Most Asian countries have different way of presenting noodle soups. Some prefer it crispy, spicy, sweet, and salty. To understand most Asian countries way of celebrating noodles, one has to visit their place personally  and have a taste of their authentic noodle cuisine.

Good thing, Filipinos need not to travel to Vietnam just to have a taste of its authentic noodle soup. Known as Pho worldwide, Vietnamese boasts of their special way of preparing noodle soup, originally served either with beef or chicken.


With the arrival of Pho24, Vietnamese Pho Noodle House located at Powerplant Mall Makati, Filipinos can have a wide array of Vietnamese cuisines from spring rolls, iced coffee and of course, their authentic noodle soups.

The restaurant, owned by Nam An Group, the biggest restaurant chain in Vietnam continuous to serve enriched, authentic Asian cuisines in most parts of Asia.

As appetizer, the restaurant offers two choices. Munch on Cha Gio, a non greasy fried spring roll best enjoyed when wrapped on the vegetable side dish, and dipped on a moderately spiced chilli sauce. But for non fried lover, one can enjoy Goi Cuon, fresh spring rolls, almost the same tang but of different preparation.

For the main course, diners can now choose from chicken, beef, or chicken for their Pho. The noodles mad from rice is also served with basil, lime, bean sprouts, and peppers for another twist of tang.

To enjoy the dishes more, Pho24 recommends a choice of hot or cold coffee as a perfect partner, to neutralizes palate.

For rice lover, enjoy their best seller Vietnamese fried rice, cooked best on a non greasy way and best paired with prawn sticks dipped on sweet sour sauce.

To tap it all, sweet tooths crumble on sweet beans favored with rich coconut milk, pandan, and riched sweet flavorings served either cold or hot.

Indeed, a country's culture can easily be defined through a fine taste of their cuisine-rich, defined, and carefully structured. For inquiries, please feel free to visit Pho24 located at PowerPlant Mall in Makati or you may call (63 2) 897-8088.

Learning how to think better

This soaring hot Saturday is keeping me uneasy today. Aside from the fact that I am left alone at James spacious room, I cant find enough reason to smile.

Things are quite becoming a challenge to me right now. Stuffs I want do not go my way so I might as well deal with it. Early this morning I stumbled into a TV program that I swear could get in my nerves for a while. They were talking about handling problems, weel, in their case, marriage life.At some point, while I really get engrossed by the guy's so sweet voice, I actually got some pointers about life itself.

The guy said that problems should be seen in a lighter manner so we can have a grasp of what's up on us. He was even metaphoring a black paint on the wall. Black paint connotates a problem on the wall. Yes, it is easier to see it blankly as a problem and admit it on yourself that it is actually a black stain on the wall.

But then again, we can think of it as a white colored paint though its actually black as BLANK and at the same time, work on it by painting it white so we can achieve it.

In a much simplier note, a problem is a problem if we see it that way. But a problem is a challenge if we see it that way. Possitivity is the key to work on any circumstances that we have. It may sometime be a deviation from truth but at another look, it may see like an optimistic look at one's life.

I am turning 24 next, next week. And everytime I have my birthday, I always look back on what I had achieved on the past year I have been to. I am at least proud of what a 23 (to turn 24) I had been but I only have too much to do as I still have dreams to achieve and too much plans to work on.

a smile in the midst of sorrows

Sorry I havent been posting travels lately. I was about to be in punta fuego until my eyes hurt badly that I was pushed to stay at home and rest my eyes (so they say).

Tomorrow's another day and yes, I am off to be on my new job. Oh, did I mention that I am working on a travel magazine starting last week and I am actually looking forward to work now, unlike the past few months.

Two Glasses: Defining based on who you are.

Ciao and hope to travel this weekend!:))

The Scarf to Remember

This is one of the few days when I only have myself to blame for being a lazy, self defined woman or lady. We just got home from a long, all day gala and yes, the last thing I want to do is work. I am actually at least doing myself a favor.

