This is an intro to the article I did for the Philippines Yearbook 2008 whose theme for the year is Travel and Adventure. Filled with informative activities throughout this awesome archipelago, supported by excellent photography from some of the country's best, the book as a whole is an excellent addition to any bookshelf. It makes a great gift as well.
This article has photos of Jeff dela Torre, Django Mendoza and Corey Wills.
Apocalypse Wow: Baler, Aurora Text by: Kage Gozun Photos: Ivan Sarenas and Kage Gozun
Baler is the capital of the province of Aurora. The political and economic center of this historic province has long called to those drawn by the call of the wild.
The journey truly begins at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Driving along its cliffside roads is breath taking for two reasons: the overgrown foilage makes for spectacular scenery and the deep ravines a few feet away from the edge of the road makes for some nervous driving.
The drive is well worth it. The town is as rich in history as the mountains are in giant ferns and vibrant trumpet flowers.
In 1735, a wave struck this town and completely eradicated it. The destruction it left in its wake, and the fact that nearby areas where left virtually intact has become the stuff of legend. Slowly, the surviving inhabitants began to rebuild the town, first known as Kinagunasan. By the later 1730s, Spanish clergy had set up shop. To this day, there is evidence to the strong ties Baler has with its Spanish roots. Among them are the annual Filipino-Spanish Friendship Day and the presence of the Baler Catholic Church, where Spanish troops held the American soldiers at bay during the later 1800s. The town that had once been wiped off the face of the earth by a freak wave fell under American rule in 1900.
It was the existence of waves that drew another historical figure to the town of Baler. Back in the late 70's, Francis Ford Copolla himself set up shop along one of Baler's rivermouths and shot key scenes to his hit film Apocalypse Now. Among these scenes was the infamous surfing sequence along Charlie's Point. The film wrapped up, Copolla flew out with his wife in tow and the crew left behind the first surfboards ever to be used in Baler.
This is an intro to the article I did for the Philippines Yearbook 2008 whose theme for the year is Travel and Adventure. Filled with informative activities throughout this awesome archipelago, supported by excellent photography from some of the country's best, the book as a whole is an excellent addition to any bookshelf. It makes a great gift as well.
The La Union segment features photos of Moro Gandawali, Poks Esquivel and Buji Libarnes
LONGBOARDING IN LA UNION Text and photos: Kage Gozun
San Juan, La Union is in the Ilocos Region. La Union itself is considered to be one of the gateway provinces that connect Southern Luzon to the Northern provinces. It is bordered to the north by Ilocos Sur and to the south by Pangasinan. Its eastern border is Benguent province and to the west is the South China Sea.
Surfing came relatively early to San Juan and in the last decade alone, a growing surf industry has been witnessed along the stretch beach in the town of Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union. Most, if not all, of the residents living along this short strip of beach are part of the local surf community. Each household will have at least one member who surfs, teaches surfing or is a good friend of a surfer.
The laidback vibe has also attracted its fair share of foreigners, mostly of Japanese and Australian persuasion. Some have been living in town for over two decades and are considered as locals in the community.
A combination of an established surf industry and its accessibility from Manila has created one of the most tourist-friendly surf spots in Northern Luzon. Most would-be surfers choose travel to Urbiztondo simply because of the ready availability of boards, specifically longboards, for rent and instructors for hire. Beginners hooked on the sport but have no personal boards can easily rent one for the weekend.
The influx of beginners and students has also allowed for a longboarding culture to sprout in the water. Most of the local La Union surfers are equally adept at handling longboards as well as shortboards. It is not uncommon to find an equal amount of longboards and shortboards being ridden on any given day. Longboarding is in fact more commonly seen in La Union when compared to the other breaks nearby. In fact, the local La Union surfers have sort of a reputation for dominating longboard-related competitions and contests. And come the weekend, as more Manila longboarders pour out of cars and buses, expect to see more longboards sitting outside in the line-up.
Throughout the season, surf competitions are often held for both longboarders and shortboarders. But it is the annual international longboarding contest held town at the start of year that is the longest-running. . Run by long-term foreign residents in cooperation with the La Union Surf Club, the year 2008 will mark its tenth year in existence. The event is open to all people and has attracted its fair share of loyal followers who arrive each year to join the friendly competition.
