Monday, 28 April 2014

Adventures in Northern Mindanao

The best place to start an adventure in Northern Mindanao is to arrive in Cagayan de Oro which is known as the Gateway of Northern Mindanao. Get close with nature and get your heart pumping in their white river rafting.


Discover virgin white sand beaches in nearby Camiguin Island. Wake up early in the morning to go to the famous White Island.

While you're in Camiguin Island, try renting a jeepney and tour around the island for the day.
See the Church Ruins (Gui-ob Church)

Visit its falls

And drop by at the Sunken Cemetery


And lots of other sights that I don't recall =( but are as breath-taking.


If you love waterfalls, don't miss going to Iligan City. Be sure to have your cameras ready for these majestic waterfalls: Tinago Falls, Mimbalot Falls, and the grand Maria Cristina Falls.
Tinago Falls
Maria Cristina Falls
As a side trip, you can visit Macapagal - Macareg's ancestral house while you're in Iligan.


And if you still have a day to spare, you can go to the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon for another doze of adrenaline rush. The park boast of its 840M long dual zipline which is the longest in Asia. Lots of other activities can be done here like the Luge and Mini Golf.




Northern Mindanao is filled with exciting adventures and eye-candy sights so make sure to plan ahead to be able to make the most of your trip.

Enjoy your summer everyone!
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Saturday, 26 April 2014

Diet Meals Delivery

It's summer time and everyone wants to get fit. And for the unfortunate few like me, I have a hard time following an exercise regimen or any food diet. I tried cooking meals for myself but I sometimes find it hard to wake up early in the morning to cook. I still have not figured out a way to balance my work and life up until now.

Luckily, sometime last year I discovered that there were actually companies delivering complete diet meals straight to your doorsteps! It was an amazing experience, I believe I lost at least 2 lbs on my first week taking Lunch Box Diet meals. Unfortunately, I had to stop because I now find it difficult to meet with their scheduled delivery time.

And now, I am back to the weight I started and I have to lose them all over again so I am now reconsidering on buying diet meals again.

For those who are looking for the same, here's a list of diet meal delivery companies that I know. Feel free to comment if you know of one not on the list. Good luck to us!

1. Lunch Box Diet

https://www.facebook.com/lunchboxdietph
Contact Number: 0917-809-3196

Price: Php 1,700 for 5 days
Delivery Fee: Free
Delivery Schedule: Varies depending on location usually early morning
What's Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks amounting to 1,200 calories per day
Deliverable Areas: Quezon City, San Juan, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, BGC/McKinley Hill (Not all areas are covered, contact them directly to confirm if your area is covered)
Payment Methods: BDO and BPI Bank Deposits

2. Diet Diva

https://www.facebook.com/dietdivaph
Contact Number: 0917-703-3482

Price: Php 1,800 for 5 days
Delivery Fee: P20 QUEZON CITY*, SAN JUAN*, ORTIGAS CENTER, MANDALUYONG & MAKATI. (*Selected Locations)
P40 Commonwealth, Marcos Highway, Bonifacio Global City
Delivery Schedule: 5AM to 8AM Mondays to Fridays
What's Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks amounting to 1,200 calories per day
Payment Methods: BDO and BPI Bank Deposits

3. The Yummy Diet

https://www.facebook.com/yummydietph
Contact Number: 0917-889-8660

Price: Php 1,799 for 5 days
Delivery Fee: Free
Delivery Areas: Eastwood, Ortigas, San Juan, Mandaluyong*, Pasig*, Cainta* (* Selected Locations only, contact them directly to confirm if your area is covered)
Delivery Schedule: 2PM to 5PM Sundays to Thursdays
What's Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and 1-2 Snacks amounting to 1,200 calories per day. Also includes coffee & tea with boost of Chia seeds.
Payment Methods: BDO and BPI Bank Deposits

4. The Good Box

http://thegoodboxph.com/
Contact Number: 0917-711-1732
Email Address: thegoodboxph@gmail.com
Price:
  • Php 2,750 for 1200 Calorie Menu
  • Php 3,000 for 1500 Calorie Menu
  • Php 3,250 for 1800 Calorie Menu
  • Php 3,500 for 2100 Calorie Menu
  • Php 3,750 for 2400 Calorie Menu
  • Php 4,000 for 2700 Calorie Menu
  • Php 3,000 for South Beach Diet
Delivery Fee: Php 60
Delivery Areas: Not mentioned on site, contact them directly to confirm
Delivery Schedule: 6AM to 10AM Mondays to Fridays or 5PM to 9PM Sundays to Thursdays
What's Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and 1-2 Snacks amounting to counted calories per day depending on your needs.
Payment Methods: Bank Deposits and Cash on Delivery

