My mother once told me that
if I wanted to keep love,
I should know how to prepare it.
I didn't know then how should I prepare
something as special and as appetizing
as love.

Not until I learned to tie
my combat boots
and travel southbound 70.5 kilometers
away from my comfort zone.
I met the secret at Chitang's.

I learned that if I wanted it to stay longer,
I should not force it to be ready
in a split second.
I must learn how to wait.
I must learn how to start a fire just
by rubbing pieces of aching driftwood.

The experts told me,
I should bake it using a hurno.
Baking it following the traditional way,
though long and tasking,
is always better than the
fast and contemporary one.

I, too, should be careful of its temperature.
Leaving it too hot may burn it,
leaving it too low may leave it -
coarse, dense and heavy.
Incapable of rising in its own.
Moderation is necessary for it to grow.

I might consider pouring some tuba into it too.
Not only to make it last longer
but also to balance its taste.
I must understand;
it's not suppose to be too sweet
or too sour.

If I want it special,
then I should make it bigger than the ones
I've seen in grocery stores.
Top it with the sweet roughness of time,
sprinkle it with some creamy poems,
serve it with a hot sikwate,
and let it glide freely against my tongue.

photo from http://www.imgrum.net/user/aaadrian87/619732354

      While it is important to note that sometimes you have to follow certain dress code or at least look professionally , comfort must also be something that you have to consider. Not because you want to break some guidelines embedded in your workplace, but because in order to work properly, somehow you also have to be able to work comfortably with what you are wearing.

       For my profession, which is teaching, I have to look professional or at least modest at all times. Our wash day isn't an exemption for us to dress improperly. In those days, I make sure I have prepared work casual outfits that I can wear all throughout the day. It is also important for me to consider the tropical temperature in our country. Having considered that, I believe that a clothing made out of cotton or chiffon is a good idea.

   I don't consider myself as a chocolate buddy but I won't say no to chocolates. I mean, who doesn't like chocolates? lol you gotta be kidding if you'd say you do.

    Recently, I went out for an appointment and found myself in a very cozy and "chocolatey" cafe called The Chocolate Chamber. It is a quaint place that serves a number of food variants that serves a great deal of chocolates. The place looks amazing, it's beyond artistic and aside from the smell of the chocolate wafting throughout the place, you can also smell the owner's passion in serving their customers.

    While I was staying at the cafe, I found out that the business has a very solid foundation. Aside from the charms of the place, what is most interesting about it is that their chocolate products were all made from pure Tablea. It is a local Filipino chocolate produced from Cacao beans. A chocolate drink made out of it is called "sikwate" here in our country.

     I consider the drink as something typical and traditional, but what they serve in The Chocolate Chamber is way cooler because I bet they are made to perfection. I'm not flattering the drink, its taste made me declare that it is. And you'll know why when you check out the place by yourself and try their products. lelx

     Here are some photos that I took from my very quick visit of The Chocolate Chamber. And sorry, the photos aren't looking great because I only have my phone with me :)

     How pretty is the flower that they use in their tables? I don't know if you guys know the flower, but in the Philippines we call it Cadena de Amor. It literally means Chain of Love. Chos! It look like a small version of the Japanese Cherry Blossoms, but they grow in vines not in a tree. I remember there's a place that I used to pass by going to school before where such flowers grow. Well now, the flowers are gone because a mall is now erected in the place where it once grew.
      Okay, enough of that. It's just that it's been quite long since I saw the flower again and the sight of it just made me feel nostalgic.
     Such a cool note. Can you believe that I found this at their comfort room? lol hahahha yes, even their comfort room is looking so dope.
      Look at that big chocolate fountain? too bad it doesn't have chocolate during my visit. But you can imagine right? ahahha
     I only ordered a drink from TCC. I got a cup of Chocolate with Lavender drink that costs 210php. Quite expensive for a cup right? But it's totally fine because it is amazing!

    It was served to me with a cookie and a glass of water. I love how thoughtful they are to their customers. The cashier and the guys who served me the drink were very kind too and yes, even their guard! It's a really good place to visit.
You may have seen some of the photos above if you have followed me on my Instagram account. lol

     It's officially summer here in the Philippines. yayy!!!That means most Filipino people are planning for their very own perfect getaway somewhere. Of course, our beautiful beaches will always be one of our favorite options. They are just one of the things that we Filipinos are proud of.
 
     As for me, I am planning to go backpacking in the southern part of Cebu. It is something that I have been planning and saving for since last year. It always feels great to be able to relax and enjoy your long break right? An amazing travel, may it be short or long will always be more memorable if you planned everything that you need ahead. What better way to do that than to have your own travel planner to help you?

     In that case, here's my second freebie in my blog- a downloadable travel planner! Yep, it's available for download and of course, it's for free! Here's what it looks like: