Pray + Eat + Love

Missed me much? Well, I terribly did miss quietly seating in a cafe with no other agenda but to write and share my day with y'all. And I know it's way too late to excite you about this post but I have no more excuses left but to romance you with another sincere apology. So, a heartfelt sorry guys. 

Anyway, to take up where I left off, here's the finale about my sweet escape to Tagaytay last cold January for the celebration of our first year wedding anniversary where we ended the occasion in prayer, eating (a lot), and celebrating love the best way we know how... before your imagination gets playful, I meant spending quality time together. *cheese balls!* (A new expression I picked up from the movie Warm Bodies- MUST WATCH!) 

We were originally planning to hear mass at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, where we exchanged our I DOs a year ago, but since we decided to celebrate in Tagaytay, we made it a point to visit the Pink Sisters Cathedral instead to PRAY. It was my very first time to visit the church actually and I was pleasantly amazed with what I saw. I literally felt close to Heaven, with no 50/50 life and death state required. Misty clouds hover the spacious grounds while lots and lots of pine trees and other sorts hide the humble chapel where the Pink Sisters kneel in prayer.  

I had no idea why the church was called "Pink Sisters" until I saw them. And Pink Sisters they really were. Taking pictures inside the church was prohibited, so just imagine women of different ages who have devoted their lives to God, enrobed in bright pink tunic, heads covered with starched white colf, all lined up while they all sing in chorus with voice like angels. I really have no other words but "heavenly."

A lot of advocates visit the church because you can actually write letters with your intentions in a piece of paper then the sisters will pray for you. Now, don't stop kneeling in prayer since the sisters are already doing their jobs, it doesn't work that way. *lol* 

This visit was very timely because both JM and I were at a crossroad in our lives in terms of career, family/ life planning and hopes of achieving both our dreams and ambitions so this visit really helped us connect with God spiritually. I'm also thankful that JM is very faithful and God-fearing because he makes me want to become a better Christian. The fact is, he prays more and loooooonger than I do, which amazes me every time. Although he sometimes fall asleep in the middle of prayer because he talks to God way too long sometimes. *lol*

Here's the facade of the chapel. The exterior may seem structurally traditional with stone-colored walls but the interiors tell a different story. Polished light gray walls with darker gray trimmings and pale pink accents, and low hanging vintage chandeliers. Every corner of room was very pleasing to the eyes and simply breathtaking. I'm thinking, the place would be great for weddings although I'm not sure if they move the railings that encloses the area where the sisters usually seats at mass to cater to such.

As if the universe already heard me, a lucky penny crossed my path- a 1979 20 centavo Hong Kong Dollar. I have no idea why "this old" coin was doing there nor do I understand what it means. Maybe a Hong Kong trip is on the horizon? Hopefully?! I dunno... but it must mean something good. 

Here's me enjoying the cold and foggy weather early Monday morning after sending the Pink Sisters our long letters of personal intentions.

Pink Sisters(map)

After praying, WE EAT. We actually thought long and hard where to continue celebrating our special day. We were back and forth considering somewhere we haven't tried before and somewhere easier on the pocket since we already spent much of our humble budget on overnight accommodations. So, for the purpose of "memories of young love" we went back where year one started. Exactly where we celebrated our first year BF-GF Anniversary- Sonya's Garden.

The place was a lot different from what I remember. Definitely bigger and there were a lot of diners considering it was a Monday. There was even a wedding happening at the other hall. 

But the food? hmmmmmmm.... Still as GOOD as I tasted before or even better, actually. For only P610 per person, you can have unlimited serving of refreshing Dalandan Juice, Salad, Bread, and Pasta. 

Salad- fresh from the garden garnished with fruits, nuts, cucumber, and egg.

Soft, warm bread served with a variety of dips.

Sonya's spot for book signing

Pasta Arrabbiata w/ Blue Marlin bites, Eggplant ratatouille, shitake mushrooms, and capers.  

For Dessert - Turon, Dark Cocoa Chiffon Cake, and real-leaf Tarragon Tea.

The whole dining experience was both nostalgic and refreshing. I cannot wait to plan my next dining visit when the salad craving comes. Oh yeah, I'm a salad lover just in case you don't know. Must be because my mom munches on lettuce day and night when she was pregnant with me. 

