My Summer Travel Playlist

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. It gives an exciting, refreshing vibe. When I think of summer, I think of the beach and travel. So I made a playlist perfect for that warm, lazy, wind-blowing-on-your-face, long drives. It's a mix of head-bobbing, foot-tapping jams and serene, soothing ballads. Here it is:

1. Island in the Sun by Weezer

Photo from Flickr

2. Honeymoon Avenue by Ariana Grande
3. With or Without You by U2
4. Every Teardrop is a Waterfall by Coldplay
5. Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney
6. One Day by Matisyahu
7. Me by Paula Cole
8. Northern Sky by Nick Drake
9. Kaleidoscope World by Francis Magalona
10. Summer Paradise by Simple Plan
11. Someday by Sugar Ray
12. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
13. Strawberry Swing by Coldplay
14. Don't Worry Baby by The Beach Boys
15. Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

I had a hard time narrowing down my choices and might have missed out on some great songs. But I hope you like it anyway. Or you can make your own, too! I'm psyched to hear what made your list. Happy summer! <3

-Martha

Keeping in Touch

T: Lunch at Luz Kitchenette in Gapan
B: With cousins Ochie and Akie

Anytime we visit our relatives in the province is a happy occassion indeed. Martha and I, my mom, and a few aunts went to Nueva Ecija last week. We were there for only two days so I savored every minute catching up with my cousins, nieces, and aunts. We also enjoyed food we don't usually eat in the city like talangkang bukid, longganisa Cabanatuan, and the local delicacies: puto and suman.

They say that the Filipinos are known for their hospitality and I couldn't agree more. Who else but us would be delighted if a van full of people showed up at their doorstep and declared 'We'll stay here for the night'? Of course, our relatives were informed of our visit but you get my drift. Can't wait to see them again soon. :)

-Faye

Music of the Night

My friend's invitation for a 'night out with the girls' couldn't have come more timely. I've been working non-stop and needed a breather. We met last Friday at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shangri-La to catch a performance of Alona, a high school classmate and member of a singing group called the Music@ts*.

Standing: Kat, Jo
Seated: Weng, Alona, Che

Dinner was composed of Caesar Salad, Roasted Mediterreanean Vegetable Panini (Yum!), Shangri-La's Triple Decker, and Pancit Guisado (a bit salty). Oddly, no one opted for cocktails. I guess we wanted our wits about for our impending gabfest.

The show started at 9pm, opening with a medley of classics including my all-time favorites Nearness of You and Moon River. Followed by songs from Broadway musicals: All I Ask of You (Phantom of the Opera), Memory (Cats), and I Don't Know How to Love Him (Jesus Christ Superstar). I was pleasantly surprised when they closed the 1st set with some animated movies' soundtracks. They made Circle of Life (The Lion King), Go the Distance (Hercules), and When You Believe (Prince of Egypt) sound, well, classy.

The highlight of the 2nd set for me was the group's rendition of Tonight from West Side Story and Pink's Just Give Me a Reason. Didn't know it could sound even better. I also liked their Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin.

For the 3rd set, they sang more OPMs like Ikaw, Bakit Ba Ganyan, and Kahit Isang Saglit. I thoroughly enjoyed their Sun and Moon (Miss Saigon) and I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables) numbers. I wish they sang A Little Fall of Rain. Maybe next time.

There is no doubt that this act is brilliant. They perform harmoniously, blending well when doing a group number or duets and shining on their own when perfoming solos. Needless to say, I had a memorable night chatting with the girls and enjoying the talented Music@ts. Another reason to say: TGIF! :)

-Faye

*Music@ts members:
Lawrence - piano, vocals; Alona - vocals; Kim - vocals; Jerry - bass

Brunch at Fleur de Lys

T-B: Sweet Chorizo Hamonado, Garlic Tapa, Crispy Bacon

Strictly speaking, Fleur de Lys is a patiserrie and we (Erika, Lei, & I) came here to sample their cakes and pastries. But since we haven't had breakfast or lunch yet, we opted to have their 'Rise & Shine' menu first. A choice of breakfast-styled meat served with egg, garlic rice, and tomatoes. I tried the Sweet Chorizo Hamonado (₱178), Erika and Lei, the Crispy Bacon (₱163) and Garlic Tapa (₱168), respectively. All of us agreed that the meals were deliciously prepared but the serving was small and not one would call extraordinary. We shared a bowl of their Clam and Potato Chowder (₱135) as we are trying to make room for dessert.