After going back to work last Wednesday and yes, stressing myself by going back to one client to another, I am giving myself a break from all these stuffs. i am actually doing one of my newly acquired passion- blogging!I didn't know blooging can actually be addicting like this. Well, after I got back this laptop, nothing can stop me from sharing what I want, regardless if people would read it or not.

I am planning to do stuffs and well, would want to share the trips and gigs I went off last weekend but I would want to share my new, starting off obsession on scarfs. You see, I saw this scarf in a ONE PRICE store two weeks ago and I had really disturbing dreams lately that I am actually wearing this and when I wake up, I dont see it anywhere.

Seems weird for others but blame it to my another new obsession on the Glamourai who kept on inspiring my new looks and fashion sense lately. Not that I am really keeping her tracked but hey, we almost share the same passion of blogging (I didnt actually copied her but also her vintage way of dressing.

I even think that she overtook Karla's Closet on my favorite fashion warrior though I still follow Karla some time.

Going back to my obseesion on the scarf, i begged my boyfriend to go with me as I give answer on new love-yes its the scarf on my head dreams. And yes, fortunately, there it is, still waiting for me. It really was not the so lovely-costly thing. But when I really want something so bad, I would *die* to have it.

Well, after meeting my mom to hand her my borrowed for her laptop, we went off to that store, and had my gorgeous scarf, banded it to my head, and went off to Frederick Alba, one of those top caliber fashion stylists and couturier who magically transformed my sister's enoturage into a bliss.

I had my first fitting and actually loose, according to those at his shop (can't believe it actually)..And drove from Timog, QC to Greenhills Shopping center, San Juan..

We bought some stuffs that James need before flying to Vegas this coming Thursday. It may be a tiring, well spent Saturday and looking forward for yet another day tomorrow!

Good day!

the scarf I was talking about!

A trip to Lingayen,a yes to a love

When Prince Charming knew that a sleeping beauty is hundred miles away from his castle,he didnt think twice and find his way to personally see the princess.Then and there,the lived happily ever after.

In modern day time,a prince charming drove down kilometers away from the city because the one he loves decided to have her birthday up in the north.So armed with love and sprinkle of motivation from friends,off he went to Lingayen-with friends-including me.Too much for love,that was my first time in Lingayen and I must admit,i almost didnt believe we were actually taking the right path as my butt hurts so much from sitting long.

It was joan,my college friend's birthday and she opted to celebrate it on their hometown.But I would not have attended it,honestly,if not for Prince Charming aka James pondering.

But on a second thought,it was actually one of the best places I have been.Rich culture,bold history,and yummy foods!

Me and Thai.

POKER MASTER. The poker has it all

Me and Joan. taking time knowing Lingayen's history

Im not so inlove with sea water actually but i did try anyway

We fell inlove with the sea. Jr and Me

Waves and all. Wil, Bon, and Me trying the waves of South China Sea

Almost going home.Ice cream break before heading fast back to the city

the open blue sea of Pangasinan. Its Wil and Jr loving the sea water

indeed,butt ache is worth it.I am a chipleader at Poker,braved open sea waters,and drank too much tequilla,and yes,the prince charming won his princess' heart.

Happy Ending after all...


Happy Ending, that is.. (James Paman and Joan Ison)



Hotel Celeste:The feel of royal experienceq

I have been to quite a few hotels and resorts in the country,checked on their rooms and had a feel of what they have to offer.Amongst hotels in Makati area,I can really rate Hotel Celeste as one of the few who showed me an intricate yet very classy designs.Entering the hotel's lobby is like feasting your eyes with grandeous interior designs.The monarched inspired couches,the touch of water flowing on their fountained walls,each of the flambouyantly styled interior structure,everything is a regal art.

But wait till you take a glimpse of their room's interior.Everything is properly aligned.No two rooms are alike on designs,each of the rooms carry a persona that defines it from the others.

As one of the guests exclaimed,I can very well live on their bathrooms.That says much of how majestic each room structure is.Given another chance,I will take another feel of Hotel Celeste.

When friends opt for a Laguna trip

It was one of those laid back afternoons when I got a GM from one of my elementary friends,we are going to Laguna,go pack up and we shall pick you up in a few minutes.Its not like we have not been noted but it had been a go-no,go-no trip for us and we always ended up not pushing through a summer get together.

