Just a quick update

Things haven't been easy for me for the past months. I have a load of blog entries yet to be posted. I hope I will make the time to sit down and finish these entries since they are interesting travel stories to be shared. Maybe writing will help my mind get off the crazy stuff that's happening in my life right now.

Quarter-life crisis, I sooooo feel you!

  

I'm back!

It's been two months since I last wrote in my blog. I was on blog hiatus to accomplish bigger priorities in my life. That is to find a job here in Singapore. For almost two months, I devoted my time jobhunting to find that dream job here and I am happy to say, I succeeded. I was offered a job by a reputable MNC here and guess what? It’s exactly the same job I had in Manila! Yey. 

Getting the offer was no easy breezy especially if you’re a foreigner in Singapore. Getting your pass approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is another nerve –wracking experience. Filipinos who want to work here should know that MOM is stricter in approving new and even renewing work passes for foreigners. My company applied for my pass this Wednesday and it was approved just yesterday morning. Whew! I didn’t expect that it would be that quick nor it would be approved at all given the current situation. Thank God! God is good. 

So yeah, streetsmartgirl will be in Singapore for a while. Will be posting soon about my adventures and (mis)adventures in the Lion City. Ciao!

Singapore so far

Hey everyone! How was your weekend? I am blogging in Singapore right now where I am having a really great vacation.  I arrived last Thursday and was greeted by a rainy weather, exactly the same weather when I left Manila. But thankfully, everytime that we're out the weather was always cooperative.

This long vacation is turning out exactly as I didn't plan which is actually GREAT.  I had no itinerary at hand but Erick and I never run out of things to do while I am here in Singapore. I've just been here for four days and so far here's what I did.

Buffet steamboat dinner at Chinatown

We had a buffet steamboat dinner with some friends at Chinatown. Definitely good because it's been awhile since I had buffet!

Merlion i Light Show

We caught the last night of the i Light Marina Bay 2012 which featured the Merlion, among the many other structues along the bay. The event is a sustainable light art festival which made use of energy-efficient lighting and created awareness for energy-saving lighting technology for the urban environment.

Lazy Sunday afternoon

We spent our Sunday afternoon strolling around and just lazing around the Singapore Botanic Gardens. We brought some snacks for our mini picnic in the park.

IKEA feels like home :)

 We went to IKEA at Alexandra Rd. and Tampines. Erick bought a full length mirror and a side table for his almost bare room. We love IKEA food especially the Swedish meatballs and chicken wings.


Shoe haven at Charles and Keith outlet

 We checked some outlet stores in Anchorpoint Mall in Alexandra Rd. I only promised to shop if it's on sale.

Reunited :)

And spending time with each other everyday is priceless. Yihee :) I still have 9 more days to go in Singapore. I wish my vacation won't end.

Excited to travel!

After almost six months of travel hiatus, it’ll be only be exactly 5 days before my long travel. Yey! Spell excited and that’s me. Seriously, for a travel junkie like me not being able to go on a trip for such a long time was a torture. Hmm well not really but I had to make some adjustments and focus on other things like work (boo).

Guess where my destination is? SINGAPORE..where the love my life is currently based. I will be in SG for 12 days.. yay!  At first I was quite hesitant of taking a long vacay because of work. Most of the time, we are working to meet really tight project deadlines. But since the holiday was stretched due to the upcoming Holy Week and and me missing Erick, I decided to go anyway.

It’s gonna be my 5^th time in Singapore and you know how quaint it is. So I guess I’ll pass up on the touristy activities and do some more local stuff like maybe running in the park, going to the wet market, and eating at hawkers. I really haven’t listed what I wanna do with my 12 days in SG which reminds me to start listing them. Well, Erick and I have planned a quick Batam getaway during my vacay. That's one and probably some outlet shopping. And oh, I haven't gone yet to Ikea :)

I brought a new 25kilos capacity burgundy luggage from World Traveller. Should start packing my stuff this weekend! I’m excited!!!!

Take me to the beach!

Summer is officially on! I can’t help but daydream about going to the beach these days, just daydreaming because I really haven’t got any plans to hit the beach this summer. Erick and I will be on a quick beach getaway when I visit him in Singapore this coming Holy Week. *fingers crossed*. Well that’s another story.

I’ve always been a budget traveler and I've been to many beaches here in the Philippines but most of them are on a budget trip. But of course, given the moolah and all, I would love to explore some of the luxury beaches in country. After all, the best beaches in the world are here!

