Relaxation at Mandara

Last April 7 I decided that after almost eight days straight of working since March 31st, I deserve a little break and the best break I know of is that of relaxing massage that I always like, But then I again I have no time to go to my favorite spa (Nature's Way located at 3rd Flr. of Robinson Galeria) as I still have work today, I thought to myself that why should I make it hard for me when in fact I can still enjoy the break I deserve without compromising and worrying that I maybe late for work as there was alot of spa around Global city that offer massage, So I've decided that I will make pass for now to my ever so favorite Spa and just go to the nearest one in the area . I have this spa that I been wanting to try ever since and that is  located right across the building where I work which is at The McKinley Residence's  Mandara Spa Relaxation.

Thre Mandara Spa who incidentally has the same name of the global spa management company MANDARA SPA that founded in Bali and now have 17 branches in different countries around the globe. Thre Mandara Spa on the other hand is according to the girl at the counter when I visit the place was a very much Filipino owned spa services. According to the companies website (http://themandaraspa.com/) MANDARA is derive from the two words Mana and Dara, which means mind and single line. According to a passage in a Hindu Mythology that serves the Gods by being the churning rod that mizes the ocean of milk, This mountain is not made of fragmented stones but a single connected structure. The meaning of the phrase was so deep and was hard to comprehend but as I did a little research the phrase "Churning of the ocean of milk" literal metamorphic meaning is a deep contemplation, churning of facts, analysis aimed at solution or conclusion. Somehow we can relate this to the relaxation that when our body is relaxed and well rested so is our mind, we tend to think clearly, contemplate about life and therefore makes a good decision.

The place is very cozy and the receptionist has assisted me is very friendly and accommodating  They offer ultimate pampering and relaxation with their own Mandara spa ritual style, Here are the services they offer.

Mandara Signature Ritual - A signature treats that uses all-organic aromatic oils and olive ingredients  known for its healing benefits.

Mandara Body Ritual - This rituals offers different style of massage such as Swedish, Shiatsu, Combination, their very own Mandara signature massage, Hot stone massage, four hands theraphy (This one will includes two therapists working together in rythmic tandem). The rituals also includes a traditional healing such as Authentic Hilot, Pre/Post Natal massage, and Ventosa cupping with hilot.

Mandara Hand and Foot  Rituals - This services offer Hand Spa with Manicure  Ritual, Selection of Hand Spa (Whitening Lavander Aromatheraphy), Green Tea Manicure and Pedicure, Hand Parafin, Foot Farafin, Hands and Arms Massage and Xiamen Foot Massage (A Chinesse traditional massage that helps people relax and improves their bodies and helps treat diseases. Chinese people believe that what the root to a tree is what the foot is to human body)

Mandara Face Rituals - This is services that centered with the face. The services includes Whitening Facial, Oil Control Facial, Non-Surgical Face Lift, Ageloc Galvanic Spa Facial,

As for me what I choose is their own Mandara Signature Massage that cost P800 for a 60 minutes full body massage that gives hard relaxing strokes all over your body and focus at your back where all the stress and colds are. Aside from that really relaxing massage one other thing I like about the place is you get to enjoy your very own privacy in a small rectangular wooden sliding room as oppose to other spa that only have a thick curtain partition also the shower room is good, though I wasn't able to ask if they have sauna room maybe next time when I come back but for now I get to enjoy the service and their hot tea after the massage that even gives you a much relaxing effects. It was indeed a relaxing experience with Mandara Spa and I like to go back to try their other services in the very near future.

Back Again....Fly High just like a Butterfly

I'm back on writing again and hopefully this something that I can do from "NOW" on with much consistency.... sigh!! It's been awhile since the last time I was able to update my blog and that is because I can't really find the right inspiration that will push my self and satisfied my appetite of putting my ideas, opinions, and experiences in writing. I have so many things that run through my mind and I feel that the so called "PAKIALAMERA" in ME has so many "SAY" about anything and everything under the scorching heat of the sun, So many things that cross my mind that I can write about but I just cant really pull myself together in writing it, But now while in the office and not doing anything (I hate being idle!!!) I just find myself composing this very same entry in my notepad while I'm just waiting for a call to come in and like a river that continuously free flowing I feel the gist suddenly to write (as it is still avail time!!!) 