5. The Sexy Chef

http://www.thesexychef.ph/
Contact Number: 721-8881 / 721-7399 / 0917-799-2433
Email Address: info@thesexychef.ph

Price for Complete Meals: 
  • Php 975/day for South Beach Diet
  • Php 1,000/day for Pounds Away Diet Program
  • Php 1,100/day for Fat Fighting Diet Plan
Price for Lunch & Dinner Meal Only: 
  • Php 2,150 for 5 days of Dine Lite Meals
  • Php 1,500 for 5 days of Vegetarian package
Delivery Fee: Varies (starts at Php 50)
Payment Methods: Online Payments via Credit Card, Bank Deposits


[UPDATE: June 6, 2014]: I am adding some affordable juicing delivery options on the list. I plan to try one someday.

6. Juice Hut

https://www.facebook.com/JuiceHut.Manila
Contact Number: 0917-5725855
Email Address: juicehut_manila@yahoo.com

Price:
  • 1 250ml Bottle - Php 120
  • 1 Day Reboot Program (6 x 250ml bottles) - Php 720
  • 2 Days Reboot Program (12 x 250ml bottles) - Php 1,440
  • 3 Days Reboot Program (18 x 250ml bottles) - Php 2,160
  • 5 Days Reboot Program (30 x 250ml bottles) - Php 3,600

7. Nourish Juice

https://www.facebook.com/NourishJuicePH
Contact Number: 0917-5725855
Email Address: juicehut_manila@yahoo.com

Price:
  • 1 250ml Bottle - Php 125
  • 1 350ml Bottle - Php 195
  • 1 Day Package* (6 x 250ml bottles) - Php 1,175
  • 2 Days Package* (12 x 250ml bottles) - Php 1,975
  • 3 Days Package* (18 x 250ml bottles) - Php 2,775
* Packages includes 2 organic teas per day + thermal bag + one-time delivery
Delivery Fee: Varies (starts at Php 100)
Payment Methods: BDO and BPI Bank Deposits

8. Juice Ko Jo

https://www.facebook.com/juicekojo
Contact Number: 0922-8634968

Price:
  • 1 Day Package (5 x 350ml bottles) - Php 1,200
  • 3 Days Package (15 x 350ml bottles) - Php 3,000
* Packages includes 2 Yogi organic teas per day

9. The Daily Jusa

http://www.thedailyjusa.com/
Contact Number: 0917-8110769

Price:
  • 1 250ml Bottle - Php 150
  • 1 Day Package (8 x 250ml bottles) - Php 1,350
  • 3 Days Package (24 x 250ml bottles) - Php 3,500
  • 5 Days Package (40 x 250ml bottles) - Php 5,500
* Each day cleanse includes 2 bags of tea and each package includes a thermal bag

10. Juice Jab

http://www.juicejab.com/
Contact Number: +63917-838-7355 | info@juicejab.ph

Price:
  • Jolts (6 x 250ml bottles) - Php 900* / Php 1,100
  • Mild Jabs (6 x 500ml bottles) - Php 1,500* / Php 1,700
  • Moderate Jabs (12 x 500ml bottles) - Php 3,000* / Php 3,200
  • Strong Jabs (18 x 500ml bottles) - Php 4,500* / Php 4,700

* without insulated bag
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How to apply for a UMID (Unified Multi-purpore ID) Card

UMID (Unified Multi-purpose ID) Card is the all-in-one card for SSS, GSIS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig members.

Ever since getting married, the only ID I have bearing my new surname was just my company ID. And after a year, I have finally managed to take the time to get an official government ID to have my married name on it.

Did you know that SSS agencies are now open on Saturdays? Yes, it is true! Now isn't that convenient! Two thumbs up to whoever thought of the idea. (",) SSS agencies are open from 7AM to 5PM on Mondays to Fridays with no lunch breaks and are open from 8AM to 5PM on Saturdays but with lunch breaks.
SSS also has satellite offices in malls too which are open 10 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Saturday. Click on the image for a larger picture.

Before going to SSS to apply for your UMID, make sure you bring at least one (1) of these primary IDs:
  • Passport
  • Driver's License
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) card
  • Seaman's Book
Or two (2) secondary IDs/documents which has your photo and signature.

And if you have just recently got married and you have no other ID bearing your new name, make sure to bring a copy of your NSO Certified Marriage Contract.

First step to apply for a UMID card is to get a UMID application form found in Step A. You may also download the form and fill it up before hand but you still have to go to Step A to get a number. Form can be downloaded here.

