Getting around Manila: budget accommodation

Whenever I travel, I'm always on the lookout for places where I can get value for my money, especially when it comes to accommodation. Also, you can say that I'm rather maarte or choosy when searching for a room to stay. I'd be willing to pay a little more just to get the room that I want. I am up for traveling backpacker style, but I believe that if you would only dig deeper, you'll be able to find a room that suits your preference AND budget.

In Metro Manila, the cost of living can often go through the roof, and so can hotel prices. But there are options that offer hotel amenities and services but are not as damaging to the wallet. These hotels in Manila are perfect for vacationers, couples on date night, or simply anyone who wants to relax and break out of their routine without breaking their budget.

Two tales of public servants

In the last eight days, two Filipino public servants filled the headlines. One of them is a lowly traffic enforcer, the other a well-known public official.

The Zuper Zambales experience

It's been months since I last updated my blog (yeah yeah, ningas cogon kicks in sometimes) and today's a perfect time because it's the start of my five-day vacation. So, not to let my imaginary fans down, I'm going to tell about the amazing time I had in the land of ashes, Zambales.

Hardcore wish listing

It's the season for making wish lists, and because gift exchanges at the office and among friend circles are riddled with rules, might as well make my no-holds-barred wish list. Just in case I have friends who have magic powers or are closet billionaires and love me enough to make me suuuper happy this Christmas :)

Traveling with a shallow pocket

I came across this article on the Internet by blogger Jeff Goins: 3 Reasons to Travel While You're Young

My first thought after reading the article was, "This must've been written for people living in the first world". Because for us in third world countries like the Philippines, traveling is regarded as a luxury. Even traveling to places within our country can be costly. It would require one to save up for transportation costs, food and lodging and, for most Filipinos, the obligatory pasalubong (it means something you buy from a particular place to take home to your friends and family -- it can be a type of local delicacy, a souvenir item like keychain or t-shirt).

Catching Up (food trip reviews, and some)

Wow, 2 months since my last post. Has it really been that long? Since June, I have:

• gone to Boracay
• caught up on my to-do's
• turned a year older (and hopefully, wiser)
• resigned from my freelance writing stint
• signed up as dealer for Human Nature
• watched the Smart Ultimate All Star Weekend in Araneta (NBA stars including Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and Tyreke Evans visited Manila and played a game each against PBA All Stars and the Smart Gilas national team)
• and opened a Variable Life Insurance account with Sunlife

Okay, so it really has been that long.

Food review: Hainanese Delights

The bf and I often eat out, so choosing a place sometimes gets to be a challenge. Our choices are mostly varied -- from Persian food (Mister Kebab and Kebab Factory), Italian (Bigoli, and just recently, Sicilian Express), Filipino (Gilligan's, Sisig Hooray), Thai (Jatujak), Mongolian (Mongolian Quick Stop) and the usual fastfood/food court fare, among others. Last night, Marc and I were to meet at Robinsons Galleria and he gave me the difficult task of choosing where to eat. I hesitated but since I arrived earlier, I decided to pass by some of the restaurants we haven't tried.

I came across Hainanese Delights across Watsons (same floor as the food court and supermarket). I looked at the menu posted outside and was surprised at how affordable their rice meals are (ranging from P85 to P120) considering that they offer UNLIMITED Hainanese rice. They also serve noodles and entrees no higher than P130. So, as soon as I saw the boyfriend, I dragged him inside and got a table.

credit to blogger Tetcho of pensivethoughts.com

Elbi in my heart

Take me back to my home

To a place where I belong

Times have changed, and so have I

Now I long to go back home

-- Los Banos, Sugarfee

Last weekend, the boyfriend and I visited Elbi where we both studied college. Elbi (or eLBi) is short for University of the Philippines Los Banos, a popular monicker among students and alumni. We call it our second home because we lived there for 4 years (Marc stayed longer, probably couldn't get enough of college). And because we were living away from the folks, we enjoyed a certain amount of freedom but had to avoid getting into too much trouble. Of course, part of that was managing our studies well. Elbi's where I had a lot of crazy moments with friends, struggled with academics, tried to figure myself out, got wasted, and fell in and out of love. It's where I learned a lot from my mistakes and had a blast making them. And it is where Marc and I met and where our relationship began.

10 Reasons to Love the Philippines (First 5)

The Philippines, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Orient", is an archipelago of about 7,100 islands located in the Southeast Asian region. Through the years, our country has caught the eye of different nationalities because of its wonders and charm. In fact, it is home to about 200,000 foreign nationals mostly composed of Chinese, Koreans, Americans and Indians. In 2010, Philippine tourism was very much alive with nearly 3 million tourist arrivals.

With these figures, one can't help but wonder: just what makes the Philippines tick? Why has it become irresistible to foreigners? Being a Filipino, I’ve listed some of my own reasons. Feel free to share what you think about my list or add to it J

Product review: Human Nature's Moisturizing Shampoo

Last year, I decided to be "Little Miss Green Santa" and make Christmas gift giving a little more meaningful. I gave away Human Nature products as gifts to my friends. All Human Nature beauty and body care products are organic and chemical-free, and the packaging is biodegradable -- from the container to the ink they use for the label. Also, they are made in the Philippines using only locally-sourced materials and by Filipino hands. I chose to give away the Moisturizing Shampoo and Body Wash (Aloe Vera, Egg White and Mandarin) and the Strengthening Shampoo (Aloe Vera, Pearl Powder and Peppermint). My friends loved the idea; the only problem was, I have never used them on my own hair.