Revisiting the Monastery of Transfiguration (Malaybalay, Bukidnon)

It was in 2007 when I first had the chance to visit this beautiful church. After 5 years, nothing has really changed. This is the Monastery of the Transfiguration located in Brgy. San Jose, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. I love this place, especially when you want to have some time away from the chaotic city life.The peaceful ambiance will definitely help clear your mind of stressful thoughts.

This is the way to the old monastery. I wasn't able to take a photo of the facade but masses are still held there.

This is how the inside of the old monastery looks like...

I was amazed at this chandelier :)

The Sto. Nino

This is the new monastery. I love the architecture!

A friend of mine from Bukidnon says this is starting to become popular among couples who want to get married. However, if you choose to marry here, be prepared with the budget as you need to fly your guests to Cagayan de Oro (the nearest airport), transport all of them to Bukidnon and have them billeted there as well. Should you want a very intimate wedding, this is a perfect choice!


The altar and the aisle...

These tents are here every second Sunday of the month when they hold the Breakfast with the Monks. According to the monastery's web site, it started only with 50 people. Now, the monks feed as many as 300 and many travel all the way from Davao (5 hours away), Iligan City (3 hours away) and Cagayan de Oro City (2 hours away) just to have that experience. In the past, the monks were not allowed to talk to the guests but now they already mingle with them over breakfast.

I will never get tired going back here. I should consider making this a place of refuge...that is, if I have the time and money to travel :)

Before you leave, don't forget to bring home the very famous Monks' Premium Blend Coffee and Roasted Peanuts. They are available at the store on the way back to Malaybalay proper.

Ciao!

A Perfect Budget Hostel in Seoul

My last option for an accommodation turned out to be a nice and safe place to stay in. Yim's House is a 5-storey budget hostel located in the heart of Downtown Seoul, just a minute walk to the World heritage site Changdeokgung Palace.

2 months before our trip to Seoul I started to get in touch with the hostel manager through www.seoulbusinesshotel.com and I got, almost always, a prompt reply. The good part is that they don't ask for a downpayment or a sort of reservation fee. It has been about TRUST from the very beginning and surely you'll trust the Yims too!

My friend and I booked a Twin Room, KRW55,000 per night. That's very affordable considering they have the amenities as those in a 3-star hotel: fresh towels, TV, refrigerator, hairdryer, hot & cold water, toiletries (bathroom and facial tissue, shampoo, bath soap, body wash).

Non-Korean speaking guests will not have any problem as the staff can converse in English. Going around Seoul will be very easy as Angok and Jongno-ru Metro Train stations are just a few minutes away. Convenience stores, coffee shops, restaurants and other specialty stores are within walking distance from the hostel as well.

Based on my experience, I will recommend this hostel to budget travelers like me.

Ahn nyeong ha se yo! :)

A Day of Pampering at The Med Spa

I was one lucky gal to have experienced The Med Spa. It's part of the Wellness Complex at the University of Perpetual Help Dalta Medical Center in Las Pinas City which opened only in November of 2011.

So what's nice about The Med Spa? 

For one, it offers both aesthetic/dermatological treatments and spa services, all in one roof. Second, you get the same exact quality service that is already offered by the Hospital. What do you say about aestheticians (who by the way are RNs, too!) who were trained under popular medical spa The Zen Institute? And third, it offers the best rates, if not the lowest, compared to its competitors.

This is the Reception/Lobby that has a very relaxing ambience.

This is the treatment room. Oh yes, you get to enjoy the quiet and privacy. Mawen here is my assigned aesthetic nurse. She has such very careful and light hands. For the first time, I did not dread the part of having my b/w heads removed, that's a guarantee at Med Spa -- less pain and no tears! As mentioned, the center offers the best rates for their treatments and services. In fact, the price for a facial treatment (Php300) already includes a mask (either collagen or seaweed). For those who got used to having their treatments at the other competitor, I'm sure you will agree with me that Med Spa offers a better option especially for someone who's on a budget. As a bonus, I also got to enjoy a session of diamond peel, capped off with Mesorejuvenation -- that's a dose of vitamin C right onto my face! With vitamin C, expect that youthful glow after 24 hours. (At the time of writing, I got the results I wanted!)

This is one of the Couple's Rooms where I had my massage after the facial spa (to qualify that, I wasn't with someone at that time. It was just the room available). Adeline was the assigned masseuse and definitely her expert hands made my whole body feel alive again. I was stress-free! Availing the Swedish massage will only cost you P200!

           

This is another Couple's Room with Sauna and Steam Bath.

Aside from body massage, facial spa, diamond peel and mesorejuvenation, other offerings at The Med Spa include body scrub, botox treatment, Dermapoint treatment, Dermaroller, face and body whitening, gluthathione/Vit C / Placenta IV, IL treatment, laser hair removal and laser skin rejuvenation.

Offered also are Mesotherapy, Mesotherapy for hair, Resolift treatment, Resonax treatment, TCA 15%, UL treatment, Ultralipo treatment, underarm whitening and warts/moles/syringoma removal.

After 6 months in operation, The Med Spa will come out with a revised list of prices and promos effective May 1, 2012. However, the increase in rates will not, in any way, affect the quality of services & treatments it renders to already satisfied clients. For inquiries and appointments, please contact The Med Spa at 874-8515 loc 724 and look for Manager Marge.

Overall, I will recommend a visit to The Med Spa. With protocol-based services and a professional aesthetic team, you'll surely be a satisfied customer like me!

Stay beautiful! XOXO

Yummy in Bicol...

[Late post]

I am a sucker for spicy foods! Being in Bicol for five days in March gave me that chance to finally have a taste of what is authentic Bicol-spicy.

I am so grateful to my boss' friends in Naga City for the ultimate food experience.

Check out why my stomach was in limbo during my stay in Bicolandia...

Batang-Batang Pusit

(Baby Squid in Olive Oil and Spices)

The best ever! This is their best seller and you wouldn't wanna miss this if you are in Naga.

Pinangat

One of my favorites...I failed to try this one during my previous trips in Bicol. Since it's really gooooood, it should be on your menu as well on your next trip.

Bicol Paella

I find this very innovative. The laing is already mixed into the rice. I have to try to make this at home.

Laing Embutido

Bicol Express

I got used used to the Manila version that's why I was so surprised it was 'alamang' as the main ingredient. It was a little salty for me.

A yummy day to all! :-)

All food items are c/o:

Chef Doy's Gourmet Restaurant

Cereza, Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City