Almost a month after our college mini-reunion, I’m still craving for Sonya’s Garden buffet lunch. BIG TIME.

I’ve been to Sonya’s twice already. First was in 2009 during C and I’s first out-of-town trip to try their spa treatments. We went back a year later to buy some “pasalubong” spanish bread in their bakery. Both times we did not eat nor stayed there overnight. I wasn’t really interested to try their in-house food simply because I’m not really a fan of vegetables and “healthy” food. When in Tagaytay, the first food that comes to mind is that ever-sinful-but-super-yummy-BULALO.

So when I had this opprotunity to experience what dining is Sonya’s is about, I was so excited. Moreso, it’s my chance to reconnect with my college buddies who I haven’t seen in years!

We were there on a Sunday on a long weekend and the place was packed. Good thing, we had prior reservations so even if we were late for about an hour, we were immediately seated. Upon entering Sonya’s Garden’s dining hall, we were already awed by the cool ambience and relaxed vibe. White is the motif of the hall and even the tablecloths are white. I kept on thinking, they must have a hard time with the laundry. hehe.

the plates and table set-up at Sonya's Garden evokes lots of space, air, and nostalgia. Can't help but wonder how they laundry the sheets to achieve this!

We were  served Dalandan Juice which is the most refreshing juice of it’s kind I have ever tasted. I don’t really like dalandan because it’s too bitter for my taste but this one’s so refreshing and a little sweet. Please note that everything that will be served to us are refillable so I think I gulped 5 glasses of this throughout our lunch. Hehe.

The next thing served in our table is the salad. I didn’t see any rose petals in there but our greens came with a whole lot of different “sides” such as fruits, nuts, egg, etc. I don’t really like eating greens but the ones served to us are really fresh and super delicious. I could probably eat this the whole day!

I love the veggie salad. Served separately so you can choose which ones you like to enjoy your salad

The pasta spread - either of the red and white sauce is so delicious! I also love the salmon belly!

I loooooove everything that were served for us. Leaves you a full, refreshed feeling afterwards – without the guilt, mind you! I will definitely go back. For Php 650 per head, it’s all worth a try.

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Ever since, I’ve always wanted to spend my birthday by way of an out-of-the-country trip with the people I love. So when I learned about this Air Asia seat sale early this year, I immediately booked four seats to Kota Kinabalu – an emerging tourist destination in Sabah, Malaysia.

Kota Kinabalu (KK) has intrigued me for quite a while. I have read some blogs about KK and somehow I can’t forget the beauty that it has to offer. Back in 2010, it’s already in my list of must-go places. A perfect birthday treat for myself this year! And what made it even more special is that I’m with three of the most important people in my life.

This blog is an overview of our 4day-3night trip in Sabah and a description of how we were able to explore the city in the cheap by foot and by boat, and how we experienced luxury and pleasure after. Either way – it was a trip to remember, with a different flavor – which makes it truly unforgettable.

DAY 1 – Clark International Airport, Air Asia, Lavender Lodge, and Birthday Dinner at Seri Selera

Our flight leaves at 4pm via Clark so we had to take the 12pm Philtranco Bus in Megamall. This is the 2nd time we took this route since our Cebu Pacific flight via Singapore last April 2010 was also via Clark so I’m quite familiar with this already. For the second time, we did not make prior reservations but I still suggest to do so especially during peak season. After two hours, we were already at the Diosdado Macapagal Clark Airport.

This is my first time to ride an AirAsia plane so I’m also quite concerned with the actual flying experience. Quite frankly, being a budget airline, I was expecting small planes and delayed flights but luckily I was wrong! AirAsia planes are very nice, and never were our flights delayed. I will definitely choose them again next time.

By 6pm, we were already at the Kota Kinabalu Airport. The queue to the immigration is quite long, since they have this biometric system going on. The immigration asked us basic questions and put mini-stickers that will serve as identification during our stay in KK. After passing thru the immigration, we went straight to the tourist booth to get a copy of the city map, and then to the taxi booth. Taxi fare to Lavender Lodge is RM 30.

