DIY LIP BALM

I used to pay a fortune for my lip balm. But now, I can choose the most natural ingredients possible for some pucker protection at a minimal cost!

I am so excited to share with you about the lip blaming workshop I've attended but before we go straight to this instructional post, it's better to have a brief understanding of what is a LIP BALM and what is its importance.

Anatomy of the Human Lips

The surface of our lips is made up of a very thin layer of skin. Underneath this thin layer of skin is a network of tiny blood vessels, hence its red plump nature. This "Red Margin" separates the keratinized area from the oral mucosa. The skin of the lips doesn't have sebaceous glands nor does it sweat because of the absence of sweat glands. It lacks the ability to lock-in moisture unlike the rest of the skin of our body and it constantly needs getting wet. Hence, it becomes prone to dryness and getting chapped. Wetting it with saliva is the most natural way. But due to the food that we eat and vices that we adapt (smoking), sometimes, it adds up to harming our lips more than keeping it safe. As part of the integumentary system which is basically the first line of defense of the body against harmful microorganisms, it's just right to take care of it. 

Now, a lip balm is another way of helping the lips stay moist. It is a coat applied to the lips to help it lock in moisture with the use of the fingers upon application. With certain essential oils, topical vitamin E and flavor added to it, it helps in keeping it from getting dry and chapped. The worst part that could happen is that you neglect your lips then it dries up. If you yawn or even smile, the dried part would crack open and will bleed. This opening can be a channel for harmful microorganisms to lodge and make a mess with your asset. The least that you want is to flash a smile with a canker sore. So here, my friends, is how you make your own lip balm at home. Remember: PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

Notes:
1. Allot 1.5 to 2 hours in making this.
2. 8 sticks will be made if you follow the measurements as per ingredient.
3. Have these tools at hand before proceeding:
- Beaker
- Stirring Rod
- 8 pcs. lip balm tube
- pot with the right amount of water (on a burner) enough to submerge 3/4's of the beaker
- weighing scale or precision scales (scales used in baking at chemistry labs)
4. If you're making this for a friend or for your business, use gloves to avoid contaminating your product.
5. Prepare these too on the side:
- tape
- pentel pen/marker
- potholder
- medicine dropper
- paper towel


Ingredients that you're going to need: (you may get them in local organic shops or online)

1. Sweet Almond Oil = 15g

2. Cocoa Butter = 8g

3. Bee's Wax = 12g

4. Essential Oil for the scent/feel that you like = 10 drops (Depending on how strong you want the flavor, you may add more. Or you may omit this if you want no flavor to your lip balm just like how vaseline is.)

*Our group had used Rose essential oil but some used Orange and Lavender. Depending on the holistic effect that you want, you can base the essential oil to be used on this. Rose always is a feminine flavor but I love Lavender because of its rejuvenating feel. It always reminds me of how relaxing my honeymoon was in Angsana Laguna, Phuket. Orange may be preferred by the active-by-day people because this flavor pops the senses.

Procedure:

1. Make sure your working place is clean, your tools in place and your ingredients, well set on the surface. If you may, label them properly. There were 10 of us in our group for the workshop so we had to label our beakers with our names so as not to get mixed up with whose beaker is which. It is best if everything is within arm's reach.

2. Tape the 4 corners of a ply of the paper towel on one side of the table. This area should be different from your working area. Put your lip balm tubes on top. For now that they're not filled up, they are light in weight so little movement will wreck how they are set up. That is the purpose of the taped paper towel You don't want lip balm to spill on the table and you don't want to make a mess of the tubes.

3. While allowing the pot with water to boil, mix your ingredients (sweet almond oil, beeswax, and the cocoa butter) into the beaker. Make sure you add up your ingredients (sweet almondeswax and the cocoa butter) in total grams as you weigh them. Precision is the key.

4. The water in the pot is boiling, you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to see some action. Submerge your beaker into the boiling water like in the picture below. The bee's wax will blend together with the rest of the ingredients once it melts. It will take 2-5 minutes for it to melt and it's up to you when to stop stirring. If you think everything is evenly stirred thru, use your potholder in taking the beaker out of the boiling pot. (Turn off the burner when not used.)

Use your stirring rod to help melt the bee's wax and for the ingredients to be evenly mixed.
Be careful not to burn yourself. Be careful as you immerse the beaker into the water,
make sure you have a space to hold onto and that it's not completely for water to get into your beaker.

