Thursday, 29 December 2011

9 Mornings : Having a Bag of a Time!

Posted by clapalisoc | Thursday, 29 December 2011 | Category: , , , , , , | 0 comments

In a fast-paced world where everyday living is more than just about the basics, the [modern] woman will tend to power dress bearing in mind "If you look good, you'll feel even better." Aside from the usual combo of a top and a trouser or skirt or the typical dress, accessories are also a must -- necklaces, bracelets, ribbons, pins, belts and bags. I'm almost sure that every single girl in the earth has a passion for bags -- whether they are vocal about it or shy and kept in thought.


Personally, I have always had this desire for bags. I'm not the brand conscious gal and I would usually buy something practical (but looks and feels good on me). This year, there were a couple of bags that I've been eyeing but never got the chance to buy one for all sorts of reasons. Much until this season of gift-giving came, hubby was [too] generous to let me buy what my heart was drawn to.



The classic nautical print.


Can be used as a handbag
or... as a shoulder bag
I remember this one time that a colleague of mine used a bag with a nautical print design -- red and white. I fell inlove with how it looked and wished I can also find one for me to keep. During a Christmas shopping day at Gateway, we stopped by Bench to get some shirts to give away. I spotted a bag (of blue's and white's) that was a little unusual. Upon a closer inspection, I realized that it can actually be used as a shoulder bag or as a hand bag -- pretty cool (and it was nautical print!). I was hesitant to get one because I have already splurged on a couple of pieces for the season but my loving husband took a hold of one and assured me that there is nothing to worry about.



Long live Longchamp! 


Nice and neat
Longchamp!
I had been wanting to have one since last year but it's price, which is something I consider too much, have been denying the wanton that's been creeping inside even when hubby had been pushing for me to get one. Much until this day came (when I was browsing the net for whatever finds there maybe), I came across this page that offers a limited number of Longchamps on sale! I immediately informed hubby about it and in no time, I got my first ever Longchamp bag!


For the love of anything floral.


Floral love!!!!
I am currently wild about anything with floral print -- bags, pouches, shirts and blouses. I am a little picky though on which print to like. I had been yearning to own a floral-print bag but there is not much in the sea of shops I've been in (Greenhills, a haven though I try and avoid buying one from there :p). One day, while hubby was shopping for some dailies in a Bench store (yes! Bench it is once more!), I was enthused to see that they have floral-printed bags! I immediately grabbed one, leaving hubby behind without a clue and with no choice but pay for it.


That crazy looking girl.


Gotta love that girl :D
Crazy girl :p
I've been seeing a lot of Longchamp and Marc Jacobs bags (obvious imitations) in GH. I have been long interested in owning a Marc Jacobs bag simply because I fancy that cute, crazy and cryptic looking girl printed in some of their bags. It's something unusual but it's all over the place! A fine morning, while online, I was able to spot a bag that really caught my attention. It looks clean and simple and with that cute girl in the print! With hubby's go signal, I immediately flashed my card and went ahead in buying. I realized later on, this bag will be very useful when we're visiting beaches and going on swimming trips -- it's plastic and will definitely keep our out stuff away from the water!


Four bags in less than a month is (a bit) too much for me! But, what the heck, I deserve to splurge once in a while, right? :)

Thursday, 22 December 2011

9 Mornings: Every Cup Counts

Posted by clapalisoc | Thursday, 22 December 2011 | Category: , , , , , , , | 0 comments

Yuletide season is almost synonymous to non-stop shopping, bargains, super sale events, salary bonuses and most of all, promos. Every single establishment is jiffed-up, ready to empty the pockets of people (especially those who are into the Holiday rush). From department stores to grocery establishments, retail shops, restaurants, appliance centers and even coffee pads -– all have their own gimmicks. 


One popular coffee shop (busier than ever) during this season is Starbucks. People go gaga over their “Limited Edition” planners. Lining up and drinking as much coffee as they can (with effects that vary such as keeping you up late in the middle of the night and the like) filling up their SB promo cards with stickers and gain one, or even all, of the released versions of the planners.


