live deep. live deliberately. live life.
Posted in Lifestyle on Mar 3rd, 2010
I think if you’re not looking for a resort hotel, but something more practical, affordable, and accessible then, BSA Towers is worth the stay. It may not have the other amenities of the larger hotels like a pool, a gym etc. etc., but it makes up for all that in many other ways.
Posted in Culture, Lifestyle, Pinoy culture, sweet deal on Mar 1st, 2010
I survived! I took another trip to Divisoria a few days ago and I can now say to myself I won’t get lost anymore in this jungle of a marketplace. This time I even have pictures to boot! I planned to get to Divisoria early but unfortunately, I got too excited planning my trip the night before and ended up leaving late the next day. I left the house around 9am and expected to arrive at around 10:30am but I got caught in a monstrous traffic jam. I ended up in Divi past 12 noon. Tsk tsk! BUT all things work together for good so I guess it was all for a reason.
My entry route to Divisoria was through Binondo where the you see the famous Chinatown arch landmark after passing the Jones Bridge and the original Savory restaurant. The next landmark you will find is the rotonda where you will see the Binondo Church. Traffic was so bad, I got off at Starbucks and began my hunt in Juan Luna St. Take a look at where I got off.
This is where Juan Luna St. starts coming from Binondo.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND: t-shirts (wholesale), t-shirt printing, commercial paper, printing and binding supplies, office equipment and supplies and a lot of banks in
Juan Luna Bridge - On the left side of the bridge, you will find Ilaya and Tabora, New Divisoria Mall, M. de Santos etc.. On the right, you will find Juan Luna Plaza, Meisic Mall and 168 Mall. If you go straight up, you’ll end up on C.M. Recto Ave. where you will find Tutuban Mall.
** I turned left 2 streets after the bridge and bought 2 packs of jewelry foam from this lady who didn’t mind my taking a picture of her.
This is how Commoner’s Commercial looks like. These guys were sport enough to “candidly” pose for me. Ü
WHAT YOU WILL FIND: acrylic boxes (be sure to bring a sample of the item you want to box so you can choose your size), plastic bags, sando bags, plastic bags with adhesive, kraft paper bags, round magnets, french fries boxes, plastic containers, cups and boxes for food or baked stuff, acrylic sheets, bubble wrap, cling wrap, colored wire, jewelry tags, paper and other packaging stuff.
Not quite sure if this is Morning Glory or Good Morning but nevertheless they’re both on the same street and both of these store sell sewing stuff.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND: all kinds of beads, thread, glitter, ric rac, lace, fabric flowers, sequins, buttons, ribbons and all kinds of jewelry and sewing stuff that you can imagine.
I don’t have a picture of the store, but yes, there is a Wellmanson store in Divisoria.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND: jewelry making materials, findings, beads, jewelry tools, glitter, feathers, ric rac, lace, swarovski crystals, little wire tie twisties,
I just discovered that Tutuban Mall was divided into three buildings - am not quite sure if this is how they’re called : 1) Prime (where National bookstore is) 2) Block (the building with the escalator 3) and Cluster (the one parallel to Recto)
99 Slice and Dice Steak resto - So far this is where we always eat when we are in Divisoria. We usually have the beef salpicao and kangkong. Affordable and tasty.
I discovered that there were other interesting places to eat just outside Tutuban Prime, near the parking lot. Maybe we’ll try them next time:
This is where we parked. This is directly behind Tutuban Prime. 
I asked the security guard to pose for me (feeling John L. hahaha) Ü
Finally, this is what happens when the malls close. NIGHT MARKET!!!!!!! Pardon the blur. I was trying to shoot while in a moving car. Ü I just wanted to show how the shopping is still relentless even at night.
If you’ll notice, my pictures start out bright under the heat of the summer sun and end with street lights and headlights galore. That’s how long it took us in Divisoria. I think I’ve walked my feet to death. It felt like walking on a treadmill that you can’t get off from. aaaaack.
Overall, despite all the hassles and difficulties of shopping here, Divisoria is still the mother of all markets hands down.
Check out the first post I did on Divisoria here—> http://teystirol.com/2009/11/17/decoding-divisoria/
Hope this post helps someone. HAPPY SHOPPING EVERYONE!!!!!
Posted in FAMILY & FAITH, Food, Pinoy culture, opinion, restaurant review on Feb 26th, 2010
Food pics for foodies out there! These are some of the food escapades we did with the grandparents during their stay with us early Feb. this year. The kids love it when the grandparents come because part of the fun is finding new places to eat around town.
Kids are the best sales people you can find. We had tried Travel Cafe for a quick snack of pandesal and tsokolate é a couple of years ago so when we passed by the resto with the grandparents, they enthusiastically recommended the place to them. Of course, how could the old folks decline with two persuasive adorable little sales tots. Ü Lunch it is!
