Saturday, April 26, 2014

Eat Buy Try (Number One)

Trying to put up a new segment in blog inspired from Saab's. An original thought from Juice.ph, I'm not a blogger for the said website but I think this is a really cool and fun way to blog.

Below is the first list of my Eat Buy Try segment :) Don't forget to tell me your thoughts about this below.

EAT: Rai Rai Ken Japanese Restaurant
     For days, my BFF Shiela and I have been craving to try Ramen. I do not have any idea how but it surprised the hell out of me when she posted in fb that she's craving for one. I never posted about my craving though, but Ramen has been in my thoughts for days.

     We both agreed to eat together since then but we were still looking for the perfect time. Luckily, her sister Mikay treat us both. Heaveennnnn.
Salmon Sashimi

     I promised myself never to eat Japanese dish that are made with raw fish before. It was right after I read a list from the Guiness book of world record that the person who has the most number of worms in the stomach was a Japanese woman. She said from an interview that she got it from eating her favorite foods- Sashimi and Sushi! Both with raw fish!!! 

     However, I broke my promise when we dine at Rai Rai Ken. Mikay ordered a plate of Sashimi. We were actually having a hard time to chose what fish to eat since none f us ever ate Sashimis before. We end up chosing Salmon Sashimi though. I took the first bite and I was very surprised that it taste absolutely nothing. I couldn't taste anything fish-like while eating it. I felt like I was eating flavorless jelly! that was also because the fish was very soft. 

I don't know if I'll eat sashimi again but I'm curious about how does the Tuna sashimi taste like :p
California Maki


Batchoy Ramen

Yummy!!! This is what we've been craving about! I was very happy that Rai Rai Ken's Ramen didn't disappoint us :) Might as well try other Ramen flavors soon.
Pork Tonkatsu

My favorite!!!!! It was served with cabbage and sauce (na hindi ko alam kung ano). It's very yummy!!! and it's healthier too compared to the usual fried pork since the pork they served didn't have any fats.
Me, Shiela and Mikay
 My friends' sisters are my friends but my sister is not my friends' friend :~
 Thanks Mikay for hurting my stomach (in a good way) ;) Sa uulitin!
BOOM Japeness~ haha

BUY: Eye Brow Pencil from Daiso Japan

If you have visited Daiso stores, you've probably check their cosmetic products. I've visited the newly opened Daiso store in Ayala Mall (Cebu) for a number of times already and my visits made me curious about their cosmetic products.

To feed my curiosity, I bought one. It's an eye brow liner pencil. (See photo below)  I do not know the brand of it 'cause I can't understand Japanese characters, but of course I know it's an eye brow liner.duhh nasa packaging 

Anyway, I bought it cause I need a new eye brow liner and because it's packaging is so cute haha. It's in baby pink! My sister even thought I got it from Etude House. I chose the one with the natural brown color and indeed, it was literally natural brown.

The color was so subtle though that you have to apply it more than once. There isn't something extraordinary about it but I love how it has a brush and how the lead is retractable. The brush and the lead was placed in both sides of the pencil and I love the fact that it has caps on it, making it very hygienic. I love this product! but I can't promise if I'll re-purchase this again.











TRY: The 1975

My IG has been clogged by things related about The 1975. I didn't know by then that 1975 is a band but I already had an idea. I read a lot of posts about them particularly from young teenage girls. I thought this band produces One Direction-ish kind of music, so I thought I might as well check it out to pass my own verdict.

I listened to 'Falling For You' and some other songs released by the band. Somehow I didn't fell in love with any of them lol, but I have to admit some lyrics from their songs are quite lovely.

Their songs are okay for me though some people claim they suck. So NO, The 1975 didn't change me. I'm not a fan but I have to say they look pretty cool B) haha Nice try boys!

Here's Falling For You below:






Credits to Matty for this awesome GIF ending of this post :p
clap*clap*clap*
very well said Matty!