Before we left the Sunflower dining hall, here's something that caught my eye. Sonya's Coffee Table Book that Clueless Mrs. like me would LOVE. Story of Sonya, tips on gardening, salad recipes *yum*, even tricks on removing stains! I think Sonya is the humble Martha Stewart of the Philippines. A-mazing. Well, my wallet was a bit tight at that time so I wasn't able to get myself a copy although my palms were itching until we got home because I really wanted one. The book retails at P1,850 and I think it's also available in bookstores in the Metro. If I get to buy one though, I'll get it at Sonya's Garden so I can have it signed by Sonya herself.  

Lastly, LOVE. One year has passed but it still feels like we just exchanged I DOs yesterday. JM - you're my best friend, my hero, my soul mate. I love you. *major cheese balls!* *lol*

Sonya's Garden

Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines

(within the vicinity of Tagaytay City)

For Reservations: +63917 5329097 or +63917 5335140

info@sonyasgarden.com 

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

The couple who eats together, gets fat together.

A Perfect Retreat at the Tagaytay Windgate Manor

Tired of the city? Here's an amazing place in Tagaytay I highly recommend for a quick  retreat on a budget. Literally, the place is sooooo quiet you can definitely meditate, pray, or just sleep in peace (that doesn't sound right but you get what I mean) *lol* The Tagaytay weather in January was also perfect, with harmonious balance of the warm sun, brief rain showers and refreshing cool breeze. The simple remembrance of it makes me shiver with delight. *sigh*

The place where we stayed at, Tagaytay Windgate Manor, is a  two storey property with a total of 24 quaint rooms with 80% open spaces. Once you get to the place, you'll know what I mean. Huge parking lot, huge garden, and a huge common balcony with a view of a vast green lot.  Its convenient location along Magallanes Drive (map), a 5-minute drive from Starbucks along Aguinaldo Highway gives it an additional feel of privacy away from the busy main road, which makes it even more a perfect place for a tranquil vacation.

There's nothing very special about the room, it's a straight forward four-wall room with a double bed just right for two wrapped in crisp white linens, mood lights and all, but what makes it exemplary is the mattress enhancer! Oh yes, old-age backaches begone because we slept like babies that night.  

Oh, and clean bathroom with bidet? CHECK! And, I don't know if it's just me but I could swear the towels smelled like berries.  

The huge garden makes a perfect venue for a garden party, don't you think? The pool was also almost inviting but I dared not because it was super cold. I don't get why Tagaytay hotels and B&Bs have pools when no soul can dare to jump in and risk hypothermia. Wouldn't it be better if they have hot tubs instead? Just like the ones in winter cabins where people go skiing and snowboarding then jump into a boiling hot tub after... *dreaming of snow now*

The pink bungalow at the back end of the garden is where they do the massage. The quality of the massage is similar to P300 below massages you can find within the village for a momentary ease of body pains so it was okay for the price of the whole package. What I somehow didn't like about the massage experience was that the clock was a bit noisy, up to the point where your heartbeat goes in sync with the tick tock. Pardon me, I really have a dysfunctional sense and level of irritation, and my family can attest to this, but I think they should really have their wall clocks replaced. Relaxing music and aromatic room scent would be good suggestions too.

The Wellness Package we availed also came with a complimentary Shabu-Shabu dinner. For P500 more, you can actually avail of a Steak dinner for two in lieu of the Shabu-Shabu but we opted for hot soup to counter the bone-chilling evening temperature.    

The serving was generous and the hotpot came with both choices of chili soup and the regular soup where we can have the meat, veggies, and noodles dipped in. I'm not really much of a fan of Shabu-Shabu but I particularly enjoyed this one. The broth was suuuuper good unlike other Shabu-Shabus I've tried before. Both soups are so good I had to mix it in the end to have the best of both worlds. We loaded our tummies up to our necks until we couldn't breathe anymore. *haha* Yes, that's how full we were after dinner. 

Shabu-Shabu P400/person

As if we haven't had enough of pigging out the night before, we woke up in full plate of yummy sinangag dishes matched with a delish home brew.