For the first 2 nights of our stay, we were billeted at Lavender Lodge. I chose this place after an exhaustive research of affordable but safe places to stay in KK. Booking at Lavender Lodge is hassle-free and easy. I just filled-up the reservation form in their website and after one day, they replied already. And for RM 80 per room (with en-suite bathroom) per day, it was quite a steal!

@Lavender Lodge: common shower area, stairs to upper floors, lobby where the computers are, dining hall, facade, common area

After checking in and freshening up a bit, we went out to eat our very first seafood meal in KK. We were lucky that just across Lavender Lodge is Seri Selera – one of the biggest and most popular seafood dining places in KK.

Clockwise from left: Garlic-Buttered Shrimp, Inside Seri Selera, on of the aquariums, Old Village Restaurant, Seri Selera Facade, Red Egg Crab

Seri Selera is like our own “dampa.” However, the prices posted in each of the aquariums already include the “cooking charge.” We were given a discount though, because the attendant is Awang, a Filipino who has been living in KK for so long, he already looks and speaks like a local!

After our super delicious affair with Mr. Crab and Mrs. Shrimp, we walked to Centerpoint Sabah to look for a money changer to exchange our dollars and peso to ringgit. It was raining by the time we reached the hotel, and it was also past 11pm already, so we decided to call it a night already.

DAY 2 – Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Island Hopping and Klias River Cruise

We woke up early the following day because we are aiming to do two major activities – Island Hopping and Klias River Cruise. Free breakfast of butter toast and coffee comes with our room, so we ate first before heading out to Jesselton Port. Jesselton Port is about 5 minutes away by taxi from Lavender Lodge. We paid RM10. We could’ve walked, but we were in a hurry. Upon arrival at Jesselton, we went inside where the booths for the ferries are, and amongst all the booths, our feet led us to Borneo Ferry Tour and Travel Booth.

Due to very limited time (we need to be back at the hotel by 1pm to catch the bus going to Klias), we only chose to explore 2 islands – Manukan and Sapi. Fare depends on how many islands you want to go to, and in our case, fare is RM 27 each for adults and RM 15 for kids. Aside from this, we also had to pay the terminal fee and entrance fee on the islands. We also rented snorkel gear for Angelo which costs RM 20.

Clockwise from left to right: Manukan Island, jumpshot at the dock, Another shot at Manukan Island, Pulau Sapi, Cottages at Manukan, Sapi Island beach

My verdict? Both islands are nice. Sapi is more private and appears to be the favorite among foreigners while Manukan is more crowded. I just wished we brought beach mats because there are no cottages in Sapi. But Angelo had so much fun snorkeling by the shore. There also are other water activities available like parasailing, diving, etc. But due to limited time, we had to skip it.

Our boat picked us up exactly at 12 noon to bring us back to Jesselton Point. We went back to the hotel to change to more comfortable clothes and after a while, our tour bus to Klias River Cruise arrived to pick us up. The Klias River Cruise tour was arranged by Lavender Lodge per our request. The tour operator that they partnered with is One Borneo. Tour costs RM 160 per head (10% discount for kids) inclusive of bus transfers to and from hotel, tour guide, river boat, snacks, and buffet dinner.

The goal of River Cruise is to spot proboscis monkeys and other wild animals in Klias. We had so much fun spotting monkeys on top of the trees!

Clockwise from left to right: Garama Base Camp, the wooden walkway going to the river, the boat, one of the proboscis monkeys, our merienda of sticky rice and fried banana, our friendly tour guide

We were home already by around 9:30pm. Since it’s still early, we went back to Seri Selera to have a bottle of cold beer to unwind. We chose Beck’s over Tiger Beer and got our fix for the night!

