Happy Sunday!

On my previous blog, I talked about our night out with my friends in Manila. Today, this blog is about our movie date experience in Eastwood. It was all raining that Sunday afternoon when Marj pick us up at Mitch's place. We decided to first hear the mass then eat some dinner and go watch Wolverine. Before going to church, we went to pick up Pia and Jayce at Filinvest Subdivision. When we finally arrive at Padre Pio Church in Libis, the mass is almost over. While waiting for the next mass to start, we lighted some candles and prayed wholeheartedly. All the while we thought that the mass would start immediately right after the of the mass ended. but, that was not the case. The next mass would start an hour later. Since, we are all hungry and can no longer wait for another hour because the movie that we will be seeing will start at 7.50 pm so we don't have time to spare at all. We left the church, and head directly to Eastwood.

We bought some tickets first, before we ate dinner to reserve our seats. We ate at Bon Chon, a chicken house that originated from South Korea last 2002 and made it's waves in the global arena last 2007 as it entered the US Market. Since it is my first time eating at that type of restaurant, I let Mitch ordered food on my behalf because I'm not sure what to eat as well. She ordered a 2pcs chicken combo meal and a bowl of chapchae. Unlike other chicken restaurant or fast food chain, Bon Chon chickens are super crispy outside due to the glazed that covers it's skins yet light and not greasy inside. That is the great difference that I saw compared to other restaurants serving chicken as their main course. Chapchae on the other hand was super delicious because it uses potato noodles, it is sweet and very nutritious too. The store looks very attractive as well because of the ceiling and walls lights as well as the outdoor artificial sword fern that is located near the doorway.

We went to watch the movie and I really enjoyed the whole movie experience. I could rate Wolverine as 8 out of 10 because I love the story as well as the fighting scenes and the story was not boring. I'm looking forward to the next movie, I got really excited seeing Magneto and Professor X together as a team and not as enemies. I went home directly after watching the movie and really felt contented by how I spent my weekend in Manila. I was thankful to Mitch who prepared our itinerary for that day and looking forward to my next vacation because she promised that we will visit either Tagaytay or Baguio or even both.

Trip to Jeju!

 

One of the best island in the world can not only be found here in the Philippines but also in Korea. Since I am a fan of some Korean celebrities, I also love Koreanovelas especially the romance/comedy genre. If these celebrities wants to get away from it all, from the everyday stress of work, the pressure of upcoming movies or they just want to simply take a rest and breath a little bit of fresh air, Jeju Island is the best place to relax and unwind. Jeju island is located in the southwest of the Korean Peninsula and it is also a volcanic island that is oval shape-like that measures 73km from west to east, and 31 km from north to south. It's not only the celebrities who loves to get away in Jeju Island but also business tycoons and and even just the normal people who wants to experience the allure of Jeju.

Jejudo Island is sometimes called as "Samdado Island" it means the "three many" because of the rocks, women and wind that they are abundant with. Being surrounded with the ocean means having a wind that blows steadily and the past volcanic activities brought and scattered an assortment of beautiful and unusually-shaped black rocks. I once saw in one of the TV shows in Korea stating why they have so many women in the Island. The main character was asked on how is she gonna present or describe Jeju Island to the whole world in one word. Without hesitations she answered that Jejudo Island can be compared to a "Mother". She explained that when most men were lost at sea, the women became responsible for their own families and diving became the primary means of income for the village. Women would go diving to collect shellfish, and edible seaweeds so that by the end of the day, they could provide food for their children. I was really moved by her answer, because it also shows how important women were and it's not only the men who are capable to bring a large part of the family's income. 

If given the opportunity to visit Korea, I would definitely stop by the Jejudo island to experience everything that the island has to offer. I would never miss the chance on checking the modern cocoon house, which is a luxurious condominium that has an outdoor pool overlooking the sea, kitchen and living areas, a conference zone, a small library and a rooftop garden that has customized outdoor fabricated trees. The most unique feature is the "cocoon" structure in the middle of the house which is a great space for a living room. For more information about Jejudo Island you can visit their website for maps, activities, investment opportunities, attractions, and most especially accommodations.

Viva Geneva!

I have been featuring some of the best hotels in the world on my blog and yesterday Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Mecca Clock Royal Tower was recently named as the largest hotel in the world. And so, on this blog of mine I wanted to feature the most expensive hotel suites in the world. I have been researching on-line and found out that travel.cnn.com has a top 15 list of the most expensive suites in the world. It was not really a surprise after seeing that a hotel in Geneva, Switzerland made it to the top. It is a Royal Penthouse Suite at Hotel President Wilson. As per Wikipedia, Geneva is the second most populous city after Zurich in Switzerland but is the most populous city of Romandy, a place in Switzerland where they are using French as a first language.