Here are some beaches I am dying to go to:

El Nido Resort, Palawan

When I hear the word "Palawan”, pristine beaches are the first things that come to my mind next to the Puerto Princesa Underground River. I’ve been to Puerto Princesa, Palawan and we have toured the Underground River, Honda Bay, and Sabang Beach. This beach vacation with the family was super relaxing and fun that I want to go to back to Palawan, but this time in the luxurious El Nido Resort. For budget-conscious travelers, staying in El Nido town and going on island hopping is an option but I want to experience the white sand, blue waters, and luxury accommodation El Nido Resort offers.

 

El Nido Resort have combined a luxurious hotel experience and a private and secluded beach. Most upscale resorts provide the best accommodation but lacked in beach quality. When visiting in El Nido, you can choose from the four island resorts in which you will stay in: Apulit, Lagen, Miniloc, or Pangalusians islands or alternatively you can choose to stay 1 night on each of the island. How beach lovely is that!

Palawan is truly a paradise found!

Bellarocca Island and Resort Spa, Marinduque

 

Bellarocca is located in Marinduque and sits on an island with an overlooking view of the blue sea and clear skies. I first came to know about Bellarocca when an exclusive deal site offered a very tempting deal for a 3D/2N stay. Upon seeing the resort pictures, I was awed by the Santorini-inspired architecture of the resort. After all, it’s not often that you find a Greek inspired architecture here in the Philippines.

The accommodations are really lovely. Private villas have their own infinity pool and outdoor jacuzzi. Who can resist the charm and privacy offered by Bellarocca?

I'm not completely sure if the beach is recommended for swimming. I heard that the beach is rocky. There are water sports activities to try though such as windsurfing, jet ski, water skiing, etc. Or you can just lock up in your room and laze in the king-size bed or better yet lounge in your private pool as you sip your cocktail and enjoy the view of Mt. Malindig. This is the life!

Club Tara Beach Resort, Siargao Island

Siargao is known as the Cloud 9 for its humungous surfing waves. I guess every surfer wannabe dreams to go to Siargao. I heard there are surfing spots for beginners which is cool. Well aside from being the surfing capital of the Philippines, Club Tara Beach Resort is also found in Siargao.

The resort is located in one of the Bucas Grande Islands also known as the Sohoton National Park. The islands are a hidden gem with some white sand beaches undiscovered and wonderful snorkeling spots.

The cottages stand on the water surrounded by 6-8 islets. Staying in one of their jacuzzi villas would be so relaxing with the view of the green sea.

                                    

    Misibis Bay, Bacacay, Albay

A Bicolana myself, it’s a shame that I haven’t gone to Misibis Bay which is dubbed as a luxury island playground. To be quite honest, I didn’t find the resort enticing at first because I knew that the white sand beach is artificial. Hehe Beaches in Albay are all black sand because of Mt. Mayon.

However, the resort has been in the spotlight since it opened which made me curious. After all, having born and grown in the province I want to know what this little island has to offer. A beach trip could be planned, it's just an hour trip by land and ferry transfers anyway.

Take me to the beacccccch! 

PS: All the photos are taken from each of the resorts' websites.

The V-day post

Happy V-day everyone! How did you spend the day? Whatever you’re relationship status, I hope you had a great time as much as I feel happy about today.

As you probably know, my boyfriend isn’t here in Manila for us to spend the V-day together. If we we’re together, we would probably have a dinner date. He’d give me flowers and chocolates which is the very usual thing to do. Erick's not here but we always find time to rekindle our romance.

He's in Singapore and I'm in Manila but thank God for YM, Facebook, Skype, snail mail, being in a LDR doesn’t seem so hard these days. But of course, there’s still a feeling that you’d wish that your loved one is just beside you. Ayt?

Well anyways, for now we’re gonna have to be satisfied with this set-up. It won’t be long anyway until we will be together again :P

Since we are exactly 1486.24 miles apart (yes I googled that), we've find ways to keep the passion alive through small ways that really means big when you're in a LDR. 

Unlimited Texting/Emails

Mundane as it may seem, regularly texting and sending funny emails to each other helps ease the loneliness caused by being apart. I love waking up in the morning and seeing that there’s 1 message received in my phone. It makes me thankful and happy that everyday I’m being reminded that I’m loved.

Skype date/YM

We regularly talk on skype every chance we get like almost everyday. It helps a lot in updating how our day went by and if we have stories to share. It’s nice to see the face of your loved one while he is telling something. I’d die for the facial expressions Erick makes like the butterfly kisses and funny faces when we’re on Skype. It’s also heartwarming to say goodnight to my love over video chat.