Have fun guys! I hope you enjoy this new segment in my blog
love lots,
Tin

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

My Camotes Escapade 1




The Camotes Islands are a group of islands in the Camotes SeaPhilippines. The island group is located east of Cebu Island, southwest of Leyte Island, and north of Bohol Island. It is 34 nautical miles from Cebu City and part of the province of Cebu. (wikipedia.com)
Some view from Santiago Beach Resort
Santiago Beach Resort is for me the best resort in the island.
The resort have so many stairs. Great for morning hiking!



















Low tide at Aikawa Beach Resort














































Look someone drowned. lol It's because he jumped directly at the waves. So funny 'cause his friends took a group selfie with him after the life guard saved him. True friends!!! ahhaa

 One of the his friends had an awesome tattoo. Just gotta took a picture of it before he notice hahaha.
The resort had awesome jetskis and swimming pools. I just can't remember the name of the resort :( sorry!










 Casterly Rock! lol

Snapshots from Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort
Too bad the resort have to lie low because of the damages it got from the typhoon Yolanda :(

      Having read that Camotes Islands was hailed as the last horizon and the poet's lost heaven, the place made me very curious that it became one of my dream travel destination. After almost a year of saving and serious thought, I pursued one of my life's dreams. To go there alone! haha. Everybody in the house thinks I'm on drugs or lying when I told them I'm going to Camotes alone.
     I'd be a hypocrite to deny that the idea of travelling alone doesn't scare me at all, but I just can't stop the wanderlust within me. I was thirsty of the clear waters and aching to step on the white sands of the islands so I know I need to go there (alone or not).
      My travel plan was half-baked as I do not plan it thoroughly. It's hard to find a comprehensive article online about going there (most articles published were old and updated). I didn't have the chance to talk to someone who has been in the island too. Nevertheless, I still went there.
     Of course, I took so many photographs that I can't possibly compile them in a post.  The photographs above are pictures of beautiful beaches from the different resorts I visited. I'll post another set of photos soon from the different activities I did in the island and about the locals. Below is an updated 'How To Get There' notes and tips I wrote based on my experience.
       I hope this post will help you if you have plans in travelling to Camotes. And of course, I hope you enjoy :) If you have been to Camotes, tell me, have you seen a little piece of heaven? 


 Snapshots inside the ferry boat. 'Wag mag expect ng bonggang barko! The boat is small and it's hard to find a good seat if you'll arrive late. If you have seasickness, don't worry, the boat attendants will provide free plastic bag (for your vomit of course!lol)



How To Get There (notes/tips*):
(Based from my personal experience)
  • Take a boat from Danao Port going to Camotes.  - How to get to Danao Port? Take a V-hire from SM City Cebu going to Danao. Just tell the driver to take you to the terminal. (*V-hires do not go directly to the port. You'll know you're in the terminal  once you see Gaisano Danao. From the terminal, you can either walk your way to the port or ride in a pedicab. 
* V-hire Fare: 50php; Pedicab fare: 10php
  • Once you get to Danao Port, buy a boat ticket going to Camotes. From my own experience, ONLY Jomalia Shipping Corporation operates a boat ride going to Camotes. One boat at a time. 
* Boat schedules: 6:30AM, 9:00AM, 11:00Am, 2:00 PM, 5:00PM
* Boat Fare: Aircon-200php, Non Aircon-180php

* When buying a boat ticket be VERY EARLY as tickets sold out very early especially during peak seasons. (I arrived at the port at 8:45AM but when I got there, boat tickets from 9:00AM to 2PM were already sold out. Good news is that there are some "under the table" tickets for sale. Some guys will approach you for a ticket of your desired schedule but those tickets are sold twice as much as the original price. They usually sell the ticket from 300-350php. To avoid that kind of problem, just be very early. Jomalia Shipping does not sell tickets in advance and doesn't give any priority numbers.)
  • All boats from Danao Port docks in Consuelo. The ferry ride going to Camotes will take about approximately 2 hours.
  • Once you get in Camotes, a lot of motorcycle drivers awaits you. Depending on where you will be going, but in my case I paid 100php going to Himensulan.
  • If you already booked for a resort, you don't have to worry then because their V-hires will take you to their resort.
* A tour all over the island via motorcycle costs 600php (if you're alone like me but of course, cost may vary)