DAY 3 – KK City Tour and Nexus Karambunai Resort and Spa

We woke up early again on our 3rd day. We are about to transfer hotels so we had to cram the city tour in the morning. Normally, city tours last the whole day so we had to just pick the destinations that we want to see due to the very limited time we have. We did not hire a cab already since Ate Nora told us that we can reach some destinations by foot. In 4 hours, we were able to buy pasalubong at the Handicraft Market, see the Waterfront, Atkinson Clock, Sabah Museum, and Heritage Village. We also went to Warisan Square Shopping Mall where we got to taste their famous Avocado Ice Drop. Yum!

yummy local avocado ice drop!

clockwise from left to right: the mosque, atkinson clock, museum sabah, waterfront, heritage village

By 12noon, we checked out at Lavender and Ate Nora helped us to book a cab going to Nexus Karambunai Resort, where we are staying on our 3rd and last night in Sabah. We spent Php12,000 for a one-night stay in Nexus, but it was well worth it! Our room is very comfortable. The view provided picturesque backdrop to our pictures in every angle.

Around Nexus Karambunai Resort and Spa

The pool and the beach is very relaxing. The food was just okay though. What I love most about the resort is the view from our balcony at night.

Day 4 – Goodbye Sabah!

Our  flight back to Manila leaves 1pm so we had to check-out of Nexus by 10:30. Good thing, we made arrangements already with the taxi that dropped us off the previous day, because if we will get the service from the hotel, it will be more expensive. Fare from Nexus to airport is RM 85. There are not much choices for lunch inside the airport once you’ve checked-in, so our next meal was at Megamall already. Which is okay because after 3 days of not being able to eat pork, we were craving big time for sisig, sinigang, and crispy pata!

All in all, I really enjoyed our Sabah Trip. There’s just a lot of room to play around with how you want your trip to be. In our case, we were successful in being backpacker-like on our first few days, then acting like touristy tourists the other. Surprisingly, in spite of all the activities that we’ve managed to cramp in 3 days, there are still a lot to do in Sabah – and maybe someday, we’ll be back to climb Mt Kinabalu. Till Next Time Sabah!

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Perfectly what I have been dreaming of ever since. I want to be like her! :-)

I really want to be a fashion designer someday. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been fascinated with clothes and was into paper dolls, barbie dolls and stuff… I just didn’t really had the chance to learn how to sew and enrolling in a sewing class is something that I have been delaying and procrastinating on for so many years now..  What can I say.. SHOULD.START.NOW.

Maybe who knows, I’ll be the next Project Runway winner. Hehehe.

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Unlike our previous travels in Ilocos, Viaje del Sol, and Camiguin though, this time, we dropped our backpacks and decided to go the easy way – so instead of planning the trip ourselves, we availed of a package tour that covers everything that we need for 3 days and 2 nights in Coron.

Upon the recommendation of our friends, we booked Darayonan Lodge’s “Explore Coron Package” which is Php 7,500 per head for 2 pax including the rooms, food, and tours.

Suffice it so say, Coron is not cheap, especially if you’re not travelling with a group.

Day 1

Our plane left on time and landed at Busuanga Airport a little early. From the airport, we were picked-up by a van to Darayonan. We were with a few more tourists at that time but they were dropped in different resorts around the area.

Coron has some electricity problems during that time. There is no power during the day and electricity only comes back after 6pm. Darayonan Lodge have their own generator but cannot sustain airconditioning for all rooms.

After resting for about an hour, we had lunch at Darayonan then rode a tricycle going to the pier. We were with our guide, Rhea (who was the best guide ever), who brought with her our merienda and drinks. We also rented snorkeling gears for Php 100 per person per day back at the resort (we were so lucky because we were the first to use the gears and didn’t have to worry if those were sanitized. hehe).

our first stop - Smith's Point Beach. We didn't stay long because it was too hot and we were not yet in the mood to swim.

Twin Lagoon - our banca had to park a few meters away and we had to swim going to the lagoon. I don't know how to swim and I was terrified because even if I have lifevest on, I sort of panicked when my feet cannot feel the ground already. So Rhea (our guide) literally had to drag me to our destination. :-S. It was high tide that time, so we had to climb up a wooden ladder.

Kayangan Cove - is the most photographed spot in Coron. However, we learned that the one in the photograh is not yet Cayangan, but just the view on your way there. We had to endure a short (but challenging) climb going there. After that, you will be greeted by the serene lake.

C enjoying the waters of Cayangan.

