Journal of Clandestine

I have been bad, bad, bad....my kids would have called me a lethargic dinosaur a.k.a. ---LAZYBONES 

It has been a couple of months since I last blogged and my excuse is not only tons of work but also the ultimate need to "RELAX"...note the all caps and in quotation marks.

Translated to the need to forget my worries, obligations and even take a break from longtime passion of writing just to vegge out with my family and bury my nose in books...truckloads of them.

Well since it's post-Easter, I will do a bit of resurrection myself. And that is raise my blog site from death of neglect....

This is really the Summer Break. Why? Summer is really taking a break since it has been raining for a few days now. But despite the fact that the weather is going bonkers (I'm afraid to think about Global Warming and Al Gore's warnings), our bodies and inner barometers recognize that it is indeed the summer holidays and the beaches beckon

My reco for this summer's hideaway? Tantararan...drum rolls pleeeaaazzzee....

The Amarela Beach Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol...an hour's plane ride plus 20 minutes tops by car from the Tagbilaran airport.

It took quite sometime for me to convince DH to visit Bohol. I am guilty of selling the thought of the Bohol trip to my dear kids first so they can in turn convince their Dad. My DH can be quite a traditionalist in terms of vacation destinations. If it were for him it will be Boracay forever

I have been lucky to visit Bohol before courtesy of my German benefactors, but then we stayed in the famous Bohol  Beach Club.

This time, being the perpetual cash-strapped person that I am, I scouted for a good resort with a lot of promise but friendly enough for a working girl like me.

Well, it is not super affordable given the fact that the cheapest room in Amarela may cost you around 6k per night. But if you are the type who defines relaxation as limiting interactions with people to just a few and would cherish your beach not being invaded by a lot of warm bodies...then the amount is a good enough trade-off!

The sand is not as fine as Boracay's but nevertheless, it is such a pleasure to take a stroll along the white sands of Panglao.

A shot of our feet family on the white sands of Amarela

You can also just while away your precious time lazing on the hammocks provided along the beach...

If you're like my eldest boy who prefers the pool to the beach, then you will not be disappointed since Amarela's pool is quite accessible from the rooms...

Amarela has only a total of around 28 rooms, but the breath-taking view of the gardens and the resort's facade is a sight reminiscent of Mexican villas and resorts...

My antique-lover husband had a hey-day gazing at the religious and homey relics in the different parts of the resort's interior...my hubby says there are some repros (reproductions) there as well....

In terms of dining, there is no other choice but to dine in the resort's resto since this place is an exclusive beach resort where no other dining places abound

Here's a pic of the dining area which displays the eccentric woodwork...

The resort boasts of their workers' warm hospitality. There isn't anything they won't do for you. Your wish is their command...

The owners were even there to chat up to you most of the time. Mr. Doy Nunag is from Bohol and the lawyer wife, Atty. Ludichie Nunag is from CDO. What they have in common is the skill to make their guests feel at home. They were such a warm and kind pair.

Here are more pics of Amarela Resort...

The front

The gardens at the back near the pool

Next post...things to do while in Bohol  see ya!

I'm sure you've heard some people say....keep on dreaming, anyway it's free  well my story goes like this....

I was with a bunch of marketing colleagues from Asia, Australia, Germany and the UK for a Media Workshop, and one of the things we were tasked to do to break the ice and get to know one another is to introduce ourselves and talk about some other things regarding our job.

That was such a no brainer since anyone can blabber about one's self even while asleep.

What got me thinking was the last question...If you have all the money in the world, and you have no further obligations, what would you do?

The day was getting to be so much fun... Imagine being asked this question...It's so nice to think of what exactly can I do given the luxury of money and time

Let me share with you the answers of my colleagues (they are very varied, and the depth varies depending on the race mind you):

1. The Indonesian bunch - almost all the women and 1 lad from the Indo group answered TRAVELLING as the passion they will pursue if they didn't have any obligations and if they had all the riches in the world.In their best verbal English effort, one of them said, she wanted to travel ala Mama Mia the movie style. What she meant probably was to visit the Amarantos Skopelos in Greece.

2. The Aussie men - given the fact that Australia has numerous islands, it's no wonder that the ultimate dream of these corporate geekos would be to sunbathe on the decks of their yachts and sail the whole of Australia. They imagine themselves with their love ones frolicking under the sun sipping their pinacoladas...Wow-ie... when they dream, they dream big, mind ya

Syempre as Pinoys, we wouldn't even think about owning a yacht. First it's so expensive (even for dreamers...hehe) and second too much UV is bad for the skin. Us locals have a fancy for a white complexion vs. the tan that Caucasians dream of

3. The German dudes - 2 fellows from the corporate headquarters claim to fancy learning to play an instrument...and playing it well as in orchestra material is their fervent wish.

