Outdoorsy

Anyway, last Thursday is probably one of the most beautiful birthday celebrations I ever had. We did not have a grand birthday party; only a small gathering that was attended by my parents, my only brother Czy and my Desie, who has been my boyfriend for the past six years. We did not serve the best tasting meals; we only had takeout orders of my most favorite dishes. What made my day very, very special was nothing grandiose. I was just so happy to be with the most special persons in my life. I am so glad to be sharing that dinner and to be having a light yet warm conversation with them.



I guess, when people become vulnerable to a lot of harsh realities in this life (like having to lose a loved one), the things that matter most are not those that are superficial; what becomes so important is being around with people who loves you and whom you love back with all your heart in return. It is an opportunity that I am honestly so thankful for.

A few years back, I had the chance to visit Outland Adventure along Diversion Road here in Davao City. I was in the company of my classmates from the Masters Degree program I was enrolled in. The visit was actually a requirement in one of our Management class.

Outland Adventure is a few minutes ride from downtown Davao, which takes pride with the green nature as their background. It is undoubtedly on top of the list of a lot of Davao-based offices or groups that hold team building as they have a team challenge course program. This program includes activities that imbibe trust, communication skills, problem solving ideas and varied leadership styles that can be used by the participants in their respective organizations.

Our course started with the trust fall where each team members had to climb up to what looked like a mini stage. From there, the team member had to let himself freely fall to the ground with their hands placed across their chest and their back facing the ground. The concept of the activity was to instill trust among the team…trust that the other team mates would not let them fall helpless on the ground …trust that the person about to fall has placed his or her confidence in the team.

The activity was probably one of the hardest for me. I admit having trust issues since I almost always trust in myself to do everything that needs to be done. I had to redo my fall around three times before the facilitator finally told me that the fall I did was a success. The criterion that the facilitator relied on was the body language of person falling as it really says whether or not there was trust.

Next up was what I and my friends called the Great Wall of Outland. In the activity, all team members have to climb up to a wall measuring around eight to nine feet tall without using a ladder. What the team has to do was to help each other climb to the top. The catch? How would the team help the last man on the ground reach the top? This is where teamwork, planning and strategy come into play. Well, hurray to group for finishing the activity! Everyone was able to come up. I think our success can be greatly attributed to the fact that most of my classmates are big, muscular men who are used to carrying heavy load.

We were then given an hour to eat and rest from the strenuous activities. After the break, we were heading toward the rope challenges.

The facilitators from Outland told us that the adventure-based programs were made similar to an obstacle course however the ones that they have is suspended through the use of ropes. Again, this activity still aims to enhance teamwork, trust and communication. The experience was probably one of the most physically taxing I have ever had. Apart from the use of force, those who undergo the rope challenges need to use their intellect to come up with the best strategy.

I was actually thinking about giving up on the obstacle course as I was sweating profusely and my mind and strength seem to fail me. However, after hearing the cheers from my peers and pondering on my next move, I was able to make it through one tough dare.

The finale for our Outland Adventure was grand! We were able to experience the Zip Line. This exciting activity was made even more exhilarating as we were made to zip from one hill to another. We had to cross a river through a makeshift banca to reach the starting line. It was the best!

If you are up for dare, Outland Adventure is the way to go.

It has been a week yet I still have cough and colds plus occasional fever. I already tried drinking medicines but still nothing seems to work for me. My boss, who happens to be a doctor, discouraged me from me from taking antibiotics. Instead, he told me to let my antibodies do the working and allow my body to naturally heal itself. Anyway, for those of you who could be in the same predicament as I am, here are some of the things that you could do to speed up you recovery.

1. Drink lots of water – Water is said to contain disease curing properties. It is a natural remedy for common sickness. This benefit can be attributed to the fact that water acts as a body purifier, by removing toxins and waste from the body.

2. Take Vit C – Scientific studies show that intake of vitamin C actually reduces the severity of cold symptoms. It acts as natural antihistamine thus it controls allergy. By taking a dose of this vitamin, the duration of colds may shorten.