Frankly, I'm not sure how we end up choosing our sweets because all of them looked mouth-watering. I'll try to do this justice:


Dulce and Gabanana (₱130mini)
Fresh banana tart with chocolate dulce de leche filling on gingersnap crust topped with whipped cream, caramel, and chocolate. Now, that is a mouthful. We all liked this but Erika (this was hers) concluded that the filling was good but Banapple's Banoffee Pie has a better crust. 

The Next Best Thing (₱135)
Warm chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Lei finally settled for this one. I don't know what it's supposed to be next best to because it's a star on its own. The chocolate cake is this warm, melt in your mouth thing accentuated (if that's even possible) by a creamy French vanilla ice cream. 

Nuts About You (₱125/slice)
Macadamia nut tart topped with pistachio ice cream. I had an easier time deciding than my two companions. I just went with the dessert with the most nuts. Nut lover that I am. One word to describe this: YUMMY! or maybe NUTTY! For me, this dessert alone is worth the trip. Definitely, a must try.

So, if you find yourself on a lazy Saturday with nothing to do, why not drop by at Fleur de Lys and have your taste buds awakened by these heavenly desserts? Happy Eating! :P

Over-all rating: 3.75/5

-Faye

Location:
Fleur de Lys - FLP Bldg., 305 Tomas Morato, South Triangle, Quezon City

Let's Go To The Beach

Based on a review I read about Villa Navarro, I wasn't too thrilled when I learned our company summer outing will be there. But when we arrived there last week, we were greeted by a friendly staff and quickly checked-in our rooms. Since we were sixteen in the group (including children) we occupied three executive rooms and a family cottage. Though rooms were a bit small and sparse in decorations they were clean and basic amenities were provided.

Lunch was already waiting for us after depositing our bags. It was simple but delicious. We had inihaw na porkchop, pritong bangus, and monggo with bagnet. They served ripe mangoes for dessert that were very sweet. The servers were attentive to our needs.

Afterwards, we changed into our swimsuits and took a dip in their pool where a watchful lifeguard supervised us. This was comforting esp. with kids around. The drawback was that they only let us use the pool until 8pm. This I believe was because the lifeguard gets off at 8pm, too. We were a bit disappointed but took consolation on the fact that we can swim in the beach which is a few yards away from the resort. However, that afternoon, the waves were just too big for us to enjoy it much.

Enjoying the scenery and having a blast with friends

At dinner, they served us sweet and sour fish fillet, beef nilaga, and diningding. For dessert, juicy watermelon. They were tasty and plenty to go around. We ate at the nipa hut near the beach. It was so relaxing to hear the waves crashing on the shore and feel the wind on our skin. This was what I came here for. 

A videoke machine was also set up in our nipa hut and we sang 'til the wee hours of the night. I hope we didn't bother anyone. Their bar also served us drinks like beer, gin, and cola.

The next morning, we took a stroll on the beach and watched stray dogs play. At some point some of them approached us but I didn't mind because I'm a dog lover. I also think it added to the appeal of the resort. 'Probinsyang-probinsya' comes to mind. They served us fried egg, longganisa Vigan, and garlic rice for breakfast. Fresh pineapple as panghimagas (dessert).

All in all, it was a great stay at this resort. The furniture could be improved/updated, the place/look could use a bit of sprucing up, and maybe longer hours on use of pool. I liked that the place is kept clean, has lots of trees, good food, polite staff (very prompt and accommodating), and its quiet and simple ambience. I also like that they seem animal friendly (I saw a guest check in with his dog).

I was apprehensive at first but now I could see myself coming back there.

-Faye

Location:

Villa Navarro Resort - Caba, La Union, Philippines

On Being Holy

At Monasterio de Santa Clara in Quezon City

I am not a very religious person but I do observe some traditions associated with my family's faith. Last March marked this year's Lenten season. Annually, my family and I would go to churches and pray. Primarily to atone one's sins and ask for forgiveness.

