A Piece of Heaven on Earth

I've been blabbering about my recent trip on my previous posts right? And maybe your getting sick of it. So now, finally, I will tell you about that trip. Jr and I went to Puerto Princesa City, Palwan. Some says that it was the Philippine's last ecological frontier, some says it's the last ecological biodiversity but for better understanding. Click this link http://wikitravel.org/en/Palawan. Palawan has been popular because of it's breath taking sceneries, beaches, culture, food and people. There was also a lot of campaigns about the place. One is for it to be placed on the New Seven Wonders of Nature which where it's a finalist and second is the campaign for the removal of the mining industry in the said place. I don't wanna sound as a travel expert so I should stop right there.

I know I have told you about Jr and I's second year anniversary and we decided to celebrate it there. We went to the island on the 29th of June and we spent three days and two nights there.

Our flight was around 3:45 in the afternoon. But due to the bad weather on some areas in the country our flight was cancelled for an hour. After waiting and fooling around at the pre-departure area we bored at around 4:45PM. Our flight went alright, smooth take off and landing. (I so, so hate airplanes for I have a slight fear of heights). We arrived at the Puerto Princesa Airport at around 6:00PM, we were fetched by the a van that was included on our hotel package. It only took us 10-15minutes travel to reach the hotel. We stayed at Remari Pension Hotel located at Rizal Avenue just in front of the provincial capitol. The hotel was okay. The staffs are friendly, hospitable and accommodating. The rooms are clean and a convenience store was located just below the hotel. Our stay there didn't gave us any hassle. None at all. :) 

At the pre-departure lounge. We were kinda anxious when we heard that our flight was delayed because we are running for time. We needed to be there before 6:00PM. Why? I'll tell you about it later. :p

While waiting for the flight. I read a book, teased Jr and played Pig shot just to shook boredom.

The game that am talking about. Jr and I are currently addicted to it. :)

Inside the plane. We were seated at the third row, thank God for it assures less turbulence. After the take off and when the seat belt sign is turned off the flight crew did a little entertainment by conducting a game entitled currencies of the world where in they name a country and for you to win you have to name the currency of that country. And to cut the story short, I won and that's my price. :p

Our flight just took an hour. We landed swiftly and we arrived past six in the evening at Puerto Princesa Airpot. As I said, we were fetched in the airport for it was included on our hotel package.

For a bout 10-15minutes travel from the airport, we were greeted by friendly hotel staffs and a well organized and clean room. :)

We just checked our room, left our things, freshen up and went back down stairs for we are bound to the first  part of our itinerary.
Our first stop. Iwahig Firefly Watching.
Baranggay Iwahig is approximately 30-40minutes from the city proper. Our driver Kuya Kenneth, also served as in instant tour guide. Good thing we rented the van for ourselves. When we arrived just in time, I saw cottages and picnic areas. I haven't seen any firefly before so it's one of the things I've been looking forward to. Included on the package that we arranged is the boat that will take us where the fireflies stays. We had a boatman (that I forgot the name no matter how much I recall) that was in-charge for the rowing (I even asked Jr to row but he doesn't know how to!), the travel consisted of a 1km travel by water that took us 45 minutes. There were a hundred mangroves at the area and that made the air clean. We also did some star gazing for our boat man if very knowledgeable on constellations. I learned a lot of stuff because our boat man was packed with a lot of trivias and (corny) jokes. :p
Let me share to you what I learned:
>Fireflies only exist on clean air. So don't expect to see them on the city.
>It's a beetle, also called as lightning bugs.
>Fireflies are nocturnal. They don't eat other insect for they eat pollens and nectars from plants and flowers
>They glow when they are mating.
>The male's light is brighter compared to the females
>They use chemical reaction inside their bodies to produce light. No infrared. No ultraviolets.
>They had a short life span.
>Their eggs are laid on the ground and not on trees.

