Goodbye Boracay

On our last day, Cassie and her papa had a pictorial by the beach... She wasn't asked to pose, she knows how to... She wants to look like Marimar...




Then they bonded together for the last time by the jacuzzi...



But... time to go baby...


Off to Caticlan...



Since we were a little early, we had snacks at the Asian Spirit Lounge


Our flight was an hour delayed, didn't know why, but the flight was ok, probably it wasn't raining when we left...

Caticlan's new airport will soon be opening its doors to bigger planes... I'd be on a bigger aircraft... Because definitely, there's going to be a next time...

Boracay Day 1 - 2

After that soothing foot bath/massage, we had lunch at the hotel's Sands Bar and Restaurant.

I didn't have any appetite that day maybe due to that plane ride, so i didn't order anything... I just had some vegetable sticks and watermelon shake... My kid was so excited, she couldn't eat,the rain has stopped and she thinks that if she don't swim that very moment, she'd regret it because it might rain again... So I had to let her go... She loves swimming...

Actually, we all love swimming...

While the girls were enjoying the jacuzzi, the boys went out the beach and went crazy!

They all enjoyed Trevor's underwater camera... Actually, the camera is not, but the case is... It's really a must-have for people like them, who goes to the beach two or three times a year...

It was getting dark, and we all went back to our rooms to freshen up and have dinner at

This time, I enjoyed the food... My nausea probably had disappeared and my appetite came back with a vengeance!

It rained again that night, so we decided to stay at our suite and just play the Catch A Phrase game...




Boy, that was really fun!!!

The next day, as I opened the window from our room, woohoo!!! No more rain, it's swimming time!!!



We planned to hit the beach and stroll around...


and have a massage by the sea... ahhhh


We went to "D'Mall" and had lunch at Aria


Other boys went for some water sports

When we reached the hotel, it was already dark...


So we just freshened up and continued the night bar hopping...

Boracay Day 1

Cold turkey, that's what I thought I am... I was already thinking of backing out and thought of forgetting about the trip... Asian Spirit's funny and frightening stories had been on my mind 3 days prior to our Bora trip, gave me sleepless nights... I was also hesitant leaving my 3 month old baby and thought he would miss me for 2 nights...

But I had no choice... My hubby and 5 year old daughter were all excited and ready to go... Plus, my Asian Spirit tickets were non-refundable, non-transferable promo tickets, so I cannot afford to waste that amount of money... Prayers, prayers, prayers... You have no idea how many times I mentioned Jesus all the way from the Manila Domestic to Caticlan Airport...

During the take off, I felt so heavy that the plane was having a hard time getting it up! We were swinging left to right, as if the plane couldn't get through the clouds... Cassie asked me why the wings were swinging, but I didn't have any idea what to tell her... It was our first time riding a plane this small...

The entire plane ride was bumpy... Cassie was surprisingly quiet... When we were near Caticlan, I was praying so hard because there was a storm... We encountered heavy turbulence. I was trying hard not to look frightened. Cassie looked at me and told me this: "Mom, don't be afraid, here mom, hold my hand."

At 10:10 am, we arrived safely... As we were headed to the baggage claim area, a smiling guy approached me, he was wearing Discovery Shores uniform, he asked, Mrs. Barrameda? Impressed, I said, yes? And then he led me to the airport lounge and told me to just seat there and relax, and he will take care of our luggage...

The warm welcome from that guy took all those bumpy ride blues away... I felt so special he called me by my name... I really had no idea how he knew it... Maybe because he does it several times a day, that he mastered his craft...

After 5 minutes, all our baggage were placed inside the Discovery Shores Van, and we were off to the exciting boat ride... We were all excited with this boat ride because it was said to be Japan-made exclusively for Discovery Shores, fully air-conditioned, equipped with plasma TV, plus complimentary drinks and cookies...

But guess what? I received a call from my friend AG, who flew in earlier, that the boat was "out of order" and that we would only be riding the ordinary boat going to the docking area... And yes, she was right... We didn't see the airconditioned boat, the plasma tv, but we had bottled water and cookies... The good side is, the boat was exclusively for us...