5. Let the mixture cool off a little bit. Cool enough for the beaker to be held with your own hands but not too cool for the wax to harden. When that happens, it will be hard for you to put the mixture into the lip balm tube. (Just put the beaker back into the boiling water then give it time to melt again.) But if you're all set, put 10 drops of the essential oil into your beaker and stir it once again for a final mix.

6. Easy as it is, the next procedure is for you to pour the mixture into your lip balm tubes as smoothly as you can. Accidental spills are to be expected but that's what the paper towel is for. For you to possibly come up with more than 8 tubes, you may use your medicine dropper as you transport the mixture into it but this may take you a little longer.

7. It doesn't take long for the mixture to harden. But one thing I have to remind you is you have to fill up the tube until the very rim for a smooth finish. If you'd take a good look at the tube on the far left, that's what happens when you don't fill it up completely. Behind maybe not that clear but just to show what happens as it overflows. It's not hard to clean up but it makes the very surface of the top kind of messed up. Not good for business or for a gift.

You have to know that once you put it inside the tube, you can't repeat the whole process of reheating to reform it once again. The best thing to do is to keep it for personal use when it overflows, as compared to the not-completely-filled-up one is easy to be remedied.

As you wait for it to completely harden (even from the inside), it's good to start cleaning up at this point. Keep the ingredients sealed off from unnecessary exposure. Keep them compartmentalized and out of extreme temperature.

The cooled off mixture would look like the one below. It will be completely good to use as soon as it reaches this state. This DIY lip balm post didn't include chemicals to preserve it longer than it's supposed to for the purpose of keeping it as organic as possible. Otherwise, there's no reason why we have to do make our own lip balm. In addition, preservatives are what make the commercial lip balm expensive.

Shell life: 6 months
Upon application: 3-4 months

8. Label your tube accordingly to guide you in knowing which essential oil you have used in each. What I did was the simplest one. Find some printables that you may paste around the tube to decorate it aesthetically.

As you can see, it's very easy to make your own lip balm. Say goodbye to cracked lips, stress because of expensive tubes and say hello to business opportunities and DIY giveaways for events like bridal showers and slumber parties. Suggestions are welcome in terms of which essential oils are best to use. If you also happen to know nice organic stores to get the cocoa butter and bee's wax from, please let me know thru the comment boxes below.

I hope you'd enjoy making your own lip balm as much as I did.

Reminiscing being a chemical engineering student!

Workshop by Kath Tang. Click here if you would want to book a workshop with her.

Related posts:

1. SPA IN YOUR OWN HOME - Here are some of the things you buy so expensively but you can do it with ingredients from your own kitchen.

2. PRODUCTS I LOVE - Here I have shared some of the products I consider worth investing in.

3. CROWNING GLORY - A post on which foods would help you keep your hair pretty and glowing.

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.

SUMMER 2014 PLAYLIST

The first month of Summer in Hong Kong is here and it's time to have a makeover of that video playlist to get you up on time everyday.

1. LA LA LA (BRAZIL 2014) FT. CARLINHOS BROWN BY SHAKIRA

This first video is a mix of house music and Spanish Mardigras beats as I listen to it starring none other than Shakira. Once again, she embraces her unique gift as she dances freely featuring a football crazed MTV that even animals are into it. The World Cup is expected to open in Brazil in less than a month as it is the host for this season.

2. FIRST LOVE BY JENNIFER LOPEZ

To those who had told Jennifer Lopez, "Bitch be gone!", sorry to disappoint you. She is still a competition despite the age and a line of controversies. I particularly admire how she had sustained her taste for innovation and how she is proving that success is sweet the second time around. 

The lyrics are right for her though in finding the first love so that she doesn't have to bounce from one relationship to another. Good thing for other people (Ben Affleck), they know how to channel their frustrations to something productive (the movie, "ARGO").

3. PRETTY HURTS BY BEYONCE

Miss USA competition is about to commence this June and I can't help but think about the contestants involved. Or maybe, to all the girls that aspire to be on stage in general. I am wondering how much of the truth is laid out and I agree with this video that says it all of what price you pay to just be given the label "pretty". So many that are in the limelight (beauty queens, ballerinas, actors, performers) are expected to be skinny in order to belong to the "beautiful" group.  Reality bites alright.