Mom & cousin Balu at St. Francis of
Assissi in Mandaluyong City

We were able to visit quite a number of churches and parishes during the Holy Week. Frankly, it's not how many you get to visit but how you immerse yourself in the experience and have your spiritual self be 'cleansed' and 'fed'. Well, that's just my opinion.

I consider this time to reflect on the things that happened, so far, in my life. How I reacted to some of my past misgivings or errors made.


Basically, this is when I make a promise or resolution to try and better myself. I'm also with my family when I do this so that's a plus factor.

Maybe this quote can sum up my prayers: 'Whatever I have in mind Lord, I surrender them to You. I will do the best I can but in the end, let Your will be done. Amen.'


-Faye

My First Beach

I've never been to the beach before. There, I said it. You see, I don't know how to swim because I have the biggest fear of the water. In my 22 years of existence, each pool party meant lurking on the edge of the pool hanging on for dear life or staying on land manning the grill while my friends splish and splash.

So last October, my girlfriends Ate Noime, Badz, Kat, Wendy, and I went on a trip. It was also Ate Noime's birthday. We stopped by their home and met her family in Bataan. Then, we headed north to see the beach. It was nearly dusk when we arrived at Elmolina Beach in Olongapo, Zambales. As the salty air whipped on our faces along the jeepney ride, my friends excitedly pointed out, "Martha! Look!" and I swear, I'll never forget what I saw... The orange sky, brown sand, palm trees, and sparkling blue water... It was breath-taking.

After eating a hearty dinner, we went for a night swim. Although my friends were a bit scared (I was very scared), we eased up upon finding the beach safe since it was structured to gradually, not suddenly, deepen. When they taught me how to back float, I was a painful student but my friends were patient. Bless them. It was only when I actually relaxed and let myself go (and let God) that I finally did it! After all these years! It felt amazing just floating and looking at the moon and the stars.

The five of us played Icebreakers  before going to bed. We swam again in the morning, soaking up the sun this time. We all got darker skin but we didn't really care. Like Ate Noime said, our tan lines are our battle scars. When we went home, it all still felt surreal to me. I'm so grateful to those four ladies and I'll cherish how they made what I feared my entire life into one of the happiest experiences I've ever had.

-Martha

A Friendly Visit

Last September was my 1st time to visit Zamboanga City. We were scheduled to stay for a week so I was excited to experience another side of our culture. But it was again for work and if history is to repeat itself, I knew I will not be seeing much of the place. I was right. I was mostly at the training site doing what I came there to do.

With Ate Malou and Ate Eppie

I was resigned to being serious and had a 'let's get down to business' mindset that I was surprised when my colleagues reminded me that we will be seeing Ate Eppie and Ate Malou later.

A few years ago, our group conducted a seminar in Cagayan de Oro and they were participants there. Because the group was small, we had more time to get to know one another. Our conversations transcended from work topics to stories of our families. It was also in CDO that we went river rafting. Most of us were first timers so that bonding made it more special.

Speakers-a-posing

Ate Eppie invited us to dinner with her husband. We later met the rest of her family when she took us for a short visit to her beautiful house. We saw them again for the seminar's 'Fellowship Night'.

I did visit the city's market called 'Barter' (I bought a couple of locally made scarves) and the seminar was great but seeing my friends again was the highlight of this trip for me. :)


-Faye

Unexpected Happiness

Every year on my birth month, May, I try to do something special for myself. This year however I was to be away from my family and friends... For work (Surprise!Surprise!). On my birthday, my colleagues (from TWG) and I went to Baguio City, a few hundred miles from Manila.

Flowers & scarves

I was determined to make the day as regular as possible and not think of it as 'my day'. To be honest though I was a little bit down but tried to fight through it by being 'positive'. I made a mental list of why I should be thankful instead: I have my family, health, work, and friends. Plus, I'll be meeting new people and I owe it to them to be the best speaker I can be. They traveled far and will be away from their loved ones, too.

I was pleasantly surprised when my colleagues greeted me and later presented me with a dozen red roses and colorful scarves! I didn't think they'd remember my birthday and I was truly touched. Thanks, everyone!

