Coripot Coron

Sorry about that looooong hiatus. Sometimes, there are things not worth writing nor posting about for they just only belong to my memory bank alone. Scribbles on the papers and posts on the online space will surely fade and crash, but vivid memories will last a lifetime... or even beyond a lifetime, no one alive can tell.

ANYWAY, yeah! We travelled on the 2nd year of 2015. They say do things you want to do on New Year's Day, so you will be doing it for the rest of the year. Let's see if that old saying applies to my year!

Complete itinerary:

DAY 1
10:40 AM Touch down Coron (150.00 van fare)
11:40 AM ETA Hotel; check in
12:00 PM Lunch (195.00)
12:30 PM Siesta
3:00 PM         Lualhati Park/Lagalag/Kain ulit
4:00 PM         ETD Mt. Tapyas (walking)
4:30 PM         ETA Mt. Tapyas, start trekking
5:00 PM         ETA Summit/Photoshoot until sunset
6:00 PM         ETD descend Mt. Tapyas
6:30 PM         ETA jump-off point, leave the area
7:00 PM     ETA hotel, freshen up
7:30 PM    Dinner (110.00)
8:00 PM    Cocktail (180.00)
9:00 PM    ETA hotel
9:30 PM    Lights off
Total Spendings: 635.00

DAY 2

6:30 AM         Wake up call

7:00 AM         Breakfast

7:30 AM         ETD for Coron pier

7:45 AM         ETA Coron pier

8:00 AM         Whole-day island hopping tour (1,700.00 group tour package w/ lunch & entrance fees)

9:30 AM         Bulog Dos

10:30 PM       Banana Island: lunch, snorkelling

1:30 PM         Malcapuya Island: relax, beach, snorkelling

4:00 PM         ETD to Coron Port

5:30 PM         ETA Coron Port

6:00 PM         ETA hotel, freshen up

7:00 PM         Dinner (110.00)

7:30 PM         Halo-halo (100.00)

8:30 PM         Grocery (lunch and snacks for tomorrow, 150.00)

9:00 PM         Back to hotel

9:30 PM         Lights off

Extra Fees: Snorkelling gadget (150.00)

Total Spendings: 2210.00

DAY 3

6:30 AM         Wake up call

7:00 AM         Breakfast

7:30 AM         ETD for Coron pier

7:45 AM         ETA Coron

8:00 AM         Whole-day island hopping tour (2000.00 boat rental, 1000.00 per person)

SUGGESTED SITES

9:00 AM        Siete Pecados (100.00)

10:00 AM      Kayangan Lake (200.00)

11:00 PM       Barracuda Lake (100.00)

12:00 PM       Twin Lagoon (100.00)         

1:00 PM         Dimanglan Beach for lunch (free)

2:00 PM         Skeleton Wreck (100.00)

2:30 PM         Banol Beach (100.00)

5:30 PM         ETA Coron Pier

6:00 PM         ETA hotel, freshen up

7:00 PM         Dinner (270.00)

8:30 PM         Back to hotel

9:30 PM         Lights off

Extra Fees: Snorkelling gadget (150.00)

Total Spendings: 2120.00

DAY 4

8:30 AM        Breakfast

9:00 AM        Massage (400.00)

11:00 AM      Pasalubong Center (150.00)

12:00 PM       Checkout

12:30 PM       Lunch (200.00)

2:00 PM         ETD Airport (150.00 van rental)

4:20 PM         ETD Manila (75.00 terminal fee)

Total Spendings: 975.00

Overall Expenses: 5940.00

BIG Tips!!!!

1. Never ever book the last flight from Busuanga to Manila. The last flights are usually get cancelled due to sunset limitation. It is best to book the first flight in the morning if you don't want to ruin the entire holiday mood!

2. Our tour guides' contact numbers:

     Calamian Travel: 09175322719

     Apex Travel: 09464290630/09094472987

     Eric Tandog (van pickup): 09298623188/09175596714

     * Kuya Eric mentioned that he offers 4D3N Coron travel all-in including all-day meals, boat rentals, and hotel for 6000.00. Contact him for details!

Always,

As Seen in 2013

It's the time of the year again to look back and discover how I lived my life in the past (and fast) 365 days of 2013.

