Alviera Sandbox Adventures in Porac, Pampanga

Earlier today I woke up at 4am. Okay, I woke up at 2AM, 3AM, then 4AM and this was all because I did not trust my alarm clock to actually wake me up. At 5AM, my siblings, son, and I were already walking outside our village and were on our way to Trinoma Mall.

We were on our way to Sandbox Adventures in Porac Pampanga where they were holding a Media Day to introduce Sandbox Adventures to the public through TV, newspaper, radio, print, and online media. I was one of the lucky ones to be invited and by sheer luck, instead of just 2 companions, I was able to bring all 4 of my siblings as well as my son.

Upon getting to Sandbox Adventures, we were served with breakfast and given bottles of water. Little did we know that throughout the day, we would be needing bottles and bottles of water because this day was going to be one big workout.

We started with the Aerial Walk and here are some shots of my siblings. Unfortunately B wasn't allowed to do this due to height (4 feet and above) and age requirement (10 and up.)

My siblings found some of the aerial walk challenging but all in a good way. They loved the entire thing and conquered any fear they may have of heights and trekking on air. Next thing they did was the Giant Swing and this time around, B was able to do it.

B liked the giant swing. He didn't get scared at all which made me really proud. Afterwards, we headed to the ATV section and this time around, we were allowed to ride again and again which rocked since 1.5 hours on this ATV costs Php2500.

I'm thankful that we were invited to have a first look at this place. It is highly recommended for families, friends, and team buildings. They really ensure that your safety comes first and their equipments are top of the line.

Thank you Sandbox Pampanga and Alviera for making this happen. Truly, it was an adventure. :)

95/365 photoblog: Siblings and Son

This is us after a whole day under the sun with Sandbox Pampanga. We went to 8065 Bagnet and ate back all the fats we lost. Haha.

94/365 photoblog: Bonding

It seems this is how kids bond nowadays.

PR: Meet the Superbods SuperChallenge 2014 finalists

Century Tuna has unveiled the 20 finalists who are vying for the grand winner title of Superbods SuperChallenge 2014 in Boracay on April 26.

Showing what fitness, beauty, and brains are all about are the 10 female candidates Alaiza Malinao, Catherine Almirante, Darlene Anderson, Diane Tan, Grace Murillo, Michelle Magno, Nic Marable, Nicole Kaufmann, Paula Marciano, and Sara Santucci.

Matching these ladies are 10 fit, good-looking, and outgoing male candidates Antonio de Murga, Evan Spargo, Gerard Go, Joshua Lubrico, Julio de Leon, Laurens Tolenaars, Marneil Anthony Lim, Mauro Lumba, Miguel Lasala, and Rendon Labrador.

Who will be the Superbods SuperChallenge 2014 grand winners? Don’t forget to vote for your favourite candidates via www.centurytuna.ph/superbods and watch out for them this April 25 to 27 at the Century Tuna Superbods SuperChallenge 2014 finale in the country’s ultimate summer destination, Boracay.

To know more about the hottest search in the country, visit www.centurytuna.ph/superbods or Century Tuna’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/centurytuna.

SuperbodsSuperChallenge 2014 is made possible by Air Asia Zest, Carbtrim, Gold’s Gym, Pearl of the Pacific, San Mig Zero, Solaire Resort & Casino, Gardenia, Medicard, Smart, The District, Zen Wellness Spa, Azur, Bite Me, Black Market, Nereku, Pink Salmon, SM Supermalls & SM Mall of Asia, Tony Galvez Salon, and Victor Ortega Salon.

Museo Orlina

I was lucky enough to have been included in the pool of media people that had first glance at Museo Orlina in Tagaytay. The place is owned by Ramon Orlina who is the country's renowned glass sculptor.

Initially, I did not know what to expect but upon seeing the works of art of Mr. Orlina, I am now a fan. They are all so gorgeous but unfortunately expensive.

The first piece below is called "Contented Love" and it costs Php300k. 

I loved these pieces. They are so gorgeous. :)

Museo Orlina is opening on April 9 to the public. If you want to see another form of art, go ahead and visit. It's worth your while.

8065 Bagnet

I brought my friends A and S last Saturday after Subic. I was so tired from all the activities that I found myself wanting to just wolf down a load of carbohydrates. I dreamt of a lot of rice and a lot of sisig. I got more than what I bargained for.