We,me and my boyfriend,waited a slouchy two and a half hour on their billiard house before a white crosswind picked us up,at last,they are here.

I am counting us,seventeen of us.I cannot even remember the name of the resort,all I know was that it was facing a bar (and i mean bars where guys can take home girls).As expected,we always prefer a private resort for our getaways.

Food was literally flooding during our overnight stay.Fishes,hotdogs,sopas,and liempo.Even drinks came easy.We feasted on mojitos,beer,brandy and colas.

But beyond that is the thought that it was indeed one of the best get togethers we had for years.we literally jumped in the waters,had more than enough photos for souvenirs and left laguna,maybe tired but with big smiles on our faces.

That was indeed fun!

Its nice to be back at Altina, Batangas

TWO WEEKS IN A ROW!

There should be at least two good reasons why friends gather that so frequently. We have been friends since our elementary years so its no doubt that taking time to gather is harder than those previous years. As one of our friends noted, ONE HAS TO LEAVE SO WE CAN HAVE AT LEAST A GOOD REASON TO GATHER. 

TAKING THE NOT SO CLASSIC SHADES SHOT:(L to R:) JSon,Renz,Con, She, Nicole (one of the celebrants), Jo, Me, and Biz

It is JL, one of our barkadas birthday and NICOLE, also one of our friends DESPEDIDA, so we had a good reason to catch up and at least go for a long ride to celebrate.

SOME THINGS ARE MEANT TO LAST:
 (L to R) JL (on red shades, bday celeb), She, Jo, JR,Me, Nix, & Renz

We have been to ALTINA Beach Resort more than twice. It has been one of our most frequently visited beach house in the South for two reasons: A. Its a private place B. JL's family is a member. ALTINA, is co owned by UST group of doctors and JL's mom being one, we always have a good reason to choose this place regardless of the long drive we have to go through. 

ALTINA version JUMP SHOT
L to R: Me, She, Con, Nix, Jr, Json, Aaron, and Jo

So, we had an overnight stay in BATANGAS.

We arrived at 6 in the evening, had a quick merienda of Spaghetti, Poker Session, and a bountiful taste of Mojitos and Emperador Light for chilling out. A hanged over morning, few drinking sessions again, and we left Batangas with a smile and a memory to take with us. 

Trapped on FREEDOM

I started quitting temporarily on my job more than a month ago. Trying my luck to work on other companies for more than enough times. And this morning I got a call from my previous employer asking me to go back and even giving me the conditions I have been inching to have for years. 

I just want to work like a normal office girl but I think I am not bound for the same direction. I am actually inching a different direction now. I have a quota to work on, another part time job to work on, and a success story to tell in the future (oh so I guess)

I am staying here in Makati, home bound for more than a month now, and frankly I never thought freedom like this can be so boring. I haven't stopped working after college though. I jumped in from one job to another, without a break and so I really needed a time like this so when I get back to work, I would not crave for anything but busy days at work. 

I am planning to get back to work this November, just in time for my birthday and future celebrations. 

Ortigas, I will be back in a few weeks. so see you soon, 

Where my dreams go?

I have not thought how opportunities can get me this madly thinking. After a long walk at the mall, chat with friends, and posting how I feel to the net, I am more than unsure than I have ever been.

When I went for the interview this afternoon, I am sure of one thing- I want to work as an Account Manager for Singapore Business Review, one of the top business magazines in Asia. I was ready for everything, from interview, questions, and even sort of background check if in need.

But what i was not ready about is that one thing I should have been ready- for other opprtunities. Instead of giving me the position I want to, they wanted me to work as an editor for one of their sections, so basically I shall work as associate editor for Singapore Business Review. Yes, I would still work in Singapore, maybe of almost the same salary or I dont care so much about that but the truth.

What if I am destined to go back and take a second look of what I really love after all?

Its been sometime since I decided to take my writing on a backseat or shall I say its been long since I took writing for granted. Yes, I have been writing but honestly, i am never depending on it as a living. I know I can write, i have been writing since the day I learned to create paragraphs and make stories.

