SkimChix - island life

A good place to take a date for a dinner or a family celebration would be at Casa Verde. It used to be an old house with a small restaurant in the ground floor and a boarding house on the second floor. There are also study rooms available. And the place was so serene with only a few diner, it has a very cozy ambience.

Now the business has grown and they where able to open 2 branches in metro cebu, one is in Ayala Terraces and at IT Park. Still offering the same, tasteful dishes. The place is always fully packed even on a weekday. Many has discovered there sumptous meal that is worth coming back.

Way back, it was the baby back ribs that I was addicted. Then later I started exploring their menu and I was able to discover the other mouth watering dishes. Some of my favorites are, Surf and Turf, a grilled beef meat with grilled shrimps, baked potato soup, watermelon salad, a green salad with a twist of watermelon, mango and a mouth tickling dressing that is sweet. And to conclude a wonderful meal, I'd finish it with desert, Death by Chocolate. Yum. Nothing beats a sumptous at Casa Verde.

We were on our way to the mountains of Central Cebu when I noticed that most of my view are of brown shades. Looking closely I noticed that the green bushes that dominates the scenery of the mountain slopes has dried up and turned brown.

We have been talking about El Niño and Cebu has not been spared. We've been having random rain during the month, but I didn't realize how bad it was until I noticed the big change to our landscape. I felt bad, I hope there's something I can do for to help eliminate global warming because this is the main reason why this is happening.

Let's help preserve the green scenery in our own little way. In line with this, I support Earth Hour.

Another fun way to spend the evening with friends is karaoke. At K1 KTV in Crossroads, Banilad you can enjoy singing and dancing in solo, duet or group of friends.

They have a big space to accommodate a big group and you can sing your heart out with their 24 monitor displaying the lyrics of your chosen song. And you won't be afraid of being heard at the other room since they have good sound proofing rooms.

They also serve foods and alcoholic beverages. So there's no need to worry if your hungry in the middle of your singing sessions since it is served in your private room. And they do have delicious dishes.

They have reasonable prices and bonding with friends is always worth the memories.

In memory of the late President Ramon Magsaysay, mountaineers, locals and politicians flock to Mt Manunggal to celebrate his death anniversary. It was in these place 53 years ago that his plane crashed, last 17th of March.

It was also my first outdoor experience in the mountains. With the surrounding temperature of approximately 15c, it was really cold. There are times that smoke forms near the mouth once it is opened, and I was pretty much amazed by this. Just couldn't capture it with the camera. And since this is to commemorate the death of our late president and at the same time a fiesta in the barrio, the atmosphere was really festive.

But even with the banging sound from the band or music filing the air, I can still feel the peace and serenity of the place. I was able to find new friends and learn a lot of survival skills that I hope will be applied on my coming trips and climb.

Right at the heart of Cebu Business Park is a world-class hotel, that house mostly businessmen and employees of multinational companies in conference and seminars. Just recently Marriot Hotel has re-invented its facade to a sophisticated modern style living.

I have always like there interiors. the staff are accommodating even for locals like us. And the food? They have the best eat all you can breakfast buffet among other hotels that I have tried. Just thinking of there food spread all over the place from cuisine all over the globe, makes my mouth water. Lots of choices are offered and i just wished I have enough place in my stomach to cater to all these menu.

Right beside there restaurant is a pool. And even if its beside the walk way of Ayala Center, you'll still have the privacy to enjoy lounging and relaxing in their pool area.

Over all the place is worth the price. And they also offer discounts, especially for the locals who want to unwind, right at the heart of a business area.

I have always love the outdoors, be it in a beach, on top of a mountain, inside the cave or under the sea. And one essential gadget for someone like me is a tent. Staying or sleeping inside a tent can maximize our experience of the outdoor.

I used to own one, but I don't think it was a good buy. During that time when I bought it, I chose a bigger tent that was cheaper over a smaller, a bit expensive but of good quality tent. And this is one disadvantage of an impulsive buyer.

Later I realize how bulky my tent was, it was not convenient to bring it anywhere. Another disadvantage of having a bigger tent was it can accommodate lots of people, no privacy when you need one (naughty grin, hehehe). And since quality comes with a price, mine easily lost its waterproof feature and the poles broke after several times of use.

Lesson learned I should not sacrifice the price of anything I'm looking forward to use for a long time, and I don't need a big tent, all I need is a secure one that can protect me from the cold and the rain.

Good thing I was able to buy a small tent from Coleman at Ace Hardware for a reasonable price and it comes in a refreshing color of orange. This will be my faithful companion on my coming adventures..

One lazy sunday afternoon we decided to have a road trip. We were traveling Uling, Naga-Balamban-Transcentral Road. I was on the passenger's seat and that was my first time to enjoy the scenic view of the road we're transversing since most of the time I would be passing this place for official business. And everytime, I would be in a hurry to reach my destination to be in time for my scheduled visit.

I noticed how beautiful the river on the side of the road was with the blue skies in the background. I was also able to discover small waterfalls along the way. Beautiful views of mountains, trees and rivers are abundant in the area.

Another view worth watching is the site of Carmen Copper (previous Atlas Mining) mining pit. The brown color of the soil being mined gives a good contrast to the lively green and blue background.