I don't know but sometimes when you feel down and troubled that's where you find your inspiration to have everything set in motion, Just like now I feel emotionally drain and I need diversion that I can focus my mind on and thankfully writing is something that I turn to, Don't get me wrong though I have friends and I guess lots of friends who will wholeheartedly can spare there free time and not even there free time at all just to listen and be someone that I can lean on but then I choose to do otherwise, I guess most of us, needs a time alone to re-assist ourselves or just to simply have your own private space that you can spend your time with, a safe zone, Just like a butterfly's metamorphosis, before it became a beautiful and colorful butterfly it undergo cycle, the caterpillar need to keep its self inside the pupa and after like forever it emerge to become beautiful butterfly that spread its wings and see the world in a new whole level. We as individual may find a time to be alone for awhile, you emerge from our own private pupa space,  you fly and you will see life in a much clearer, meaningful level

                                              Spread your wings and prepare to fly
                                                  For you have become a butterfly
                                                  Oh, fly abondonely into the sun

The Mistress

Today since its my off from work after two weeks of working straight and not taking my rest day by choice.  I decided to chill and unwind together with my college friend Babylyn Delacruz. It's been a very stressful weeks that passed in all aspects my life whether it is in work or personal. Don't get me wrong though! I am not wining or whatever in fact I appreciate the busyness, the pressures and things in between but sometimes whether we admit it or not it is really getting the best of us. So relaxing is something a relief of getting away for just a moment in all those things that make our weekdays a roller coaster ride. So here I am! I welcome the chance to unwind and chill out and as some of my friends says "Hindi naman masama mag pahinga"  My friend and I planned to watch the new Bea Alozo and John Lloyd Cruz Movie "The Mistress" at Trinoma but agreed to watched it in SM North EDSA since that our first stop is at SM.

Anyway, The Mistress movie is yet another one of Star Cinema's best movie offering in celebration of the 10th anniversary of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzon's partnership as a love team in movies and teleserye. The movie is about a different kind of love story, a story that most or maybe some of us can relate to, a complicated love story of two person who crossed path, fall in love and entangled in different in circumstances that changes their lives forever.  its a story a love affair that that teaches two people to love, to forgive and to let go.

Bea played the role of Sari whose secret benefactor is Rico played by veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez the husband of Regina played by veteran actress Hilda Koronel whose son's J.D Torres played by John Lloyd Cruz. The wife, the benefactor, the lover and the Mistress....all four people just loved,  a wife to her husband, a benefactor to his mistress, a Mistress to her lover all four just show different kind love and consume by it and little do they know that same love crushes before there eyes and change their lives for better or for worse....forever.

What I like about the movie is the scene towards the end that makes you thinks How do you like to end it? it gives you a thought that maybe, just maybe despite all that happens they maybe good for each other, despite all the emotional struggles they maybe end up for each other....The movies didn't answer that for us and just let us the viewers decide...after all happily ever after is such a cliche...!

The movie is directed by Olivia Lamasan and supported by veteran actress Anita Linda, Carmi Martin, K Brosas, Tony Mabesa, Gabe Mercado, Minnie Aguilar, Nor Domingo, Clarence Delgado.

Queens of the Night.....Binibining Pilipinas 2012

This year 2012 is the 48th year of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant and last Sunday night April 15, 2012 held the coronation night of the 2012 Binibining Pilipinas at the historical Smart-Aranetta Coliseum. Once again another beautiful Filipina's life will change as she will embark in a new journey by taking  the most coveted crown and  will represent our beloved country, Philippines to international Pageantry and hope that maybe this time our new winners will take home the crown for the Ms. Universe, Ms. International and Ms. Tourism title in their own respective international competitions. For now this queenly like beauties will take one big step towards their one goal and that to become winners of this competition that not only test their superb Filipina beauty but also their fierce battle of wits under pressure.  Who said that Pageant competition is just a battle of beauty?! because your are all mistaken, beauty is just one thing in this competition and there is more beyond the body and face, glam and fashion that this girls which came from all four corner of the Philippines will prove. The 30 candidates will prove to all the people before them and the whole world that they are not just a mere beauty, they are warrior in their own rights and with them are  their beauties, intelligence and wisdom as their weapon to become the only ONE. 


