Strong winds, again?

Alarming! Yes, it is indeed the effect of global warming / climate change. These dramatic changes were discussed by Al Gore (former VP of the United States) during his documentary that was shown in HBO.

The question here is, is it really happening? Can we adopt penguins, polar bears and pandas anytime soon here in our city?

Davao is too blessed to experience the good life and to be tagged as "The Land of Promise" - free from typhoons, strong winds, heavy rains and flash floods (oooops!), YES, that was before. But now is a different story.

Just this morning, I woke up to a different sound that I could hear outside my window, strong winds gushing and heavy rain pouring. Some of our doors were banging and windows (made of steel casement and glass) were softly closing. It's too cold and yes, too difficult to handle for Davaoeños who are not used to this kind of weather. Imagine, this is the 1st time in 30 years in Davao specifically (yes, my first time too except during the times when I'm in Manila). SCARY.

Pablo (the strongest typhoon that will hit the country this year) is just entering PAR. WOW! STRONG-est! If I could feel it, how much more those in areas raised by PAG-ASA as signal no. 3 or worst, 4. I could imagine their roofs made of nipa and even light materials being blown away, walls made of kawayan and nipa being hit by some other things brought by the wind. Heart breaking! I just hope the LGUs in their areas take their part in saving the lives and properties of their people.

Oh well, we could do nothing but be prepared. This is the test of nature, made exactly by human beings. We destroy the nature, we then suffer the consequence.

Let us just pray for everyone affected and pray that we will all be safe during these unwanted times.

Don't forget to charge your phones and other important communication devices and emergency lights. Keep in mind that food and water should always come first!

Read More

Unpaid Review: Just pure HAPPINESS and SATISFACTION!

Cold Drinks especially Frapuccino is spelled as L-O-V-E. My boyfriend can bribe me with this every time I am sad or whenever I am in my "tampo" mode. (You know, just like guys -- the way to a woman's heart is through her craving tummy! *sniff*)

What makes me happy: Blu Gre Coffee and Bo's Coffee. NOW YOU KNOW! =)

Unpaid Review: Just pure HAPPINESS and SATISFACTION!

During my free time (whenever I get the chance to work, not play time), I rush to this certain coffee shop in a certain mall here in Davao and spend the non-paid hours there. The coffee shop is a native of Cebu City - Bo's Coffee.

I don't know their history but what I know is I simply love the interior and the overall feel of the place. It's like a home for me since it's not as noisy as other coffee shops. Getting in touch with my keyboard on a laminated working table is so comfortable together with their bar chairs that are just perfect for those who want to have some "steady" time.

That's their working station with coffee-related sticker arts.

My premium hot chocolate. You know what I love about their hot cup? The taste isn't too commercialized compared to (hmm, you know what I'm talking about). There's no consistency and worst, sometimes, it's served warm not HOT! Na-ah.

Another must-try: If you're into those non-coffee based drinks, you should try the Chocolate Chip. I love it to death. The whipped cream is thick and not-too-sweet, the taste is so good and the ice is crushed right. The price is fine, P145 for a a taste you won't forget in just an hour. It doesn't taste like ICED MILO/OVALTINE (like those one's being sold at this super "sikat" coffee shop). Btw, segway lang, I got so disappointed when I ordered their Frap (Chocolate something) and the texture is like sand, it also tasted like Milo with ice and the whipped cream was melted (just like the cream sold on shelves-definitely not chilled, I don't know what was that. Paying for P165 for a drink such as that isn't worth it AT ALL.

I love the place, I love everything about it. From their staff down to the mini pancakes sold at P55. Bo's coffee is definitely a must-try! :)

Read More

CDO: What I love about you!

Last April 12, we went to CDO for some business matters. We stayed at the Marigold Hotel with the help of booking.com, toured CDO and we ate our heart OUUUUUUT!!!!

We arrived in CDO around 7 in the morning. We rode the Rural Transit Bus from Davao. The only bus that brings Davao closer to CDO, so we have no choice! Road trip, it is!

Fare cost: P575 non-stop (aircon/6 hours travel time), P510 4-stop (aircon/about 8 hours travel time) and P475 (non-air). I think the last trip from Davao is 10 or 11pm, daily.

First stop: Agora Terminal (East Bound)

From Agora, you can ride the "rela" or better known as tricycle to get to the main streets of the city. Around the area, it only cost P7 (seven pesos) for one-way. Anyway, from there, we went directly to our hotel located at Velez cor. Luna St.