Faye & Faye

Another speaker and my roommate in this trip is also named Faye! It was the first time I met her but she said she knew me already by sight. You see, our workplace is just a few buildings apart. As the days went on, I found out we have quite a few things in common, aside from our names. I'm glad to say I made a new friend.

To top it all, our seminar was a success! Life sometimes has a funny way of presenting itself. What started as a lonely journey turned out to be a happy, memorable one.


-Faye

Little Miss Sophie

My parents, a couple of aunts, and I recently visited our relatives in the province. It was our intent to unwind and relax with some of our favorite people. I'd say getting there was half the fun. What should have been a three hour drive turned into five. We kept on stopping at the side of the road since my aunts wanted to buy freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. It didn't matter how long we got there because we had a good time. We bought boiled corn, roasted corn, ripe mangoes, watermelon, and suman. We would've bought some more but we've already reached our uncle's house.

Sophie in her school uniform

There, we were greeted by the family: aunt, cousins, & cousin's kids.  The most enthusiastic welcome came from my funny little goddaughter, Sophie. She's five and very smart. Throughout our stay she told me her favorite stories: about where we should go, her mom and dad, siblings, school, her playthings, her crush (what?!), a red dress she wants me to buy for her (haha..). Funny, I realized I have a lot in common with this five-year-old girl!

In the afternoon, we visited my uncle's grave. It was the first time I got back there since he died last October. My aunt laid some flowers, lit a candle, and then we said our prayers. We still miss him.

That night, Sophie declared she's going to sleep in my room. My cousin asked if it's okay with me and I assured him that it was. I was curious as to what Sophie's up to next. I burst out laughing when I saw her hauling three bags full of clothes, toys, books, and pens into the room. Before going to sleep she amused us with song and dance numbers... Imitating her idols Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. What a talented little girl!

The next day, Sophie learned of our impending departure. She sulked in her room and refused to see us go. Her mom said that Sophie doesn't like saying goodbyes. Though in the end, she kissed us and said her farewell.

Cheer up, Sophie! We'll see each other soon enough.



- Faye

Of Friends and Blisters

Last May, as a birthday treat to myself, I went to Hong Kong & Macau with my friend, Che. Although we have been friends since the 3rd grade, it was the first time we traveled together. We were so excited even though we knew that budget will be our limitation.

She luckily found a promo airfare from Cebu Pacific while I booked a small room at a charming little inn called The Lee Gardens Guest House in Cameron Road. We were to stay there for 4 days & 3 nights including a detour to Macau to watch the "House of Dancing Water" show.

We were right to expect that it will be an unforgettable experience. While planning for months heightened our anticipation, it didn't guarantee a fool proof trip. We did get into some hilarious missteps. Like missing our bus stop thus making us lose an hour of our lives finding our inn. The words "Lost in Translation" kept popping in my head as we ask the locals where our hotel is.  Different intonations of "Cameron Road?", "Cameron Road?" were uttered to a couple of taxi drivers which earned us vigorous head shakes & ejection from the vehicle.

Me & Che at the Ruins of St. Paul

Of course we did smarten up in no time. Che learned that a map can be read topside up, upside down and even sideways. I learned that blisters can develop in a matter of hours (I had a total of six on both feet!). A friendly staff in our hotel pointed us to a nearby alley lined with local restos. Not only were the food delicious, they were cheap as well. The highlight of our trip though, was when we found out that our seats for the HoDW show was on the edge of the stage. Now, notice that the title of the show has "water" in it. Yes, it meant we were drenched to our very core. I mean, I was shivering for about a third of the duration of the show!

But it was all part of the fun. Che & I were laughing our heads off every time we were splashed with water (the show did provide towels) or when the performers (close enough to touch) popped out of the pool and tried to intimidate and scare us. We were having the time of our lives, problems were forgotten for one & a half hours. Gymnasts, acrobats, actors, dancers, swimmers and divers performed in one spectacular funfare. It was a show like no other.

On our last day, with our wallets considerably lighter (I had HK$ 5 left!), we sadly said goodbye to Hong Kong, our carefree & responsibility-less days. When I saw my friend a few days ago, she asked me where we should go next. I smiled as flashes of those fun-filled moments crossed my mind. Hmm... I'm not sure. Any suggestions?

-Faye