We were also informed that we would be docking at a different Island, which is around 20 minutes farther than the usual docking area. It was because of the storm, causing heavy water current and humongous waves...

So again, after that 15 minute ordinary boat ride, feet wet, we were again welcomed by people who will be transferring us to the hotel... At that point, I was getting impatient, it was raining hard, there were too many rides, too many stops, and I was too hungry, too dizzy, too pissed...

At last, we reached the hotel... We were welcomed by Mint Lime drinks...
I admit, they were refreshing, made my boiling head cool down... Then, we were headed by the front desk officer to our room...

As I entered the room, this bottle of Pandan water and a plate of assorted fruits and cookies greeted me... Yummy...


At the small table, I saw an envelope with my name written on it. I opened it, and it was a welcome letter from the General Manager of Discovery Shores, personally signed.


A couple of personalized stationeries with our names printed at the bottom of the page were neatly arranged at the top of the drawer...

The front desk officer asked a couple of questions, got my credit card number, and that was it! Express Check In! Impressed again... He told me to take a rest, and just wait for my foot bath...

Aaaahhhh... That's all I can say...

Yogatoes

I want these... I need these... I gotta have these...




I discovered from Closet Therapy about the Yogatoes. Their supposed to stretch, strengthen, and align foot muscles to improve circulation. Yogatoes is made of medical grade flexible gel, which is odorless, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.

See guys, when we wear even our most comfy shoes, we tend to neglect our toes. Of course they also get tired all squeezed up the whole day while we're in the office or at work. Here's a clear picture of what Yogatoes does:

Our toes inside a closed shoe are curled, squeezed, tensed

Put on those Yogatoes

After Yogatoes

Since I'm into treadmill these days, I noticed that my toes sometimes hurt. Maybe my rubbershoes are too tight, or maybe I wear thick socks, or maybe I'm just too heavy that my toes are screaming for carrying too much weight! When I get home, I put my legs up while watching tv - I believe it relaxes the muscles especially after a strenuous leg exercise. But that remedy is for the Legs... How about my toes??? I hope Yogatoes solves the problem...

Clean Up!

It's about time I give my dresser a refresher... I don't know, maybe it's been 5 years since it hasn't changed its look... I used to place my EDTs, facial creams, lotion, perfumes, etc. on top of the dresser...

I noticed that it doesn't look good... So, for a change, I kept all those stuff in the drawer, and displayed my accessories instead, that way, I can easily choose whatever I want to wear everyday... I don't know how long this arrangement will last... But so far, I think this arrangement looks more pleasant than my previous dresser...

My necklaces... I gave out more than what's left...

My EDTs, facial toners, moisturizers, eye cream

My make up brushes and bracelets

My earrings and rings

My make up

My hairbrushes

Oh and before I forget... Just threw 1 big bag of make ups!!! Countless lipsticks, mascaras, lipglosses, blushers, bronzers, everything!!! Time for a replenish... teehee... Oh well, I promised myself not to buy any make up until next year... Yepyep... I dare me!!! muwahahahaha...

Lash Extensions and Weaving

I can't resist... My sister's having extensions, why can't I??? So yesterday, we went to Jackie, our aesthetician. We've tried several times already, but that was a long time ago, maybe 2 years or so... And she said, that this time around, she's not only gluing the lashes, but also weaving them, for a longer stay...

Since were going to Boracay, and I'm sure my hubby's going to take lots and lots of pictures, I might as well look good, (just in case he feels like taking pictures of his wifey)... Teehee...

As I've seen before with my sis' pictures, I noticed that her eyes looked bigger... As if she had eye make up... But actually, she didn't... That is why, I decided to have my lashes woven and extended, it'll make my eyes look wider, and I don't have to put on make up to look good in pictures... Well, we all know that putting on make up while at the beach is such a no-no...

So this was my BEFORE picture... Sorry for the blurry pic, my sister was in a rush getting my photo because the aesthetician was watching and waiting for us to finish the pictorial...

After 1 and half hour....

I figured that it's more noticeable when my eyes closed. So again guys, what do you think???

