SEA Games 2015 - Tennis Finals

ABBEY: The 28th SouthEast Asian (SEA) games is one of the events for the celebration of 50th year of Singapore. Most of the tickets of popular sports events were sold out. Good thing that tennis is for free at Kallang Tennis Center. We went to watch the finals. The event was delayed as it is waiting for the rain to stop. It started at 1PM; two and a half hour behind schedule. Nevertheless, the excitement rose once the spectators saw that the courts were being prepared.

The first match we watched is Mixed Doubles between Philippines (Denise Dy and Treat Huey) and Thailand (Peangtarn Plipuech and Sonchat Ratiwatana). Filipino fans' cheers roared at the bleachers giving encouragement to the pair. Dy and Huey bagged the gold on the third set. Filipinos stood up and waited for the match to end on the last couple of serves. Even Huey waved up his hand telling the fabs to cheer more. It was a good match.

Then at 3:15PM, the Women's doubles commenced. Again it is between Pinoys and Thais. After the mixed doubles, Dy was paired up to Katharina Lenhert to step up against Noppawan Lertcheewakarn and compatriot Varatchaya Wongteanchai. The first and second sets were both exciting as the Pinays really exhibited their talents to beat the Thais. But the Thais were not giving up so easily as well. Philippines got the silver for the event. The crowd roared loudly for all the players and awarding ceremony capped the day.

WILL: I love rain and this is the first time I want it to stop. 

Tennis finals is behind schedule and on our luck at almost noon the pouring stopped. We were comfortably sitting at the centre court and one of the ushers announced that Philippines vs Thailand on mixed doubles will be held at the court #4. The stomping, the cheers and applause seems never ending when the Denise and Treat won the match. 

Without lunch and all we had are free bottles of water, we queued to go back at the centre court. This is where the match for women's double. Thailand vs Singapore again. This time, Thailand's people answered back the Filipino cheers. There are laughs when the shouts of encouragement copies each other. Haha! Thailand won the first two sets. 

I am so proud to be a Filipino. Tennis is not an easy sports and not a cheap one for Filipino to get into it. But still some exist to compete internationally and bagged some titles. 

SEA games! Roar!!! I hope Olympics will be held in Singapore too. I know Little Red Dot can accommodate that big event.

Smoke Resto Boracay at D'Mall

ABBEY: Wilma knew about Smoke from the famous Pinoy travel show host Drew Arellano. They said that there are two branches of it in D Mall, Boracay and the one we found is located in the center of D Mall. I didn't bother to search for the other one as I'm already hungry :)

I ordered spicy garlic pork. Yes, you read it right. Even the noontime sun made us sweat finding that place, I still prefer to eat spicy food. But that's ok, I got their calamansi shake which cooled me down. It was delicious and refreshing. The restaurant also offers other Pinoy food like pork sinigang and tapsilog. You won't believe what Wilma had, check her entry below.

WILL: A research will lead you to a pretty perfect holiday. And I stumbled upon Drew Arellano's "Biyahe ni Drew". They covered Boracay and how to save some pennies for an extravagant experience. And Smoke caught my attention.

After we checked-in on our second hotel, we headed to D'Mall for lunch. We were both tired from our land tours and the walk from Station 3 to Station 2 seems unending. We stepped in to the D'Mall and saw the Andok's as landmark but the Smoke where nowhere to be found. 

We walk, walk and walk and luckily we asked one of the local and guided us that it was located at the back of Andok's. Gosh! 

We sat, ordered and minutes later the hot bulalo and kaopad are on our table. I ate the food as if I never eat in my entire life. Yes we are at the beach and the sun gave a scorching heat but the bulalo still gave me a relief. Their version of bulalo has a spike of ginger. Its soup soothes well with my rice with shrimp paste.

Smoke Resto is definitely worth my long walk.

Jonah's Fruit Shake & Snack Bar Boracay

ABBEY: I'm not aware that Jonah's fruit shakes are a "thing" in Boracay. All I know is that I want a refreshing drink after arriving on the island. Since the Philippines has the best mangoes on the world, I tried to have mango-banana shake. 

Within a couple of minutes, a glass of golden yellow drink was served. It was a great energy booster. The mango is not too sweet and has smooth texture. An order of fruit shake will costs you Php100 - Php120.00. I also tasted their tacos. No other comment on it but delicious. 

WILL: My friend's and I missed to taste the famous shakes from Jonah's when we first set foot on Boracay Island. In this time, I will not let the opportunity knocked me off again. It is on my list. 

We were looking for a place for us to have a 4pm snack then we stumbled upon at Jonah's Shake. Not on original plan but we chose to dine on the spot.

