MV Logos Hope in Manila

MV Logos Hope, the world's largest floating bookstore, has arrived in Manila. Earlier tonight, my friends and I visited Pier 15 at the South Harbor, where this famous ship is docked. 

The MV Logos Hope is part of GBA Ships, a non-profit organization based in Germany that operates ships that sail around the world to bring knowledge, help and hope.

The ship has over 500,000 books with more than 5,000 titles covering a wide range of categories like science, sports, cooking, economics, philosophy, languages, medicine, fiction and general reference.

Before we left, we visited the ship's International Cafe and had some snacks.

Sto. Nino Basilica Cebu

My relatives and I dropped by Sto. Nino Basilica earlier today to light some candles and say a little prayer. In times of trials, it's only God who can give us enough strength and courage to endure everything.

February Photoblog

 *** Vtalva River in Prague, Czech Republic ***

The Mind Museum

Last February 15, I was invited to check out the yet to be officially opened Mind Museum in Taguig City. My company gave out free tickets because they are one of the major donors of this world-class museum. There are over 250 exhibits about the Atom, Earth, Life, Universe and Technology.

Goku Japanese Restaurant

I arrived in Cebu last night to visit my relatives. After my brothers picked me up at the airport, we went to Goku Japanese Restaurant to have a late dinner. The restaurant seemed very authentic. It reminded me so much of the restaurants in Asakusa, Japan.

We ordered California Maki, a Set of Sushi, Ebi Tempura...

...Katsudon, Gyudon, Gyoza and Curry Rice.

Goku Japanese Restaurant is located at the 2nd Level of Banilad Town Center, Banilad Road, Cebu City.

C' Italian Dining

Before we headed back to Manila last weekend, we had dinner at C' Italian Dining in Clark, Pampanga. Chef Chris Locher is the man behind this restaurant, known for their yummy panizzas. The restaurant has won countless awards and gained a bunch of loyal customers.

I love the stone walls inside the restaurant as well as the outdoor garden area. 

We ordered two sets of panizzas and two orders of pasta. Everything in the menu was pricey, but it was totally worth it!

Bunker Bob's Restaurant & Bar

Bunker Bob's Restaurant & Bar is a must-try in Subic! As the name suggests, the restaurant is modeled after a bunker, which is a defensive military fortification designed to protect people from falling bombs or other attacks. 

We ordered Bunker Bob's Pizza, Bunker Bob's Burger, Nachos and Seafood Pasta.

After our hefty lunch, we played billiards in the same restaurant!

17th Hot Air Balloon Festival

Last February 12, I joined my sister and her friends in Clark, Pampanga for the 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival. We paid Php 200 each as entrance fee to the main field, where most activities were held.

These are some of the most attractive hot air balloons I've seen that day.

Amazing shots by photography enthusiasts.

Kite Flying and Aerobatic Shows.

Other exhibits and activities during the day.

Getting ready to be lifted up on the air.

Simply Thai

For brunch today, my sister and I ate at Simply Thai located at the Ground Level of Greenbelt 5. This restaurant is owned by Chef Cecile Ysmael, who is known for specializing in Thai cuisine. I love the hand-painted walls and bird cage lamps hanging from the restaurant's ceiling. The whole place has a very relaxing vibe. 

We ordered Yam Sam O (Prawn, Chicken and Pomelo Salad), Tod Man Kung (Thai Prawn Cakes), Pandanus Chicken (Coconut Marinated Chicken Wrapped in Pandan Leaves), Sticky Rice with Mango and Thai Iced Tea. Definitely a winner!

Ibis Deira City Centre

Ibis Deira City Centre is a 3-star hotel just five minutes away from Dubai's international airport. I love their spacious lobby with its very high ceiling. Best of all, they had free wifi. 

Our standard room at the hotel is equipped with air-conditioning, flat screen TV, and a simple work station. I love its minimalist design!

Mall Hopping in Dubai

Since Dubai is famous for its ginormous malls, my sister and I vowed to visit one shopping mall a day during our weeklong stay in Dubai. Our trip was also very timely because we were able to take part in the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. Nearly all the shops were on SALE! On our first night, we went to the Mall of the Emirates, which is the second largest mall in the Middle East with a total area of 6,500,000 square feet. 

On our second day, we visited the Mercato Shopping Mall, the first themed mall in the Middle East with influence from the Renaissance era. Such an impressive mall! 

After our side trip to Abu Dhabi on the third day, we asked our driver to drop us off Ibn Battuta Mall, the largest themed mall in world. 

Ibn Battuta Mall is divided into six main courts. This is the Andalusia Court.

Meanwhile this is the Tunisia Court.

On the other hand, this is the Egypt Court.

My favorite is the Persia Court.

This is the exotic India Court.

And finally, this is the very oriental China Court.

Check out this very Pinoy ad at Bath & Body Works.

After our side trip to Al Ain on the fourth day, we asked our driver to drop us off Dubai Festival City, a waterfront community designed to emulate the 21st century spirit of Dubai.

The unique Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe caught our attention.

Piece of Cake, the cutest cafe in the whole wide world.

The Canal Walk at Dubai Festival City.

After our side trip to Fujairah on the fifth day, we went to visit Wafi City, a mixed-use development complex modeled after Ancient Egypt.

The interiors were equally impressive!

The glass ceiling inside the mall is very eye-catching!

Small pyramids, elaborate columns and images of pharaohs surround the complex.

On our sixth day, we went to Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping mall with over 1200 shops. The Dubai Aquarium can also be found in the same mall. 

This is the Gold Souk in the Dubai Mall.

Dubai Mall's amazing ceiling!