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Ananda Kanani Accessories is in Philippine Star’s YStyle Section for Tracy Dizon’s Tiara Collection today, March 05. The feature gives styling tips for the prom using tiaras to liven up the prom dress. Article is in YStyle page L-2.

Here’s a scanned image of the feature (to see large version, click here)

Ananda Kanani in Philippine Star

The online write up is here (though Ananda Kanani is not credited in the online write up).

Connect with Ananda Kanani Accessories:

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Twitter – account made only today :D

View items for sale at the Ananda Kanani Online Shop.

We were very lucky to have booked a room in EcoVillage on the Holy Week of 2007 when all resorts near Camsur Watersports Complex were fully booked.

EcoVillage is a gated community with different natural and man-made structures and sights to see.

It has a bird aviary of exotic birds, a floating gazebo, hanging bridge, bird houses, small parks within the area, a swimming pool and different kinds of trees and flowers. there was also a man-made bat-cave on top of a stream and surrounded by tall bamboo trees so the cave does not look man-made at all.

It’s accommodation facilities vary from studio type units with own T&B to cabins. The cabins are the most inexpensive at Php350, having a bed and an electric fan, with a little camp-feel at night since it’s located outside with trees and it’s dark. If you’ll be out exploring the whole day, and on a budget, this lodging is good enough for you. Eco Village has comfort rooms and shower facilities near the cabins so no worries about that.

It’s in the same vicinity as CWC but quite a long walk. A tricycle ride costs Php 10.00 per person.

Enjoy world-class cable skiing facilities at Camsur Watersports Complex and enjoy some relaxing time at The EcoVillage in Pili, Camarines Sur.

For more information call:
Telephone # (+6354) 477.56.36 or (+6354) 478.00.93
or e-mail us at: infocamsur@gmail.com

The EcoVillage Management Office
Capitol Complex, Cadlan,Pili, Camarines Sur
Philippines 4410

Related Posts:

Camsur Watersports Complex, Pili, Camarines Sur
The Great Bicol Adventure: Rest and Relaxation in Awesome Camsur

In April of 2007, Amrei and I went to Bicol in time for the Holy Week vacation, we were going to meet with Angku and Ryan who were currently vacationing there (Angku’s hometown is Bicol), the day after we arrived. Then Abet and Hasmin will follow from Manila, on our third day.

Jetski

Our first stop was where we would be staying – EcoVillage. It was only very lucky for us to be able to book a room in EcoVillage because it was the holy week so all accommodations that we contacted near CWC were all fully booked. We got a room because we very eagerly followed up for cancellations. The Eco Village management was nice enough to notify us when a room became available.

Fooling Around

Ate Lyn (but we call each other “Teng” short for “Ateng”), my sister, her husband and their friends were already in Bicol for three days when we arrived. They’ve already swam with the whale sharks in Donsol. On their last day in Bicol, they tried out the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) where we met them up for breakfast.

Pancake with Bacon and Egg (Php 100)

We had pancakes and omelet. I remember that the breakfast foods were only around Php 90-110. I was a vegetarian then so I requested for a tomato and mushroom omelet.

Vegetarian Omelet by Request (Mushroom and Tomatoes only)

CWC at that time only had a few accommodations, the containers were under construction.

The Clubhouse

Pool with Bamboo Lounge Chairs

I was delighted to enter the complex, with a big pool that’s surrounded by cabanas for spa and lounging, the clubhouse, and the 6-point cable ski system. The whole walking area is made of wooden flooring too! It’s a very relaxing atmosphere.

Cable Park

The place also has a good view of Mt. Isarog.

Pool Surrounded by Cabanas

Read what you can do when in CWC here.

Contact Camsur Watersports Complex at these details:

Camsur Watersports Complex Office:
Provincial Capitol Complex
Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur
Contact Number: +63(54) 4773344 / 4773347
Fax Number: +63(54) 477-5162
E-mail: infocamsur@gmail.com

Related Posts:

The Great Bicol Adventure: Rest and Relaxation in Awesome Camsur
Eco Village, Pili, Camarines Sur

I was very lucky to be part of the annual UP Fair when I was in college. I was one of the hosts/emcees every year since 2002-2008. My last hosting was on the UP Fair Centennial Finale, at 12MN – 2AM, which was a very good way to say goodbye, right?