Although Geneva didn't ranked first in the last survey for the most important financial center for competitiveness by the Global Financial Centres Index, Geneva made it to the top 5 for bragging the fourth and the fifth place in being the most expensive city in the world. Hotel President Wilson is a luxury collection of hotels by Starwood Hotels and Resorts, it is located in 47 Quai Wilson , and just steps away from one of the most beautiful parks in Geneva and ideally facing the magnificent panorama of the lake and Mont-blanc. Hotel President Wilson has a total of 180 rooms and 48 suites and all of the rooms has been luxuriously renovated to offer both full comfort and relaxation and of course the most advanced technology of today. The Royal Penthouse Suite which is located on the hotel's highest floor is known throughout the world as the largest and most luxurious hotel suite having 12 rooms and 12 bathrooms with bullet-proof windows and doors. It is a perfect safe house for those privacy-conscious celebrities and visiting heads of state, it also has it's own elevator. The room holds a Steinway grand piano, billiard room, library and private fitness center and private terrace with Fire Retardant Topiaries and Trees which are safe solution for adding faux plant life.

The Royal Penthouse Suite is very unique in terms of luxury and comfort and guarantees guests who wants privacy a maximum security level. This suite is essentially a house and costs about the same with a rate of US$65,000 per night. For more information about the rooms and suite's features and amenities you could go to their website and you could also check for on going promos and packages available.

Landscaping Ideas

A house is also considered as an investment that we need to protect and to beautify because it sometimes is a reflection of the people who lives in there. Life was simple back then that they do not really mind how their home and surroundings look, they don't even have fences nor gates to mark their land and properties. As time passed by people became more aware and educated and also let us not forget the influence of other countries that brought change to our land and to us as well. Their ideas and inventions made life easier and brighter for everyone. Nowadays, people became so vain and spend more of their time and money in beautifying not only their appearance but also everything that surrounds them like their cars, gadgets, and their lands and houses.

Engineers, architects, interior and exterior designers and landscapers were some of the most important people because they are responsible for planning and designing to create and build a masterpiece like business establishments, residential spaces, school, hospitals and many more. Landscaping recently have been known worldwide because more and more people wanted to have their own garden landscapes at home. As per Wikipedia, Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land including the four elements which are the living, natural, human and abstract elements. But landscaping does not limit to only the living elements but also the non living elements like the artificial plants. One of the landscapers I have known that supplies the best quality artificial plants and design Australia wide is the Australian Interior Landscapes with over 20 years industry experience. 

They can design an artificial garden for your balcony, an artificial topiary tree in your living room, a floral arrangement, or a tropical oasis and many more. If you are located in Australia and curious with their designs you could visit their website and for sure once you have seen their sample designs you will be interested to hire them. Hoping that soon they could offer their services worldwide and become more globally competitive. I believe that nothing is impossible, you just have to work honestly and strive harder to achieve your goals.

Easy Cleaning Steps At Home

Cleaning at home has always been a struggle for me, since my husband and son has allergies with dust and might trigger asthma attacks if not done properly. So I have searched online for tips and suggestions to clean our home and most especially our respective rooms. I also looked for tools or equipments that could help me clean our house easier and faster. There are many suggestions that were tested and proven already by many readers and I wanted to try them at home as well. I made sure to take note all of the necessary steps and tools for an effective cleaning. It is said that allergens trigger asthma or allergies and the most common are house dust mites, pollens, mould and pet dander.There are easy tips that was provided or stated by Adam Trumble who works for the National Asthma Council Australia.

First is Washing, since most of the time we are sleeping or spending time at our room or our bed, we have to make sure that our bedding and mattresses are washed in hot water or if you are using cold water make sure to add a product containing essential oil such as eucalyptus, which is formulated for washing machines. There are now household appliances that which incorporates a number of specific technologies designed to assist people suffering from asthma and allergies. Then Protecting or covering the the mattresses, quilts, and pillows with dust mite resistant encasing, it will definitely help in minimizing the amount of dust mite allergen. We should use a damp cloth or electrostatic cloth to dust the hard surfaces at home, including the floors, it will dramatically reduce the dust in the air while cleaning and make sure to use a good quality vacuum cleaner. It is highly suggested to use one with a HEPA filter. 