We ended the day with a dip at Maquinit Hot Springs. A good way to relax our bodies after a long day of swimming and sightseeing.

Day 2

We don’t have much pictures of our Day 2 Tour because we’re mostly immersed in water and C had a good time playing with the disposable underwater camera (whose film is not yet developed – so no underwater pictures for this blog as well).

We started the day early. By 7am we were already at the pier.

@ the pier while waiting for our banca

Our first stop for day 2 is Barracuda Lake. It was nothing spectacular, only so quiet and there’s and eeriness I can’t explain. We did not stay long there.

Water so still @ Barracuda Lake

Our next stop is snorkeling at Siete Pecados. According to our guide, it is the most popular snorkeling site in Coron. Had a great time feeding the blue and yellow fishes, right, but the water current is so strong I had to hold on to a rope to prevent me from being washed away.

We ate our lunch at Banol Beach, which looks the same as Smith’s Point, only it has its own sari-sari store. hehe. Food (included in our package), was okay… but I wished there’s crab and shrimp other than fish and meat.

Our last – and definitely the highlight – destination was the Skeleton Wreck. I freak out with the thought of seeing actual shipwrecks underwater so I just stayed on the other side and marveled at the various fishes and corals underwater. Definitely safer that Siete Pecados and more varieties of fishes in there! Obviously, this was where we stayed the longest.

Our tour ended earlier than scheduled. So by 2pm, we were already back at the hotel.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was our dinner at Kawayanan Grill. More of our love affair with Mr. Lobster here.

Day 3

After breakfast, we don’t have anything to do already. We were dreading the 700+ steps of Mt. Tapyas so this was our least priority. But since we can’t think of anything else to do, we decided to give it a try.

And are we able to reach the top for a photo-op with the cross? Find out here.

All in all, it was a good retreat from all the stresses at work and at home. I had a great time with all the water activities even if I don’t know how to swim, but I was not really blown away, unlike some accounts I read. For me, Coron is just like Hundred Islands – only bigger and more expensive.

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Good thing Friday nights are my “cheat nights.” Meaning, I can forget about this “Biggest Loser” challenge with my teammates and just eat to my heart’s desires.

Chef’s Table is Chef Bruce’s take on Filipino food. I have seen Chef Bruce’s cooking show in one of the local channels before (not sure if it still exists though), and I was amazed by his unconventional approach to cooking. I have also read about him at Happy Monthsary’s blog, and they were happy with the unique experience.

So I have very high expectations with this restaurant…

Chef’s Table is located at The Fort. We had some difficulties finding the place as the area where they are is not yet developed. The building where they are located is still under construction.

Open, intimate, and definitely not intimidating facade

We were seated at the mezzanine so we had a very good view of what’s happening in the kitchen. They literally prepare everything in front of the guests. I had a great time watching them moving around getting busy preparing my order. Over there is Chef Bruce.

for our appetizer, we had CEBUANA CHILI CHICKEN WINGS (Php 210) - Lightly battered deep fried chicken wings smothered with Cebu-inspired sweet chili sauce. I'm not much of fan of chicken wings, but this one I love!

PRAWN ALIGUE MY WAY (Php 350) - Prawns on a bed of sotanghon flavored with aligue sauce wrapped in banana leaf, oven baked to perfection. Good, but order comes with only 2 medium-sized shrimps! We had to order another viand because of this.

DINUGUAN (Php 330) - A combination of crispy and soft pork belly in an Ilocos-inspired savory sauce topped with chili fingers. If you're wondering why it's not black, then that's because the meat was cooked separately from the sauce. You have to mix it to get the "dinuguan" color. It was not such a hit for me.

SALTED EGGS AND MINCED PORK (Php 120) - classic tortang talong enhanced with salted eggs.

All in all, we enjoyed our dinner. The staff are very attentive and anticipates our needs. I also appreciate the twist they make on the usual Filipino dishes. However, for me, it’s one of those restaurants that are “good to try once” but I might not be excited if I were to go back. Or maybe it’s just the effect of my diet.

Still, I recommend that you try it. Oh, and if it’s your birthday, the Chefs might also sing a song for you – like our fellow guest-grandma downstairs.