UP Fair 2008 - Centennial Finale

I was even luckier that my hosting slots were always on the main time slots where the more famous bands would play. It was fun every year, though I was never able to chat with the big bands there. While backstage, I would always mingle with my band-friends who either came from our school, or were already my friends before. I was starstruck only twice — by Sugarfree and Orange and Lemons. Those were the “Mariposa” and “Just Like a Splendid Love Song” days! Maybe because they were relatively “new” compared to Bamboo, Rivermaya or Parokya ni Edgar. I even had the chance to introduce ONL personally on a UP Fair gig (I think it was their first in the UP Fair).

UP Fair 2008 - Centennial Finale - Raffle

UP Fair 2008 - Centennial Finale - with Co-host Bidz

The UP Fair is not only for the music lovers. It also has hundreds of booths that sell food, drinks, trinkets, accessories, jewelry, clothes and other fun items. There’s also the Climbing Wall from mountaineering organizations. Some fun rides and games. The UP Fair is held yearly at the week of Valentines day! Here’s the schedule for this year.

UP FAIR 2010 - feb 09 - tues

Tuesday February 9 – SISFIRE – Juan, Vote! UP Sigma Beta Sorority and UP Economics Society bring you Sisfire7: Juan, Vote! on February 9, the first day of the UP Fair 2010… Kamikazee, 6cyclemind, Kjwan, Sandwich, Sugarfree, Itchyworms, Moonstar88, Silent Sanctuary, Typecast, Paraluman, Pedicab, DeLara, Soapdish, Markus Hiway, Protein Shake, Franco, Paramita, Giniling Festival. This event will surely take entertainment and social awareness to a new level.

UP FAIR 2010 - feb 10 - wednesday

Wednesday, February 10 – WARFAIR – Alert The Armory UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity presents Alert The Armory on February 10… Urbandub, Greyhoundz, Chicosci, Slapshock, Stonefree, Salamin, Hilera, Giniling Festival, Blue Boy Bites Back, December Avenue, Valley of Chrome, April Morning Skies, Cog, Imbue No Kudos, Even, Subscapular, The Ambassadors, Inday Bote.

UP FAIR 2010 - feb 11 - thursday

Thursday, February 11 YESTHURSDAY UP Circle of Entrepreneurs presents a concert advocating peace and paying tribute to the 90’s music… Parokya nI Edgar, Kamikazee, Typecast, Sandwich, Itchyworms, Sugarfree, Silent Sanctuary, Moonstar88, Chicosci, Spongecola, Hilera, Stonefree, 6cyclemind, Mayonnaise.

UP FAIR 2010 - feb 12 - friday

Friday, February 12 – RAKESTRA – Harmony Amidst Chaos UP Beta Epsilon presents Harmony Amidst Chaos on February 12… Sugarfree and Silent Sanctuary accompanied by Manila Symphony Orchestra… Kamikazee, Slapshock, Sponge Cola, Typecast, Chicosci, Valley of Chrome, 6cyclemind, Queso, Sandwich, Zelle, Mayonnaise, Moonstar 88, Itchyworms, Soapdish, Rocksteddy, Up Dharma Down, Boy Elroy, Franco, Pitik, April Morning Skies, Danita, Imbue No Kudos, Imago, Syato, Bloodsheed, Cog, Pink Painted Sky, Sin.

UP FAIR 2010 - feb 13 - saturday

Saturday, February 13 – YOUTHSTOCK – Rock, Role, Rights! UP Diliman University Student Council along with the EMC² Fraternity presents Rock, Role, Rights on February 13… Sandwitch, Gloc-9, 6cyclemind, Chicosci, Pedicab, Imago, Itchyworms, Soapdish.