4. "IT'S ON AGAIN" BY ALICIA KEYS FT. KENDRICK LAMAR

I'm not a fan of the movie, "The Amazing Superman" but of Alicia Keys? No doubt. A feel good beat though there are some segments of the song (chorus) I find awkwardly tuned or put together. I love how her hair is pimped in this video. It actually reminds me of the old hairstyle that was fashioned by old school rock bands like Roxette and New Kids on the Block. But it gives her face a fresh look. This new vibe she's giving out is fab, chick and daring. I love it!

5. "SUMMER" BY CALVIN HARRIS

A perfect beat to put on this Summer is this house music bound by love, good experiences and memorable time (in lyrics) which everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY expects during this time of the year. Gather your friends, share a good time and play this music to set it all right.

6. "WE ARE ONE (OLE OLA)" BY PITBULL, CLAUDIA LEITTE AND JENNIFER LOPEZ

It's not just me who commented that Shakira had done a better World Cup anthem as this one that you are about to see is the official 2014 World Cup Song. My personal comments go:

- The beats are dull.

- Pitbull is just too fancy to sing about "being one" with the people or the sport. I don't even know if he can do any sports for that matter.

- It's not different from the songs he and Jennifer Lopez had worked on. People won't remember it as much as "Waka Waka" of Shakira previously.

Here's an overview from www.billboard.com. See for yourself. Meanwhile, here's the video and you can be its own judge. Let me know of what you think about it compared to Shakira's by commenting below.

7.  "LOVE NEVER FELT SO GOOD" BY MICHAEL JACKSON AND ADD ONS BY JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

For the lovers of life and to celebrate it as much as how Michael Jackson's fans, friends and colleagues, do in coming up with this song, listen up and get inspired on how to get immortalised. We all know that Michael Jackson had been one of the starters of MTV, left a huge influence on all musicians in the world, and most importantly, emphasised LOVE in all his works, music and dance. I admire the unity of all races that this video shows. Still, he's able to make people come together in the name of music even when he's gone. Long live MJ!

To the readers, thanks for dropping by and advanced one
to people who'll share it too because the more people who'll
watch the La La La Song by Shakira,
the more hungry children will be fed in schools
that offer free enrolment to the less unfortunate ones.
GOD BLESS US ALL.

Related posts:

1. SUMMER IS HERE - how to go up and about and what to do this Summer season.

2. 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HONG KONG - let me know if you agree and love these too.

3. ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET - needing a place to stay in Phuket this holiday season?
4. WHICH DO YOU EAT MORE - a post about common eating disorders

Gold & Glitter Glamour

I have just recently cleared up this tube of its fabulous glittering lotion which I have found from Angsana Laguna Resort in Phuket. My husband and I were graced to see its beauty for our honeymoon and our stay came with 2,000 Bath worth of gift vouchers at its own goody shop. Besides the artifacts and souvenirs that Phuket is known for, they have a superb SPA section complete with cooling eye pillows, rejuvenating lotions and pretty much, lavender and avocado flavored, scented and based beauty products and SPA gift sets. We have purchased an Avocado hair moisturizer (which both my husband and I loved) which undoubtedly left our hair silky smooth and soft, relaxing lavender eye pillow and the one thing I find most special of all is this Gold & Glitter Moisturizing Body Gel.

I go for Unscented to Mild Cucumber to lovely Strawberry scents. That being said, I don't go for "too strong" or "too heavy" scents for my bath and body products. I always just want to smell fresh. That's one quality of this product that I truly loved. In addition, it makes you golden but it doesn't stain your clothes at all. The gold flakes are subtle yet well immersed in the gel so, it doesn't clump together on your skin after applying it on. It is refreshing just as how it aims to satisfy its users since they go for holistic customer experience. Some of its ingredients include: Hydrolized Pearl, Hydrolized Wheat, Glycine Sola (soybean), Protein, Fragrance oil, Iron Oxides, Gold, Leaf extracts and Sericin. This had served me well this past Holiday season too as it gave me a "glittering effect". Very uplifting!

Further information regarding the product (if you want to purchase) can be found here.

SUMMER IS HERE!

Hello there fellas!!!

The month of May will have its last weekend soon and that means only one thing. SUMMER is fast approaching. And besides the summer breaks that youngsters look forward to, activities here and there are just overflowing. While the sun is up and shining, endorphins run freely amongst us that drives us to be alive, adventurous and up and about.