I am actually one of those who would go into a coffee trance to get the prized Starbucks planner. But more than just completing the stickers, there is something more in this craze for me. It’s my chance to consume as much Peppermint Mocha and Toffee Nut flavors that I can (that keeps me all hyped up)! Just thinking about it excites me! Imagine... it’s only once in a year that these drinks are unveiled for consumption! Also, for me, every single cup counts.


My first Toffee Nut cup!
Starbucks for yourself : “me-time” that is ever so precious. When you need a break from the (crazy) corporate world and just want that alone time to sit back and relax.




Starbucks breakfast with dear hubby
Starbucks with someone very special : that special date with the love of your life. To catch up, enjoy each other and be thankful for all the blessings.




Signature Iced Choco for Cherienne, Peppermint Mocha for Hubby & Toffee Nut for me
Starbucks with the whole family : the perfect bonding time. A shy away from the usual day-to-day activity that most times become so familiar.




Starbucks with Roy & AC behind the camera
Starbucks for AC
Starbucks with dear friends : a time to unwind and enjoy the company of friends dear to you.



Hubby is also a Starbucks nut, we ended up getting a total of four planners -– Oak, Spruce, Cherry and Bamboo. (Talk about getting 4 out of 5!) Funny how we arrived with them, when we did not really aim to get that many, just enough for the two of us, drinking coffee whenever a chance slips in. Being advocates of the "Peppermint and Toffee Nut gods" that we were, we never noticed that we eventually earned planners, a piece at a time. 


Spruce for me :D
Cherry for Hubby
Oak for Mom
Bamboo - no one owns it yet :D
For whatever reason(s) you have jumping into this planner menace, the joy of the season and the uptake is something that can not be replaced by any promo or bargain. Let every single cup count and let every memory last forever.

Tuesday, 20 December 2011

9 Mornings: Fun for the Little One

Posted by clapalisoc | Tuesday, 20 December 2011 | Category: , , , , , , , , , | 0 comments

Our little girl, Cherienne, is growing up fast. Sometimes, I miss the little baby girl who is very much satisfied sitting in her crib and quietly playing with her toys. Today, she is all grown up -- running around the house, writing everywhere when she gets a hold of a pen, pencil or crayon, screaming when she wants to and asks for chocolates every now and then. She knows how to count 1-20, recognizes colors and shapes and knows the alphabet,  sneaks out the room with mommy's heels, and lasts a day just watching TV and DVDs (sings and dances like there is no tomorrow and so much more!). Yes our darling angel had grown up.


The past few months, when she's in our room, she has been patiently watching DVDs in a very tiny screen (which is just a spare monitor of her portable DVD that hubby has installed in our car -- A special shout out "Thanks, Dad!"). She learns a whole lot from her Disney series and she never complained about her tiny screen (or at least she doesn't know how to do so yet). Every now and then, she would request for Disney Channel but we're not able to give that to her without leaving the room, heading out to the living room. Because of this, hubby decided to get her the tube. Not only that this will make Cherienne happy, it will also be very useful for me (and for hubby too) whenever we are too lazy to go out of the room. 


Sharp 24" LED TV
Since we have limited space to our wall, we can only buy as big as 24 inches. Off to SM Makati, we went straight to the appliance department and scouted with a mission to get the best bang for our bucks. We ended with a 24 inches Sharp LED TV (such a hard decision). It has multiple functions like Full HD, USB capable, audio output, HDMI and can even be used as a PC monitor. Hubby says its worth enough to last long before changing technologies (I left the decision to him with a nod. Haha).


Playing Tinkerbell for the little girl
Since we needed it to be mounted on the wall (just to make sure that it is out of reach of the little girl that draws on anything with anything), we got a sturdy mount most dealers recommended (Sigma). On it goes, clamps the TV to the flat space, all metal and cold -- much like a robot arm going up and down and swiveling left to right. After a few adjustments, "Voila!", Sigma does its job.


Seeing the joy in the eyes of our little girl while she enjoys her favorite TV shows and DVDs is indeed priceless. Teary-eyed the first time she saw it was enough to lift you to cloud nine. She stayed up the whole night (much until she could) before hitting the sack. It's so cool to be a mom!

