Holy Week 2019 Celebration

     Faith is nourishment for our soul.  Although I've been a Catholic all my life, I was raised by my parents to be friends with everybody despite differences in culture, social status, and religion.  I've learned that religion is such a sensitive topic but when talking about it (I'd rather not if it can be helped), I do not focus on the differences but rather on the similarities.  I know that across all religion, there are certain things that can be agreed on such as kindness, respect, and love -- among other things.

A candid shot during my sister's wedding in Calaruega last October 2018. Photo by Myio Okamoto Photography.

     In our family, we have yearly traditions to celebrate our faith and our Christianity.  We used to have yearly "pasyon" or "pabasa" scheduled every Holy Mondays during the Holy Week --  but since my parents' stroke (dad in 2013 and my mom in 2016), we've decided not to do it anymore.  Here's an old video I found of our "pabasa" last March 2013.

     My mom was a dressmaker and she made clothes for St. Peter and Mater Dolorosa as her thanksgiving gesture for the graces we received.  After her stroke, since she can't make those dresses anymore, I've approached some of my good friends to help us go through with the tradition.  And so, despite the hardships we've endured this year, with our family and friends' help, we were able to express and celebrate our faith successfully.

Best Free Watch Faces for TicWatch Pro

     Watch is an essential part of our style and an accessory that is both fashionable and functional.  Here is a list I made of my favorite watch faces that I use for my TicWatch Pro.

Me and my TicWatch Pro showing off one of my favorite watch faces: Marine Commander.

     Although I can't afford expensive watches, I make sure that I have several pieces that goes well with my clothes (whether I'm in dress clothes, casual, or street style) and that the brands I chose will last for several years.  Many of us got excited when smart watches became popular because this means that we can customize and add more functionalities to the watches.  But just like any new technology, smart watches become obsolete after a few months, thus, not really a good investment unlike buying old-school analog watches.

     I spent at least two weeks before finally deciding which smart watch to buy because frankly, they don't come cheap.  In the end, I got myself a TicWatch Pro because I liked the layered display and the better performing battery.  I've been using it for a few months now and I can honestly say that I'm enjoying its performance.  I also bought a stainless metal strap that I interchange with it's default hybrid leather-silicon strap to suit my style for the day.  It's fun changing watch faces to suit my clothes and style.  I've scoured the Internet for watch faces to use but hardly found a list where I liked all the suggestions.  So in this post, I will list down 20 watch faces that are my favorite and looks great on my TicWatch Pro.

Here wearing one of my go-to watch faces: Cronosurf Wave Watch.

     A TicWatch Pro is a bit formal in appearance, thus, artistic or too colorful watch faces won't go well with it.  Here are a few things I've considered when choosing the right watch face for my TicWatch Pro. 

Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

        Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon has become one of the favorite beaches to visit in the Philippines.  Located at the southernmost municipality of Sorsogon, Subic Beach is popular for its unique white pinkish sand and crystal clear waters.  Not just a summer destination, this paradise in Calintaan Island, Matnog, Sorsogon is the perfect place for those who wants to enjoy nature, cool breeze, and pristine clear waters anytime of the year.

A panoramic photo of Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon, Philippines.  Click and zoom each photo in this post to view in bigger size.

Villa Nonita, Tagaytay

     Last October 2018, my sister Hannah tied the knot with Dennis and it was one of the most memorable and most enchanted wedding that I was privileged to witness and be a part of. The wedding was held in Caleruega Church and for three days during the wedding celebrations, we stayed at the popular Greek-inspired private hotel-resort in Tagaytay -- Villa Nonita.

Villa Nonita in Tagaytay has an unobstructed view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.

     Villa Nonita gives off an enchanting Greek Santorini vibe and gives you a full view of the nearby Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.  The several houses of Villa Nonita are fully furnished for a comfortable stay and decorated in rustic Greek theme -- perfect for a dreamy staycation with family or friends and a great location for photo shoots too.

Yema Buko Pie and Ube Buko Pie from Nono Bakery: Gem of Sorsogon City

     They have been around for awhile and are known to some people but I think that these gems deserve wider recognition.   I’ve tried several buko pies (this being one of my favorite desserts) and so far, the only two that stood out is Orient Original Buko Pie (from Laguna but they also now have a store in Tagaytay) and just recently, the Ube Buko Pie and Yema Buko Pie from Nono Bakery in Sorsogon City.

