OUR STAY AT MARLIN BEACH RESORT (BANTAYAN REVISITED)

Rooms at Marlin Beach Resort

Marlin Beach Resort

Marlin Beach Resort Open Bar and Resto

Marlin Beach Resort Lounge Chairs

Sunset

Sta. Fe Bantayan Cebu Beach

Our first stay in Sta. Fe Bantayan was spent at Budyong Beach Resort. Three years after, and a toddler now in tow, we need to look for a resort with better amenities like hot and cold shower (my son's used to having his hot bath) and better yet, a resort with WIFI access since I have to work online in between vacation.

After a thorough research, I decided to choose Marlin's Beach Resort due to its commendable reviews in most websites. We paid our deposit and literally counted the days til we get to Cebu.

This time around, we traveled in a very large pack (11 pax all in all including kids) that we had to rent the van we found at the North Bus Terminal. The rental costs us Php2880 (one way) to Hagnaya Port.

From Hagnaya Port, we boarded the ferry boat to take us to Sta. Fe Bantayan. Upon reaching, Sta. Fe Bantayan Port, the resort's van was waiting for us at the parking lot. It was to my great relief that their shuttle service is new large van and it was a very comfortable ride going to the resort considering we had kids with us.

The staff are very courteous and very friendly. I love how they greet each and very guests with sincere smiles and welcomes.

The rooms were very clean and spacious and I love the balcony with a view to the beach. Unfortunately, their WIFI doesn't work at any area of the resort. It was quite disappointing but good thing my brother and I brought Smartbro broadband plug-ins with us.

The food in this resort can be a bit pricey most especially when you're traveling with a large group of people. One can always choose to take a walk to the nearest market or restos to have your lunch or dinner which is around 10-20 meters away from the resort.

The hot and cold shower in our room refused to work by the evening and wasn't fixed until we left although we already reported it. My son has to take his bath in the other room (we got two rooms).

All these disappointments didn't hinder us to enjoy the rest of the days. The beach was too lovely and considering it was summer, it wasn't crowded at all. I could honestly say I enjoyed my stay in Sta. Fe Bantayan than in Boracay.

If you enjoy nightlife too much, there's not much to see in this place compared in Boracay. This is a place where serenity and pure bliss is evident.

This is truly one of the places I wouldn't hesitate to revisit in heartbeat.

FOOD BLOG: YAKIMIX GREENBELT 3

Grillin'

A part of their dessert station

Enjoy!

Finally!

I actually don't know how to express in writing summing up my trip to the much famed Yakimix. I've heard great reviews about this buffet-style resto and I've been dying to go to this place ever since.

At first, I thought the buffet cost of Php598/person is a little too steep but curiosity got the best of me and decided to try it out yesterday, on a Sunday of all days.

It took us 2 hours and a half to wait for our turn to have our table and I kept reminding myself and Yab that the wait will be definitely worth it.

When it was our turn, I am truly impressed with the interior and the crystal chandeliers. The place really looks classy, more of European style (sorry, I am no master of Interior Decorating. Lol!) but one thing I noticed was that their ambient music is quite off. I could hear screaming rock bands, korean pop the next and so on playing in the speakers. But all of these were all forgotten the moment I had my first bite.

The receptionists are accommodating and friendly and some of the waiters and waitresses too. Some of whom are pretty grumpy but I really can't blame them. It was a full house busy Sunday and I can't see an empty table nowhere.

We decided to head for the "cooked" buffet station for our main course. It was already 9pm and our "pet dragons" are already on riot in our tummy. Haha! I got to try their glass noodles (not sure of the name though), crispy pata, tempura, chicken lollipop, chili chicken and I was instantly hooked. There are just way too many choices available and being the non-adventurous eater that I am, I stuck to the basics.

After that, we went to the "raw" station and the choices are incredibly huge, too. We really had fun grilling/cooking our food in our table. They have several choices of sushi, sashimi and other authentic Japanese, Korean and Cantonese food that you'd wish you have the stomach of a hippo.

You better leave some room for desserts and fruits, too. From a freezer full of different Selecta Icecream flavors, they also have different kinds of cakes, leche flan, chocolate brownie and the list goes on and on.

Yab promised me to go back to this place pretty soon and this time around, he wants the kids with us. I just can't wait to see the look on my children's faces.

PORTRAIT/BLACK AND WHITE: TRIAL 1

KUYA PILING

EXIF:

Date Taken: Dec. 26, 2010 at 17:18
f/stop: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 1/10 sec
ISO: 200
Focal length: 55mm
Metering mode: Spot
No flash fired

LONG EXPOSURE SHOT: TRIAL #1

NUVALI-STA. ROSA, LAGUNA

EXIF:

Date Taken: Dec. 25, 2010 at 18:01
f/stop: f/4
Exposure Time: 13 sec
ISO Speed: 200
Focal length: 18mm
Metering mode: Spot
No flash fired


I live near Nuvali but I rarely get the chance to spend some time and do some photo shoots in this place. Good thing I was able to bring my tripod and make try some long exposure shots. This one turned out well (for me anyway). Hehehe.

MICAI GOES TO....FOREVER21!!!

Yeah, I'm such a loser. I have this feeling that I'm the only living person in Manila who hasn't gone to Forever21 yet. I've been wanting to go since its opening and only had the chance yesterday.