A line of events is what I wanted to share to you in this blog post that may help you zest up your summer vacay.

MAY 30

Mitu's tribe at Bahce Turkish Restaurant

You may be wanting to try something different here in Hong Kong as far as Turkish food and a one-of-a-kind ambiance are concerned. Lantau Island holds a gem that offers good company, delicious food and fabulous music as my good friend, Khaya Mshengoristo Maseko, who recently just banged a role in the UK Tour, Lion King, joins Mitu's Tribe. Mitu's Tribe had been one of the most developed group of musicians that had marked good times in Bahce Turkish Restaurant, whose performance is looked forward to by locals of the island and by those who have experienced hearing them play. I am inviting you to come out to feel the summer breeze in Lantau and hear them out by dropping by on Friday between 9pm to 12am.

MAY 31

Macau is the place to be this weekend as South Africa's WBA undisputed featherweight world champion Simpiwe "V12" Vetyeka competes with Philippines' Three Division World Champion and 2012 Fighter of the Year, Nonito "the Flash" Donaire in Cotai Arena at The Venetian Macau Resort in Macau, China.

Donaire (mistakenly pronounced as "Doh-neyr" but should actually be "Doh-nigh-re"), who was born in Talibon, Bohol, Philippines grew up in General Santos city like Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and went to school together at one point. But at age 11, he lived with his dad in in San Leandro Bay Area and was exposed to boxing to channel out his energy to sports and to get him out of the streets. Now, he is  considered a Filipino American professional boxer as he had worked out the ladder from one victory to another with a promise to himself not to disappoint all that supported him, most especially his father, after a loss to Rosendo Sanchez in 2001. From then on, he owned a winning streak for 12 years. 

Early years in boxing had almost made him dread the sport because of too much pressure and he had come to a point that he didn't enjoy it anymore. But once again, he stayed in the sport for his love of his father and will prove that as he steps on the ring this Saturday. He won against Vic Darchinyan, landing a left hook over a non-title fight in his last battle. 

All the best to you fellow Filipino, Nonito!!! 

JUNE 1 & JUNE 2:

Of course, special mention to the hot and sizzling dragon boat races that will be held in Discovery Bay and Stanley beaches this coming June 1 and June 2 respectively. It's not to be missed as it is a long weekend for most of the companies considering June 2 (Monday) as a holiday.

2013 TEAM MUSHU Achievements

Once a Mushu, always a Mushu! So let me plug them and the Magic Team, both from Hong Kong Disneyland, who had worked hard as they will be joining the mentioned races.

As we all know, TEAM MUSHU becoming one of the strongest teams to beat, will once again come out to defend a title for the Dragon Boat Race Competition held annually in Discovery Bay. It surely would be full of fun and adrenaline rush as they come to bring heart pumping action both at the race and on stage. Their cheerleading team had always been a guest performer showing off bursting split jumps on air and mighty entertaining pyramids and stunts. Their performance usually comes right before the awardings happen. This was taken last 2012 when I used to still be a part of it. In 2013, I trained to paddle instead with my husband.

I was just able to race one time because now, we're expecting our little one

so I will just be one of the expectators for now.

Needless to say, I'll always be my husband's no. 1 fan so I will come

out to support this Sunday for sure..

With the words, "ONE TEAM, ONE HEART!", allow me to share their road to victory last 2013.

With the SunLife Stanley Dragon Boat Races, the Magic Team will be competing against a huge number of teams. Now, very much advertised on TV, I'm pretty sure they will not come unprepared. They are driven, they are fearless and they will race their heart out and all out support on them too. A shoutout to my friend Sylvia Tsang who had recently joined the team, Ga Yao!!!!

Also happening on June 1 is a recital where Disney babies (some of the Disney cast members's kids are performing) will be featuring a presentation. Edge'n Pointe Dance Centre is holding this event where in the proceeds is aimed into granting a dance scholarship program for the less privileged children in Tung Chung.

If you are looking for an inspiration for your little one as to what to engage in this summer, come and take them to this recital and maybe their interest in dancing might get ignited. Who knows? You might be watching them the next time during their own recital.

JUNE 6 TO JUNE 8

KIDSFEST offers a 10% discount to the upcoming drama theatre play, Rapunzel. All you have to do is quote ABA14 as you book your ticket via www.hkticketing.com or by calling 31 288 288.