One of them even added being better in marketing by furthering his marketing studies as his dream Yuck! How lame

Dream na nga e sinamahan pa ng work...ano ba yan? Corny

The other non-corny guy who was the facilitator wanted to own a farmhouse and raise Thoroughbreds...cute naman

4. The German duddetes - I was so ashamed with myself, these women wanted to spend more time with their kids as their dream. And in addition they wanted to be good playing the piano...

What is it with these Germans and their fascination with music?

5. Ylmaz from Turkey - Yup you heard it right, I met Ylmaz from Turkey. But wait, he's not Ruffa's ex-hubby. His family name is Ylmaz not Bektas, and he loves his wife so much that all he wishes for is to lie low on his frequent business trip to just spend some time with his beloved wife and twin babies....cute...

6. The Philanthropist from Manila - I'm proud to say, people from the Philippines have profound dreams. My colleague wanted to work for an NGO, fight for a cause such as feeding the hungry and being a crusader for cancer patients. She wants to divide her fortune (this is indeed a dream since she doesn't have it yet) to different foundations and homes I believe we won a few hearts with that noble intention.

7. The Pinoy Lunar Dreamer - I was really surprised that my fellow Filipino answered this controversial question by saying he wanted to fly to the moon.

Did you know that this is not a fantasy? Space Tourism is possible. With just approx $198,600 or around Php 10M, you can fly to the moon.

Richard Branson, Britain's popular entrepreneur, owner of Virgin Records, Virgin Cola, Virgin Atlantic Airways, etc is over the moon about his plans for Space Tourism. This billionaire whose colorful life extends to some headline grabbing stunts, plan to take tourists to the moon. For more info, check out this link : http://app1.chinadaily.com.cn/star/2004/0930/cn10-2.html

To date, I believe this lunar voyage hasn't launched yet...still waiting for more affluent passengers probably.

How about you? If you had no obligations and you have the money to spend, what would you do? I would love to hear from you

Blessed be the Gods of free travel

Here I am again lucky enough to fly for free courtesy of my German benefactors...aka employer.

There's nothing much that changed from 2001, maybe the airport got more shops and the addition of the Singapore Flyer...

at night

during the day

I wish I could drag one of my colleagues away from the training seminars and in this daredevil of a ride

It's my 3rd time in this clean city and yet I can't get over my fascination with the flowers that abound everywhere you look.

I wish I can grow orchids like this. But the green thumb is not something I inherited from my horticulturist momma.

As I enter the Mandarin oriental Hotel in Marina Square near Raffles, these wonderful blooms greet the guests like a wide eyed Susan....

and of course also the Buddhas are there to bring you luck as you enter the hotel's foyer..

I know this is not unique, but even the bathroom is adorned with flowers that brighten your day

Here's wishing that my mayor, or the mayor's wife perhaps, would do something like this in the CBD of Makati City...

Good day, lah!

some photos courtesy of www.singaporeflyer.com

My job profile exposes me to the different kinds of advertising hoopla. That is why, as a consumer I'm sort of cynical since I know what goes behind an advertising campaign. The "word of mouth" is much more powerful for me since the endorser has a first hand experience of the product he/ she is talking about

Let me share with you the purchase I made a few months ago that brought smiles to the toes and feet of my family. Since I am the main decision maker when it comes to the foot wear worn by my boys (DH and 2 DKs), I am much more particular 'bout comfort instead of aesthetics. But having both is totally cool 

Sanuk, it is not a shoe but a sandal. It looks very much like your average shoes but has the comfort of a sandal.

Sanuk is the footwear patronized by celebrities like Brad Pitt, Zach Effron and Shia Le Bouf. It was founded in Cardiff by the Sea, California. The interesting brand name comes from the Thai word meaning for pursuit of happiness. It is a very young brand especially in the PI since they have only been out in malls since early 2007.

They have a variety of styles to choose from for men, women and kids. They also have the average slippers for those who go for the laid back show your toes to the world image

My DH got the Cruiser style in colors that will match your get up, in blue, gray, beige and brown.

My picks...the Donny and Scribble styles for my Dear Kids (DKs)...price is Php 1,800 per pair.

Check out the choices for ladies and kids...I wanted to get one as well but I recalled the joke about the caterpillar wanting havaianas for all his feet...and was attacked by guilt. Since I'm more into the corporate shoe type during weekdays, I wouldn't be able to use it so much anyway. But if the Gods and Goddesses of Shoeland are smiling on me, then I would welcome a pair anytime

Every purchase comes with a free key chain. And if you are planning to get a pair or two, Sanuk Glorietta is passing a smile by giving Special Edition Tees for every purchase of the Sidewalk Surfer. The promo is valid at Sanuk GF Glorietta 4 branch from Oct 16-31 for their 1st Anniv.

Are you in pursuit of something right now? Cheers!