The moment I entered the store, I was in euphoria. I felt I was transported to a fashion planet. I wanted to grab every item I find. But no, I wasn't hyperventilating or in drools. I'm way too classy for that. Haha!

The mall's parking lot was filled so we left hubby to park the car on his own and proceeded to SM Megamall's 2nd floor. He told us he'll meet us inside the store. Moments later, I got a call from him and the first question he asked was, "Where in the hell will I find you guys? This store is so huge!".

We spent the next two hours browsing every nook was able to buy some stuff. There was this one dress which I really love but luck's not on my side that day since they don't have my size anymore.

Pam and Belle, my teenage stepdaughters, were able to score some tops and I bought a plaid long top, white polo top, white basic sweatshirt and a camisole top.

The store was packed and there was a long queue for the dressing rooms and checkout counters. I love how organized this place is. You don't have to get out of the dressing room to get your size (in case the one you have won't fit) and you don't have return the items you don't want yourself. You just hand them over to one of the assistants and you can continue shopping or head out to the check out counter if you're already done.

Too bad, we didn't have the time to check out their accessories section. We still have to grab Anin's outfit since they don't carry children's clothes and we still have to get Hael his haircut. I promised myself, the next time I enter F21, I'll head out to the accessories section first. =)

I'm not a big fan of crowded places but these inhibitions were quickly ignored the moment I stepped inside the store. I was totally overwhelmed with lots of fashionable items and my trip to F21 has transported me somewhere magical and enchanting. Now I'm an overreacting loser. Haha!

FOOD BLOG: AMICI - ALABANG TOWN CENTER

Variety of gelato choices

Cara Mia Cakes

After I have initiated my hubby with authentic Italian Bolognese, he can't stop craving from it. Before we met, he won't eat pastas or pansit canton but then things have changed a lot since then. Our meals has became too predictable since he would dragged the family to Sbarro or Italianni's to have that pasta.
On one of our trips to Alabang Town Center, I urged him to try Amici. Since we were not the type of "adventurous" eaters, we ordered their Margherita Pizza (Php280), Spaghetti Alla Bolognese Pasta (Php185) and a pitcher of soda. My daughter Anin and I had Pistachio gelato for dessert.

All the while, we were summoning the waiter here and there without knowing its Self-Service policy. The waiter was so courteous to attend to our needs and he never told us about their policy. We later found out after reading one of its posts on the wall. Haha!

The waiter got a big tip from us considering his efforts and demeanor. Other service crews would have pointed to us that we have to serve ourselves right from the start.

Hubby was so impressed with their menu that he dragged us back there last week. We ordered different food this time but hubby ordered their bolognese spaghetti still. We had Insalata di Cesare/Caesar Salad (Php140), Cappricciosa Pizza (Php280), Spaghetti Alla Bolognese Pasta (Php185), Pollo Arrostito/Baked Rosemary half Chicken with veggies and some gelato for dessert.

I was hesitant to try out their baked chicken at first since it appeared to pale and too saucy. It was totally different from how it looks like from their menu. I was expecting it would look like the Italianni's version of their baked chicken. But then after an eeny weeny bite, I was surprised on how tasty it was. It was delectable and very tasty.

Overall, the dining experience at Amici was a delightful one. I'd give this resto my nod. Kids will not enjoy the pizza and pasta but the wide variety of gelato they can offer. The staff are friendly, courteous and very accommodating. I should say you should visit one of their branches and try out their menu.

I'll definitely try their Italian Sausage on my next visit. =)

Amici has branches at SM Megamall, Greenhills, Don Bosco School, Tomas Morato, Alabang Town Center and SM North Edsa.

I'm sorry but I was only able to take pictures of their gelato and cakes. The food vanished right after it landed on the table.

MOMMY MICAI CHECKS OUT...CUTS FOR TOTS

Cuts 4 Tots Hair Salon (SM Megamall)

Cuts 4 Tots Hair Salon interior (SM Megamall)

Hael, almost done with his haircut.

My son, Hael's first haircut was done in one of the barber shops here in our village. The experience was too traumatizing for him so his next haircuts that followed would mean screaming, lots of crying and too stressful for him and us both.
I told hubby that I won't let him get a haircut unless it's from a salon that would specialize on handling kids.
After a long shopping day at SM Megamall, we brought Hael to Cuts for Tots. This is his second time to visit this salon however his first one was at SM MOA. This kiddie salon's located on the 5th level in SM Megamall. We were 5th on the list, so we had to wait for a little while. I talked to the receptionist and specifically asked for someone "experienced" to handle Hael. I told her, handling Hael won't be easy and I want someone who knows how handle kids someone like my son. The receptionist was accommodating and reassuring.
When it was Hael's turn, the sobs started and the next thing we knew, he was crying so loudly and was attempting to jump out of his seat. I was amazed with the lady who handled my son's haircut because she seems so unaffected, constantly reassuring my son and tried to pacify him. Though her efforts were in vain, she was done in just a couple of minutes. The haircut was just perfect; no nicks or cuts on my son's head. We were amazed how she was able to accomplish this considering my son's behavior.
I'd give Cuts for Tots ( SM Megamall branch) a two thumbs up. I am a very satisfied customer indeed.

Info:
Haircut -- Php280