I got the well ordered mango-melon shake. Sip after sip. It is a just that Jonah's praised to be the best shake in Boracay. You will notice that the sweetness of this drink is not coming from a sugar but from the mango and melon itself. A perfect cold and smooth drink for almost 40degree celcius temperature at Boracay. 

Do not forget to reserve a seat on peak hours or you will be waiting too long for your turn.  

Nami Resort's Spa and Massage Services - Best Spa in Boracay

ABBEY: Nami Spa is at the West part of Boracay, yes at Station 1. Beforehand we already knew that they are offering massage services. So we rode a tricycle and went there. The reception is at the top of the hill. You need to ride their elevator which is the kind of lift used when a building is being built. But you can't contest the interior; it was good. 

A couple spa costs Php1980 and yes they accept major credit cards. We were guided to a room where we can see the beautiful view of sunset and sea, plus the full moon during that time. 

I forgot what happened after I jumped onto the bed as directly went to slumber land. At the end of massage session, they applied peppermint ointment which made our bodies more warm and menthol-cool effect as we inhale. It was relaxing. They also gave us a cup of delicious ginger tea. 

I really wanted to sleep right there but we need to go back to our hotel.

WILL: The range of massages at the beach is Php300 and up. But if you want some privacy and some quite moment while lingering the kneading session you need to pay more.  Massage is so popular in Boracay that almost every corner has an establishment that offers it. It ranges from Php1500 and up to staggering amount of Php7000+. Expensive it is. But of course, we will definitely look for a cheaper alternative. So we headed to Nami Resort.  Nami is located at Diniwind Beach which is 5 minute walk from station 1, but we chose to hail a tricycle for our convenience.  We were shocked to see the magnificent view in front of us. Nami Resort is located on a hill. From the beach, you need to take their stairs, press on a buzzer and a unique elevator will come down to fetch you uphill.  After our mini sessions with Mother Nature, the masseurs came to us and informed that we are about to start. Then they lead us in a couple's room that overlooked the beach. Awesome!  Enough with the view. The massage? Well, I heard Abbey snoring. That sentence maybe enough? Ha! Ok! My masseur concentrated on my neck and shoulder. Oh gosh! She knew where my pain and anxiety is coming from. After the massage a peppermint was applied to my back and chest. It gave me a sense of relief.  After our 1-hour session they served hot ginger tea. Soooooothing!!  I hope this blog will help tourists in Boracay where they need to run when they need a massage with an excellent service, view and romantic aura.

Things to Do in Boracay Philippines

ABBEY: Ok, ok, ok. This is another blog for the list of activities that you can do when you're in Boracay. 

On our second day, we were taken by a speedboat to the sea and have parasailing. I feel like I'm one of my toy soldiers that I used to tie in plastic bag for a makeshift parachute. Good thing that it is not too windy when we did it. I'm too small compared to the vast sea. It was a first for both of us so we really enjoyed the time at the top; maybe 30mins. 

The rest of the day is for island hopping. First stop is snorkelling. I'm not that afraid anymore and just had fun looking at the fish. Then we visited the caves at Crystal Cove. The stone formation is remarkable. The current and force of water shaped them throughout the time. Just make sure you got a secure foothold as it is slippery. Half a day was over so we filled up our tummy with lunch buffet; chicken and pork barbecue, kinilaw, and grilled fish. It was a sumptuous meal. While having siesta on the boat, we passed by the controversial West Cove owned by one of Manny Pacquiao's colleague as well as Shangri-La. We stopped to another beach on the other side of the island and took some snaps. The sun is already setting when the trip finished.

The third day was jam-packed with activities like the first. We started out with driving an ATV. I had difficulty in mustering it as I'm the one who holds the camera. No time to mount it :) We drove the vehicle towards the second highest point of the island, the Ocean Tower. You can take good panoramas here as it gives you 360 view of Boracay. 

Next challenge is taking snaps on the TrickArt museum. This is fun as you can be part of the exhibit like messing up with famous paintings or Cleopatra. 

After that, we rode a kiddie ride, Sky Cycle. This is more terrifying than parasailing. The cart screeched and produced noise as if it will collapse. I'll not recommend this; maybe I'll change my mind if they will renovate it.  

Before lunch, we went for the zipline on the highest point of Boracay. It is shorter than what we had in Cebu but still good and exciting. We relocated to a new hotel, had our lunch and then after land activities, we headed back to the beach. 

We went to experience paddle boarding. Wilma sat down on the board and I'm the one who paddles. I tried to stand up but I had a hard time balancing. It nearly cost me my specs after I tumbled in the water. 