The binagoongang bagnet was love. It was so tasty and crunchy. It was just heaven on a plate. It was ... damn, I want one again now. I just really, really want another one. It was that good. 

The Bagnet Sisig was also  another must try. I could eat 8 cups of rice with just this alone. Actually, I had two cups and it felt so lacking. This is definitely not for the ones who are on diet or health conscious.

My friend S just kept saying "Wow! Wow! Sarap!" which made me really happy. I'm glad they all liked my recommendation. :)

Sitio Remedios

You know how Cinderella was all lucky when she met her fairy godmother who granted her wish and she met Prince Charming then they got married and lived happily ever after? Well, I'm luckier.

2 weeks ago I met a guy, FE, in a bus on the way to Ilocos Norte. I say that I was lucky because the accommodations that were given to me for this event I was covering was fit for campers and for everyone who knows me, I am no camper.

He took pity on me and introdued me to Dr. Cuanang who owns Sitio Remedios. Sitio Remedios is the prettiest private resort that I have ever seen. The owner, Dr. Cuanang, is the sweetest angel I have ever met. He and FE saved me that night. Instead of having to sleep in a bed with really thin mattress, I ended up sleeping here.

You see that there are 2 beds? It's crazy right? There was airconditioning and the linens were simply lovely. It was heavy but when I placed it on myself, it felt like I was being hugged. The bed was comfortable and the room was just so cozy.

This is how big the room is. It had 5 beds, 3 showers, and 2 toilets. It's called a family room but there were only 3 of us.

This is also the soap that is provided in the bathroom. I seriously love this. It smelled so good and was really, really good for the skin. Truth be told, I could go back to Ilocos Norte just to buy this soap. It makes you feel really clean and comfortable after bathing.

Sitio Remedios is a private owned resort but you can call and book in advance. They normally accept reservations but if you are thinking of a loud party or concert, this is not the place to be. Sitio Remedios is more for those seeking quiet times, solace, a honeymoon, or even a quiet respite from the hustle bustle of the city.

Look at this place and tell me if you do not agree.

If you do want to party, I believe you can do it at the beach and with a magnificent view of the sunrise or sunset, Sitio Remedios is still perfect.

The staff were so friendly as well. I loved it. It's so rare nowadays that I've learn to really appreciate great service.

Thank you Dr. Cuanang for your hospitality. I am still in awe and so amazed that kind hearted people like you still exist. This is why you are so blessed and now, I am blessed because I got to meet you.

Flying Pig

I've passed by this place a lot of times whenever I am in the Eastwood area and it has caught my attention so many times. However, I was only able to eat here a couple of weeks ago after the KrisTV taping.

One thing I did not like was how limited their food choices were. Since there weren't more than 10 to choose from, I asked the server for recommendation. This is what he said we needed to try.

Cochi Frito Solo Php365

This is LOVE. This is really, really LOVE. This was so sinfully good. This was so really really good. However I would not recommend this to someone to eat for the whole week because its so sinfully good.
 

Baby Back Ribs Php365

This one was pretty okay. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. Thankfully, the Cochi Frito was more than enough and the company I had was absolutely perfect.

Gino's Brick Oven Pizza

I was able to try this a couple of weeks ago. I chanced upon the place and found it quaint. Luckily, my companion agreed and so we trooped to Gino's.

It's a very small place. I think it won't sit more than 30 people and with 30, it would already be pretty cramped. However, the place does give some kitchy vibe which I really liked. I also liked the wooden furnitures. It felt country-ish.

We got the mushroom pizza which cost Php345. It was good enough for two and the brick oven had a good effect on the food. When something is oven roasted, it just tastes earthier. I love the blue cheese and the cream and mind you, I am not a fan of blue cheese.

And because I always want to try something new, I got the Salted Egg Pasta. It was pretty okay. I think the fact that I'm really not a fan of salted egg may be making me a little bias for this. I'm pretty sure that fans of salted egg would think this pasta is heaven.

Overall, I liked Gino's Brick Oven. I liked the ambience and the staff were pretty attentive. Price range is pretty okay as well and its not over the limit.

92/365 photoblog: Sidekick

Small bonding moment with B today. We didn't get to bond so much eventhough I was home the whole day because he did some bad things and I had to reprimand him.

