Conquering Mt. APO Agco-Kidapawan trail in Davao City

Conquering Mt. APO's Agco-Kidapawan trail in Davao City.

"Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb "

I would like to present to you my kababayan Lily Arlos. This is her story. And I feel honored that she gave me the go signal to share this story with all of you.

 

Meet Lily Arlos in full gear just before the two-day climb to the peak of Mt. Apo. Yes, she is so ready for the climb.

Lily Arlos is gutsy. Look at her latest conquest in Davao! Can you beat that?

 Lily with a yellow phyton.

Lily narrated this: Agco kidapawan trail kami. Bihira lang ang dumadaan sa trail na yun kasi mahirap unlike sa ibang trail ng Mt.Apo. Umakyat kami April 8, 2012 patapos na ang holy week kaya paakyat pa lang kami pababa na ang mga locals at ibang mountaineers na umakyat ng holy week.

 On the way up the mountain, they saw a group of Manobo children with make-up on their faces.

 

About dun sa bata manobo tribe ng Mindanao. Hindi ko alam nagtaka rin ako bakit naka make-up siya. Hindi ako familiar sa tribe nila. Natuwa lang ako sa kanya kaya kinuhanan ko sya ng picture. Actually kahit yung ibang bata naka make-up din sila.

 

Sobrang hirap nung climb namin kasi sa sobrang dami ng umakyat nung holy week wasak na wasak ang daan sobrang putik pa kasi laging umuulan dun rain forest kasi.

   

Ha ha ha, kahit sinong mountaineer hindi kayang I explain yan kung anong napapala namin sa kakaakyat. Kung anong nakukuha namin. Tanong ko rin yan sa sarili ko while trekking kapag feeling ko hindi ko na kayang ihakbang ang paa ko pero kapag nakarating kana sa summit kapag nakita mo kung anong meron sa taas wow! Iba! Hindi ko ma-explain ang feeling. Sabi nga "Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb and only through suffering can we find ourselves."

 

Cha: May ginagawa ka ba na preparation o exercises b4 ka umakyat?

Lily: He he. Wala. tamad akong mag exercise Hiking na ang exercise ko, Ha ha! Kaya yung 1st climb ko nung 2008 nagka trangkaso ako kala ko hindi na ko makakapag summit. Until now wala akong preparation kapag may upcoming climb.

 

Nag start ako 2008. 1st climb ko major agad.sa Mt.Pulag Benguet via Akiki trail o mas kilala sa tawag na killer trail. Hindi ko expected na major pala yun kala ko minor lang at day hike lang 3days pala.pero buti na lang naka survived

  

 

At the summit of Mt. Apo

 

Top of the world.

They managed a smile kahit sobra na silang pagod sa two days na climb na halos walang tulog.

The view from the summit. Ka level mo na ang clouds!

Lily at the summit.

Mahilig si Lily mag pose sa top ng mga bato na nag-ba-balancing act.

 Sobra ang fog kasi ka level mo na ang ulap. Ha ha ha!

Lily Arlos at Mt. Apo, Davao City. Nakuha nila ng two days ang dapat ay three days na climb.

 

Congrats Lily!  

Despite the difficulty of the climb, nothing compares with the happiness that we feel when we conquer a mountain.- Lily Arlos

Chef Hasset Go Bloggers Night

Hurray! Presenting Chef Hasset Go Bloggers Night!

Join us as we witness live demos of yummy desserts and pastries being made by Chef Hasset Go and experience one of the newest and one of the most exciting food bazaars in the metro, Il Mercanti at Metrowalk!

Photo by Dessert Strip. Poster by Gian Pisuena.

Chef Hasset Go Bloggers Night: The Il Mercanti Experience is to be held at Il Mercanti Food Bazaar (Metrowalk) on May 5, 2012 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

This event is strictly for food bloggers only who are committed to submit a post-event article about the event on or before May 12, 2012.

To sign up, please visit this link.

Fun Aqua Pool Party at Manila Ocean Park

We had so much fun yesterday (April 28, 2012) at the Biggest Aqua Pool Party at the Manila Ocean Park (MOP). 

                                                                                                                 

The heat was unbearable the past few days. I thought Metro Manila and most of Luzon might dry up under this unforgiving summer sun! I hope it will not soar up to 37 degrees Celsius. No amount of air conditioning and halo-halo could make me bear the heat.