For more info, check out www.sanuk.com

I have been a Richard Gere fan since the 80's. Yes, I became fascinated with a hottie at an early age

                                                                    In the 80's

                                                                    In the 90's

Though I wasn't able to watch all his movies, I followed what was significant for a hopeless romantic like me. To name several, I watched American Gigolo, An Officer and a Gentleman, Pretty Woman, Autumn in New York, The Jackal, Primal Fear, First Knight (swoons like a lovelorn) and Runaway Bride. It's not a surprise that I am still panting after him like a lovesick dog despite the years showing on his adorable face.

                                                                   at present

My job nature exposed me to advance screenings for different movies. I was so sad to have missed the premier showing of Nights at Rodanthe last Oct 21 sponsored by Skycable since I had the pleasure of trading the experience of watching this latest from Richard before anyone else to tutoring my DK his favorite subject (so NOT!), Filipino

But that didn't stop me from lining up a few days after having accomplished my DM responsibilities. Believe you me, the salt and pepper waves can still turn the ladies head. The movie was shot in Rodanthe, North Carolina, hence, the title.

I have cousins who lived in North Carolina for some time and according to them, the small town can be a real drab. Well, not if Richard Gere is there.

The movie is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. He is once again paired with Diane Lane, after Unfaithful. His Salt & Pepper Hotness played Dr. Paul Flanner, a surgeon who was in a crisis after dealing with a death of a patient and the self exile of his only son to Ecuador. Diane played Adrienne Willis, a divorcee who was in the midst of a turbulent relationship with her teenage daughter. They met in a wonderful, vintage looking inn situated by the beach. The setting is really romantic despite being rocked by a hurricane.

This is a classic story of a man and a woman being bonded by the trials they are undergoing and both of them changing each others' lives in the process. I won't spoil the ending since it's still showing in theaters as I blog.

It has been sometime since I cried so hard in a movie house. The last one being the Andy Garcia - Meg Ryan starrer When a Man loves a Woman....But the tears you'll shed in this movie won't give you bad feelings as you leave the theater. It's a nice nostalgic feeling of knowing how to love and how to be loved as only a real love kind of forever should (so sappy jeez)

If you are fond of romantic movies, novel turned box office hits or if you adore Richard Gere, then this movie is a not miss kind.

Who in Hollywood do you lust after?

pics courtesy of google image search

When I was young, I so wished that halloween would be such a celebrated thing in our country. Just like in other  parts of the world wherein kids dress up as scary as they can and go tick or treat-ing to the dentist's dismay

Well since my childhood was so ages ago, it's no wonder that we have already adapted to the western ways of celebrating halloween. Now as a grown up, I'm much more fascinated to decorate for Hollow's Eve

The trick or treat has now evolved into an annual tradition in the regular villages and malls as opposed to just the posh villages from several years ago. Too bad it hasn't yet infected the slums where I reside, maybe then I should drive it...or not

The Jack O' Lantern is an essential part of the halloween celebration. The Irish brought this symbol to the North Americas.

Ever wondered what's the story behind it?

Jack was a mean drunk who was wise enough to trick the devil into climbing an apple tree. Once the devil was up there devouring the juicy apples, Jack cut a cross into the tree which prevented the devil from going down. Jack made the devil promise that he won't take Jack's soul when he died. After getting the devil's promise he let him down.

When Jack died, he was not allowed entry into heaven because he was such a mean drunk while he was on earth. He then proceeded to hell. The devil kept his word so he had to be turned down. Not knowing where to go, Jack went back to where he came from. And so being dark and all that night, the devil gave Jack coals and embers from the fires of hell. He placed it in a turnip to serve as light in guiding him along his way. Ever since that time, Jack roamed the earth searching in vain for a place to rest.

From that time on Irish kids carved turnips and potatoes to relieve Jack's plight on Halloween night and moreover to drive away the spirit of Jack. Due to the potato famine that struck the North Americas that time, they turned to the pumpkin since it was bigger. Hence, the Jack o' lantern's existence.

Just the other day, my sis from Canada sent me these Jacks that adorned their house. I wish I could make this effort in dressing up my house for the Halloween...

If you guys would like to make your very own Jack O' Lantern from scratch you can get a variety of pumpkins in S & R (Pricemart). I've seen it in both their Fort Bonifacio and Macapagal Avenue branches. It comes in all shapes and sizes.

Advance happy halloween!

Thanks to the www.pumpkinnook.com for the JOL history

I am Clandestine, 37 year old, Full Time Marketer, a very involved mom and dedicated wife. I haven't blogged for 1 month, 3 weeks and 2 days

Murmuring along those lines of Alcoholic Anonymous, I profess my guilt....my guilt of being addicted to blogging. Yes, I am a BLOGOHOLIC.

And yet reality intrudes. There are marketing plans to finish, countless presentations for corporate marketing and German head honchos to conclude, media plans to iron out, billboard placements to renew and displays to re-design. Plus the fact that there are mummy demands to fulfill. And since blogging does not pay the bills, I was pragmatic enough to let it go. It's not a case of blogstipation (no blog idea to release) but more of 1st love taking a backseat.

