Sunday, April 01, 2018
BY Pinay Ramblings
2 Comments
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Wednesday, August 02, 2017
BY Pinay Ramblings0
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Bohol is a tropical island paradise in the Southern part of Philippines. From Manila, you can reach Bohol in just an hour by plane. It wasn’t a well-planned vacation on our part, but since we never got to swim with the whale sharks in Bicol (thanks to the typhoon!), we were itching to go diving somewhere and I thought of Bohol.
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Dive Thru Resort, Panglao Island, Bohol |
You will never run out of things to do in Bohol; from snorkelling to island hopping, to scuba diving, to visiting chocolate hills, seeing the endangered Tarsiers etc.—you will wish you have stayed longer. First thing I opted to do is island hopping!
Boatman (he looks like a 14-yr old kid...and I have a feeling he is!) |
Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary, Bohol, Philippines |
Is this Nemo? :) |
The underwater camera we purchased didn't work so I was forced to buy a plastic case for my phone and I used it to take underwater pics. Too bad I couldn't take it with me deeper.
yellow coral |
Next stop is Virgin Island...it is about 15 mins away from Balicasag Island.
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Virgin Island, Bohol Philippines |
Its pristine white sands, clear blue waters, and a relaxing island vibe sounds more like a cliche for beach bums who have had their fair share of awesome beaches, but this tiny island (more like a sandbar), took my breath away.
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Tourists in Virgin Island |
I don't think these people minded getting burnt too! :) |
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Thursday, July 20, 2017
BY Pinay Ramblings0
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I have been suffering from irregular periods for some time now. I was being so paranoid and was imagining all kinds of scenarios. What if I have cancer? My mom had cervical cancer so my paranoia wasn't so far fetched.
I decided to end this emotional torture so I went to the clinic near me.
Dra. Dionisio was very nice and friendly. She explained to me some possible causes of my irregular period and told me that an ultrasound is needed to determine the root cause.
I decided to end this emotional torture so I went to the clinic near me.
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Waiting area; The Medical City @ Makati |
The Medical City is actually nice and very organized. Dra. Elsa Dionisio was only available from 1pm to 2 pm and it's on a first come first served basis. She only accepts a maximum of 6 patients that day so you better be there early.
I was there around 11:30am, got a number and waited till they called my name. I filled up some paperwork and was told to wait until the doctor comes in. Luckily Dra. Dionisio came in early and my waiting time was cut short.
I have prepared a list of my symptoms and she ordered a transvaginal ultrasound immediately.
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Photo from rawstory.com |
Dra. Dionisio was very nice and friendly. She explained to me some possible causes of my irregular period and told me that an ultrasound is needed to determine the root cause.
It turns out I have a cyst on my right ovary but she assured me that it's nothing serious. With proper medication, it should be gone in a few weeks. I'm sooo glad I wasn't diagnosed with PCOS or worse ~ a malignant tumor!
I should have gotten my checkup months before! Procastination has real consequences when it comes to going to the doctor. Do not prolong your suffering..just go to the doctor and get your much needed checkup!
In case you are wondering about the cost of transvaginal ultrasound, it is Php 2,025 and the consultation fee is Php 500. With my medication included, the total is around Php3,875. It's actually cheap! 😄
Are you having irregular periods? Don't wait any longer! Go to your nearest OB Gyne now!
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Thursday, June 08, 2017
BY Pinay Ramblings0
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Metromart.com |
I was shopping for pet food at Pet Express when I saw a flyer for Metromart. Going to Pet Express here in Makati can be a pain in the ass for me since it's along Osmena Highway. It is just a few blocks away from me and I should be able to walk there but crossing Osmena Highway is kinda tricky and scary.
Thank God I found out about Metromart! Now I don't have to cross the highway or drive there just to buy cat litter and pet food! For just 40 pesos, I can have it all delivered to me. I have ordered at www.metromart.com twice already and it was very convenient. They even delivered it in less than 90 minutes.