3. Get plenty of sleep – Sleep is shown to have a critical function in the immune system. It actually provides an opportunity for the body to cleanse, repair, and rejuvenate on a deep cellular level. Thus, a need for plenty of healing sleep.

As a final reminder, do take care of yourself. Our bodies are the only ones we have. We better take care of it in the best possible way. Do not forget to bring your handy umbrellas as it is best for us to be prepared in this ever changing weather. Drink your multivitamins. It actually helps your body.

And just in case you have been travelling abroad with known cases of Swine Flu, do self quarantine. After all, the symptoms you manifest may be more than just a common flu. If symptoms persist, do consult your doctor.

I took the chance of answering one of the many online tests though I was apprehensive whether the result is really the fact of the matter. Anyway, I took my chances and got quite surprised about the outcome of the quiz. This is what came out:

I took the Is he The One? quiz and got the result: 99% chance that he's the one..

The result said : You've found someone truly special! Beside an amazing chemistry, you two share so much in common. All you need to do is to trust your feelings and things should work out on its own.

I am not really sure if this thing is for real yet its nice to think that this could be true. Why don't you try one for yourself? You might as well know the chances if he is the one for you.

After a gruesome week where I had to cope up with so many stresses, I decided to pamper myself. I visited my favorite spa, Body Bliss, which offers several services. It was much needed as I could feel a heavy weight on my shoulder, pain on my hands and a recurring headache that Ibuprofen cannot seem to ease.

As I entered the spa, the dim lights and the smell of essential oils seem to provide a serene feeling. It was the first time in so many weeks that I felt that calm.

The therapist immediately attended to my needs. The session started with warm water cleansing of my feet which was followed by muscle stretching, the relaxing Bentosa cupping and a combination of Shiatsu, Sweddish and Thai massage. Slowly, the soothing effect of the therapy began to loosen the stiffness of my muscles. Bit by bit, there was a sense of ease that has brought me tranquility.

The session I had was indeed therapeutic. The Bentosa cupping is an ancient Chinese-Filipino practice wherein small glass or bamboo cups are attached to the skin. These hot suction cups are placed on acupressure points of the body, particularly at one’s back, to activate blood flow, clear toxins and energy channels and prevent colds and fever. The “cold wind” which is locally known as panuhot is sucked out from the body leading to a better feeling. The massage, on the other hand, gives a lot of physical and mental benefits. The physical benefits of massage include relieves muscle tension and stiffness, reduces muscle spasms, promotes deeper and easier breathing, improves blood circulation, reduces blood pressure, helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain, enhances the health and nourishment of skin and strengthens the immune system. As for its mental benefits, the massage is said to foster peace of mind, promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness, helps relieve stress, fosters a feeling of well-being and reduces level of anxiety.

No wonder that after a much needed treatment, I feel so relaxed. I felt I was reborn to face yet another challenging week ahead.

On line shopping is definitely the “in” thing nowadays. It has transformed the lives of shoppers by selling the things consumers need right inside their homes. Truly, it has brought comfort and convenience.

For most shoppers though, they spend hours looking for the best deals on a particular item they wish to buy. They practically open every page they could get their hands so as to get the maximum satisfaction in finding a great buy. Well, the strenuous task of searching comes to an end with ShopWiki.com. This shopping site gives its clients a different level of online shopping as it offers everything and anything that is for sale on the web. This only means better deals and savings for their patrons as there are more products coming from a wide range of stores to choose from.

The hottest items that are up for grab from the site include frills to pimp your rides. One could choose from varied selections of car audio and video accessories. They have dvd players, speakers, receivers and even GPS devices. The offer is unbelievable and surely, you can look for the finest items to refurbish your cars with. So go get those hands working. Start searching for top of the line materials with ShopWiki and get your money’s worth.

It was one lazy Sunday afternoon. The heat was so intense making me sweat profusely. The warm temperature was getting into my nerves that I found myself heading towards the nearest mall to feel the coolness of its centralized air conditioner.