Just imagine my happiness when I got an invitation from Ia to the Biggest Aqua Pool Party at Manila Ocean Park! Thanks Ia!

It was also the grand launching of Manila Ocean Park (MOP) E-Wrist Tag (a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) with free wifi access), a first here in the country. I feel so privileged to be among the first ones to experience such technology. Here's how it works: we deposited Php100 for the use of the E-Wrist Tag. Upon activation, it automatically updates your status both on Facebook and Twitter. High tech!

Then we lined up and bought pop corn and hotdog sandwich at the food stall inside Manila Ocean Park. The night started with the spectacular Magical Fountain show of Manila Ocean Park.

After the amazing fountain show, we proceeded to the Liquid Aqua Pool where everyone had fun swimming the summer heat away.

 

Aqua Pool Party is more fun in the Philippines! More Photos here

BO'S COFFEE: Amaretto Biscotti Beverage

BO'S COFFEE: Amaretto Biscotti Beverage

 

Bo's Coffee's latest offering this summer is the Amaretto Biscotti Beverage that has the coffee taste with a non-alcoholic Amaretto (wine) twist with ground Biscotti bits that you can chew while drinking it. 

Partnered with Bo's Coffee heavenly chocolate cake. The cake and beverage was sinfully delicious. I had a chocolate overload that day because I ate a Goldilocks Choco slice just before I went to Bo's Coffee. Ha ha ha!

At BO'S COFFEE you are assured of a Just-roasted Coffee Freshness.  Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee every morning. Savor the pungent yet sweet aroma filling your every senses. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee makes your mouth water and your stomach rumble. Bo's Coffee will not only wake you up with the freshest and best tasting cup of coffee available but you will feel proud to be a Filipino once you learn that Bo's Coffee is a local company.

It was only last April 20, 2012, that I learned that Bo's Coffee is a Filipino brand that started in Cebu City 16 years ago! Yes, I know I, like you, also mistook Bo's Coffee as a foreign coffee brand selling expensive drinks or so I thought. In reality, Bo's Coffee offers more affordable, delicious and freshly roasted coffee!

This specialty coffee shop offers roasting in front of your very eyes high quality locally produced coffee beans which are used in making hot and iced espresso beverages, specialty coffee beverages and others. It also offers delectable selection of deliciously made cakes and pastries. It also offers pasta and sandwiches and it recently added an all-day breakfast menu.

The rich spicy aroma of freshly ground coffee, followed by the heavenly scent of freshly brewed coffee, can be witnessed at Bo's Coffee - The Fort branch. Bo's Coffee is actually planning to make this a regular affair.

Bo's Coffee assured us that it makes its own pastries with only the best ingredients. For those health or diet conscious, Bo's Coffee offers the Fruit and Nut Mix. You can enjoy munching on this goodies while you work-out.

For more information on Bo’s Coffee and its products as well as its store/branches/ franchise in the Philippines,  visit  www.boscoffee.com.

Jay Park Live in Manila on May 4 to 6, 2012

Good news to all the fans of Korean Pop superstar JAY PARK!

Everybody's idol Jay Park will shake up Manila  from May 4 to 6, 2012 to promote his first full-length album “New Breed” under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).

 

Catch him live at the following venues:  

May 4 (Friday), 7:00 pm at Eastwood Mall Open Park

May 5 (Saturday), 7:00 pm at Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill 

May 6 (Sunday), 4:00 pm at Lucky Chinatown Mall which are Metro Manila’s premier themed lifestyle centers, owned by Megaworld Corporation

Working with top U.S. producer Rob Knox, rap group Dynamic Duo and other top artists to bring you the freshest sounds in R&B and Electronic hip-hop, Jay Park opens up his world like you’ve never seen before.

Not only that! Jay Park is also Orange Magazine TV’s cover for April 2012 

With last year’s mini-album “Take A Deeper Look” Jay Park brushed off his ‘idol image’ and stepped up as a solo singer.  This time around with his first full-length album “New Breed”, he matures even more into an all-around musician.

As with his last mini-album, Jay Park again holds the reins as album producer.  Writing over 80% of the songs, he cements his status as a world-class singer-songwriter.