For those who are too lazy to go grocery shopping, Metromart also delivers products from Family Mart, Harvester's, DELI, and etc. They offer same-store prices and if your orders are above Php 1,000, delivery is free of charge.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Thursday, June 01, 2017
BY Pinay Ramblings0
Comments
Living in the city and a wannabe farmer at the same time? Yeah, that's me. I love plants but I'm not sure if plants love me. I bought several potted plants over the years but they never seem to last in my garden.
They would die within a month even if I provide ample water and sunlight. Just a month ago I have this beautiful potted daisy and thought it's going to live but oh boy..it only lasted 2 weeks. A caterpillar ate the leaves till nothing was left. I removed one and I thought that's about it. I didn't notice right away that there were 2 of them till it's too late.
I read about planting tomatoes in pots and it seemed pretty easy to do so I tried it. I didn't even need to use seedlings. I used tomato seeds fresh from the tomato fruit. It only took 3 days to germinate. And here it is now at 3 weeks. 😃
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Thursday, May 11, 2017
BY Pinay Ramblings0
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I've been seeing Kuya J's commercial for some time now and I often wondered about their food. They only got a few branches around the metro so I had to Google a branch near me.
The nearest branch that I can find is the one in Waltermart Makati so we headed there for lunch.
We ordered Sisig, crabmeat fried rice, chopsuey, tokwa't baboy and mango cheesecake for dessert.
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Tokwa't baboy |
Their tokwa't baboy is to die for!
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Sizzling sisig |
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Crabmeat fried rice |
Crabmeat fried rice was good too and the serving size is quite big.
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Iced tea pitcher |
Their Iced tea was quite good although I wish it was served freezing cold.
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Mangga cheesecake |
Mangga cheesecake was too sweet and had too much syrup. I didn't like it.
Kuya J's has both hits and misses just like any other restaurant. Will I go back there? Definitely!
In case you were wondering about the price, it was very affordable and good value for your money.
Sisig - 190 php
Tokwa't baboy - 190
Chopsuey - 155
Crab rice - 175
Iced tea pitcher - 120
Mangga cheesecake - 260 (2pcs)
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Total was only 1,090
Kuya J's has both hits and misses just like any other restaurant. Will I go back there? Definitely!
In case you were wondering about the price, it was very affordable and good value for your money.
Sisig - 190 php
Tokwa't baboy - 190
Chopsuey - 155
Crab rice - 175
Iced tea pitcher - 120
Mangga cheesecake - 260 (2pcs)
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Total was only 1,090
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Tuesday, May 02, 2017
BY Pinay Ramblings0
Comments
Bridge to Taipa |
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Casinos in Macau |
L'arc Hotel in Macau |
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Senado Square at night |
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St. Paul ruins |
Tourists heading to St. Paul |
Monte Forte (Fortaleza do Monte) |
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Staff holding a restaurant sign |
The city's ancestral houses, colonial squares, and well-preserved ruins undeniably complements Macau's colorful past. Discover the stories behind those ruin walls and get enchanted with it. Macau is indeed not just a gambler's haven after all.
Monday, May 1, 2017
Monday, May 01, 2017
BY Pinay Ramblings
3 Comments
Macau is a culture bonanza open to all. Thanks to the Portuguese, Macau represents an exotic blend of Oriental and Western influences. Having been a Portuguese territory for almost 500 years, it developed a rather unique culture.
You will never run out of hotel choices--from cheap to expensive accommodations, Macau has it all and most of them are renowned for exceptional services and luxurious comfort. I stayed at Hotel Lisboa in Macau. Their superior room is about $170/night during low season.
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Hotel Lisboa |
The hotel is only a few minutes away from Senado Square and other attractions. In fact, you can walk all the way from your hotel to several Macau attractions. Ladies, wear light and comfortable walking shoes! It is a bit hard to get a cab at night from Senado Square, so if your hotel is nearby, prepare to just walk! I ended up with blisters on my feet one night coz I wore high heels and there were no cabs available (been waiting for about 30 mins or more) so I decided to just walk back to the hotel.