That's all for now. See you on my next post about my Camotes escapade. I'll talk about the locals in my future post buh bye!!

love lots,
Tin

Saturday, April 19, 2014

The Sunshine Blogger

It's been quite long since I received a blog award and post about it. I've been nominated for many times already but still being tag by another blogger never fail to put a smile on my face :)
I'd like to thank the ever dashing Gen of Genzel Kisses for giving my another Sunshine Blogger Award again. Thank you Gen! You're always amazing ;) Read Gen's post here to read her awesome answers <3

The Rules:
1.  Post a picture of the Sunshine Blogger Award (I made my own version like Gen. haha feel ko lang mag edit ng photo lol)
2.  Post 11 random facts about yourself
3.  Answer 11 questions from the nominating blogger
4.  Link back to the blogger who nominated you
5.  Nominate 11 wonderful bloggers, that you feel bring sunshine to the blogging world. (Be sure to notify them)
6.  Write 11 questions for your nominated bloggers


11 Random Facts About Me
  1. I don't like Lang Laev.
  2. I don't read modern novels.
  3. I'm teaching English to Japanese students.
  4. I’m moody :$
  5. I hate being lied the most.
  6. I have an on-going one year no soda challenge now.haha
  7. I love writing love letters but most of the times I don't send them.
  8. I love noticing small details that people don’t usually notice.
  9. I’m crazy over Game of Thrones!!!
  10. I love travelling alone.
  11. I'm random. I got no grand plans as I want life to surprise me :)
Gen's Questions for me (with my answers of course):
1.  One makeup product you can’t live without?
- lipstick :) as it can instantly revamp your look without putting anything else on your face
2.  What’s your dream vacation?
- A week in Santorini, Greece
3.  Silliest thing you’ve ever done?
- too many to mention haha
4.  Who’s your ultimate celebrity crush?
- Ben Barnes baby! haha
5.  Favorite singer?
- Lana Del Rey
6.  Food you hate?
- Shrimps- it gives me allergies
7.  Most favorite red lipstick?
- Cinnamon Spice by Wet n Wild Cosmetics
8.  Android or IOS? Why?
- Android, kasi yan gamit ko lol
9.  What is blogging to you?
- a therapy.an escape.life
10.  Most favorite blog site?
SpellSaab
11.  Dress or pants?
- Dress!
I nominate the following bloggers:
YOU!
My Questions for them:
  1. Have you ever heard a wolf cry to the blue corn moon?
  2. Adobe or Adobo?
  3. Wine or Rewind?
  4. Rain or Sunshine?
  5. Korean or Japanese?
  6. Hollywood or Bollywood?
  7. Blogging or Jogging?
  8. Tic Tac or Tic Toc?
  9. Accessories or make up?
  10. TV or TB?
  11. Book or Notebook?

That's all. I'm excited to read your answers. Tag me once you are done answering my questions. Ciao!
Love lots,
Tin

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Valerie



































































































































































































VALERIE
Model: Valerie Jo Escrupolo
Photography by: Yours truly
More shots from the one afternoon shoot with Valerie. With a plain white blouse and vintage props with her, comes another set of vintage themed photographs. Combining different photo effects and leaks is the main drama of these photographs. The photographs are so Valerie,so her. I couldn't find a better title for this set of photographs other than my model's name- Valerie.
What do you guys think about photos?
I hope you like them :) Click here to view the first set- Wanderlust.

love lots,
Tin

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Count your blessings,define what you look for

     A lot of first time experiences happened to me this year. Or let us say I've been braver to try new things this year. I am always an over thinker and as much as I hate to admit it, I am a pessimist. I do not know exactly why, but I always tend to stay inside my comfort zone.
     Since the start of 2014, I've been trying to change some of my perspective. I got this new idea to push myself to the limit and try different things. I encouraged myself to join various competitions that will hone my skill and recognize my talent as an artist. #chos! I am very happy that I won most of them. I trained my mind to think that it's okay not to win but I gotta try. I need to try.
     A lot of good things happened to me this year and I'd like to believe that these things are not because of luck but blessings from above.  Below are some of the blessings I received this year. My main purpose for listing them down is not to brag but to share to you my happiness and to remind you my dear readers that it always pay to take courage in everything. Who knows, that little courageous act of yours might take you to where you belong. Sometimes we need to get lost to find meaning in our very existence.We may not make the right decisions at all times but everything that happens in our life keeps us going. Wait,why do I sound so inspiring here? labo.
Won MagTV's photo of the week
A picture of you and your art work
Our Wanted Picture of the Week winner is Kamags Christine Chan (PICTURES with your art pieces ) with a caption, "Sometimes the best way to find the real you is to indulge yourself in art..."