For the rest of this... you'll have to buy the book. Support your local travel writers and photographers!
This is an intro to the article I did for the Philippines Yearbook 2008 whose theme for the year is Travel and Adventure. Filled with informative activities throughout this awesome archipelago, supported by excellent photography from some of the country's best, the book as a whole is an excellent addition to any bookshelf. It makes a great gift as well.
El Nido: The Last Stop of the Last Frontier Text by Kage Gozun Photos by: Erik Liongoren Photo in blog: Kage Gozun
If Palawan is the Philippines' "Last Frontier" then its town of El Nido is the vanguard of the frontier's borders. Flora and fauna are a premium draw here as there are only five islands where development for tourism purposes is allowed.
Majestic marble cliffs stand guard over sandy shores and glassy waters. Small villages co-exist a mere boat ride away from some of the most luxurious resorts in the area. There are lagoons filled with emerald depths and endless discoveries. Explore age-old caves and learn their whispered secrets. Or simply be on the look out for the multitude of wildlife both common and rare that make their homes on this enchanted place. There are 16 endemic and 10 threatened species of birds, 6 types of marine mammals endemic, and four species of endangered turtles that call the waters and forests of El Nido home.
Celebrated author Alex Garland is said to have drawn inspiration for his bestseller "The Beach" from his stay at El Nido's Bacuit Bay. One visit to this marine reserve and you will understand why.
To Do:
Island Hopping is of course, a major portion of the activity. Within the area of Bacuit Bay alone are over fifty beaches. Many of the larger resorts offer packages that cover your boat, tour guide and a packed meal for the day. The higher-end hotels will even load a few kayaks onto your boat so you can paddle around the lagoons and explore at your own pace. Barring that, the town proper can supply you with the same. All you need to do is take a walk down the beach.
Scuba diving is a popular pastime. There are at least 30 known dive sites suited for a wide range of certifications from Open Water One to advanced qualifications. Keep your masks clear for sighting of dugong, rays and turtles. Live coral, a variety of reef fish, morays and, if you are lucky, the whale shark completes the list of marine wildlife on display. The larger resorts will sort this out for you or even offer a 15-minute intro dive as part of the package. On the mainland, look for Bacuit Divers and ask around for Willy, who has gained a good reputation from many a satisfied diver.
Make note of Paglugaban Cove for its healthy population of Gorgonian fans, table, fire and brain coral and fields of Staghorn coral. And what would this coral fiesta be without its accompanying reef fish? The rainbow of color will take your breath away.
Miniloc Island houses two hidden lagoons, the smaller of which is good for snorkeling. The larger (northern) lagoon is accessible through a quick swim along a break in the cliff.
For the rest, please support your local travel writers and photographers and buy the book.
If dry land is more to your liking, you can book guides to take you spelunking and cliff climbing. The El Nido Tour Guides Association is your best bet for assistance, especially if your resort does not have this included in your package.
Now, if packaged tours are not your thing, then hire a motorbike, get some information from the friendly locals and take off on your own adventure through the Final Frontier. The bikes are for rent at about Php800 pesos. Mountain bikes can also be rented in town.
Local lore states that during the last war, the Japanese held prisoners in a series of caverns now called Bone Cave. If this is fact or myth is still on dispute but this shouldn't hinder you from crawling through the small opening to come into the first of the caves. Tunnels lead you to other chambers, many inaccessible without a rope and a sturdy guide. A natural skylight in one of the easier-to-reach chambers sheds a soft and lovely light.
For the rest of this... you'll have to buy the book. Support your local travel writers and photographers!
This is an intro to the article I did for the Philippines Yearbook 2008 whose theme for the year is Travel and Adventure. Filled with informative activities throughout this awesome archipelago, supported by excellent photography from some of the country's best, the book as a whole is an excellent addition to any bookshelf. It makes a great gift as well.
