Ukay-Ukay in Cebu, Manila, Singapore, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi

            Ukay-ukay rocks my world. An exaggeration. I remembered when I was five years old , I used to babysit my cousins (Zeneth and Zonova) on weekends for ₱2/day . My Tiya Corang dove on ukay-ukay bundles opened by the Ukay-Ukay seller in Initao named Sayong. My Tiya Corang made money out of reselling the items especially to high school teachers in INCH. 13 years after, I found myself selling ukay-ukay to my teachers from the Ukay market in Marinaut Marawi City since I spent my two last years at MSU-Marawi.

            As I am adulting, I have made a lot of changes in my life-work, home, career, and the one that I haven't changed is  my love for ukay-ukay. It is just like treasure hunting. I worked in different places and what excites me the most is finding ukay-ukay shops in those locations. Year, 2006 in Cebu, ukay-ukay shops are around the market of  Gun-ob,  Lapu-Lapu and along Colon, Cebu City. In Manila, cheapest ukay-ukay I've visited is in Novaliches Market and Balintawak Market in Metro Manila.

          So, I never give up ukay-ukay when I was in Singapore year 2014 , it's in Orchard Road , Lucky Plaza, the top floor. I usually dawdled the building's 6th floor on weekends where flea market was usually held. Most of the owners are Filipinos. Aside from the items sold from bundles, you can opt to buy second-hand garments from Singaporian teens and adult sellers. The good thing about it is that clothes are not worn out ,stylish that  are seemed  tailored, and are still neatly ironed. Well, considering the cost of living in Singapore, the items there are a bit pricey ranging from 1 to 5 SGD. I wore those ukay finds while applying for jobs in the country. 

           Now, I'm in the UAE, and this year is 2015,  there are many ukay-ukay warehouses in Sharjah, mostly in industrial areas. One downside would the location since it's a remote area and that you have to get there  by taxi or foot from Shrajah bus stop. The garments are not worn out. Some still have tags on them and are cheaper than the ukays in the Philippines.  In Abu Dhabi, Ukay-ukay shops are somewhere in Hamdan area. 

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Banana Body Description:

-You generally have an athletic body with toned arms.
-Rectangular shaped body.
-Your waist is less than 9 inches smaller than either your hip or bust measurements.
-Your upper body is proportionate to your lower body.
-Smaller bust size.
-Not much curve at your waist.
-Usually have great legs.

Apple Body Description

-Inverted triangular shaped body
-The bust measurement is larger than the hip measurement.
-Large chest and bust for your frame.
-You carry most of your weight around your midsection.
-Usually have slim legs, hips, and bottom.

Pear Body Description

-Triangular shaped body
-Hip measurement is larger than the bust.
-Wide hips and bottom.
-You carry most of your weight on your hips, thighs, and bottom.
-Usually have slender neck and shoulders
-Often have a flat tummy

Hour Glass Body Description

-Classic Hourglass Shape
-The bust measurement is roughly the same as the hip measurement
-Your waist is about 10 inches smaller than your bust and hips.
-Your body looks proportionately curvy.

Dress according to your body type 

Lucky you! You have the Hourglass body type that most women strive for. Your bust and hips are well balanced and you have a beautifully defined waist. Your have gently rounded shoulders that align nicely with your hips. Your waist is obvious and gracefully curves out to your hips. You most likely have a rounded bottom and beautiful side as well as front profile. Your upper body is proportionate in length to your legs which are shapely. From top to bottom, you are a picture of harmony and balance.

How to Dress an Hourglass Body Shape

The key to dressing an Hourglass body type is to proportionally dress the top and bottom of your body while accentuating your waist. Wide belts over shirts and dresses are a great way to show off your waist. You can create an even more curvaceous effect by proportionally adding a bit of volume to your upper and lower body, but always try to maintain balance since it is your best asset. You have great legs so feel free to play with skirt lengths. Please rollover the thumbnails below to learn more about how to dress an Hourglass body type.

Cagayan de Oro City: Golden Ajirang (Korean Restaurant)

Address: C.M. Recto Avenue, 
Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

Tel. No.: (088) 8565

I was craving for Korean food, thus I hurried to my PC to google for possible Korean Restaurants in Cagayan de Oro. Bingo! I found Golden Ajirang .

I was My friend supported me in my Korean Restaurant escapade. We didn't have hard time getting to the place since it's just located along highway. We just stopped by Gaisano Mall since it's just a distant away from it. The right side of it is the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc

It was Saturday afternoon, and the place has quite yet soothing ambiance. No wonder, we were the only customers. The guard is very friendly; he greeted us with his warm smile. I thought it was just the guard, the beautiful waiters and handsome waitresses are also friendly and accommodating.

 
The foods are affordable. Well, I haven't tried any Korean restaurants in CDO except this first one. We had kimchi ($0.6/serve), sangeupsal ($3/serve), Korean rice ($0.6/cup), manggo juice ($.06). We spent about $7.00 USD.

