Mint M&M's

Okay, I feel like blogging today and the latest photo that I have on my phone is the photo of the mint M&M's that I got from our trip to Florida last June. I'm actually trying to post via my phone using the Bloggerdroid for Blogger (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger&hl=en)

Back to the chocolates, yes surprisingly, I have been very conservative on consuming all our chocolates in one go so I was able to keep some must try's that I got from our vacation. I got the two uncommon flavors the raspberry and the mint flavors. Below is the packaging of the Mint one.



This mint one has the crunchy green shaded candy colored coating protecting the delicious dark chocolate inside. It was minty and at the same time slightly bitter as what dark chocolates should taste like. This is a must try M&M's flavor!

My Destination Wish List

As many of you know, I am a travel buff. I love to see different places and experience different cultures. I love meeting new people from around the Globe, it just brings out the humanity in me - far from being enclosed in the four corners of my work life. During my travels I made sure I bring home a lot of pictures and stories from my trip to share with my family and friends. It is, I think, the best pasalubong, I can give them - sharing my experience in a foreign land. But even though I have seen a lot of places I still have locations that I seek to visit even at least once in my lifetime!

And guess what? I've just heard of the latest good news in traveling the Philippines and the World. AirAsia Zest flies from Manila now! Yes you've read that right! AirAsia and Zest are now partners and is introducing its new brand name as AirAsia Zest. Before, AirAsia's hub is only in Clark, Pampanga but since they would love the fellow Filipinos to be closer to fly and see different places the AirAsia Zest NAIA Terminal 4 is now within reach to cater to locations where the World's Best Low Cost Airline is known for. Now it is now easy and convenient to Travel in Asia with AirAsia.

They have different flights to/from the following local destinations: Cebu, Davao, Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Cagayan De Oro and the following international destinations: Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Shanghai, Incheon.

As AirAsia Zest may now take you to your destination at affordable prices, budget friendly air fares are now on our way and so I have yet again have a list of places that I would like to see.

Here are the locations I would love to see:

1. Davao - The Land of Promise
    

Image Source: http://www.davaoportal.com & http://spotsindavao.blogspot.com

The beach and the sand are my two best vacation must haves. I always see to it that I will be able to go swimming! I love getting sun-burned so I wasn't afraid of taking long swims under the sun and especially if I'm in a very nice and luxurious resort. I would love to be in Pearl Farm Resort in Davao and experience sleeping on the houses on stilts. It is also part of my bucket list to see the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao.

2. Puerto Princesa

Image Source: http://world.new7wonders.com

Being part of the new 7 wonders of the world, I don't know why I still haven't been to Palawan. I am excited to see the Underground River. It's such a beauty in photos and as some of my friends have told me, it was really a sight to behold.

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petronas_Towers

Malaysia Truly Asia. Oh yes, that's one of the phrases that I've never forgotten so it is part of my travel bucket list to at least set foot in this wonderful country in our continent. I would love to see the Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur Tower, the Aquaria at KLCC and visit the newest attraction of Legoland Malaysia (being a fan of theme parks, I'm sure I shouldn't miss this). The beautiful merging of tall skyscrapers and the traditional culture of Malaysian people is something that I am most eager to experience first hand.

4. Shanghai, China

Image Source: http://english.eastday.com/e/top10/u1a5439985.html

Being of a Chinese descent, I am most eager to visit China. The closest I've been to was Hong Kong but I've never set foot to mainland China, not yet. I would love to see Yu Yuan Garden as it is one of the biggest Chinese garden expanding to over 5 acres of land. I would also like to taste the original Chinese cuisine (food buff alert!). Of course, shopping in China is also on top of my list and would like to see the shopping district of Nanjing Lu.

5. Incheon, South Korea

Yes, yes, yes. I've been to Incheon December of last year (2012) but I am still putting it on my list. Why? Because I just love this city! It was a bustling metro and yet in the middle of the modern world I am able to immerse into the ancient culture of the queens and kings, of the palaces and of the old Korean traditions of clothing. South Korea is so fun for me that my one time visit is not enough to explore more of the city's beauty and fun.

First Flight via AirPhil Express

Another trip to Cebu leads me to have my first flight with AirPhil Express (the domestic carrier of Philippine Airlines). Before my trip I was already half-expecting that our flight will get delayed as I have already heard such feedback (numerous of it) that it usually has its delays on departing and arrivals.