And Here are the Winners;

Bb. Pilipinas Universe- Janine Marie Tugunon
was the First runner up in the 2011 Bb. Pilipinas last year but decided to resign as she will be competing for this year competition and that decision was indeed a lucky strike for this 22 year old beauty from Bataan, as she will now going home with the tile at her sleeve and will represent Philippines in the up coming, 61st Ms. Universe competition which will be held in December and which the venue  will be announced anytime soon. Will this Pharmacy cum laude graduate from the University of Sto. Tomas will be the successor of last year winner Leila Lopez from Angola....? that That was something that we are all Pilipino is looking forward to. This lady has a lot of shoes to fill in as her predecessor Venus Raj and Shamcey Supsup accomplished big feat in the last 2 year competitions of the Ms. Universe Pageant and although not spoken out loud that there is so much that was expected from her and that I guess will not be an easy task for this girl but I am optimistic that she will be able to pull it through, as she was able to answered the Q&A segment of the competition that will test the with of the contestant and she was able to answer it with flying color. Janine was asked by the pageant judge Jose Manuel Rodriguez  I quote "Many women nowadays forgo a happy family life for the successful career. How do you feel about this?" and what she answered I quote "I believe that women have the right to choose between what the want. But for me,. just go for what God wants you to do. Between the two, whatever it is, you must do your purpose in this wold. Just have a child-like faith and mature obedience, and everything will go sooth"  end of quote. 

Bb. Pilipinas International - Nicole Schmitz
This half Filipina and half German 23 years old Cebuana was held as the  Bb. Pilipinas International last Sunday April 15, 2012 and now has the chance to represent and hopefully take home the crown for the country in the 52nd year of he Ms. International competition. Just like Janine Latina looking Cebuana is not a neophyte in the Bb. Pilipinas as she joined the pageant in 2007 and made it as far as the semi-finals and after paying her card again in the Binibini, finally she will now goes home with the title on resume. Will this degree holder in Psychology will be the successor of the crown from Fernanda Cornejo from Ecuador that won the 2011 Ms. International?!, that indeed is not far from reality as this lady has so much to offer not just to her fellow men not just her killer smile, great body and confidence but she also have the brain that may help her bagging  the crown, for now lets just keep our finger cross. During the coronation Nicole was also bag several award such as Best in Swimsuit and Best in National Costume. 

Bb. Pilipinas Tourism - Katrina Jayne Dimaranan
This 18 years old girl from the city San Juan, Metro Manila bagged one of the coveted title of the night. The Bb. Pilipinas Tourism and just like to 2 of the winners she now have chance to represent her country at the Ms. Tourism Queen International 2012 and hopefully be the successor of the last year winner Kantapat Peeradachainarin from Thailand. This morena beauty is just a fresh graduate from high school and was planning to take on the course of BS. Psychology once in college which she can relate herself to different people. She take home fr the Best in Talent award at the same night.This girl really show big potential in her since that it is her first time to join he contest as oppose to the other contestant that may have joined the pageant several time already. I think that this girl giving more training and exposed to more competition in the future might be one of the women that bring pride to the Philippines.

1St Runner up - Elaine Kay Moll
This beautiful proud lady from Catarman Samar, the province of my parents and relatives was no longer a neophyte in this kind of beauty pageant competition and in fact she become part of last year Ms. World Philippines and went as far as entering the Top 12 Semi-Finalist, though however she was not able to made it to the final cut that didn't break this girls confident to once again try her luck and I would say that her effort  paid off because this time around she went as far as becoming the 1st runner up of this year Binibining Pilipinas, though this success is something that she can be thanked and proud of I would say that this should not stop her in pursuing to be the ONE just like this year Binibining Pilipinas Universe Janine Tugonon that finally got her ultimately goal in joining Binibining Pilipinas. This woman has the elegance and wits that she can use it for wanting for more after all she was a "Bisaya" a "Waraynon" by heart and that means we never back out in fight. 