As soon as I stepped into the mall, the cold air started to give me a sense of relief and freshness. Whew! I just loved the feeling. To complete my chillax (a word I have heard my niece utter a few weeks back which meant to chill and relax) moment, I bought a large Peach-Mango fruit shake and opted to watch a movie.

Since it was my unwind time, I chose to see a very light and entertaining film. Thus, I preferred to see the second installment of Night at the Museum.

Ben Stiller reprises his role as Larry in Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian.

The plot happens years after Larry left his post as the night guard of the museum to pursue another career. In the film, he visits his former workplace where he was told that some of its attractions will be temporarily stored at the Smithsonian Institution while the Museum of Natural History is closed for renovations. As most of us already know, the museum’s attractions are used to being alive during night time because of this certain tablet that gives them life. Thus, the dilemma sets in as the temporary storing of the attractions would mean they would not be brought to life for a certain period. However, the monkey steals the tablet as they were being transported to Institution, which begins the entire mess that Larry has to fix.

I could not tell the rest of the story because the movie is better watched than told. As expected, the cinematography and effects are great. It lives up to the good image it earned in the first episode of the film.

More than the aesthetics, the values that the movie wishes to impart is its best asset. This is also the very reason why kids should watch the film. It depicts how friendship can be manifested in a deeper level. It shows that people should not be afraid to conquer greater feats thereby leading to the ultimate happiness. It illustrates that satisfaction and fulfillment need not be achieved through having a high paying job but that it could be found in doing what one loves to do.

There so much that kids and adult alike could learn from the film. It is a guarantee that this one is something you should not miss.

After a grueling exam in Remedial Law, Weng and I decided to stroll at the nearby Diaz Mall. The place is unlike the other malls we are used to. The area is not fully air conditioned, in fact, warm air surround the vicinity. There are no big retail stores, only small spaces occupied by vendors who sell either second hand clothes from abroad or brand new ones that were not sold out.

I checked out one of the stalls and got really interested with the clothes on their display. There are a lot of great fashion finds in that store, which offer brand new imported outfits for both men and women. I was not really enthusiastic to look at the men’s clothes but I was desirous to see what they have to offer for a female vogue addict like me.

At one side, I found elegant dresses made of satin with intricate bead works or embroidery. The garbs are definitely a must buy for the teens who are set to have their proms. They come in different designs and most worth noting are the strapless dress in black, the red one-sided gown, and the bronze micro mini sleeveless dress. It is a guarantee that people would never know those ensemble are from a thrift store as they are truly at par with the designer ones.

The store also has office attire on their display. For a more laid-back fashionista look, there are three-fourths and long sleeve tops in pastel colors that can be paired with their slacks in plain and plaid print. For those who would want a more adventurous and glam getup, there are dresses suitable for office wear. Most of what they offer are made of good materials that they seemingly fit almost all body types. I noticed this maroon empire dress that had glittering beads just below the bust line. It was perfect yet I contained myself not to have a second look at it as I did not have the funds to splurge on clothes that evening.

As I scanned through a long rack of dresses, I got one that I simply could not resist. I tried it on just to see how it looks on me. It was a long sleeve dress that actually looked like two piece wear as the top is in black with a white collar and the bottom part is a combination of pink and purple plaid. The dress looked so much like what I see the Japanese anime girls wear. It was great on me. So Weng, my ever-generous benefactor of all times, had to give in and paid for it. In fact, he even got me this pink trench coat to match with the dress.

I could not hide the smile on my face as I walked away from the store. For both dresses, we were only able to pay 430 pesos ($9.10). It was a superb deal. I am definitely going back to that thrift store though I have to put that off until my next payday.

Cool mountain breeze greets the guests as they stride towards an uphill drive to reach one of Davao City, Philippines' best spots. The cold air immediately gives travelers a sense of serenity that is indeed hard to find in the usual busy metropolitan area that most of us live.