An Extraordinary Night

Last Friday, I visited Tresorie, since they were on sale, I took advantage of getting some stuff that I've been eyeing a long time ago... I want statement rings. I looked for some shops in rockwell, but I didn't find anything that suits me...

So when we reached the store, we saw some tv crew, huge cables and wires, heavy lighting equipment, and cameras... wheeoow, i knew then that there was an ongoing interview...

And guess who was in there???

Yes, Mr. Tim Yap... And jeezzz, I look fat and fugly... But Tim is so nice, I never thought he'd be that cool... Very, very nice... I was so high and happy, I bought three large, beautiful statement rings!!!

Rose Gold Ring with Cubic Zirconia, Gray and White Pearls

Gold Ring with Multi Faceted Oval Rose Quartz

Enamel White Rose Silver Ring

Since I was wearing white, I wore the white one immediately...

My New Look

For years, my hair had been very simple. A little layered at the back, and that's it... Too safe... Too simple... Too blah...

I've tried several (high-end) salons already, but I guess it's normal for a girl to try on different salons at a certain time... So, two weeks ago, I tried the Korean hairstylists here in Quezon City. Actually, they already have several branches, one in Buendia, and another one in Malate. Since I live in QC, I always pass by their salon, and I've always wanted to try their style... I've been a fan of some korean actors and actresses, (cheeeezy) but I really like Cholo and Jenny - the one in Full House...

Anyways, finally, I had the time to get a haircut, so I went to Tony and Jackey...

My BEFORE picture

At first, there was a little walk from the parking to the salon, I noticed one guy hurriedly got an umbrella to assist us... It was really hot that day and the location of the salon is fronting the afternoon sun, so it was really, strikingly hot... So 1 point for the umbrella guy... When I entered the salon, I noticed that it is spacious, generously lit, and very clean. A guy named Sky introduced himself and asked if I have an appointment. So I told him yes, and he looked up my name, and showed me the couch where I should wait and be called for my shampoo... After a few minutes, he came back to me, and ushered me to the shampoo area... I noticed that the towels are hidden inside a cupboard and you have to pull them slowly to get the whole thing (as if you're getting tissue from a kleenex box), and I find it neat! 2 points for that... After that refreshing shampoo, the girl toweled my hair gently, using an absorbent towel, (not the ordinary bath towels) and then slowly folded the towel on my head in a particular method... I guess they were all trained to do that, it was cute on me, i feel like I'm wearing a turban... 2 points!

Sky went back to me as I was headed to my seat... He asked if I already have a stylist, and I said no, because it was my first time... He asked me what I wanted, so I told him I wanted it styled, make me look brand new... So he gave me Louie...

All stylists are Korean...

I watched Louie observe my hair, it's length, it's condition, it's partitions, etc... He never recommended any treatments. Though I expected that because it was the "common thing" for all salons that I've visited. You see guys, one time when I had a haircut, one top stylist kept on bugging me to have a treatment beforehand because he said, my hair was so coarse his scissors won't go through!!! He didn't even touch my hair!!! Another top lady stylist/owner won't cut my hair without having their so-called "Primer", (around 900 for medium length) to which its purpose is to wash off those impurities and heavy build-ups. Yeah right!!!

Surprisingly, Louie never mentioned any treatment, hence, he proceeded to my main purpose... I was amazed by the way he gets stuff from his tray... I feel like I was 10 years old, watching a Japanese chef in Kimpura performing certain ACTS before cooking, like flying eggs and utensils.... Something like that... Impressive actually... Another 1 point...

Louie asked me what happened to my bangs... He actually knew that I cut them myself!!! Then he told me that as soon as I feel like cutting my bangs again, just come back to him and he'll cut them for free!!! Funny, but nice... And ain't he sweet??? Plus 1 point...

As he was cutting every inch of my hair, he asked me every now and then if it was ok, if it was what I wanted, so and so... I thought that he was just careful... Maybe because he doesn't speak English fluently, that he wanted to make sure that he understands me, and vice versa....

