Magalawa Island At Last!!!

       Everytime I want a “momentary escape” from the chaotic city life, I just click and envision! It is one of my hobbies to search the net for white sand, beautiful beaches and islands here in the Philippines and imagine or hoping being there. :)  From this constant search, I learned about Magalawa Island. And last week, at looong last, I went there with my partner in all adventures. We stayed in Armada Regent Resort, the only accommodation in the island. The entire stay was great not only because of the island’s beauty but also because of the wonderful treatment of the resort’s staff (They're absolutely NICE!) and the food – a feast of sea foods! Here are the things you should know about this island..

 

Magalawa is a small island located in Brgy. Pangolingan, Palauig, Zambales.

We reached there through: Iba, Zambales line bus (Victory Liner); from Iba, we took a Sta. Cruz bus and dropped off at Brgy. Pangolingan, Palauig cor. Radio Veritas Road; rode a tricycle to Armada Fishdealer Compound; 10-minute boat ride to Magalawa Island.

 The creamy white sand and clear water of Magalawa

 This is the best part of the island for swimming. One part is restricted for swimming due to strong wave/sea currents while the other parts are mangrove area and sea grass bed.

 Lush sea grass and mangrove

 Star-filled sand

Magalawa is really rich with star fishes of different colors and with its clear water you can see them easily. :)

The floating cottage for snorkeling

This floating cottage (with the help of the boat of course) will take you to the part of the island for snorkeling. Aside from snorkeling, you can also try their bamboo raft ride. There are other things you can do, just unleash the explorer within you. =)

Getting ready to shine

Sunrise is something you shouldn't miss in Magalawa Island.

Beautiful Magalawa sunrise

 

Early morning scene in Magalawa

Sand name building

Visit Magalawa Island and you'll sure enjoy it's beauty.

       For accommodation, Armada Regent Resort offers various types of accommodations like aircon and fan rooms, kubo, and tent. They also have package tour which includes 2-way boat transfer, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and snorkeling/rafting with gears. For more info visit their Facebook fanpage - Magalawa Island or you may contact Ms. Grace Armada at 0920 9483303.

Love your own. Explore Philippines. Explore Magalawa Island.

And YES, It's more fun in the Philippines!

=)

A Lenten Reflection

       The season of Lent reminds us how Jesus Christ redeemed us from our sins. This is also the best time to reflect or do pilgrimage. Wherever we are this week, we may not forget the true and deep meaning of Lent. 

       This is my Lenten project for this year -- a feast for the eyes with the photographs I took and food for the inner being with the Bible verses and quotes. Have a blessed Holy Week everyone! :)

 

Make a Statement!

       I was inspired by a very close friend to make this neckpiece collection I called, Statement Accessories. She asked me to make her a simple, elegant neckpiece but striking along with a structured, elegant dress. As my thesis partner in college and like an older sister, I am quite sure of what design she really wants. 

       With that request, a thought crossed to my mind...why not make accessories that would make a STATEMENT??! And so the first batch of Statement Accessories Collection was born.. And I named every piece after my dear friend's name, Kerry Anne.. Surely, these pieces would make you WOW!! :) 

       To view the entire album of the collection and for orders, kindly visit my Facebook Page: Designs by Charinson.

The dress I designed for Ate Kerry.

Actual dress is more fabulous than the sketch with great texture of fabrics.

 

Kerry Neckpiece

K Heart Neckpiece

K Tribal Neckpiece

Anne Neckpiece

Punta Bulata Resort & Spa + Danjugan Island

       It’s summer time once again! And as a beach lover this is my favorite time of the year. As a person who wants to be close to nature, I love going to isolated beaches and islands.  Feeling the sea breeze, listening to the gentle waves rushing to the shore, and soaking in the water under the heat of the sun have a soothing effect for me and the best way to experience total tranquility. 

        As a Negrense, I would like to share with you two of Negros Occidental’s treasures – Punta Bulata Resort & Spa and Danjugan Island. Both are situated in the municipality of Cauayan, 158 kilometers south of Bacolod City and can be reached by approximately 4-hour drive from Bacolod. Punta Bulata is a secluded stretch of white sand beach with lush green background perfect for relaxation and quality time with loved ones. With their modern Filipino rooms, garden-inspired bathrooms, Ayu Spa, and accommodating staff, true comfort was felt during our stay. Here are some of the photos I took..

 

Creamy white sand and blue green  water of Punta Bulata

 

A beautiful view at dusk

Punta Bulata at low tide

Such a nice experience to walk barefoot on these soft sands

 A scenery of tranquility

An early morning swim :)

       Danjugan Island, on the other hand, is a 10-minute boat (bangka) ride from Punta Bulata Resort. It is a marine reserve and sanctuaries perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its abundant forest and five (5) lagoons, other outdoor activities can also be experienced like trekking, bird watching, and kayaking. Here are some of my photos..

Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Sanctuaries

 View from one of the island's watch towers

 The lush mangroves 

 Bat Cave

 One of the five (5) lagoons

For more info about Punta Bulata Resort & Spa and Danjugan Island visit www.puntabulata.com and www.prrcf.org

Sweet Treat!

          The town is painted with red! It’s the time of the year once again when every corner has something red—the color of love and romance. Yes, it’s the Red Day, Heart’s Day, Valentine’s Day!! Hmmm, so what’s the best treat for our loved ones or the special someone? What else??! Something SWEET!! Yeah I’m talking here about food, desserts specifically.

            As a chocolate fanatic (I guess I’m not the “addict” type yet.. **wink!) and someone who has sweet tooth, I crave for sweets most of the time. And when life gets bitter, eating sweets is my key and life is heaven once more.. :)

            I will share with you two (2) of my favorite sweet shops. First is Cara Mia Gelateria. Under Amici chain of restaurants, this modern day version of traditional Italian's gelateria is well-suited for Filipinos' taste buds. 

 Cara Mia's Mango Symphony

 Mouth-watering mango chunks mixed in gelato on a bed of graham crust

Nocciola Gateau Cake

Hazelnut cheese cream & dark chocolate filling between layers of crispy meringue speckled with cocoa powder, crushed hazelnut on top & side

 My all time favorite Mint with Chocolate Gelato

  Sans Rival Gelato

           My other fave dessert shop is Park Avenue Desserts (PAD) by Chef Buddy Trinidad. From minis to regular sizes, PAD truly makes cakes in a very special way. They accept customized cakes and they have other sweet treats as well.  

Roca Cake

Cream brulee and caramel on almond biscuit covered in chocolate & almonds

This is my favorite! :) An explosion of chocolate in my mouth. Such a piece of heaven!

Red Velvet Cake

Park Avenue Desserts Branch:

G/F Paseo de Magallanes Commercial Center, Makati City

Cara Mia Branches:

-Don Bosco Compound, Makati City

-Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

-Mega Atrium, SM Megamall

-The Annex, SM North EDSA

-Bellagio Square, Quezon City

-Missouri Square, Greenhills

Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.

-Ernestine Ulmer

The Stylish Way of Sexiness by Lolli Puff

Hey everyone! A stylish and sexy greetings to all of you! :)

                     From the title itself down to the greeting, this article is about being stylish and sexy. And this refers to the new brand of lingerie named Lolli Puff by my co-SoFA designer Cassie Revereza. If you still remember, Cassie was the only one who showcased a lingerie line during our graduation fashion show at PFW – Holiday 2010. Yeah, she has the love for lingerie! =)

So what is Lolli Puff? Lolli Puff is a line of lingerie that ranges from basics to special occasions that caters your needs as well as desires. Flawlessly handpicked, various stylish pieces are affordable, attractive, and romantically sexy. Their first collection was launched just last week. A mix of pastels and neutral colors and of different choices—sleepwear, babydolls, corsets, bed jackets and garters—both for the demure and (raawwwrr!) daring.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day and especially night (**wink!), ‘Like’ Lolli Puff’s official Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/lollipuff.online to view the whole collection and to qualify for the promo where you can win a romantic dinner for two (2).

Here’s a peek of some of the gorgeous pieces… :)

 Spaghetti strapped lace babydoll

 Tube cut bed dress with lace detail 

For future collections, still expect gorgeous, trendy, good quality, and affordable intimate apparel. And because Lolli Puff really cares, they give tips and free consultation via email: lollipuff.lingerie@gmail.com.

                     

Romantic Ending and Beginning

     It was towards the end of last year when I showcased my first bridal collection at Wedding Belles in Alabang Town Center. My bridal gown collection is a fusion of Filipino culture, Filipino costume specifically, and modernism. I was inspired by our very own "tapis" and combined it with the illusion of broken glass, hence there are cutouts of mix fabrics and tapis detail. With the entourage, I opted for pink stripes motif for fun, youthful look. After all, wedding should be a fun, merry occasion! 

Serpentina gown with cutout details of mix fabrics, beads, pleats

 Details of the serpentina gown

 Ball gown cut with cutouts details of mix fabrics, pleats, beads, layers of tulle

 Flower girl

Bridesmaid

 Maid of Honor

 With my gorgeous models :)

     It was also by the end of last year when my bestfriend let the world knew of that ring. Yes, she's getting married! And the theme (drum roll)..... SECRET for now! It's one unique wedding theme! :)

      So what's the romantic beginning?? First week of the first month this year when I had my first wedding.....as wedding coordinator. I always love listening love stories and it's on my "To Do List" to witness different weddings. To Beautiful Weddings Bridal Consultancy and Wedding Planners (Ms. Ann), THANK YOU for allowing me to do one of my dream jobs. This is such a spectacular opportunity.

First wedding at EDSA Shangri-la

With my co-wedding coordinators

After the event.. Still wearing BIG SMILE! :))

The toast at Beautiful Weddings shop! Cheers to a successful wedding and more!

      Let us share love in many ways to make this world such a beautiful, harmonious place to live in. :)