The Eden Nature Park and Resort is situated at the foot of Mt. Talomo some three thousand (3,000) feet above sea level. It prides itself with lush trees, blooming gardens, animal sanctuaries together with other flora and fauna. The entire eighty (80) hectare area is covered with various trees, mostly pine. The place is a sight to behold; thanks to the hands of those who tirelessly gave their effort to nurture the ninety-five per cent (95%) man-made forest. This spectacle of nature is not the only wonder that the place has to offer.

It also boasts of their Vista Restaurant, which serves the best-tasting dishes made from the freshest ingredients. Most of the vegetables being served are produce of Eden's garden. The lettuce are actually products of Hydroponics technology or the method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, without soil. They also grow organically their tomatoes, cucumbers and an array of spices. Diners would absolutely enjoy a scrumptious meal.

If you are more of the adventurous type, the place also caters your personality. They have recently added in their list of attractions the Skyrider that actually allows thrill-seeking visitors to zip through a cable line. Tuly an exhilarating treat! But if you are one of those who are afraid of heights yet would still want to experience riding thorugh a cable, then the Indiana Jones is right for you.

Finally, the place also gives a preview of Mindanao's cultural heritage in Tinubdan. Tinubdan is a replica village depicting the life of people here in Mindanao. It takes visitors back to what life was like for the early settlers of the island.

To get to experience Eden, all it takes is to travel around twelve (12) kilometers from downtown Davao ... that is about forty-five minute ride and you are off to enjoy nature at its finest.

I have been away from the computer for a while which explains why I have not posted anything in days. I was not out on a retreat nor was I away for a relaxing vacation. As a matter of fact, I was battling with so much stress the past few days that was brought about by my midterm examinations.

Studying law is no joke. One has to deal with the many provisions of the law, the terror teachers and the agonizing hours of reading and studying. If I did not want this as much as I do, I would have given up a long time ago. I could have given up the main cause of my stress. I could have given up the reason for my frequent sickness. I could have given up the source of fatigue.

But there is just something about studying law. It is addicting. There is just something about it that makes me cling to it a bit more.

Now that the week has wrapped up, I am so glad to say that the examinations is finally over. It is time to take my much needed sleep because honestly, I have not had a decent rest for the past week.

Oh well, no one would ever understand such sweet torture.

I have always been a fan of citrus fruits. Taking any kind of citrus fruit seem to perk up my day. Honest. Well, lucky me since these fruits does not only taste really good but they also pose great health benefits.

Citrus fruits include oranges, grapes, limes, lemons, pomelos and tangerine. They are not only good sources of vitamin C but they also contain other essential nutrients. Loading your diet with lots of them need not worry you as they have no fat, sodium nor cholesterol.

A study showed that intake of these fruits may provide protection against cardiovascular diseases. The high pectin content in some types of citrus contributes to soluble fiber consumption, which has been linked to increased cardiovascular health and reduced risk of certain types of cancer. Apart from that, it was also said that citrus fruits can be used as treatment of various illnesses such as to reduce vomiting or diarrhea and for regulating fertility.

And if you are stressed out causing risks to your body's immune function, opting for a healthy food choice such as citrus fruits can actually help build your immune system thus giving you your needed protection.

So enjoy these fruits whether as drinks or eating it as it is for a healthier you.

Every girl’s wardrobe is never complete without jeans. They are fashion staples because of the comfort they provide. Thus, the need to look for a really good pair is one great adventure. So, even amidst the trend, the trick in finding the pair that works for you is to consider your body type and your problem areas.

For easier jeans shopping, here are some tips that may help you score the best pair:

For those who have flat butt like me, we can minimize our flaw and make them look curvier. To achieve that, always look for jeans that have intricate details on its back. These distinct points may be flap pockets, embellishments such as beads and buttons or explicit embroidery. These designs create an illusion that your behind is fuller as the concentration shifts to them. Also, try avoiding stretch jeans since they tend to flatten the butt area.

If you are one of those well endowed with a full rear like Beyonce and you are worried about emphasizing that part body part, then take away the attention from your booty. Unlike those with flat behind, you should stay away from too much design on that area. Find a denim which dons a larger than average back pockets that are strategically sewn closer to the center stream. Finally, choose those that come in dark colors. As we already know, darker shades give a slimming effect to the figure.