Still, I am pretty happy that he gave me a kiss and hug before he slept.

BTS of a Mommy Beauty Pageant

I made the mistake of allowing myself to be swayed into joining the screening for Mrs. Globe Philippines. A few blogging friends of mine convinced me and I eventually said yes. I thought to myself, "what do I have to lose?"

Around 3 weeks ago, we finally had the screening for Mrs. Globe Philippines. I felt that I came prepared mentally but definitely not physically for though I was all made up and had the right outfits, I also had 10 food reviews in the weeks that lead to the screening day.

It was a sight to see. Moms and wives of all shapes and sizes came. Some of them on time, others with no care for the time and when I say no care, some of them were more than 2 hours late. To be honest, I felt that they should not have been allowed because it shows disregard and lack of discipline. Do we really want a beauty queen Mom who doesn't have a penchant for time?

Anyway, I was pretty happy that most of those who dared to join were quite pretty. Of course there were the resident "simply confident" girls and there really is nothing wrong with that. Hello, I joined and I'm the size of a baby butanding. Haha.

Many of the girls were very friendly. Some of them were first timers while others were beauty pageant veterans. I felt happy that I was able to put some them at ease with my never ending talk and reminding them that this was just a pageant. It wasn't anything life shattering. 

It was nerve wracking though. Being judged solely on looks and partially your brain and charms can be quite daunting. I know for a fact that I wasn't pageant ready.

First was the casual wear, then the interview, and finally, the swimwear. Yes, there was a swimwear portion which I know killed my chances of getting in haha.

Still, it was an experience. Would I do it again? I honestly do not know. Did I enjoy? Yes I did and I'm grateful to have met some of these ladies. The others, they can just go back to where they came from. :)

To the ladies who qualified, good luck and I hope you make a difference in this world. :)

91/365 photoblog: Orlina

This is called Contented Love and this is made by Ramon Orlina. I fell in love with this piece. It costs Php300,000.

What a thing of beauty.

Just Thai is not just Thai ...

I had to go back for more. I had to try everything on their menu so I took the owners offer to come back and have some more.

This time around, I ordered the Tom Kha Gai (Php190) which is a chicken soup in coconut broth and lemongrass. This one I had at mildly spicy. I like that the soup was very creamy and it wasn't too spicy. I also liked how the lemongrass brought out the taste of chicken but did not overpower it.

Since my sister Y was with us, I also go the Tom Yum (Php190) and for this one, I had it at its usual spiciness. This hot and sour favorite soup of Thailand definitely had a zing to its taste. It personified what Thai food is about which is a burst of flavor that ends with a strong hint of spiciness or hotness.

Next thing we had on the table was the Tod Man Pla (Php290) which was fish cakes with cucumber sauce. This was quite interesting. It was a first for me and it reminded me strongly of a Filipino dish that had small grey fishies being fried together with egg and flour.

We also had the Kung Kratiem (Php500) which is prawns sauteed in garlic and pepper. We also had the Pad Talay Prik Pow (Php280.) I liked that the shrimp were fresh and just the right size. It's not too big and its not too small. It's also been taken out of the shell which allows one to eat with ease.

However, the best sellers of the night for us would be the Chicken with Cashew which was a new dish. My family loved it and so did I. It could use a little less ginger but aside from that, it was great.

The Khao Pad Poo (Php220) Crabmeat Fried Rice was another hit with us and everyone was in unanimous agreement that it was definitely a must try. The Khao Pad Phed Neua (Php290) which is a spicy beef rice was also another must try but this one is for those who have a love for spicy things. Those who have a faint heart need not try for the mild version was already enough to sting.

Other viands that are a must try are the Gaeng Khiao Wan Gai (Php380) which is chicken in green curry and the Ghaeng Phet (Php480) which is beef in red curry.

I am not a fan of Thai food and yet, Just Thai in Molito manages to draw me in. Since I love my readers so much, I'm gonna go ahead and share the love.

Yep ... its a BLOG GIVEAWAY! 

More details to be posted on my next entry.

Just Thai 
Molito Lifestyle Center 
Alabang 
(632)8084058 * (632)8472347

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* I was invited to review the food. I did not pay for my meal. However, the free meal did not in any way sway my opinion and everything you read here is MY PERSONAL OPINION.