Lakarang QC: Goodfellas Burger

(I do not like their Buffalo Wings because it lacked the things I look for in my wings: texture (I like 'em buttery) and spicy!)

I prefer the Margharita Burger over the Goodfellas Burger. Love the pesto+tomato+cheese combo.

Kuya asked to take a photo of us with... these hats. No I'll never rock on of those.

Ribs- Comes second only to Cottage Kitchen's Ribs. . Prefer this over Rue Bourbon's version.

Goodfellas Steaks and Burger

T. Gener, Quezon City

Dress-up Korea (feeling blogger)

Forever 21 jacket, coat c/o Tech, Shoes by Zara

Zara windbreaker coat c/o Te Lani

Pink top from Forever 21, Pants from Pink, Shoes from Aldo, Bonnet from Dongdaemun Hat Section

 

Scarf (worn as headpiece) from Te Lani (at one of Insadong's stalls), Black Shorts c/o Tech, Gray sneakers bought at Gangnam Underground Marke

Jacket from H&M, H&M Dress, Layered top bought at Gangnam Underground Market, Red Scarf bought at Dongdaemun Stall, Uniqlo Tights,  H&M Shoes, 

The "In-flight" Seoul Guide

If you have 3 days where will you be?

1. Day 1- Visit the three majestic temples: explore the gardens, have the usual changing of the guards (personally I do not get this I prefer the former). Hit everything in one go? Go to the  Gwanghwamun Square, here you will see the ff: Tourism Office, the gigantic statue of King Sejong, the Presidential Office,   Cheonggyecheon  at night

Plus its very near YMCA. You can stay here for a) convenience- very near the metro and the underground market b) 24/7 food c) shopping- at the heart of the city- highlight: the big-ass Artbox store across the street.

2. Day 2- Where to stuff your heart out? and the non-so toursity trip if you are "feeling like a local"

b. Samcheongdonggil and the Hanok Village

SO pretty for pictures. Plus it has the best place for brunch.

Dinner/Late Lunch

                                       

a. Insadong

Unlike the antique and souvenirs sold in the area, this place serves one of the BEST BIBIMBAP (Gogung, in B2) I've tasted and the whole place reminds me of a better and bigger version of Cubao X: Hand-made artsy cutesy stuff. So cute for pasalubong.

c. Rodeo Street, Samsung Museum and Namsam Tower

Right in order, head first to Samsung for WONDERFUL selection of contemporary art around the world and get a glimpse of Korea's well-renowed exhibits across the globe. 

Take a short bit of detour to Namsam (I've been here once and that's all there is to it). I'll only go here for two things: the famous locks and the Teddy Bear Museum. Do me a favor and DO NOT GET YOURSELF A SHOT OF MANILA in the tower. It's been overdone already.

So if you have your Western food fixation, fulfill your cravings with those so called FOod trucks. It has a plus-size market as well. Prices not so cheap but I go here for the food truck. Period.

So, if you have energy to spare for shopping, I suggest heading of to Nangdameun and Dongdaemun for shopping. A bit expensive but sabi nga nila you get the better selection here. If you are too tamad to haggle.

Day 3: SHOPPING DAY!

Assuming, you still have energy (and cash to burn). Head off to Myeongdong. 

Brunch: Myeongdong Gyoza: Back entrance of Forever 21. Meh selections.ours here are better (and cheaper).It houses almost all Korean brands (esp. the makeup brands!!!). Go get your freebies and watch out for sales!! Last April, I went gaga: 70% for H&M goodies and 30% on Etude House. Plus tons of lootbags from Tony Moly, Skinfood etc.

Gangnam Underground

Yeah, the place I burned my cash. Bought myself 3 pairs of shoes, 5 tops. Score those goodies for 200-400 Pesos.

                                 

Ewha University

Feel like a local. I'd buy my bags and t-shirts here. Go for those cutesy stuff for Php200 Pesos or less. 

Best dinner: This kuya with potato tots and barbecue near Ministop just outside Exit 2 (where Coffee bean is).

                                    

If Day 3 turns out to be a weekend, you can also head off to Hongdae Flea Market right in the park of the famous university. You get to buy personalized, hand-made items. You can also visit the Trick Eye Museum for more photo ops. :)"

Ukay Baul

Scored ukay this month. A few from baguio and Fashion Dlight in Cubao. Prices have gone up ever since I started buying ukay. Back when the most expensive ukay purchase I could muster is Php100. Today, price can go as high as Php400. But stocks are quite "new". 

Anyway, I'm excited to share my latest purchase. Hopefully, I will get the chance to wear them. Its our little secret where I got them :)

Paisley Jacket

Embellished Sleeveless Dress

My ultimate floral, gack, i went giddy sa top cutouts

Fairy Tale inspired. This is one of those random purchases pero di ko alam where to wear.

  

Those oh so Flapper inspired dresses

 

On the Mountain (Sagada 2012)

It started when I was in Grade 1 for Sibika class. A six-year old wanted to go to Hagdang-hagdang Palayan, or at least a glimpse of  it. 2012, finally I was able to see Sagada and climb (and trek, and go spelunking in its caves). The view is breathtaking. The sunrise in Sagada is simply breathtaking. 

On another note, I might have to visit Sagada to...recreate this shot I had back in 2nd year college for immersion class. Yes fields and planting rice. 

Ok, on to my Sagada adventure. 


Day 1: Arrived at Sagada on a very foggy 6 am. Off to see the waterfalls. How hard can that be? 

Going to Bomod-ok Falls (Php600 for a group of less than 10) is a feat in itself. It's like going rock climbing without harness. But this 10 year old Korean kid (Shawn), managed to easily maneuver himself on rocky terrains so, I just HAD TO do it. If a 10 year old can do it, so can I. *and yes, I am wearing my Kraft Shirt, "Make it Happen". 

Day 2 is a test at how well I was in my TRX classes. I forced Mich and Rex to undergo the Cave Connection. (At least) a four hour trek with entry at the Burial or Lumiang Cave and exit at Sumaging Cave (Php400/pax). This involves some skill at CLIMBING, crawling and thrusting your body against boulders. 


Balancing act on a muddy trail and the crawl upwards will make you wanna curse Miley's song playing in your head "I can almost see it". But at least ONCE in your life, you should really  prepare oneself for this EXHAUSTING adventure. 

Compared to Puerto Princesa's Underground River, this one's quite rewarding. Being able to touch (and experience) the cave: crossing its walls, taking a dip in its cool waters and being able to view the coffins makes the trip worthwhile. 

Oh, and please do get Kuya Kirky Awingan as your tour guide. Super kalog as ever. (09297351140)

Davao Itinerary: R&R

My boss came up with a pretty neat itinerary which put me to shame. Where else would you get a color-coded itinerary, detailing an hourly breakdown of events in excel? Kabog ang skills ko.

Now off to the "more relaxing part of the trip".

1. SPA- After a tiring day 1, we treated ourselves to a good massage. I fell asleep the entire time, P250 for a full-hour body massage at Scents & Oil.

2. Food Comatose

                                   

What better way to indulge yourself than spend it munching around an unlimited array of dishes.

a. Buffet 1: Glamour

I am not a seafood fan. But if you love your aligue, Glamour fills her buffet selection with crab dishes (soup, coconut cooked, pancakes, etc).

b. Buffet 2: Apo View

Oddly enough, if you are part of the demographic that listens to 105.9, you might enjoy bands' renditions of love song classics. My favorite part? They cook your pasta right there. You have the option to choose your base ingredient and pasta (penne!). The seafood cream is a winner.

c. Buffet 3: Pearl Farm

Usual classics:  yummy pastel, wide array of dessert selections and baguette on the side. .

d. Buffet 4: Eden Nature Park

Fresh ingredients: As part of the tour, you can actually see what goes in the salad buffet. You can also take home some of the ingredients in the shop near the restaurant. Dine with peacocks as well, as they can freely roam  the outdoor part of the resto.

3. Nature tripping

                                           

Looking for team building activities? You can try daring them to go to the Zipline. Or for a more relaxed vacation? a day tour at Pearl Farm for some R&R. (Don't forget to ask for your free towels and wash room).

River Rafting First Timer (Davao Part 1)

I was never into outdoor activities. As part of our Davao itinerary is to experience river rafting in Tamugan River, an hour away from Crocodile Farm. It was part of a package we availed (Davao Wildwater Adventure). The P2000 package includes your own photographer (aside from the raft guide). Your very own photos and videos as you get washed away. This also comes with free entrance to Zip City, Tribu K'mindanawan and Butterfly House.

Come in prepared.

a. Bring in your phone and set a meeting time. The transpo takes 2 hours (back and forth), the whole rafting experience takes about 3 hours (13-km River stretch).  For people picking you up, there's a fee if you go inside the premises of the Crocodile Farm. (The drop point is inside the facility). Don't worry, the placed has its own safety box, which will come in handy to what I am going to tell you next.

b. The 'gears':

1.  Brightly colored Aqua shoes.

These pretty things come in handy for trips to beaches, rivers, what have yous. Not only does it protect you from the heat when you have your breaks or when you are walking on sand (by lunchtime), it also keeps your feet safe from edgy surfaces of rocks while rafting. 

2. Rashguard

I got heavily burnt. Even our guide is wearing one of these. Protects you from the heat and makes it easier to move vs a bulky soaked tshirt. Easier to paddle your way around.

3. Armada Sport SPF 70 

Apply generously on your face, arms and thigh. Then again, there's always Vandol to treat your sun burnt skin.

The experience? 

It was unforgettable. Nothing beats having lunch in the jungle or drifting freely on a hot, summer afternoon. For beginners, better to try it when water level is slightly lower/still as you get to have breaks and less likely to fall on the edge when you reach "challenging areas". 

Don't forget to work those abs out as part of "rescuing" a man overboard is holding the shoulder straps on his/her lifevest and pulling him upwards. 

Try to keep the balance. When faced with a huge rock that might topple your boat,  you can stay in the middle or avoid being knocked down by  rowing (and not just screaming when you see the next big wave). Wink.

Have fun!