So finally, the waiting is over, my hair is shorter, and I actually felt brand new!!! hahahaha...


While I was having my haircut, my sister had a hair treatment... It wasn't so expensive because they use Korean products, generic as i must say... But the way they applied the treatment was so, again, impressive!!! I think their way of applying the serum doesn't leave a single stray of hair untouched...


They massage the entire hair, not just the scalp, but from the hairshaft to the ends... Add 1 point to that...

My sister decided to have her curls re-permed. So she asked how much the digital perm costs, and when she found out that it wasn't that expensive, she decided to have them done... But she needed more cash because the salon doesn't accept credit cards as of the moment (minus 1), so when I was done, I had to get money for her from the ATM... As I walked out of the salon, the umbrella guy came over and asked where I parked my car, and I said, no, I want an ATM, where can I find one? And then he said, ahhh mam, dito po meron, samahan ko po kayo! (ma'am, there's one near the salon, i'll show you the way). I noticed that it was very near the salon but I thought it was unsafe because it was vaguely lit... So he said that he'll just stay a few meters away from me so he can see if I'm safe... That's so sweet... 2 points for that!

After all the pampering, of course, reality bites, paying time has arrived... We went to the reception area, and there was Sky... He billed me 500 pesos, and my sister, 4500 pesos... So cheap! (1 point) I noticed that Louie and my sis' stylist, Jinny were behind us. It was their way of treating their customers... When I gave them their tips, they bowed, and thanked us, then, showed us to the door... It was overwhelming...



All in all, Tony and Jackey earned 10 points! I am so satisfied with their service.

You know... After all this narrative salon experience, I still feel sad... It is because, I'm asking myself, how come Koreans can and Filipinos can't??? How come those Koreans made me feel so special even though I didn't undergo several hair treatments and didn't pay them lotsa' money? I used to go to big time salons but never did I experience this kind of treatment... Sky told us as we were about to leave, "Ma'am, we are not after your money, we're after your satisfaction, because we want you to come back, thank you."

Isn't that a nice salon experience???

By the way, how's my hair???

The Tory Logo

Nowadays, I am attracted to the Tory Burch logo. I don't know why, but I like it's style, and the way it stands out in the center of a piece of clothing. For me, I think, it's subtle, yet, dramatic...

Just like this...

You know what I mean??? Ain't this Lola Dress a beauty??? But I'm pretty sure, tons of girdles should be worn under this knit dress to hide the flaws... Unless, you're Carla Sibal, of course!

Tory Burch says that, "The color palette for Fall is made up of neutrals such as grey, camel, brown and navy offset by vivid shots of color including lipstick red, mustard, aubergine and teal." She made the fall colors blend perfectly together to get the perfect "Fall look".

I'm dying to get one of these patent bags. I'd probably get the white one. Black is too dull, I have too many Reds, Orange is well, not me... so I guess I'm left with only one option...

"Patent, animal print and metallic leather make a
bold statement in both handbags and shoes." - Tory Burch

"The Tory Burch Fall collection brings an eclectic American sensibility to the effortlessly chic style of French women of the sixties such as Catherine Deneuve, Anouk Aimee, Francoise Hardy and Jane Birkin. The look of fall is distinctly feminine with a touch of tomboy."

"The Catherine Deneuve movie,
‘The Umbrellas of Sherbourg,’ is evoked in chic outerwear, from stylish trenches and
pea coats to a slick black patent coat with fur cuffs. Long sweater coats with patent
detailing and toggle closures are essential and cardigans range from simple wool with
gold buttons to cashmere with leather patches." - Tory Burch


"Tory Burch is a lifestyle collection of sportswear and accessories for women,
which embodies the personal style and spirit of its founder and creative director,
Tory Burch. Perceiving a void in the market for a sophisticated American aesthetic
at an accessible price point, Ms. Burch wanted to create stylish yet wearable
clothing and accessories for women of all ages.

Now, here's a tip for us "stylish" people:

"The Tory Burch collection provides an original look for the style-conscious
woman who might be aware of the trends but does not rely on them."

Credits:

Tory Burch

Bloomingdales