True to the adage, absence makes the heart grow fonder, I felt the overwhelming affection from my blog audience. I get all kinds of comments, SMSes and calls asking me why I haven't blogged. Well, suffice it to say, these people may all be related to me, hence the affinity to my blog site. So my dearies, I'm back! Back from the temporary grave of endless deadlines and infinite parental responsibilities. Back to blogging!! Yahoo!

After all has been said and done, my hard work paid off. Despite the harassed state of my life the past month, I got myself the following rewards in the process...a career boost, an eagle award from my eldest son, resounding feedback from my youngest son's teacher, a loving hug from DH for a great career woman and motherhood balancing act plus a touching pat on the back from my bosses. Not to mention friends who never fail to request for new stories to post. My blessings are too infinite to count.

No other awards are good enough for me aside from these two:

The Mad Mexican on UN Day with Narnia peeking in the background

The Fisherman Boy who "claims" to be a genius

Have you counted your blessings today? It's not too late

An eye chart this is...my apologies. Jurassic marketer does not know how to tinker with the scanner. Personal stuff like this does not warrant an effort from my marketing assistant, thus resulting to a strenuous eye exercise.

This contract says it all..... the agreement made between my hubby, me and my eldest was witnessed by our youngest boy with the image below as the end product...

This treaty resulted to so much harmony and love in our small family

Though this was not notarized, violation of the said contract will result to the rabbit's demise

Do you have a contract made in agreement with minors? Pathetic way of keeping them in line

Enjoy the rest of your week!

My family and I make it a point to go somewhere special on long weekends. This is part of our Exploring Luzon Project to introduce the wonderful sites of the Philippines to our growing kids.

Even before the highly anticipated weekend came, I was already into research on where to go. One of the disciplines I got from marketing is to come in highly prepared...never venture into anything until you know what to expect.

I had our weekend planned out very neatly, only for my DH to plant a seed of doubt in my mind the last minute...which was very valid for me to acknowledge given the fact that the estimated cost for Plan A vacation was a bit tough. Value for money was the top priority. Upon careful consideration, we decided to shuck it for Plan B.

Plan B, being last minute and all was proving to be nicer as the dawn comes. We were planning to visit same old Tagaytay but this time to do something new. There is a new zip-line in the Tagaytay Picnic Grove that features cable car ride for the general public. I know it's also offered in Tagaytay Highlands, but people from the working class such as moi, cannot afford membership. And since this was such last minute then we couldn't ask favors from rich acquaintances

Much as the weather here in Manila yesterday was leaning towards being sunny, the weather in Tagaytay left much to be desired. Had we stayed, we would have been holed up in the hotel doing the same thing we'll be doing at home since the downpour would not be permissive of horse back riding and cable car trials.

Despite my hubby's rain dance, the shower did not let up. So as we enjoyed the road trip with the kids, it was time for Plan C...we headed back to Manila after a hearty brunch and overdosing on Mr. Moo's chocolate cow milk.

Plan C proved to be a prehistoric move...Trying to salvage what's left of the day, we went to MOA.  Yes, yes, I know I personify the Hitler mom who shuns away from bringing my kids to the mall due to too much predictability of Timezone....but I remembered my DSIL told me about the new 3D movie in IMAX titled Dinosaurs, the Giants of Patagonia.

We watched the previous Dinosaur movie----T-rex Back to the Cretaceous more than a year ago.  But the Giants of the Patagonia proved to be much nicer and educational compared to the previous one.

The movie was given stimulation through the narration of Donald Sutherland. The documentary-style narrative focuses on the history, evolution and extinction of the dinosaurs. My sons enjoyed the movie relating very much to the Giganotosaurus and Argentinosaurus among other species of the prehistoric creature. I sense a growing partiality of my eldest DK to being a Paleontologist. He is so awed by the fact that these people look so smart. Who am I to complain if he wants to unearth primeval stuff, right? Heck the only paleontologist I know is Ross Geller from Friends, and even that’s fictitious.

It's lifelike in a sense that it transports you back to the time of the dinosaurs. You feel as if you're part of what's happening and in danger of being stepped on by the giant herbivores.

My kids have been hung up on dinosaurs since the dawn of their existence. Cartoon characters come and go but the dinosaurs have been their permanent fancy. If you have boys, you can only expect them to be fixated on a few things, and they are dinosaurs, trains, cars, robots or wrestling. So for dino-fanatics and the likes, this movie is recommended. It is a 45 minute film which we enjoyed.

The IMAX Cinema was full packed. Trade-off for technology is of course the cost. Per head is Php 250, regardless of age. My kids are 6 and 4 and they both sat for the full 45 minutes. So parents reading this should be forewarned to assess if their kids are old enough to sit through the whole length of the movie since cost is no laughing matter.

