Life's A Lighthouse

Life, ironies, and everything in between

[bunnyonarocketship]

Improvised Nachos

I was actually bored and hungry and I just found the ingredients available at our fridge 

What you'll need:

Ground pork

Chopped white onions

Chopped bell pepper

Grated cheese

Chips of your choice (I used Mr. Chips)

Pinch of salt

Butter

Mayonnaise

What you'll do:

Cook the ground pork at low heat and set aside.

Melt butter in a pan and sauté the chopped white onions and bell pepper.

Include the cooked ground pork in the pan and sprinkle a pinch of salt until they mix well.

Settle the contents of the pan in a plate and put the chips along side of the ground pork mix.

Top with mayonnaise and grated cheese.

[bunnyonarocketship]

Away from the City: Tiwi Spring Resort Review

I always believed that the best way to recharge our soul and free our spirit and body from stress, is to unwind once in a while. As part of our first district road trip (view my video and blog entry if you’d like to), we ended up in a resort instead of a real hot spring LOL. 

A 20-30- minute ride away from Tiwi’s center, we found this peaceful resort. We were fortunate because we had the place just for ourselves, not a peak season indeed. This resort embraces nature so much that we felt comfort and amity.

The entrance fee is only Php 50. 00. They have two swimming pools, one for those who love to dive and swim in the deep; and one for those dippers and non-swimmers. There are also cottages around the pool (for like Php 200 and up) and two large lobbies, which consist of tables and chairs and are free to use. I think the pool water is not chlorinated because there wasn’t a scent of chlorine, which is by the way, good for swimming and dipping; unlike any pools. The comfort rooms are also up to snuff. The ambiance of the resort is really great and perfect for retreats and recollections.

Thumbs up for our unwinding experience on this resort!

[bunnyonarocketship]

Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts Center

Tiwi, Albay is known for its ceramic products. As part of our road trip (click for video and blog entry), we stopped by this famous institution. Amidst the modern-day displays, vases, and home decors, the natives of the town are still productive through promoting their works and resources.

I remember when I was a child, whenever we would attend mass at Joroan Church in Tiwi, which is very famous; we would always buy pots, vases, and other ceramic products before we go home. I even had a set of mini kitchen and cooking tools (90′s Albay kids can relate) made from here, and these were the coolest toys ever back then.

Enough of these childhood memories, PhilCeramics is located at Putsan, Tiwi, Albay. A 15-minute ride away from the town center, I guess. This facility has a physical store at the front, where the visitors can see and buy their products. Inside, is where these products are created. They do not have very modern machines to help them but I have to admit that they create amazing products! The potters are well-trained and their manpower is effective.

The residents of Putsan led simple lives but their love for their crafts, livelihood, and resources is inspiring. Life can be hard, but seeing these potters and workers gives me hope that one day, this country will thrive too.

[bunnyonarocketship]

Operation: Cafe Exploration

Coffee Buddy

What a joy to a frugal coffee shop lover if she finds a pocket-friendly and flavorsome menu in one place? Coffee shops are coming out from one place to another here in Legazpi City and I assure you, this is one of the place that’s perfect for a thrifty cafe-goer.

Coffee Buddy (will direct you to their Facebook page) is located at the second floor of Yashano Mall, and I have to admit that they also have a comfy place even if it’s kinda small and simple. The prices of each meal are reasonable and the dishes are delectable too. For just Php 175 - 200.00, you can already have a groupie meal, that’s what they name it on the menu, which is good for 2 - 3 persons I guess. The selfie meals, which are good for one person, obviously, costs not more than Php 100. 00. Their frappes and smoothies will not cost more than a hundred pesos too. They also serve cakes from Php 35 - 90. 00 I guess.

Nonetheless, my coffee shop experience here is satisfying! :)

[bunnyonarocketship]

Wander anywhere, everywhere, even when there’s nowhere to go. But there’s always somewhere to go.

Unplanned trips are always the best because they happen. Knowing that this was unplanned, we had no idea where to go. We ended up exploring Albay’s first district.

We stopped by at the city center of Tabaco to gather some food and goods. Then we drove to Tiwi, Albay, which is famous for the original DJC Halo-Halo and the Joroan Church, also for ceramic products. It is also known for the geothermal power plant and hot springs. We thought that the latter still exists but when we asked around the town, it was a complete shame hearing that hot springs were already gone for about twenty years now, according to the resident we asked. Lol, we ended up in a resort, haha! The Tiwi Spring Resort is a 20-30-minute drive from the town center (you can click the link for my review of the resort). 