Our flight to Cebu is waiting at the tarmac

 We have a flight at 10PM and I was assuming we will end up departing at 11PM, but I was wrong. We even have arrived to our destination 5 mins in advance. The flight attendants are also not in their "busangot" mode. They are cheerful and neat attendants. With the free baggage allowance that AirPhil is giving to all its flights, it will not be a surprise to me that Cebu Pacific will eventually lose some of its loyal customers as they have already removed the free baggage allowance for ALL flights.

So, as for me, I am looking forward to flying with AirPhil again. Rumors are just plain rumors. Try to book a flight at its low rates and experience them yourselves.

 

Flying with A320 airbus

Headrest inside the Airbus

Road Trip to Camarines Sur

For the New Year, I went to CamSur to celebrate my last vacation for 2010. It was a long 12 hour drive from Quezon City. We left Quezon City at 330am and we've reached Naga City by 2pm. Then it may took you another 30mins to reach CWC where we intend to stay. It was a long drive especially when all the places seems to be part of Quezon all the time. There are no exciting views and side trips along the way which makes the travel quite boring for sightseeing. 

However I was thrilled when we drove through "bitukang manok" road which is a very steep and zigzaggy road in Quezon. I thought Zigzags are in Baguio only. I was then proven wrong, this road is more dangerous and steep. 

Approaching Alaminos, you may already see some bodies of water (part of the sea), but they seems to be dirty and not properly taken care of. It was a some sort of industrialized port where trash, oil and dirt come to one place. 

Going to CamSur is also tricky for us first time travellers. There are so many alternate routes yet so little road signs. We did end up re-routing a couple of times. Adventure wise the 12 hour trip is worth it! Below is the map going to CamSur.

Water Camp Resort of Cavite

During a reunion with my grandmother's relatives I was able to see the Water Camp Resort beside the famous Josephine's Restaurant in Kawit, Cavite. It has four swimming pools: lazy river, children's pool, dunk pool (with 2 level slides) and an adult pool. The resort is huge enough for normal outings but I believe it can be crowded during the summer season. For daytour access, there are tents and tables for renting for as low as Php200. For overnight accomodation, they hage rooms available for as low as Php1,400. The resort is located at Water Camp, Panamitan, Kawit, Cavite.

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Las Casas Filipinas Plaza de Castro

This is the second time around that we went to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. This should be a very wonderful place for us to go the second time around to bring the family and friends. Being with its patriotic style of an environment it was indeed full of history and stories. The photo above is the Plaza de Castro's (named from kabayan Noli de Castro himself) huge fountain composed of the three Maria Claras who's faces were inspired by the owners wife, Mrs. Acuzar. Photo taken using my FxCamera in medium vignette of yellow setting.

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Zest Air Manila-Singapore Service is Fake

I was supposed to fly to Singapore this coming Feb 12-16 via Zest Air. We were already done with our booking and payment via their website. Our tickets which were good for 2 adults round trip airfare summed up to 16K++. With all the announcements even includes top media websites, we assumed that all is already well with its international flights to Singapore.

Unfortunately, it was not.

At January 29, we observed that all the International destinations were removed from their booking form (website). So then we questioned, why? We called their hotline at 855-3333 and inquired about our flight. We were then informed that all the Singapore flights were canceled due to the lack of the necessary operational requirements for the airline to fly internationally (Singapore) until further notice. With this being said, how come they were able to issue press statements and even allowed booking when they are not yet authorized to fly to Singapore?!? I hate the fact that they just scammed all those clients who booked their flight and paid them already.

Yes they are offering a refund but this "refund" is to be given to clients 40-60 days from request! They eventually just used our money to whatever purposes they may seemed to have to profit. They profit through scamming people. Yes, Scam. Which as defined by Merriam-Webster, a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation. They deceived the people that everything is ready for flight which in reality is not.

And the worst of all, they didn't inform their clients personally that the flights were canceled. No announcements were made. You can even check their website then call the hotline to confirm everything which I have said. They just waited for the client to call them and inform them of this maltreatment. Zest air's practices are very unprofessional and is not business worthy.

I will never fly with Zest Air.