I cant remember the first essay I have ever writen but I have won awards because of how i write. I do not know what happened along the way but I suddenly stopped and before I knew it, I have been becoming more engrossed on being an Account Manager, talking to people, dealing with clients, and at times being a host.

I cannot say that I am your average JACK OF ALL TRADES but if you will ask me where I am best at, i dont think i could really banner my writing skills. Since when  I took formal schooling and took up Journalism for a degree, I saw writing as a battle for a publishable write up. In the end, I graduated with honors, had several writing stints but I know I am never the best writer, there are so many great writers I can nevre compete with.

I know i ought to make a decision soon.  they cannot wait for me forever or shall i say, they cannot wait for me for months.

I am writing now, polishing what has remained on my writing style. Yes, this may not be the best of what I do, but I know this has been my first love as early as 4 years old. I remember I would die just to have my name on a single paper.

I once dreamt of writing just for a highschool newspaper, I become the Editor in Chief. I dreamt of having one published article when I took of after college, I had my first published article when I was 17 yrs old. I dreamt of having one press ID after college, I have THREE PRESS IDs right now, working for three separate media institutions. I dreamt of at least waving in front of the camera and at least be seen as an extra on TV, I had my own TV show and I am the only host.

I have been the person I dreamt of and even had it earlier than I had expected. Now I am dreaming for something, He gave me something else.

I am bound for a make or break decision and yes I know, the final decision shall come from me, just from me.

Knowing Me More

When my mom left me to live in this life, there is one thing she always did remind me, take charge of whatever decision you do in your life. That could be why up until now, I am living the same principle and working my way in and out of everything there is.

I graduated college three years ago but worked for seven companies already. Been an editor, a PR manager, a contributor, a TV host, and a Manager at 23 years old.  Sealed a million worth contracts in a span of more than a year and been to places only expats would manage to be in.

I know I am at the peak of the world right now. Jumping from one company to another is not a hard trail. Meeting people, from presidents, congressmen down to lawmakers and street food vendors, actors and actresses to producers and artists. I am the woman on top, I make my own money and pay my own bills.

Live a life I wanted, away from parent’s shield and fighting to live a life. I am never your average girl.

I always know what I want, dream big and get it sooner than I expected. Always left with a big dream and next thing I know, I have been bigger than what I think.

 

I work hard for everything, sacrificed so much than I never thought. But would you believe no one ever asked me if I am happy, bet they think I do.

But just try asking me now, and yes, I am not. I feel empty, I feel bad. Sometimes, I just want to live a normal life like how a 23 years old would spend her day.

Listening on her MP3, walking in the park without work interfering your happy morning and restful evenings. Without anyone telling you that something went wrong at work or that someone just need your urgent help.

I WANT MY NOT SO NORMAL YET PEACEFUL LIFE BACK>>>WHERE HAVE I LEFT IT?

                                                  Living a life UP..

Not a travel blog this time

I was about to work on one of my usual articles when suddenly, I would want to include this on my blog.

I just came back from a neighbor's wake couple of minutes ago and as I walk back home, I kept thinking about this one.

It was a usual Tuesday night when I received a text message from this girl, early 20 years old. I know her since we were young because we practically lived on the same sidestreet, just three houses from our lola's house.

To cut the story short, she is asking for a a little help because she need something and would not want to ask financial help from her parents. She was telling me, she would not want her parents to shoulde any expense and so I said, I shall help her. To end our conversation, I told her to just drop by our house this weekend so she can pick up what she needs but asked her to text me again by Thursday just to remind me to bring what she needs.

But she was not able to text me. What I received was a message coming ferom my mom that this girl's dad just died that Thursday morning. I was shocked.

So I went there few minutes ago and had the most memorable 10 minutes conversation with her. When she saw me, she just hugged me tight without a word, told me she was also shocked. I braced myself not to cry. I asked her what she needs.

She told me all she is need now is STRENGTH. Eldest to two young ladies, she was telling me what are her immediate plans right after the funeral. She was not even thinking about herself, she was thinking about her MOM and sister.