BATANES: Bring your own adventure Text: Kage Gozun Photos: Erik Liongoren Photo in blog: Kage Gozun
The ten islands that make up the province of Batanes are at the northernmost tip of the Philippines. Geographically, Batanes is closer to Taiwan than it is to the northernmost tip of Luzon. The distance also explains the difference in ethnicity of the locals of Batanes, known collectively as Ivatan. Unlike most of the country whose people claim similar ethnic backgrounds to the Malays, Ivatans are closer to the Tao people of Orchid Island, Taiwan.
Nearly half of the province is made up of hills and mountains. Lush greenery tapers off to give way to stretches of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. This topography coupled with its constant rainfall and strong winds has created a destination that is truly one-of-a-kind in the country.
Off shore, the China Sea hugs one side of the Batanes islands while the Pacific borders the other. There is a point where both oceans meet, creating a strong current that makes sea voyages in this area particularly dangerous.
This is a land where nearly every angle is a photo-op and the scenery is unlike any other Philippine destination. It is part Ireland, part Hawaii but essentially all Ivatan. The long stretches of time with near constant wind have created a people who have learned to live with the elements of nature. Ivatan houses, created originally from thick stone blocks, cogon roofing and limestone, are still used on the island of Sabtang. The islands are living museums – testaments to the rich culture and history of a province that for many decades was left to develop on its own.
Of the ten islands, only three are inhabited. The capital of the province is Basco, located on Batan island. Sabtang is a short boat ride away. The last of the inhabited islands is Itbayat.
One of the most notable facts about Batanes is their claim to a zero crime rate. Violent crime is unheard of on the islands and even petty theft is a rare occurrence. Visitors who misplace or lose personal items are told to visit the local radion station in Batan so that an island-wide bulletin can be aired. Locals who have found items are also likely to drop them off at the station. To underscore this claim, while we were visiting the town of San Vicente , Sabtang I noticed a sign posted in front of the municipal hall. It said, quite clearly, "Lost and Found: Money."
For the rest of this... you'll have to buy the book. Support your local travel writers and photographers!
The all bacon burger made its online debut in the middle of 2007. Then he took it a step further and found a way to stuff it with cheese and DEEP FRY the sucker. And now, thanks to writer and major foodie Adam Kuban, you too can recreate this sinfully delicious delight at home.
I was finally given the lyrics to one of my favorite surfer remakes. Sung to the tune of No Woman, No Cry and invented by Wilmar, one of the funniest surf cats around.
No surfing Low tide No surfing Low tide
I remember i go to Cloud9 In Republic kingdom of Catangnan Oba, Observing those pretty waves comin' As i would paddle to the outside Good waves today, hope this afternoon too All the way.. I paddle hard to catch this good wave But i failed...
No surfing Low tide No surfing Low tide Stomp little urchin, dont shed no tears No surfing Low tide
Said-said-said: I remember i go to cloud9 In Republic Kingdom of Catangnan I paddled for this big wave coming As im going to pop-up, my leg got slide Then i got wipeout My board was broken I talk to martin to fix my broken board And hope he'll charge low price Then Martin said: Everything's gonna be alright Everything's gonna be alright Everything's gonna be alright, ha Everything's gonna be alright
No surfing Low tide No surfing Low tide No surfing Low tide No surfing Low tide
I know we can make some of these wishes happen! Please read below:
"In case you want to fulfill the XMAS WISH of a child with cancer, I’m sending you the WISHLIST of our wards in CANCER WARRIORS FOUNDATION. Some of the things they wish for are simple and inexpensive, some are not. But if you have a spare of the things they wished for or have a used one lying around, I’m sure the kids will be happy to have it. Please help us forward this email to all your friends who may wish to make a sick child happy this Christmas.
Thank you! Jalu Go"
-- PATIENT'S WISH LIST
NAME: WISHES: 1) Lovely Jane Balmes 5 yrs. Old - gamit sa pag Drawing, Electric Piano
2) Justine Paradilla 7 yrs. Old - Bisikleta na may side car, Gameboy
3) Stephanie Medina - Makita ng personal si Manny Pacquiao
4) Princess Gonzales 4 yrs old - Bike at Damit.
5) Aldous John Fabian 3 yrs. Old - Damit, sapatos, educational toys.
6) Jeidric Marquinez 1 yr. old - Bagong damit,, at sapatos.