I was able to travel around Davao and Butuan for series of media workshops on power situation in Mindanao. I personally experienced how crucial rotating brownouts were, as several households, businesses and other sectors were strongly affected by it. I do hope power issues in Mindanao will be resolved sooner, as we look into other alternatives like clean and renewable energy sources. This might be quite costly, but definitely efficient in the long run.

Left: A local restaurant in Butuan. They usually stop their operations during daily rotating brownout. Hence, profits are seriously affected. Right: Ms Myrna Velasco of Manila Bulletin, conducting workshops on local media partitioners in Mindanao.

I thought I already graduated from receiving awards and special citations until my Alma Mater invited me earlier this year to their VPAA Testimonial for Student Affairs for our work that was chosen as one of the top 15 in the International Labour Organization Video Contest and was presented in the Youth Employment Forum 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Later this year, I was also invited by Noveleta Councilor Anglo in behalf of the Junior Chamber International to receive my recognition for being one of 12 Noveleta's Finest Youth in the field of communication.

Credits: Martin Ledesma

One of the most surreal moments of 2013 was when I guested along with  reputable filmmakers, writers and film festival organizers to tackle about the effects of independent films in Filipino society. Special thanks to my professor, Ms. Flordeliz Abanto for being able to have the opportunity to have my voice be heard in an award winning radio program, Diskarte.

Credits: fnf.org

Reaching your anniversary at work might now be a rare occurrence for all competitive youth in my generation. Hence, reaching my first year at my first job is really worth posting as one of my memorable happenings of 2013. Being assigned to work with the IEC team for the project, I may have produced several special media materials that were exhibited here and across the country. And among the several IEC materials I have produced (either print or digital media), this corner is my baby!

Bahay Kaalaman Welcome Sign. Bahay Kaalaman is an Interactive Knowledge Management Center housed in Batangas National High School, Batangas City (Credits: CEnergy Project)

Aside from the almost reaching highest peaks of my career this year, 2013 is not a good year for my health. My TMJ complication has triggered up as I experienced severe clicking and locking of my jaws, causing me to undergo two tooth extraction surgeries. Still, this problem continues to live with me, and I do hope I may be able to get through it this 2014.

However, I still managed to YOLO as I get more inclined to EDM concerts this year. I was able to party with Avicii, Bass Jackers, Zedd and Madeon.

Clockwise from TL: Avicii, Bass Jackers, Zedd, Madeon

Moreover, my playlist was filled up with other EDM artists: Calvin Harris, Rebecca and Fiona, Otto Knows, Steve Aoki, Afrojack, Swedish House Mafia and Hardwell, and different breakthrough artists: Ellie Goulding, Lorde and Lana Del Rey.

Met different local celebrities and personalities, but seeing (and being able to selfie with) the big boss himself, His Excellency, US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas was the most epic!

I also got fond of cropped tops, skater skirts and maxi dresses. And I started being a bazaar goer as I was able to find cheaper finds and more fab items every fashionista looks for. Here's my top OOTDs for the year:

Travelled to Bohol for summer and Hong Kong for Holidays!

Hurrah for my successful goal: I LOST 10 LBS THIS YEAR! Thanks to Zumba, 30-day Shred and GM Diet.

Lastly, I know I have deepen my relationship with my parents, though I don't get to bond and stay with them everyday.

Indeed it was a great year for me. And I really look forward to a more productive year ahead of me,  by being strong enough to face every problem I might encounter, and always... to think of the most positive things to attract the best vibes in the world. Thanks for being part of my 2013 journey, and I see you all next year.

Always,

 

Halloween Look: Stitched Mouth

A very easy-to-do makeup look for halloween! I'm just recreating this idea from my makeup guru, Promise Phan! 

Check her tutorial here:

What's your look this Halloween? Feel free to share it :)

Always,

 

Movie Stars Cafe

Got no time to prepare for your Halloween Party 'cause Oct. 31 is unfortunately a regular working day? Dine at Movie Stars Cafe and it will surely bring your Halloween Dream!

Movie Stars Cafe has become one of the most sold out vouchers in MetroDeal and Ensogo for bringing its buffet prices down to 50% off! And aside from the unlimited food, there's unlimited entertainment waiting for you!

The venue welcomes you with almost a myriad of TV screens featuring movie channels: HBO, Star Movies, etc., complemented by scintillating ecstatic lights to exhibit a very festive "Universal Studio-ish ambience". Not to mention that your favorite movie characters will be roaming around to entertain guests, accommodate photo ops, perform live on stage and serve your orders, all-in-one!

