Baguio (Late Post)

The last time I was here was year 2004 with my friends in MBA school. The last time I was with my family was way back college graduation. Now, it's more fun as we have kiddos, my pamangkins, with  us.

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When I went home last April, my sister told me their family is going to Baguio early May and since the vacation house can accommodate more people she floated the idea of us (me & my parents) joining them. It was a no for me as my return flight is scheduled that same weekend and SG airlines flight for the following week was already full. But persistence is the key. I don't know how my sister did it but an hour after, she told me that she was able to rebook my flight. I even thought it was a joke because I've been calling for days but it only took her like 5 min. My doubts were confirmed when I received a confirmation email of my new sched.

So, the next question -- how to get there.   Do we bring our own car,  ride with my sister or just take the public transpo?  Both my parents are discouraged by their doctors to take long road trips (in the Philippines). Driving on our roads is like driving on the moon. For someone who has heart problems, that is not advisable. My parents and I decided to take the bus....yes, Victory Liner at its best. They have a "1st class bus" that has wifi, tablet (which you can borrow in case you don't have one) and reclining seats!!!!

Yeah, that's me enjoying their 1st class service. We got the 1st row seats so there was really a lot of leg room. Not to mention, they offer snacks (junkie, cupcake & bottled water)

It only took us 4 hours as it was an express ride. No need to stop-over as they also have toilet inside the bus. I think we it was a good decision as it was totally hassle-free. You just sleep and when you wake up, you're already in Baguio!

We went to the usual places and my my my....it really has changed a lot. Like in Mines View Park, I was surprised with so many market stalls. I can still remember it was only along the road where people would sell their stuff.

Anyway, my new escapades in this trip include the following:

Strawberry shortcake from Vizco's which is really worth a try. Calamansi cake from a Mongolian (buffet) restaurant.

They say Baguio is not complete without stopping by Choco-Latte de Batirol.

 It is a hot, thick bittersweet blend with a distinctive texture

I don't have pictures inside SM Baguio but that's another new to me. Well, I really hope we can go back there again this time with my hubby. Let's see...what about spending Xmas there.....

Rainy Days are here again

I am just thankful that we moved to a different apartment. In the old one, everytime it rains continuously for 2 hours, expect knee-deep floodwater outside which extends up to 50 meters. I am so scared everytime I need to go out or when I am out. Just the thought of the car not suddenly moving and that I have to go down to push it really scares me lol.

Anyway, I am thinking of having this set-up near our front door. I think it will be helpful to prevent mud sticking on the floor. But it also made me ask ... so who is going to clean the container or the stones after? Like can I just leave it unwashed? because what is the difference if I place a mat instead? but that's just it...mats look very ordinary and with these, it adds some design/character to the house. Oh well, let me think more on this...hmmmmm....

Updates

My sis told me to update my blog so here it goes...

I was not able to update my blog, and I just can't find the time to do it, when we went to the PHL Compared to Phnom Penh, Manila is not yet wired. There are still few establishments that offer free wifi. Even in Starbucks, you need to buy a prepaid card to be able to connect. That said, I seldom bring with me gadgets when i step out of the house. When I am home, I am multi tasking with work and time with family. 

A week before my departure, unfortunately the hard drive of my laptop crashed! I wasn't prepared for it so the last back up was some time in April of 2012. One year of files were gone, just like that. I was in a week of denial, hoping that our IT folks can still recover my files. Two weeks before my deadline for a BIG project under my NEW boss awakened me from that denial. Two months worth of research I have to do it in two weeks but this time it should include my analysis and recommendations. I was literally in a Do Not Disturb mode. To make it short, I was successful in my deliverable. If the content makes sense, let's see next week when the legal team gives their feedback. 

It was just really last week when I felt I was back to normal. My boss was on leave the entire week so it allowed me to catch up with work -- respond to backlog emails and recover lost files. Oh, and I also got sick the past two weeks. Although it was just dry cough but still, it made me feel weak. Add that to the work pressure. But what is life without these adventures. Sometimes we need it to add spice to our lives! 

Passion Spa

I am a sucker for massages. During my singlehood days, I would normally go 2x a week for a massage. I feel so relieved after as if I gained new energy. Even when I travel I make it a point to have one. After a day of walking and walking and walking....ooohhhh, what a relief to have your whole body being pampered.