UP FAIR 2010 - feb 14 - sunday

Sunday, February 14 – LOVERAGE – Illumine Nation Adelfe Enu Crea Sorority, Pan Xenia Fraternity, UP Circuit, and UP 49ers presents Illumine Nation on February 14… Rico Blanco, Sugarfree, Sandwich, 6cyclemind, Imago, Itchyworms, Callalily, Silent Sanctuary, DeLara, Paraluman, Pedicab, Blue Ketchup, Soapdish, Markus Highway, Ciudad, Aurora, Tanya, Ernville, Up Dharma Down, Chicosci, Kjwan, Giniling Festival, Moonstar88, Zelle, Stonefree, Top Junk, Brownman Revival, Rocksteddy.

So enjoy your Valentine’s week, see you at the UP Fair. It’s a date!

Facade of The Sunflower

For a garden that’s been listed in travel menu of Travel Café Phillipines (TCP), which is a marketing initiative of the Department of Tourism, this place may not be a real secret anymore, though it’s location is still far from the hustle of the city.

basin of flowers

The Book

Sonya’s Secret Garden is located at Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, about 2KM from the main road, taking the way to Nasugbu from the Tagaytay Junction. The place is well kept with lots of plants and small areas for relaxation. There’s also a spa at the end of the trail.

Relax at Sonya's Secret Garden

The food is mainly served at The Sunflower, one of the many dining areas of Sonya’s Garden. I did not try their eat-all-you-can set menu. It costs Php 610 (USD 14) for  green salad, bread, pasta, dessert and drink. Since the Sonya’s Garden is one of the recommended places of TCP, I feel a little disappointed having to be on a tourist destination with very limited food choices. Paying quite an amount for food is no problem if you feel that it’s going to be worth it, right? I was also expecting an elaborate gourmet menu, which they don’t have. I was hoping to taste some gourmet Filipino favorites, or exotic garden foods, but my expectations were let down. But I am sure that the food will be very filling and worth it, only that I was looking for something else to eat. So if you plan to go to Sonya’s Secret Garden, don’t expect for a gourmet eating experience, but enjoy the garden experience that it has to offer, especially with the delightful ambiance.

Inside The Sunflower

Dining Area

Bench at the entrance of the Spa

Here’s the map to the place (taken from Sonya’s Garden website).

Sonya’s Garden also offers bed and breakfast services for those who wish to have a relaxing time.

Sonya's Garden Map of Tagaytay

Fortunately for us, on our way back to the junction, we decided to go to the Taj of Tagaytay, which, from my www-reading, is a fusion restaurant of Indian and Persian cuisine. The photos of the place looks interesting too. To my delight, the place really cool and artsy.

Related Posts:

My Tagaytay City Story
Ming’s Garden
Andanita Taj of Tagaytay
Souk Kafe
REHM Apartelle

A Basin of Beauty

From our REHM Apartelle where we stayed for the night, instead of turning right back to the Tagaytay Rotonda / Tagaytay Junction, we went left to check out Ming’s Garden. It’s around 10-15 minute drive from REHM Apartelle, you will not miss it because of the large signage at the gate.

The Entrance

Ming's Garden, Tagaytay City

We entered and it’s a normal garden at first glance. But then I noticed its red soil, and a really big tree by the drive way.

Red Soil, Violet Shoes

Big Tree

I walked around and discovered these: A place that seems to be a lounging area where you can have coffee, there’s a little coffee shop inside. I ordered for choco-mocha frappe and downed it in front of the garden showroom beside the coffee shop.

A place to drink your coffee

Where I drank my frappe

Garden Showroom with hundreds of plants!

At first, I ordered coffee because I did not plan to buy plants, I just want to enjoy the beautiful sight of plants but Amrei and I ended up buying these plants to take home to Manila:

A total of 14 pots of plants

We were assisted by Ate Vicky, she gave us tips on what plants are best for our requirements. And Alex helped us get the plants and load them in the car. Alex has a cute Labrador dog named Redski, that’s 6 months old. Amrei played with her the whole time as I was enjoying my coffee from afar.