Since we arrived earlier, we got to have photo opportunities with almost all of the featured movie characters!

My officemates with the two Spidermen

The Buffet:

The buffet is served in two parts:

6PM to 9PM: 599.00 PHP

10PM to 2AM: 699.00 PHP (drinks included: choice of cocktails, draft beers and sodas)

TIP: Don't be fascinated by the free drinks 'cause it's not really worth it. They better hire a good bartender because they suck at blending good cocktails. But if you're a beer person, unlimited draft beers will surely be worth an additional hundred bucks.

Another thing that is based from my experience, I recommend you to try the 6PM to 9PM batch since they serve "real food" on that schedule. I dined in 10PM to 2PM schedule in July 2013 and they only served nachos, pastas, and other finger foods that are partners to your included unlimited drinks. 6PM to 9 PM schedule serves their famous Design your own burger and sausage, sandwiches, pastas, nachos, salads and desserts. The food is really great for an eat-all-you-can setup, and it might be too calorie-loaded for you to have more than 1 burger/sausage. But I encourage you to try all their dishes aside from their main entree. So forget all your diet and eat like a beast!

The Side Entertainment:

I would like to start writing this section with a next BIG TIP: Eat first and stuff yourself before you get fascinated with the movie characters that welcome you. I'm not really sure if it's really their tactic to roam around your table, make you laugh (and somehow annoy you if joking around people is not your thing) to prevent you from enjoying your unlimited burgers and sausages. Finish your dinner first before playing with the movie characters and have unlimited selfies with them. Be reminded that they will definitely not leave and will surely accommodate all your requests. After all, you are the customer! So enjoy your food 'cause that's what you are really paying for.

Having mentioned that these are all-in-one entertainers and servers for the night, they also perform few excerpts from famous broadway shows and films every 30 minutes. I got to watch their Step Up, Hairspray and Lion King Excerpts and they are really legit performers - they sing and dance well, but I know they could even do a lot better if they rehearse more and think of new ideas and concepts for their next set of performances.

The Verdict:

I would still go back to this place for the third time, but I guess that will be the last unless they announce a new attraction to their cafe. This place is perfect for friends who prefer unique dining theme, families who seek fun place to eat and those birthday celebrants who wish to be serenaded by your favorite film hero for their special day. This venue is also friendly to kids as this is a non smoking zone. However, some rated PG is needed as some characters who joke around us spoke minimal green jokes, but I guess they don't do it to their family visitors.

And since the Halloween Spirit is just around the corner, this might be a better place to celebrate your spooky nights, if you got no time to do your own trick or treat at home!

Contact Them:

Always,

 

The PS Shops at Superb Sale

It's the Superb time again for shopping! Time to meet all my favorite shops and get all the latest fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2014! Here are the top fab items I got for Superb Bazaar!

Candy-Colored flats from I am Shoe IG: @iamshoe

My new favorite shop, Trippy Swag (LOWER RIGHT)! I came across the boyfriend of the owner, who happens to be a good salesman, LOL! I got a red sleeveless cropped top, denim blue top and skirt set (both are not shown in the photo) and a black midi skirt! Among all the midi skirts I saw in the bazaar, Trippy Swag has the best and durable fabric quality! not to mention their prices are only ranging from 200-400 PHP! Follow them on IG: @trippyswag

On the other hand, I got a very unique snake skin cropped top from Fashion Infinity (UPPER RIGHT) which costs 200 PHP. Follow them on IG: @fashioninfinity_rhona

A top and dress set collection from my all-time favorite shop, Urban Hour! IG: @urbanhour

Colorful dresses and fab tops from On A Thousand Heavens IG: @oathboutique
I got a fierce cat maxi dress that almost got soldout!

Love Manila @lovemanila makeups are very affordable and authentic shipped from abroad. Their Nyx lippies cost 160 PHP. I got a wine-tinted tube and a lipstick organizer! (Photo below)

Thank heavens for this, I will not be having a hard time looking for what to wear on my lips anymore!

Arm Candies will never be crossed out from my shopping list!

And finally after almost a lifetime, I got a perfect home for my makeup! It has 6 tiers for your pallets and a big compartment below. Great for on-the-go-vains like me!

Today is the last day of the bazaar so go catch the last minutes and have the latest fab items at the very least price! Detailed posts for my looks will be posted soon! 'Til next time :)

Always,