Sen. Miriam in swimsuit

As I tried to relax after long hours of reading I switched on the tv and and to my astonishment I saw Sen. Miriam Santiago in a bikini. Wow!

She will be featured in the next episode of Powerhouse (yes, not Penthouse.. lol) on GMA News TV Channel 11 this Tuesday, April 24 at 8:00PM. A MUST SEE!

What a stress buster!

Poignant Potipot

Potipot Island

This quick island getaway trip has been on my mind for quite sometime. My need for a relaxing vacation before the Holy week is really gnawing at me so as soon as the sky cleared up from the rain, off we went. For some of you who just needs to let off some stress but feeling adventurous at the same time, this is one place I would recommend. The place is just a few hours away from Manila.

Here's to let you know how our trip to Potipot island was.

Potipot Island Getaway (March 31-April 2, 2012)

Saturday, March 31, 2012
TIME	PARTICULARS	REMARKS
5:30AM - 9:00 AM	Departure from Antipolo to Subic via car	>NLEX Toll fee: P45.00 (San Fernando Exit) >SCTEX Toll fee: P112.00 (Dinalupihan Entry)
9:00AM - 9:30AM	Stop Over at Subic (SBMA)	>Engine & Battery Check, Restroom and Snacks
10:00AM - 12:00NN	Exit SBMA (via Kalakalan Gate) go straight to Castillejos until San Narciso Junction. Turn right at the juction to enter town proper and pass by towns San Felipe, Cabangan & Iba	>Photo ops of scenery, lahar riversand mountain ranges >Watch DVD
12:00NN - 12:30PM	Stop over at Iba	> Lunch at Jollibee
12:30PM - 2:00PM	Exit Iba then pass by towns of Masinloc & Candelaria where you'll see the signs of Dawal Beach Resort along the national road. Arrival at Dawal	>Upon arrival confirm reservation for the next day and arrange boat transfer to Potipot Island (P400/boat/6pax)
2:00PM - 2:10PM	Boat ride to Potipot Island	>Waterproof everything
2:10PM - 2:30PM	Set up Camp
2:30PM - 4:30PM	Island activities	>Snorkeling >Photo Ops >Tour the whole island (for 20 mins)
4:30PM - 5:30PM	Cook dinner	Pre-cooked meals are more convenient. Don't forget to bring plenty of drinking water
5:30PM - 9:00PM	Dinner	Night socials, bonfire
9:00PM	Lights out	Secure all things inside the tent before going to dreamland
Sunday, April 01, 2012
TIME	PARTICULARS	REMARKS
6:30AM - 7:30AM	Breakfast
7:30AM - 10:00AM	Island Activities	>Snorkeling >Photo Ops at the famous driftwood >Last tour of the whole island (for 20 mins) >Sunbathing
10:00AM - 11:00AM	Break camp. Boat Transfer to Dawal resort
11:00AM - 12:00NN	Check in at Dawal resort	Complete the payment for the reservations (P1,600/2pax) and go for lunch.
12:00NN - 3:00PM	Siesta	ZZzzzzz
3:00PM - 6:00PM	Resort activities	Free: Pool, Beach Volleyball court With pay: Billiards, Table tennis, Darts, massage
6:00PM - 7:00PM	Dinner at the restaurant	Set meal: P120-160/pax Ala carte: P200+
Monday, April 02, 2012
TIME	PARTICULARS	REMARKS
7:00AM - 8:00AM	Breakfast	>Cook your own
8:00AM - 9:00AM	Swimming pool
9:00AM - 10:00AM	Prep for Departure	>Check out at Dawal Beach Resort
10:00AM - 1:00PM	Road trip to SBMA	Pasalubong: mangga along the road (P50/kilo)
1:00PM - 4:00PM	Lunch and Side trip at SBMA	>Duty Free shopping @ Royal
4:00PM - 7:00PM	Arrival at Manila	Home sweet home

POTIPOT EXPENSES
Gas: P2,000 - Full tank
Accomodation (Dawal): P1,600/2pax
Food
     Island; P1,000/2pax
     Resort: P160/meal
     Road: P100/pax (Jollibee)
Boat Transfer: P400/boat/6pax
Overnight fee at Potipot: P300/pax
Pasalubong:
      Mangga: P100/2kilos
      Duty free shopping; P1,500 (mostly chocolates)

CONTACTS:
Dawal Beach Resort & Restaurant
Bo. Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales
Mobile nos:
0919-5730952
0920-6651577
0916-7231108
www.dawal.com.ph
reservations@dawal.com.ph


Pictures from the trip. Enjoy!

Moonlit sky with shooting star

Shoreline enveloped with moonlight

Night view of the resorts from Potipot island

View behind our camping area

Look who just flew in!

Centralized "ihawan"

The other side  of the island

The Campsite

Beach front

Cam whoring with my beau

Survivor Potipot (Celebrity double???)

 

Another large space behind our campsite

Right side view of the beach front

The Famous Driftwood

Back view of the campsite

View of the Potipot island from Dawal resort

Left side view of the beach front

Sunny smile!