 
          Golden Ajirang has a comfortable place, proactive customer service, cheap price and great Korean cuisine. What impressed us most is the friendly nature of waiter and waitresses. They are actually "FCs" (Feeling Close) with a positive connotation and it actually left us the feeling that we were just visiting and dining with a close relative. 

Initao, Misamis Oriental

Initao National Park

It’s known as “Lasang” which means Woods in English. I have heard a lot of stories about the place; mostly grotesque tales from the past that made the place seemed haunted to some people. Lasang had once a hospital that has made the place a limelight setting for frightening stories.

The place, lies along the highway of Misamis Oriental province. It is located amidst two municipalities- Initao and Libertad, bordered by Baranggay Tubigan and Gimaylan respectively. The 50.58 hectares forest   is thrived by endangered species such flying lemur, monitor lizards, seal-fin lizards, fowls known as megapodes, long-tail macaque monkeys, nose-split bats and tarsier. There are also century old tress such as mahogany, narra and talisay. The unique landscape has cliffs for diving and 30 caves housing stalagmites and stalactites. The 1.240 hectare marine water has been a home to hawksbill marine turtle different species of fish and coral reefs.

Lasang gained recognition since Manuel Quezon’s presidency under Under Proclamation No. 66 when lasang proclaimed as “Initao Forest Reserve” on June 16, 1936. Succeeding late President Sergio Osmeña changed the name of “Initao Forest Reserve” to “Initao National Park” under REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3568 on June 23, 1963, along with the two hundred thousand pesos sum of money to improve the place. Later, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo proclaimed the park as Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape on September 16, 2002 under the Republic Act 7586. 

Last 2010, 10 million pesos was poured to the park to establish the Lasang Secret Adventure project. The sum of money launched the five-span canopy walk, 80-foot spiral staircase, 100-meter boardwalk, 100-meter zip-line, function room and restaurant. More amenities are yet to come.

We are forever grateful to our leaders for transforming the once commonly known as haunted Lasang to a utopia. Now, it provides the perfect spot for spelunking, rappelling, swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, jogging, biking, and trekking are just few of the activities for people.

Naawan, Misamis Oriental

 ROSEWOOD Park and Grill

Publish Post

A place where you can consider “your home” but not really yours? Well, Rosewood Park and Grill has been my second home since I revisited Naawan, Misamis Oriental after uni life and career migration to the North. It would definitely my place when I’m so stressed out, get rid of negativities, and get recharged.

Located in Purok 2, Naawan Misamis Oriental., Rosewood Park and Grill is a cozy and homey restaurant featuring Filipino food and indoor and outdoor art. They serve superb cuisines. It might be more costly compared to other food stalls in the market but a 150php/serve is definitely worth the price considering the ambiance and deli local cuisines. Customer service is proactive. So far, they are the warmest hosts I’ve meet within small municipalities around Mis. Or.

Rosewood Park and Grill goes further than filling up your stomach. They offer the best accommodation in the municipality. At the back of the restaurant, there are air-conditioned mini houses for rent for as low 1000 php/day. The facilities are clean and elegant. The air is clean and refreshing. Aside from the accommodation, there is also a hall to hold special occasions.

It is always been a nice feeling to tell people about some good news of places that have been dear to our hearts. This is a form of gratitude to those people who are encouraged to keep on improving Naawan. Rosewood Park and Grill, should I say, is just a start?

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Hiking along Naawan Beach

Boredom strikes after long hours of hurting my butt sitting in front of my computer, so then I become a digital nomad lurking in the coastal areas of Naawan.. The sand, pebbles, gravel, and cobblestones then comfort the soles of my feet. The usual starting point would be from Plames Beach Resort up to the shores of MSU-Naawan. Hiking has been a good alternative from working out in a gym since I can’t find one here. Hope it burns some calories. Gasp, Sigh, Gasp.

The seawater has always been so inviting ever since. However, I was never been tempted to swim in the late afternoons for I rather soak in saltwater in the early mornings. What the beach can offer me is just the pampering sand, the horizons, and the warm sunset. It has been so consoling to find a special spot for a little soul who is tired of making ends meet in front of a web box. The horizons seem transparent waiting for the sunset to orange the whole sky, then the entire sea. What an amazing view, a perfect remedy for a pair of fatigued eyes.

Naawanons enjoy the sea and dance with the waves. I just wonder if they are familiar of the geology of Naawan sea floors. Naawan sea floors seem like a vast expanse of cold, flat, lifeless watery desert especially those areas before the humble fishing port. I nearly drowned myself one early morning for not knowing the formation of sea bed. It’s more than tricky though, the seabed has a slope formation. One might enjoy swimming the shallow areas not knowing that taking another swimming stroke would be a disaster (not unless you know how to swim).