7) Lowel Jay Hosena (Leukemia) - Bagong damit, sapatos, ta robot.
8) Rose Caniete 10 yrs. Old (Leukemia) - Barbie, damit, at pagkain.
9) Jhewell Elgin Arroyo 2 yrs. Old (Leukemia) - Damit, at bike.
10) George San Juan 6 yrs. Old (ALL) - Bike.
11) Richard Baes 14 yrs. Old (ALL) - Damit, salawal, at sapatos.
12) Preaxie Mae Luat - Gameboy.
13) Ma. Charina Llera 5 yrs. Old - bike maliit.
14) Dexter Vaughn Dela Cruz - Bagong damit, pants, at rubber shoes
15) Jansie Morado - Mga damit, at laruang computer.
16) Lucky Refuerzo 4 yrs. Old - Yoyo, transformer, ta batman.
17) Michelle Arroyo 14 yrs. Old - Mapili at maisadula sa T.V. ang aking story at makaharap ko in person sila TITO, VIC, and JOEY, Wally, and Jose; makatapos ng pag-aaral; to go to Disney land w/cancer patients.
18) Jubelle Ocampo 12 yrs. Old (ALL) - Gameboy, at Makita si Angel Locsin.
19) Kimberly Bantucan 16 yrs. Old (ALL) - Cellphone na may camera.
20) Marielle Mae Estoy 10 yrs. Old (ALL) - Makita si Kris Aquino.
21) Dexter dela Cruz 16 yrs. Old (ALL) - bagong T-Shirt, pants, at rubber shoes.
22) Charina Llera 5 yrs. Old (Retinoblastoma) - Bike na maliit.
23) Ma. Janiella Clarite 5 yrs. Old - very very big teddy bear.
24) John Roland Lozada 6 yrs. Old (ALL) - Mga damit na terno terno, tapos sandals size 3.
25) Rod Vincent Wico 5 yrs. Old (Leukemia Biphenotypic) - Motor na de battery.
26) Irene May Cantillo 3 yrs. Old (Wilms Tumor) - Bike, sapatos, damit.
27) Jansie Morado 6 yrs. Old (ALL) - Computer na laruan at konting damit at sana daw po may sponsor siya.
28) Zharina Mae B .Duran 10 yrs. Old - Study table w/activity accessories.
SA MGA GUSTO TUMULONG YOU CAN EMAIL BACK WHICH WISH YOU WANT TO GRANT! the second batch of wishes will follow sooon....
LET US MAKE THE CHILDREN FEEL THE SEASON OF GIVING! AND GIVE THEM HOPE AND REASON FOR LIVING!
Anyone who wants to make a donation can coordinate directly with me through this email, and my mobile 0917-5292627.
I really truly believe we can make these wishes a reality.
October 5 to 14, 2007. Giving it a pre-rating of 3 stars based on the last sale where I didn't score as many great buys as I did during the first major sale. This could change pending the results of this time's hunt for books on discount.
Binky sent me this trailer and it looks awesome. Across the Universe is 1. set in the 60s 2. to the soundtrack of various Beatles songs 3. with what looks like a great plot. Hello?! The only way this could be better is if James Franco and Jake Gyllenhal were cast in it.
Based on the trailer alone, I'm giving four stars. Now to get my hands on a copy so we can all see if the movie lives up to its trailer. :)
If I could give a negative star rating I would. If there was an option to give a black hole rating I would. Why?
Have you seen this ad? It's for the new Age Defying Cream that makes you look younger in seven days. That's okay. That's not bad. What is bad is the treatment of the ad -- a woman and her husband lie on opposite sides on a bed. As the week progresses (read: as she looks prettier and younger) he moves closer and closer to her side of the bed. At the end of the TVC, she's gotten rid of her wrinkles... and he's asleep right beside her.
And that is what bugs me about this ad and other ads like it.
There's another one where the husband naman starts treating his wife better (opening car doors etc) when the whitening product she is using starts making her skin lighter.
So a woman has to look younger/prettier/whiter so he man will treat her better? Ganun ba yun? So we're just going to roll back the clock and reinforce the gender stereotype? Because it is one thing to want to look good for your man (or even look good for yourself). I can get behind that and support that. It is another thing entirely to be told that if you want to be doted on you MUST be younger/prettier/whiter/wrinkle-free.