After filling up the form, proceed to Verification and wait for your number to be called. The UMID card is free if this is your initial card application but if you have an existing SSS ID card you will have to pay Php 300 as the card replacement fee. You will be provided an R-6 Payment Form which you will be filling up then proceed to cashier to make your payment.

After making the payment, go back to the Verification booth and present your validated R-6 form. You will be asked to surrender your existing SSS card then you will proceed to the queue for Data Capture.

You will have to wait a long time because queue in Data Capture lane will be long since there's only one personnel doing this on Saturdays. I had to come back after lunch to have mine. In Data Capture, they will be typing in your information in your database, getting your fingerprints and signature and taking your picture. Before saving your information to the system, you will be asked to confirm all the data they have inputted and you will be requested to affix your fingerprint to affirm that you have agreed to what you see.

Note: Do not wear contact lenses when applying for your UMID card. Data Capture will request them to be removed. Any forms of jewelry like earrings and necklaces will also be asked to be removed.

Finally, you will be given a claiming stub. The UMID card will be delivered to your mailing address after one month. But in case card did not arrive after a month, you can go to the SSS agency where you have applied for the card and ask Verification to check for the status of your card then claim it. That's it! I'm done! Can't wait to see my ID soon.

Will update this blog once I receive my ID. (",)

[UPDATE: 6/10/2014]
Got my new ID around 3rd week of May.
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Friday, 25 April 2014

Resto Review: Jasz Bar and Restaurant, Panglao Island

We stayed in a hotel along Alona Beach on our last night for us to experience its night life. Alona Beach was dubbed as the Boracay of Bohol but for some reason I don't feel like it should be praised as that. Yes, the sand in Alona Beach is almost same as Boracay but its night life is not at par at all. Or maybe there was not much tourist around to make it much of a party place.

There are lots of bar and restaurants along the beach but most of them offer live singing performances and not the usual disco bars you can see in Boracay. Although there was one that had its grand opening on that night we were strolling just beside the Bee Farm branch. Unfortunately, it was not yet open to the public that night. So we settled to eat and drink at Jasz Bar and Restaurant because there was a performer singing our type of music there.

We availed of their Buy 1 Take 1 Cocktail Promo. I ordered their Mabuhay Alona and hubby ordered the Melon Fizz - both for Php 200. The Mabuhay Alona is a mix of rhum, mango liquor, pineapple and orange while the Melon Fizz is a mix of vodka, melon and sprite. Both were quite strong on the alcohol side, their supposedly fruity sides were unnoticeable.

After having a shot at their cocktails, we just opted to buy a bucket of Lemon Flavored San Miguel beers. Bucket of 6 beers are sold at Php300-350.

For our dinner, we ordered the Eat Jasz Special Pizza (Php 495). The pizza was based in carbonara sauce and was overloaded with lots of toppings. It had mushroom, olives, ground pork, ground beef, ham, pepperoni, bacon, bell peppers, hotdog and boiled eggs sprinkled with cheese. And it was a mouthful. I got really full in the stomach just having a slice. But what we didn't like about their pizza was that the dough was not properly cooked, making the pizza quite soggy. It didn't looked like it was cooked in an oven.

We had take-outs after our meal here. It was one quiet and fulfilling night just hanging around with just my husband. I'm not sure if we're ever to come back in Panglao Island in the future, but when we do I hope their mode of transportation to and from the city be improved. Till next time (",)




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Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Resto Review: Manam at Fairview Terraces

Me and my husband got a chance to visit a new mall in Quezon City, The Fairview Terraces. It looks similar to Trinoma but lots of stores are still closed since it's relatively new.

We met with my husband's high school friends at one of the restaurants that seems new to us - Manam, Comfort Filipino. The restaurant was well-lighted and had colorful comfortable furnishings. Their menu features both classic Filipino and Filipino with a Twist food items. You also decide the portion of each food you order: Small (good for 1), Medium (good for 3) and Large (good for 6). The choices are endless, just reading through the menu made my mouth water.

For my drink, I ordered the Ube + Sago shake (Php 95) and it was delightful. The shake's consistency was almost like an ice cream milk shake.

For our appetizer, we ordered the Crunchy Salt & Pepper Squid Rings with Sweet Chili Sauce (Medium Size Php 250). Whew! that was one long menu item hehehe but it was worth the long name because it sure was crunchy and tasty.

For our vegetable, we ordered their Laing (Medium Size Php 195). This one was quite disappointing. There was not enough gata, the garlic toppings were not crackling and it was not spicy.

