Day 2 and it's incredible

It's a treat to see more.. I had other thing in mind but the said tour doesn't run on the same day so I just signed up for a half day excursion to one of the nearest island from the resort called Dhangethi. The boat ride was really nice. The sea being sooo blue as it is! The sun shining so brightly that morning with the salty wind blowing my hair. Feels so nice!

It's interesting for me since I am not really familiar with their culture. Dhangethi is a small island. It is so small that we walked around it in less than half of the time allotted for the tour. I like it, though it would seem like a drag of your time away from your own paradise, it is still an interesting walk. Try once and get over it!

They have a whole strip full of souvenir shops that I didn't bother to look at because the brilliant me forgot my purse in my room!!! Of all the things I'd forget to bring? I got my candies and chocolates, camera, phone, sunblock and cap but I forgot my wallet. *sigh* Nonetheless, it saved me from an impromptu souvenir shopping.

The view around the shore lines were all nice.. incredibly clean and inviting. Honestly, I would have tried to dip in and see if the water feels different around there. hmm.. Saying it like this now makes me think how silly I am at the time. Lol

The people around there is really timid and shy unless you are walking along the strip of shops, most of them that we passed by tend to just focus on what they are doing. The kids look happy from a far. They'll smile back but still they are reserved. And I am really glad that I brought my treats with me! It was nice to be able to share, and I did get to share some with the kids.

And then the tour came to an end. Since I didn't have plans of shopping, I stick with our tour guide who invited me to join him for coffee and some snack. I don't know what that was called but it tasted weird for me. It has this minty, nutty and spicy flavor together and another thing that I can't describe at all! A bite is totally enough for me. I'll just stick with my chocolate. =P

And one last photo before we leave...

First Impressions

After 3 plane rides and a boat transfer later.... I finally arrived at my final destination in Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. My first thought? "It's Maldives for real!!!" Feels unreal and now, it's still kind of weird to describe the feeling. It's been a mix of awe and "Oh no! time will fly and I don't want to go home!" HAHA That's me looking ahead of time!

I don't have a bucket list but definitely, I have a list of things I would love to do, try and see. And one of the things on high priority and on top of it for over 16 years now is to see myself in Maldives. I didn't know how beautiful it was then, and I had no idea how expensive it is as well. But I dreamed of seeing the world when I was a kid and I am trying to do it one at a time whenever and however I can, and if I can. *Carpe Diem!* So when I saw a relatively cheap round trip tickets I made sure I get one of the seat myself!

At first sight, it's incredible and unbelievable!

At second sight... I'm smitten!

In love and unbelievably hooked,

♥A

Aya's birthday = Food tripping

It's Aya's birthday and well.. I have a suspicion she'd plan the whole day to be spent in a food induced coma! Oooppss! Not that I am complaining.

Starting with this soooooo adorable siopao. I just can't get over it.It's so cute it took me forever to decide whether I'll be able to eat it or just look at it. Along the way to visit Lolo and Mama's resting place we munch on these cute little stuff along with some other junks (peppero, cookies and chips). Not quite an ideal berakfast, I know.

So anyway, Aya has planned to dine us out for her birthday. We head out straight to SM Mega Fashion Hall to check out the Spanish restaurant Boqueria, only to walk rounds and rounds in the mall and finding nothing. And just then, we decided to just head on to Alqueria Restaurante that later we were informed was the former Boqueria! *oh fate! lalalalala* hahaha

Look at the evidence!!! =P

 

Food wise, everything sounds nice from the menu and looks better once served.

pulpo a la gallega 

ensalada

Chicharones

Paella queso Manchego

Paella Seafood

While, it is pretty good, I must say it is a bit on the pricey side. But nonetheless, I think you get your money's worth with the quality of the food. We took our time eating and did not notice the time. While it's already in the afternoon, we can't leave without having a dessert. However, we decided to get it from St. Marc cafe.. I'm a happy girl today!!! Lol

....

Really.. I hate to admit it but one of my greatest fears is to be in the here and now and not be able to live every moment of it to the fullest. And yet I let time just pass me by.. Crap! feels like I've wasted my five-years but not really just because I have these great moments I really loved and cherished. 

Boracay '14

I still hang on to the memories and the looking forward that makes me keep the present. Now, there.. how confusing? And yes, I'm having this contemplative moments once more.. I'm getting old! LOL

Random dates with old friends

My girls and I see each other regularly and so this time we invited a third wheel! Lol

It's funny cause earlier this week, we three met for coffee even if we are set to have lunch today. We're a couple of impulsive people I guess. (And I scraped my right knee because of him!! Well, not really, he just rushed me to come over the coffee shop and given that I'm clumsy.. what did I expect? XD)

So yes.. our lunch at Gino's pizza was extended to dessert and afternoon coffee/tea.