Haaaay! What is it with brands/ad agencies that they perpetuate this sort of thinking?! It's WRONG people! Wrong!!! This is not the message you should be sending out. You - and the people who make commercials where you're only better if you're whiter - should be ashamed! Shame, shame on all of you.
My officemate KC (known to those close to her as the Reyna ng Kakikayan and my favorite in-office dance partner) showed up with bottles of Mwah Nail Polish. The bottles are teeny tiny and the colors come in super cute (and sometimes cheesy) names. Jilly made off na with Orlando Blue (which made her fingernails look morgue-y), Mitch nabbed the only bad-ass shade (a black that I think is called Mark Herrust) and Leda scored Brad Pink (still untested).
I tried the Piolo Pastel (a shade of pink) on three of my nails. The first coat was too translucent. A second coat made my nails look like I'd dipped them in Caladryl. Not good. So I ran to KC and asked if I could use her James Yam (shiny purple). Two coats of James Yam and problem solved.
And since I'm left-handed, I only did my right hand. So yan, I type this review now with only five fingers sporting James Yam by Mwah Nail Polish. The left hand is completely bare. And a bit jealous. Haha.
Final verdict: for under P20 a bottle, they're not for long term use but they're not bad as give-aways for small parties. Just stay away from Orlando Blue.
This is a wonderful example of acerbic wit. It is also an excellent use of grammar and humor. Certain people should be making notes and learning from Celdran's writing style.
Before reading on, I want to make two points about this whole Malu scandal that I think we should all bear in mind: 1. Water might seek its own level, but we shouldn't have to. Let's not resort to name-calling (and references to farm animals). She is pretentious. She is a bigot. She is not witty. But let's leave the fat insults at the door.
2. Her editors at People Asia should also be held accountable for this transgression. They too should be made to bear the onus of allowing her article to be published. To quote Cybelle "editors, where art thou?" They are just as responsible for that article as the woman that wrote it.
Having said all that... indulge in a bit of Celdran:
WOW MALU by Carlos Celdran
I promised myself that I would not talk about Malu Fernandez and her horrid article. I am trying to change my ways and not kick a hog while it's down and out. But being the hypocrite that I am. Here I go.
Frankly, it seemed like there was no point in talking about Malu. After all, knowing this woman almost all my life (our fathers both work in the same hospital), what happened really didn't come as a surprise to me nor to many who knew her. Really, think about it. If I was an overfed, overcompensated, unwanted baby who was never as pretty or popular as her older sisters and parents, than maybe I too would end up bitter enough to demand an advance on my inheritance, not attend my own father's funeral and spew out poisonous banter to no end. But I consider this current situation to be completely understandable in her case though. She really couldn't help herself.
After all, we must realize that Malu was not bred in a vacuum. She is a result of an entire lifetime of people around her condoning her bad behavior. (In fairness to her family though, I only heard vile things come from Malu and nobody else. None of her sisters, nephews, uncles, and aunts etc... have said anything close to the point of view that Malu seems to so have proudly shared with us all - or at the least, none of them have said anything directly to me so far). And just like any spoiled child, Malu can't be fully blamed for the value system that she acquired. She is a victim of a social/sosyal disease and the friends who indulged her. After all, when she said her friends found her article hilarious, I believe her. Now I'm not saying that she is representative of most members of the Philippine elite but let me tell you right now that she is definitely not alone in the matapobre (kill the poor) department.
In fact, what happened to Malu could happen to quite a few other members of the upper classes. Just last week, I heard that some of her other friends were commenting how she kinda "took the bullet" for everyone, so to speak. And this I consider as a sign of how detached the Philippine rich (and their wannabes) are from the realities of our country. I mean really, the Philippine elites are a completely blessed bunch who do not know or care just how blessed they are. Just look at the PIPC scandal. Some Singaporean guy named Michael Liew runs off with U$250million from the pockets of the Pinoy perfumed class and both our country and it's economy are still standing. Php250 million! That's almost the entire Gross National Product of the Solomon Islands or the cost of a brand new international airport and yet nary a dent was put on our currency nor our stock markets. This only proves that that the Philippine elites have the financial capacity to pull the country out of poverty but yet it's their apathy and lack of priorities that prevent them from using this money to achieve social progress.