Remember, "THE ONLY WAY YOUR KID WOULD GO OUT, IS IF YOU GO WITH THEM." So, between these two, (dance recital and drama theatre), you can bond with your kid and you'd give them something to think about, get inspired with and talk non stop why their 2014 summer break is an unforgettable one.


JUNE 8

MISS NEVADA 2014 - NIA SANCHEZ

Don't miss out also on vegging out at home over the tube. Believe it or not, this is the time of my life where you have to get off your butt, to earn a buck. So, I treat it as one of the luxurious moments nowadays. Hahaha! It is rejuvenating and I give it to myself every chance I get. But there's got to be something special on the tube for that.

A very good colleague turned friend had been blessed with a chance to compete against the beauties of the United States of America. I am rooting for her on this day as she stands up for what an American Beauty is all about. I know Nia Sanchez, this year's reigning Ms. Nevada USA, from work and there's only one thing I could tell about her. She doesn't have a problem keeping it real. I hope you make it Nia!!! Supporting ya all the way from Hong Kong.

To those who want to stream the pageant online, click here.


JUNE 14

As unpredictable as the weather in Hong Kong is, opportunities may knock only once. So instead of laying low and relaxing this Summer, challenge yourself to something that could change your life. Try for the Vocalist Audition in Manila this June 14, 2014 Saturday to know if your dreams are meant to be lived. Check the poster for details.

JUNE 22

For those who are in Hong Kong already and are interested to be part of our family, there's an audition happening at the end of June for dancers this time. So, if you got the passion, the time and what it takes in spreading magic, here are the details for you.

Have you chosen anything yet?

Well, the beach awaits you, hiking is yet another adventure that you may try too and basically exploring Hong Kong - those are additional splendid ways to make memories for Summer this 2014. Are you ready?

Related posts:

1. ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET - our honeymoon experience

2. BORACAY '13 - why it's worth going back to

3. 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HONG KONG - why it maybe a good time to explore Hong Kong this Summer of 2014.

GRAND COLOANE RESORT

One thing my husband and I aim to have when traveling is TIME in our hands. We are open to doing some activities but we avoid planned tours as much as possible since that always require leaving early and maximising the day outdoors. Don't get me wrong, we would love to know a place that we would visit for the first time, but we would like it to be at our own pace.

This year, our daughter, Brave, who just turned 6 months, joined us in the annual getaway. This made us excited because it's her first time. But we were preparing ourselves also for more challenging times. As parents, we had to shake our heads "NO" (the more) to a fast paced vacation. We had to choose something that we'll all feel relaxed with. And living in closed small apartments here in Hong Kong was also a factor to reconsider when we choose a location to unwind in. We decided to go somewhere near the nature. All of these demands were met by Grand Coloane Resort in Macau.

Grand Coloane Resort in Macau

Yes, it's not your typical hotel in Macau. Why?

Every traveler somewhat relies on reviews about how other people's experience went when they had stayed in a hotel they're eyeing. So I'll start off with how functional this place is.

The Grand Coloane, which was the former Westin Macau, is far from all the hotels that hold the casinos and bars. It is built by the coast surrounded by a walk trail on the north east (facing out the balcony) and on the west side, a golf course that can be accessed thru the top deck of the Grand Coloane extending into a 18-hole, 71 par course of greens. Sharing the excitement with two other families, one with a daughter as well, had made it all much awaited for. Their website says, "Green fees per guest for 18 holes are MOP$ 1,200 on weekdays and MOP $2,400 on weekends and public holidays, plus applicable taxes. Resort guests must book their tee times in advance."

As we reached the reception area to be checked in (Check in: 3pm, Check out: 12nn), we were welcomed warmly by Filipino workers which made me comfortable as they are more than accommodating and are very genuine in giving off service. (I mean come on, some bellboys are just really after the tip sometimes!) They conversed in English fluently and confidently and they had made sure that all of our luggages are secured. My friend from Portland, USA was amazed with how much space the receiving area had and how it smelled good as we entered. I was amazed with the refreshing treats, our daughters were amazed with the live fishes that reside on a pool nested on each side of the bridge way from the entrance leading to the reception area and our husbands felt lucky getting upgraded to a sea view as the resort is facing the South China Sea (which I know costed a lot than what we booked for which was the Garden View). In consideration of the golfing fees plus the accommodation, we planned to go for the weekdays but when we got there, we got more of what we paid for to start off.