Tuesday, 13 December 2011

9 Mornings: A Childhood Favorite

Posted by clapalisoc | Tuesday, 13 December 2011 | Category: , | 0 comments


Poppycock
Do you get that giddy, excited feeling when you see something that you enjoyed as a child but suddenly went out of the scene? That something that reminds you so much of some unforgettable fun times of your life as a child? I'm sure snapshots of your cherished memories are playing right now. Recently, hubby and I decided to do our regular-weekend-trip-to-the-mart at Rustan's, Makati. While scanning through, his eyes hovers aisle by aisle for some extra treats (that's the kid in him), after finishing up our list, we got to this lane with some rare finds and goodies ("Ooooh! Treasure!", hubby says). My heart was so delighted to see a familiar treat that I wasn't able to control myself in making that excited scream, which made my husband think something was wrong -- Poppycock. I got myself two cans of my long time friends :D


Before there was Chef Tony's, there was Poppycock
I remember Poppycock as a sweet popcorn treat in a can with nuts and tons of caramel. Whenever I think of Poppy (cool nickname, huh?), I vividly remember this one lazy afternoon, I was still in grade school then and we (myself, my grandparents and my uncle) were in my grandparents' room watching TV. My aunt came in bringing a can of Poppycock. Being the sweet tooth that my grandpa was, he instantly opened it and we shared the goodness until the can was empty. For several years now, I've been asking hubby where we can find Poppycock but we were not lucky enough to spot one until that fine day in Rustan's Makati. 


Childhood memories are something to treasure. And it always feels so wonderful when you see, hear, eat or meet something or someone from your childhood. It's true when they say that memories are forever...

Friday, 2 December 2011

9 Mornings - Life is a Celebration!

Posted by clapalisoc | Friday, 2 December 2011 | Category: , , , , , | 0 comments

My Raymond & Cherienne
December has always been a special month for me and in no doubt that it's my favorite time of the year. Not only that it's a season for all the good things in the world, where you literally count your blessings, December reminds me of the happiest and defining moments of my life. Looking through the years, I can proudly say that each December has molded me to be the person I am now and has brought me to where I stand at this moment. So each time, as we approach the 12th for the year, I can't help but get exhilarated! So much to thank for, a lot to celebrate about, so many to give of the the blessings bestowed. 


It has also been my tradition to do something I love each December -- write. I used to write letters, create scrap books and document every single day of my December in a journal. Last year, I decided to create a blog series for the yuletide season, 12 Days of Christmas, which featured small and simple things that made my Holiday Season extra special. This year, I'll continue with what I've started with yet another blog series -- 9 Mornings.


Why 9 Mornings?


Don't get me wrong, its not the religious niche you'd think (which you might have already), just the tradition of waking up in the morning and feeling the cool December breeze makes me realize more that God is great and that every  single morning is a blessing. It's also the wonder and a deeper raison d' etre that turned my life around. It's all about this -- 9 blog entries of the 9 precious gifts that the good Lord has bestowed, together with the feelings and experiences that go with them... my 9 Mornings.

Saturday, 15 October 2011

Coron DIY Adventure Day 3

Posted by clapalisoc | Saturday, 15 October 2011 | Category: , , , , , , , , | 0 comments

It's almost the end of our trip and we promised ourselves that one day soon, I'll visit Coron again. Our ETD back to Manila was at 230pm and we have ample time to chill and visit some stores to buy pasalubong. We were up at around (whoa early for someone on vacay!) 8am and decided to walk around town to hunt for breakfast. Right after, we took some pictures and headed for Coron Harvest.


That's the entrance to Coron Harvest
That's the owner!
Coron is known to produce cashew and one very trusted and popular store where you can get high quality and tasty cashew nuts is Coron Harvest. I was actually expecting a huge place where everything is organized (more like the factory-type of place as it suggested from it's name), showcasing each step in producing the high quality cashew nuts they offer. Surprisingly, I was able to arrive at a small store (converted from a regular house) full of stuffed toys that leads to what seems like the residence of the owner where everything is done - no tricks and frills, no hi-tech facilities, just plain manual labor (which she showed the secrets of screening fresh, quality cashew).