Sometimes, we’d eat together while video chatting. He’d show me his food and make me feel envy. I do that a lot too. I make him feel “inggit” when I’m eating home-cooked and Filipino food like chicharon, balut, and mangoes. 

Since I am such a show-off sometimes, I would show my recent purchases from a shopping spree- may it be a dress, shoes, accessories. Sometimes I would try a dress and ask him if the dress fits me right or it looks good on me.

Just recently, we tried to sing a song to each other. I asked him what’s his song for me and I let him sing it. Erick has such a soulful voice that makes me feel giddy. Hihi.

Sending gifts

We missed celebrating special occasions together like his birthday, Christmas, New Year, and V-day. It would be understandable not to send gifts anymore since it’s impractical. But believe that these small gestures make up for not being present during these important events.

On his birthday, I sent him a snail mail, an online groupcard, and a surprise cake delivered. There was no way I can bear the thought that he will be celebrating his birthday solo so I thought of these ideas.

Erick, on the other hand, sent me gifts by purchasing vouchers from groupon sites. Yey. This V day, he gifted me vouchers for a chocolate cake, a pampering deal of facial or diamond peel and massage, and a zarape. He admits that I'm the person who is quite challenging to be given a gift. I appreciate his efforts to think of something that I'd probably like because I knew he's really not used to that.
 

Helping out each other

Since he's on his own now, he is forced to cook a meal to save him money. Eating out in SG is expensive unless you stick hawker food. I know he's a bit challenged when it comes to cooking because he only volunteers to taste the food or wash the dishes afterwards when we cook at home. He asked me to give him some simple recipes to try. I insisted he cook at least one dish. So far, he's cooked adobo..uhmmm love what else?

Erick also helps me in some of my work like creating project covers (when I'm too lazy), making my blog banner, troubleshooting my laptop, phone, and camera problems. Oftentimes, he is my support system and he always motivating me to do well in just everything. He's my number 1 blog follower.

Planning out travels

We both love traveling! I think I've influenced him to appreciate traveling more.

Hongkong is on our top travel list

Although travel is not in our to-dos this year, we'd list down the countries we wanna go to in the future. I just really pray that our plans will go as planned this year so we can finally fulfill our travel fantasies real soooooon! 

Keeping the love despite the distance is challenging but I think if you want your relationship to work out, you will always strive to make it more exciting by doing these small gestures. These small things means a lot when you're keeping a LDR. 

2012 Fearless Forecast for the Sign Ox

Kung Hei Fat Choi everyone! It’s the year of the Dragon! I know everyone’s having a good time since it’s long weekend. Yey for that!

From my room window last night, I saw the fireworks display from Makati and Binondo welcoming the Chinese New Year. I’m not Chinese but it’s fun to read Chinese astrology and horoscope. I’m born under the sign of Ox so I was quite curious what’s in store for me in the Year of the Dragon. 

Generally, this year will be good for those born under the Ox sign in terms of career opportunities. Now that’s something nice to hear since my main priority for this year is work.

Here are some interesting fast facts on the fortune of Ox people in the Year of the Dragon:
 

Career

Ox's work in 2012 can be called a mission - so solemn and important that a representative of this zodiac sign will do all that is required to move forward. It will be good if Bull starts training, self-education - the year 2012 will be favorable to change job or even profession. In the upcoming 2012

Haha. This sounds so positive for me! Fingers crossed.

Money

There is an unlucky star appearing in the money area this year. Ox people's money luck in 2012 is below average, but you can have a stable income as long as you perform your work well.

I gotta work hard for the moolah! 

Love

Oxen are most compatible with those born under the Signs of the Rat and Rooster/Chicken and least compatible with the Tiger and Horse. Keep your horoscope allies and secret friend close to you, especially the Rooster who enjoys tremendous good fortune in 2012. With their help and support, obstacles will be less overwhelming, good fortune will be multiplied and success shared is so much sweeter.

Wow, this is nice to know! My boyfriend is born under the sign of the rooster and we simply just get along so well. I should say we complement each other’s attitude. Love.love.love!

Health

Some minor disease related to liver, stomach or spleen could appear from bad moods, but they shouldn't become a serious problem. As long as Cow people can find time to do regular exercise and give themselves enough time to rest and relax, then they should have a healthy Dragon year.

I’m young and healthy so this shouldn’t be an issue.

Of course, we shouldn't rely on these predictions to run our lives.  We are responsible how we live our lives and make our own choices. This forecast is just a mere guide and it gives us an insight on our fortune for the Year of the Dragon. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

The week that was.