Another tip is for plants at home, you could still have the beauty of plants indoor with out sacrificing the health of your family. I have learned that instead of using the real plants, I could use the artificial plants, just like the assorted succulent arrangements that are planted in a custom chic planter. They are very safe for persons with asthma and allergy problems and needs little maintenance and cleaning it with a damp cloth once a week instead of watering it everyday is enough for these artificial plants to beautify your surroundings.

- Co Author Mariecon Alvarez

World Recognized Family Restaurant

People nowadays are already spending their money wisely and investing on the food that they eat. Other people would say that they do not want to leave the world without even tasting the most scrumptious food that our innovative chefs of modern day has to offer. With these thought in mind I also realize that I haven't tasted all of the foods yet, and that makes me wonder of the taste that the other cuisine has to offer to my taste buds. Americans love for steak is like Filipinos love for rice. In every American meal a steak is served as a main course may it be rare, medium rare or well-done, it depends on the person who will eat it. One of the great steakhouse that I have eaten so far is the Tony Roma's Restaurant. Not only that they serve great food but also they have professional and friendly crews that is ready to help you with their menus. 

 

 

Tony Roma's is a full service, casual dining family restaurant where premiere BBQ ribs and steaks in locations across the world. They have over 150 family restaurants located on the six continents, that is the reason why they became one of the most globally recognized names in the food industry. When the First Tony Roma's opened in North Miami way back in January 20 of 1972, their menu was simple but consisted of great tasting food at a reasonable price with late evening service and nightly live entertainment. Baby back ribs emerged as the house specialty with people traveling miles to sample the signature product and soon Tony Roma's place became on of Miami's most popular and successful restaurants and firmly established its niche in the marketplace. 

The family restaurant featured casual decor, like plants and flowers. They used to have real plants but due to the daily maintenance that the real plants needed they switched to artificial plants like the fire retardant ficus tree. Not only that they are low maintenance but also they have been approved to meet building safety codes for artificial foliage. Tony Roma's also have a comfortable ambiance with and the feel of a neighborhood bar. Today the family restaurants is not just a place for ribs anymore, they have expanded their menus to focus on variety for all guests and not just rib eaters. They have added an extensive selection of Steaks and Seafood entrees along with the most unique appetizers and mini desserts. Once you have taste the food you'll surely come back for more.

Little Project At Home

It's been a long time since we redecorated our living room. My husband and I were thinking of ways that we can improve the look and ambiance of our house. We were thinking of consulting an interior decorator to capture what we really want. A designer can interpret and express their clients needs and wants by their designs. But we are on a tight budget right now, so instead of paying a professional fee we just search online for images and designs that we think could fit our living room. We just need an imaginative mind to create a beautiful masterpiece in our living room. They say two heads are better than one right? I just wish that his designs and the design that I have in mind won't mix up, we need some harmony right now. 

I want everything to be simple but with a little touch of elegance and beauty. My husband wanted a modern look and must be easy to clean. Of course there are things to consider before we could start decorating. First would be the accessories and decors, the flooring design, digital entertainment design and the lightning design. After we finalize all of the things and decorations that we needed for the transformation of our living room, we went to the nearest store to buy all the items that we needed. We also bought some paint for the walls and we drop by an artificial plant shop to buy some 26" yucca bush on a pot for added green that is maintenance free.

The following day the renovation started and we became so busy decorating and painting and cleaning afterwards. But by the end of the day, when our little project was finish, we are very proud and satisfied with the outcome of our work. An since we are very tired to cook for dinner, we just decided to order and have the food delivered at home. Hoping that our next room renovation project would also turn out this good.

- Co Author, Mariecon Alvarez

A Life Changing Event

July 25, 2011 is a date that I would never forget, that is the day my son got admitted to the hospital for the very first time. I could still recall how I cried in front of the doctor that day when he said that Janzen had Pneumonia and needs to be admitted right away. The doctor said that I should not panic because Pneumonia can be cured and it's a good thing that he was brought there immediately because something bad might have happened if we were late. I felt so bad as a mom because I was thinking that I failed on protecting him, a lot of things were running on my mind, I felt that everything was all my fault. Good thing that my mother-in-law was there to help us. Most of the time, she looks after Janzen because my husband and I were also at work. He was admitted at one of the semi private rooms of the hospital because all of the private rooms were already occupied. 

There are three bed in the room separated by a thin wall with indoor artificial reeds in the middle for a more interesting depth in the hospital's room decoration. Since they can not use real plants or flowers in every room of the hospital cause some patients were allergic to it, they had to think of a way to put greens and make the room more lively especially for the kids who needs to see colorful things for them to recover the soonest. We stayed at the hospital for three days and I felt that my son was being tortured the more he stays there. I hate to see him getting inconveniences because he had dextrose on his right hand and that limits his movement because of the needle that is inserted on his veins. It was so hard fo me to see him going through all of that at his very young age, but I'm still thankful to God that he never left our side all this time. 