The sun is going down, and its time for parawsailing. You will sit in the net laid out on the outrigger of the sailboat. It was very serene as you can only hear the waves and let the wind drive you.

Be sure to book the tours and activities with our own Kuya Niño so you can really enjoy your trip.

WILL: The sea is calling!!! 

Boracay really evolved its water activities. When my friends and I went there 8 years ago the only you can do there is island hopping, banana boat and flying fish. Even land tours that time is not available. Now Boracay caters all the wants of its tourists. 

8am is our call time. We were set for parasailing (Php900.00). Gosh! This is what I really want to do and I am ready for it since last year. Ha! We were booked too early by Kuya Nino, we're alone at the speedboat, it feels that we owned it. The owner also suggested for us to drive it. Nah! Pass! 

When the parachute welcomed the air, we were slowly pulled up..up...up!!! While on top, you can see the world in different angle. Voice inside me saying a non-stop thanks to HIM for creating this beautiful world for us to enjoy. The wind blows smoothly that relaxes our body. An excellent scene to spend with your loved ones. 

At 11am, we were set for our island hopping. I am quite nervous in how much we need to spend for this. Because we are only a couple. Its either we rent a whole boat or we will be looking for a set of people who wants to go with us. Well...Kuya Nino managed to squeeze us into another group so we pay for a minimal fee of Php800.00 which includes buffet lunch. 

Use of snorkelling goggles is free but you need to pay Php20.00 for environmental fee. Crystal Cove have an entrance fee of Php200.00. On that island you can enjoy the sweet scenery of royal blue waters, 2 coves and a lot of perfect spots for photo op. WARNING: Be careful at the coves. You can feel the fury of the waves in there. 

Kuya Nino is at MNL's doorstep at 8am on our third day. He scheduled us to go to Dreamland Boracay and for zipline. Luckily, zorbing is under maintenance. A big relief for Abbey. Nyahaha! For only Php650 we got an ATV, Ocean Tower, TrickArt, and Sky Cycle.

Driving ATV slowly taught me of being patient and to appreciate more the nature that surrounds the stiff road to one of the highest part of Boracay. Climbing the stairs of Ocean Tower is exhausting but the dramatic landscape of the island pays it off. Oh, Ate Arlene and the photographer lighten our morning even more when we started chatting and haggling about our photos. 

We drove back to Dreamland. It is our first time at any tricked museum for photo shots. Photos can be really deceiving. We were there early and the two-storey building was filled by our massive laughs when we saw the paintings on the wall. Creativeness will surely come out here. 

Sky cycle? That would be my first and last. The bike was emitting a creaky noise that seems anytime we might fall. 

The zipline service fetched us from Dreamland for free. Next to their stairs were you can see some of their pets. But I do not dare to have a moment because Abbey told me that they have a giant monitor lizard. Argghhh! It seems that Abbey is used in riding a zipline. He enjoyed it more than his first. High Five Baby! The people of this establishment is so cool and ready to share positive aura with you. 

We enjoyed Boracay's white beach when we checked-in at Golden Phoenix Hotel at station. Standup Paddling (Php300) is not easy as it may seem. More than ten times we were thrown out by the waves. I think our laughter can be heard on a mile long radius. Nyahahhaa! 

As we want to catch the sunset while on the boat. Kuya Nino scheduled parawasiling (Php300 each) for 6pm. It is bit cloudy that time but still the sunset is mesmerising. The waves gently touch our hanging feet. :) 

These activities will be outrageously expensive if there is no help from Kuya Nino. Call his handphone(+639158722855). Tell all the activities you want to checkout and he will do the scheduling for you. He really made our Boracay trip stress free.

MNL Beach Hostel Boracay

ABBEY: We stayed at MNL Hostel on our first 2 nights in Boracay. It is near Bulabog beach and a 15-minute walk from D Mall. We got their suite. As it is a backpacker hostel, our room is the best in building. It has its own toilet and bath, a queen sized bed, and it is on the top most storey. Yes the rate is cheap, but the experience is awesome. 

The wet clothes should be outside your room, toiletries are not included on your payment, no phone to call the front desk, no wifi on your room except for common places. But the staff will guide you and advise you for your itineraries. They will always be available and smile as they greet you. 

Activities like beer pong, billiards and movie night under stars are there. Bike rentals and tour packages are also offered. Fellow backpackers will meet and communicate with you during make-your-own-breakfast buffets. It will make you a free-spirited and a laid back individual.

WILL: We want a cheap accommodation that the quality of service was not compromised. Like other hostel that we booked, MNL Boracay didn't fail us. 