Newly roasted cashew nuts in garlic
Freshly packed!
Ready to be sealed - Garlic Toasted Cashew for 120php each
We bought 7 packs of the biggest size of their garlic toasted cashew and 4 packs of cashew brittle (forgot to take a pic but each pack is for 60php). Though their products are quite expensive as compared to those sold at the town market, you are assured that their nuts are always freshly cooked for each batch of order. This is a must-go place to buy pasalubong!


Around the area, you will notice that there are very few souvenir shops. We wanted to buy some shirts and we luckily got to this place: MJ's Souvenir shop. They have shirts and blouses, bags and accessories. 


After buying some pasalubong we went back to the hotel, sent a text message to the van driver to pick us us up, took some more pictures, packed up and enjoyed the last minutes of our stay in Coron.


View from the sun deck
Looking over Lualhati Park

Playing around at the sun  deck

Posing for the pole :p

We got to the airport an hour earlier than expected, so we checked out the food huts nearby and decided to take a quick lunch. 230pm came and it was time to bid Coron goodbye. We will definitely go back to this paradise -- soon.
Busuanga Airport: Terminal fee is 20php each
About to board the plane going back to Manila






P.S.
Just in case you need contact numbers, here you go!
- Land Transfer Services : Francis Tonel = 0929512562
- Boat for Island Hopping : M/B Unica Yza Vin (Alvin D. Balo) = 09283264480
- Tricycle Services : Ador = 09099386526

Coron DIY Adventure Day 2 - Part 2

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We were about to head out to Twin Lagoon but I insisted on visiting CYC Island since my research told me that it could have been the best beach in the loop.


Destination #5: CYC Island - no entrance fee


CYC Island is a public beach area. CYC stands for "Coron Youth Club." This is the group of students that take care of the island voluntarily. As it is a public beach, it's a little messy - sea weeds all over the fine white sand. Our tour guide told us that CYC used to be the most beautiful beach front island in the area, had the prime stretch of white sand and clear water with lush greenery, until people started to dig up the sand and transfer it to other beaches. It's tragic that the island ended up that way. I almost feel sorry that man is, unknowingly and unintentionally, again to blame for the diminishing natural beauty set in seeing this as an illustration.


CYC Island
CYC Island from a far
Great view!
It's obvious that the sand has been disturbed
Destination #6: Twin Lagoon - entrance fee = 100php/person


 Twin Lagoon, for me, is the most marvelous spot that we've visited the entire day. Once you reach the entrance of the first lagoon, you'll be amazed of the towering rock formations all around you. The place feels so secure and downright secluded with all the pristine magnificence and beauty of nature. No one stops in the first lagoon, according to our tour guide, since the water there is too deep. They'll dock in and take you to the next lagoon where you can enjoy snorkeling. Marine life is not much but the underwater rock formations are fantastic. Also, when you're snorkeling, you will notice that the water beneath the surface is warm. You will also notice that there is this oil-like looking substance beneath the surface. According to our tour guide, the water on the surface is fresh water (thus being cold) and the water beneath that is sea water. The oil-like liquid we see are the mixing of the two. How spectacular it was to observe nature's process up-close!  You have to pass by this cave-like arch to get to a big pool of water where I completely fell in love with the place -- sparkling water, immense rock structures, green patches of life, and the proof of an amazing God! Since that was our last stop, we enjoyed every moment of it.


It started to rain when we were heading to Twin Lagoon
The rain has stopped! Welcome!
We are ready... Let's go!
Hubby enjoying the swim
Towering walls of sedimentary beauty!
Captivating!
The wonders of nature
I'm with one of the guides

Heading out
Right after Twin Lagoon, we headed back to the pier. It was indeed a great experience -- being one with nature and appreciating the majestic works of the Lord. Sure, it was far-flung from all the huzzle buzzle of technology, but the trip was well-worth it.


They helped us through out the tour!




Summary of expenses for the day:
- Food for lunch : 405php
- Bread for fish feeding : 25php
- Total Entrance fee : 1200php for 2pax

  • Site Pecados = 100php each
  • Kayangan Lake = 200php each
  • Banol Beach = 100php each
  • Skeleton/Shipwreck = 100php each
  • Twin Lagoon = 100php each



P.S.
You can also visit some other sites like Barracuda Lake which is situated near Twin Lagoon with entrance fee of 100php. We opted not to go anymore as it is just a continuation of the Twin Lagoon, and according to our tour guide, it's more like Kayangan Lake. There are also other beaches that you can visit with entrance fee of 100php each -- Smith Beach, Antwayan Beach and 91 Beach which are all near Banol Beach. Enjoy!






