Piolo Craze

Two days ago, I was at the Cultural Center of the Philippines to attend my company's third quarter sales kick-off. As a newbie, I didn't know what to expect in such events. The theme was running. Even the bigwigs in the company were in running attire. 

I got the surprise of my life when Piolo Pascual showed up before the event ended. I knew that he is the company's newest endorser but I never thought that he'll be part of the event. Our host, Issa Litton, interviewed him onstage. Most of the crowd went gaga over him!

Overwhelmed

First news. I officially have a job now. Several weeks ago, I began my training under a financial services company. I took two sets of licensure exams and thankfully, I passed. Now, I am officially a financial advisor. This new job has opened windows of opportunities for me. In just a span of one month, I think I have grown five years older from the learning experiences I have gained. I just realized that I am not apt to be sitting in an office for 8 hours a day. I find it exciting to be always on the field meeting up with clients.

Second news. I am going to the Czech Republic anytime soon. I have finished all my visa requirements and sent all other paperworks to the Czech foreign police. Last year while I was still studying at my university, I applied for AIESEC's Global Internship Program (GIP). I figured it would be an opportunity of a lifetime to live in a foreign country the second time around (having lived in Japan before).

Color Combo

When I was a kid, I thought that the color pink was only for girls and the color blue was exclusively for boys. Well, what can I say? Clothes, toys and other kiddie trinkets were almost always color coordinated according to gender. Society dictated that pink is for girls while blue is for boys.

Well, not anymore today. I saw this online. I never imagined that pink and aqua blue look so good together. Another thing I love about this are the storage spaces from the wall and underneath the sofa bed.

Crimson Resort & Spa Cebu

My family recently went to Cebu to celebrate my grandmother's birthday. In addition, we stayed for a night at Crimson Resort & Spa, the newest resort in Mactan managed by Filinvest. The ambiance was very Balinese. I love the whole place!

Halo Halo de Iloko

One of La Union's best kept secret is the Halo-Halo de Iloko. Guillain and I had lunch there on my very first day in San Fernando. It's an old house that has been turned into a restaurant. 

We each ordered a platter of sisig with rice and of course their famous halo-halo. It was so refreshing especially since the weather was so damn hot!

Vigan: A Taste of Spain

Last May 30, I went on a daytrip to Vigan, Ilocos Sur together with Guillain, her sister Genine and another friend. Our first itinerary was to check out Chavit Singson's private collection of animals in his Baluarte. It is open to public and admission is free. It was my first time to see a camel in the Philippines. They also have a wide variety of birds displayed near the entrance.

The stars in the zoo: Tom, Dick and Harry.

After, we checked out Bantay Belfry, known as the people's watchtower. Back in the 1500s, this was used to alert the locals against the enemies. We climbed up the stairs to see the view of the entire city from the top of the tower.

Before heading back to San Fernando, we strolled along Calle Crisologo, filled with old Spanish-style houses. We can't help but notice this cute and chubby kid. Kakagigil. We also rode the calesa like tourists.

La Union: Thunderbird Resorts

Last May 29 to 31, I visited my friend Guillain in her hometown in San Fernando, La Union. Our other friend, Esther, was supposed to come with us but she backed out at the last minute due to some family matters. Nevertheless, I still had a great time in La Union because I rarely explore the northern part of the Philippines.

The highlight of my short trip in the north was visiting Thunderbird Resorts overlooking the South China Sea. The architecture reminded me so much of Santorini in Greece.

Nearly all areas in the resort are painted in refreshing white color. The open air lobby boasts a wide variety of modern rattan furniture. They named one of their lounge as the Santorini Lounge. 

The blue sky complemented the white splendor of the resort.

The swimming pool is just a couple of steps away from the sea.

We lingered on the beach until sunset. 

The OC Me

It is already 5:08am, but I am still wide awake. I just came back from the attic, where I arranged tons of things particularly my post-college trash like my notebooks, papers, and other trinkets with sentimental value. I can't believe I have acquired so many things though I've only been here in Manila for nearly 5 years. I desperately want to get organized.

Should I throw away my first A paper in my English 11 class back in freshmen year?

Should I dispose my worksheet in my final Accounting exam in sophomore year?

Should I toss away my first D paper during my Marketing class back in junior year?

Should I get rid of my last school ID printed during my senior year in college?

Decisions...decisions...decisions...

After staying in the attic for more than 6 hours, I finally finished my trip down memory lane and got organized. It is already 6:00am and I could already hear the clucking sound of the chickens and the distinct sound of the motorelas on the streets. I am so tired. Good night!

The Undersea Hotel

Today I discovered one of the newest and most spectacular hotels in the world, the Undersea Hotel by Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa. The hotel has this amazing restaurant called Ithaa, which sits over 16 feet down in the Indian ocean with 270-degree water views. 

The Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa Rangali Island is likewise offering guests the chance to sleep "under the sea". The restaurant can be converted into a private bedroom suite for two. I'm pretty sure many guests will be delighted by this.

My Charles & Keith Love Affair

I am not really familiar with the exact story behind the renowned international shoe brand, Charles and Keith. All I know is that they are Chinese brothers who are behind the success of this shoe empire which started its operations in Singapore way back in 1996.

Ever since I bought my first pair more than three years ago, I have become hooked. For me, a trip to the mall is never complete without dropping by Charles and Keith. Last March, they had a huge three-day warehouse sale at their headquarters in Paya Lebar, Singapore. Incidentally, I was also in the Lion City during those particular days for my internship, so my friends and I were able to splurge on some fabulous shoes!

My most recent purchase from Charles and Keith was just last week, which I deemed as my birthday present to myself. I bought a pair of so-called "do-it-all" pumps which came with a classic patent, a unique almond toe-shaped tip and lovely cone-shaped heels. Luckily, it was on sale during the time of my purchase so I was able to enjoy a 20% discount! I came home that night feeling like an Oscar winner!