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Senado Square at night |
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Macau Recipes menu |
Since other restaurants were full, I crossed the road adjacent to Senado Square and found Pizza Hut! Pizza Hut saved the night! Though it is not the usual Pizza Hut that I'm used to, it's at least decent and somewhat familiar and clean! I ordered their Lasagne which is a bit different but still yummy. It is smothered in a tangy minced meat sauce and comes with melted cheese and creamy mashed potato. Prepare about USD $20 for a full meal in Pizza Hut Macau.
Noite e Dia Café in Hotel Lisboa is awesome! They offer a wide selection of Japanese, Cantonese dim sum, Chinese barbecue, and Western dishes. They are open 24/7 and is located at the lobby level of Hotel Lisboa. A meal per person will cost about USD $30-40 or more. But I'm telling you, it is so worth it!
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Noite e Dia Café |
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Macau Tower |
People on a budget will also enjoy Macau, take a stroll at night and soak in the amazing view of the casinos and hotels. Walk around St. Paul Ruins and learn more about Macau's history.
Grand Lisboa at night |
If you have more time, drop by A-ma temple to get a glimpse of Buddhist tradition in Macau.
Macau is truly an interesting place. You can even make the most out of your trip here in just one day. It is only about 250 hectares so don't you dare blink and miss something! :D
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Wednesday, April 05, 2017
BY Pinay Ramblings0
Comments
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Manila Yacht Club |
I kept getting emails from my foreign readers about safety tips when traveling around the Philippines. Their questions revolve around our new President Duterte who is known for his war against drugs. They are afraid they would get in a crossfire while visiting our tourist spots in the Metro. Since this is a touchy subject, I don't really want to voice out my personal opinion about this whole thing. The local news has been too toxic and I don't even feel like discussing politics.
Is it Safer Now for Tourists?
It all depends on what you do here or where you go. If I were you, I'd stay in hotels around Makati City or Taguig while staying in Metro Manila. These areas are considered safer than other cities in the Metro. Here are some tips:
- Do not ever associate yourself or even be seen in public with shady characters (known drug users or someone who looks like a druggie).
- Do not go to the red light district if you can help it. Too many shady characters there who will try to scam tourists.
- Stick to places like malls, museums, etc. Avoid the slum areas.
- Do not walk out in the street alone at night, or if you have to, don't let your guard down.
- Do not get in a fight with a local (they might hold a grudge and try to frame you up as a druggie)
We have lots of nice tourist spots to choose from outside the Metro. Touristy areas are generally safer since they have added security.
Check out Boracay beaches, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, and etc.
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Boracay |
Philippines is such a beautiful place. We have lots to offer to tourists when it comes to beaches and fun activities. Have fun and stay safe!
Monday, July 18, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
BY Pinay Ramblings
8 Comments
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Photo source: blog.citizenservices.com.ph/ |
Are you itching to travel outside the country? If you don't have a passport, don't plan your trip just yet! When I renewed my passport a few years ago, it was quite easy. I just paid a travel agency and I got an appointment in a week. Then I paid for the expedited service and I got my passport within 7 working days after my DFA appointment.
Out of curiosity, I checked out DFA appointment schedules and I was shocked to find out that all the DFA satellite offices near me are booked up till second week of September! So if you need to travel in the next month or so and you still haven't gotten an appointment, well..good luck!
Here's how to get an appointment at DFA:
1. Go to www.passport.gov.ph and click schedule an appointment
2. If you are booking an appointment for yourself, click start an individual appointment. If you are booking an appointment for you and others, click start a group appointment.
3. Specify the site where you want to set an appointment then click next.
4. Select an available date.
July and August is booked up on all Metro Manila satellite offices. I just checked the DFA Manila (Aseana) and the only available date in September is from Sept. 22 onwards.
5. Select a timeslot. Please be advised that your chosen time slot is reserved for 10 minutes. So don't screw it up! Get there at least 30 minutes early.
6. Type in all your information. Make sure everything is correct before you click next.
7. After that you will get an email from DFA and you will have to click on the link provided to confirm your appointment.
8. Print the application form and don't forget to bring it with you on the date of your appointment.
NOTE: If you do not confirm within a few hours, your provisional appointment will be automatically cancelled to give way to other applications.
That's it! Good luck :)