2nd Runner up -Annalie Forbes 
This 19 years old beauty is not just a face she also have the talent.  Annalie is a lounge singer in the bars of some of the Five Star Hotels in metro manila and this same incredible talent she have aside from her natural beauty turned out to be her key that brought her to this most recent success and although she was a neophyte for this kind of competition she prove herself that in this kind of competition regardless if your are experienced or a newbie for as long as you have the guts, the talent and the beauty you can definitely bring home the bacon and she prove herself right. This Information technology freshman from STI Cubao has so much things to offer and just like Katrina with all the proper training and experienced this girl has the potential of accomplishing great things in the near future. 

My Top Five Summer Spot

It's was really, really HOT now in the Philippines. Yesterday's temperature turned out to be as hot as 34 to 35 degree Celsius and its really scorching hot. It is indeed a hot summer in the Philippines. Since I worked at night and I sleep in the morning it was a real battle for me to fall asleep. At this time of year and at this season beach is something that people are all looking forward to. Parang ang sarap mag babad sa beach with your sun screen and sun glasses and your sexy summer outfit. It was nice to splurge your money all day and all night long in some of the paradise beaches here in the Philippines. To relax, to unwind and have fun  without guilt of spending something worth your money. Oh well I wish I can, I wish I can do that and I have my own personal list of My Top 5 beaches that my beautiful country Philippines have and experience a once in a lifetime summer getaway. 

Below are my Top 5 list of beaches that I want go with;

1. Amanpulo

This secluded and  private paradise beach resort which I can say is one of this island's attraction is situated at the Pamalican Island a one of the 45 islands in Cuyo Archepalogo or Cuyo Island in the Sulu Sea. This resort owned by Soriano's  and is one of the high-end resort group, The Aman Resort. This serene paradise was named after the Sankrit word "Aman" which means peace and a tagalog word "Pulo" which means island pue offer white sands and never ending blue skies for which our beloved country are known of, I guess with this haven you will love the heat of the sun as you witnessed and experienced what this beautiful island can offer. The island is also a good site diving spot for those diving enthusiast and for beginners like me who ironically doesn't know how to swim. And after long day of having fun with the crystal clear water you can also enjoyed there newly launched Aman Spa wherein guest can indulge themselves in the therapeutic pampering that offers beauty treatments and relaxing massage which I personal love.   

2. Boracay

The Island of Boracay is one of my "must see" island paradise that is located in the northwest tip of the Panay Island in the Western Visayas, Philippines. This island receive numerous awards for being one of the most popular destination of the tourist from around the globe and even with with the locals. It is thrilling to know that most if not all of the Pinoy's is dreaming to experience the Boracay experience. The blues skies, the beautiful beach and the popular white sandy beach of Boracay is one  of the many things you can describe Boracay of. The place and all the the hotels, restaurant and facilities and services offers variety of never ending fun and activities such as Sailing, Wind-Surfing, snorkeling, Diving, Jet Skiing and the popular Banana boat riding. This all and more that this island can offer that will definitely make summer getaway worth your time and money and the experience will make you want to come back in this beautiful paradise for more. 

3. El Nido

The Beautiful island of El Nido is situated in the province of Palawan, Philippines and about 420 kilometers Southwest of Manila and 238 kilometers Northeast of the Palawa's capital Puerto Princesa.The island is another top tourist destinations and was often referred to as the Philippines' Last Frontier. The beautiful island of El Nido offers breathtaking views of natures as its best. The crystal clear water and that white sandy beaches is one of the many attraction that this place offer. You will also feel enchanted to some of the lagoons with a turquoise-green water and more than 50 beaches that you, yourself can really enjoy. Some of this beaches or island that and your family can enjoy are Bacuit Bay, Cadlao Island, Dilumacad Island, Maniloc Island, Lagen Island, Pagalusian Island, Vigan Island, Matinloc Island, Pinasil Island and the Aberawan River.  You can reach this beautiful haven through its fastest and most direct way from Manila is to take an hour and 15 minutes Air transfer.  