Girls whose problem area is their mid-section should avoid low-rise jeans. These kinds tend to cause your bulging bellies to spill over making you look fleshier. Try to get into those mid-rise or high waist jeans as they tuck the tummy in thereby creating a slimmer frame. However, if you insist to ride with the low-rise jeans phenomena, buy those mid-rise or high waist jeans that has a wider waistband. This statement creates a vision similar to low-rise without the unsightly picture.

For those with petite frame, try those skinny jeans that fall behind your ankles. This fashion trick would make your short legs appear longer. Avoid flared pants as they seem to add heft to the bottom part of your legs consequently making you look shorter.

Finally, the best tip is for you to try on every pair before buying it. There is no substitute for testing in order for you to find out what looks great on you.

It has been a month after Christmas yet the city is still enjoying the "holiday air". The wind is still cool (it can even feel ice cold in early morning) and intermittent rains make up most of Davaoneos days. In a city which usually has a balmy climate, this change in atmospheric condition is one of the best reasons to dress up. Since Mr. Sunshine has been hiding for the past couple of days, I found myself donning my favorite fashion staples for a chill weather such as this.

1. Hoodies


I am a jeans and shirt person which is exactly the reason why my number one fashion staple is hoodies. They are very casual and are usually the most common choice among the relatively young people. Men and women alike are so into them these days as they enjoy the wide variety of colors and prints that these hoodies offer. Most of these are made from cotton or polyester thus giving both the warmth and comfort that this cool climate requires. They also give protection against drizzle which makes it most convenient.

2. Jackets


They come in various cuts and sizes and people can chose any design that best fits their body type. Jackets are very versatile as I can pair with them almost everything. I can wear them with jeans, slacks, dresses or even skirts for as long as I get to pick one that blends well with my entire outfit. To make this fashion piece gel with my ensemble, the material that they are made of is probably the biggest consideration.

3. Blazers





Being an office lady, the company I am working with requires me to be in formal attire. To match my office get-up during cold days, blazers are my best friend as they keep up with the formal theme. I like them because they are very classy and structured which displays just how elegant they can make an office wear look.

News has it that this kind of weather is going to last until mid February. Until then, I would be oh so happy to be wearing my favorite fashion treats for the shivering climate.

The cool air of the ITCZ is covering the entire city. It was a Saturday evening yet the gloomy and rainy weather is hindering a night out. On a case such as this, a cold night’s best friend is warm and comfortable bedding and a good movie to boot.

There were a few other movies available in the disc but for that night, I chose to go musical and watch a film I have heard so much about. It was shown a few months back. However, I was not able to see it in the big screen so for that evening I satisfied myself with a motion picture that stars Merryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan … Mama Mia.

Mama Mia tells of a story of a girl who knows nothing of her father as her mother never talks about him. On her impending wedding, she desperately looks for her father for him to attend the occasion and walk her down the aisle. Thus, with the help of the diary her mom kept during the year she was conceived, she found out that her mom had affaire d'amour with three different men and that any of them could be her dad. So, she invites all three men not expecting all of them to come to the island where she grew up for the event. Nevertheless, all three did come and the entire circus begins.

The entire movie was set in a beautiful island with lush green and blue setting. There were trees with rich green color and a deep blue sea. The scenery is truly an eye candy, which makes the film really interesting to watch. The environment depicts of a simple living where people seem to be satisfied with their lives revolving around the place. Overall, it was the location that makes the movie distinct.

It also offers Abba songs from start to finish. Growing up with those melodies make the film something I could really relate to. In fact, I was even singing along when familiar tunes are being played. Perfect!

It was also the very first movie where I saw Ms. Streep singing and shaking her booty to the groove. It was also refreshing to see Mr. Brosnan in a different light apart from the macho persona he often flashes on screen. In Mama Mia, he is this romantic lover who has waited for 21 years to marry his ladylove. Sweet!

Above all these, the movie tries to convey that true love can wait. It is something that does not try to imprison the people involved in the relationship. It communicates that couples need not rush into a marriage because it will come at the most perfect time.

