Watch Out

For a movie buff like me, a week is never complete without a trip to the cinema. It may be a planned movie date or just a casual weekend without having anything interesting to get busy on, cinema is always a stop. I even take efforts to search online for upcoming films that may further tickle my fascination with movies. It is however to your information that I am not the type who watches a certain movie over and over again. That fanatic who gets to memorize almost every line and recite them as they watch. Oh noooo. I do not even like watching movies I have already seen (only with few exceptions, of course), hence the reason I erase all movies in my laptop every after I have seen it.

For the last couple of months, I have been solidly wasting money over this mild addiction of mine. Blame it to the sudden gush of interesting movies in just a span of 2 months (i.e: Transformers 3, Harry Potter 7 part 2, Capatin America and so on) let alone more upcoming films to exacerbate this habit. Here, let me share to you some of the movies I have my eye on. Enjoy!

ONE DAY

Been looking forward for this film since last year! It better not disappoint.
Starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess
In theaters August 2011

DOLPHIN TALE

Starring Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Harry Connick, Jr.
In theaters September 2011


DREAM HOUSE

Looks like another mind boggling film.
Starring Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz and Naomi Watts
In theater September 2011

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

What's in swords and legends that is unlikable? Another favorite now in 3D.
Starring Milla Jovovich, Logan Lerman, Juno Temple, Orlando Bloom
in Theaters October 2011

IN TIME

Anything with Amanda Seyfried. Plus Olivia Wilde. Really?
Starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried and Olivia Wilde
In theaters October 2011

BREAKING DAWN Part 1

Don't judge me. I'm a fan. :)
Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
In theaters November 2011

IMMORTALS

This is the genre I am most in love with. Definitely not going to miss this!
Starring Henry Cavill (the next Superman), Mickey Rourke, John Hurt and Freida Pinto.
In theaters November 2011

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4

Oh Etan Hunt, we'll meet again. <3
Starring (main) Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton and Simon Pegg
In theaters December 2011

SHERLOCK HOLMES : A GAME OF SHADOWS

Starring Robert Downy, Jr. and Jude Law
In theaters December 2011

THE VOW

Another tearjerker coming. I am such a sucker for movies like this. I just hope it is not much like of the other romantic drama films released.
Starring (main) Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum
In theaters February 2012

Other movies to watch for:

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

THE AVENGERS

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN

THE HUNGER GAMES

and many many more.

So, save the dates! See you around :)

Laguna Day!

Nope, not the official town day, but just another lame title there, sorry. It was a Saturday well spent at my hometown-- Laguna, yaay! This is going to be a long entry!

The whole week I was looking forward for the weekend because I have awesome plans with friends. My college buddies and I long planned to go visit Enchanted Kingdom for a quick out of town fun. It has been almost a year since the last time I was there and I think it would be more fun this time having the craziest friends tagged along. I know for sure it would be one hell of an epic day. I was excited just like a kid on her first trip to an amusement park.

To double the frenzy, a high school friend tweeted me about a dinner they (high school friends) plan to have on weekend, Saturday preferably. Fate surely does know how to organize dates! Crazy college buddies for the whole day and utterly missed high school click for the night, Saturday you are so loved! Can you just imagine how I went by the whole week mindlessly doing chores to pass the time? It was a torture. So came Saturday, my life began! Let me share to you another epic Saturday in one bum's life.

First of the grill: EK Photowalk and Laugh-tripping

I went with my college girlfriend, Yha, his boyfriend, Jim and my photographer, Jay (there goes your credit). Unfortunately, another college buddy wasn't able to come because she's been sick for days. That's really sad because fun isn't complete without us three together. But then again we pushed through and fun it was!

We were able to ride some and take pictures dry before it rained. Yes, almost every hour the park was showered and some rides were even stopped. So, what to do? Stop, shed and take some more pictures.

Nevertheless, we still did enjoy it despite the wet afternoon. Thanks to space shuttle for bringing the fool out of ourselves. I guess no matter how many times I ride it, I will never get used to the rush. Screaming the hell out of me. The fact that we all looked freakishly stupid on space shuttle pictures made the whole afternoon beyond comical. I think I had more gratifying experience looking at the pictures (of others included) than riding on any other rides we tried. Haha, sorry.

However, sorry to disappoint you (myself too) guys but I failed to try EKstreme, the newest ride. I was a scared cat, I admit. I have been watching the ride go over and over again, contemplating whether I can do it or not. I know I can, but maybe not then. Haha, what an excuse! Next time, really! I promise.

By 6pm, we separated ways.  The day has to end, you know no matter how boisterous it is. But not just yet for me. I still have a dinner to attend to.