Yema Buko Pie from Nono Bakery, Sorsogon City.

     Nono Bakery is located near Sorsogon public market and if it’s your first time to buy, don’t be discouraged by the surroundings on your way to the bakery.  You will not believe that such great tasting buko pies come from that humble, little bakery in the middle of the wet market -- but believe me, you should.

Fat Tummy Cakes: A Project

     Hey guys, what's up?  I've been away from blogging for quite some time, 3 years and 9 months to be more accurate, and a lot has happened since then.  After my dad's stroke in 2013 and while we were adjusting to a new lifestyle, my brother and I started a small business which took most of my time.  And then, just when things were beginning to look promising, in September 2016, my mom had a stroke too.  It drained me a lot emotionally, physically, and took a toll in our finances.  But with love, faith, and perseverance, we were able to survive.  From everything that has happened, we can learn that indeed health is wealth, and that we should teach ourselves to live a balanced life.  No matter what, life goes on and we should work harder for our goals.  Oftentimes, being passionate about something is what helps us cope.

This was the first order we received after our Fat Tummy page was launched on Facebook in December 2018.  Fat Tummy is our new baby.

     Since I am now responsible for the well-being of my parents, I have to continually look for ways to earn while having fun at the same time.  And so last December 2018, out of the blue, my brother decided that we start baking cakes.  He had some training at a culinary school in Resorts World Manila and a year experience as pastry chef for a cruise ship in the United States.  Me, on the other hand, I'm creative and a fast learner.  And so that's how our Fat Tummy project started.  

ACE Hotel & Suites and ACE Water Spa: A Review

     When traveling, it's important that we choose to stay in a hotel where we can be comfortable and have peace of mind.  Whether it's for business or a vacation, the hotel we choose should minimize the stress that usually goes with being away from home. 

     Hey there, what's up?  In this post, I'm going to tell you about our stay at ACE Hotel & Suites, including our use of their facilities at ACE Water Spa.  There's already a lot of reviews about ACE Hotel & Suites and ACE Water Spa all over the Internet, mostly positive, so I'm not gonna bore you with all the details you already know.  Only the relevant ones that you can use if you decide to stay in this hotel.

     Ace Hotel & Suites and ACE Water Spa is located at United Street | corner Brixton Street, Pasig City 1603, Metro Manila.  ACE Water Spa also has a branch in Quezon City.   This branch in Pasig is the better choice for a staycation because they have an excellent hotel where guests can stay after a satisfying and therapeutic hydrotherapy massage at their water spa facility. 

     Here are some of the photos I took during our stay at the hotel.

1st Colonial Grill: A Review

     1st Colonial Grill is one of the restaurants I frequent to since they opened at their old address in Old Albay, Legazpi City. This original location I'm referring to is one of the oldest buildings in Albay where La Mia Tazza and 21st Ammendment are currently residing.  After the move to their Daraga address, 1st Colonial Grill have since opened several branches within the province.  Now, 1st Colonial Grill has a restaurant in Pacific Mall Legazpi, in Ayala Malls Legazpi, and just recently, in SM Legazpi. As far as I know, they also have a branch in Sorsogon City and Naga City.

     1st Colonial Grill is known for their authentic Bicolano cuisines such as laing, pinangat, Bicol Express, tinutungang manok, and their famous sili ice cream. I'm from Bicol and although I enjoy those dishes, what I've come to love about this restaurant are the proven Filipino favorites that they serve.  And that's what we usually order when dining at 1st Colonial Grill.  The photos in this post was when my brother and I had a late lunch at their Ayala Mall branch. Take a look.

Tyler's Gourmet Kitchen: A Review

     People love to eat and food is an important part of human interaction. We eat when we celebrate something, when we want to relax, when we want to cheer ourselves up, when we're happy, and sometimes, we eat when we meet friends we haven't seen in a while.

Ruth, The Pinoy Wanderer, and Ate Bolen @ Tyler's Gourmet Kitchen.

     And so that's what happened when my good friend Ruth was in the country for a short vacation from Singapore. After a relaxing foot spa and massage at Natural Therapy HUB & Cafe, Ruth and I went to Tyler's Gourmet Kitchen in Daraga, Albay for an early dinner.  We were joined later by another good friend, Ate Bolen.