My son ordered the tomato soup in a bread bowl…
… while the old folks ordered this deconstructed kare-kare dish. In contrast to kare-kare being served stew-style, the meat and veggies were served on a plate with the kare-kare sauce poured on top like gravy. Quite interesting. I liked the flavor although I would have preferred it to be drenched with more sauce.
Aside from the above we also sampled their adobo and beef ( I forgot the name of the dish but it was yummy and it was gone before I could take a pic). The old folks ended the meal with a hot mug of Cordillera Coffee served in a clay mug with a cute little “pitsel” for the milk- extremely hot and a bit pricey. I’m no coffee drinker but I sipped a little bit just to taste and boy! it was a like a shot of nicotine straight to my veins! (barako sa tapang! very brave - joke Ü hehehe)
I took a shot of the interiors, nope, these are not cardboard displays…
… this geisha was directly above me Ü
Finally, the food… healthy and guilt-free…
…. a little bit guilty
Über guilty!!!!!!
… prepare to meet thy maker!
awww…
The kids had fun cooking their own food, although the little one had more fun cooking than eating.
You can almost smell it right?
One last look before they go into the hot pot!
Happy and satisfied! Ü
Posted in Culture, Food, Lifestyle, Pinoy culture, restaurant review on Jan 31st, 2010
Crisostomo is one of the latest additions to Solenad, the commercial area of Nuvali along the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay road…
Posted in Food, Lifestyle, Pinoy culture, Travel, blogging, opinion on Jan 14th, 2010
If you want to try affordable Wagyu beef you can order them at Harana, Sarungbanggi or Bistro Rosario along Torres Street in Davao.
Posted in Culture, Pinoy culture, Travel, blogging on Dec 27th, 2009
It’s been just three days here in Davao and we are stuffed to our ears. The eating has been non-stop. The parties and festivities go on and on every day and the kids have been eating to their hearts’ content. Of course, this only happens once a year during Christmas with the grandparents. The rest of the year, they make do with what the husband and I can dish out which is nothing compared to what they have right now. Thank God it’s only once a year though because if it was like this everyday, we might be needing an implant dentist Plano en punto! There’s still a lot more eating ahead of us and a little adventure as well. I’m looking forward to doing that zip cord thing in Kapatagan in a few days. I’ve seen it in Sports Unlimited on TV so I hope I’m brave enough to try it. LOL
Merry Christmas everyone!
Posted in Current events, Faith, God, Pinoy culture, world news on Nov 27th, 2009
in spite of all the overwhelming challenges that we continuously face. From the devastation caused by typhoons to the recent horrific events in Maguindanao… these may make it more difficult to be grateful but in the end we need to remember that what was meant for evil, God can always turn around for good. I was watching the news earlier and the candidate whose wife got killed in that incident said something about her being instrumental to the LIBERATION of his town…
Posted in Lifestyle, my inner fashionista on Nov 21st, 2009
Who wants to have “twilight” eyes? Well, if you’re into New Moon and True Blood (is that correct?) then you wouldn’t probably mind. For those who do, here are a few things to remember to take care of those peepers and eventually avoid those dark circles:
Posted in Culture, Lifestyle, Pinoy culture, sweet deal on Nov 17th, 2009
It’s been two weeks or so since I posted because I got sick after our trip to Divisoria. It became a family field trip of sorts because it was the first time for the husband and the kids to experience the magic that is Divisoria. I discovered that bringing a car was not that hard if you go early and you know where to park. We found parking behind the Tutuban Mall. Of course, it was a bit of a risk with the kids but I think we managed quite well with lots of prep work and instruction. It was the husband’s first salvo into this urban retail jungle and he is definitely hooked! From wedding gowns to kitchen sinks, it’s a shopper’s paradise. It can get pretty confusing if it’s your first time so it helps to do your research before you go. Knowing what you want to buy and where to go will save you a lot of time. But if you are going purely to bargain hunt then the search becomes part of the pleasure.
Here’s a list of of Divisoria /Binondo Suppliers that might help you out. I still have a lot to learn but you might find this useful just in case:
I think one more trip to Divi will help me memorize the ins and outs there. I just have to make sure I’m well rested and my resistance is up so I don’t get sick again.
Later, folks!
Posted in Pinoy culture, Travel on Nov 1st, 2009
We usually spend Christmas with the kids’ grandparents every year but this year, home for the holidays will be a little late. The recent typhoons have affected school holiday schedules so instead of being two weeks early for Christmas with them, we leave Manila on December 24 because the husband still has classes till December 23. We’ve never traveled one day before Christmas ever since I can remember, so I really don’t know what it’s like to be in the airport on Christmas Eve.