Maniloc Island, El Nido

Dilumacad Island, El Nido

Cadlao Island, El Nido

Bacuit Bay, El Nido

4. Camiguin Island

This Beautiful pear shaped island of Camiguin is located at the Northern tip of Mindanao and approximately 90 kilometers of Cagayan De Oro and 10 kilometers off the Northern coast of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao, Philippines. This peaceful dream land of Camiguin which was called "The island born out of fire" because of it's volcanic origin will give you all the best that this island can offer, from fabulous getaway of steep volcanoes, lush jungle and white beaches like there "White island" which known for its "C" form of white powdery sand bar and was also selected as one of the 12 best beaches in 2007 in the world according the Travel Magazine. People visiting the beach can can swim, sun bath, and do snorkeling with all island's vibrant coral reef around it. The Island offer its finest Hot springs like the Ardent Hot Spring and Tangub Hot Spring that best for therapeutic and relaxing bath. The island also have their 250 feet Katibawasan water falls located 5 kilometers  southeast of Mambajao, the capital municipality  of Camiguin. The island of Camiguin only not offer world finest summer destination but also have rich colorful festival like the festival in honor with their sweet Lanzones which this province was known of. The Lanzones Festival which was a four day grand celebration of the Lanzones fruit and held every 3rd week of October. 

Katibawasan Falls

White Island

Ardent Hot Spring

5. Puerto Galera 

The island of Puerto Galera or Port for Galleons when translated literally is located at Northwester most of the province of Oriental Mindoro and Southwestern end of the the Isla Verde Passage which is one of the busiest sea lanes in the Philippines. The quiet little town of the Puerto Galera is indeed one of the most popular summer destination among the beautiful islands of the Philippines not only because it's close proximity to Manila but also because in this island rest the world great and wonderful beachfront location and scuba diving spots where tourist can witness its majestic submarine ecosystem. In this island as well rest the "Tubbataha Reef"  which is one of the of the 2 best diving spot named by an international travel website. Puerto Galera's beaches such as Sabang beach where tourist can party their night away or spend a quiet time and escaped from the noisy night life of Sabang is the island of the Small La Laguna which was situated next to Sabang and for diving enthusiast can enjoy the Big La Laguna  beach where beautiful coral reef are. This and more we can expect from Puerto Galera. We can reach this beautiful haven through the cheapest options. From major bus terminal in Pasay city near you can ride on an  airconditioned bus like BLTB, JAM, AND Tritran bring you to Batangas Port and ride on a ferries which will bring to the island.  

One of my Proudest Day

My sister's Certificate of recognition for being in Top 2 at her class. I am a really a proud brother that she was able to be in second place considering what she been through and though she wasn't able to get the Top 1 spot as she was consistently was during her Elementary days and in her High School days, from 1st year to 4th year I can say that I am so happy and proud because I witnessed of how she really persevere in doing her home works, projects and other school activities despite her limited ability in performing all those task but still she find ways to do so, oftentimes when she thought that she no longer cant do the assignment or projects that she have she will pestering me and even my mother nonstop until she get the help she needed even to the point that I get mad at her specially if I came from work and had a little sleep. I was not proud of it and that I am guilty of it. I realize that she was not the normal individual that can work on her own and even the normal individual too tend to get help most of the time, How much more is a deaf and a mute individual. That is why our happiness is so much when we know that she graduated with honor, Those pass 4 years in High School was not easy for me and my family, neither to her as well but with the help and guidance of our Almighty God we are able to make it it though. Now that she once again close another chapter of her Education, there is another challenge waiting for her and much more for "ME" as she will be starting a new chapter of her life in College, I dont know if I will be able to keep up but whatever it is ahead of us, I just need to give all my trust to the Lord that hopefully I will be able to pull it through that no matter how big was the uncertainty will be I have my strong refuge beside me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 

Farewell and thank you Web Pros

Web Pros is located at Suite 1106 Paragon Plaza EDSA
corner. Reliance Street. Mandaluyong City, 1550

It's been 7 months of working with Web Pros Philippines and I come to decision to tender my resignation and pursue a better career opportunity with other company and some personal reason. I would like to say my sincere gratitude to the company (web pros) and it’s its entire HR staff for the opportunity and the advancement that the management accorded me, especially with the contact center department where I grow even more in terms on my skills and development as a customer service representative. It's been a pleasure working with you guys and I will always treasure the friendship that I started there.