Oh my! I can't believe I learned a lot!! lol!
Click this to see other trivias that I forgot. :p
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/firefly.html

On the way to the river I first had mixed emotions, I was hyped with excitement and I was afraid at the same time for it was so freaking dark and I'm frightened of the boat too not that I don't trust our experienced boatman but the boat look so fragile I didn't feel safe at first. We wore life vests because it's mandatory and it's for our safety. Good thing the moon was bright enough that it illuminated the path. When the first firefly came to view all my anxieties melt away. I felt the kid in me, they were so fascinating I almost wanted to jump into the water and catch a few and bring them home. lol
Forgive me for I can't post any photos. No matter how much we tried, we can't take a photo of it. Our boat man said that even professional photographers tried but failed. It was so fascinating and I savored every minute of it. It's very romantic too. Our boatman said that two wedding proposals was made there. And indeed everything on it is spell binding and I couldn't believe what my eyes are seeing. There were like magic. I wish I could find the right words to say hoe captivated I was. I wanted to tell you everything but I guess words aren't enough.

What we saw is close to this. They were like million of Christmas lights. Very lovely.
Photos courtesy of www.google.com

Please forgive my constipated look. lol
It was really dark and my eyes can't adjust on sudden flashes from the camera. :p
As you can see, there's a No Flash policy because the flash may disturb the fireflies.

The only picture that Jr and I had. This was taken after the boat ride. 

After the captivating, mesmerizing and spell binding trip Jr and I was dropped off by our driver to our hotel. We just freshen and up and unpacked our stuffs. We were both hungry so we asked Ate Zahara (Hotel receptionist) on where's the best place to eat. She suggested a lot of place but we chose Kinabuch a local bar and grill restaurant at Palawan. It's an open air restaurant, with nipa huts, pool tables and it has this western vibe. It also offers Filipino and western dishes in affordable prices and good size proportion servings. And they offer the famous "Tamilok" or wood worms. The service was okay. It was very busy and crowded so I guess there was a little lapse on service but it was okay.

Top: The Kinabuch neon sign.
Bottom: The rest of the bar. It offers a ton of alcoholic beverages that didn't catch my interest since I  don't really drink.

We ordered tenderloin steak in Filipino sauce. I know we should've ordered a seafood meal because we're on an island for goodness sake, but I can't ignore the steak and it's mushroom. I'm a sucker on mushrooms. lol :p

The slimy wood worms that I've been talking about known as Tamilok or Ship worm. I'ts not a worm actually, it's long mollusk. Some says it tastes like oyster. It's commonly found in the Philippines, particularly at Palawan and Aklan. It's usually found on brackish water. And of course we wanted to try everything so we never let the chance to taste it.

And we shouldn't have ordered it! Jr enjoyed every single moment of my agony. lol!
I didn't liked it. It's slimy and  gristly and you have to swallow everything at once because it;s not chewable. Ugh!
I asked Jr if he liked it and he just said, "sakto lang" and we weren't able finish the dish. We literally just tasted it.

After dinner at Kinabuch. We were full and happy because we were able to try new things. :)

After dinner, we just walked back to our hotel. I liked our walk to be honest. It seems like life was just simple. No stress. No pressure. I enjoyed every single moment with him. We needed to rest because we got a long day ahead of us. And of course I will tell that to you. On my next post! ha,ha

I'll see yah on day two! :)

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

'Till We Meet Again

'Despedida. A Spanish word that means farewell or goodbye. I blogged about it for almost three to four times. And here I am again. Forgive me for I can't help it. It's my way of telling other people that they are going to be missed. And for that let me start my story. Last Sunday, Jr and I was invited to a dinner get together with his friends. I been with Jr's friends for a couple of times already, that's why I consider them as my friends too. Annie as we call her or Rachel Anne Laborera in real life, is bound to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia today. (She's probably at the airport now) and last Sunday was her, despedida. We met up at the mall around 7 O'clock in the evening since Jr and I watched the three hour third installment of the movie Transformers (Which by the way is so awesome, I can't help but mention it. And I'm trying so hard not to talk about it here either). Then we went to Hapag Vicentico's. A famous local restaurant here in Cabanatuan that offers Filipino food.( I've ate there a hundred times but this is the only chance that'll be able to blog about it since I always forget to take photos of the place. Forgive me.) Hapag Vicentico's is famous for it's Kare-Kare (Ox tail in peanut sauce) and Crispy Kare-Kare. (Meaning Crispy Pata, (Deep fried Pig's leg) and peanut sauce. Thinking of it makes my mouth water. Drool.) It has this Filipino-Antique vibe that will make you admire the Filipino culture.