My Frappe with a Pot of Poinsettia

A purplish plant flower caught my attention

Beautiful Bougainvillea

Check out Ming’s Garden next time you go to Tagaytay, you will never know that you’ll end up liking plants and buying them. Prices start at Php 10 (USD + 0.20.

To the Coffee Shop

Bromeliads

Landscaped Garden

Update: My plants are all still alive today :)

Related Posts:

REHM Apartelle
My Tagaytay City Story
Souk Kafe
Andanita Taj of Tagaytay
Sonya’s Secret Garden

Last Saturday was my friend Ktin’s bday celebration (today is her birthday, Happy Birthday, Ktin!) in her house in Cavite. We drove for about two hours to get to Dasmariñas. After the party, we visited Souk Kafe in Robinson’s Dasmariñas and met with the very bubbly owner of the restaurant. We were there until 12 midnight.

Sorry it's a bit blurry, but you get the picture :)

We already had a plan to go to Tagaytay after the meeting. I searched for lodgings that are economical since we’re only going to sleep the night away until we go sight seeing in the morning. Too bad it was hard to find these places in the internet. Only the more famous, and of course more expensive accommodations were at the first few pages in the searches. I even searched for resorts, so just to be prepared, I brought a set of swimwear.

Since we finished late, we still tried to call up Microtel, which was said to be 10 minutes away from Souk Kafe, but it was fully booked, and so was Days Hotel. I was ready for an adventure, anyway, so me and my travel buddy decided to go up to Tagaytay and canvass for accommodations when we get there.

It was a really dark drive from Dasmariñas to Tagaytay, and there were a few forking roads, but stay on the right side until your gut feel says you’re almost there! Well, our gut feel would know because our way started to get foggy with a really fine drizzle. We rolled down the windows a bit and… brrr! The second sign of getting near the Tagaytay Junction is the “hotels / room for rent” signage in every couple of meters. Then the famous rotonda (junction) with 7-11 on the right.

From the rotonda, to the right (side of 7-11) is the way to Nasugbu, Batangas and to the left is to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. And somewhere there is the famous Taal Lake that we were not able to see because of the darkness.

I dropped by at 7-11 to pick up some snacks (that amounted to Php 485) and from there, I could see Overlook Inn so we checked it out. They have a room for two at Php 1350 with a small bed and Php 1670 with a bigger bed. Both have a T&B, TV and free breakfast (hotdog, egg, rice). Since the rooms were a bit small, we tried to look for other places further down the street to Nasugbu. We found Tirona and Eufel. We did not ask for the rates of Eufel because we did not quite like the look from the outside (like a real house, so there’s probably some common areas with the other guests) and Tirona seemed fully booked with all the cars parked around it. Then a man, from nowhere, came y my window holding what seemed to be two coupons. I opened my window and in his hands he held two business cards for Jessar Inn and REHM Rooms for Rent, their rates and amenities. He talked to us saying that Jessar is his Aunt’s place and he’s on his way home and he could guide us there with his tricycle, which was four minutes away, en route to Sta. Rosa, the opposite side of where we’re at. He even wanted to show us his ID. He does not look shabby so I said there’s no need for identification. What got us interested was that there’s free wi-fi connection on both places. And so we followed him. It was around 10 minutes away at 40 KPH.

Calabarzon Map (image from from www.guinayangan.com)

There’s a hundred peso difference between the rates of the two Inns, the cheaper one, REHM, has two available rooms while Jessar was fully booked.

We checked out the next day at around 2PM, went to Ming’s Garden and Sonya’s Secret Garden. Had super-late-lunch/early-dinner at Taj of Tagaytay and passed by Olivarez Complex (where there’s Mercury Drug and Mc Donalds) and left at exactly 9:20 PM. We were in Kamuning at 11 PM with no stop-overs but with a bit of wrong turns and getting lost, when already in Manila! All in all, it was a fun time though I was not able to use my swimwear.

A decoration at Ming's Garden, Tagaytay City

I’ll be posting separate articles about the places I’ve mentioned, but for now, I shall hit the sack.