Sunsets in Toledo wharf is also something I look forward but due to time constrains we have to be in Transcentral hi-way before dark. We were able to drop by a mountain resort with their pool on the foot of the mountain and we have to hike back to the main road.

We concluded the day with sweet corn in Barangay Dap-dap (which is the best in Cebu) and hang-out at Governor Leyson's Peak to have some rest and fresh breeze before we head back to the city. This was another way we bond with my ex-boyfriend now husband.

During a summer not so long time ago, we decided to have a beach trip to cool off the heat. It was a beach tripper package at Maribago bluewaters. The package already included buffet lunch and free use of their amenities for the price of Php 800, if I remember it right.

They have friendly and welcoming staff. And the food was great, it was an eat all you can buffet. With great tasting food and the opportunity to get all you want until you're too full to eat some more, what else would you wish for?

To maximize our time, we rented a banana boat. It was a blast especially with one crazy driver, and I'll just call her Osh. We made lots of fall but every fall is such a thrill wanting us to have more. And the company was great, very willing to enjoy the day.

This was one of the many summer memories that I cherish. Looking forward to have another escapade like this soon..

Here's another trip to the zipline at Danao, Bohol. And they call it suislide since you'll be traveling in between mountains, with the river and trees below, most people would find this really scary.

But for those brave at heart, its really worth the ride. When we were there we actually met this physically disabled person who'd like to experience the ride, at first the staff were hesitant because of his condition, but he was really determined and after a few minutes of debate he was allowed to ride.

The experience is really something that we'll treasured in our lifetime and any disabilities is not enough to stop us from getting this.

The suislide cost Php 350, I think. Its cheaper if its included in a package together with the other extreme activities.

This is the best way to experience the scenic view of Danao, Bohol in a thrill ride.

I have always loved reading books but I seldom buy one because I only got to read it in a day, which is really costly. Most of my books are handed by my mom or given by a friend who knows my addiction.

Just recently, I was told by my younger sister that Nicholas Sparks has a new book, Dear John and a movie is also on its way.

Good thing I saw this book in one of our desk in the office and borrowed it from a colleague.

From the start till the end, I found the book really interesting opposite to what my colleague told me that there are some parts of the book that is dragging. I have cried for most part of the book especially upon knowing the condition of John's father. The book also talks about sacrifices for love, seeing the person you love happy with there lives even if it meant giving up your own happiness.

The book was really great and I won't regret getting myself a copy of it.

I was at SM the other day to buy some stuff and I came across a stall. It was a new stall near Ace hardware, Koldkiss milkshake, obviously selling milkshakes. Milkshakes has never been popular in our country and I am very curious about this new stall's fate if it will be patronize by Cebuanos.

As curious as I am to new stuff, I tried to fall in line debating on which flavor to order. They got classic chocolate, heavenly vanilla, tropical mango and mocha supreme just to name a few. But I ended up with the crew's recommendation of wild strawberry.

It comes with 2 sizes, 12 oz and 16 oz, for Php 59 and 79, respectively. Topped with whipped cream and a dash of strawberry powder.

It was delicious, very yummy. I am not a fan of strawberries but this one got me addicted. And I'm actually craving for some strawberry milkshakes right now.

Its something new that is worth tasting during this hot summer months.

Another unique activity offered in Danao Adventure Park is Root Climbing with Rappelling. I've done rappelling years ago but Root Climbing? It sounds new to me.

After trekking 40 meters from the reception area, we arrived at the river bank. At the end of the river bank stands a cliff with Balete tree on top. Roots are crawling down to the land below. The distance for root climbing is 18 feet while 15 feet for the rappelling.

Root climbing is fun and easier than plain wall climbing. You can chose what root to hold and the path to take to reach to the top. Its challenging and it will really test your upper body strength. Its not something to be scared of since you have all the safety equipments for you to be secured during the climb. For those who are afraid of heights, all you need to do is not to look down and just aim to reach the top.

After climbing, you'll be going down by rappelling. One thing to remember, keep one hand in front of you and the other at the back to control your fall.

This is a good activity to start especially for those who'd like to go extreme.

I am someone who used to be afraid of heights, but I've slowly faced my fears every passing year by doing something extreme that involves height. And for this year its taking a Plunge. Its the most extreme activity offered in Danao Adventure Park.

Plunge, its something like bungee jumping but you'll be dropped and then swinged from the top. Having conquered my fear of heights, I wasn't scared when I put on my safety gears. But it was during my turn to be on the hanging board, having seen the view below and the idea that it was my time to jump, that scared me. It made my knees weak. And then I was hanging upside down, head first. There's no way of turning back.Anyway, this is what I'm here for so rock on!

"Bomb's away!" this was what I heard before I was release and allowed to drop freely. For 2 seconds I was numb. Good thing I got back to my senses, release my feet from the rope and I was swinging. I had the farthest swing among the group because I was able to release my feet earlier making me swing freely. The swinging was so relaxing, you'll forget your fears and enjoy the scenic view from where you are. I could feel the wind making noises as I swing in the air. It seems I've awaken from a beautiful dream, I was surrounded by green trees, blue skies, and the river below. Glad I didn't let my fears stop me from enjoying this beautiful experience.

For those who are courageous enough, go ahead and experience the thrill. You're not paying for the ride you're paying for the experience.. And I'm glad I did!