Hello World!

Gosh! Just got time today to check my blog site and I'm surprised to learn that it has been more than two years that I haven't updated my blog. My bad. :( Well...now that I've got more time these days, I will post more entries soon. Promise!

I Will be Back ... Soon

It's been more than a year already since my last post. I've been busy with married life, pregnancy, and child upbringing.

I will be posting new entries, hopefully within the month. :)

Shawarma Snack Center Manila

Would you believe that it was only just recently that I've tasted a shawarma, the famous middle-eastern fare. My husband and with the usual food-trip buddies had planned going to Shawarma Snack Center in Malate, Manila (R. Salas Street between Adriatico and M.H. Del). When we arrived at the place, it was just a typical resto and nothing amused me that much. We looked at the menu choosing what to order but we all came up ordering one and the same thing -- shawarma. I ordered large shawarma as my lunch. When I tasted it, i was happy that it really tasted so good! It's even more tastier when garlic and chili sauce are poured over it. It's really something to crave for. No wonder why many people keep on coming back to Shawarma Snack Center just to satisfy cravings for ooh-so-yummy piece of such delectable treat.

These photos were taken during my second visit at the resto out of my insistent demand from my husband to take me back to the place. Why? Obviously, to have another bite of the tasty shawarma. I look forward for another visit and more... :)

Determining a Crab's Gender

From the onset, what I know of is that a crab only has two genders, a female and a male. It was only recently that I knew that there's a bading (gay) crab. At first I thought my husband was just kidding me so I didn't mind him that much. When the vendor confirmed that he has bading crabs on stock, I was finally convinced. Bading crabs are usually the first ones that get sold out because these are more tasty than the rest.

To identify the crab's gender, look at the underside and spot the difference.

bading crab

female crab

male crab

True as they say, the bading crab is really something to look forward to.

Just a simple lesson I learned at the wet market and it was really enlightening. :)

Punta De Uian, Bgy. Pundaquit, Zambales

I simply love his photo as it speaks of a thousand words about summer as well as how I enjoyed our stay in the resort. Punta de Uian has been one of the location shoots of the local version of Marimar. Thirty minute boat ride from the resort, you will reach Capones Island where you will see a lighthouse.

Hawaiian Barbecue in Boracay

On our first night in Bora, i purposely suggested that we have our dinner at Hawaiian Barbecue. The ribs there was introduced to me by my former boss when we went in Bora two years ago. There's really something in their delectable ribs that made me look forward to have a bite of it again.

That night was really fulfilling and satisfying not only because of the good food I had but also for our renewed bonding with a treasured friend.

spicy wings priced at around P240

original ribs priced at around P350

Thumbs up to these two signature dishes on an al fresco dining experience.

Hawaiian Barbecue is situated at Station 2, White Beach beside Big Mama's.

My Havaianas' Boracay Odyssey

One of my precious belongings, my Havaianas was fortunate enough to have stepped on the white powdery sand of the beaches in Boracay Island. I have been blessed to see the splendid island for the third time but it was only then that I learned about other beautiful beaches there. And so wherever I go, my heavenly Havaianas is privileged to see the beauty and charm of God's magnificent creation.

The first stop was the ever famous White Beach that boasts a very long shoreline; thus, it was partitioned into three parts (Stations 1 to 3). We walked towards Station 1 where there are few people and finer sand. When we saw the Grotto at Willy's Rock, my feet halted to enjoy the scenic view -- azure skies, blue green waters, irregularly-shaped big rocks, ahhh! a beautiful sight indeed!

If only heavenly Havaianas could speak, I'm sure it would not let a second pass without uttering how amazed it was with the perfect view of the sunset over the horizon.

The second day was definitely not a time to miss the opportunity to do beach hopping; not via boat as it is quite expensive; rather, via tricycle. We rented a tricycle for P200 per hour. The whole beach hopping and a side trip to Mt. Luho (on the way to Puka beach) lasted for three hours. Due to time constraints, we opted skipping the visit to the bat cave.

The first beach stop was Bolabog beach. It was really a hot afternoon but yet the windy atmosphere alleviated us from the melting heat of the sun.

Heavenly Havaianas got off my feet and took a peep of the foamy water produced by the gentle push of the waves.

From that sight, it set its eyes onto the courageous kite surfers trying to win the battle against the mighty waves.

Next stop was sort of a mountain climbing atop Mt. Luho. It took me roughly 20 minutes to complete the steps. It depends on one's stamina and endurance in reaching the top faster. At the peak, heavenly Havaianas saw the entire Boracay Island on a macro perspective.

We maximized our last day by getting up as early as 6:00 am so we can still enjoy the beach under the early morning sun.

From Station 2, heavenly Havaianas walked around two kilometers going to Diniwid Beach (the most beautiful beach of the paradise island).

As I enjoy my last two hours stay on the paradise island, just sitting on the sand with my camera, my pointing finger instantaneously released my cam's shutter button to capture this typical scenario on Boracay's vast waters. This picture was a perfect reminder of my first visit. I could vividly remember how afraid I was to ride the banana boat knowing that I don't know how to swim. Even if I was equipped with a life jacket, I never trusted it. Courage and faith were my weapons in conquering my fear of the ride. Thankfully, I survived! And I admit, I enjoyed the experience. That's why I love to travel because it paves the way to many discoveries in life not to mention the lessons that these teach me. Most of all, these give me additional strength in conquering my fear; and, prepare my character in facing future challenges that I will have to face as I live my life.

I will still travel places to gather more treasured learnings and discoveries that life has to offer. Just like my Havaianas, while its rubber soles can still cover a thousand miles, traveling goes on.