WHAT YOU MAY BE MISSING ONLINE

There's absolutely a lot to find online that can benefit us. Education, opportunities, connection. The world seem to get smaller and smaller yet ties can become stronger. There is a need though of what you are pouring your time into. Since the internet had vastly given birth to websites, sources and social networks, it also had become dangerous in the sense that should all of them be given attention?

I admit that I spend a lot of time in the internet. Instead of taking my time to rest, I always catch myself browsing over a social network's newsfeed. I cheat on making way to achieving a recipe thru pinterest and gym time is often neglected when I extend more hours working online for researching for my blog. All of these are actually not much of an issue if I would manage my time more wisely.

It's crucial to separate what is of essence with what's actually nonsense when you google. It's hard not to depend on online information most especially when it is about a review of a location you want to travel to. I guess it's right to say, choose wisely what you spend time into.

With that being said, I don't want to hold you further but I need to give out this important information you might find handy considering the things that you'd love to do or learn without compromising the beauty of connecting live to a person and/or without feeling guilty that nothing productive happened with your day.

1. There's yet another free webinar that you may find beneficial to your own learning towards investing wisely. If you are investing on stocks, this may guide you thru critical analysis, strategic approach and fundamental steps:

2. Into connecting to an audience thru your talent? Are you capable of telling a story allowing a group of people to learn from it directly? Would you be interested to do drama? How about if Kevin Spacey would be your teacher? Would you be interested?

Don't fret. Because it's all a click away. This website offers a masterclass that you may enjoy fully with the help of the professionals that you see on TV.

3. Been wanting to trying something different? Sign up for a free crossfit class in FITNESS ACADEMY HK and unleash the beast in you. No expectations, no judgements, just focus and determination and your body will thank you after a good day's work out. The box (what you call the training grounds for crossfit) may be intimidating, not until you let a day breeze thru it. This is one way to get you up your seat and ditch getting succumbed to the internet without having a productive day.

4. RAFFLES SCHOOL OF DESIGN

There's no age limit in wanting to achieve your dreams. Make it happen by committing to a driven institution. The top design school in Hong Kong offers courses that is not just limited to fashion but interior design, app design and photography, 3 of the most in demand specialisations in the industry. Rewrite your future by excelling in what you truly love. Feed your creative instincts by learning from the experts.

The teachers in raffles are more than educators. They practice as they teach embracing diversity and continuous trends. They hold small classes to make sure students are given personal attention and monitoring. They aim each of them to be recognised globally by developing their potential at its utmost momentum.

5. Would you like to get paid as you tap your android on the road? If you are the kind of person who likes to play games, wants to be the first to know about the new released apps, and answer quizzes, you'll be delighted to know about an app called Cash Gift.

Cash gift makes you earn points that may actually be converted to gift cards, free coupons and Pay Pal credits as you do tasks, namely, downloading some cool stuff, watching a video, installing and playing games like candy crush, simply passing level 5 of a certain game and voila! You earn coins.

I am not really much of the game person because I don't like overloading my phone with games. But the idea is, I just one task that says, Tap to get 20 coins and rate them 5 to get 30 coins. It's that simple. Then exit.

I've been waiting for mine to come about. And I just earned my points to redeem my second dollar from Amazon. At first, I was wary with how real this goes but I got my gift card via email and now, I'm ready to use it. US$2 is not that much but I basically just have to tap my phone and points keep on coming daily. I wouldn't mind doing that!

6. A similar rewarding system offers redemption of lifestyle coupons to use in Park N' Shop for groceries, ZALORA for trendy fashion ensembles, Maxim's for pastries and Mannings for toiletries. Just log in to www.valuedopinions.hk. How does it work?

As you join in, you will be asked about your personal preferences about, food, sports, lifestyle, fashion and recreation. This first part was actually fun because all that you have to do is tick. The system will get hold of your answers putting it into a pool of downlines that somehow calculates the surveys that may need your response to. Most of the time, as a consumer of a certain product. To share, I have answered a survey about German wines, a learning institution, importance of an insurance and something that I would be expecting in a new gadget. It is not hoax as I am HK$3 away from redeeming mine so just bear with it. It is checking your email of surveys that will actually pay you.

Enjoy surfing guys!

Related posts:

1. 10 THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG - planning to go to Hong Kong for a vacation? Here are some suggested itinerary for you not to miss.

2. CASHFLOW - a board game that will teach you how to handle finances as you anticipate real life situations.

3. LIMITLESS - a blog post featuring the 15 Richest Men of the World of Forbes Magazine in 2012. 

SILVERMINE BEACH RESORT

Hong Kong is a melting pot of tourists, businessmen, overseas workers, foreigners and locals.  It is the city that buzzes even at its unholy hour. It exudes an extraordinary energy to each person walking on it. Because of its power, I realised Hongkies, including myself, have one thing in common. After a day's work, they crave for a getaway. Last May, we eyed Silvermine Beach Resort in Mui Wo.

Hong Kong is known for its fast paced lifestyle. When you live here, you adapt to it subconsciously. It is proven by how its development could be compared to a concrete jungle since it is made up of towering apartments, sky-high buildings lining up the harbour and busy high tech mass transit railways in between. Despite the fast modernisation of Hong Kong, it is still remarkable as to how they preserve their customs by putting it into practice. Their rich culture can never be undermined as they do celebrate festivals the traditional way still that are solely their own. Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival.

Ultimately, Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most prestigious events held in Hong Kong. Supporting my husband, last May 29 and the rest of the Team Mushu, we were able to experience a staycation at Silvermine Beach Resort in Mui Wo. And in this post, I will talk about what to expect of the resort.

LOCATION:

this is the receiving area and this is where
the front desk is located

Rowing for the Dragon Boat Races is quite physically demanding as I had my own experience of a winning race with Team Mushu two years ago. My husband wanted to have a good rest before and after and thought of a good way to deal with it. And we researched for the best accommodation for our family. There popped up Silvermine Beach Resort.

Mui Wo's tranquil location is highlighted by a simple 3 storey, 33 year old hotel that faces a vast beach upfront and extends to a mountain view at the back. Built in 1983, I have observed that the renovation last 2014 had did it good since the doors use upscale technology.

The colours of the halls are bright and it had a modern feel. I loved the way its walls were in pastel colours. It lifts up the mood and most of all, I love how the terrace faces the vast horizon of Mui Wo Beach. As I sat down and sipped my coffee, I looked straight out, and I felt a hopeful energy surging in.

a terrace where I find it very good to have coffee at
while looking straight out in the horizon

Silvermine Beach Resort is situated at DD2, Lot 648, Silvermine Bay, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. It is surrounded with good seafood, Italian and Chinese restaurants. Unfortunately, taxis cannot go near the hotel but bus stations and the pier make it accessible to public transport. A school, a wet market, a police station, and a park  surrounds the area so retirees, writers, or anybody who needs a getaway, can find serenity, satisfaction and comfort in Silvermine.

FACILITIES:

My daughter checks out the place.

We went for an Italian dinner
which was a good 15 minute walk
from the hotel.

During our stay, the room had a water boiler complete with the tea set and a huge bottle of mineral water. The usual give away of hotels I've gone to had two small bottles only. The refrigerator was surprisingly empty. Don't expect any canned refreshments or bottle shots. Room service is available which is my husband's favourite thing to have but this time, we opted to eat outside and try one of the restaurants around the area.

The room is fully furnished. It got a working desk, a wardrobe closet and a huge bed that is the most comfortable I've ever laid on together with my Samoan husband and my not so little girl. It's bigger than a king size bed I promise you. A bedside table suffices it with an access to all the lights which I find very handy since I didn't have to move my baby away from my arms in turning them off come sleeping time.

My friend helped me book the sea view room that opens up to the beach where I had the best view in watching my husband's races from. I loved the idea that the room can be covered entirely from the sun if you want to take an afternoon nap and when you're ready to face the morning sun, the rays are allowed to uplift the entire room in an instant as you raise the blinds.

The windows that I watched some of the races from when it was too hot.
It was raining that day hence the skies were not very clear.

It is complete with a flat screen TV but there was no HDMI cable available to borrow. So as for entertainment, I greatly relied on my laptop since most of the shows on TV are in Chinese. Their internet goes prepaid. You have to buy a 24 hour connection that I found a little bit of too much for the price of HK$100 each time.

That is the huge bed that gave us comfort for 2 days.
'Nuff said!

The bathroom is complete with the basic amenities. The bedside table holds two pairs of disposable

slippers. Drawers contained a blowdryer and a bible. There's an iron and an iron stand for your convenience and a phone that is only restricted to local calls. I'm sure arrangement can be made for it to have an access internationally but may I suggest for you to use the internet instead if you are to avail of it anyway since charge is per minute for an international call.

how the bedside table
looks like

The outdoor swimming people and the kiddie pool is opened seasonally. This year, it will be open to guests daily from May 1 to October 31, from 9am to 10pm only. As Hong Kong is known for having unpredictable weather, once thunderstorm is officially hoisted, the swimming pools will automatically  be closed. Nonetheless, the fitness centre and the sauna and steam room will remain at function daily from 9am to 10pm as well.