Now, my son is already turning 3 yrs old and he does not remember a thing about the day when he was hospitalized. I am grateful because after that incident it made me realized that my son is more important than the money we would earn in manila. A month had passed after his hospital incident and my husband and I decided to go back to Iloilo for good to make sure that our son gets all the love that he deserves from us, his parents. We were very happy we made that decision because now our son grew up knowing who his real parents were instead of his grandparents. And I do not want my son to experience the life I had when I was young because I grew up receiving lots of love and attention coming from my grandparents and not from my mom and dad. I would make sure that would never happen to my son.

 

 - Co Author, Marz Alvarez

A Resort For Everyone

 

Rachelle is a close friend of mine and she celebrated her 27th birthday last Sunday, June 30, 2013. She invited me and my husband for an overnight swimming at Villa Teresita Resort in Maasin, Iloilo. At first we did not plan to bring Janzen because night swimming might not be good for his health. He might caught a flu or get sick. But because it was the birthday celebrants request we didn't have any choice but to bring him over. We left the house around three in the afternoon and waited in front of the Pavia Church because that is the place where they will pick us up. We arrived at Villa Teresita Resort and after settling at a cottage we unpacked all the foods that they brought especially for that occasion. Rachelle on the other hand checked up all the other rooms because we need a bigger place to stay in for the night. Finally, we were able to check in the biggest room in their resort and we were pretty amazed by how the room looked. The decorations and the beds and linens were not that elegant or luxurious but everything was clean and the room smells fresh even without the help of air fresheners. We were very pleased with our room because we know that after a tiring swim at the pool we could all rest at a comfortable room. 

We gather around the table, sang a happy birthday song to Rachelle and wished her a happy birthday. We ate almost every food that is prepared on the table and had some story sharing while cleaning up tables and washing utensils. We were all laughing and giggling, then we decided to swim at the pool. Villa Teresita has an Olympic size pool with plants and trees all over the resort. They have great landscapes and I noticed there are artificial plants and trees on some parts of the resort. I ask the caretaker of the resort, because of curiosity, why did they decided to use artificial plants, just like the Outdoor Rated 6' Japanese Maple Tree. He simply replied that the owner is cutting cost for maintenance of the trees and plants that is why they have decided to use the artificial ones. Now, I understand why some establishments prefer to use artificial than real plants.

We all went to bed to rest and woke up the following morning very hungry. Good thing they have a complimentary breakfast ready to be serve to us. We were all very happy while packing our things and getting ready to go home. The experience of staying over at the Villa Teresita Resort was one of the most memorable events not just because of the nice place and good crews or the complimentary breakfast but because it was shared with the people whom matters the most to me, they were my family and friends.

New Kid In School

I could still remember the first day our son went to school. I know that he was excited but nervous at the same time because of the new environment that he would have to face. When we first enter his room he whispered to me, "Mom, don't let go of my hand." I was smiling while assuring him that I won't leave his side. His teacher has a warm and friendly smile, she had a happy face ready to welcome her super hyper students and the ever supportive parents as well. Some of the kids are already familiar with the classroom setting because they were able to attend daycare before they were enrolled for nursery. Unlike my son, who never had experience going to school and attending classes together with different individuals. It was hard during the first week because he is still on the familiarization stage.

I recall giving advices to him so that he would be encourage to go to school everyday. I told him that their classroom would be his temporary home and he should treat his teacher just like he treats me. I can sense that he got a bit confused but somehow he could comprehend. Then all of a sudden, he asked me, " Mom, if our classroom is our temporary home then can I sleep there? I answered back sincerely, Yes, you can as long as your teacher or should I say your second mom permits it. Then he nods at me as an indication that he understands it.

After a month of going back and forth to school, he was now more at ease with his teacher and classmates. I can finally leave him under his teachers supervision. I also noticed that their classroom is more quiet compared to the previous month. The students are more behave and attentive and can now follow their teachers instruction. The box where the toys are placed are now more tidy, and the real plants and flowers that used to be displayed on their teachers desk and hanging on the windows are replaced with the indoor artificial flowers and vines due to some students who were allergic to the real plants. It's not that bad though, looking at far those artificial plants looked real. Thank God that everything went into their proper places now, and all of the students are easier to deal with and respects their teachers just like their parents.