This is Annie by the way. I've been with her for a couple of times. She's easy to be with. She's caring and thoughtful and I'm sure a lot of people will miss her. Including me. :(

As I said, we had supper at Hapag Vicentico's located here at Cabanatuan City.

From old to new. I admired the architecture and designs. They made a good job on infusing the old vibe and technology.

I find this panel divider very cute. You can request this upon dining. Ideal for privacy or meetings.

The famous Crispy Kare Kare that I'm talking about. It's really tender and appetizing. Meat lovers must try this. :)

We also had Lechon Kawali or Deep Fried Pork.  Oooh. I can feel our cholesterol level speeding up! lol.

Shrimp tempura, I thinks it's one of Annie's favorite food.

Gising-Gising I'm really not a cook so I can't tell you the details of this dish but I'm sure every Filipino knows what Gising Gising is. It's basically a mixture of vegetables and sea foods in oyster sauce. It's really appetizing and delicious. :p

Before and after dinner.
From top to bottom:
Group photo in front of a very elegant mirror.
Before the food is served, drooling over the mocha cake .
During dinner, Thanks so much to the waiter for taking this photo! :p

Forgive me for I can't help to post this photo. I find it really funny. Separated by a tower of iced tea.

With the gang. From left to right: Jr, Rael, Cris, Gladys and Meek with Annie.

Annie and I. Annie's the type of person that's easy to be with. She's spontaneous and out going. She loves her friends and I believe her friends loves her too. And even though we only spent few get together-s I will definitely miss her.

Taken at the receiving area at Hapag Vicentico's. This picture cannot be taken again for Annie won't be around to make it prettier. We will miss you Annie! You take care! :)

As I'm saying over and over. We will miss Annie, The way she laughs on certain jokes, the way she smiles, the way she care for others and simply her presence.

 After the sumptuous dinner. We decided to call it a day.
Although Annie will be thousand of miles away from us, we will definitely keep in touch. We got Facebook right?
So, Annie, You take care there. I was so nice to meet a person like you. Stay wonderful and let's meet again when you get back! xoxo :p

More to come Hearties!

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

P.S.

I would like to thank and acknowledge this person for the photos that I used!
Thanks meek! More photos to come! Be prepared for our photo shoot! lol! :p

I Like Girls Who Like Girls

Last Friday, I went to the jungle (Manila) to run some errands and I took the liberty to meet up with one of my University mates. I arrived there at around 3 O' Clock in the afternoon because I was greeted by a heavy traffic and a slight rain. I was anxious because I needed to meet up with my boyfriend at around 5 O' Clock and having two hours to spend with your good old friend seems like not enough. And it is indeed not enough. We decided to meet up at Robinson's Galleria in Ortigas, our original plan was to meet at SM Megamall since we wanted to raid Forever 21 again. (I think it's our favorite store by the way since we spent three straight hours there during our last meet up.) But due to the heavy traffic and weather we decided to post pone our shopping spree! lol.

I know I haven't blogged about her yet so this will the first time that you'll meet her. She's Krizia Lacanilao. I call her Krish by the way, we were inseparable during our first year at my University. She was my first friend and although we only spent almost one year together (Since she needed to transfer to another school) we created a bond and we kept each other as friends even if we don't see each other regularly.

When I arrived, we decided to eat first since we were both hungry, she was from grave yard shift and she just woke up. She's also a nurse by the way. She's currently working at St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City. 

As we were looking for a place to fill our stomachs we came across Burgoo. An American Bar and Restaurant. It's been ages since the last time I ate there so I persuade Krish that we should try the Grilled steak. And I can tell she liked it there.

It's an American Bar and Restaurant that of course offers pasta and pizza. It also has sea-foods. Great for family gatherings and/or simple meet up with friends.