The album’s title track “Know Your Name” is an addictive blend of hip-hop, pop and Euro dance, taking the listener on a hypnotic journey.  And with Jay Park’s trademark hard-hitting lyrics and catchy chorus, “Know Your Name” is sure to be 2012’s biggest hit.

Totaling 15 tracks, this album is sure to catch the eyes and ears of listeners.
With tracks ranging from R&B to dance, electronic hip-hop to Euro dance, listeners will hear sounds they’ve never heard before and meet a brand new Jay Park.

Famed U.S. producer Rob Knox, who previously worked with artists such as Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Chris Brown and Britney Spears, lends his talented hand, elevating the album to another level.  Add to those collaborations with Dynamic Duo, dok2 and The Quiett, among others, and this makes for one complete album fans will not want to miss.

HAPI Conference to Take Place in May

Do you have questions about whether you should homeschool, or how you can? Good News! The Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI) recently made announcements that the country's 4th Homeschooling Conference has been scheduled to happen on May 19, 2012. Set to take place at St. Francis Square Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong, the event will gather parents, academe, and homeschooling experts in one venue to promote awareness of the program, as well as provide guests with access to homeschool-related tools and services.

Homeschooling is a practice that, over the years, has rapidly gained popularity in the Philippines. Providing children with a familiar and relaxed learning environment that allows parents to tailor-fit certain aspects of their education based on their needs, remote education shatters the long-standing concept that prime education happens only within the confines of the classroom, and is also proven to unlock certain hidden potentials of the student—presenting more room for growth and enhancement.

This year's Homeschooling Conference is themed “Laying a Strong Foundation.” It will feature lectures from esteemed homeschooling authorities both here and abroad including: noted inspirational speaker, best-selling author and homeschool parent, Bo Sanchez; and former high school and college educator and best-selling author of award-winning books like “Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling,” “Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens,” and “Ultimate Planners for Moms, Teens and Students,” Debra Bell.

The event is supported by the 3,000-strong force of Filipino families, who are currently homeschooling by choice and discovering its priceless benefits.

About HAPI

The conference is organized by the Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI), an organization that has dedicated itself as a catalyst for nation-building by advancing home education and unifying home educators in the country.

The Philippine Homeschool Conference is set to take place on May 19, 2012 5/F St. Francis Square, Julia Vargas Ave. cor Bank Drive, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City with the theme “Laying a Strong Foundation”. International speaker Debra Bell a homeschooling authority in the U.S. and best-selling author, and our own inspirational speaker and author Bo Sanchez are slated as keynote speakers. The event will be honored by the presence of Dep Ed officials like Atty Tonisito Umali, Asst. Secretary for Legal & Legislative Affairs.

To know more about the Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI) or how to register for the Conference, visitwww.hapihomeschooler.com and/or email hapihomeschooler@gmail.com.

PAG-IBIG AND SSS OFFER BIGGER LOANS AT LOWER INTEREST.

Good news from Pag-IBIG fund and Social Security System (SSS): Pag-Ibig and SSS are offering members bigger loans at lower interest rates.

Pag-IBIG members earning minimum wage and with at least two years of monthly contributions can apply for housing loans.

Minimum Wage Earners can be offered up to P400,000

Members with higher salaries can loan up to P3 million

Interest rate is 4.5% a year (down from 6%)

Loan applications start on July 1, 2012

Depending on the applicant's capability, the interest rate would be reduced from 11 %

Visit http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/ for more information.
Loan interest rates drop from 13% to 5%

Members may apply for housing loans up to P2 million

For home packages, three members could tuck-in their privilege up to P6 million

Visit http://www.sss.gov.ph/ for more information.

Gastronomic Delights at Naci Comfort Food

We started our food adventure at Naci with an Appetizer Sample. Naci's best-selling appetizers consists of Beef Taco Spring Rolls which are crispy spring rolls filled with a Mexican beef taco filling and served with tomato salsa and sour cream, glazed Buffalo Chicken Wings, Cajun Mozzarella Balls and my all time favorite deep-fried Squid Rings and Onion Stacks. Hmmm, so yummy!