She is a graduating, a 5th year engineering student who has been a scholar since highshool. I was looking at her, still trying to smile but of grief. She told me she doesn't have much time to grieve as she was thinking ahead of what she has to do next.

She told me her dad has supported her every step of the way, working as harder as she could remember and what she could have given as the best gift was handling him her diploma. I was telling her, IM SURE, HE WOULDN'T MISS YOUR GRAD FOR ANYTHING, HE WILL BE THERE.

As I walk home, I felt like I was being knocked from that 10 minute conversation. I saw her figting at that very moment, I know I can never give up.

I salute you. I would want people like me to realize that even if life sucks on your end right now, we need to keep fighting. Because that's how life should be. Appreciate everything, its how to live this life.

TOPIC: MARINA De BAY

They say a priced model can change its aura just by changing her hairstyle and make up but then it is rare to see a hotel that can effortless change its look depending on the time of the day.

Marina De Bay, a Spanish colonial inspired private getawat resort situated right next to Puerto Prinsesa's bay, speaks of different aura and manages to change its mood depending on the time of the day.

During early part of the day, guests can feast on the location's adequate sun coming from the back portion of Marina de Bay which serves as dock point for most private yachts and boats. With Celestial, the resort's restaurant, situated and floating in the middle of the bay, photo enthusiasts can have the perfect view of the spot on their lenses.

Fishes of kinds, sizes, and colors linger around and can be easily seen both on the shallow and deeper part of the bay, are also clearly viewed even inside their guest rooms through their mini veranda's that faces the bay.
Marina de Bay also offers one of the best sunset view in Puerto Prinsesa with its key location facing the bay. Guests have the perfect view of how the sun both smiles and waves goodbye at near dim.

While during the night, romantic view awaits guests as dainty light coming from the city lights serves as the resort's natural tourist attraction. With the resort's open air space, one can also frely see the natural wonders of blinking stars from the sky.

With all these perfect view comes one of the most sought after restaurants in Puerto Prinsesa with Celestial and their inhouse spa famous for their both indoor and even outdoor choice while having their spa experience.

True enough a price model can strike a good pose naturally and almost effortless, same as a price resort as Marina de Bay can woo guests naturally but then  NEVER effortless.

TOPIC: Pueblo Por La Playa

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heading to the coffee shop.I love their coffee blends

ANGLE: The Residential and Country Club

Where can a two and a half drive take you now? A less than three hours drive can now take you to MEXICO.

Right in the heart of Pagbilao, Quezon Province, a town known for its great craftmanship,lies one of the few Mexican inspired residential and country club in the Philippines-Pueblo Por la Playa.

The 14 hectare property, owned and managed by recently appointed DA (Department of Agriculture) Secretary Proceso Alcala,PPLP (Pueblo Por la Playa) distinctly defines a stilish urban living in the middle of a rural area.

Pueblo Por la Playa which directly translates as "community by the beach" summarizes the goal of the proprietor, to buid a community by the beach as it is situated on Quezon's Pagbilao Cove.

Entering the place through their shuttle is like discovering the almost perfect blend of Mexico and Philippines' culture-bold,crisp, and happy aura. Pastel colors feasts on visitors eyes thus creating an instant happy feeling. From wall designs down to floor prints and furniture are all very wellcoordinated to finish a Mexican inspired aura with a Filipino feel.

From PPLP's exterior to their rooms and villas interior designs, there is no doubt that every inch of inspiration is the overlapping culture of Mexicans and Filipinos.

They also boast of their personalized touch in every part of PPLP. From furniture to wall designs and intricate table and chair's designs are all fabricated just for the resort.

"You cannot find anything of similar design outside of PPLP because everything is specially designed for us", says Berna _______, banquet manager of PPLP.

But other than fabricated designs, every guestrooms are designed distinctly from the rest. Every room, there is, on PPLP are different from each othere giving a sole distinction from the rest-indeed a real definition of personalized touch.

Even humming music from the shuttle to the background music on Cafe Oaxaca, PPLP's main restaurant are Mexican inspired. But the Filipino culture is yet to dominate on the whole area.