Check-in time!! We we're gladly assisted by the friendly staff of the hotel. Sign some docs and then, we were given the key to our room. I'd like to share this. Two days ago before going to CDO, I booked the hotel via an online website, we we're charge P2,500++ for two nights, not bad. However, the hotel staff  told me that we will only be charge P2,076 for a night and they will get P500 security deposit (which is refundable). Nothing -- just like to share how cost-efficient this place is! Hehe. Btw, request a room with no windows, it lessens the noise since it is located in a very busy street :)

This is our room. Clean, cozy, huge enough (w/ refrigerator, aircon unit, built-in cabinet, hot and cold shower and so many stuff) -- for only P1000/night.

This photo only shows half of the room.

Work and Lakwatsa mode: Divisoria to Cogon Market up to anywhere!

Enough for "rela," we then rode a jeepney. All the jeepney of CDO can take you around the city. Great value, right? :)

Food Trip!! We only got some pictures because we we're too busy eating and enjoying the food.

Missy Bonbon - Limketkai Branch

The Pastel of Missy Bonbon is quite different from Vjandep. The filling tastes good but medyo konte. But I enjoyed it a lot! Look at cute blue-yellow box, isn't is so lovely? Add up my fresh orange juice, namnam!

These huckleberry pancakes are oozing with flavor. Another namnam. It goes perfectly with blueberry syrup, butter and powdered sugar as well as with the fresh fruits. The taste is light yet the flavor that brings the after taste is so yummy! Five-star for the soft and fluffy pancake! :)

The cutest cat of Missy Bonbon, staring at me. The interiors of the store is wonderfully blended. The colors are attractive and adds up a cozy yet comfortable feeling.

Butcher's Best Barbeque - Hanes cor. Corrales St.

Indeed, it's the best Bbq CDO has to offer. Affordable and full of awesomeness!!! :)

We haven't got any picture apart from this because we we're too busy eating. The price? It's so affordable.

Boneless Chicken - P15/stick
Pork Bbq - P14/stick add P2 for hot & spicy
Sisig - P85
Solo Sisig - P47
 RICE (you will need a lot of this) - P10 only!

It's tasty and for sure, these meat on sticks will let you crave and comeback for more!! Your P100 will go a loooong way! :) Definitely, a must-try in CDO!

Alberto's Pizza - Divisoria, CDO

No photos. Just check out their website and see what I mean -- http://albertospizzacebu.com

Stuffed our tummy with two flavorful pizza + mountain dew with a price of P200. Fun, right? :)

Side trip - CDO's night life

Weekends (Friday and Saturday) - Proceed to Divisoria. From Ukay-ukay to steaming hot grilled stuff, you'll find it there! But be ready to join the crowd! :)

Weekdays - We hanged out at Star Mart, Caltex Station at Velez St. until 11pm I guess. A lot of people we're drinking there as well. Cool place to chill and relax after a busy day. Lexi's Grill (the rela drivers know this), it's a grilling station that serves all your liquid needs! :D

Enjoy your CDO trip just as much as we enjoyed it!! :)

Now, all I can say is -- It's more fun in the Philippines!!!

Read More

A PRAYER FOR FEAR

Heavenly Father,

As we kneel before Your throne of grace, we ask a special blessing and benediction upon us, Your people. We particularly pray that You will shield and defend us from the ravages of fear and anxiety. Place Your protective mantle around us and our loved ones that we will be fearful of nothing. Help us, Father, to change these times of fear and apprehension into trust and assurance. Keep us steadfast and resolute of purpose in serving You and in doing Your will. Forgive our weakness and shortcomings. Lord, hear our prayer, for we give You praise, honor, glory and thanks.

Amen.

Read More

Shoes, shoes and nothing but SHOES!

Spoil yourself with these shoes, make them yours!! :)

Only at RAYSUIdotMULTIPLYdotCOM

=)

Read More

Shoe Gazing!

Look what I have found while browsing the net. It's a fruit shoe by Charlotte Olympia. I really don't understand why she designed a shoe like this, hmm.. maybe she loves it or someone she knows love to eat watermelon, banana and strawberries? :) This chunky fruit basket turned into a shoe costs £873. Okay, 'nuf said.

It may not be the same as Charlotte's but it's definitely a good replica. I actually love the edgy look of this foxy shoe, especially the chunky wooden heel.

If you're thinking of paying about £873 (computing.. nah.. never mind), think again. You can drag this fruity shoe design for 1,600 pesos.

Where: raysuiDOTmultiplyDOTcom

Just message me and tell me you want that limited edition fruity patootie!

Happy shopping! :)

Read More

Goodbye, Phone

No photos to show, it's a wreck. My e72 is now resting in peace. I bought it two years ago and now I have to let it go. It breaks my heart seeing that phone break into pieces, but I have to accept it - nothing lasts forever.