If you’re interested to check this out, call Phone numbers: 556-0104 to 06 or 556-0242 for screening schedule.

Are you willing to don these wonderful 3D glasses?

It's been ages since I've been back to the weekend market in Salcedo Village. The weather gladly cooperated last Saturday morning so with my DH and my 2 tots in tow, we were able to buy quite a few stuff and locale / foreign produce at the Salcedo market

We got there a little bit after 10, and it's quite late if you really want to get fresh food stuff. If you're the type who frowns on going to the village wet market, then this place is for you. This place is a non-stinky way to buy fresh meat, seafood, poultry, vegetables and fruits. Target market is the upscale crowd from the nearby condominiums around the park, as well as Bel-Air, San Miguel, San Lorenzo and other villages in Makati and Taguig.

On a regular day, the Salcedo Park, is just an ordinary park in the heart of corporate Makati. You'll usually see the domestic helps from the surrounding condos walking different breeds of dogs in that area. But on a Saturday, it's transformed to a merchant's fair and people from nearby (and then some) check out the famous weekend market for great finds.

These are just few of what you'll see....

Indoor and outdoor plants

Locally made handicrafts

Flowers to decorate the humble abode

Fruits in season

Carb lover's delight (as my son would say ---Go Food)

I bought / tried some stuff not in my regular purchase list. I spent fairly a bit more than I should since me and my help usually get our food from S & R and the local wet market, but I think it's a money well spent on a weekend indulgence.

Here are some of my tried and just tested stuff:

Unbranded Carabao White Cheese, Php 185 I will take the one I usually get from Mr. Moo anytime day of the week and twice on Sundays see my post related to that titled --Mmmmmmilk.......

Fresh fruit shake from Juice It, Php 80 large, best seller for the fruit combo is Mango-Banana (quite OK)

Authentic duck salted eggs (minus the color), Php 9  each. You pay just a tad more but miles away in terms of taste compared to the supermarket and market variety

Seasoned Wagyu beef for my carnivorous hubby, 60 grams for Php 420.

These Japanese pancakes give justice to the "good things come in small packages" adage...tried the cream cheese filling and it's really a thumbs up buy for just Php 12 each

Remember Wacky the chihuahua from my Froyo post? Got him this native bed, was able to haggle, brought down the price to Php 350. Beats the price in Cartimar which is 4x the cost of this purchase. As of press time, Wacky is currently slumbering his days and nights away in this native cot.

Tried some hand tossed pizza, cheese and steak sandwiches, dirty ice cream at an exorbitant Php 30 per cone (geez..the ice cream is definitely upscale).

What I will come back for...

Australian beef, 3 large pieces for Php 840, large decorative freshly cut flowers for my reception area, and these lovely wheat grass which was love at first sight for me...

I saw a smaller replica in Circles, Shang Makati, tried in vain to get a fresh one, and then just as I searched all over the country for it, all of them are reserved, believe it or not, they are just Php 100 per container. They would have been a perfect topiary for my dining table. So near and yet so far....

Don't go there dressed to the nines since as the day progresses it gets hotter. Just come as casual as you can. But then again, despite the market atmosphere, you'll still see a lot of vintage designer bags with their owners. This is probably the only place where they bring their old bags

Seen among the crowd are Kim Atienza and a few expats that I worked with. I presume there are a lot more who's who from the society crowd, but little old me would not recognize them from the average Jane. What clued me in would be the familiar faces gracing the dailies and the jewels adorning their bodies

This place is a bit reminiscent of the Pasir Ris market my sis and I go to on weekends in Singapore. Though it is a wet market, it is a one fresh stop without really being stinky. It also reminded me of the weekend market in Chatuchak - Thailand, which sells almost everything from antiques, clothes, pets, on top of the local market goodies.

So if you don't have anything to do on a weekend, try paying a visit to the Salcedo Weekend Market. Hey, I almost forgot, the kids have a haven too while you're shopping...

Any other great finds? Love to hear from you....

Last week same day, I was in the shoot for MOMS, the talk show and magazine program targeting mothers and mothers-to-be seen daily from 5-6 pm in QTV Channel 11.

They usually have their shoot on Thursdays and Fridays for their shows airing the following week.

No I won't be in front of the camera, I can't afford to look 10 more pounds heavier than the Samurai look I have now , but I needed some educational segments for my brand, thus, the segment in the said show.

The regular hosts of the show if you've seen it, are: Lani Mercado, Sherilyn Reyes and Manilyn Reynes. But due to some difficulties with her current pregnancy, Manilyn is on leave and Tintin Bersola-Babao took her place.

I witnessed the taping of the show titled--- Philippine Fashion World, not all glitz, not all glamour...

The guests were Rene Salud and 2 anorexic models, one is Kakhi and the other one's name escapes my flagging memory right now...Hello Alzheimer, here I come

It came as no surprise that the models talked about being hooked on drugs and alcohol since their profession exposes them to these kinds of temptation.

