#TaraTravels

Hundreds of thousands of things happened over the past few weeks--things however which I'm not ready to share with the world just yet. 

So in the meantime, I wanted to share some feet selfies from my latest travels around Cebu (and Luzon).

Without further ado, here's #TaraTravels: 

What Happens After Today

The last three weeks have been grueling to say the least. There was work, usual daily routines, and a thorn in my chest waiting to be pulled out. Day after day, the anticipation of impending doom haunted both my dreams and daydreams. I couldn't focus. The most I could do to prepare was to pray.

The day has finally arrived. Unlike the past days, today I felt numb. I was lightheaded and could barely feel my pulse. Maybe because I've gotten used to the feeling. Or maybe because I wasn't able to sleep last night. Or maybe both.

I know this was my fault in the first place. I just hope things will be better off after today.

August Action

I must say last month has brought about a lot of changes and activities in my life.

1. I changed my hair (well, a bit)

It’s not too noticeable but I had my hair semi-rebonded and dyed at Animarie Salon (Gorordo). It took 8 long hours and my butt hurt sitting down but I probably needed the stay-put.

 

2. I attended a friend’s wedding

I haven’t seen Eden for years and we were finally “reunited” on her wedding day. The ceremony was at Sacred Heart church.

3. Grabbed a photo opp

The reception of the same wedding was at Chateau de Busay. It was my first time being here and my sister and I took advantage of the beautiful all-natural backdrop. I’m not really the photo model type of girl so I can say this is something new.

4. Finally tried Abaca Baking Company

I’ve been asking one of my friends to take me there ever since he got a job but unfortunately he didn’t. So my sister and I took matters into our own hands.

5. Stayed at Marco Polo over the weekend

Thanks to Hotel Quickly, my girls and I got the chance to stay at one of the luxury business hotels in Cebu. It didn’t come with breakfast, sadly, but we helped ourselves to the pool and cozy room.

 

6. Tried being fit again

I’ve been on an eating spree earlier this month - I don’t know why - so I started to see the consequences of my actions i.e. double chin. So I began doing cardio exercises again hopefully to lose these jiggling fats.

7. Celebrated my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary

My brother and I went home since my sister was stuck in Masteral classes. We had cake and pizza!

Well, there it is, Please be good to me September!

Dear HOOQ, you keep me up at night

Dear HOOQ,

Since I’ve met you, I’ve never been the same. You keep me going until the wee hours of the morning, past my usual bedtime. My sister said I should get some sleep but I couldn’t help it. I just stare at my phone, smiling. Sometimes even laughing.  

Actually, it’s not only at night. You keep me entertained all day, anywhere and anytime I need it. All I have to prepare is an internet-enabled device (whether a tablet, smartphone or computer), internet connection, and a monthly subscription which starts as low as P199.

You’ve given me unlimited online streaming access to thousands of movies and TV series, both local and foreign [Hollywood, Filipino, Japanese, Thai, Bollywood]. I love it when I get to stream my favorite shows and discover new ones as I go.

I can also access you on up to 5 devices (2 can even run simultaneously) and download up to a total of 5 movies for offline viewing. You’ve definitely made movie nights something to look forward to!

While others critique you for having old taste [selections are not up-to-date], I think it’s not all that bad. Because, Richard Gere. Most of his movies are from way back and I don’t mind watching them over and over. But that’s me. I also enjoy seeing some of my favorite stars when they were younger, Like Natalie Portman for example.

However I still do hope you update your catalogue with updated movies and TV series. I can’t wait to do a marathon of all Harry Potter movies. It’s a good thing you had all episodes of FRIENDS!

Well, that’s that. The past 30 days with you has been a blast. I can’t think of any reason why we shouldn’t continue this relationship.

- HOOQ'd on you

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HOOQ, in partnership with Globe Telecom, is the latest online entertainment service that allows you to stream local and foreign movies and TV series online using internet-enabled devices. It is Asia’s first video-on-demand service powered by  Singtel, Sony, and Warner Bros. They have a 30-day trial period so you can give it a try first before actually paying for the service.

For more information, visit www.hooq.tv.

HOOQ and Globe Telecom were major sponsors during Cebu Blogging Community’s first year anniversary. I was given a one-month free trial to review the service.

Some graphics were taken from HOOQ's Faceboook page. The rest of the photos and screenshots were taken by me.

Summer Sun Escapades 2015: Swimsuit Series

I've been obsessed with swimsuits earlier this year. And what to do with all these new suits? Wear them! Disclaimer: My body's never not swimsuit ready but I had to suck it up to justify my shopping spree.

So when summer came I grabbed every opportunity I could get hitting the pool or the beach. 

1. Quest Hotel

My sibs and I had a short staycation at Quest Hotel. While they were enjoying the room's AC and cable, I was out and about by the pool. 

Their pool was medium-sized and was crowded when I was there. What I liked about it was that it was well-maintained and not too deep.

How much? P2600 for overnight, with buffet breakfast.

2. Pacific Cebu Resort International

I remember it was the day of Manny Pacquiao's so-called "Fight of the Century". While everyone glued had their eyes on the television, my friends and I thought about going to the beach coz there was definitely no traffic!

The resort's colors were beach-inspired and refreshing. They had 3 swimming pools: one only 2 feet deep (probably for kids), the other one was for dive practice, and the third one was where we went.

How much? P700 per head, inclusive of a buffet lunch and use of amenities.

3. Pandanon - Caohagan islands

I was invited to join a team building activity that involved island hopping. The significant islands I remember were Pandanon and Caohagan. Look at the white sand!

How much? P100 entrance fee to Pandanon. Other expenses were c/o the team I went with.

4. Cebu Parklane International Hotel

When my dear friend Ivy arrived, we stayed at Cebu Parklane Hotel. I was a bit disappointed because their pool didn't look well maintained. We still took a morning dip though. Luckily our eyes didn't turn red.

How much? P1800 overnight, room only no breakfast.

5. Best Western Plus Lex Cebu

The fun continued at Best Western Lex when Ivy and her family stayed there for a night. The pool was small but pretty enough because of the lights. It was also located at the rooftop so we could see Cebu city from where we were swimming.

How much? Free for me :P

6. Tingko, Alcoy

It has been a while since I was here, mainly because I thought it was too commercial. But I realized if you were just after a white sand beach that's conveniently located, this is the right place. 

     

How much? P300+ bus fare back and forth, P10 entrance fee, P25 shower fee, P200 table rental, P80 for 1.5 Sprite.

That ends my summer sun escapades. Tell me about yours!