And if anything, Malu is clear and tangible proof of that.
So there you go, Philippine elites. Get your act together. Prove to us that you aren't also a bunch of Malus.
Every surfer's favorite tambayan is now open for full on business. :)
The shop is officially re-opened for full surf retailing. Come by to check out a full range of surf/skate boards and surf accessories. Get your leashes, wax, traction pads, board socks, soft racks... basically everything you need. Have a board custom made by Lui and Jong or pick one out from the quiver on the wall.
Come by the Fiveforty Surf Co shop today! Now. No, now.
Fiveforty Surf Co is located along Katipunan Avenue Extension, right across Countryside Restaurant and beside the Quirino Memorial Hospital
Last xmas a few officemates dressed up sa costume party namin as robots... we had Starscream, Optimus Prime and oddly enough, Bender. Pero only one of them was a real transforming Transformer.
Check this out: Before and After. His name is Wong... so let's call this robot version of him AutoWong.
He is beyond excellent!!! Check out the fretwork. And then check him outo n YouTube, especially when he plays "Drifting" -- bass line, harmony and percs all in one. Hayop meng!
Published in Metro Magazine October 2006 issue Corporate Bohemian Kage Gozun spent an afternoon being pampered with a chocolate body scrub for this month's issue. When she isn't researching spa treatments she enjoys traveling and photography. She dreams of owning an island one day.
Chocolate Treat Good Enough to Eat Women love chocolate, there's no two ways about it. A chemical compound in chocolate simulates the same sensation humans feel when we fall in love. Small wonder then that women love their bars of chocolatey goodness. Call it cliché or an age-old stereotype but many will say that it is true. As a gender, we are in love with the rich creamy by-product of the lowly cacao bean. We can't help it.
And recent studies have shown that chocolate isn't just a yummy treat. It can actually be good for you! Chocolate contains beneficial antioxidants such as polyphenols which have been revealed to defend against heart disease. In a 2004 Journal of the American Medical Association, it was said that aside from lowering blood pressure, the intake of chocolate compounds also make blood vessels less rigid. There are other claims that the built-in antioxidants in chocolate also guard against pollution and sun damage.
Too bad they haven't found a way to make the consumption of chocolate a truly healthy activity. Chow down on the sweet stuff too often and we're faced with weight gain. And you don’t ever want to be on the receiving end of a woman’s “Do you think I look fat?” if you know what’s good for you.
There is however, a way to get the benefits of chocolate without battling its disadvantages. A simple solution that not only invigorates your senses, but also makes you feel like a pampered princess.
Sound good to you? Head over to the Sanctuario Spa, Salon and Organic Café along Jorge Bocobo St.in Malate, Manila and order yourself the Tsokolate Ahhhh!. This two-hour body scrub and massage features our favorite food in the entire world and is a service guaranteed to make women everywhere swoon.
Having a trained masseuse slather chocolate on your body while easing the knotted muscles in your back already sounds like a treat in itself. So can you believe that there are even more benefits to experiencing this massage treatment? Chocolate contains vitamin E, cocoa with butter and almond oil, all of which are excellent moisturizers. This moisturizing property seeps into the skin to combat cellulite, ironic since eating so much of it can lead to weight issues. Plus, the scent of chocolates stimulates endorphins in our bodies that make us feel happier.
How can any woman feel anything but happy after spending over an hour covered in chocolate?
Stripped down and wearing the bathing garments provided by the spa, the treatment begins with a soak in a private hot tub. Your attendant allows you some quiet time, to just relax in the steamy water and inhale the aroma of the flowers floating around you. When you are ready, you move to the massage bed. This is the portion that puts treat in the word treatment.
Slowly, generous amounts of native dark chocolate are layered on your body. Ground beans are blended into the chocolate mixture to gently exfoliate dead skin. Using a soft kneading method, your body is massaged to a point of total relaxation. Your entire body is covered in this healing and nourishing combination. Pressure points are targeted, tension is eased, and every time you inhale, you smell that rich dark chocolate scent.
