The Lady in Black...

With the Red Rose props.. Hala sige! haha

There was a time in the past wherein I'm fond of having my pictures taken, then I suddenly realized that I am just better off behind the lens! Mag-init lang ulo sa photographer haha I guess posing and projecting isn't really my thing maybe because I'm just 'shy' by nature haha. But yes, like most of us, I gave it a try, just for FUN. This set was taken about more than 2 years ago, my hair is still black, I'm a few pounds lighter, I don't know much on photography and make-up and I'm just a wannabe. 

Taken one Sunday morning, these photos were just in my USB drive all the while... hehe

You might wonder where this is, we had our so called "shoot" at Gap Farm Davao, I prefer it here, walang tao, nakakahiya kaya... hehe

This is my first time, It really shows how awkward I am. 

Pwede nang endorser sa watch haha

The Ms. Wannabe and Canon Lover... I'm better off with my cam! =) haha

At the end of the day, I just knew what I wanted.

Photos by: Jepoy Panuda

Hanoi Restaurant Davao : Going Vietnamese

Interiors of the restaurant

So here's my take on food blogging haha So bear with me. haha =)

 Vietnamese Cuisine is not really common in the city, Hanoi has been here for quite sometime already, so my family decided to give it a try. Since eastern food is not a stranger to us we know we can get along with the dishes that they would offer.  The place is very cozy with red and warm tones for their interiors, there are photos of signature dishes hanging on the wall as their decoration. So, if you're having a hard time on which dish to choose from (on our case yes) , you can kindly ask their waiters/waitresses to point out which among them are best-sellers and highly recommended to their customers. If we didn't do so, we all end up starving (haha). It is beside the known Japanese restaurant here in Davao, Tsuro at J. Camus St. (Fronting People's Park) and also a branch in Abreeza Ayala Mall,  along J.P. Laurel Ave. 

One of their signature soups, too bad I didn't take note on the names our our dish, we had 2 servings of these..Oops! haha

One of their signature dishes.  Stuffed Squid. 

Crispy Noodles

Beef Dish

My favorite among all, Vietnamese Spring Rolls

 One thing I liked about the food was the invigorating feeling after the meal. We had a hearty and filling lunch, but yet at the same time healthy, as most of their dishes had heaping portions of vegetables and spices. Prices are reasonable, ranges on the average of 250-450 php per serving good for 2-3 persons. Good enough since we don't get to eat Vietnamese food everyday. It's my first time to eat Vietnamese, so I have no comparison to its authenticity when it comes to taste. The food and service was good, as a first timer =) Dining in Hanoi is best shared and spent with family and friends, so if you're up to something not the usual, you might just want to try it here. 

With my family... ready to attack!

Modern Bride (Jessica)

The bride is wearing a simple yet elegant white rose head piece

Each and every bride is beautiful. They illuminate beauty from within, that makes them a total stunner on their biggest and most awaited day of their lives. Here are portrait shots of a modern bride in Davao City, Jessica Santos-Tupas. Taken at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao. I haven't been able to post portraits lately, so I'd like to share these are old photos that I took more than a year ago during their wedding last December 2010, that was way before I started blogging. 

Black and White

With her Maid of Honor

MUA Ryan Wong of  River l'Artiste Maquillage putting on make up to the Bride

French Nails

Her Bouquet of Flowers

Wedding jitters?! 

Off to the Church!

Final make-up touches before reception begins...

Goofing around with the flower girls

A Beautiful Modern Bride

Bride portrait

With her other half, Atty. Gene Tupas... JUST MARRIED!

Eating is my favorite Hobby

From Lucky Me Pancit Canton to Yakisoba, Desserts and Many more! <3

They were not mistaken that my favorite subject in Elementary and High School was RECESS! Today I'm in the mood for some quick "food" entry. I love to dine, despite being diet conscious, I wouldn't even care less (what's the use of cheat day anyway hehe). During a busy week, nothing would be more than rewarding than to treat yourself with a hearty meal, agree? That is why we should never compromise ourselves and enjoy life. Over the months, I have with me photos of different dishes in various restos here in Davao City which has been stuck in my camera roll album for quite a long time already. Thanks to my family who continually explores and discover what's new in Davao dining has to offer and that explains for the random food shots in my mobile device. This is my first time to use Blogger's mobile app and Pic Collage app for the photos. =) Comes in really handy I must say!