For our soup, we ordered the Bone Marrow Kansi & Sweet Corn (Large Size Php 755) which had just the right bitter sweet taste for a Kansi soup. And they offer free soup refill too! But I must say the meat was not that tender to my liking.

As for our main course, we ordered two of their best sellers (paboritos): Corned Beef Sisig (Medium Size Php 265) and Overloaded Garlicky Chicken & Pork Belly Adobo (Medium Size Php 345).

The Corned Beef Sisig was another disappointment for me. It was just plain corn beef topped with fried egg.

But on the bright side of everything, the adobo was amazing. It surely lives up to its really long name, that it was overloaded garlicky! This dish is not advisable to those who hates garlic. Their adobo is the dry type but you can definitely taste its delicious sauce coating the meat. Yummy!

I love how friendly and accommodating their staffs are. They even gave us complimentary Gata Leche Flan (Medium Size Php 145) to celebrate my husband's birthday. And it was heavenly. Their leche flan was smooth and creamy and tasted of gata and also bucayo.

What a way to end our dining experience! We will definitely come back to try out their other interesting food items.

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The Big Banquet: The Great Food Tasting Event

Still undecided on which caterer to host your special events?

Here's your chance to sample 12 caterers food in one seating. Save time and money by attending The Big Banquet brought to you by The Blue Leaf Events and Our Awesome Planet.

The Big Banquet will held at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion on May 4 (Sunday) from 11AM to 2PM and 4PM to 7PM. Tickets are at Php 500 per person or Php 800 per couple.

Following are the catering companies to join the event:

  1. Albergus
  2. Bizu
  3. Center Table
  4. Cuillere
  5. Florabel
  6. Hizon’s
  7. Josiah’s
  8. Juan Carlo the Caterer
  9. K by Cunanan
  10. Mesclun
  11. Red Chef
  12. TJIOE
Click on below image poster to register and buy your tickets for the event. Happy prepping everyone!

Image from The Blue Leaf Events

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Accommodations in Panglao Island, Bohol

The first two mentioned are the ones we have stayed in during our trip in Bohol. Rest of the items are other affordable options that are near the beach.

1. Cherry's @ Home

Cherry's @ Home is the cheapest accommodations I can find in Panglao Island priced at Php 1,000 only per night for single/double occupancy.

Pros:
  • Cheap accommodation
  • Free WiFi connection
  • Well-maintained beddings and pillows
  • Refrigerator
  • Cabled TV
  • Safety deposit box
Cons:
  • No breakfast
  • No food nearby
  • No hot shower
  • Salty water supply
  • Air-condition is too small for the big room
  • No Queen bed room
  • Long walk to Alona Beach

They have a sister hotel named Cherry's @ Home Too Inland Resort which is nearer Alona Beach but their room rate starts at Php 1,450. Rate includes complimentary breakfast and free use of their swimming pool.

Cherry's @ Home Too
Mobile No.: 0908-8921412, 0949-7172333
Email Address: reservation@cherryshome.com

2. Aquatica Beach Resort

We wanted to explore night life in Alona Beach on our last day in Panglao Island, so we decided to transfer to another accommodation along the beach. After several inquiries along the beach, we settled for Aquatica Beach Resort. Their room rates start at Php 1,500 for air-conditioned rooms and Php 1,000 for fan rooms.

Pros:
  • Located along Alona Beach
  • Free WiFi connection
  • Cabled TV
  • Air-condition is okay
Cons:
  • No hot shower
  • Salty water supply
  • No cabinets
  • Beddings are not maintained (found holes in it)
  • Pillows are not comfortable (uneven fillers)
Aquatica Beach Resort
Manila Tel. No.: 02-741-1779
Bohol Tel. No.: 038-502-9350
Email Address: aquadole@yahoo.com

3. Alona Garden & Dae Jang Guem

Their cottages can be found at the back of their Korean restaurant which is steps away from the beach. Rates start at Php 999 per night. No TV. With free WiFi.

Mobile No.: 0917-707-7780
Email Address: babo020712@hanmail.net

4. Trudis Place Resort and Restaurant

Located along Alona beach. Rates start at Php 2,000 for single or double occupancy with complimentary breakfast. With free WiFi. With hot and cold shower. With cable TV.

Mobile No.: 0928-346-3780, 0917-487-4230, 0923-201-5260
Email Address: gerlin16@yahoo.com

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Bohol Pasalubongs

There are lots of Bohol shirts sold at Php 99 each just outside of the Hinagdanan Cave entrance.

But if you want more quality (thicker fabric) shirts, you can buy them at an RTW shop located on the ground floor of Buen Bella Pension House building. Shirts here are sold at Php 130 each. You can also find key chains, magnets and other souvenir items here.