It was nice seeing them and it felt like time and again is not enough whenever we catch up with each others lives.

Prettified! Lol

In lieu of my coming vacation and with all the stress around.. some moments of pampering is in order!!!

And there... I got my bangs back!!

Party - Work - Lunch date

Talk about work-life balance.

Let's start Friday night when we headed out to a family friend's birthday celebration in Bentekwatro Restobar Grill in Pasig. Well, the place is a typical restobar. Some place you can hangout after a long day at work maybe, somewhere you can hangout and loosen up. It's not fancy but a casual and a comfy spot to get a drink. And please don't expect a smokeless grill! Lol

A buffet spread of several delicious concoctions were offered in the party. The celebrant was one of the owners of the place, he knows good food and we all appreciate good food! The tuna was really awesome and it is included in their real menu. Well, everything was nice and better with drinks, you know what I mean.....

It was a short affair for me since I needed to head on for work then but not after I had my fill! I'm feeling a little bad tonight because my sister and I had a few drinks before I left for work. Hope no one get to notice it. But really, I do think I look better after a few drinks. jk!

Anyway, from work... I met with the girlfriends for another Japanese buffet. Off to line up outside Genji M in Makati. We did not expect the crowd lining outside the restaurant for the buffet. Anyway, we did get in. It was okay, the food was not bad or maybe I just lost my appetite after all those time that we lined up outside and waited for our queue.

Little Tokyo x Commune PH

Third day in a row... I'll never get tired of Japanese food.

Today, I get to have lunch with my Chinese friends in Little Tokyo located in Makati. We opted to dine in Hana Restaurant. It's nothing fancy but more of casual Japanese spot. We were the first one in and it's kinda funny all together. We just don't know what to do that early but just wait outside for the place to open up.

Another set of good food. We had a platter of rolls, huge bowls of ramen, and takoyaki.

And because we don't want the day to end yet, I pushed for the coffee date after! Finally, I'll get to check out the coffee shop, Commune.

It was cute.. but maybe, the people were not having a really great day if you know what I mean. Or perhaps, it annoys them that our talking and laughing get a little out of hand that the staff did not seem that welcoming when we were approached for our orders and to assist us.

Anyway, the cookie shot is real cute and interesting. One should have a try at it! It's fun to take milk shots soooo different to my typical tequila shots on my regular days! JK!

And the coffee art.. need I say more. I'm a sucker for coffee and more for coffee arts and those cute things. So this gets me every time! I love coffee shops that makes a cup extra special.

And then finally, after hours of chatting and laughing together, we had to call it a day.

more and more with Aya

Quick date...

And we are some girls who really spend more on food more than anything else.

After seeing Samurai X in the big screen, we went straight to Yabu for lunch. And I'm claiming my free tonkatsu meal since it's my birthday! Yabu is awesome like that. And well, we didn't get to take a photo of our food. Too busy swooning over the movie and chitchatting on what we are missing doing together.

Stayed a little longer than necessary, just because.... we ate many and we are enjoying the place. The little noise of other people talking and people watching as well while we do our own chattering.

We are full and happy, but what is a meal without a mouthwatering dessert. I so  love desserts it is a crime not to indulge in it once in a while. But then we thought of finding a cup of coffee first. So, she heard of this place, Mochicream Café, having a yummy mochi cream. Mochicream Café it is then! And being the big sister who is a lost cause when it comes to directions and maps, we roamed the lot of SM Megamall in search for the café. It was located in the new wing - Fashion mall.

And then, walking around.... we came across this! Would this day be any more sinful than it is now?

The answer?? Please don't judge! hahahaha cause, we head out and found this....

St. Marc's Café's Choco Berry Celebration

All in all... well, the sweet-tooth monster in me is doing the happy dance! The mochi cream was awesome but then pick your flavor carefully. If I may just say, really, all things fits differently. And then another frozen delight at St. Marc's - totally nice! But I certainly cannot finish the whole servings alone. As pretty as it is, it is for someone who fancies freezing goodness. It's like the Japanese version of a complex halo-halo. Not your regular concoction though! No wonder it's popular at all. I like it all the same anyway, and will certainly be back for more... soon, I hope so.

Happy and satiated,
♥A