For only Php1,300/night for its air-conditioned deck suite. It includes a queen size bed, towels, flat screen led tv with cable channels, and a breakfast. It offers free wifi at the common areas, billiard and roof deck watching area. 

What I love the most at this hostel? The friendly staffs that will greet your mornings and the ambiance of having a laid-back and happy life. We enjoyed the white beach for just few steps away and the serene grounds of Bulabog beach too. 

Till next time MNL Boracay. Thanks for providing an affordable room for frugal but chic travelers like us.  

AirAsia Philippines - AirAsia Low Cost Airline‎

ABBEY: So this is our first time to fly with Airasia, and I can say we have a pleasant trip. We took the one-hour flight from Manila to Kalibo. As usual it is more exciting to board the plane using the good old "ladder" or whatever aviation term they call it. Just make sure to avoid the engine :) 

We were greeted by their pretty staff Celina and managed to give a smile and a wave to our camera. I was surprised that they also offer meals on that short flight. Maybe for fliers who got no time for a bite to eat on the way to the airport. I got mine as well; chicken adobo. It was good and definitely filled up my half-empty tummy.

After our Boracay escapade, we took the same airline. This time as we enter the cabin, the stench filled our nostrils. It is as if the plane was used to carry frozen meat products. Strong smell of beef was over the place. It died down once we're up on the air. We landed in Manila at the exact time we were told. Thanks to the Captain and crew for a good flight.

WILL: Due to some unforeseen tragedies involving the planes last year makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable on hopping in at our AirAsia flight to Boracay. But all we do is say a prayer and ask for good voyage. :) 

I am expecting ZestAir planes that was acquired recently by AirAsia. And on last minute they send an email that they will use their own red plane for our flight. Wooohooo! 

NAIA Terminal 4 is their ground. We were astounded to saw that our flight was moved earlier at 9:40am instead of 10:40 without prior notice. Email or call was not received. Luckily we arrived at the airport at 7am. We checked in at around 8 and I keep an eye on the screen for us to board. 9am passed but the screen still flashes counter open for checked-in. Then an announcement was called for boarding for 10am. It is really stressful for passenger like us that do not know the exact time for our flight. Do not get me wrong that we do not ask for clarifications from the crew. Two different crew informed us 2 opposite facts. WTH!! Anyways, we boarded and was greeted by an all smile crew. 

We had our in-flight meal and it is awesome for that amount. We landed and depart Kalibo airport as per schedule. 

Please make your system and crew more accurate. For sure we will fly again with AirAsia. Please do not stop the exciting and the cheapest promo I have ever seen. :)  

Charcoal Thai - Mookata Steamboat Dinner Buffet (VivoCity Branch)

ABBEY: We had a visitor and we wanted to spend quality time over dinner. Ate Olga is one of Wilma's "caretake/ate" on her childhood. We dined at Charcoal Thai and ordered a Mookata BBQ for 11SGD. We got confused as we thought that our order is for a buffet. Anyways, a top up of 10sgd and we're good to go; unlimited food. 

The grill is having a mini "trench" where you can create a mini steamboat. Just be cautious of the soup level. We were given a plate of marinated chicken, pork and fat. They also have rojak, fried chicken, spring rolls and chips. 

I really love their fried rice. It has a lot of eggs and very tasty. Their light soy sauce, vinegar with minced onion and garlic really went well with the barbecue and fried chicken; add to it slices of cucumber. We washed down the food with a pitcher of iced-lemon tea. 

From 6pm to 8:30pm, non-stop talking and eating.

WILL: One of the closest neighbor when I was child flew in Singapore. Abbey and I were too excited to meet her but the new working schedule of hubby blocked an "immediate meet-up" idea. Anyways, its better to be late than never and we scheduled a dinner date with Ate Olga at Charcoal Thai VivoCity Branch. 

This is something new for me. A Thailand version of bbq/steamboat. We top-up $10 each person to avail the full buffet menu. 

They have the cracklings, curried chicken, the ever yummy fried-rice and variety of fresh meats like chicken, beef, pork, fish, and seafood for us to cook on our desire. Vegetables are also present. Their chilies and marinated chicken deserves a praise, those two are very suitable to my liking. 

Of course, while eating a dinner a non-stop catching up was done. Childhood memory flashing back...rushing back. 

iMob really rocking the world of vouchers here in Singapore! Good job iMob! Thanks for a huge discount on this meal. 

Charcoal Thai we will definitely comeback not because of food alone but also to your kind and all smile waitresses. 

Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

Ingredients
Chicken breast (cut into 1-inch bite-size)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
bunch of asparagus (1-inch in length)
garlic (thinly sliced)
onion (thinly sliced)
1-2 tbsp oil

Marinate the chicken with soy sauce and honey and set aside for minimum of an hour.

Heat the oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Sauté the asparagus for a couple of minutes. Remove it on the pan and set aside. Put in the chicken but reserve the marinade and let it cook for a couple of minutes. Mix the garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant.
Put the marinade and let it simmer. Put back the asparagus.

Serve with hot rice and Sriracha sauce (optional).

VERDICT
WILL: We are changing our diet since last year. And if we are eating meat we always see to it to incorporate it with more vegetables. Abbey last week told me that he will do a viand with asparagus so I make Sunday clear for that. 

After our power nap after Bukit Timah hiking, Abbey prepared this meal to relinquish all the energy burn up. The scent of stir fried asparagus made me smile. Abbey holler that the dinner is ready. After saying grace, I munched and I proved I am not wrong, that night’s meal is awesome. 

The sweetness of the honey plus the crunchiness of asparagus and tenderness of the chicken sends a quick bliss!

I am so lucky to have a husband and chef in one!

Old Street - Bak Kut Teh at Westgate Branch

ABBEY: After the hike to Bukit Timah Summit, we became really hungry and decided to eat on Jurong East. We arrived there too early and most of the shops are still close. Good thing Old Street restaurant (Basement 1 near Food Republic) is open and they are serving Bak Kut Teh. 

A couple of minutes in the queue and we were given a table. They are called "Old" Street, but they ordering process is "new". There is a tablet in which the menu is listed and you will submit your order using that. I got their Set A menu which includes, a bowl of Bak Kut Teh, rice, dough fritters and soy beancurd for 11sgd. 

The soup has a good peppery taste. I dipped the dough fritters on thick soy sauce with freshly minced garlic and chili. The fritters is not that oily and I liked that. The beancurd is not too sweet and I even finished the share of my wife :) Local drinks like kopi and teh is also available but I stick with the good old soda. It was tummy-filling lunch.

WILL: Accomplished something? Reward yourself! And that’s the reason we rushed to Old Street Bak Kuh Teh Westgate Branch. The place is almost packed and luckily around 5 more set of tables are free. Heaven conspires for us to occupy that! High Five! We perspired a lot due to our Bukit Timah hike but a hot soup will surely refresh our body. 

We ordered 6 Sets of “A”. We are famished but all we can do is wait for the food to be served. When the food is in front of us, that is the start when we stopped opening our mouth for words to come out. We open our mouth just to eat! Haha! After few chomp, then we started to praise how tender the pork is. We also asked the waiter to refill our bowls of their steaming bak kuh teh soup. After finishing our rice, we ordered for our drinks. Then they hand out the bean curd for the dessert. We are full and sleepy. Ha! 

This is very recommendable for only $11.00 you can get a Bak Kuh Teh, You Taio, Beancurd and Rice. 

Singapore's Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

ABBEY: I thought the slope I trekked on the way to the Treetop Walk of Mac Ritchie is steep. But I was wrong. Going to the summit of Bukit Timah is challenging but fulfilling. 

You will be welcomed by few steps on wood planks, then dirt then concrete. Here come the first challenge. I didn't got the time to measure the steepness of the slope as I'm already busy to climb the hill and see to it that I don't faint. Haha. The slope decreased so we got time to catch our breath. I can feel my heart pounding so hard. 

By the time that I felt I'm all ok, then the next challenge came before our very eyes; stairs with a LOT of steps. After completing maybe 50 steps I got on the first landing. I immediately get the drink on my bag as I feel that I'm losing electrolytes. It was very refreshing. A couple of more steps then I reached the summit. A landmark and a hut was waiting for us. 

It was a fun experience and encouraging as well. People of all ages, young and old are climbing it. Just take your time and your own pace and surely you will reach the top.

WILL: I scheduled a trek last April but unfortunately it was still closed for renovation. When the Bukit Timah officials announced that they will open some parts, Abbey and I scheduled it instantly after our Pulau Ubin adventure.

I heard a lot of things about this place. And on that cue I muster myself mentally and physically. I am mumbling to myself that I must be brave and don’t mind if I will see snakes, lizards or any reptiles. I am well prepared mentally then I saw the steep slope and started to trek, I am wishing to reach the end fast. But it seems no end. My heart started to pump faster! It is a success until I saw the stairs! Never ending steps and I think I heard my heart stop pumping! Bwahaha! I rest for a while and few more steps I reached the summit.. Me and April reached last!

Abbey and I will absolutely go back here for us to try the side tracks! :) A lovely experience!