If you are out to have a whip of romance and musicality, you may want to consider watching Mama Mia. The raves I have heard were true. The movie has not failed me and for sure, it would not fail you too.

I feel so refreshed after having a twelve-day holiday break. It was much needed. I felt that having that break was the best Christmas gift I ever had.

By mid-December last year, I felt so burned out. I got admitted in the hospital, struggled with my preliminary exams and stressed over deadlines at work. With so much to attend to, I was already having difficulty breathing. Stress took its toll on me.

When the break was finally confirmed, I was just so elated to do whatever I want to with such a huge length of time.

I was really so happy to be spending most of my time during the vacation with the people who matters most to me. Thus, a big chunk of my time went to my family as well as to Weng and his family. I got to spend time with Papa, Mama, Tatay, Nanay and CJ at home …doing basically nothing. We were just there talking about all sorts of things. There were also times when we would just watch DVDs; of course the choice of which movie to watch is always CJ’s prerogative. I also had a quality bonding time with my brother CJ as we went jogging or playing badminton almost everyday of the break. There were also days Weng and I would go to his parents’ place to join them, his brothers and their families in celebrating the season. Being with them could be like a having a rumble with kids running and shouting here and there while the adults were unleashing their singing prowess in the videoke. It is a wonder how that big mess could turn into a delightful treat.

My friends also got their share of my time. After not seeing them for months, I was able to reconnect with my long time friends Bergette,Jen, Grace and Remo. We were like kids again. We had our photos taken, ate at one of the metro’s better restaurants, checked out the sparkling decors of Mana de Davao and drank coffee at my favorite café. My best friend Cheche and I also got our girl bonding. It was a way of strengthening our almost 22 year old friendship. We may not talk that often anymore yet that does not change what and who we are
to each other.

Weng and I also allotted time for shopping. He and I may not have that much money to spend yet we made sure that we spare some to buy things for our families simply to show we remember them and that we care. We also saved to buy stuff for the both of us. After working so hard for the entire year, we deserve to reward ourselves.

Finally, mall rats as we are, we often went malling. Going to the mall gives me a sense of relief. The mall to me is a like a different world where I can escape to. There is just something about window shopping, playing games at the arcade, watching movies or eating at my favorite fast food chains. It is a feeling that is totally unexplainable.

The break may be over. I am back to my reality. The long vacation we had may never happen again yet I am so grateful to have had that opportunity.

Its been a while since my last post. I had to admit that because I had my hands full of so much to do that I was forced to sacrifice one of my most favorite things in the world ... blogging. Since I have been a way for quite a long time, I owe this update.

For the past year, my life took great turns.

I finally enrolled in law school, which I have been wanting to do since I was in grade 5 or so. Indeed, it was a dream come true. Initially, I got caught up with the hustle and bustle of the College of Law yet I finally managed to handle it. I could vividly remember my first day in class. I was sitting in the second row trying to understand the stuff my professors were saying but nothing seems to sink in! To top the provisions of the law they were talking about, they were even speaking Latin Maxims to give emphasis to important provisions. I thought I was going to give up on my third week as there were a lot of people dropping out of the class already but my urge to become a lawyer was that strong thus I chose to stay. After braving one school and a semester, I am still struggling but soon enough I hope to write how good it feels to be called attorney.

In October of 2007, my Lolo Liling died after almost two months of being confined in the hospital. He was 92 years old. It was one of the most heart breaking experiences I have ever had. We were so close that losing him was like losing a part of my self. I could not explain the grief that haunted me that time. It was a feeling that was paralyzing. I know he had to go but I just wish he did not leave that soon. I was at that point where I was trying to give him the pride and honor any grandfather would have wanted from his grandchild yet he did not live long enough to see me conquer greater feats. To this day, I still nurse that feeling of longingness for my Lolo Liling. True, there are still a lot of times when I cry simply because I miss. However, the thought that he has moved on to a better place where he feels no pain gives me a sense of comfort. He may have left but his memory lives and it will forever be cherished.