I’m finally breaking my week-long blog hiatus. The past weeks were very eventful and I was juggling between work and personal life. There were tons of things to accomplish in the office. We were finishing around 2-3 project proposals and reports weekly. I was preoccupied overseeing the completion of the consultants database where I am acting as a project manager. The regional director visited the Manila office and we were required to provide a team presentation. And there were nights that I had to work overtime for a project proposal. Spell STRESS for me.

On the other hand, I was also busy helping Erick prepare for his Singapore trip. We were running some errands, packing his stuff, and organizing his things since he was moving out from his place. He left last Sunday. I admit I’m feeling a little down these days since I’m not used to not seeing him at all. The longest time that we’ve been apart since we got together was two days. Beat that. It wasn’t easy for both of us. But sometimes we are compelled to do things for the better. After he’s gone, I was feeling uninspired and I couldn't think of anything to write. After all, Erick has always my partner-in-crime, whether it be out-of-town trips, shopping spree, pigging out, watching movies, or just simply staying at home..

But hey, I realized that life must go on. At least I still get to talk to him everyday. And if I can’t take anymore the distance, Singapore is just three hours away! We can do this! So, I’m slowly going back to my old self and I'm ready to take on new adventures on my own. I’ll keep you posted guys!  XOXO

Gone surfing

If there’s another thing that gets me excited aside from travelling – it’d be surfing. I am not a pro. I got to try it in 2009 and since then I make sure that I have a yearly surfing trip to La Union.

After a year of surfing hiatus, I finally went back to La Union and rekindle my love for surfing and my happy beach. You see, LU is my happy beach. It’s so full of good vibes that whenever I am there I don’t feel anything but happy!

It was a 3D/2N trip actually which consisted of three destinations in the North: San Juan La Union for surfing, Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point for the Santorni-esque weekend, and a sweet 12-hr stay in Baguio.

For now, I’m sharing some of my fave pics from my recent travel.

Will write soon. Promise. 

Helloooo Philippines!

Finally, I’m back in the cyberworld! After almost 5 days of no internet connection at home, yes I’m back to business and blogging.. Well actually, my internet downtime  enabled me to watch a few good movies which I wouldn't do otherwise if I had connection. You see, I’m more of the internet type of person rather than the TV/movie type of girl. 

So anyways, our company recently had a photo competition where you can submit your best photos for inclusion in the company's 2012 corporate calendar.  The theme is to show dynamic, exciting images of our infrastructure projects, people, and regions around the world. The best photo will win a Flip Mino high definition video camera.

Not that I really wanted to win the camera, but I am more interested in just simply submitting my favorite travel snap shots in the Philippines.  I submitted 5 photos and I will be more than ecstatic to even just see one of them in our corporate calendar for 2012.

Here they are...

1.  Facing South China Sea from Chawa View Deck in Batanes , Philippines

2.  Rustic life in the countryside, Batanes, Philippines

3. Clear waters under bright skies, Batanes, Philippines

4. Where butterflies thrive, Butterfly farm in Bohol Philippines

      5.  Good morning Mt. Mayon, World’s perfect cone-shaped volcano in Albay

      These are my top 5 photos which I think are worthy to be placed in a calendar. I didn't alter these photos to make them look more beautiful aside from the simple step of making them brighter and clearer. So these are basically raw photos.  

      

i     Seeing these photos makes me want to travel now...It won't be long though!

How much of the Philippines have you visited?

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!
Created by Eugene Villar.

This my second take of the test and the first grade I got was C-. And that was in 2007. I definitely have to STILL see more of the Philippines. What's your score guys?

Club Elite Membership at Duty Free Philippines

So finally, my dad arrived from Incheon late Monday night, where he had his connecting flight from China. As the usual thing we do whenever he gets home from abroad, we trooped to Duty Free Philippines (DFP) the next day. Yay! This is something we look forward to every time my dad comes home well of course just second to the fact that he’s finally here!

We bought the usual stuff for pasalubong like chocolates, cookies, and chips. My dad bought a Samsonite luggage with 25 kilos capacity for the price of USD 190. He also got a Nike cross trainer rubbers shoes at USD 81. My mom bought her first Longchamp bag. She got the Le Pliage medium short handle in mandarin color. It was only USD 115 which was cheaper than buying it at Rustan’s or ordering online. I’m happy for her because I can borrow her bag. Lol. And my sister scored a Crocs wedges at USD 66. My mom and sisters also bought perfumes which totaled to USD 145. And me? I didn’t buy anything at all.. hehe

But I got the Club Elite Membership! In order to qualify for the membership, you must have an accumulated purchase of more than USD 500. Adding up all the things we bought at DFP, it amounted to almost USD 700 so we were instantly qualified. The card is valid for 2 years,

Look for the wrong spelling.. hehe well seriously there is :)

What are the privileges of the Club Elite membership?