On our way home, we dropped by the PhilCeramics Arts and Crafts Center to buy some souvenirs. This institution is widely-known. You can view my post about the center by clicking the link! :) 

Of course we did not want to miss the famous original store of DJC Halo-Halo. It is located near the park of the town center. For just Php 70.00, you can have a delightful taste of a heavenly Halo-Halo.

Our one-day mini adventure already painted a hundred memories that we can look back to anytime; with a happy face. It is not about the place or the food, or even the money that we spent. It is all about the good company, stories and moments we shared with our friends.

[bunnyonarocketship]

Easy Tuna Carbonara

What you’ll need:

400 g spaghetti noodles

400 ml all-purpose cream (I bought two 250ml-pack of Nestle All-purpose cream)

1 cup evaporated milk

Sliced mushrooms

Ham chopped into bits (optional)

1 canned Tuna (I used Century tuna: Flakes in oil; drain from the oil)

Pepper

Salt

Butter

Sugar

Grated Cheese

What you’ll do:

Cook the noodles in low heat (follow the instructions printed on the pack on how to prepare) you can put enough salt while cooking the noodles.

Drain the noodles. Set aside.

In a pan, fry the pieces of ham. Set aside.

In the same pan, melt the butter and add the ham bits. Include the mushrooms in the mixture and pour a cup of milk.

In low heat, pour the all-purpose cream.

Add the tuna and cook for about 5 mins or until it boils.

Pour a portion of your grated cheese and mix it.

Add pepper and salt until desired taste is achieved.

You can also add salt to balance the taste.

Mix the noodles well with the white sauce.

You can add the remaining all-purpose cream if the mixture is not enough.

Garnish with the remaining grated cheese.

This preparation makes up to 5 servings.

[hs0507]

suicide squad harley quinn

[bunnyonarocketship]

The Truth About Girl Power

It is true that girls need to give their 100% in all the things they do. Believe it or not, girls don’t take much of the credit. That is why there are feminists and many other girl empowerment movements around the globe. They want to support other females and implement a life where females can get an equal treatment in this world.

Despite all the advertisements about females motivating each other, there are still women getting discouraged and destroyed. The reality is, women should empower women but NO, they don’t. Take for example the statement, “Pursue the things you love.” Those "things” can be a person, a dream or anything you can think of. They want you to pursue them. Your girl friends would want you to pursue them.

Becoming the “victim”

Now, what if you have a person that you like and you can't have them? You're afraid to make the move because you're too vulnerable to get rejected. You can't do anything 'cause he's already taken. What do you do? Some would suffer in silence and leave everything to fate. There are some who would still take the risk, and if they do not want the results, they would rant about it (posting hate statements on social media sites) and worse, cuss about the woman that this man loves. Is it still about empowering women? Does pursuing the person you like still helpful? Or did it ever occur to be a positive act? There are also some women who would go up to their friends and ask for help. Of course you will play the "victim" in front of them so they can uplift you. And there go your friends, confronting that guy you want, boosting you. You label it as girl power knowing you've just used them for your personal benefit.

You and your friends are precious

You are not just discouraging other women. You are also discouraging yourself. You become more selfish, you become angrier. Your mind is poisoned by your rants and trust me, that is not a good way to live. You are a precious jewel and you should take care of yourself. You only have one precious life, treat yourself like a princess every single day. You don't need a prince to feel whole.

You feel alone? Empty? Sad? Don't be. That is why you have friends. They are the extended family that you always wanted to have. Use them as your shock absorbents; treat them how you treat a box of chocolates that you are saving for your red days. They are your confidantes; remember that you can share anything to lighten up your burden. They can make you laugh when you're having a bad day. They are special and shouldn't be used for your own good. Don’t be selfish and don’t be too hard on yourself. This world is a better place if you can just look at it from another angle.

Girl Power

The essence of this phrase has always been misunderstood. The example cited above is just one tiny point. There are still a lot of misunderstood issues. Feminism would be a lot useful if all females would work hand in hand. No insecurities, no hate statements, no crab mentalities among each other. Isn't it wonderful if we have a world where females appreciate each other's existence? No war over guys; just being happy and supportive to someone's relationship. No self-esteem-killer comments about how we look. 

Now, that is the real girl power.

[bunnyonarocketship]

Ripples and Sparkles

Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp, Gubat, Sorsogon

Recalling a perfect day at the beach, I would like to share my delightful experience at Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp (link directs to their website). This is a full-day adventure as we did not have the time to stay overnight.