Here in Cambodia, spa/massage places are everywhere. Prices range for as low as $2 to as high as $100. It all depends on which place you go to and the kind of service you want. But on the average, it will cost you $25 for a full body massage if you go to a "modern/western"-looking spa. It is very unfortunate though that my experience are NOT good. Sometimes I even feel tired as soon as I step out. I prefer hard massage and I guess their interpretation of "hard" is "bugbugin ang katawan."  It totally defeats the purpose of why I'd go there. I've tried a few of those recommended by friends but still no good. Then I read in Phnom Penh post (a newsletter type) a physical therapist talking about most of his clients complaining about the massage here. He even shared that it's because most of the masseuse are not really trained the proper way. Owners ask if they have 'experience' and they're hired.

From then on, I stopped exploring. Anyway, I go to Manila almost every now and then so I's rather wait than spend money on useless things.  Until one night, I met the owner of Passion Spa and Salon and gave me a discount coupon.  I always pass by the place as I live in the area but I've never tried as it looked expensive hahaha. One long weekend we tried going and lo and behold. The service reminded me of my experience at The Spa (in Manila) except the big hot jazzucci pool. But the way they knead your body....exactly the way I want it. The facilities are very modern/western. It's very clean as they use white carpet so one would easily notice dirt. I even liked their salabat and pandan water :-)

I am very happy with this discovery. Just a few meters away from the house, price is reasonable, salon services are cheaper than where I usually go to. 

Great Memories

...I have from our last vacation in the Philippines. It was a good timing that it's a long weekend here in Cambodia so even if my husband's stay was short, I am glad he really had time to spend with his parents. Not like me, who was still doing work from home on weekdays EXCEPT during my birthday.

Our first stop was at Davao City, hometown of hubby. It was a simple dinner celebration with my parents-in law and family of one of my brothers-in law. We ate at Cafe Ronaldo's which surprisingly has good food.  Especially their roasted chicken which is what I ordered. I heard it's owned by a famous chef but I guess not that famous as I forgot the name hahaha...

Next stop was in Manila this time with my parents and my sis' family. It was a 2-day event I suppose. We checked in at F1 hotel at Bonifacio Global City. I personally chose that hotel as I wanted it near the shopping area :-) It was seither that or Seda Hotel. I read that Seda has an ongoing construction inside so I don't want to be bothered in the middle of my sleep. That night, we ate at Cue Modern Barbecue. The food was sooooo good but at the same time life threatening. Talk of baby back ribs, lamb belly, beef belly, bone-in babrbecue chicken and more...I think if I count the calories I ate, that will be like 10,000 calories!!! I was actually worried of my parents and asked them if they brought their meds.  The following day we had lunch at PF Chang still, to celebrate my birthday.

Ohhh so good memories.... I just got back almost 2 weeks ago. I have really been very busy with work and not because of the work load but something happened. That deserves a separate entry. For now, I'll just reminisce everything that happened during my vacay.

Shopping in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh may not be your city of tourist spots but compred to Vietnam and Bangkok, I am proud to say that shopping is way better. Like example with North Face bags, people buy them at Vietnam but really the original but cheaper ones are in Cambodia. A price of a Class A there, you can get an original one here. Same story in Bangkok. I ask friends the cost of a Class A branded shirt and yes, it's the same story.

I guess it's because more tourists visit those countries I mentioned so naturally word of mouth is what makes it more popular. And I have no problems with that. In fact, I like it that way. When people around the world start to flock this city, then these items will not be cheap anymore....

Just to show you a sample how our visitors go gaga once we bring them to these stores....

April is My month

Yes, April is my month be uase I get to celebrate my birthday...yehey!!!! A year older, a year wiser as they say. Since I will be celebrating it in the Philippines, I'm being asked to make my wish list. I only have two things in mind and I am specific to the brand/s because they are tried and tested. Yes, I subject my clothes/things to various tests and I really observe them hahahaha...

I already have one but I need a THICKER mat this time...and yes, it has to come with either a strap or a bag. I only need one so if you plan to give me, please let me know in advance hehe...

I only have 1 pair of socks remaining. Imagine that?!?!? Well I have a few which if I use doing speed running, My foot ends up half-naked

Yes, I need these as well. I discovered lately that I don't have white and colorful tank tops. I only have 3 and they are all black.