The model in red relayed her story of being given free taste of drugs during parties after their modelling gigs. She even met her live in partner / former model cum father of her child there. He was also a former drug user. It's a good thing they were both able to rise above the hell hole brought by drug dependence. In fairness (if there is such a term), she claimed she was just a user, never a dependent and never a pusher.

Kakhi, the model in blue got hooked to alcohol. Social drinking led to liking and liking led to loving a glass or two, or three...and so the story goes. But rising above her alcoholic daze, she now combines modelling with producing her own shows. Cheers Kakhi (get a grip on a water glass this time girl)

Rene Salud, the ever talkative person that he/ she is talked about a lot of other things related to the fashion world.

A shocker for me was the rate models are paid right now. From the previous rates raging from 5 to 25k per night, it's now down to 2,500 to 10k. And I always thought models were getting lucrative pays.

All kinds of crisis and the advent of Brazilian models brought down the pays to decreased proportions. The silver lining in that is that they get free clothes and accessories from the designers.

Well, from what they said, they don't only get dresses and the likes but also free uppers and downers as well (too bad) from some unscrupulous members of the society.

After their taping, we got to squeeze in the educational segment featuring an invited doctor, Family Med Specialist Dr. Arlette Samaniego and a mom suffering from abdominal pain, Gina Legislador.

I worked with Tintin Bersola before in 2000 so I know she's really nice, Lani is OK, simple not outlandish in looks and behaviour. Sherilyn is approachable and very "totoo". She even admitted to dreaming of being a model just for the exposure after her beauty pageant stint, but sadly experienced not getting paid

If you want to view this episode, stay tuned to QTV this Friday, August 15, 5 to 6 pm.

Good day, Mom!

I have heard so much about FROYO, otherwise known as Frozen Yogurt. Allegedly it comes in different flavors. 

Naturally born curious that I am, I spent a drizzly Sunday night to check out the Froyo Cart in ARAMA at Serendra. Froyo can also be bought in Market Market and at the weekend market in Salcedo.

Admittedly, I am a sucker for trying out new things, places and other stuff. The upside to this boldness is that my taste buds get to explore different channels and avenues, on the other hand, the hitch there is I'm sometimes stuck with stuff I end up not liking or needing.

Well, as Forrest Gump said, "life is a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get", so I braved the "bed" weather and tried this Frozen Yogurt that Anton of OAP (http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2008/07/froyos-in-arama.html) has been babbling about.

There were only 2 flavors in the cart at that time: Vanilla and Dutch Chocolate.

Since my DH is my complete opposite when it comes to trying out new things, I didn't get to taste both flavors. I opted for the Dutch Chocolate....My verdict?

Trying it was a colossal mistake! I felt I was eating ground rice with a tinge of chocolate flavor (cold uncooked champorado to my wa-class taste).

Dutch Chocolate Froyo Php 75

What can you expect? Froyo is made from organic rice, no refined sugar and nothing artificial. If this how all healthy desserts taste like then I'm a goner. Can't help the fact that the sinfully tasting desserts can never be guilt free.

I nursed my dessert for like 45 minutes. When I got home, I didn't want to just throw it out so I shared my Dutch Chocolate Froyo to my son's new doggie, Wacky!

He loved it! It was a cup licking moment for this one happy pup. My consolation? The Froyo didn't end up lining my waste paper bin and I was able to give a moment of joy to Wacky. What can I say? One man's trash is another dog's delight! Whatever.....

My disclaimer: To my dear CRN, no pun intended for the name of the dog. It arrived in our doorstep with a name already in tow.

Are you part of the 47% of the urban population who had the misfortune of being struck by abdominal pain or stomach cramps at the most unlikely place?

Have you ever felt that your tummy is being pierced, struck, twisted or punched? Is it churning and experiencing a stabbing pain called spasm? Does it feel like you've been hit in the stomach by a raging rhinoceros?

Sharing some more trivia regarding this bothersome ailment:

A big percentage of women experience abdominal pain more than their androgenic counterparts. Maybe because we are blessed with reproductive organs that may or may not subject us to its rotten temper once a month when the tide is just about red.

This ailment is also felt more by people from Mega Manila. Why? People from the urban population are mostly under duress or in the layman's term --highly stressed (kind regards to our bosses who have kindly contributed to this fact)

Contributing factors would be the consumption of fatty and spicy food, as well as drinking alcohol and too much caffeine.

Just sad that a big percentage of the sufferers do not take medication. Probably since the Filipinos are sort of martyrs who would rather bear the pain.

Nevertheless, you are now equipped with the knowledge that the next time you get hit by a rhino on the tummy...you take..... (ahem ahem promotion promotion).

If symptoms persist consult your doctor 

Buscopan billboard in SLEX

I've been patronizing this Korean Hair Salon for more than a year already. Why? The sudden influx of koreanovela in our land made me wonder how the Koreans can bring layered locks to an art form.