The resort encourages guests to engage in outdoor activities to take advantage of its pride, the natural ambiance it stands from. Biking, hiking, swimming are but a few of what's available. But at the time we were there, we enjoyed the dragon boat races very much because of its intensity, energy and the camaraderie between the teams. 

The hotel has its own Blue Horizon Cafe that offers a great deal that goes: you choose any main course from over 10 scrumptious meals in the menu and you may be open to an eat all you can appetiser and dessert buffet. Their cakes are guaranteed home made but you may find their appetisers limited.

This is where they serve the breakfast also from 7am to 10pm. Variety is not that much. But I love how the place lights up every morning. After a sip of coffee, the surrounding neighbourhoods also instantly becomes lively. 

TRANSPORTATION:

Situated in the cultural part of Mui Wo, Silvermine Beach Resort can be reached in so many ways. Being 45 minutes away from the airport (via a cab), the hotel opens up to this scenery right away that's why the hotel doesn't have a drop off area for guests coming in riding a cab. That limitation goes for uber and gogovans as well. We rode a blue cab towards the hotel and it amounted around HK$180+.

It was a little bit of a hassle since I was with my weekend luggages, a stroller, and my baby and it was raining hard that day that we were going to check in. We had to walk towards the front by foot. There was no covered walk leading to the hotel.  There was no pavement to avoid the puddles nor to roll the luggages onto. It could've been a big help if those were present. Also, we had to ask from people where the hotel is as we got off the cab. I'm sure there was a sign but we could use a good big sign during a rainy day.

Mui Wo buses to and fro Tung Chung is available at a station located behind the hotel. This is for those who wanted to have an access to the MTR station. The schedule can be checked thru their website: www.silvermineresort.com. But the front desk has a posted schedule for everybody to see. Look for 3M as per public transport. Across the bus station is the blue taxi stand. So it's pretty accessible this way by land. You can check the fare for adults, kids, seniors and students by clicking here.

On the other hand, for a faster travel to the city, you can take the ferry. It costs HK$29/adult during the weekdays and then triple during the weekends. There's what they call the slow ferry which is a given. It usually takes longer to go to the city via this slow ferry than the other one but it's cheaper. 3 year olds and below are free. One way journey usually takes 30 minutes.

ACCOMODATION:

I like how tidy and well lit the halls are.

The hotel is composed of 128 rooms and the 3 storey hotel is secured with electronic doors. The halls are also secured with a main door in a way that only key holders have an access to in addition to each electronic door locks. Apart from the big bed and complete amenities, the comfort it brought to my family was fairly good.

the basic toiletries provided

The bathroom was comfortably spacious without any problems in its plumbing. It was kid friendly too with its anti-skid tiles and the sink counter is big enough to hold my make up kit and many more. I am just obsessive compulsive in terms of the toiletries I need but for a backpacker, it is truly sustaining with all the basics they provided.

There's a garden where my daughter had fun lingering in because of the swing. There are bikes that can be borrowed to go around town and a spa is available to guests starting from HK$280+ up.

Hotel policies include:

1. Check in time: 3:00 PM

2. Check out time: 12:00 PM (and then every extended hour will be charged HK$500)

3. Breakfast is from 7am - 10am.

4. Room rates are subject to 10% service charge.

5. If booking cancellation would be done 72 hours before the arrival date, no cancellation fee will be charged. But if the booking is cancelled within 72 hours (3 days) before the arrival date, one day of daily rental with the rack rate will be applied as late cancellation penalty.

Garden View

6. Room reserved or charged at discounted rate cannot be cancelled nor cannot be refunded.

7. Amendment of the booking within 72 hours before the arrival date is not allowed. One day of daily rental with the rack rate will be applied as late amendment penalty.

8. The booking can only be amended at least 72 hours before the arrival date. The change is subjected to the hotel's availability and the rate may be revised.

9. Room reserved or charged at discounted rate is non-amendable.

10. VALID HKID card or passport should be presented upon guest check-in.

11. In case of no show, Silvermine will charge first night room rental as a no show penalty.

12. All payment will need to be settled upon checking in.

13. Like any hotels, a deposit will have to be made apart from the rack rate paid upon checking in. At the time we availed of their Front Beach View room, the deposit amounted to HK$500 for the entire 2 nights stay we did.

DINING:

The hotel has the Seashore cuisine where breakfast is served daily from 7am to 10pm. Again, it can be accessed only by the guests with a room key so that's how they track those who are entitled to breakfast. Almost all of the accommodation fee includes breakfast anyways. So it's unlikely that safety would be compromised since I observed leniency on who comes in and out of the restaurant.

