“Open your arms to change but don't let go of your values.” 
― 14th Dalai Lama

“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.” 
― 14th Dalai Lama

“Happiness doesn't always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.” 
― 14th Dalai Lama

“Time passes unhindered. When we make mistakes, we cannot turn the clock back and try again. All we can do is use the present well.” 
― 14th Dalai Lama

“pain is inevitable,suffering is optional...
we have bigger houses,but smaller families. More conveniences,but less time. We have knowledge,but less judgements; more experts,but more problems ; more medicines but less health.” 
― 14th Dalai Lama

“If I am only happy for myself, many fewer chances for happiness. If I am happy when good things happen to other people, billions more chances to be happy!” 
― 14th Dalai Lama

“When life becomes too complicated and we feel overwhelmed, it’s often useful just to stand back and remind ourselves of our overall purpose, our overall goal. When faced with a feeling of stagnation and confusion, it may be helpful to take an hour, an afternoon, or even several days to simply reflect on what it is that will truly bring us happiness, and then reset our priorities on the basis of that. This can put our life back in proper context, allow a fresh perspective, and enable us to see which direction to take.” 
― 14th Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living

“Learn and obey the rules very well so you will know how to break them properly.”
― 14th Dalai Lama


“The greater the level of calmness of our mind, the greater our peace of mind, the greater our ability to enjoy a happy and joyful life.” 
― 14th Dalai Lama

“no matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you, never give up” 
― 14th Dalai Lama


After our weekend getaway from Zambales we've decided to try home of the big tacos..
The Coffee Shop Restaurant at Olongapo City.
Jumbo Taco Salad with Sour Cream
 We've ordered Jumbo Taco Salad with Sour Cream.

It was good for 2 persons. The only difference with the other taco is that it has sour cream and olives.

There was nothing special with the shell,since it seems like it was fried lumpia wrapper,but the sauce Of the meat filling and sour cream was a great combination.

One more thing that made me like their taco filling is the onion are not so empowering, since I'm not an onion fan. 

Aside From tacos, there are lots of choices such as sandwiches,desserts, full meals, coffee and more. We've also ordered Pork sinigang , Beef steak and Brewed Tower Iced tea.For a group of 8 persons it costs around P1,100 including the tower ice tea.


Not bad I guess since we were satisfied with their Specialty big tacos. It's a really good place of you're looking for a cheap but good food.

If I'll get to be in Subic or near the area I would definitely go back for more.

-xoxo-


The Coffee Shop Restaurant
 #2-3 Rizal Street, Barrio Barretto, corner Nat’l
Highway, Olongapo City, Philippines.

Road trip, here we go!
First of Summer, our Destination: Anawangin Cove, Capones Island and Crystal Beach Resort. Beautiful Saturday morning, Packed playlist for a 3-hour travel. This was my first time in Zambales, looking forward to fun,adventure and memorable weekend getaway. 



Our First stop was to check-in at Crystal Beach Resort in San Narciso Zambales. We arrived around 10 am, quite late from our intended schedule.



Just upon entering Crystal Beach, it's chill and stress-free atmosphere make you want to bum out all day. 

Crystal Beach Resort- Timothy tree house
We stayed at Timothy tree house. It was Airconditioned, good for 4 people at 1,990. No private Cr. Buffet breakfast is included. Timothy tree is built with low ceiling, I won't recommend this for tall people:) 
We had our lunch At King Solomon's Hall.

Pundaquit
Then around 1pm, we headed our way to Pundaquit, where the bangka is waiting for our Island hopping.
Our group
Our itinerary was Capones light house then Anawangin Cove. But, as per the bangkeros the wave was quite high, so they've decide not to include the Light house. 
Capones Island
Our side trip was the Capones Island. Capones Island or "Isla de Gran Capon" during the spanish era is a 2-kilometer long boned shaped island surrounded by white sand and rocky shores. 

Capones Island
We just spend a short time on the island just by lazing on the shore. The scorching afternoon glare of the sun made it impossible for us to take a dip.

Capones Island
The rest of the group took a rest under the huge rock while enjoying the view, while we take turns for our over excited jump shot.

Capones Island- jump shot
We head our way to our next destination, Anawangin. There were massive waves which rocked our boat which made our ride so scary and bumpy. It took us around 30-minutes to reach the beautiful Anawangin Cove. 

Anawangin

The beauty of nature never fails to amaze me. I can say that Zambales was blessed with untouched forest and mountain ranges and beautiful beaches.


Anawangin
Anawangin view was breathtaking, beach surrounded with Pine trees and crystal clear water. 

Anawangin
The  cove is famous for camping sites. The hidden cove was able to maintain its serenity and beauty. 
Here you will experience a basic living with no electricity and no mobile signals. It is the perfect getaway.