From Daraga, Albay, we left the van terminal (P95 fare) at around 7 am and jumped off at around 9 am and then we rode a jeepney (P29 fare) going to Gubat, Sorsogon and rented it to take us to the surf camp (additional fee is paid, idk the sum cus my friend paid for it) . A tricycle ride (P10 fare) from the town’s center to the surf camp would be more practical.

A thrilling view of nature met us upon arriving at the camp.

Artistic surf boards turned into signage boards at the entrance.

Acoustic night every Saturday.

Souvenir items displayed at the counter. There is also a contribution fee of P25.

We rented an open cottage, it’s the nearest one to the beach (P200-250 I guess, I forgot the exact price).

This dingo by the beach accompanied us! :)

There is a hammock zone as you enter the camp. There are signage boards that promote peace and comfort. Really, this is a sanctuary where you can just lie down for a while and think nothing but the refreshing environment around you. You can just inhale the scent of nature, forget the stress-causing issues and escape the pollution in the city for a while.

They are environmental-friendly, hence the label, Eco-Surf Camp.

Alcohols are prohibited here. Unlike any other beach sites, this zone hates alcohol. Indeed a toxic-free area.

There are I think five or more hammocks in the area where you can read, take a nap, or listen to music but using your ear phones and head sets of course, just what the signage above ordered.

At lunch, we ordered food from the camp. They have a variety of dishes to choose from. We had grilled fish, pork liempo and a coconut milk-filled jack fruit with crab; also a bowl of rice. There are also viands which come with rice already but we ordered a group meal. They are freshly prepared because whenever the dish we requested is not available, they would go to the market and fetch the ingredients there.

Their shakes are really good!! A satisfying relief from the dry and sunny weather, only for P70 I think, not bad at all cus it’s worth it. Also, they use a very eco-friendly straw, made of paper, instead of plastic. Just don’t dip it there too long cus it might break into bits and be mixed up with the shake.

I enjoyed a scenic view of the beach just sitting there.

You cannot swim well on the beach mainly because; the waves kiss the shore every after a minute or less. This camp is really intended for surfing purposes. However, you can enjoy the waves too, as they catch you. For those who want to learn how to surf, there is a P250 fee per hour, which includes a surfing board and a personal tutor. My friends availed the service but there were four of them who tried to surf in an hour, one by one. Practical, isn’t it?

This is just one of the amazing spots in Sorsogon. The world has a lot of majestic views to offer; waiting to be discovered and hoping to be preserved and cultivated.

[bunnyonarocketship]

No-Bake Mac and Cheese

What you’ll need:

1/4 kilo of macaroni elbow noodles

1 can (370 ml) evaporated milk (I used Alaska evap)

1 pack (220 g) of cheese spread (I used Cheez Whiz)

1/2 small bowl of flour

Pepper

Salt

Grated Cheese

What you’ll do:

In small bowl, pour the flour and half of the evaporated milk.

Whisk until it liquefies. Set aside.

In a pan, let the macaroni noodles boil until soft to chew.

Drain and set aside.

In a separate pan (or you can use the same pan as soon as you finished boiling the noodles), pour the remaining evaporated milk. Stir on low heat.

Spill the mixture you made in the small bowl earlier. Blend the liquid until it thickens using an egg beater, or anything you can use to mix them together.

Pour the whole pack of cheese spread and stir until it blends with the rest of the mixture.

Add pepper and salt until the desired taste is achieved.

You can now put the cooked macaroni noodles and combine them with the sauce you made, until all the noodles are covered with it.

Top the servings with grated cheese or you can also add some cheese spread.

This preparation is good up to 5 servings.

This recipe belongs to Riceype  The link directs you to their official Facebook page. View their videos on easy-to-cook ideas and recipes.

[lindalomelino]

Neapolitan cake with macarons. Recipe here.

[bunnyonarocketship]

Nature at its finest: Quitinday Hills

Labeled as the “Chocolate Hills of Bicol”, this astonishing view of nature is worth a visit!! Located at Camalig, Albay, the rocky trail going there is sufficiently fulfilling.

I cannot spare you the details on how to go there because we were on a private conduction, but I think upon reaching Camalig’s town center there are vehicles, specifically, tricycles that can take you there. I just don’t know the fare.

Our vehicle cannot anymore enter the lower trail because it’s too rocky. So we went on our foot. When we reached the hill proper, there were few cottages that sell buko juice, food, and water. And there was also a contribution fee, I can’t recall the exact price but it’s not that costly.

Anyway, on our way up, we trekked on a muddy trail because it was a rainy day. However, walking shoes, sneakers or any shoes that you can wear comfortably is recommended. Slippers won’t do well.

