may compromise your identification, and that's when we are adviced to collect a new one as soon as possible from the front desk, sans the whole process of checking the registered name. Yes, before arriving to the Philippines, around 4 days before, as soon as I confirmed to my cousin that we'll be joining them to this fun getaway, our complete names and birthdays were asked. This is to ensure the person's registration.

So much for that stressful checking of accommodation, allow me to give you a little bit of a trivia why it is called Pico De Loro Cove.

I hope the image had given it justice. So many hikers had documented their achievement of the hilltop but nobody shows the parrot beak like this. In addition to its name, the Hamilo coast where the resort was built and constructed is estimated to be holding 3 coves that have been declared Marine

Diving and snorkelling with my cousins.

Protected Areas (MPA's). Their coves are preserved and well kept. We had rented out a boat to take us into different coves and it was something that I didn't do for a long time. We had visited a private beach along one of the cove's beautiful white sand coasts and it was like a miniature of Boracay's Station 1.

As we started going for a dive, I noticed that the water wasn't that salty. As we stopped meters away from the beach to swim, my uncle noticed that there was not much to see when snorkelling. It was too clean. There were no corals whatsoever. Fishes are around but I think it's because of the bread that they are expecting from the people that stop here. Although it had been said, that 17 species of sea animals can be found in Hamilo coast, I think this can be observed way far off the beaches.

They said many Filipino celebrities rent a property situated around the area for a good month just to rest. It is pricier in this coast than everywhere else because you need to ride a motor boat to get there and it is a private property. It is good to share that Pico De Loro Cove is part of the VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE, a crucial centre of marine bio-diversity within the coral triangle. With its 5900 hectares of land area, only 1/3 is developable. This serves the right of the land to be preserved and remain untouched. That's why it's recommendable to those who are seeking rejuvenation. Nature feeds the souls of those who would be coming here and I assume, all of us from time to time need this.

It is attractive to the preoccupied population in the metropolis because it is estimated to be just a 90-minute drive from SM Mall of Asia. It is the perfect choice for those who wants to take a breath out of office work. The place is family friendly, safe and serene. The sand doesn't match up with Boracay's (It's as white but after facing extreme heat from the sun, it's too hot to step on it barefooted. In Boracay, no matter how hot, it's not painful to the soles, it still remains cool.) but the view is exceptional.

There are over 40 activities you could do here in Pico De Loro naming some: snorkelling, boating, hiking, waterskiing, aqua zumba, pony tour ride and beach volleyball. Besides a haven for people who are dying of having time to unwind, it is open for wedding events since they have the venue for every choice you are considering. A beach wedding, garden wedding or church wedding. It got nice spots to do your pre-nuptial photos too. And there are areas where office and/or corporate meetings can be held. 

That being said, they have a lot to offer guests in terms of dining places. Being balikbayans, my cousin from the States came up with the best idea.... to have a boodle fight by the beach. So, we had asked the staff to prepare one for us as it is available in the menu. To my other cousin's estimate, for a Php700+ arrangement, I am sad to say, he found the meal dissatisfying. But here's why:

The menu assured that the food can be shared amongst 10 people but considering our anacondas, and the activities which we did earlier that day, it wasn't going to be enough for 10 people. Most of the activities are physically demanding. It's expected that guests would have a big appetite you see. But some items like tomatoes, boiled salted eggs, eggplants and some other bbq items are not present. It was my first time to actually be in a boodle fight so I don't have that much for comparison. But I am aware of what should be there. For reference if you want to include this in your itinerary as you visit the resort, let me post this picture.

Boodle Fight is a military style of eating where long tables are prepared and food are put on banana leaves.
Viands and rice are ready to eat using bare hands, jugs of water are prepared on the sides
to wash hands before the "eating combat".
With the signal to start the boodle fight, everybody aims for his/her position.
- URBAN DICTIONARY

If you highlight the whole food presentation, it looks satisfying
but it looks miniature in front of us. What do you think?