So worth late dinner

I wouldn't call this Laguna day for no reason, right? Of course I wouldn't pass up the chance to meet up with the friends whom I practically grew up with since I am already in my hometown. Thank goodness for the great choice of date you guys! Before we head off EK, I afforded the littlest of chance to freshen up and change. 

The dinner is in Nuvali and thanks for the hitch that we did not end up riding a tricycle (hello, sayang ang effort magfreshen up). I was starving because of endless walk and rides from the park but we still have to wait for 9 o'clock to strike so Yanna could join us. She is working at that restaurant we planned to dine in. So again, what to do? Catch up and take more pictures. 

We ate at Sumo Sam which is newly opened at Solenad 2. I have read about this Japanese restaurant from a blog before so I really look forward to taste their food, not to mention it is owned by Marvin Agustin. So I guess the wait is worth it. I am not really a fan of Japanese cuisine but I really do appreciate their foods. 

I ordered gyudon with fried egg. I really don't like anything raw, most especially eggs. So when I saw from the menu that gyudon is topped with raw egg, I asked if they can have it fried for me, and yes they did! I also got to taste pork kimchi which Jay ordered and I think it's a bit dry but nevertheless tastes good as well. 

To our surprise, another high school friend, Bugz works there as a chef. I think he's just there for some time to train the restaurant's resident chefs. He treated us with ramen and a banana-split ice cream of some sort for dessert (I didn't catch the name of those two, sorry).

After lotsa foods and pictures taken, we're off to see Dianne's new house at greenfield. That's I think almost 11pm already. Thank goodness for the ride with Dolly, total catching up! More pictures coz their house is gorgeous!

We spent the rest of the night at Yanna's because  there is no more bus trips back to manila at that hour. We ended up playing cards. They still have to teach me and Jay to play tongits and pusoy dos to be able to join. Yes, people, we do not know how to play those card games, does that make us a loser?hahaha, never mind. 

Ahhh, good times! This has to be a regular meet-up, you know. These are the people you'll never get tired of. Until next time, love you guys!

Mwah :*

Saturday for Piczheeers

Excuse my title. It's crappy, I know. I can't think of a better and more catchy one than that. Anyway this is all pictures of...wait for it....wait for it...ME! Hahaha. So if you can't stand my face, go get a life and leave my site.

Kidding aside people, last Saturday after I went to the wedding fair at NBC Tent, I went to accompany my boyfriend to the doctor and have his therapy. And then..we had a stroll at Paco Park which is just near the clinic. It's just a small park with this old chapel at the center. They say this is also famous for wedding ceremonies. What a coincidence!

The park is basically a cemetery. It was Manila's cemetery for the bishops and the aristocratic families during the Spanish colonial era. Interesting, huh? The place is so charming despite the fact that it is a resting place for the dead. The park is well maintained, I guess that's where the 5 pesos entrance fee goes. Too bad the chapel is close and I didn't get the chance to take a peek inside.

Here, take a look at the park:

Those holes in the wall are tombs actually and that's St. Pancratius Chapel behind me. 

The place is just too appealing, I can't let the chance pass to take pictures of myself and what I wore that day! 

Sorry for the tram, that's taken outside NBC Tent during the Wedding fair earlier that day. You see that orange belt? That's a rope. Yep, literally a rope. I found it at home and fell in love with the striking color. So I used is as a belt. Whatdya think?

 Feeling lang. Bakit? hahaha : p

Okay, sorry babe but I really have to include you and your bulging belly. Peace out! I still love you, you know that. 

HAHAHA. Yup, I really have to include that piece of whatever line that is. :)

So there you go, that goes my Saturday. Another fun-packed one coming up! See you!

Kisses, 

   Raine

Saturday for Weddings

Last Saturday I attended a wedding fair at NBC Tent, The Fort and I had a jam-packed day. Okay, just to make things clear, I am not getting married anytime soon. I am just arranging a wedding for someone. I volunteered because this is one thing I love doing and I hopelessly wish I have a sister who'd do this for me too when my time comes. 

So anyway, the event was fairly impressive. The place is not that huge but it surely did wow me and hundred others too. Mostly you'll find photographer booths offering packages including albums, pre-nup pictorials, photo and video coverage, etc. which are so cool. But of course they don't come cheap, some of which costs almost the entire wedding budget. Nevertheless, I think it is reasonable enough for those are things that you will bring with you as you grow old with your man/woman. Something that you could show to your grandchildren and their grandchildren as well. It preserves the whole moment, you know. So I think it is just fair that you also allot a budget for that. If not because of my 'all-knowing boyfriend' (yeah, he's annoyingly like that-but it's okay) who makes kontra to each "wow-that's-cute" moment I had looking at those albums, edits and other creative things they do in  Photoshop, I must have gone crazy. Forgive me, because for someone like me who only knows the basic of Photoshop, everything looks lovely. Other booths are from caterers, venues, ring retailers, designers and all else you will be needing for your big day! Even wedding coordinators and planners, you can find it there.  Here are some photos my official photographer took:

Oh, by the way I think I just fell in love with that gown at the right. That's by Happy Andrada and it is so beautiful. Simple and elegant. Don't you just love it? 