Quick random food shots. A piece of Davao dining has to offer =) I hope I could organize my thoughts in a few days so I could do some food blogs. hehe =)

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With Finger Face saying "Yum yum!" LOL

Sweet Advocate Photo Contest : Win a Heart-Shaped V-day Cake =)

Sweet Advocate's Love That Photo Contest

A good friend of mine Charisse Dagohoy, owner of Sweet advocate would be having a photo contest in lieu of their 3rd year Anniversary and Valentines day Celebration. They would be giving away a BIG heart cake on Valentines . This is their way of giving back to their very dear Sweet Advocates, like me.. (hehe)

Here's how to join:

Like Sweet Advocate on Facebook

You may also share this post to your Facebook page, click the Facebook logo at the upper right corner of this page.

And follow these very Simple Mechanics:

1. Post a photo on our wall of your favorite photo of 
you and your loved one. ("Loved one" is defined as 
your husband/wife, lover, child, mother, father, grandparents, a group, etc.).

2. Tell us why you love him/her/them with not more 
than 8 words (in Bisaya, Filipino, or English only).

3. The most number of likes in his/her photo will win a 
personalized 9" Heart Cake from us on February 14, 2012.

4. Winners will be notified through e-mail, so do not forget to include the following:
> Contestant's full name, active e-mail address, and contact numbers.

5. Submission of entries will start on 21st January 2012, and will only count entries that are submitted on or before 12nn of the 14th of February 2012.
 

Qualifiers:

1. Should be a fan of our fan page for you to be able 
to upload photos on our wall. 

2. A resident of Davao City only, and are willing to 
pick-up their price from the location which will be 
divulged along with the notification.

3. Aged 13-60.

Do's & Don'ts:

1. You may tag your friends of your photo if you want to, or share the link of your photo to tell them you're joining. But remember, only those "likes" on the uploaded photo in this album "Love That Photo Contest" will be counted (not the "likes" on the shared link). 

2. Photos do not need to be shot in a studio or a high-end camera. As long as it depicts sincere love, sweetness, and the photo is clear enough for everyone to see, then it's good to go!

3. No use of vulgar, sexual, obscene, or any irrelevant words in your photo description. Failure to do so will 
automatically disqualify the entry from the contest.

4. Price not claimed after 7:00pm of 14th February 2012 will be given to the second most number of likes.

So what are you waiting for? Post your photos now!

Sweet Advocate also caters all sorts of cakes, pastries and desserts for your party needs

You may visit their page for more inquiries and information =)

Photo Courtesy of Sweet Advocate

Click logo to visit their Facebook page

Cebu City Snapshots

Outside Basilica del Sto. Nino, Cebu City

If I have to cite a favorite city in the Philippines aside from Davao, Cebu is top of my list. I have been visiting Cebu for almost every year. And I thank Cebu Pacific promo flights for this opportunity. Last, Sunday January 15, Cebuanos celebrated the Sinulog Festival .

 I've attended the Sinulog twice already, last 1999 and 2007,  for sure the celebration this year was way bigger and better. The whole experience would not be complete if I won't be able to attend their early morning mass at the Basilica, despite the place being crowded.  Last 2007 was my first time to participate the religious procession, which was graced by many devotees  and pilgrims as they say the holy rosary in the streets of Cebu, which is one of the main events apart form the Grand Sinulog Street Parade.  These two events are to be expected yearly. Being able to participate with these events is something fulfilling, as a Christian myself. Or even not on the religious aspect, since Sto. Nino is very significant in our history as well. Those were just a few of my experiences during Sinulog.

In commemoration of the recent festivity, I have with me some Cebu City snapshots during my trip last year. Better posting late than never. Looking forward to another Cebu adventure this July 2012! Yipee!

The famous Magellan's Cross

Magellan's Cross

Balloon vendors are all over the place :)

Beautiful altar of the Basilica del Sto. Nino

The original building has been preserved, during our visit, the church was still under renovation.

Devotees, tourists and visitors, from all over the Philippines flock in to visit Sto. Nino, people come here all year round.

Cebu Ferries from Lapu-Lapu City to Cebu City. If you commute, this is a very fast and cheaper alternative to go the heart of Cebu City.

Cebu City at Dawn. At Crown Regency Hotel and Towers.

CEBU at Night

Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, the City's tallest structure

At Mountain View, just below the Tops of Cebu

The Terraces at night, Ayala Center Cebu

VIVA PIT SENYOR!

Photo courtesy: www.sinulog.ph

*Photos taken with Lumix LX5