Chef’s Table

Unit 106 The Infinity Tower 26th Street The Fort Global City Taguig, Philippines

399-18-88

Unit 106 The Infinity Tower 26th Street The Fort Global City Taguig, Philippines

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If I remember it correctly, we paid more or less SGD 100 per night for a deluxe room. Our room had 3 beds, and a bathroom (not that big, but good enough for me). Our room had cable TV, basic toiletries, and they clean the rooms everyday. Not to mention the location is very good.

Would I recommend it? Yes, definitely. The hotel might be old but well-maintained. If you are the type of traveller who is not after the luxury of hotels but wants to stay in a clean, safe place, then SEA Hotel is for you. I had my 7-year old son with me and he did not complain or felt uncomfortable. There’s cable TV with a few cable channels.

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It is so unfortunate – both for those who have not been given the chance to experience the incredible dining experience at Laya, and for those people like me who have tried it, but couldn’t wait to eat there again.

Laya is just perfect – it is near the metro but far enough to avoid the pollution and usual rush. The place is pretty, the owners and the servers very friendly, and of course, the food is superb. Even if they charge 750/head, it was all worth it. Even cheap actually, considering the quality.

I haven’t had the chance to blog about our unique experience there last July, so allow me to share with you some photos of the place, and the food that we were served, as a fitting tribute to Laya.

Both C and I had the Laya Signatures Menu. It is composed of a 5-course lunch set with unlimited Laya Signature Pandan Iced Tea (that is so refreshing I think I gulped 5 tall glasses during the whole meal!

Refreshing Signature Laya Pandan Iced Tea

Trio of Appetizers: Crabstick & Cream Cheese Dumpling with Spicy Mango Sauce; Shrimp & Chicken Wanton Bag with Thai Sweet Chili; and Stirfried Kaffir Lime Pork in Lettuce Wrap

Spiced Pumpkin & Cashew Nut Soup with Coconut Cream Froth

Grilled Spice-crusted Chicken Strips with Mixed Greens in Ginger Soy Dressing

Fresh Lime & Mango Sorbet

For the main course, we both had Herb-Marinated US HangingTender Steak in a Red Wine & Rosemary Reduction with Spiced Crushed Potatoes

Dark Chocolate and Black Pepper Tart with Candied Ginger & Basil-infused Crème Anglaise

So sweet! complimentary turon in chocnut dip (we were celebrating our 14th monthsary at that time)

We were so full after eating all those yummy food! It was one of those situations where in you are already full but can’t stop eating because all that were served looks and tastes yummy! This, coupled with the great ambience from our table.

Thank you to the talented husband-and-wife duo of Irene and Chef Ricci. Whatever your plan is, we’re all excited to see and feel your awesome existence in the scene again!

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I realized I was out of the blogging scene for almost half a year. Well, blame it on my new job. I became very busy I don’t have time anymore to blog. I’m sure you also have those times when your mind goes numb after a long and stressful day in the office. :-S

But even if I have not been updating, the good news is, we kept on travelling and exploring. Our Singapore trip pushed thru, we went to weekend getaways in Casa Ibiza in Antipolo, Punta de Fabian in Rizal, Taal Vista in Tagaytay, to name a few, whenever our schedules permit. We also had the chance to enjoy the unique flavor of Laya (before they ceased to operate), watched John Mayer concert at Mall of Asia, screamed over a couple of PBA games in Araneta, and explored several more new restaurants.

So, what’s up for 2011?

My tagline for this year is “TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.” This is my year, no more excuses. I have a lot of plans for this year and I intend to aggressively run after them. So far, I’m on track.

To start with, I decided to launch a new theme  - I have decided to keep it simple this time. No more fancy slideshows, complicated thumbnails, extra stuff that makes viewing the whole site even slower. I hope you like it. I personally love the kikay colors.

I’m excited to start the year! Next month we will be in Coron. And on my birthday, we will be in Malaysia. Those are only some of the adventures I intend to do this year. Will keep you posted!