The event was pretty amazing. You'd wanna get married soon just by looking at all those lovely gowns, intricately designed cakes, breathtaking pictures, etc. But of course, as I have said earlier, it does not come cheap. Everything in there has a price and most are really expensive. So again, it's free to dream! Hahaha. 

The fair wasn't solely for wedding. It also catered debuts. It's funny how some would even ask me if it's a wedding or a debut! hahaha, thank you, thank you!

Well, anyway I am happy I am doing this for him and for her (shhhh muna). I am the one who's much excited than the bride! hahaha. So while I am still looking for a job, this is what makes me busy. Who knows, this could be a future venture. So if you're getting married soon, tell me. I might be more than willing to help. *wink :)

Must Try!

You guys have heard of Serenitea? Nowadays, the coffee industry no longer reigns sole on the top list of the people's favorite beverage to feast upon over stories. The market for various alternatives are fast emerging, one of which is Milk Tea.

For those who are not much into coffee, tea is by far the better pick. Contrary to what most believe that teas are for the old one, Serenitea caters to both the old and the young market. With this, they have various tweaks for teas to be interesting and catchy. They have milk teas, fresh brewed teas, tea lattes, fresh fruit teas and Taiwan teas. They also served quick snacks like hash browns, pepper tofu and chicken chops to name a few. 

What's nice about Serenitea is that they let you customize your own tea according to your preference of sugar level, which ranges from 100% full sugar, 75% less sugar, 50% half sugar, 25% mild sugar or 0% healthy, and your choice of sinkers: Pearls, Crystals, Lime Jelly, Red Bean, Black Bricks and Egg Pudding which are by the way served generously! Isn't it awesome? 

I have been hearing about this tea for over some time now and when I saw it at Robinsons Place Manila the other day, I just can't let go of the chance to have a try. As you know, whenever I am at a new restaurant or any food chains, I tend to always order the wrong thing. I end up not liking it and making a waste of what I paid for. So having Serenitea for the first time is not really a good experience. As written on one of their walls, "love at first sip," for me, not really. What happened? Okay, I ordered Minty choco having in mind that it must be a safe choice since most of their milk tea variants are not familiar to me, like roasted milk tea, okinawa, hokkaido, etc. Bottom line is, I did not like its taste. There's a kick, or more likely an after taste I cannot understand. It's not really bad but it's not good either. And when I got to taste what my boyfriend ordered, I liked it more. He got a wintermelon milk tea at mild sugar level. It was a bit bland but nevertheless better than what I have ordered for myself. The worse part? He doesn't wanna exchange with me. He didn't like my milk tea too. 

But that did not stop me. The next day we got to pass by the mall again, I bought another one. And yes, I opted for safety again. I ordered what he bought the other day, only on a full 100% sugar. It did not fail me this time. So all in all, I was happy. I still look forward to trying other flavors. 

my wintermelon milk tea in 100% sugar with a generous amount of pearls. Yaay! (excuse the blurry photo)

You guys try it out! They only have few branches which are located at San Juan, Alabang Town Center,  B.F. Homes, Banawe, Eastwood and Robinsons Place Manila. The medium sized milk tea only costs 95 pesos. Go, have a sip and tell me how you liked it.

Calaguas Island

Since this blog's sole purpose is to share my trips and getaways, and my wanderlust self has been dormant for months, I am going to post travels I had back then that I was not able to blog about. That would be the trend for now until I get my butt to another far interesting place I could pride about.

If you wanna hold me in a conversation for hours, there are only two topics that interests me like no other--Dogs and Philippine beaches. The former is the result of my love for my two beyond adorable golden retrievers (one of which has passed away recently :[ ) while the latter is simply for the reason that I am such a beach bum. Last Sunday, my boyfriend and I were talking about trips we would love to have given a time and resources. I happen to blurt about my swing to Calaguas Island 2 summers ago (if I am not mistaken) and how much of a paradise it is! I remembered all the happy and embarrassing moments I had then. 

Lemme share them to you.

It was a 2 1/2 hour boat ride from Paracale. We boarded a small fishing boat with only the bangkero manning the boat the whole trip (yes, no assistant or something!). Half or more than half of the boat ride we were bouncing on and off our seats because of pretty big waves. Our butts were so punished and we were all wet the whole 2 and a half hour trip to the island, including their stuffs! Me excluded since I packed my things inside a garbage bag (the new and unused one, of course!). Don't laugh, we do it every time we board a boat. because I do not own a water proof bag huge enough to fit my stuffs. 