The ambiance. Simple. Laid back and relaxed. They also play feel good music as a background and that adds to the relaxed and cozy feeling of the place. We we're lucky because it was past rush hour, so it wasn't crowded nor noisy. If you'll notice at the far right part of the photo there's a colorful collections of drawing from the customers posted on the wall. If I'm not mistaken, before, they only use one design which is the butterfly  (Look closely) and their consumers will just color the ready made patterns.

You'll notice the white paper that serves as a mat on top of the table. You can draw on it. Yes, that's the reason why they have crayons on the side. It's a cute gimmick actually, good for kids and kids at heart. While waiting for your order you can draw anything you like on the paper. You can even bring your own crayons! :p

We almost forgot to talk because we we're so busy drawing! Kidding! We we're chatting while drawing actually. We even  made side comments on each others drawings. :)

I really missed Krish so much. As much as possible, I wanted to bond with her. Because I know that the time will come that one of us will no longer be in the country. I just hope and pray that everything will remain between us.

By Krish. She adores Hello Kitty so much. :)

Here's mine. I don't draw any cartoon character for it won't look like them in the first place. These are the only things that I can draw aside from stick figures of course. Lol. :p

Krish had the grilled steak with rice. The plate presentation isn't appealing but the food says it all. She was able to finish everything. :)

I had the grilled steak with the gigantic mashed potato. I'm really a sucker for mashed potatoes. I super loved it. It's chunky, with a bit of crushed ginger and I can taste the nutmeg. Okay, I should stop right there because I'm sounding like a freak already. Anyway, I was able to finish the steak but not the mashed potato, I even asked Krish to help me with it. But it weren't able to finish it, we weren't able to finish even the half of it. That's how massive the serving was.

We both had two slices of pepperoni pizza. Because I was already full, I didn't tasted it. I told the waiter to wrap it because I know Jr will like it. That' how thoughtful I am. Lol. :p
Krish also didn't ate her pizza, it was wrapped also because she'll bring it to work afterwards.

Krish and I are totally different persons. She's the shy one and I'm the out spoken one. And we even like different things too. When we're in our University days, she always like things that I don't get. But despite of our differences, we still get along very well. Maybe that's the proof to the saying that opposites do attract. Right?

After our super late lunch we decided to window shop. We chatted and debated about the things that we saw. That's one more thing I like about our friendship. We are free to say the things on our mind. We can say what we think without thinking that the other person will be offended by our opinion because we know and we respect each other. At past five we decided to call it a day since I need to meet up with my Jr and she needed to catch up with her sleep. It was still raining so instead of walking to much we decided to take the bus. But before we part ways something really awful happened. I won't go into details for as I said it's awful and I don't want awful things on my blog. We were still thankful that we are both safe. And we'll just charge everything to experience. We'll be careful next time and pray that things like that won;t happen again.

I really had a great time bonding with Krish. I hope to see her again soon. :)

I hope you had a great time meeting her.

Till next time. More to come!

Love lots,

KarenHeartilly

25:25

The love of my existence celebrated his 25th birthday last June 25. Please forgive me for posting this late for I was busy and well, lazy. lol.

It was the second time that he celebrated his birthday with me. And I make it appoint to do something special for him. Last year I tried to surprise him but my surprise was blown off by his Uncle. Amp!

This year I really did a good job on planning but when the said date came I was running high with fever. I told him that I was sick and I won't be able to go out of the house, but in spite of my 38 degrees Celsius temperature I got out off bed, went to the bake shop to buy his favorite chocolate cake and to the gift shop for a last minute preparation. Of course I didn't forgot the balloons! I told him that I was sleeping the whole time when the truth is, I was forcing my fragile body (lol.) to fix those things while the rain is so busy pouring. :)

When my agendas were finished I went back to my house and fixed everything, as an excuse I told him that I'm not able to eat so he should drop to my house and buy me something to eat. He told me that he was expecting a surprise from me, I thought he was just joking but he admitted that he's not. I told him that I'm really sick and I will show him my thermometer as a proof. When he came in, (Thanks to my Brother and Sister for helping me out with the surprise!) he was looking for me and I was hiding at the back of the door with a lighted cake on my hand. He was surprised indeed. He told me that he was expecting something but he didn't expected something like that. ha,ha (Did you get what I'm saying or do I have to elaborate on that? Lol)