Sunset by the boat
We've enjoyed our dip in the clear waters of Anawangin. We headed back around 6pm going back to Pundaquit. 


Sunset 
As we cruise back to Pundaquit, the sunset was amazing. 
A colorful scene right above the horizon that glows and can be seen from far away yellow blue orange all mixed together.
Beautiful scene as we watched the world goes by.

We drop by the market to buy stuff for our dinner. We cooked our own dinner at Crystal Beach, and spend most of the time at the sea shore talking about everything under the moon up until midnight. 

morning at Crystal Beach
We were welcomed with a great morning. Had some exercise, before having our buffet breakfast. The rest of the time was intended for chillax, swimming and picture taking.


Zambales is a perfet getaway. 
I fell in love with Anawangin's serenity, 
the crystal clear water of Capones Island and 
watching as time goes by in Crystal Beach. 

I will surely go back to this place. 

-xoxo-



Our Itinerary: 
Day 1, Mar 15 (Saturday)
§  07:00 AM       Meet-up (McDonalds Greenbelt)
§  08:00 AM       Departure to Zambales
§  11:30 AM       Arrival at Crystal Beach Resort, Zambales
    12:00 NN       Lunch at King Solomons Hall in Crustal Beach
§  01:00 PM       Go to Pundaquit for Island Hopping
·     Anawangin & Capones Island
§  06:00 PM      Left Anawangin
§  08:00 PM      Dinner at Crystal Beach
§  10:00 – 12:00  MN     Tambay sa Sea shore

Day 2, Mar 16(Sunday)
§  06:30 AM     Call time / Info session
§  07:00 AM     Buffet Breakfast
§  8:00 AM       Free Time
                               Picture Taking, Swimming, Chillax  
§  11:00 AM     Check-out from Crystal Beach
§  12:30 NN      Lunch §  The Coffee Shop Restaurant
                          #2-3 Rizal Street, Barrio Barretto, corner Nat’l Highway, Olongapo City
    - Sightseeing at Subic
§  05:00 PM     Manila

Our Expenses: By Car

Lodging  (2- Tree house)              4,000
Transportation  (gas & tollgate)    3,300
Lunch                   1,000
Dinner (Market)    1,500
Island Hopping      2,000 + 400(entrance anawangin P50 each)
Total: P12,200 / 8 pax = P 1,531.50

Total Budget each P1,500



Crystal Beach Resort

Barangay La Paz, San Narciso Zambales


10) “Remember that failure is an event, not a person.”
9) “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.”
8 ) “People often say motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.”
7) “There has never been a statue erected to honor a critic.”
6) “People don’t buy for logical reasons. They buy for emotional reasons.”
5) “Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.”
4) “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.”
3) “A goal properly set is halfway reached.”
2) “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”
1) “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”




A day at Star City.

Amusement Park right at the heart of the CCP complex.

My first time here in Star City. Excited and Looking forward to enjoy this theme park. I was with my cousin with her son who has a ride-all-you-can pass. But i decided to just have the all day pass, since I was looking forward just to take a lot of pictures inside the park. All day pass was P 65.


They got the VIP TAG for Ride-All-You-Can Pass


 They also offer combo packages for other attractions inside the park.


Once you enter the park, souvenir shops will be welcoming you. You can find different stuff and also Star City memorabilia. I've checked some stuff and find it affordable. 



Bringing out the kid in me,.




If I could get to choose one ride, I guess this would be it.. Ferris Wheel.



For thrilling and adventure ride they also have their own version of EEjanaika of Japan.


If you've been to Enchanted kingdom, this ride can be compared to Anchors away with a twist.






I got to enjoy watching people be thrilled with the rides, those young and young at hearts patiently waiting on queued just to experience their ride of their life :) 
































And last, I find these stuff toys adorable. 
If only I could take one home :)


xoxo


Star City is Open Daily
Monday to Thursday 4pm onwards
Saturday and Sunday 2pm onwards

website : http://www.starcity.com.ph/

First quarter of 2014,
it might be late for my bucket list,
but as the saying goes "It's better late than never".

Tere's 2014 bucket List

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables
2. Eat pork occasionally
3. Undergo a detox program
4. Enroll in a gym class(zumba or yoga)
5. Lose weight
6. Acquire a new Property(apartment/townhouse)
7. Invest in Stock Market
8. Pass Japanese Level Proficiency Test N2 
9. Reach 150 likes for my FB page
10. Get at least 500 views on my blog
11. Explore a new place/city or country 
12. Make Exercise part of my daily routine
13. Master 2 new dish 
14. Post inspirational quotes on my page everyday
15. Go to the beach with Friends
16. Attend a fun run event
17. Do a Charity event
18. Read at least 1 book a month
19. Write at least 1 blog a week
20. Star gaze 
21. Go snorkeling 
22. Go to an outdoor movie
23. Ride in a hot air balloon
24. Try an underwater glass helmet
25. Watch Sunrise and Sunset on a beach




2014 is going to be an epic year! 