To my trainer Dan Plew, I would like to say "Job well done" please don't think that you are a failure in honing us by sharing your knowledge in an industry that is totally knew to me but just the same you made it a bit easy for us to understand the terms, process, and anything and everything about the printing industry under the sun, I know that it was indeed a real challenge of teaching us but you were able to deliver it with flying colors and that I can say that I am so proud of you. I hope that the company may see your effort and merit that for a much, much better company benefits than what you are getting now.  You keep up the good work my dear friend.

To Marky Umali,  I would like to say thank you for the laughter and for all the support I was able to get from you in answering my questions most of the time, thanks for being so patience and being so calm and for being so approachable at all time that no matter how hard your work seem by being a supervisor and an agent at the same time as you are also taking calls you were able to do it with flying colors, with that I can say "You already!!!!" To Steph, the girl that never failed to be sooo sweet at all time to me, thanks for always sharing some food you have to me with dedication, those small gesture that I really, really appreciated, with you, I can say "Mabuhay ang mga mala constructions worker lumafang!!!! (Peace!!)".        To Gay, I'd like to say thank you for being so nice to me, to Chino and to all of my waive mates and being so pretty consistent since my day 1 at Web Pros, you know how to work then to enjoy at the same time, not just work, work, and work and with that I can say "I see Love in your eyes...wink!!!!!" peace!!!!. To Shiela, Chloe my chat peeps, thanks for the friendship, I won’t forget that. To Allan that more often or not get into my nerve but then I admit that when his gone for1 week because he got sick? I kinda mizz you but dont get me wrong di tayo talo, alam mo yan where just two people who found real and without kaplastikan friendship and with that I am thankful and its payback time, its your time to mizz your seat mate and your friends hmp!!!! to My waive mates Aura keep up the good work I know you need your work more than anything and I am happy with your blooming love life, to Mara just be good there ok?? wink!!!. To Susana my Best friend, you and I know everything, my my opinion and my disputes and thank you for listening always, don’t worry friend sabi mo nga diba? If God closes his door, he will open a window bigger than the window and whoever you thought that make your stayed unpleasant with web pros, well alam mo yan!!!  To Hannah you and I know that we have our share arguments and misunderstanding, I am not perfect as much as you are and I can’t asked you to change yourself on my behalf but whatever you and I talked about in the conference I feel and in fact Chino as well noticed that you've tried really and we appreciate that, with you I can say THANKS. To Joanne Hilario, amazing woman who make pagalit of me if I am wrong and soooo nice to me since my day 1 on the floor, thank you, thank you for all the custom calls I get that you help me through, with you I can say "YOU DESERVE A RAISE!!!!" To Tony, I would like to say first I am sorry for I did not try to talk to you earlier when I drop by to the office, I know that it was unbecoming but I feel off and kind feel shy, but I would like to say thank you for trusting in my skills and accepting me in your department, It was a pleasure working with you SIR!! I may have different opinion to some of the people in your department that I can say its been hard working with I am not taking that against you because I know you have done very very well in even making Web Pros successful specially in you department. Sir, it was really a job well done, I hope that this is not just the last time that you and the company and me may work together in order to reach one goal and that is to be successful in our own rights! This is not just goodbye yet according to a person whom I receive the email after his resignation, just see you later!!!!

Gay Gonazales

Stephanie 

During the Thanksgiving day

Me, Susan and Chino

Chat and Voice Peepz

During my training days (Chino, Me and Aura)

Mara, Me and Jayra

Susan, Aura, Me, Jayra, Mara and Mommy Pearl

Jeff 

Chino

Susan, Aura and Mommy Pearl

During our first and last get together at Gerry's grill MOA

Susan

Mara

Mommy Pearl

Chino
 

Sheila

Tony

Contact Center Personnel