Because of our shortened holiday, I guess, I don’t really have to pack so much. I think the kids’ stuff will fit in their Sammie, the ladybug Samsonite luggage set we got on sale years ago. I’m also thinking if all our stuff (the husband’s and mine) will fit in our carry-on luggage as well so we can just use the express check-in. My siblings and I did that a few months ago when we traveled together to Cebu. Absolutely less hassle. It’s still approximately 7 weeks away. That gives me a little more time to fix things around our house before we leave. I’m sure the kids can’t wait to see the tree house and the little house in the woods.
Posted in Culture, DANCE & THEATER, Lifestyle, Pinoy culture, ballet, musicals on Oct 30th, 2009
Have you seen GMA 7’s latest videoke singing game show? If you haven’t then you should! Of course, I am biased because one of the band members is Michael Gemina! I’ve seen him when he was still a little boy and now he’s all grown up (nope, I don’t recall him having any acne treatment) and making a name for himself and doing what he loves to do most. Play music!
It was just a few months ago when we were believing God to send Michael to Berklee. Now, God has opened up doors for him in the music industry. I know that God will do wonderful things for him in the coming days and his future is definitely bright. Not only is he an excellent musician, he also has a good head on his shoulders and more importantly, a heart that wants to honor God. Bravo, Michael! More! More!
Here’s how the show went :
Posted in Culture, Parenting, Pinoy culture on Oct 30th, 2009
Later on that night we waited for GMA’s newest sing-along show to come on. It was the launching of their newest show BANDAOKE! featuring my kids’ all-time favorite drummer (mine too :P), fresh from his Berklee stint, MICHAEL GEMINA!!!!
Posted in Culture, DANCE & THEATER, Homeschool, ballet, musicals on Oct 18th, 2009
We took our kids to CCP today to watch Philippine Ballet Theater’s adaptation of La Fille Mal Gardeé and of course because we wanted to support Acts Manila (Teacher Chelo B. Gemina’s ballet company). We also brought with us 3 of the husband’s ballet students and crammed all of them in our car. Imagine 5 kids all talking at the same time at the top of their lungs non-stop! Teriblé! But it was still worth it. It turned out to be like a mini field trip for two of them because it was their first time to watch a performance in CCP. I’m glad they enjoyed the show and that they weren’t bored with it. I think it’s rare to find kids nowadays who appreciate theatre performances. What with psp’s, xbox’s, wii’s and video games, not to mention pre-occupation with teen stuff online chatter on friendster and multiply, instant acne treatments and remedies for those unwanted zits that pop up during the most-awaited gimik day, fashionista talk - how many have time to sit down for two hours and watch a classical ballet performance? Sadly, not too many. That’s why even if we were squished like sardines in our car and even if the noise level was beyond the allowable decibels the human ear can handle, it was still worth all the effort because I know that the children left the theatre inspired and challenged.
Posted in Lifestyle, Wishlists, my inner fashionista on Oct 17th, 2009
It’s true. I have found the one night cream that works for me. Yes, it is Olay - Olay Regenerist and NO, I am not a paid endorser. I wish I was. LOL I’m not into make up that much but I do want to have clear, clean skin. I have tried a lot of night creams out there and it does get tiring to be using so many products to address different needs. Right now, I’m a happy camper with this one. My sister gave this as a present when she came home last year and I was just happy to receive something from her. I didn’t use the product immediately because I don’t religiously put night creams on plus I didn’t want to use it all up because the next supply would come the next time she comes home again. I finally found out how good it was when I finally found a good enough reason to use it. I was supposed to attend an event and I had to, at least, not look like a raccoon because of the dark circles around my eyes that comes from sleeping late. I had to do something fast. And so I used it and I was actually quite surprised and happy with it. The cream didn’t feel heavy on my skin, it didn’t feel like it was clogging my pores, it was easily absorbed and wasn’t like grease sitting there. I had only like a few hours of sleep and yet it didn’t show. I was hooked! So now, I obligated my sister to be my lifetime supplier of Olay. Forever! hahaha
Posted in Lifestyle, movie reviews, opinion on Oct 13th, 2009
I am not a movie fanatic but once in a while, an interesting story can catch my attention and make me stay on a channel longer than usual. I chanced upon the movie “Awake” starring Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) and Jessica Alba one time and I was intrigued. It tells the story of a man who remains awake during his own heart surgery and how he discovers that it was all along a plot by Jessica Alba and the doctors to kill him to get his money. There was a time when I avoided shows or movies that had hospital scenes in them especially when there were cardiac arrest scenes and they had to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) to revive the person…painful memories associated with those kinds of scenes.
Going back to the movie, I started it midway so I didn’t know that there would be a scene like that. I just kept on watching because I was curious to see how the story would go. In the movie, Hayden was under sedation because he was about to have a heart transplant. While he was in that state, he had something like an out-of-body experience and it was during this time that he found out everything that was being done to him and how his girlfriend and the doctors were going to kill him. For those who haven’t seen the movie or if I’ve piqued your curiosity, I won’t tell you how it ends. You can probably grab a copy at your neighborhood movie rental shop and watch it over the weekend.