Dawal Beach Resort

Summer Pool Workout

     It's another hot summer day and I'm looking for a place to break a sweat without the risk of a heat stroke. Running is definitely out of the question but I really need to burn those extra calories. The local village swimming pool is off limits (some party is being held there at the moment) so Rey suggested we head to Philippine Sports Complex (PhilSports Complex, formerly known as Ultra) and do our summer pool workout there.

     I developed a knack for swimming way back in college. It was my last year in the university and I still need to finish 3 more units of P.E. class. Choosing between volleyball and swimming, I chose the latter. I love water and being a Pisces, it hurts my ego knowing I could not even go beyond the shore to enjoy the water without the fear of drowning. It's very embarrassing at my age back then because everyone in the family practically moves like a mermaid whenever they get near any body of water and I'm... well I look like a drowning kitty next to them, so to say. I earnestly learned any lesson there has to be learned and practiced during every spare time I had. After graduating that semester, I never looked at the water the same way again and the rest was history.

Outrageous Orange Monster!

     Because of my love for water and the sport, I began teaching others for free, my boyfriend being one of them and now my greatest opponent. A good student always surpasses his master's skills so I'm OK with that. That would only mean I'm a good teacher, yeah? :)

     If you really love to swim but can't get out of the city because of work or because you are really short on budget, there are many public pools around Manila where you can splash around. (I will mention a list of public pools on separate post) Here at Ultra Pool, entrance fee is only PhP 60.00. They are closed on Mondays for cleaning. Best days to swim is every Tuesday (cleanest day) and Sunday where there are only few swimmers to bump to.

Let's always stay fit and healthy, fabulous and happy! Swim away those calories!

Ultra Pool

University of Life / Philippine Sports Commission - Ultra Pool

Augustin 1 Building, Meralco Ave., Pasig City

(02) 635-0102

Pool Details

Amenities: Showers, Locker Rooms

Activities Offered: Lap Swimming

Admission/Rates: Visitors (adult): PHP 60 (as of March 2012)

Additional Scheduling Information: Except for holidays and special events, hours are 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. Tuesday through Sunday, with a break from noon to 1 P.M.

Diving plank

Pool Specifications

Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor 

Pool Length: 50 Meters

Pool Width: 20 Meters

Pool Depth: 4-8 feet

Lanes: 10 

Heated/Unheated: Unheated

Chlorine-Free: Yes

Jumbling Japonica

ramp modeling along H.V. Dela Costa Street (photo c/o Joy)

     Weekly habit with the girls is at Japonica this time to celebrate my dear friend Harriet's upcoming birthday. I suggested the place to them early this week because I was really craving for something Japanese.

     Having made the reservation, we also decided to put a little spice on the occasion and really dressed up for it, Asian style. Yeah! Ain't that cute! If not for our jobs, we would have tried cosplaying instead. lol

Mini Sukiyaki Nabe

     Japonica is a nice, quiet Japanese restaurant for casual dining. It has a grand view of the busy H.V. Dela Costa Street. Towering condo and commercial buildings provide shade from any direct sunlight in the place thus the reason why there are no blinds or tints for its wide glass windows. Not the usual place to hang-out though (yes, no music) but very conducive for mealtime. It is bright, clean and free of distractions.

     Yes, no distractions. Hay. Mr. Swag hunting was cancelled for the time being. No prospects sighted.

Kani Salad

     For the appetizers, we ordered  Gyoza, California Maki and Kani Salad. I enjoyed their Gyoza even without the sauce.

     For entree, the choices are Mini Sukiyaki Nabe (Japanese beef hot pot), Ebi Tempura Lunch Set (fried breaded-shrimps and Hamburger Steak & Ebi Fry Lunch set. The Sukiyaki dish was good. All ingredients were blended well to my liking. I even ate the whole pot with no rice. Like what Harriet said, it deserves a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating.

Gyoza

     No desserts were ordered. We decided to transfer to our cafe tambayan and had our desserts there.

Hamburger Steak & Ebi Fry Lunch Set

Rating:

Ambiance: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Food: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Japonica Japanese Cafe and Kitchen

2nd Level, Liberty Plaza, H.V. Dela Costa cor. Valero St.,

Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

(+63 2) 884-2148

Movie Review: The Devil Inside

     I saw its trailer 2 weeks ago and looked very promising. When I finally saw it today, it was only fairly ok. I like the realistic way of their acting but the fake, hand shakes of the cameraman/actor is displeasing to the senses. The movie is clearly a low-budgeted one but I am awed by its effects. The contortionist actress, Pixie Le Knot, portrayed her role really well as a possesed woman. Like Clover field and Blair Witch movies, the movie was 'bitin'.

"Connect the cuts, connect the cuts, connect the cuts..."