Well suffice is to say that coming from my previous hair salon which was getting to be more and more expensive as my hairdresser becomes more senior, I decide it was time for a change. I used to frequent that place cause it was proudly Pinoy ( hence the name).

I also used to just shell out Php 450 for a trim, then as my hair stylist was promoted, my damage increased to 550, then 650 then 750. Not only that, it was getting harder and harder to decline the services they want to offer...such as you need to have a treatment before they actually trim your hair...and the list goes on and on. I was surprised that I pay around 3k to 5k every visit. Well, I had to do major damage control since money doesn't grow on trees for me

Lo and behold, last year, I braved the Gods of my crowning glory and tried Tony & Jackey. They have 5 branches namely Remedios, Malate, Tomas Morato, QC, Alabang & Cebu. Of course it was just normal that I gravitate to the West of Ayala Bldg, in Buendia, Makati since it's just a heartbeat away from where I live.

All the hairstylists that I have met from T & J are all Korean. They can barely speak English, let along Filipino for that matter. This I think is how they protect the quality of their service. Of course that's also how they keep business secrets. Too bad they're not rolling out their talents to the Pinoys

Along their waist is a sort of pouch which contains what must be around 12-15 different kinds of scissors! For thinning, shortening, layering, and the different what have you's in the world of hair fashion.

What I like about them is that they are not into "hard sell"....they don't subject you to an array of hair services to choose from. Which means you only choose what you want to get done.

It wasn't only the absence of the sales pitches that I like. What makes me go back for more is the fact that they were able to tame my unruly mane which reminded me of the Earth, Wind and Fire days wherein the afro was so much in...ROTFL

Not that I'm saying my hair is now perfect...it's just "tamer" in a non-lioness way.

I brought my DS from Canada there during their brief visit and she absolutely loved the Victoria Beckham hairstyle Tony gave her.

They take great pride in "layering" and I heard "re-bonding", but the latter is something I haven't tried with them.

What's even special is they're now having the mark down promo since July 8, hair cut from Php 500 now to just Php300, re-bond from 3k to just 1,5k. They have more services to offer, you can check out www.toandj.com.

Hey girls, are you adventurous when it comes to your hair? What drives you to try something new?

Cheers to beauty

The restaurant adventure continues for me and my DF (dear friends)..... Our conquest on the onset of the weekend? CAV Cafe (wine bar and resto), The Spa Bldg, Lot 5, Quadrant 8 City Center, Fort Bonifacio Global City, +632-8561798, http://cavwine.com/.

We wanted to try out new places especially in Makati and nearby cities...in a way to get together and talk about the latest, and moreover, to revisit our youth. This way, we get to observe what the young and young once are currently doing and just be at the sidelines observing (if I don't get caught gawking).

The moment you get in, you know this is really a place where money reeks...this is where the high profile people rub elbows while sipping wines which are flown from the different grape squeezing regions of the world.

This place is hip and posh and they offer something different. Well for me it is, I haven't come across a wine bar that offers a store value card which you can use to sample the different kinds of wines from their vending machine.

It goes this way... you insert your card in the slot, and push the appropriate button for your selected wine, the prices are reflected for each wine and under each wine there are three buttons to give you a choice of either a shot, half or a full glass. The appropriate amount will be debited from your card depending on your wine selection and order size.

Had high expectations for this place. My soul sista (that's you CRN) gave a good review of this place since this is where she brought her high profile clients such as Dr. Vicky Belo (and Hayden Kho) and the Calayan husband and wife tandem just to name a few.

The menu (which was a disgrace since it was just a respectable looking sheet of paper printed with the choices for the different courses with no cover) offered the following:

Food                                                                                Wines by the glass

3 courses     Php 990.00                                                        2 glasses     Php 490

4 courses     Php 1,200                                                          3 glasses     Php 720

                                                                                           4 glasses     Php 920

There is no option for a lesser order, if you prefer only 1-2 courses then you have to pay the minimum of 3.

Our group mainly consists of gluttons operating on a budget, therefore, we opted for the 3 course thingy with a respectable drink (skipping the wine for challenge to operate a moving vehicle reason).

The cuisine is a mix of International and Fusion. Here are some of the dishes served...

Potato soup shooter and spanish omelet (on the house)

1st course - Young Arugula Salad with watermelon tomato confit and parmesan crisp (sweet, crispy mixture...hmmm..interesting)

Main course - Slow roasted pork belly on garlic potato puree with brussel sprouts and natural jus (too sosyal for my taste...give me lechon kawali any day of the week and twice on Sundays)

Dessert - Yogurt Panna Cotta with fresh fruit minestrone (was assured by the waiter that it's good but hmmm....different)

People seen inhabiting Cav...Faith Cuneta, Apples Aberin-Sadhwani, Ali Atienza, Lala Sotto, Angela the wife of Mikey Arroyo with their respective Chanel toting gal pals and lastly the unassuming Karen Davilla.