Foods served on the restaurant also follows the mixture of Filipino and Mexican culture but of much bigger servings than expected.

Visitors and residents are served with five course meals-three appetizers, one main course, and one mouthwatering dessert. Other than the main dining area, the resort also recently opened its coffee shop, complete for baking their own pans and pizza dough.

But other than serving the usual Mexican-Filipino dishes and pans, their coffee shop shares one of Quezon's distinct pasalubong longganisang lucban -with a twist. Some of their most sought after recipes include their Lucban Longganisa inspired pasta and pizza.

Visitors and residents will never get bored with its complete amenities and activities to enjoy with. From banana boat, kayaking, and even jetsky down to spa, lagoon for fishing and boating, and even island hopping. Surely it is a place where you opt to stay longer.

from left to right: JR Paman, James Paman, Me

Indeed Pueblo Por la Playa could changed one's view of Quezon Province.Its redefining an urban Mexican-Filipino inspired living in the middle of a fresh aired rural horizon.

New Breed of Traveling Skirts

TOPIC:TRAVEL TIMES COVER STORY

Once a writer, always a writer

This may sound like a borrowed line from a famous movie but this one speaks true on how TRAVEL TIMES was conceptualized.

Three girls coming from different media and telecommunication industry were bound together for two things in common- passion for writing and wired for traveling.

Thus, when an irresistable offer was given, the first concept of TRAVEL TIMES, the newest travel supplement, was packed up and flew straight to Puerto Prinsesa Palawan where the story of three traveling skirts shall start raising and moving in and out of the country not just to lead readers on to places least and mostly discovered but to find path of culture, with our own eyes.

So enjoy our first issue as much as we enjoyed touring and discovering Palawan with our own eyes and hearts.

Redefining Traveling Businessman's Comfort Zone

ARTICLE: RICHMONDE HOTEL

Right in the middle of Ortigas Center's busy streets stood one of the rare find hotels in the metro- a unique combination of rural's homey feel situated almost adjacent to any urban people's needs.

Richmonde Hotel, one of the few hotels that still defines the true Filipino hopitality, has already touched numerous visitors hearts through their well defined warm accomodation. Other than that, Richmonde offers rooms that compliments their guests' needs.

The brass and earthy color inspired hotel which literally stands a throw away from shopping malls and business centers has been a perfect getaway not just for traveling businessmen but also for families who wants a day off from the comfort of their home.

Complete with amenities such as gym, spa, salon, and a hot tempered indoor pool perfect for night relaxation and jacuzzi, Richmonde has already mastered the art of combining a cozy feel from the already strict feel of the Ortigas,already a booming business district in the Metro.

All the rooms, all dominantly recolored with brass and white sheets spells of elegance and contemporary interior designs were designed not just for sleeping purposes but also for late night business related workloads.

Other rooms such as ____________, is also known for pioneering rooms with its own kitchen which then allow guests to cook their own food thus a "home away from home" feel.

Indeed, Richmonde Hotel, has paved way for setting the new standard of modern hotel feel- a pefect combination of work and getaway not just for traveling businessmen but also for their family.

MY NEWLY ACQUIRED PASSION ON TRAVELING

As a child, one of the dilemmas are the trips we have to go through every now and then. Because we ought to travel once a year to my father's hometown in Cebu and get a glimpse of their business, we are actually traveling more frequent than the usual.

As a child, its hard for me to stay put while traveling. I either get dizzy, bored, et al from long trips. I still swear that Im never enjoying a ship ride when I was young so we have to ride the plain as much as possible because chances are, Im not going to CEBU.

But things have changed and tides have changed time. I actually enjoy or should I say, LLLOOOOVVVEEE traveling. Well, maybe because I have been exposed too much on traveling because of my job or just that traveling is realli innate since I started young, just that I am too young to appreciate it way back then.

So I really wish to share my traveling stints here on my blog. I am indeed a travel writer and I do it for half leisure/half work related.

So lets pack up and enjoy my journey as much as I did. Hope you will learn from it too. :))