CONTEST ALERT: Earthlingorgeous' Where Would You Take Your Soda Stream Giveaway

Calling all Soda fanatics!  Here's you chance to win a Soda Stream and make your own sodas anytime, anywhere!

Just join Earthlingorgeous' Where Would You Take Your Soda Stream Giveaway!

photo © 2010 Francesco Pappalardo | more info (via: Wylio)

Click here for full contest mechanics.  =)

SALE ALERT: Power Plant Mall's Summer Sale (March 31 - April 3, 2011)

Dontcha just adore summer sales?  =D



SALE ALERT: SM Accessories' Privado Four-Day Luxury Sale (March 31, April 1 - 3, 2011)

Get you accessory fix at SM's Privado Sale!!!

REVIEW: Nia's Bamboo Cuisine

On our way back to Manila via Kalibo airport, we were quite surprised to find that our Philippine Airlines flight would be delayed for a couple of hours. Meaning to pass the time and appease our growling tummies, the family decided to have a light, early dinner in one of the nearby restaurants found outside the airport terminal.

And, hence, we found ourselves in Nia’s Bamboo Cuisine, highly recommended by manang tindera (vendor) from whom we bought some native sweets beforehand.

We Long to Live in an Alter Space Universe...

As we have just celebrated Earth Hour 2011 once again, one cannot help but stop and take stock of the things around us - environment-wise, that is.  Like all others, our family also closed our lights for 60 minutes to commemorate this highly eco-friendly event. 

But after that, what next?  What happens after Earth Hour?  Are we just supposed to limit ourselves to only an hour once every year to think about what's good for Mother Earth?

photo © 2008 Louise Docker | more info (via: Wylio)

Boracay Funnies

We near the end of our Boracay travel series.  And although this has nothing much of importance to do with our great trip, nevertheless I thought this topic would still make a good final series entry.

Incidentally, the Philippines is supposed to be the largest English-speaking nation in Asia. But how come we still find examples of simple, common English spelling mistakes everywhere. Boracay is definitely no exception.

And so, without further ado, I bring some Boracay funnies to brighten your day!  =)

CONTEST ALERT: The Pixelista's Custom Blog Design Giveaway

NOTE: Another short break from our Boracay vacay series.  This is just too good to pass up...

I am not really much of a techie person.  Truth be told, HTML codes confuse the heck out of me!  Which is why I am definitely joining The Pixelista's Custom Blog Design Giveaway!

FAB FINDS: Cheap Souvenirs from Boracay

Vacations are simply not complete without bringing home a few trinkets for family and friends. But if you think souvenirs in Boracay cost an arm and a leg, well, you thought wrong.

D’ talipapa also boasts of a number of stores selling various trinkets and knick-knacks in all shapes and sizes.

REVIEW: Grab a Seat at the Bite Club!

Boracay, like seemingly all other locations in the Philippines, also boasts of it's own mall. Simply known as d’ mall, this open air venue is a nice place to simply browse and look for a few souvenirs and necessities while in the area. It is also home to a number of truly memorable restaurants.

And so we found ourselves in this unusual mall on our second day, in the hopes of finding a good place to eat dinner. Good thing though, for we stumbled upon Bite Club Grilled Burgers.

SALE ALERT: The Big, Hot Summer Outlet Sale 2011 (April 15 - 17, 2011)

This is just a brief break from my Boracay vacay series. 

Just a short announcement for those who want to drop by The Big, Hot Summer Outlet Sale 2011, happening from April 15 to 17, 2011 at the Megatent, Ortigas!

d' Talipapa: d Boracay Dampa

Living in a tropical country sure has a lot of advantages. The juiciest fruits and the freshest catch are always available every day of the week. With the popularity of dampas -- public markets with restaurants alongside to cook your freshly-brought produce and catch -- nowadays, it is definitely no wonder that Boracay would come out with their own version.

Named d’ talipapa, conviniently located near the Station 2 beachfront, one can buy their meat and produce in the wet market; and then have them cooked in one of the eateries located within the vicinity.

A Piece of Henna Art along the Boracay Coast

I never fail to get a henna tattoo every time I visit beaches.  And Boracay is definitely no exception. With such great rates, I definitely got into the summer beach groove soon enough!

The Perfect R&R: Boracay Beachside Massage

I'll be the first to admit it -- I am such a workaholic.  And add work to the stress of trying to accomplish my graduate thesis on time, needless to say, I was one big wreck.  I was aching all over, most especially on my back and neck.  Numerous trips to different doctors all resulted in them giving the same advice over and over again -- I had to get me some major R&R!

So, our trip to Boracay couldn’t have come at a much better time.  And so, while walking along the white, pristine sand, it was with great joy that I came across some masseuses who were offering massage services along the beach.  Such heaven!

Beat the Heat with a Jonah's Shake

As mentioned in an earlier post, our trip to Boracay was my first, and as with my other first time trips, I did a number of extensive research beforehand as to recommended establishments and the definite to-dos in this wonderful paradise.  One of the popular must do things that kept on popping up through my internet scavenging was to try a shake at Jonah’s Fruit Shake and Restaurant.

And so, pestering my companions after a grueling 2-hour walk along the white sandy front, we decided to quench our thirst at this very popular joint.

La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel Review

Beat and worn out from our long journey from Kalibo (where our plane landed), it was with great anticipation and relief when we were finally able to reach our home away from home for the next 4 days – La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel.

My Boracay "Firsts"

I had a number of my firsts in Boracay – foremost of it being my first trip to this wonderful paradise.

The following weeks will find me detailing some memorable adventures I’ve had in Boracay.  I now truly understand why it's so popular among visitors both foreign and local alike.

Style on Air (SOA)

I miss working at The Enterprise Center in Makati. Everytime I am faced with loads of work, I can always count on our building to be staging a small tiangge of sorts. Perfect for a short shopping therapy trip!

It was during one of these events that I came across Style On Air, or SOA for short.

REVIEW: Ordering Non-pancake Items at Pancake House

Pancake House is known for… well... pancakes.  A staple breakfast fare in the West, normally served with sweet fruits or syrup of your choice.


Well, I being the nonconformist girl that I am, I decided to try another breakfast fare item on the menu when I once found myself eating at their Blue Wave, Pasay branch.

Pancake House in Bluewave, Pasay City

STYLE FOR LESS: Juicy Couture's Velour Bowler Handbag vs. Women's Bag

THE SPLURGE: Juicy Couture's Velour Bowler Handbag (around USD190 or Php7,600*)


Juicy Couture makes the ultimate dream kikay bag (in my opinion, anyway)!  That luscious velour cover -- it's cute but still functional.  Just thinking about it makes me drool.  This adorable little number, JC's velour bowler handbag can be yours for only USD190 or Php7,600 (estimate.)

Source: Juicy Couture website

 *Conversion rate used: 1USD = 40Php (estimate)

CONTEST: Its Gotta Be Hallmark Raffle Promo

Want to win an Apple iPad?  Join FilStar and Hallmark's Its Gotta Be Hallmark Raffle Promo. 

Click here for complete details.

BAZAAR: Supersale Bazaar (March 25 - 27, 2011)

BAZAAR: Sale of the Summer Bazaar (March 5 - 6, 2011)