Randomgirlystuffs passed off my designs and photo as her own

Last Monday (July 21), I found out a seller on IG was passing off my designs and photo as her own. Randomgirlystuffs profile was public and I saw it.

A rather disappointing but hopeful meal at Lucca Bakery and Pizzeria

SM Megamall’s new fashion hall is a fantastic addition to my neighborhood. It brings with it the arrival of new brands and restaurants. Indeed, exciting times! This is the first time I’m posting anything from the fashion hall. Let’s see what Lucca has to offer.

It's been an awfully quiet June on the blog

Why hello there! Are you still with me? I hope you are! I know I've been a bad blogger, I have tremendous backlog and I'm not yet finished with my epic birthday trip posts. It’s been 9 months and I'm just at the halfway point. I'm sorry! Besides that trip I still have Baguio, El Nido and Manila stories to write. My blog is looking like a food blog because since February, I haven’t been out much.

I don’t have a photo walk for June yet!!

I will be brutally honest. I've been having bouts of doubt. Blogging felt like work for the past few months. It's been hard for me to get my writing mojo back. Then this June, I got back in the "regular-work-as-in-being-office-based" fold. That's a big deal y'all! I haven’t been in that environment since 2006. My work for the past 8 years have been freelance or regular work but not office based so this a major life change for me.

My favorite Regine’s Salon opens in Ortigas

I’ve written extensively about my love affair with hairstylist Karina Mantolino of Regine’s Salon in the past (do check out parts 1 and 2). They opened the Ortigas branch last December 2013. I remember when Karina told me about it, I almost jumped out of my chair. Regine’s Salon is finally near me! Why did it take so long for me to write about this? My last haircut was in August 2013 and I got my hair cut and permed just over the weekend. 

Manila Sunday Part 2: May 25 Intramuros Pasyal

After devouring our plate of good vibes and food at Eat Café, we were ready to head to the main event – Intramuros Pasyal! When we made our approach to Intramuros it started raining hard.
 

We parked near the Manila Cathedral while waiting for the rain to stop. The historic church recently finished its renovation so it’s a good time to visit. My group was all inappropriately dressed for Church so we didn’t go in. When the sun decided to say hi again, we got this amazing shot of the Cathedral.

Manila Sunday Part 1: Vinyl & Beatles Brunch at V Hotel’s Eat Café

My latest buddy, Paola, and I scheduled another trip to Manila. We wanted to experience Viva Manila’s Intramuros Pasyal and we were fortunate to catch the last leg for summer. A trip to Manila means another thing, an opportunity to try Manila-only restaurants! Viva Manila and Carlos Celdran heavily promoting the Vinyl & Beatles Brunch at the Eat Café and after seeing a few photos – it was the obvious choice.
 

The Vinyl & Beatles Brunch had a limited run at Eat Café. May 25 was supposed to be the last day but due to its success, it was extended for a few more weekends in June. It’s a fairly simple concept; enjoy Beatles music with your brunch and shop vinyl records and players as well. Isn’t that a good way to start your Sunday?

How to renew your Philippine Passport at DFA NCR-East (SM Megamall)

When I renewed my passport in 2009, I went all the way to the main office of the DFA. I also used the service of Teleserv to make sure I got the date I wanted. At that time, Teleserv was third party company that assisted in passport renewal and had additional charges.

Fast forward to 2014 and I am happy to say that times have changed. It is much easier to renew your passport now because the DFA has several satellite offices scattered in Metro Manila. Their processes caught up with technology and setting an appointment can be done easily.

Please remember that this article is about the PASSPORT RENEWAL process only. For NEW PASSPORT APPLICATIONS, please visit the DFA website.

The woman who doesn’t camp goes to Burot Beach

I have wanted to visit Burot Beach since last year. I had a scheduled trip in 2013 to head over there but it was haphazardly cancelled by a friend. I’ve researched about the beach and the blogs of marxtermind, elaljanelasola, indieescape, and chasingphilippines were extremely helpful.

 

I did not have any fantasy about the conditions at Burot Beach because all the blogs talk about it. There are NO accommodations on the beach and people camp. There is no electricity at night and more importantly – there are bathroom facilities that are modest.

In a nutshell, get ready to rough it up.