There is a cottage where you can rest at the top. You can already see the other hills from there but you can get a larger and more breath taking view of them at the second hill, which is by the way taller than the first one. There is another cottage where you can pause for a while. There are still other hills to hike but we did not dare to trek anymore because we’re dead tired.

The overall little adventure was really fulfilling, not just because we lost some calories but also, we were reminded again of how beautiful earth is. I do hope they continue to cultivate and preserve this attraction so it can withstand the coming generations.

[bunnyonarocketship]

Nurses’ Notes

Tidy, white uniform, matched with white socks and shoes, Nursing cap on, reporting for duty without any clues If what could happen in the next two minutes; When everything’s going to test our limits. Empty stomachs go with full bladders, Pounding hearts and working minds while saving others; Stained suits and aching feet don’t matter, As long as patients can feel better. “Thank you’s” don’t come often, Yet services come in perfect ten. Unsatisfied clients approach with curses, Taking it below the belt and belittle nurses. Resentment subsides in a while, The feeling is replaced with a smile. Another shift comes to an end, And all these twinges will mend.

Tidy, white uniform, matched with white socks and shoes, Nursing cap on, reporting for duty without any clues If what could happen in the next two minutes; When everything’s going to test our limits.  The cycle goes on.

-Ch

[bunnyonarocketship]

Operation: Cafe Exploration

Sweets, Pizza and Pasta

The new site of Amore Coffee Shop is more accessible than the old one (the latter is located behind the Chinese Chapel of Tabaco City). It reopened some time this year near Cope Hospital, it’s smaller but still a cool place to hang out.

Filled with photo frames, this small area is good for small chats and “me time” sessions. The menu is catchy but I must say that the food is not that tasty. It’s good but not that tasty. The desserts are yummy (take a look at the little cutie brownie with an ice cream on top). The smoothie is also good and it’s really a thirst quencher. The pizza is totally not pleasing, especially for those pizza enthusiasts. The prices are not that pocket-friendly too. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed my stay in this cafe. Lucky I had some company!! ;)

[bunnyonarocketship]

ART ALBAY NOW

I love how art exhibits in Legazpi City change over time. These masterpieces are just some of the works by our local artists displayed on the exposition happening right now at Ayala Malls Legazpi. The exhibit is up until August 31, 2016. Support our local artists! 

[rookiemag]

Collage Kit

Use these shapes to create.

By Maria Ines Gul.

[bunnyonarocketship]

Summer’s Highlight: Island Adventure

So this is a late summer post-review or whatever you-name-it blog entry but I just want to share one of the best summer tastes I’ve relished. This happened last May 2016 and together with my college friends, we went on a summer adventure at Casa Mamita Farm and Beach Resort (this will lead you to their Facebook Page).

This blooming paradise is located at the depths of Badian, Oas, one of the far flung areas in Albay. Since we came from the province’s center, we met up at 6 am and hired a van at Legazpi Central Terminal going to Pio Duran, Albay. From our sources, Pio Duran is a shortcut going to the resort. Upon reaching the town center (which by the way has a travel time of 3 hrs thru rocky and bumpy roads), there is another 1 and a half hour travel time before we reach the resort.

The crew gave us a warm welcome and helped us check in to our place, a small house-type with three bedrooms (can accommodate 15 pax), kitchen and service area, little balcony overlooking the beach, and of course two bathrooms plus a grilling area. There is also an infinity pool and a food store in the area.

After setting up our stuff and eating our lunch, we spent the rest of the afternoon swimming on the white sand beach (it’s not a fine white-sand beach but it’s beautiful). We stayed on the floating cottage as we watched the sun set. It was a lovely view.

During the evening we had squid and BBQ grilling and some food we brought before going to the resort. We had a boodle fight set up for dinner. We spent the rest of the night swimming and having bonfire party on the sea side. Cold drinks and cool music plus unlimited laughter and stories echoed the place.

The next morning we set up early for our adventure!! They served us free breakfast and it’s good too. The view and ambiance of the place is much more cozy in the morning! Strapped on our life jackets, we rode on a boat for our island hop. The first stop is the Trinity Island. There is a hill where adventurers can jump off and dive. But we didn’t dare because the time is limited and it’s kinda scary. We took photos and moved away to our next destination. It’s a mini cave but we don’t know the name of the area and according to our boatman, it is a resting place for fishermen in the middle of the sea. We stopped there for a while and we swam. The water is cooler there. The view is also breathtaking. 

We went back to the resort because we are about to go home now. The time spent is limited but it was one of the highlights of my summer.

<We availed their All-In summer promo at the cost of 599 php per pax, I guess the promo is still on going, just check their profile!>