Related Posts:

Souk Kafe
REHM Apartelle, Tagaytay City
Ming’s Garden
Sonya’s Secret Garden
Taj of Tagaytay

Related article: Subic Trip

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant is just beside 7-11 at Olongapo’s National Highway and there’s a signage at the facade for Playa Papagayo and Cantina Mexicana. Pass by a couple of resorts first, including Arizona Beach Resort, before getting there. Arizona, just like Blue Rock Resort was almost full and Palm Tree Resort would not accommodate four people in a room even if we pay the extra bed and person so we’re left with no choice that to get two separate rooms which would cost Php 2,500 (54.50 USD) per room. And that made me wonder if Subic Bay resorts do not have rooms with two beds on it. Lucky for us, we found Playa Papagayo. After checking out its neighboring resorts, we found it to be the best in terms of ambiance and affordability.

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

When we checked in, the receptionist was polite and accommodating. We got a 20% discount upon checking in, so our Superior Deluxe Room, which had two beds, priced at Php 4,032.00 was cut down to P3225.60. We had the choice of getting the Standard Room that is good for two persons at a discounted price of Php 1,200.00, which would be cheaper for us, but we preferred the Deluxe room because it’s more spacious and was on the second floor.

Superior Deluxe Room

The place reminded me so much of Bamboo Beach Resort in Boracay.

We ordered our dinner from the resort, Cantina Mexicana’s menu, before 6PM then had some fun time at the beach.

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant - The beach

Playa Seaside Restaurant

The Playa Seaside Restaurant

After eating, we prepared for a night out. We went out to have a couple of beers. We tried Oriental Rose Tavern, a red-light bar. The girls said that shows are not allowed in Barretto, girls only dance. I don’t know what kind of “shows” are prohibited there, but I’ve been to Fields Avenue for a trip of student journalists and I don’t remember any remarkable shows. I was in Fields Avenue to interview girls about their job, and about the whole system in Fields as well. Also, I’ve been Venus in Puerto Galera and the shows the dancers/showgirls did were actually entertaining. There were star dancers who do acrobatic and sometimes almost athletic pole dancing and all the girls in the dance floor were very energetic. So anyway, we played five rounds of billiards at Php 10.00 per game. San Miguel Light is Php 60.00 and Rhum Coke is Php 65.00.

Before finally going home, we bought Ice Cream on Stick and some snacks from 7-11.

In the morning, we had our continental breakfast at Nina’s Margarita Bar. A breakfast includes three freshly baked pan de sal (salted bread), a slice of butter, a spoon of jam, small a small serving of juice and a cup of coffee. You can ask for more butter and/or jam anytime. But we ordered for additional food.

Nina's Margarita Bar

Nina's Margarita Bar (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Continental Breakfast (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Bacon (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Bacon – Php 110 — menu says there are five (5) slices, rather it was weighed according to grams

Freshly Baked Bread (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Butter and Jam (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Egg (photo by www.amreidizon.tumblr.com)

Egg – Php 20 — menu says it could be cooked any style, but you can only ask for scrambled and sunny side up. I asked for ’scrambled and curry’ style (meaning with tomatoes and spices, and I’ll just pay for the additional ingredients) but they could not accommodate it.

The waiter in the morning was not as good as John. He’s not very lively, which was actually, not bad, as long as he’s attentive. But he was not able to get our orders correctly for a couple of times, and I would always ask him to repeat our orders, because it so seemed that he’s getting a little confused. So it would’ve been perfect if not for the minor restaurant hassle in the morning. So my advise: revise the menu and say that the side order of bacon is served according to grams, and eggs could only be scrambled or sunny side up. Breakfast is served until 10:30 AM.

Beach in the Morning

After breakfast, we enjoyed more of the silver-white sand beach. The water was cold when we first dipped at around 5PM the day before, and it was also a bit cold at 10 AM. But it’s fairly clear and the shore is clean. The sand turns dark gray when wet, and the sand below gets easily disturbed and the water becomes “dusty” so taking pictures underwater was a bit hard for us.