I might go back but only to sample the wine...

Have you been to Cav? Know of any other hip places you can suggest that me and my friends check out next?

I remember an expat I used to work with saying that she got spoiled here in the PI since she's not forced to learn the language.

We do not use "barok" english (similar to Bangkok or HK), but very good conversational english. Even the uneducated can carry a sentence or two.

That's why it's not a surprise that most of the English teachers and tutors in other countries are mostly Pinoys since among the other neighboring countries in Asia, people from the Philippines converse really well in English. Most of us are very particular about our tenses and the agreement between subject and the verb. Even the pronunciation is aced by the average Juan or Juana

But here I was rolling my eyes 3 weeks ago when I attended the Parent's Orientation in my 1st grader's school. Guess why? The adviser cum english teacher uttered these phrases in front of us parents....

" If the absent is valid, then we will give your kids a make-up exam"

"The school is doing that so that your kids will take care of their belongings to foster their sense of belongingness"

"Please set your appointments with us via the diary, we don't want the parents and teachers to ambush interview"

Hellllllooooo!!!! The female Jimmy Santos incarnate is my son's English teacher???!!!! I'm having nightmares as it is thinking how the 41 kids in my son's class will end up.

Just heard from another parent that the same teacher wrote this in her daughter's diary....

"Please BARE with me since I'm still signing their diary"

And to think that the tuition fee in my kid's school is not just average. My gosh, are these the only teachers we have left here in our country? Did we export all the good ones? Geeezz...my English Teacher in high-school would be rolling in her grave had she known the kind of teachers we have now.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I speak and write perfectly, but she's an english teacher for crying out loud....maybe she should think about teaching music or PE. Actually the school is to blame too since they need to be thorough in their hiring process.

OK, enough of that...Let me free up the steam clogging my brain...HHHOOOOOOO...there, I'm all calm now (breathe in, breathe out...hhhhmmmm).

Ok..now it's time to laugh about our worries. Let me share with you local booboos on how the Pinoys murdered the english language. Enjoy!

Athletic wear anyone?

At least thankful :-)

Mr. Fix It attacks...aka Boy Alulod (downspout?)

Ano ba talaga?

Careful, ants may attack

Nice rules...

Maybe they're looking for a service staff for the wet shirt bar

Baka daw kasi you might slip on the objects that fell down

C'mon join me in laughing my worries away! LOL....hope you had a nice laugh.

I've been so negligent with blogging. My only excuse dear peeps is that I have been under duress at work, finishing up on some billboard placement, artwork for the MRT train wraps, etc. etc.

Nevertheless, I'm back so let me just give you an update of my stargazing activity last night. As usual DH and I went on a LFS in GB3. Movieholics that we are, we were dying to watch Wanted since like forever Tried for a few times but the LFS was full each time we got there, so we settled for viewing it a week after first showing.

The movie met our expectations, it was well done. The twist and turns in the movie filled with action, treachery, no conscience killing and just a tad of sexual undertones

Have to hand it to Angelina Jolie for acting with such machismo and yet maintaining her femininity and teasing demeanor.

Her stunts, though a bit unbelievable is impressive. Have to applaud the way she brings balance to her life. And for snaring such a lookie as Brad Pitt. I'm sure she's having such a swell time in Nice, France awaiting the birth of her twins with Popsie Brad waiting in the wings

Well starstruck as I am with Angelina, the acting of Morgan Freeman and James McAvoy was well worth mentioning too.

My being starstruck didn't end there...

Just as my sis from Canada was asking me over the phone the other day the real score between the recent Kris Aquino and James Yap troubles in the homestead, we saw the two of them last night out on a date. Kris must have come straight from WOF taping since she was clearly in her costume elements but comfy in her Havaianas high. Nice to see they're trying their best shot at romance despite the recent hoopla about their troubles. Of course everything is magnified in the public eye.

What is it about us women and LVs? Some dream high to have them, others can't get enough of them. Krissy was sporting (actually her yaya was the one carrying it) the latest LV Monogramouflage. Cutie in an atypical way...the latest collaboration between Marc Jacobs and Takashi Murakami...

What do you think of it? Will be you be caught dead sporting this?

Marian Rivera and her BF who looks a bit like James Yap was there too...seen them there a couple of times so it's seems that's their way of unwinding too. I almost always catch her looking so simple, a far cry from her Marimar vavavoom looks, but pretty just the same.

Marian on the other hand was very traditional in her Damier taste, sporting this bag...Damier Azur Saleya PM

Saw some nondescript showbiz denizens too such as Carla Humphreys(?) and some models but wasn't able to scout their bags and clutches...

As I say to my DSIL, have to get rid of my emotional baggage that come with a designer bag purchase first before I get another one. But wanting is just a tad as fun as having ('course not).

Babbooosh!!