Yesterday, a bad thing happened and my phone was blown by the wind, far, far -- so very far away. *sigh* I'm currently using my Nokia 101 Essential for all my transactions, etc. Good thing it's a dual sim phone so I can use both numbers at the same time. *again, sigh*

Now I am planning to get a new one. I'm planning to buy this one:
Maybe not today nor tomorrow but pretty soon (that's if I have extra.. tsk!)

I am really not into these techie phones but I love how iPhone 4s attract me. It's sleek, handy and stylish. Can you help me? Is this worth it? 30k something is a huge amount of money -- sighhh.

*Ohhh, I wanna faint...*

Read More

Fashion 2012: Pastel and Neon Wedges!

Make way for these bright and wonderful Block Heels, Wedges and Strappy hotties into your shoe closet.

You can have these items here at a lesser cost, of course!

Enjoy these lovely shoes only at RAYSUIdotMULTIPLYdotCOM.

HAPPY SHOPPING! :)

Read More

Love for Food: Gino's Burger | Davao

Are you to ready take some mouth-watering charcoal grilled burgers?

It may look like another "karinderya" ready to serve home-cooked meals at first look but NOPE, it's a DELICIOUS BURGER HOUSE. Gino's Burgers began its operations last year, 2011 and making it's name more popular in 2012. It is located along Lapu Lapu Street Corner Sobrecarey Street, Davao City.

100 years of HAPPINESS. I love their Coca-Cola chairs and tables.

So here goes, I got myself an A1 Burger (100% lean beef patty, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and of course, the A-1 steak sauce), P110 only. Very affordable for its taste! I think it took 12 minutes for grilling and preparation. Hungry!

The beef -- Super SARAP! It's tender, juicy and absolutely yummy! Don't forget to put on "hot sauce" or "ketchup," it brings out MORE flavor!

They have a wide array of burgers to choose from. Price ranges from P80 (regular burger) to P185. They also have Giant burgers that costs around P300 (Giant Regular Burger) to P450 (Giant Pizza Burger). For sidings, they have fries, onion rings, etc.


For students and budget conscious, they have a burger meal for only P120. The burger is served with fries and regular "coca-cola" beverage.


OVERALL EXPERIENCE:


I believe that customer service should always come first when dealing with clients and customers. When you're in the business, be polite when talking to your customers and do not just give them a "nod" when they are asking for help and assistance.


The smile painted on your staff is what the customers see from the beginning and not the taste of your food. So in order to give your client a good impression, start with a good customer service relation.


Overall, food is great but needs improvement when it comes to dealing with clients. Honestly, we have visited the place twice and got the same impression. Maybe, they're just tired.

There's always a room for improvement :)

So what was your experience?



Location: YU UY TONG Building
Lapu-Lapu St., near cor. Sobrecarey St., Agdao Davao City
Tel: 226-2659
Email: ginosburger@yahoo.com
or you may check out their facebook account

Read More

Love for Food: Banana Berry

Decided to drop by Banana Berry at the Metro Lifestyle compound, beside Bo's Coffee.It is our first time to visit the place.

We got curious about the place since always hear their advertisement on the radio. Here's a little review:

The shop logo is colorful and very inviting. It adds curiosity to their guests.

The overall look of the place is cozy and very comfortable but dust from the street is coming in (quite bothering), add the pretty colorful pillows. Look!

Welcome to Banana Berry and choose from a wide array of choices for their drinks and meals.

They have cakes and house specials like Bigman's meal, Fisherman's meal, Fatman's meal and Birdman's meal.

Drinks and desserts: Frapioca, Jellatto, Cocofriz, Twirl, Creeme (Vanilla Ice Cream with Fruit Toppings), Perks, Margarita Blendz, Long Island Tea, Espresso Cocktailz (Coffee drinks blended with Liquor) and regular beverages as well.

Add ons: Coffee Jelly, Nata de Coco, sago, Ice Cream, Durian, Flavored Syrup, Fruit Chunks, Whipped cream and Whey Protein.

Price range: P60 to P320

We tried the Banana Berry and Strawberry Fapricoa, here:

Price: P80
Taste: 3/5
Presentation: 5/5

I recommend them to use black pearls instead of ordinary sago :)

Overall, I love the ambiance but I think they still have a big room for improvement for their food and beverages :)

Read More

Love and Beauty: DOVE Hair Care Products

I hate my hair, I hate my hair and yes, I hate my hair - this was my "hate hair moments" months ago until I stumbled on this article from the latest Cosmo magazine *February Issue* :)

The Dove hair care products are now available in the Philippines!


I got these:

Formulated with Micro-moisture Serum and Fiber Actives, Dove Intense Repair gives your hair superior moisturization and internal repair. Reduces split ends up to 9 times in just 3 washes.