We also tried dining in the resort's Sun Coral Cafe which offered delicious Filipino dishes and a variety of international cuisines. One of the dishes that ignited my taste buds was tinolang manok but using squash to thicken the soup. Dining in Sun Coral Cafe maybe enjoyed al fresco or by the Reef Bar or pool bar. The Reef Bar is facing the beach where we had the boodle fight.

We chose to dine in Sun Coral Cafe after more than a 2 hour drive from Manila.
Sun Coral Cafe didn't fail us.    

-the view of the Reef Bar coming from the beach shore-
It is pretty setup romantically.

As I returned to home-Kong, I craved for it instantly and I had to ask our yaya to cook it because of that lingering sensation in my head. My buccal cavity welled up with saliva as I thought about the thick chicken soup boiled slowly with squash. I never had that before in my life. I thought it was such a great combination. My daughter loved it too. 

Since my family and I were staying for one night only, we couldn't let a chance pass of night swimming. There was not much people at the time we visited the resort so we pretty much dominated the kiddie pool. We were pretty disappointed when our big floats were prohibited to be used in their pool. And they were very strict as per swimsuits to be used when actually taking a dip. No long shorts, and no t-shirts. I think it was just right to impose this.

To go around the area, there were shuttle rides that stop every 10mins at each building. We were staying at my aunt's colleague's unit located at Jacana. It was said that Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club are owned by SM Primary Holdings. That's why if you'd notice, the so called 90-minute getaway's starting point is from the SM Mall of Asia and their souvenir shop is actually "Kultura" which could only be seen in the SM department stores.

There are so many available units via Airbnb that you could rent if you're planning to visit this remarkable resort. Here are some of the model units you can also look at if you are considering being an owner of one of the units someday.

The hotel can be seen in Agoda as well and the room rates starts from HK$800 up. This price includes breakfast and free wifi. I am going to limit the information to that because nowadays, those are the 2 important things guests ask anyway. Based on research, kids as long as they would use the existing beddings, are free. Until those who are 11 years old. The usual, you check in at 2pm and check out at noon.

A piece of advice from me, units in airbnb got the advantage of offering you a fully furnished kitchen which may help you in saving up with food. If you plan to stay here for a week or two, may I suggest that you combine dining out (since there's no more rewarding than eating fresh grilled seafood by the beach) with cooking your food and eating indoors. If you have kids, make sure you stock up the fridge with snacks and bottled water. You don't want to risk them being cranky because of hunger or dehydrated because of getting a day in the beach. Watch out also for bees that may sting you. The flowers around the units harbour beehives.

Here's a sneak peak of the whole place. Credits to my cousin, JP Gloda for this video.

Pico De Loro had allowed my daughter to bond with my family whom she just knew for the first time as she visited the Philippines for the first time as well. I am thankful for their warmth that made a good trip possible. This vacation will be remembered so well as the great getaway post nuptial of my cousin. Like Angsana Laguna, Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club is a beautiful family friendly place to visit. I give it 5 stars.

Standing at the middle of
the Pico De Loro Resort and
Country Club where residences
and a hotel surrounds this lovely river.

Related posts:

1. ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET - this is one resort that holds everything. You don't need to go out for activities. My husband and I had our honeymoon here. And it provided us the best relaxing vacation ever.

2. GRAND COLOANE RESORT, MACAU - If you're aiming to have a relaxing getaway and some golf from the hustles and bustles in Hong Kong, Macau is not just about gambling and parties. You might want to stay in the serene Grand Coloane Resort.

3. A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL STOCK INVESTING WITH THE EIP COL EASY INVESTMENT PROGRAM OF THE PHILIPPINES - I am proud to say that I am a shareholder of SM, find out how I did it here.