Bohol is also well-known for their peanut and ube products, calamay (priced at Php 40 above) and honey products from Bohol Bee Farms. We bought our pasalubongs at BQ Mall's grocery. There are lots of peanut products to choose from but our personal favorite was Star Peanuts which was also cheaper than Peanut Kisses. Peanut Fingers tasted the same as Star Peanuts it just comes in a different shape.

Peanut Kisses 7's Php 9

Star Peanuts 25g Php 8, pack of 15's 25g Php 118

Peanut Fingers 30g Php 8, pack of 15's 30g Php 118

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Tuesday, 22 April 2014

A Walk in Tagbilaran City

We had one free day to roam around Bohol's capital, Tagbilaran City.

There were lots of people going about with their daily lives. Tricycles are also abundant in the city. A ride will cost you a flat rate of Php 8 going to anywhere in the city. Convenient way to travel especially on hot summer days.

We took a tricycle going to the St. Joseph Cathedral. The St. Joseph Church is one of the oldest churches in Bohol. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1798 then later re-built during the 19th century.

Fronting the church is Bohol's Rizal Plaza which has miniature chocolate hills displayed. Locals and tourists sat on benches to feed the pigeons.

If you want to learn how the Chocolate Hills came to existence, you may want to view the National Museum just across the plaza. You can learn about Bohol's history, their livelihood and their ecosystem here. Entrance fee is only Php 10.

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Bohol Sea Tour

Sea Tours in Bohol normally starts at Php 1,500 per boat which is already good for 4-6 persons. But since tourism is low in Bohol it looks like you can actually haggle the price to as low as Php 1,000. Try strolling around Alona Beach when the sun sets and you will be surprised that there will be people offering you their tours at really low prices. We got ours at Php 900! Snorkeling masks included as a package.

Alona Beach

The day before our scheduled sea tour, we strolled along the white sandy beach of Alona just before the sun sets. The beach stretches for 1.5 kms and borders by rocks on both ends. Its sand were fine but not as fine as that to Boracay's.

Balicasag Island

Sea tours start early around 6 AM to be able to see the dolphins swim near Balicasag Island. We departed from Alona beach quite late around 7AM because unknowingly we were waiting for two more tourists to join. Luckily we were still able to see the dolphins swim in groups, many of which were still babies. They were so cute. Unfortunately we were not able to take pictures of the dolphins.

After watching the dolphins swim around for 15 minutes, we started heading towards Balicasag Island which is one of the best dive and snorkeling sites in Bohol.

The sandy shell shore of the island is lined-up with make-shift stores offering visitors seafood to be cooked while we are away for snorkeling. Be warned that prices are really expensive. You will be charged Php 500 per kilo for any seafood plus Php 100 for each viand. We ordered half a kilo of their Jack Fish and a buko for Php 75.

When in Balicasag Island, you will also be approached by a resident guide to do the snorkeling. Snorkeling costs Php 200 per head. Your guide will lead you to a smaller boat where you will be taken to the snorkeling site which was declared a marine sanctuary. Water shoes are also offered for rental because the snorkeling area is surrounded by hard corals. We opted to skip renting the shoes and used our slippers instead.

Truly this island is a really nice snorkeling spot as there was a diversity of marine life in it. I can rank this one as second best from our Coron snorkeling experiences. What's unique about our snorkeling experience is that we get to see bigger fishes like Mackerels on the cliff of the reef. Scary yet fascinating!


After snorkeling, we went back to the island to have our early lunch. Even though food are expensive there we still wanted to buy some to help the locals there as we believe that tourism is their main livelihood.

After taking some relaxing time in Balicasag Island, we are off to the Virgin Island. It took around 30 minutes to reach the island but sadly the tide was high that time that the sand bar was still submerged in water.


Lined up along the sand bar were several bankas and stalls selling coconut, banana-Q, and urchins! I got the chance to try eating a sand dollar urchin at Php 20 a piece (you can haggle for it to be at Php 10 each). It was slimy but I especially liked their spiced vinegar to go with it.
Sand Dollar Urchins
Stalls selling fried bananas. Yummy!
Giant Sea Urchins! These are the ones used in Unagi sushi
We took our time strolling in the island's fine white sand in bare foot. The Virgin Island was called so because there was no inhabitants there, but from the looks of it - I think it will soon become a resort because there were several workers there constructing a building.

When in Bohol, don't fail to experience their Sea Tour - it's definitely worth it. If you still have time, you may also want to swim with the Whale Sharks (Butanding) in Oslob - this tour is also available in Panglao Island at Php 2,000.

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