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Making reservations was easy. Even if it’s going to be a long weekend, they did not require us to pay any downpayment. Our room costs Php3,000 per night inclusive of continental breakfast.

We were picked up by Monica, the owner of the Villa. She was born in Puerto Galera but moved to Amsterdam as a child (her father’s Dutch), then went back with her goal of putting up a luxurious accommodation option for Puerto Galera tourists. The Amihan has been in operations for only about a month, and they really hasn’t advertised yet, that’s why even some of the locals are unaware that they’re open already.

The trip from Muelle Pier to Amihan Villa takes about 15 minutes. Along the way, Monica was enthusiastically talking about her project, and how she envisions the villa to be in the future. Listening to her stories was able to excite me even more.

And no words can ever explain how I felt when I saw Amihan Villa up close…

The Rooms

Amihan Villa only has five rooms so far that can accommodate 2-3 people. I know you’re dying to see how our room looks like already… Here goes…

The Food

Amihan Villa has their own Chef – that’s so true! We heard from the locals that JR, the chef, is a brother of the owner. While we weren’t able to confirm it, we definitely had a great anniversary dinner because of him. These are our orders:

For breakfast, we were able to secure the best area: the table at the corner with an amazing view of South China Sea.

What’s so good about Amihan is that even if they’re still considerably on dry run status, they are able to provide first-class, personalized service to their guests. Monica said that they’re already going to start constructing an in-house spa, complete with all amenities during off-peak season this year. I can’t wait to go back once it’s over!

They’re also located very close to the White Beach, only about 10-15 minutes away by tricycle. Since the Resort is not beach front, guests may still enjoy wading in the white sand beaches of Galera quite easily.

Because of our experience in Amihan Villa, I am being tempted to end our search for the best bed and breakfast already (though I’m sure we’ll still not stop looking. . This place was definitely able to bring our standards several notches higher. It was hard to leave this paradise and for a while, we regretted booking only a night there. I could stay there forever if I can!

So what are you waiting for? Book a night at Amihan and be awed, like us. I’m so sure that soon, their room rates will increase dramatically (because of demand and they deserve it!) so grab the opportunity now. I highly recommend this place to couples and small families looking for a quiet but top-notch accomodation near where the action is.

Me and Monica, our gracious host.

Many thanks to Monica, to JR, and the staff of Amihan for a romantic and memorable stay. Our first anniversary celebration was made perfect because of you guys.

Here’s to more happy years together!

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So let me try to write something that way again…

I’m happy. Since the year started, things are going as I planned/wished/prayer for. I’m happy with C. In fact, I couldn’t even wish for anyone else. We complement each other very well. He goes along very well with my little angel. He’s the most supportive boyfriend ever. I can talk to him about anything under the sun. I know he loves me… and will never mistreat me. On Sunday, we will celebrate our first anniversary in a private island in Puerto Galera. And I’m so excited! Three days all alone with him! That’s heaven!

I’ve also travelled since the year started. C and I explored Mindanao via Cagayan de Oro-Camiguin; and I just came back with my sisters from a four-day Singapore adventure. I’m still hoping it would be Cambodia next time. Or Kota Kinabalu.

In spite of everything though… I feel a twinge of sadness deep inside. A few days ago, I tendered my resignation here in my current company. I’ve grown so much here professionally after 6 years and now I leaving. I’ve received a very good offer from my dream company and will be given a regional role – and it’s a no-brainer: I just have to accept it. It’s hard for me to leave because I have a lot of good memories here. The four walls of our office have seen me grow and transform and fall in love. Most especially, our Managing Director is like my father. That’s the reason why I cried so much tears the whole time I was talking to him when I handed to him my resignation letter.

But I know I just have to do it. I have to prove to myself that I can succeed in any given situation.

I still pray… though I feel like He has already granted all my prayers during the first quarter of this year. The unexpected profit share was a plus. The laptop my Dad gave me as pasalubong last December wasn’t even expected. And the iTouch that I bought from my sister was a nice gift for myself. And I have my new domain name now!

I feel so blessed. I think this year’s my ultimate time to shine. Prayers really do work wonders.

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