After that is a quick hop into the shower to wash off the body scrub. The steam coming up from the shower envelopes you in a chocolate-scented mist that only further heighten this delectable experience.
Then it’s back on the massage table for another hour’s worth of massage therapy. During this final phase, Sancturio uses Cocoa Butter, which is actually the edible and natural fat of the cacao bean. It is purported to help fade the appearance of scars and stretch marks. More than that, it smells fantastic and feels even better. If there were any knotted muscles left over from the body scrub, this portion of the treatment is sure to take care of them. Smooth strokes and gentle pressure aid in blood circulation while the targeting of key areas in the body gives you a feeling of total and utter relaxation. Every woman deserves to feel this calm!
The bonus of finishing the treatment with cocoa butter is that it eliminates the need to shower afterwards. All you need to do is put on your clothes over that newly-buffed, baby-soft skin and walk out the door to whatever fabulous plan is on your agenda.
Whatever you decide to do, having the Tsokolate Ahhhh!. definitely starts you off on the right foot.
So never fear ladies, chocolate is always just a phone-call away. And without the calories!
More and more I am finding out that talk show tv is really educational! On the Tyra Banks show today (and in my defense, I was channel surfing), and she featured this product for a cleaner and greener environment. As with the iKaraoke, I am rating this based on concept and not an actual product test.
The Solio Portable Hybrid Solar Power Charger. The nifty device stores energy directly from our very own sun (and from the socket as well) to power most of our handheld electronic devices.
According to the site "Solio generates free and clean energy right out of the box. Solio has been made Carbon Neutral by planting trees in protected bio-diverse forests."
According to Amazon: * Charging Solio's internal battery takes 8-10 hours of direct sunlight.* * With Solio fully charged, an average mobile phone will charge in approximately one to two hours--as efficiently as a conventional charger. * Using the included wall adapter, Solio can be fully charged in approximately 5.5 hours. * A fully charged Solio will completely charge an average cell phone at least once. * When charging a cell phone directly from the sun, 60 minutes of sunlight will provide approximately 10 minutes of talk time and four hours of standby time.* * When charging an iPod directly from the sun, one hour of sunlight will provide one hour of play time.* * Solio can store energy for more than one year.
Each Solio charger comes with connector tips for compatibility with most mobile phone brands, iPods and other music storing devices.
Much as no one admits it, karaoke can be fun. Because it is! Aminin niyo na kasi -- lahat kayo may favorite karaoke song!
So, what better way to sing your favorite Glam Rock tunes than by plugging a tiny mic to your iPod and rockin' away? It's set up by the technology fairies that your voice becomes the principal vocals of your chosen track.
The iKaraoke is compatible with the following models: * 5th Generation iPod with Video * iPod nano 1st Generation * iPod nano 2nd Generation (aluminium) * 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel * 4th Generation iPod with Color Screen * iPod U2 Special Edition * iPod Photo * iPod Mini.
Every year during the Lenten season I give up either ice cream or cake. And believe me, it is a struggle for someone who loves pastries and sweets as much as I do. This year was made more difficult by the sudden proliferation of dessert places in the city. But, I made it. 40 days without cake. Woot, woot. And now, time to reward myself for the willpower.
On a lead from an old friend, I chose Banapple to end my Lenten sacrifice. Good call.
Banapple is a small bakery that specializes in pies and cheesecakes. Cookies and brownies go from Php35. The giant chocolate chip cookie (Php40) manages to be crunchy and chewy at the same time and is super delicious.
The Banoffee cake and the Strawberry cheesecake are their top sellers. But since I am a contrary sort, I went for a slice of their Caramel-Fudge cake (Php75). And OH WOW... PANALO. The cake is moist and packed with fudgey goodness. The caramel icing is not too sweet. In a word: chewy. This cake is chewy and should probably be shared with at least one other friend because there is only so much gooey goodness that you can have before your body says "stop!" and your tastebuds rebel.
In fact, I still have half a slice left over from this morning. And I'm thinking with a fresh cup of hot milk tea, there's merienda waiting for me.
(Surfers: Bannaple is just beside the Shop, where City Jam used to be. Woohoo!)