My hair is a complete mess. Dull, dry, frizzy, split ends -- name it, I have it! *Ughhh* Believe it or not, when I tried using these products, my hair become softer and manageable. In visayan term, "promise, sa walay pag dapig dapig!" (promise, no bias). It added volume to my hair (Brazilian Blowouts No More!) and it gives me a worry free day (goodbye, mirror fanatic days).

The Intense Repair hair care from Dove is their line which addresses the needs of individuals who use blowers to dry their hair, constant towel drying and usage of flat and curling irons every day. Also, those who color their hair monthly and engage to excessive styling and parlor treatment - ME, ME, that is so ME.

I can guarantee a smoother and bouncier hair after use! Unlike other shampoos and conditioners, you will get to see the effect after series of use, but this one, right after washing your hair =) THANK YOU, Dove.

More *NEW* Dove hair care products:

For Dry and Rough Hair - STRAIGHT and SILKY

For Dull and Frizzy Hair - NOURISHING OIL CARE

For Hair Fall and Breaking Hair - HAIR FALL RESCUE

I'm pretty sure they have what you need :)

For a 375ml bottle *the biggest*, it costs around P349.75. I'm telling you, it's worth it.
I got the shampoo and conditioner + the intense repair mask.

It's also available in sachet and small containers, price is almost the same with other brands but the effect is guaranteed way different!

Enjoy beautiful hair EVERY DAY with Dove. Guaranteed AMAZING results. *parang commercial lang!*

For more details, visit their website at Dove Philippines.


P.S. I always thought I need a miracle for my hair. But I discovered that I just need Dove. Haha!

Read More

Happiness: A Bittersweet Surprise

I went home early and wanted to go out again (naaah), so, I texted him and said, I want to drink Hot Chocolate.

We stopped talking about it, so I continued working until I received a text message from him, saying that he's outside.

*SURPRISED*

Signature Hot Chocolate

Good night! <3

Read More

Love for Food: Yuyu Cafe | Tagum City

No need to explain, we love food and we love exploring exciting places for food trips.

Tagum City is not much of a big city but it's very progressive and new establishments and busineses are just everywhere.

Our client, Lorraine, invited us to have "merienda" at this coffee shop, the YUYU Cafe and Dessert Shop.

True to what I've read, they bring YUMYUM to your TUMTUM.

Ambiance:
What I love about the Cafe is that their interior of the store is cute. I see reds and greens on the walls, ceilings and just everywhere.

It's ordering time!!

As we approached the counter, I saw their display fridge and menu, from that point, I no longer wonder why a lot of foreigners and locals choose to dine, spend their lazy afternoons and hangout with their family and friends in the cafe. Mouth watering pastries and defined plating - *DROOOOL* can't wait to taste them!

Yummy cakes!

5 stars for the presentation and 5 stars for the taste. It's a wrap, it doesn't only look good but it tastes so good. What I love most about their cakes is that, they are not too sweet. I'm not a sweet lover but I am definitely a cake and cookie fanatic. And to add up, it's not expensive as how it looks -- with a price range of 70 to 90, their cakes will surely make you remember not just the cafe, but Tagum itself.

Praline - P88.00

I ordered Praline, the taste is -- PERFECT!

Plus, they have free wifi with no password and the location that is just at the heart of the city. Well, if you're a traveler or a tourist who wants to taste Tagum's best cafes, Yuyu Cafe and desserts should be on your top list.

Like them on facebook for more info :)

Read More

Love for Food: Davao's Pride | DURIAN

Hello Davaoeños!

My boyfriend and I went to Dacudao ave. this afternoon to support his "DURIAN CRAVING!" I took some photos, so here goes:

---

Durian is a popular fruit that grows in Asian countries like Bangkok, Philippines and so on. But here in the Philippines, it is in Davao specifically in Toril and Calinan where you can find the best tasting Durian.

For so many individuals, they are afraid to eat this fruit. Why? Maybe because of its smell. However, Durian eaters like foreigners and locals say, "Smells like hell but tastes like heaven," believe me, it's true!

The famous "puyat" is a crowd favorite. It's sweet but sometimes bitter. That's what makes the puyat variety exceptional. When you buy this variety, you should ask if its yellow or orange seed. The yellow one is sweet while the orange is bittersweet. YUM!

Price Range

P65/kilo - Peak season (during Kadayawan)

P35/kilo - Off-peak season

Usually a small Durian fruit weighs two kilos, so that's how much? Nah, never mind the price, it's worth it!

Other varieties include Arancillo, Native, Chanee, Monthong, Lacson 1 and 2, Karnyaw and Kob.

TIP:

Don't forget to drink coca-cola after eating Durian dahil yun ang perfect pair! Add coke for EXTRA HAPPINESS!

So, are you from Davao and loves Durian? Then you are one proud Dabawenyo/Dabawenya! :)

Read More