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Family Reunions … It’s More FUN in the Philippines!

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I’ve heard a lot of good things about Fely J’s, so a couple of months ago, we tried it finally with the whole family.

The highlight of our dinner was Fely J’s Dilis-cious rice.

This is Dilis deep-fried with taosi and generously topped on steaming Jasmine rice. First I thought there was nothing special on this dish but I sure was wrong about it. It was so good, I had more than two cups of rice!

The other food that we ordered are Crispy Pata and Stir Fry Broccoli.

I’m definitely going back to Fely J’s and the number one on my list is the Dilis-cious Rice.

Fely J’s Restaurant
2/F Greebelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Ayala Center
Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 728-8858

With this scorching heat, for me, milk teas are saving my day! I came across ShareTea the other day so I decided to give it a try. After all, it’s Taipei’s No. 1.

I had my usual 50% sugar on Roasted Milk Tea. It was just ok. I would still go for my favorite Hokkaido in Serenitea.

How about you? Have you tried ShareTea already?

ShareTea
Pioneer St Mandaluyong City

Since Bucas Grande Island is 45 minutes boat ride and 2 hours road trip away from the airport, we decided to transfer to Surigao City on our last day. We had a late check out at Club Tara Resort and then off we went to the city. It was raining when we arrived so we just stayed at the Grande Suites Hotel and took a rest for the rest of the day.

Grande Suites Hotel was new so everything was clean and well-maintained.

Our room includes dinner and buffet breakfast so we all met up again at the hotel restaurant for our last dinner in Surigao.

Hubby was in the mood for wine so he ordered one bottle of red wine for everyone! Thanks, Hubby!

The dinner was tasty and good but I couldn’t remember exactly what we ate. Simply because I ate it in just a couple of minutes! Everyone did the same. It only just means one thing, we loved our dinner!

Our buffet breakfast was just ok though. The buffet opened a little late for 8AM. I knew that buffets usually opens at 6AM. Good thing the hotel was just a couple of minutes away from the airport so we still were able to avail.

I would say all in all, Grande Suites Hotel is not bad when it comes to service, food and facilities. Their restaurant is located at the 7th floor and you will be able to see a nice view while dining. The location is also good since it is just a few minutes away from the airport.

By 8:30AM, off we went to the airport which officially ends our short vacation in Surigao.

Grande Suites Hotel
Ramon Kaimo St.,
P6 San Juan, Surigao City
Surigao del Norte

Ever since I was a little girl, my Mom would bring me to a lot of places. She loves to travel and since she doesn’t want to leave me behind so she brings me wherever I go. That’s when I developed my love for traveling. Ever since I started working, I would make sure that I travel at least once a year. In my 21st birthday, I spent it in Hongkong. I saved up for that trip for months. I think this is when I got my first job and I wanted to celebrate so I went to Hongkong with my parents.

Traveling would always be a part of my life. Now that I have a family of my own, I still make sure that we go out of town or out of the country. But I noticed that when I usually travel, it’s so hard to take care of myself, my skin, my body and even my nails. So that’s the reason why I haven’t really gave my nails a priority especially if my family and I are going out of town or out of the country. But it makes me feel sad because of course, I would want to look my best too!

Good thing, I discovered fake nails. With this, I would be able to make my nails look good! I discovered that there are a lot of ways to to a nail art.

One way is the art of doing solar nails. Solar nails are similar to the Acrylic nails and ‘Pink and Whites’ except for the brand which is from a line of Creative Product. Another way that is really interesting is the process of doing airbrush nails. Apparently, airbrush nails is the popular among women these days. Using an airbrush, different patterns are created on your nail with water base and oil base colors in a nail art technique. Now that I’m learning about these nail art, will definitely try it before I leave again for my next trip.

On our way to Sohoton Cove was probably the most memorable because it rained! Yes, we were all sitting in a small boat, in the middle of the ocean and it rained! I was so nervous especially for the kids but when I saw them, they were actually having the time of their lives. Eventually, the rain stopped (thank God!), and it became suddenly so peaceful on our way to Sohoton Cove.

Sohoton Cave is the highlight of our island hopping. This is the most popular island in Surigao Del Norte. We were mesmerized by the beautiful view, rock formations and caves.

Our first encounter, the Sohoton Cove. This is actually the entrance of a beautiful lagoon. Called by the locals as “sohoton” which means “to go under” because of its cave entrance. Gated by sea water, you can only enter the lagoon during low tides.The area boast 7 islets inside where you can do caving and cliff jumping.

Next, we saw the Elephant Nose Rock Formation.

We didn’t stop so the next thing we saw was the Enchanted White Wall.

Locals say that it used to have a huge tree above it that brings an eerie church bell sound which they find it enchanted! Cool, isn’t?

Our next stop was the Hagokan Cave. Locals called this “hagokan” simply because of the snoring sound brought by the tides. “Hagokan” is the visayan term for snore. Inside you will see a spacious cathedral with stalagmites and stalactites. It was amazing!

After swimming inside the Hagokan Cave, we went down again in another called Magkukuob Cave.

Once you enter the cave, it is hard to go back so the only exit is to jump two to three floors down the water. The experience was definitely unforgettable!

If you happen to visit Sohoton Cove, try the “jump” part, you will never regret it! (*wink*)

Sohoton Cove
Socorro, Bucas Grande Island,
Surigao Del Norte
Philippines

I can’t believe this! A trip to Maldives is currently 50% OFF!

Here are more details about the deal:

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Maldives is that elusive island destination whispered in reverence by certified beach fans. The willowy coconut trees bend ever so slightly toward the ocean and the white sand is exquisite in its softness that gently lead you to lively, clear waters.

So what do you think? Is this what you’ve been waiting all your life?

Click here if you want to know more.

Just this summer alone, we had 3 getaways and a couple of special days to celebrate. These are one of those days when Hubby and I would want to buy the best wine and try those cheap cohiba cigars that we’ve been eyeing online for weeks now. One major reason is our little girl’s graduation. It was the one of the best days of our lives and it was definitely worth celebrating.

We realized that it’s ok to spend money on wines, cheese and cigars IF there is a reason to celebrate. Birthdays are also worth celebrating and anniversaries too! Now, I’m thinking of getting a box or two of those cigars and who knows maybe we can give it out to our fathers on Father’s Day. We’ll see!

Sumptuous Lunch the Bicolanos Way… It’s More FUN in the Philippines!

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Well, I know! It was too much already! After checking out a beautiful lake, we trekked and checked out a cave, then we had an island to ourselves for an hour. Now, off to our seafood lunch but not only that, we are going to another island just for our lunch. ♥

This one is bigger and we love this more since there are cottages, fresh water and a nice place for lunch.

While we waited for our boatmen to get our lunch from another island, the kids grabbed the opportunity to play and make the most out of the beach.

After almost an hour, it was finally time to EAT!

WE had a seafood feast – shrimps, crabs, fresh fish, shellfish. We also had pork adobo as our free lunch from the hotel. Everyone was definitely happy after.

We just rested for a couple of minutes then off to our next stop!