We just had to document my daughter's face.

I find the selection pretty limited when the ambiance completely gives the bed and breakfast vibe. I wasn't really eager to eating what I usually see everyday at work. But it seems that that's the only thing available. The view is spectacular though and their coffee was tasty. My daughter loved every minute of breakfast because the restaurant was spacious and well lit. It elated her mood.

The Seashore cuisine restaurant is open to an all-day-dining from 7am to 12midnight. They offer Afternoon Tea Set and Saturday BBQ buffet. It aims to cater to each guest's cravings by offering Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Western and fusion dishes in the menu.

me and my friend Joanne before she hits off to the races

When you step out of the restaurant to the terrace, the Blue Horizon cafe awaits where we had lunch during the day of the races. Probably since it was raining the day before, we were eaten too by bugs. Because as soon as the weather became warmer, Hong Kong releases these nasty ones.

Yes, we're being attacked by bugs right about this time.

Lastly, the Bayview lounge offers soothing music, relaxing ambiance and a wide selection of international beer. It has a bar for guests to enjoy and a vibe that will help you unwind.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Swimming is the number one suggested activity of the hotel. The beach is inviting to tourists who would want to have a tan, a walk or just to get inspired. In the evening, a herd of carabaos come by to take some rest on the cool sand.

Rental bikes and maps are available for those who want to do mountain biking, trekking and hiking. Non-Motorised water sports are also available such as kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddle surfing. At the moment we were in the area, the dragon boat races had kept everybody preoccupied.

Snorkeling, boating and scuba diving can be arranged privately but own personal equipments should be brought in.

PERSONAL CRITIC:

My daughter, securing a cozy space all to herself the moment we
stepped inside the room.

In general, for the location, facilities and service, I truly feel that the booking fee per night is too pricey. HK$700/night without any shuttle service privilege, no wifi, and no change of toiletries when we stayed there for 2 days. 

The cleaners also took a lot of time in cleaning up the room during the morning when we had breakfast. I was expecting that by the time we get back from a good brekky and a walk (most especially if I had left the door sign that says, "Please clean up room"), the room would be cleaned up. But to my disappointment, it wasn't so I had to call downstairs for the refill on tissue, toiletries and new towels.

When we availed of the semi buffet, we were asking for help with the bugs. Unfortunately, when we asked for assistance, they didn't have any form of mosquito repellant. They just shrugged their shoulders to us and just said, you can eat inside if you're in any way uncomfortable here. We really wanted to enjoy the sunset while eating by the terrace. It didn't happen for me and my friends.

The hotel policies was a little bit too much when they tried to impose it most especially the HK$500/additional hour if you check out late but in the end, it was pretty kind of them to be flexible  in consideration. A friend of ours was tied up with the races at the moment that they were supposed to check out. They understood the situation he was in when he explained so he was not charged.

For an overall rating, I give it a 6.5 out of 10. The place was nicely renovated, awarded Resort Hotel of the Year 2016 by GHM Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau General Hotel Managers' Society and most of all, feels secure but I'm sure it still needs a lot of improvement with their guest service. Though there's a competition with the carabaos in the afternoon for some space at the beach, it is the best way to get close to nature anyway. So it's all good. Hygiene wise whether it's alright to lay down on the beach without dealing with any s#!+ on the sand, or even to swim where the carabaos swim, that I can't guarantee. The good things about this experience would be, my baby felt great about our stay, my husband got enough rest and we're altogether in experiencing Silvermine Beach Resort.

Dinner at La Pizzeria, Mui Wo

Related posts:

1. PICO DE LORO RESORT AND COUNTRY CLUB - a serene, private getaway for a hardworking bunch located in Batangas, Philippines

2. ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET - Still on the lookout for a place to go for honeymoon? Check out this place where my husband and I had spent ours in when we visited the beautiful Phuket.

3. THE VENETIAN - If there is something that you should experience in going to Macau, it should be, to spend time in The Venetian hotel.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN HONG KONG THIS JUNE 2016

Are you ready for Summer 2016 here in Hong Kong? Well, if you had been wearing your shades, sandals and sunscreen, you have set the pace quite right. In addition to your junk boat trips and hiking schedules, check these events out that is surely worth of your time...

1. Do you have any clothes that you don't know how to deal with? You tried to sell, couldn't find the courage to throw or waiting for it to go retro to be retrieved? You also just couldn't find it in you to just put it to waste and you want to remain eco-friendly. Well, here's an answer to your dilemma. RAFFLES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL once again offers a one time big time Sustainable Design Workshop!