MAGTV is a local magazine show based in Cebu. It was aired in ABS-CBN and yes, it's quite popular. 

I never dream to see myself in TV. Honestly, I'm not even crazy about the show and as a matter of factly saying, I haven't watch any of their episodes. It was my BFF Shiela who pushed me to join MAGTV's photo contest. She said it only needs to be a photo of you with your artwork, and that I made some decent artworks worthy to be appreciated. So with my pusher friend, I submitted my entry above.
Won Mugna Poetry Writing 
3rd place
I love writing poems that is certain. But I never join any poetry competition prior to latest Mugna poetry writing competition in our university. Not that I do not have the courage to join but because I couldn't find any sense why I have to submit/write poems for a competition  :)



'What Happened Last Night'
I never dream of becoming an actress but I love acting,really. Not for popularity or whatsoever but for art's sake only. I am very lucky to be chosen as one of the cast for our play last month. The whole cast and crew of WHLN were ecstatic because of the play's overwhelming success. It was beyond our expectations but we knew then that we did our best. It was my first time to act in front of many audiences. I have to admit I still hope for a sequel :)
Picture with the main casts and producer of Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan
I was more than lucky to have a picture with the main casts of Lav Diaz' film during its first screening in Cebu. ( I said FIRST because I'm hoping for a 2nd screening).Feeling close kay Sid Lucero si ate hahaha. Norte, End of History is considered as one of the greatest films of 2013. A real masterpiece. New wave to the Philippine film industry. 
Graduated with academic award
Cum Laude
This is not because of luck, this is because of hardwork (and sleepless nights)
Got positive feed backs during Mugna Creative Writing Workshop
I haven't joined any creative writing workshop before prior to the latest Mugna creative writing workshop held in our university. The led panelist was Dr. Eulysses Aparace, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Cebu and a recipient of Palanca Award in poetry (english category). To have your work read and critique in front of writers and literary critiques is overwhelming enough for me. To know that they love your work is heaven.
Won Ang Suga's Art and Journ Photo Contest
1st place
This made me feel very happy too. I never joined any photo contest before and I thought my entry wouldn't make it. The news came to me like an earthquake. I was very surprised when my BFF texted me that I won. The photo above was my entry for the category 'The Filipino'. I received a cash prize of 500pesos and a certificate for winning.
Qualified for the 3rd Badlis Creative Writing Workshop
   Furor Scribendi has chosen ten young aspiring writers to consist the third annual Badlis Creative Writing Workshop to be held at the Katarungan Hall, CNU, on Saturday, March 29.
The panel will be led by Palanca award-winning writers Januar Yap and Jona Bering.
I am lucky enough to be able to attend another creative writing workshop held in our university. Headed by another Palanca awardees, one day absent from work was worth it. Although the poems I submitted for Badlis were not very well received as the poem I have for Mugna, what I learn from the workshop is more than enough for me. Not to mention the free fried chicken for lunch hahaha
Baby Brother is 1st honor and recipient Wisdom Award
I'd be too narcissistic  if I'll just blog about myself so here's another spark of sunshine. The little boy will shine brighter than I do. Credits to me of course hahaha :P


That's all for now. I hope I'll have more things to thank for,as life itself is already a blessing. I shall end this post by a quote from one of my favorite actors and TV character:

























If there's something that you really love doing, give it a try. Now is the time. Not tomorrow, not yesterday. Only now :)
Good luck readers! before you sleep and in every waking moment of your life, always remember to count your blessings. <3

love lots,
Tin