The Ruins

I've been browsing my files and came upon these pictures taken two weeks ago during our stay in Negros Occidental. On our fourth day (May 14, 2014), we spent the whole day touring different parts of the province. One of our destinations was The Ruins located in the city of Talisay.



The Ruins was the grand mansion that Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a Spanish-Filipino sugar baron built for his Portugese wife, Maria Braga in the 1920's. However, during World War II, the mansion was intentionally burned with the consent of the family to avoid the plan of the Japanese soldiers of turning it into a garrison.

At present, The Ruins is considered as a historical landmark showing the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.

Health Is Wealth

It's already the fifth day that I am sick - colds, cough, feverish feeling, cold chills, headache. Last month, I also experienced this condition. I did self-medication by drinking Bio-flu tablets but this time around, I already consulted a doctor. He said since the infection was not properly treated, it is still in my system and due to my recent activities (traveling and spending three days in an island then traveling again and going straight to work), my immune system was compromised resulting in my current condition. He had given me medicine for my cough and colds and antibiotics for the bacterial infection. Hopefully I'd get better soon. I've been on leave for almost three days already. Argh! I miss my good old healthy self.

Health is definitely wealth!

Lesson learned: As much as possible, avoid self-medicating. First and most important thing to do is consult your doctor.

Sweet Tooth Cravings: Calea

My third week of May was spent in the province of Negros Occidental. It is known as the Sugar Capital of the Philippines because it's main industry consists of  the production and refinery of sugar. Of course, when we talk about sugar, cakes and desserts come to mind.

And when it comes to cakes and desserts, one of the best places to visit is Calea, located in Bacolod City. I have to say, I am loving the cozy feel of their shop - white walls, white and yellow lights, floral wallpaper, and hanging lamps.







Now, let's have a look at their specialty! Cakes, cakes, cakes! When we were told to take our pick, I was like, "Can you please give a minute, oh not just one but probably five minutes?" The cakes are a feast to my eyes. And guess what, it even took me more than five minutes to choose my cake. I was checking each one, shelf by shelf, and walking back and forth. It's hard to decide when you have all these in front of you. =)

For a close-up view, here they are! Posting each image makes me want to go back there right now.

 We made sure to order different kinds of cakes so that we'll get to taste several of them.

 Me and Erin satisfying our sweet tooth cravings. Well, what can I say? I freakin' love their cakes! It's creamy and the sweetness is just right. Calea didn't disappoint us!

Two thumbs up for Calea! You made me and my taste buds and stomach happy! Delicious cakes plus a cup of tea is a perfect way to end my fourth night in Negros Occidental.

Perfect Summer

fashioncoolture

How Long Will I Love You

Beautiful. Sincere. Heartwarming.

When I finally meet my one true love...when the time comes that we'll say I do to each other, I would love this song to be played on that special day. ♥

Style Crush: Emma Stone

I love her! I mean, who wouldn't love Emma Stone?

These past few days, I've been looking at her red carpet moments and this girl has an amazing sense of style going on. Sophisticated, gorgeous, chic, and playful all rolled into one! And I might add, her hair and make-up paired with each outfit is impeccable as well. And her skin, it's just glowing and beautiful and perfect!

Uhm, it really isn't obvious that I seriously love her... Haha!

Goodbye To You

It was the holy week. I was supposed to go home last Thursday but, unfortunately, the buses were full. I had no choice but to go back. So the whole time, while people were already with their families attending church and processions, I was just stuck in the apartment, having a grand four-day vacation...cleaning my room, washing clothes, and learning to cook (hard boiled egg and tortang talong). 

Anyway, one thing that I enjoyed was being with my labmates on Wednesday night. We had a farewell dinner for one of our colleagues that will be transferring to a new company. Because he did not experience attending JS prom during high school, our first plan was to recreate a JS prom night. But it's kind of expensive to rent gowns so we just wore simple dresses. Oh, we also had those pokemon ears, which I might say, is so cute!

Of course, there's the cake! Farewell. God bless. -from all the girls you loved before. How sweet is that?

 That cake is for that tall guy standing on the right side in green polo shirt and pikachu ears!

Here's a must - a family picture of all the people in Plant Pathology Lab.

After having dinner, some serious and funny goodbye messages, and a "Farewell To You My Friend" serenade (yes, we serenaded him!), we decided to go to another coffee shop. Full stomach deserves a cup of coffee or tea. Hehe! 

He told us he doesn't want the night to end. And I think, each and everyone of us also felt the same way.

To that very neat and organized guy, to that gentleman, to one of the most kindhearted people I've ever met, thank you and I... I mean, we will miss you.

Weekend Trip: Pandin Lake

Last Sunday was spent in a serene environment that is Pandin Lake. It was one of the seven lakes located in San Pablo, Laguna. Together with my friends, we hopped on a jeep from the city proper of San Pablo going to Pandin, which is just several minutes away. When we arrived, we did a bit of trekking leading to the lake. And the moment I saw it, I felt like all the exhaustion from walking under the blazing sun was all worth it. We were welcomed by the fresh breeze, luscious greenery, clean waters, and warm and friendly locals.

While waiting for the boatmen to arrive, we had some fun taking pictures while on a bamboo raft. 

We then transferred to another bamboo raft. Here's picture with our two boatmen in the background setting up our food.

When we arrived on the other side of the lake, we stayed under the shades of the mangroves. Oh, and look at how green the water is! 

Sitting on the raft and gazing at the beauty of Pandin was indeed a very relaxing experience. Hope I can go back there again soon. =)