Coron DIY Adventure Day 3



Coron DIY Adventure Day 2 - Part 1

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Day two for our Coron trip was all about island hopping and snorkeling. I did some net searching and planned to visit the following sites:


1) Siete Picados
2) Kayangan Lake
3) Barracuda Lake
4) Twin Lagoon
5) CYC Island
6) Banol Beach
7) Skeleton Wreck


Early in the morning - not so sunshiny
We were up up and about and by around 8am, we straddled out to the public market to meet our boatman. We agreed on a price of 1500php for the whole day tour which includes a tour guide, life vests and snorkeling gears. The boatman will also cook lunch for us, provide all utensils needed and will even provide a cooler for our drinks. We agreed and went ahead, bought food to be cooked for lunch. We bought the following:


- Tilapia (2pcs): 105php
- Liempo (more than 1/2 kilo) : 100php
- tomatoes + onions + calamnsi : 26php
- rice (1 kilo): 42php
- charcoal (1 pack): 20php
- drinks (2 500ml Sprite + 1 Coke in can + 2 bottles of Sparkle + 5 pieces of ice): 112php
- bread for fish feeding :25php


Everything was set, so we hopped onto the boat and cruised!


Destination # 1: Siete Pecados - entrance fee = 100php/person


Siete Pecados means seven islands. As we reached the location, we were indeed greeted by islands sitting side by side, surrounding the snorkeling site. The water was clear and the marine life was rich! You'll see fish of different sizes and colors. We had bread ready and so we fed the fish and enjoyed the scenery underwater. 


Site Pecados


Fish feeding
huwow!
Destination # 2: Kayangan Lake - entrance fee = 200php/person


Kayangan Lake has the most number of pictures online when you go search for Coron. The view from the top of the mountain, looking down at the lake was just marvelous! (Indeed, since it'll take your breath away...just to get up there!) When we were entering the view site, I can't help but notice the lucid water with a light bluish green tint. In order for you to see the beauty of the lake, you have to do some hiking. It was surely demanding since you have to climb up and then down to reach the snorkeling site. But you have to exert effort to appreciate the beauty that will always be worth the while. Here, sea water meets fresh water. I can say that fresh water dominates the lake because when you swim, you won't feel any sting in your eyes. Marine life is stale here but you'll be amazed with the underwater rock formations. We stayed here for about more than hour! Also, when you do your pit stop in the "famous" site for picture taking, you will notice a very dark cave. According to our tour guide, no one is allowed to enter since there is no track and no lighting inside.

Entering the cove
Where the boats are parked :D
Welcome to Kayangan Lake!

Start of the climb!
Damp dark cave :D
The "FAMOUS" shot
the LAKE
Enjoying nature!
Some fishie fishie
Destination # 3: Banol Beach - entrance fee = 100php/person


Banol Beach was where we had our lunch. While approaching the beach, you'll notice that the water is so clear and the sand so pallid! It somehow reminded me of Boracay! The only catch was that the beach area was very small. Actually, come to think of it, there really was no stretch of a beach around the loop of the Coron Islands. But anyway, the sand was not as fine as Boracay's, though the rock formations were incredbile! There were a couple of huts here where you can have your lunch, by the beach. I fell in love with this beach and stayed here for a lifetime (over an hour but felt wantonly forever) -- enjoyed the sand, the water and the overall panorama.


Just arrived - Banol Beach
Enjoying the sun and the sand!
Gotta love that water!
Banol Beach - captured!
Destination # 4: Skeleton/Ship Wreck - entrance fee = 100php/person


In this site, you'll see a Japanese ship that was claimed by the sea. It's not really the whole thing anymore, it's just the frame of the ship that will be apparent. Aside from this, you'll also see a lot of fish, rich coral life and tons of sea urchin! There is also a very small beach area here. We stayed around 30mins and headed onto our next destination.

Shipwreck location
Can you see the little beach area?

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