I was supposed to resume blogging about my Davao trip since I have a new travel post lined up, but I just can't help it. I discovered a new Japanese restaurant and I'm obsessed! Not even sure if I should call this a ~restaurant~ since the name actually says carinderia, but whatever! I love it! I saw this on my Facebook feed a few days ago, and you know I won't pass up any opportunity to try out an affordable Japanese place! This will only be a short post since I've attached a video with it anyway so you can have a better idea of what the place is like. Plus, more graphic reactions for you guys, haha! I also recently realized that taking videos is waaaay easier than photos when it comes to documenting my goof adventures, so I'll be doing more of this!
Hey, guys! Sorry to be interrupting the Discover Davao series, but I'm really excited to share this recipe. It's nothing special, and if you're still following my blog at this point despite the inconsistent blog posts, you'd know that I'm no fan of tedious recipes. I made a video out of it which is why I'm excited! As mentioned, my kitchen at the condo doesn't really give me enough room to get natural light, hence the recipes I film only come about when I visit Tagaytay with my boyfriend. They have an enormous kitchen with ample lighting, and it makes filming my recipes way easier!
For this recipe, don't be surprised if the hand in the video doesn't look to feminine. Yep, that's my boyfriend hand, haha! This is his recipe, and this time, I'm the one behind the camera! I'm so lucky because the boyfriend shares the same passion. He doesn't mind if he does the cooking or the filming so long as we do it together, lol. Ewww that was so cheesey almost puked myself, haha! Before I spew anymore cheesy statements here, let's begin!
It's been months since my Davao trip and I've only gotten around posting the photos now, haha! I'm really sorry. I know summer is over and this guide may be irrelevant, but I hope you can still refer to this in your future travels! As usual, we got our tickets from Cebu Pacific at discounted prices during one of their seat sales. We're the kind of couple that do not necessarily have a bucket list of places we'd like to travel to. We just pick our destinations based on the places we haven't been to, and the seat prices of course, lol. So during the seat sale, we both agreed that Davao it is!
We arrived in Mactan at around lunch time, and because we don't have a proper itinerary, we just searched for a hotel while we were at the airport. For accommodations, we're not picky because we won't be staying in anyway. We were just looking for an affordable air-conditioned room so we can leave our things and start exploring the city. We settled for Midland Inn and got a room for only P700! We had lunch at a nearby carinderia and decided to go our way. Initially, we thought we can visit around 3 tourist spots at the same day (like we did in Cebu), but apparently, Davao is such a vast city that some destinations are hours apart. We had the rest of the afternoon to spare but since time is a challenge when it comes to moving from one spot to another, we decided to visit just one destination for the afternoon and that's Davao Crocodile Park.
The Place
Davao Crocodile Park was originally started by Philip Dizon, due to his fascination with Philippine saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. He did not think of it as a possibly lucrative business until he learned that crocodiles are raised in United States not just for public viewing but for production of leather as well. In November 1995, the government gave him the accreditation and permit to operate the 1st Davao Crocodile Park. 10 years later, on August 18, 2005, the world-class Davao Crocodile Park was opened with the help of consultant Dr. Gilbert Buenviaje. The Davao Crocodile Park Inc. is currently owned and operated by a group of businessmen headed by Mr. Sonny Dizon, a resident of Davao City. (via)
Hi, guys! It's been a while since I did a run down of the things I'm happy and thankful for since I've been crazy busy the past few months. But I realized this is the perfect time to do another listicle so before I procrastinate some more, let's begin!
1. I got a new job! Well, not a new new job but a sideline! I have to work hard because the lifestyle I decided on is expensive, lol. Actually, it's not even expensive. Cost of living here in Manila is just insane! You virtually pay for almost everything. I pay for my utilities, food, accommodation and even my safety aka my daily Uber rides. Hence, the new side job.
2. I'm close to revealing my next project. Probably a few more tweaks here and there and I'll be ready for the big reveal! It's not much but it's a step closer to putting myself out there. :)
3. More restaurant reviews! I've been getting more and more invites to do food and restaurant reviews everyday! My only problem now is that I can't accommodate all of them since I also have a day job, and now, I also just got the other job. In the future I wish to be able to do what I love the most, eat good (or bad) food and talk about it. For now, I'd have to say no to some.
4. My acne breakouts. And yes, I am thankful for these little and huge zits sitting on my face right now. If not for them, I wouldn't be pushed to really research on products that would work well for my oily and acne-prone skin. I have yet to visit a dermatologist but I've completely revamped my skin care routine and I can say it's working slowly but surely. But I'd also want to get myself checked. Any recommendations?
5. Our recent Divisoria trip! I got myself a couple of organizers that will help me redesign my room, or the condo in general. I've been living in the same condo for over 2 years now but somehow haven't found the time to decorate my living room, kitchen, bathroom etc. And Divisoria is just the perfect place to look for cute wall designs, mirrors, organizers and a lot more. I even got myself a few DIY arts and crafts.
6. Living a minimalist lifestyle. Prior to implementing this mantra, I used to have a whole bunch of clutter beneath my queen-sized bed. I'm happy to report that those are all gone now! I was able to throw away a ton of stuff I've been keeping just because I love hoarding things. The ones I don't use, I've either sold in a garage sale or donated to someone. I've yet to clear up more space in my room; but up next, clothes, huhu!
7. Decorating my room. I tell you, my room is more basic than a basic bitch. I'm a lazy person and I hate putting up stuff for aesthetics purposes. I just like hoarding things, lol. But with my newfound minimalism, I've been utilizing more space in my room than ever. I was also able to free up a space that I can use for short workout sessions (as if!), haha. But now, I don't know why, it feels as if I want a zen-like place to come home to every night. No more clutter! #titasofmanila
8. Leveling up in Pokemon GO! I'm now a level 21 Pokemon trainer! I've been meaning to create an article about Pokemon GO because I've been a raving fan ever since forever. But I can't think of one that's not yet already out there, lol. If I discover something throughout my Poke journey, maybe I'll share it with you guys. For now, I need one more Eevee to I can evolve into Vaporeon. Any suggestions where I should go?
9. My sister's successful operation. Earlier this year, a huge cysts was observed on my sister's left breast. Good thing when the biopsy was done, they found out that it's just a benign cyst. She's in the process of recovery right now, but your prayers will be appreciated!
10. Celebrating my first year anniversary with the boyfriend! I can't believe it has been a year since I decided to say yes to love again. I know it's quite the cliche but you guys know the terrible past I've had to deal with. But anyway, I'll share a couple of photos maybe on my next blog post. Most of my photos were blurry because I was too happy that night. <3 p="">
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What are the things that made you happy this week?
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Hey, guys! Sorry for being MIA for the past few weeks. As mentioned, life in the real world has been crazy and I am LOOOVING it! There were a few times wherein I was almost tempted to give up despite loving my job to the core, but after seeing the results of my hard work, I am reminded time and again why I do what I do. After a few rants on Snapchat and a little make up retail therapy, I'm good to go. Speaking of make up, have I told you guys that it is my new obsession? I don't understand why I didn't realize this sooner, but I'm super thrilled to show you my beginner make up kit. More on this addiciton on my upcoming posts!
For now, let's talk about this haven we discovered in Baguio when we had our visit a couple of months ago. When I was still a student, I had a favorite Japanese restaurant along Session Road, but it closed two years into may stay in Baguio. It was the cheapest Japanese restaurant that my student budget can afford, and I was really saddened because after that, I wasn't able to indulge myself anymore since most of the ones available around were too expensive for my budget. When I came back a couple of months ago, I knew I had money to spare so my family and I decided we had to try Chaya!