I've set my goals, I've dream big dreams that I've never thought possible, 
and I make everyday count.

I need more discipline and determination to achieve my goals, and I know I can. I deserve a wonderful year.  


We all have two choices; we can make a living or we can design a life – Jim Rohn


xoxo



Dear God, You generously blessed Your servant,
St. Pio of Pietrelcina,
with the gifts of the Spirit.
You marked his body with the five wounds
of Christ Crucified, as a powerful witness
to the saving Passion and Death of Your Son.
Endowed with the gift of discernment,
St. Pio labored endlessly in the confessional
for the salvation of souls.
With reverence and intense devotion
in the celebration of Mass,
he invited countless men and women
to a greater union with Jesus Christ
in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
Through the intercession of St. Pio of Pietrelcina,
I confidently beseech You to grant me
the grace of (here state your petition).
Glory be to the Father… (three times). Amen.






My First Binondo Food Adventure, Wai Ying Fast Food.
Wai Ying is an Authentic Chinese restaurant in the heart of Chinatown Manila in Binondo.
They offer Chinese dishes which includes dimsum, noodles, rice toppings, soups and desserts.

My last visit was on a Sunday, a day after the celebration of Chinese New Year. As I was expecting, the place was packed.  It took us about 10 minutes before we were able to secure our seats.We ordered our food while we wait.
There's no fancy about the interior, the dishes spoke for themselves as this is a good place.

We had a sumptuous meal.. 



I love the Chicken Feet (P60) - 3 pieces of chicken feet with tausi in a sweet & spicy sauce.
It was so tender, meat are easily falling from the bones. 
yummy..

Their Chicken Mushroom were muy delicioso.


We've also tried their Brocolli with a special sweet sauce.


Their steamed Spare ribs was also one of the best for me. It's so tender and the sauce was also good.


Their Hakao(P60) was for the win! You can't not have hakao. Indeed, one order isn't enough for us and we ask for a second serving!



I also had a Milk Tea (P55). It was a good mix of milk and tea, milky, yet strong taste of the tea.


Generally, we had a gggreat time at Wai Ying, and of course, gggreat food!
As expected our stomach is full and more than satisfied..

They are open daily from 7 AM until 2 AM. Parking is outside the restaurant, though hard to secure one.

We will definitely be back for more dimsum and dumplings experience.

xoxo 



Wai Ying Fastfood
832 Benavides St. 
Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel No. (02) 254 3326



I recalled having read several of Bro.Bo Sanchez books at National Bookstore. These are the times when I was into self-help books, maybe a couple of years ago. Came 2013 when my friend Ryan introduced Bro. Bo Sanchez's ministry "The Feast". I started watching several clips of Bro. Bo's talk over at YouTube. I was open in attending one his talks, but haven't got the time and courage in attending.


He invited me to one of their actives which is the Connect Group. CG is a weekly get together of individuals in either a cafe or restaurant. In CG, you'll be able to share your blessings to the group, your learning's from Sunday's talk and also pray for each other's intention. As they were talking about the teachings at The Feast, I still haven't attended one.

Since Ryan was regularly attending The Feast at Philippine International Conference Center (PICC) he invited me to go to PICC one Sunday so I could attend one of the talks.
Last October 27, 2013, we met before 10:30 to attend the Third session. He was with his brother and niece(DM), they were my first Feast Buddies. It was at least 3 hours long affair. The first Hour was devoted for the mass, and then Bro. Bo's talk. After the mass has ended, all lights were dimmed down. This signs as the beginning of the next event. The plenary Hall was filled with a concert atmosphere as the choirs move to the center and start singing a series of worship songs. The crowd is also up on their feet, singing and clapping to the beat.

The worship part really touched my heart. There were worship songs that I confessed really made me cry. Especially when Bro.Bo lifts up his hands showing surrender, surrendering everything to God. Words could not express the feelings, all tears are unconsciously flowing from my eyes. DM would ask me why I was crying. I couldn't explain to her, but instead tears kept on flowing. It might have been mixed emotions that I was there, overwhelmed, or it was God touching my heart.
I loved Bro.Bo's topic during that time. All about deleting worries. Something we everyone could relate to.
After the event,since I was a first timer there, I had to go to a corner where people are raising “Welcome First Timers!” We had a little chit chat about our experiences regarding attending Feast. We were given a tiny booklet to write our dreams and bring the next time we come back.



I enjoyed my first time here, I will gladly come back.






The Feast PICC Schedule:
Plenary Hall or Reception Hall, PICC, Pasay City
Sunday
Morning Session
8:00am - 10:00am
9:30am - 11:30am
10:00am - 12:00am
Afternoon Session
01:00am - 03:00pm
04:00pm - 6:00pm