In reaching our room, I noticed that the hotel maybe a little old in style but it surely was high tech in everything. The lights, air conditioning and temperature has access buttons from the bedside table and the balcony extended to a good sea view which also makes the playground, the garden and the outdoor pool so tempting. The picture above, showcasing the view from our balcony, was taken from our room and the only waterloo was the "bed" weather. The room was huge with a spacious toilet, bedroom, receiving area and balcony. Again, it was beyond my husband's and my expectation.

An elevated King Size Bed which is the best representation
of this hotel's "East Meets West" Imagery

My baby had reserved this chaise lounge for her
pleasure of indulging in a nice view

The bathroom are comprised of a shower which is separated from the
bathtub with a marble floor extension.

The "bed weather" didn't stop us from exploring around the resort. The first night, the gentlemen had hit the gym and the ladies had hit the Pilates class. The gang had a dip in the pool and it was rejuvenating. I didn't go for a swim so, I was basically awake by 5am. Paid for a MOP120 for a 24hour internet access and just fell asleep around 6am again. Like I said, the internet access was high tech in a way that no slip with the time may happen since it will give out a signage on your phone upon connecting the exact time you had availed of it, complete with milli seconds. In addition, a counter is there for your own consult of how much time you still have left for your paid usage.

I had a good rest but my baby had quite noticed we were not at home so she may have needed to adjust by no challenges to defy our comfort. She was alright by the morning. And so by then, the breakfast buffet was ready for us. Perhaps, it wasn't peak season yet, (hence the upgrade) it was basically just us indulging on a wide healthy array of breakfast.

We trekked the walk trail to the golf course. With our walk talkies at hand, some were able to explore beyond the trails. It was fun even though I had to walk on my black flats over the wet grass. Fortunately, the gym was offering rubber shoes for hire FOR THE ENTIRE DAY that costed just MOP$40, a little over HK$40 basically. Of course I had checked the shoes, they felt and smelled new. What a good hotel, right!?

Renting the shoes and paying for the driving range experience

Behind us was the golf course that was perfectly trimmed
yet it was drizzling so we just had to end up in the driving range
for a 30-minute golfing experience.

You know what else? The rental for all shoes (including the golf shoes) is MOP40 right? Well, the driving range for 30 minutes was just MOP120 with golf balls and clubs provided. I'm not that much of a golfer but that was really worth every penny for such good experience already. I'm not that much of a professional to go for the full on whole day's game. Plus with these folks, the trip got heightened up to one of the most fun vacations I've had. In the afternoon, before our friends Harry and Phoebe went to see the "House of Dancing Waters", they played a fun game of Soccer. I looked after Brave and I was thinking while watching them that I've never felt so happy and complete. Good times.

Another thrilling treat were the Portuguese restaurants that surrounded the resort. It was beyond delicious and the serving were pretty overboard that we have some food to take to the hotel. My husband is a fan of guest service though so he had to give it to himself twice during the entire trip. There's something about it that he finds fulfilling. He ordered a burger, I was able to taste the Nasigoreng and he went for another fish and ships.

We noticed as we walked to the Portuguese restaurants for dinner that the ambiance of the hotel changes during the night. They put up candles to make the sitting room more than appealing. It made it relaxing and soothing as different lavender and vanilla scents blend altogether. The piano wasn't just a display for the record. Well, a lot of Filipinos work there so, as expected, it was a Filipino musician. I felt proud.

The next day, we hit the driving range again after breakfast right before checking out. Some of our friends had to go back to Hong Kong earlier. But it was on the 3rd day that the sun came out and we thought of passing by the ruins as I've never been there. When we were done, all of our luggages were safely guarded even if we have checked out already. Lastly, their shuttle bus was on time and were prompt enough to cater our intention of taking the 630pm bus out of Macau.

All in all, it was truly a very good choice that we made. I'd rate Grand Coloane Resort Macau 3.5 stars out of 5 as a luxury hotel. All our expectations were met and more. I have to admit that their hotel needed some repainting and the chairs out the balcony are not the same as how they featured it in the website but it's understandable. They had to maintain it and it's impossible to do so with an upholstered furniture.

Lamb and Seafood Stew with side dishes and Hogan's fruit punch. Hahaha!

Related posts:
1. ANGSANA LAGUNA PHUKET - honeymoon experience
2. BORACAY '13 - a review of where we stayed, Microtel Boracay
3. BUCKET LIST - you might consider having one