This FREE workshop has 15 seats open to a first come first served basis. It would be conducted by their own director, Stefan Orschel-Read, whom I had the opportunity to meet when I attended an intimate gala night with the school's alumnus, Grace CY Lam and less than 30 combined bloggers, fashion design enthusiasts and expectators. Grace CY Lam had represented her collection in Fashion Week, Vancouver last March of 2016. Details of this workshop is as follows. Hurry! If you make it on time, you can bring along a friend too!

This workshop will be held at 1/F, Centre Point, 181-185 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. You will learn in this workshop how to do:
- Zero-Waste Pattern Cutting
- Unused Materials Crafting
- Fashion Draping

2. DISCOVERY BAY is making way for the dragon boats this June 9 and that means bargains and booze are at play by the plaza. Turn the usual Ladies' Night to an action packed Thursday! The event starts in the morning and right before the awarding ceremony, TEAM MUSHU, the team representing Disney would be giving out a cheerleading number complete with stunts, basket tosses and split jumps. What's remarkable about it is that they will do this right after they paddle their hearts out to the sea to do what they do best, win! Will they make it this year? Come out and see for yourself!

3. Speaking of Disney, rumors of the Star Wars invasion is about to happen 11th of this month at HONG KONG DISNEYLAND.

So Star Wars fans, get ready to be trained as the Temple of the Jedi is about to happen. Visit the park, put together your own personalised Lightsaber and open your eyes for a chance to get immersed to their world!

Characters from the movie will be out for a meet and greet and I believe, a ride was transformed too! A one true exciting event that is good for the whole family to enjoy!

4. MACAU won't be second in all of these excitement. From July 22 until August 7, "SHREK, THE MUSICAL" will be performing for the first time here in Asia as part of its international tour. While the parents enjoy a day or two in Venetian rooms, the kids get to be exposed in a live broadway performance. Details of packages, pricing and show times maybe checked out by clicking here.

5. Summer days are the best days to feel mother earth's presence. And central harbour front opens its location to yoga classes and meditation sessions. Shut down your phones and get reconnected with nature. Increase your dedication to fitness by joining this 2 day (June 25 and 26) event. Who knows? You might win a friend or two!

Please do register here: https://cue.pouchnation.com/event/iris

6. Hong Kong hails its Chinese culture thru the CHINESE OPERA FESTIVAL as it encapsulates the long history of China. From June 17 to August 14, 2016, performances will happen at the following venues:
 - The Grand Theatre at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre at the TST Promenade
 - The Hong Kong City Hall in Central
 - The Hong Kong Space Museum
Tickets cost from HK$100 to HK$350 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre but the tickets for a Chinese Opera Film Show at the Hong Kong Space Museum are HK$30. Students and seniors get discounts!

7. Calling all fans of AIR SUPPLY Live on Tour, they will be having a concert on June 19, here in Hong Kong, at 8pm. It will be held in Star Hall (KITEC) in Kowloon Bay. Tickets and prices may be checked and booked here.

8. Hong Kong is not just rich in culture but they are also rich in arts.

More freebies (or either, it is offered at very low prizes) to those who are willing to get immersed deeper into the Chinese culture thru Tai Chi Classes, Lion Dance and Feng Shui Classes. Corresponding areas of the brain may need to be fed even though school is out so why not learn a different skill?

THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS! A GREAT START UP FOR SUMMER!

Related posts:

1. RAFFLES SCHOOL OF DESIGN - my post about an in depth query about Grace CY Lam's, a law graduate, evening gown collection represented Hong Kong at the Vancouver Fashion Week earlier this year.
2. MY CROSSFIT EXPERIENCE AT FITNESS ACADEMY HK - a post to inspire moms in rediscovering and innovating themselves thru a fitness regime!
3. BEING PART OF THE TEAM MUSHU - why joining Team Mushu was one of the best moments of my life.

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!

Related posts:

1. JOLLIBEE - Philippine's #1 Fast Food that houses the best crispy fried chicken there is in Hong Kong!!!
2. MESA - a Filipino Modern Cuisine that had spread all over Manila and that is innovative with their food presentation making them worth of a visit
3. SPRING FAIR - a set of ensembles that would perfectly cater to a picnic or any ice cream day, check it out!

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:

1. PRODUCTS I LOVE - See the skin products I invest on.
2. DEVILED EGGS ARE SO EASY - Follow a recipe in cooking one of the greatest energy boosters.
3. HOLIDAY TRAVEL - See a wardrobe set for you to travel on.

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:

1. HOW TO BE CONSISTENT IN GOING TO THE GYM - Everytime I have a struggle within me if I should go to the gym or not, I always read this.

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.