That's us finally on the island. Just look at that view! We left home at about 8am I think and we arrived there lunch time! Whew! But hey, look at what welcomed us! Definitely worth it. 

That's us! I went with my eldest brother, Mark who's on the far left with his two friends, Ate Grace (in white dress) and Kuya Ig who's beside me. Ate Grace brought along her two cousins (girls beside her) whose names I no longer remember (SORRY GUYS :/). See our background? We have the whole beach all to ourselves!

See how clear the water is? And the fine white sand? Way better than Boracay (just saying). 

Jump shots!

exploring the long stretch of white sand.

Rock formations in the far left side of the island

Me. will try cliff diving. CHOS! Just posing up there :))

long beach. That is why it is called halabang baybay.

This is me, taking a picture of my brother standing on a rock in middle of the sea at dusk. Apparently, ate Grace took a picture of me in action. Don't you just love the color and the scene? :)

As soon as the sky started to get dark, we started  building  fire using dried twigs and leaves we have gathered. This is dream come true for me!hahaha... It is because I always wanna experience bon fire at the beach and this is it! Oh well, it only lacks better company.hehehe.. Don't get me wrong, of course I was in good company then, but it would be much funner if I was with my friends, gossiping and all. Hahaha..

Without a flash

with flash

We were drinking Carlo Rossi and I think I forgot it contains alcohol. I might have been so attuned to the stories that I have treated it like a juice. The taste gets better and better so nawili ako. You know what happened next. I got drunk and started throwing up. And my brother is there! That was a first, gahhd. So ayun, sinumbong lang naman niya ako kay mommy. More like just telling a story, very casual and he was laughing pa, along with my mom. So I was surprised! Okay lang naman pala. hahaha.. All those time I was so freaking ashamed and worried too. Hahaha.

You wonder how we slept and where we stayed? We camped out. We brought tents because, guys, there is no hotel accommodations in there. All there is are five big open cottages (enough to fit 5 to 10 persons) and a common comfort room in which you still have to order pails of tap water for after-sea-swimming bath. Unfortunately, I have no pictures of our tents. So just use your imaginations. Good thing it was full moon then that even after the drinking session that we have to kill the fire we started, it was still quite bright around. Thanks, Mr. Moon :)

As I went out our tent the next morning still groggy and feeling lightheaded, I saw brother and friends cooking breakfast the mountaineer way (my brother is). It was quite embarrassing as they greeted me good morning, knowing what happened the night before, haha.. I am such a shame. Oh well. As soon as we finished eating, we started packing our things as we head to another island on our way home. 

Fellas, welcome to Maculabo Island!

If I am not mistaken, this island belongs to Kuya Ig's family. That is why as soon as we step out the boat we were greeted with warm smiles by the locals. They prepared lunch for us which was basically all seafoods. YUM!! Sorry I do not have pictures of it since we were all busy devouring everything as it landed on our kubo.hahaha

After we had lunch, we went trekking. This is what wowed us as we hike. 

This, guys is the view from the top. Breathtaking. Parang painting lang eh. 

Me and my brother.

And this is us, about to go home

That was truly a summer getaway! It was hella tiring but I had a real blast! This is definitely the place for those who dislike overcrowded beaches like me. This place is untapped so don't expect luxury vacation here. It does not offer full relaxation because it takes a tiring and ass-punishing 2 and a half hour boat ride to reach (unless you own a speed boat). You won't be able to stay in a hotel or even in a small close cottage with bed as the night comes in. No showers, no lights. Only the beauty of nature in its most unexploited state. Plain paradise. See for your self. 

*Halabang Baybay, Calaguas Island, is in Camarines Norte. From Manila, board a bus to Daet, Camarines Norte and get off to Vinzons (second town before Daet proper). Ride a tricycle to Vinzons port and ask who can help you get to Calaguas. It is basically by contrata. Boat rate depends on how many you are and how long you are staying on the island. The least is 5k for overnight I think. I'm not so sure about it since we had a different drop off point. As you've noticed above, we boarded a boat from a town called Paracale. That is because kuya Ig knows the owner of that boat who happens to reside in Maculabo (the island their family owns) and we had a discount. If we were to board from Vinzons then, the rate for us was at 8k to 10k for an overnight. Way steep. So we opted for another drop off point. Paracale is farther than Vinzons. We had a car dropped and fetched us there. So for newbies, I wouldn't recommend that option. 

Anyhow, you really should visit this place or else, you are missing half of your life. Yes. I mean that. I wish to go back there soon, sana by that time di na ako sabit.hahaha.. So Friends, tara na!