I was really happy seeing him smiling and I felt that he was really touched. And the most lovable part is, he took care of me. :p

It was really sweet, I thought I almost ruined his birthday, but he said that he's contented of being just with me wherever we are. We also had an agreement for a no gift policy and a not so extravagant celebration because we were saving up for an upcoming trip. But I can't help it. I love him so much and I wanted to make him feel special on his special day. And even though my surprise came up to be so simple he was deeply touched by it. And that was enough to send me on cloud nine. :p

So, here are some of the photos that I managed to took. :p

The Chocolate Cake. Jr loved this cake and I loved it too. I can tell that he was really surprised when he saw me holding it, with matching just-woke-up-straight-from-the-bed-and-still-in-pajamas look. lol :p

My gift. I told you before that I love wrapping presents, that's why I find every excuse on doing so. I gave him a water gun. Yes, don't laugh. I know I've told you about us gazillion times, that we always have the tendency to play and fool around. He said that he doesn't want anything expensive for his birthday, because we're saving up for an upcoming trip that time (Of course I will tell you everything  about it.) so I decided to give him a toy. I also got mine by the way. And Jr loved it! Although we haven't played with it yet, since we got busy this past few days I know that we'll be able to use it perhaps while playing under the rain again. That, I'll be looking forward to. ♥

My very trying hard banner. But Jr loved everything about it. And that's what matters to me most. :)

I gave him balloons! Yes, we had a party! And he was indeed happy. I wish I could force him to write here, so that I'll have a proof that he was really happy. Or maybe he can post a comment? Wait there, I know he'll react here one time or another. lol :p

Okay, now let me tell you something about the celebrant (If you don't mind). He's 25 already, but sometimes, he acts like he's ten. ha,ha

Seriously, Jr is the nicest person I know. I bet a lot of people can testify to that. He's caring and thoughtful and sweet (to me and his family, not to other girls, thank you. lol :p). He's funny, he's very, (very, very,very) talkative. He can spend the whole day talking but he knows when to stop. he knows when to listen. He's very opinionated but again he knows when to keep his mouth shut. One thing that I can't do. lol.

He's caring, he's a good son and a brother. He loves and respects his family. He's very close to his cousins too. He got an infectious laugh. He's silly and he loves looking like a fool sometimes. He desperately want to grow his hair long. ha,ha. He's very fond of Japanes Animes and Mangas. He loves Sinigang and Leche Flan. :p

I can count a million things that I love about him. But one thing I admire about him is his simplicity. He doesn't complicate things. He mean what he say and he say what he mean. And I love him more for that. Maybe you're now wondering who's blog is this? :p

Over a year ago. He was still thin then. ha,ha (And I super miss my black hair!). He doesn't change. He's still the same person that I fell in love with. And I like that. ♥

Taken a few months ago. Just to show how affectionate Jr is. He's really malambing. And he's not afraid to show it. ♥

Taken at our trip to Ilocos Region last year. Our trip was like my birthday wish. I thought it was impossible but he fixed everything for me. He even called my friends just to make it more special. It just shows how giving he can be, he really exerts effort on our relationship. I never felt neglected nor taken for granted.

Jr's not a big fan of coffee. As much as I love it he's very vocal that he doesn't like the bitter taste and the palpitation effects of it. Since I'm a huge fan of caffeine every time that we went to a coffee shop, expect him to order anything aside from coffee. He adores chocolate drinks so anything apart from coffee based drinks will do. :p

During one of our numerous "date". We only see each other every weekend. And we make it appoint to savor every minute of it. I'm very grateful for having him in my life. ♥ 

The love of my existence. He's 25. He's cheerful and simple. He got dreams and he'll be able to reach it. I will just be beside him, holding his hand. I'll give him 100% support, faith and of course love. ♥

We spent the whole day together. My Mom and Dad prepared dinner for him. I was indeed happy and I just hope and pray that I'll be able to be at Jr's side every time he celebrate his birthday. I hope I made him happy as well. And I'll be looking forward on his 26th! :)

Till then!

More to come!

Love Lots,

KarenHeartilly