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Suddenly Salsa

     A planned reunion of fellow researchers commenced at last! Former colleagues decided to meet up in Greenbelt and set up a video chat with Froi, who now lives in New Jersey. Everyone present seems so excited to see each other. I was hoping to take a nap before going to the meeting place but sleep seems impossible already. I was too giddy. And there they were, the same 'ol group, with  few pounds taken off from them. Everyone looked slimmer than the last time I saw them. Mommy Cheng, you really surprised me. I love the legs! Hahaha. Yvette, with still the same glamarosa aura I like. Kelly, my lovely Mrs. Smith (yes, I agree, for me you are no Nina Fuentes but an Angelina). Vin, my fellow GERD brother, why must this happen to us! Ian, I still can't believe how you've maintain that body all these years. It's all those marathons' fault noh? Jigs, you're late but that's fine, still as good looking as ever, I forgive you. Hahaha.

     Everyone is healthy, happy and hungry. Yes, I'd say they all looked great and I'm just glad we had this reunion this year, 2012, before the end of the world. Anyway, going back to the reunion...never-ending and untold stories were told; crazy antics were revived; updates on current life were revealed. Sadly, some were not able to make it but that's fine, they have to make it up next time (you know who you are, hmp!). Besides, the fun must continue.

     The group first decided to go to Glorietta 5 and see where we can set up a laptop. After what seemed like 30 mins of strolling around, looking for a suitable place to eat and hang out, we came to a decision to just go and find some diner along Makati Ave, near A.Venue and landed at Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar.

Hot Sauce Collection

Sarap ng Kanin-Baboy 

     It's a nice and cozy  typical Mexican diner of some sort so we just planned to have our stomachs filled and change to another place to chill and have some booze. We ordered huge servings of burritos and taco salads. They also have this huge collection of hot sauces from tabasco to hot insane ones. I haven't tried their margarita though. Too bad I can't take in any spicy food or alcoholic drinks anymore due to my GERD, right Vin?

Mirror mirror on the ball

     Upon entering the diner, I noticed the big vacant area inside. I thought at first that maybe this place provides jamming sessions for bands who'd like to play their thing but then again there were no instruments there. At 11:00 pm, much to our surprise, the place was transformed into a mini dancing hall and we were all asked by Reana, the event host, to join Salsa 101.

Focus!

     I have always loved dancing but never learned Salsa. Without hesitation, I stood up and found myself a place for the tutorial. Together with my friends, we breezed the dance floor and just let our feet do the talking this time. It was a great night! Everybody was enjoying the lessons. I immediately got into the groove and danced the night away.

Midshift

Dancing the night away

     After the lessons, the real Salsa dancing took place. A lot of salseros, (both male and female; Pinoy and foreigners) were there and danced like no one was watching. Everyone seems to have a world of their own on the dance floor. I so envy them. I miss dancing like that, like sweat is blending with your emotions as you sway away to the beat of the music. Its sooo hot and sexy. It's a must see and FEEL event! Let me just practice some more and I shall return.

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

7838 Makati Avenue, Makati (Infront of A.Venue)
Schedule of Salsa Events: Every Saturday
10:30 PM - 10:45 PM Salsa Lessons
10:45 PM - 4:00 AM   Anything-goes Salsa

Ratings
Food: 3 out of 5 stars
Event: 5 out of 5 stars

P.S. Thank you Vin for the photos and Jigs for the title

Waxing Season

     Summer is officially here and it's waxing season. I'm sure everyone is busy looking for the best beach tour bargain this March, my birthday month. So together with that, bikini shopping and waxing comes next. Summer = less clothes + more skin exposure. Everybody wants to look best in their sexy swimsuits so you don't want to be caught dead wearing any outfit with hairs poking out, right? It's just too appalling if someone sees you like that so I went to my regular appointment just to be ready for any unexpected trip to any body of water.

Cubicle at SM Marikina, my fave branch

     As I made my visit with Lay Bare recently, the only waxing salon I trust btw, I remembered my first Brazilian wax experience. It was more than a year ago when an idea struck me together with my Nursing classmates: "How does it feel to be bare down there again like a small girl?" Hehehe. Curiousity strikes again! They made me guinea pig it. I have no problems with that so I conditioned my mind by reading articles about Brazilian wax just to ease up my tension. Keep in mind that there are no room for shyness and embarrassment here,  their personnel is very professional. My classmates had to wait outside the reception area, anticipating any screams that I would be making, while I lay bare on a salon bed. Prior to that I took 2 tablets of ibuprofen to counter any discomfort I may feel during the procedure. Preparations were done but nothing really could prepare you until you've had the taste of the excruciating pain of hairs being pulled out from the most sensitive skin area of your body.

     Holy Mother of God! Torture! I'm not going to sugar-coat my reaction. It's best that you know this early on.  First timers, you really have to deal with the pain. It's a given fact. The waxed area will be red, puffy and stinging like hell. No pain, no beauty...er gain, whatever. Think of it as part of an initiation rite needed for making yourself more beautiful down there. Its okay, everyone experienced that. But once you get past the first wax, you'll eventually learn to tolerate the pain and feel better. 

And now on the positive side, after the stingy feeling fades away, you'll feel naked. Its breezy, clean, smooth, and light, feeling like a little girl again. Confidence level increases as well. That's the secret of models having their photos taken wearing an itsy-bitsy-tiny-winy bikini. Make yourself a model too! You're sexy and you know it!

Happy summer waxing!