 

The appetizer was followed by a very refreshing Kani Mango Crunch which is a salad with layers of assorted greens, Kani, ripe mangoes, cucumber with crispy wonton that is very crunchy and vermicelli drizzled with wasabi mayo.  Vegetarians out there would really fall in love with this Japanese-inspired dish. I am not really into vegetables so I shared mine with my brother. My brother has his own review here.

 

If you're craving for pasta, try Nadine’s Adobo Cannelloni. It is my favorite on all the dishes served that night. Nadine’s Adobo Cannelloni is a classic flaked adobo rolled in pasta topped with Bechamel and covered in adobo sauce and mozzarella. You could taste its goodness in every bite. I couldn't help it, but its delicious taste is stuck in my mind. Geez!

This pie is called Steak & Mushroom Casserole. This is a flavorsome and unusual dish. The beef,mushrooms and gravy can be found underneath the mozzarella cheese. You had to slice it to find its secret. The beef is so tender it fell apart under my fork. This dish turned out so good, it was amazing! 

To my delight, Naci’s menu is blessed with a good selection of pizza! I like this Steak & Cheese Pizza so much I wanted a second serving. So yummy!

This is one of their best sellers according to Nadine the Peruvian Chicken Rice. Nadine told me that if you want to order this dish you have to give an allowance of 45 minutes because it takes time to cook this dish which consists of rice, chicken, sliced lemon with mayonnaise on top. Rice with chicken are very traditional and popular dish in Peru. Ingredients and cooking techniques are very similar to the Spanish paella. I asked Nadine if they substitute Kasubha instead of Saffron sometimes, she said they always use Saffron. So there ladies and gentlemen don't forget to try this flavorful dish.

 

Slow Roast Pork Belly. The meat is soft and melting while the skin crisps up which makes for a great contrast of texture and flavour. Crispy and crackling. Its tender meat and sweet apple sauce is Saturday perfection on a plate.

 

Nate’s Steak and Eggs, which is a stack of seared beef patty over parsley rice topped with eggs and onion rings served with chunky mushroom gravy, is certainly a dish for meat lovers out there. I don't know if it is just me, but this dish reminds me of Jollibee burger steak, lol.

Oven Baked Barbecue Chicken. This mouth-watering & hearty dish is so soft and yummy!

 

Satay Marinated Grilled Prawns

This is the first time that I had pizza for dessert this is a very innovative dish! Cream Cheese Pizza with Mango bits, honey and mint. I love it!

Two beautiful platters of very enticing mini cakes and cupcakes were served to us. Each one of these are worth ordering. The Black and White Premium Cupcake which had silky and cracking chocolate glaze-coated dark Belgian chocolate ganache atop a dense vanilla cupcake really stood out.

I saw this signage at Naci Comfort Food:We assure you no appetite will be left unsatisfied! And I have to agree with that.

Verdict: Two Thumbs up for Naci Comfort Food! I really love Nadine's adobo! The next time you find yourself craving for something that might give you that nice happy feeling in your tummy or for some downright good tasting food, NACI Comfort Food and Dessert Bar may have something for you.

You'll never miss Naci because they have multiple signage. I actually lost count of its exact number. And they're just on the same building with Bikram Yoga Greenhills 

Naci Signage are all over the place. Naci Comfort Food and Dessert Bar is a 7 month-old baby by Nadine Nocom. The restaurant was named after Nadine's father and restaurateur Nacy Nocom. All the items on the menu are originally inspired creations of renowned culinary experts Executive Chef Ed Quimson and Chef Booj Supe in collaboration with Nadine and her family.

The interiors which was personally chosen by Nadine and her family are just as comforting as the food, with a friendly and attentive staff to attend your every need. 

This Greenhills food haven offers a hearty combo of comfort food and desserts. It is as if I toured the world with the great variety of available cuisine.

Staying true to Naci's promise, every guest walking in to the restaurant can enjoy the cozy interiors and earth-toned colors of the 220-square foot dining destination. Naci have approximately 120 guests seating capacity . Naci exudes a homey ambiance, a wall of award-winning international wines, and an open patisserie.

Naci Comfort Food and Dessert Bar  

Located at the 2nd floor of Fox Square Building

#53 Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan

Tel. No. 726-7266

Operation hour is from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Mondays to Thursdays); 

and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (Saturdays); 

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sundays)

Naci's facebook