HOW A YOUNG GIRL'S VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH APPLIES ISAAC NEWTON'S LAW OF MOTION TO LIFE

In the Philippines, Summer season starts during the month of April and it completes as the month of May ends. That means thousands of graduates are expected to either pursue higher learning or employment around this time. Since I left the academe, I became solely focused on entertainment addressing my shift of career. I constantly keep abreast with this kind of moments though and I would like to inspire you of what my godfather's daughter had spoken about in her valedictorian speech that I believe may help us in so many ways.

It goes:

"These past years, I have applied some basic math principles to survive. If there's one thing I learned in Math, it is that every problem has a solution.

I added the positives. I am forever grateful for my God-given talents and continually worked on improving them. I could always count on the support of my family and friends and the patience and dedication of my dear teachers.

I subtracted the negatives. When you subtract a negative number, it becomes positive. I tried to take criticisms constructively. I worked on overcoming my flaws and weaknesses. I considered problems as challenges to be solved. I looked at my detractors as irrational numbers and simply accepted the fact that they are non-terminating or never ending.

I multiplied. I multiplied my efforts and tried to be more productive. I multiplied the love I gave and friendships I offered and received much greater products.

When I am overwhelmed with so much to do, I divided. I divided huge tasks into smaller and simpler tasks and conquered. I managed my time wisely.

I started with Math and would like to end with what we just learned in Science - Newton's Laws of Motion.

The first law, the Law of Inertia, says an object in motion stays in motion. Today, we achieved our goals and dreams but we should never rest on our laurels. Let us continuously enhance our skills and apply what we have learned to our lives.

The 3rd law, the law of Interaction, states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. You reap what you sow. The harder we work, the more fruits our labor will bear.

Saving the best for last again, I go back to the 2nd law. The Law of Acceleration tells us that the greater the force and the lesser the mass, the faster the accelerations. Let us thank the focus behind our acceleration, our progress and success - our parents, our teachers, school administrators and staff, and friends. Cliche as it may sound, I would not be here delivering this speech if it were not for the unconditional love and support my parents gave me. I would also like to thank my brother Renzo who teases me often to challenge me and toughen me. Lastly, I will be forever thankful for all the blessing of the highest, greatest and most powerful Divine force - God. On the other hand, let us leave behind all the mass or weight that pulls us down so we can accelerate and soar higher. As our graduation song says, let us all "reach for the sky".

Thank you and congratulations to all of us!"

- Patricia Tan

Reading this had inspired me in more ways than one. And it's good to be reminded of the lessons I've learned before in the classroom that I may have just brushed off the moment I had gone to the next year of learning. Patricia has a special way of looking at things. She is gifted to associate some scientific laws to everyday life. And I got to meet her intact with sweetness and innocence that instantly makes her smile gleam in a crowd. I don't have doubts that she'll be imparting this to young kids in the future being in the academe as well. She is a ball of energy full of potential and influence. I, myself, got influenced.

Patricia and her mom, Ninang Joy when they visited me in the
happiest place on earth.
She graduated from Chiang Kai Shek College.
She received the honours from both English
and Chinese Graduation.

Related posts:

1. LOOK UP - watch this very touching video about what we miss in life as we google.
2. WE ALL DON'T WANT TO BE JUDGED - There's a story behind every personality. Know who are the ones who have to right to judge.
3. LIVING THE DREAM - Get inspired further by reading about this personas as they make their dreams into reality thru their business ventures.

Spring Fair

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Gold filled jewelry
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Body cleanser
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Hair styling tool
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Essie nail polish
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Cost Plus World Market kitchen dining
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Related posts:
1. AMELIA ON A PICNIC - a set of ensembles perfect for a Picnic Day or an Ice Cream Day this summer!
2. DIFFERENT WAYS OF WEARING YOUR SCARF - here are some great tips on how to maximise that scarf's potential!
3. PICO DE LORO BEACH AND COUNTRY CLUB - This resort is where you can strut in this cute get up at!