Baguio Vacation Trips

For those going to Baguio via your own transportation and is planning to visit the key tourist spots of the city, please be aware that Baguio City has its ordinance of removing the vehicle's plate numbers in case you are caught illegal parking. A lot of "No Parking" signs are found in the Baguio Metro. Also seeing that many other vehicles are parked in a "No Parking Zone" doesn't assure you of not getting a ticket. In many cases that I have seen, each and every car will be issued a ticket. In order to bail your car's plate number, you need to go to Police Station 7 and bail it for 300 pesos w/ receipt. Make sure you have a receipt for in many cases the officials are allegedly making some bargains to 250 pesos fine w/o receipt (which you would be the judge to where it goes).

At any rate as observed, they strike all days of the week except during holidays. And most cars ticketed are those found along the "No Parking" signs of Burnham Park. When you thought it's okay to park, but it isn't.

However, I can't find anything like ordinances, or laws of Baguio related to this on the internet. If I found one, I will surely post them here.

Simple tip to motorists: Be Careful On Where You Park. They don't tow, but they do remove your plate numbers.

Anvaya Cove - Summer Escapade

With the kindness of an anvaya cove member, I was able to visit and stayed over the weekend at Anvaya Cove which is Ayala Land Premiere's first-ever developed seaside leisure community. The anvaya cove however, is a membership-exclusive community and is not available to public without a valid member's authorization.

Anvaya Cove is located at Morong, Bataan and is a 3-hour drive from Manila. (If the traffic is not bad along Balintawak, it would take you 2.5 hours.)

Directions:
- In order to get there, travel via North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and exit at Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) exit (after Dau). Toll fee would range P138.00 + 36.00.


-Then enter SCTEX following the directions to Subic which is about 42km. Exit at Tipo SCTEX exit. Toll fee P112.00.

- Enter SBMA gate. Toll fee P18.00 and follow the Anvaya Cove signs (green logo). You may also follow the Morong Gate signs since you need to exit SBMA via the South Morong Gate. (Strict compliance of traffic signs in effect inside SBMA)

-Follow the winding road. Anvaya Cove signs are available for your comfort at every junction turns.
Once you're there you'll experince relaxation and enjoyment at its best. Sobrang gandaaaaa! Love it! The facilities are great. With the pool and the beach available, we enjoyed it talaga.

Peaceful and relaxing. I swam and swam and swam... hehehe.. The pool was warm when we arrived on a Saturday (parang hot spring), pero nung Sunday, it was cool na. The beach was good too. Though the waves are really huge on the shoreline there are low-waves portion for you to enjoy beach swimming.

Anvaya Cove facilities and overall structure was nice. The villa structures were composed of 4-5 separate rooms in bungalow or 2-story structures. The welcome pavillon was good too. There is a long wooden bridge that connects the pavillon with the main resort pool and beach. It was separated by a lagoon. There's the bamboo cafe (where we ate our dinner and breakfast), game lounge (with game consoles ps3,wii, xbox, boardgames etc...), souvenir shop, library, beach bar and grill, bath house, pool complex, massage huts and viewing deck which is 4 stories high.


The pool is clean, well-filtered and clear. It was also well-supervised by the lifeguards. I took some underwater pictures with my digital camera with aquapro and the pictures were good.








The beach was clean and the sand was fine (not white though). We played beach volleyball there and you can also do your tanning with the sun-bathing benches along the shoreline. It was also well-supervised by the lifeguards.





The food in the cafe was not too expensive as we would expect. It was priced like other grills here in Metro Manila. The buffet breakfast was sumptuous. With the cafe decorated with koi ponds and stones, you'll eat very relaxed without pressure. hehehe...








Overall I give this resort 5-stars. So if you know some member who will be kind enough to let you enjoy the facilities, all you need is about 6-7.5k for accommodation, about 2k for your food expenses and about 2k also for your other activities and you'll experience being serviced by the first-ever ayala managed resort in Morong Bataan. With ayala corporation known for its design and luxury, this is a resort you shouldn't miss.


And yeah, I forgot, club carts are available to do back and forth transfers from villa to pavillon. :) And the resort crew were hospitable and friendly. and Haay... sarap magsummer. I am looking forward to come back again. It was worth every penny.