As a Club Elite Member, you are entitled to discounts, perks, promos at Fashion Walk & Beauty Walk at the Duty Free Fiesta Mall, Cebu Waterfront Hotel, and NAIA Terminals 1,2, and 3.

You can get a 10% discount on all regular items at Fashion Walk & Beauty Walk.  Also, you can avail 5%-10% discounts on liquors and cigarettes, and supermarket items.

Aside from the discounts, members may avail of other perks and privileges such as:

*VIP assistance

*Use of VIP lounge

*Free delivery of bulky items worth US$500 and above (within Metro Manila) subject to Bureau of Customs approval

*Priority notice on special promotions and new products

*Invitations to special events

Woot woot! They gave me a list of the shops where the Club Elite card is honored and I can’t help but grin. Here are just some. 

Aside from the fact that shopping at DFP is tax-free, I can also avail the 10% discount using my Club Elite card. They also have Friday Specials where they offer 20% discount on regular items.

Can’t wait to schedule our first shopping trip!

Long weekend plans

Finally, the much awaited four-day long weekend is coming. Since the Aquino administration, holidays are few to count so I think for everyone this long weekend is a big deal.

I plan to spend the weekend holiday within the metro. I’ve been really lessening my trips to save up., But have I really saved up? Haha well, that’s another story.

So anyways, I’ve been thinking what to do this long weekend aside from our planned day tour at Thunderbird Rizal.

Here are the some of things I've thought to keep me busy during the four-day weekend:

·         Do a spring cleaning of my room or better yet our whole condo. My room is not really in topsy-turvy since it’s being cleaned everyday. But I think I should sort my clothes and bags – to keep or donate. I wanna re-organize my drawer since it’s full of stash like documents, flyers, bill statements, and receipts..

·         Try a new recipe or make a really yummy dessert. Checking “10 Surprisingly Easy Dessert” from yummy.ph makes me want to cook something that would give me a toothache. hehe I’m a dessert person as you know.

No-bake turtle pie ice cream..sweeeet

·         ‘Pamper-me’ day at the salon. Need to have a haircut + hot oil, eyebrows trim, mani/pedi, footspa, and yeah I was thinking of trying out the spa at the ground floor of our condo. Massage for Php199. Why not?

Me want a footspa and foot massage

·         Movie+ dinner with Erick. I want to watch Final Destination 5 in theater. I was bugging Erick to watch this movie since I learned it will be shown in Manila, I'm gonna treat him to movie + dinner because he was a very good boyfriend for waiting for me while I was doing overtime work last week.

·         Just tonight, my dad called to confirm that he will be arriving on Monday next week after almost  11 months abroad. El Capitan will be home! He’s set to spend his Christmas here which is a very rare event in our family since he’s always on the ship when the holiday season comes. We have a lot of catching up to do J And yes, I hope we can go to Duty Free Philippines for pasalubong shopping. I am seriously eyeing on another Longchamp Le Pliage bag. I know i know..my new curry medium long handle is only a week-old. Lol

·         And yes, we’re set to have our day tour at Thunderbird Rizal. Thanks to my sister for the complimentary day tour tickets in exchange for something. Thanks sis! I'm looking forward to some R&R at Thunderbird. 

Thunderbird Resort Rizal

Infinity pool overlooking the mountains

Sounds like a very busy weekend for me. Less than 48 hours to go until weekend and I’m free. And we’re all finally free. How about you? What are your plans for the long weekend?

My first Longchamp bag

I’ve been hiding my excitement over the past two days.. J I recently bought my first Longchamp bag. It’s from the Le Pliage collection and it’s a medium short handle bag in curry. Weeeeeee!

When I first saw this bag, I know I must have it! Everytime I see girls in the mall with their LCs, I feel that I want to buy mine too. Erick knows how much I’ve been drooling about this bag. He himself knows already how to spot an authentic LC from a fake one. Hehe I was supposed to buy the bilberry color but I thought it was kinda boring for me. Besides, I already have purple bags in my closet. So there, I opted for curry.

Never mind the price because I know it’s gonna be my all-around bag – for the office, weekends, malling and, overnight trips.

I <3 it!

And thanks my Love!