We checked out at 1PM and had lunch at Rizal Highway then off to Zoobic Safari! Read more about our tour in the Zoobic Safari.

Related Posts:

Subic Trip
Cantina Mexicana, Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant
Zoobic Safari – The Only Tiger Safari in the Philippines

On January 01, my family went to White Cove, Laiya Batangas to jump start a year of lakwatsa. You’ve heard the saying — whatever you have in the first day of the year, you’ll have the whole year round. That’s why we always welcome the New Year with a feast, hope that no one’s sick or broken hearted at the time, and the family is celebrating together. I was not able to come with them because I was not prepared, and I never go to the beach unprepared. I was not informed that we were going out of town that day, and the only clothes I had on my bag were overnight clothes, and this was because I do not live with my parents, so all my gears are in my apartment, far away.

At night, with Laiya on my mind, I thought of a place that I would want to go to. I thought of Subic because Amrei, my travel buddy and designated driver, has been saying that she wanted to drive to Subic and experience the beautiful Subic Clark Tarlac Express Way (SCTEx). We also wanted to go to the zoo and shake hands with some monkeys on the way.

So off we go at 11 AM of the second day of the year. We stopped by at a convenience store in Timog Avenue to pick up chips and water while we fill the gas of the car. At around 1PM, we’re in North Luzon Expressway (NLEx). The first stop over is a Shell Station but we opted to stop at the Petron Station in Balagtas.

Balagtas Shell-Select Stop Over

This is our favorite stop over, last time I was here was last November when we drove off to Dagupan.

Road Sign along SCTEx

We entered the Subic Bay Freeport Zone at around 2:30 PM, we followed the signs that said “BEACHES” which was also the same way as Zoobic Safari. We took a left turn after exiting SCTEx and drove until there were signs that said “Beaches”. We  realized that we’re on the wrong route when all we can see was the way to Camayan Cove and Ocean Adventure, after passing by the Zoobic Safari road and meeting some monkeys on the way, and since we’re already there, we went ahead and checked out Camayan Cove. The place was fully booked. We turned back and checked out two other beaches at the other end of the road — Bungaree Beach, at Php150 (3.27 USD) entrance fee, without overnight rooms. Then All Hands Resort, P150 entrance and only one type of room available for overnight stay at Php 4,500 (98.09 USD). Since it seems that this was not going to work, we headed back to where we should’ve come to in the first place — Olongapo’s National Road where most of the Subic Bay beaches are. We checked out several other resorts, where the look, feel and rates vary wildly, before we finally found a nice place. Playa Papagayo. Read more about our fun stay at Playa Papagayo.

SCTEx - beautiful road surrounded by mountains

Camayan Cove's Shore

Handsome Monkey on the Road

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

We were able to catch the last minutes of sun, had a wonderful dinner at Playa Papagayo, rested for a while and went out at night to have a few round of beer and billiards. In the morning, we got our free continental breakfast, enjoyed some more morning beach, and checked out at 1 PM to go to the Zoobic Safari. Read more about our tour in the Zoobic Safari.

Related Posts:

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant
Cantina Mexicana, Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant, Subic Bay
Zoobic Safari – The Only Tiger Safari in the Philippines

New year is always a big event all over the world. In the Philippines, it’s always a feast.

Fireworks, sparklers and firecrackers are a must!

Box of a hundred Lusis / Luces

Fireworks

My 5 year old nephew

My Dad’s birthday happens to be on December 31, so aside from the usual Media Noche feast, we also have some of our favorite foods:

Chicharong Bulaklak

Kare Kare

Crispy Pata

Pansit Palabok

Lengua

Ham - staple Christmas and New Year food

Tuna Sashimi

And sweets for desert:

Leche Flan from Contis

Chocolates

Of course, there were fruits, wine, loaf of bread and other yummy food. My mom usually prepares the best buko salad but she did not make it this year, but it’s ok. The important this is that the family welcomed the New Year together!

How did you celebrate your new year?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!