The fishing port is quite wrecked but then it never fails to accommodate people especially lovers. The other side of the porter is favored by shellfish gatherers since the entire part drains on low tide. As I was approaching the coastal area of MSU-Naawan, I saw a hatchery. Well, no wonder since fish farming has been developed in this municipality.

Naawan beach is relatively clean; I believe the cleanest within the northern part of the province. I have hiked coastal areas from neighboring municipalities but Naawan beach bested them all. Well, I just hope that Naawanons keep its legacy despite of a increasing population (I’m crossing my finger on it.D).

How Do You Get Paid When You Are Working Online?

Ever wonder how would you get paid if you are going to work online? There are hundreds of online payment service providers but I am just going to introduce you the most notable one which is known as Paypal. And what is Paypal? It is an acquiring bank that allows you to receive and send money through the internet. Once registered to Paypal, you will have your Paypal Email Address.  Now, to get your salary, you will just need to give your Paypal Email Address to the company you worked for.

What are the requirements to register to paypal? You will just need to have a credit card or debit card which has Visa, American Express, Discover or Mastercard logo in it. You need to link your credit or debit card to your paypal to be able to transfer your money from your paypal to your bank account.

Now, if you are from Philippines and you don’t have credit or debit card, I would recommend UnionBank EON VISA Card. I tried linking my paypal with other credit / debit cards from other banks in the Philippines but UnionBank EON VISA Card works best for me.  It's a debit card. So, no need to bring cash when you go shopping since you can just swipe it. Plus, you can also pay your bill s online.No maintaining balance. You will just have to pay 350 php once a year.  By the way, It took me three weeks to wait for my EON Debit Card. The requirements are:

• 2 pieces of ID pictures (1x1)
• Cedula
•  2 VALID IDs and (any of the following NBI, SSS, Voters,Postal) - Just photocopy them , should be back to back
• Birth Certificate 
• 350 php 

Once you get your UnionBank EON VISA Card, link it with your Paypal. Enter your 16- character card number and Card Verification Value(CVV) –last 3-digit number found at the back of the card .You will need to deposit at least 200 php because paypal will need US$ 1.95 charge for the linking process. But don’t need to worry because that US$ 1.95 will be given back to once done. After five days, UnionBank will provide you a 4-digit Expanded Use Number. You will find this a 4-digit Expanded Use Number in your online statement. Then you will just need to input this 4-digit number in your paypal account.

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Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

GARDENS OF MALASAG ECO – TOURISM VILLAGE

GARDENS OF MALASAG ECO – TOURISM VILLAGE

It was four years ago since I last visited Gardens of Malasag Eco – Tourism Village. I have had fresh memoirs there with my classmates in college when we’re about to graduate. I don’t really know why but I always had the urge to revisit the place. It seemed like it was once ancestral place.

Gardens of Malasag are situated in Sitio Malasag, Cugman, which is 15 minutes drive from Cagayan de Oro City. The place is a cultural glimpse of historical Philippine tribal groups such as Talaandigs, Higao-non, Subanon, Maranaos and Ifugaos. Tribal culture is depicted through representations of tribal houses, arts and practices. The splendor of these ancestral houses was heightened with flora and fauna.

From Gaisano Mall, I took PUJ (Public Utility Jeepney) which is Gusa liner. It took me 15 minutes to reach Cugman and eventually took off for a motorcycle ride ($0.3/person) going to the destination.

At last I arrived in the place. Somehow, I felt rejuvenated when I finally had the chance to be in the place again. I paid $0.6 for the entrance fee and was given a map. The graceful Higaunon cultural dance welcomed me to the place. Of course, I grabbed the chance to pose with them.

I roamed around the ancestral house first. Of course, it’s a solemn moment of communing with your past ancestors. Then, I found myself in the camp ground contemplating the scenery of natural beauty. The clear, cool, and inviting pool water summoned me for a third revisit. Of course, by that time I’ll be bringing with me my swimming gears. The next destination was the picnic area. It was a quite a silent place. It’s a good resting place. The humming birds caught my attention, so I rushed to the mini-zoo. I saw different species of birds especially the Philippine Eagle. I tried to catch her attention but she seriously stood still with claws strongly clutched to the branch of the tree. There were also snakes of different colors. There are also rabbits, wild cat, monkey, alligator and of course humans (just kidding!). There is hanging bridge but I never had the chance to cross it.

Too bad it rained hard and I hurriedly headed to the Resto House and ordered some mango shake for $1. I stayed there until the rain stopped. I couldn’t leave the place without any memento, so I rushed to the Souvenir Shop and bought a T-shirt for $3.

It was just a three-hour historical trek yet a fruitful journey of the past. It was quite different Garden before. Now, it is a Garden well-treasure as it was well taken cared of. The staffs are trying to boost further CDO’s tourism through its rich culture and natural beauty.