Breakfast meals P250/person

Even though we only stayed for one night, our bodies and spirits were refreshed and reenergized to face reality back in the city. Stress, bring it on!

Price Tag?

Wellness Package P3,800

*Room accommodation for 2

*Daily breakfast for 2 (worth P500 for 2)

*Shabu-Shabu dinner for 2 (worth P800 for 2)

*Therapeutic Massage for 2 (est. worth P600 for 2)

Hence, the room accommodation only costed us P1,900

Check Rate & Availability here

Overall experience? Great. Will I go back? 100% Yes.

Tagaytay Windgate Manor

Magallanes Drive, Barangay Maiitim II

West, Tagaytay City

T: +632 806-8390

M: +63917 568-8861/ +63922 821-3551

E: info@windgatemanor.ph

Book Now!

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

City of Springs

It ain't the Hamptons nor you will go here for its rooms and facilities but for it's hot pools. In it's glory days, back in the 90's, the City of Springs, located in Los Banos, Laguna, is one of the default places people go to when they say "Pansol." It is actually one of the last very few original hot spring resorts along Laguna de Bay and Mt. Makiling. 

I remember when we were kids, our parents would bring us to a day-trip in Laguna for a quick hot spring swimming. The famous one we frequent at that time was the huge hot pool with a lion's head. I couldn't even remember the name of the place anymore but it was one of my fondest memory as a kid because I love swimming so much.

Back to City of Springs though, I have a very vague memory of the place because I think the last time I was here was when I was just about 4-years old but I knew it was somehow familiar right when we entered the resort.

At first, I was "oh-no"... the place looks old and the rooms were not as impressive vs. from what I vaguely recall 24 years ago,  but the warm waters just lured me in to take a dip. As soon as the fresh hot spring water gushed over my skin, I felt so relaxed that I couldn't get myself leave the pool anymore. I felt like I was floating on a warm body of heaven that I can live in for eternity. I am just exaggerating of course, I don't wanna go to heaven yet. *haha* but it really was super relaxing. 

It's been a while since our family went for an outing so what I really enjoyed the most was simply bonding with the family.  

Our Suite with Plunge Pool (P3,640 per night)

After this quick recall of a hot spring weekend experience, I hope that kids today and my kids in the future will still get to experience "Pansol" like it was in the 90's. Unadulterated, non-commercialized, but a simple hot spring dip when you just want to escape the city. 

147 N. Villegas Street, Los Banos, Laguna

(+632) 520-8364; (+6349) 536-0731

For more info about City of Springs,

rooms and rates, click here.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Caution: Hectic Week Ahead

As I say a momentary goodbye to the corporate world again for some health rest, I am greeted with a surge of... *drum roll please* blooooooooog backlogs! *woohoo* I have a whole lot to share with you, from my first holiday with the Mister, trips, food, probably a [v]log or two, few looks and whatnots over the holidays and beyond. I am ecstatic to write all about 'em so, sit tight *doing some fingers and wrist stretching now* coz it's gonna be a hectic blogging week ahead of me. And, I am not just talking about this week... 

Wanna connect with me? 

Follow @AizaSoller on Twitter or on Instagram.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Going Places

As I now officially bid 2012 a sweet goodbye, here's an inspiring lookback at one of the sunniest outfit shoots I had a few weekends ago.

So, what's sO special about this outfit post, you ask? Well, just my uuuber comfy travel-inspired skimmers that I won (Yep, I WON!) from Punchdrunk Panda. I rarely win in Facebook promo giveaways so when I got an email notification from Punchdrunk Panda that I was one of the winners of their 12 for 12 Giveaway Promo when they reached their awesome 12,000 fans, I totally screamed to the top of my lungs *WOOOHOOO*

This travel-inspired cool design for Punchdrunk Panda is by Kasey Albano and Arriane Serafico. Here's an inspirational note from the designers...

For every traveler whose wanderlust can never be satiated: let this pair be your lucky charm to attract magical travel experiences, your compass to lead you to discoveries off the beaten path, and your courage serum to start conversations with strangers.

So click your heels three times and get ready for the magic - with these shoes, you're definitely going places.

- The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams - 

I feel so inspired just by wearing these shoes because I am Going Places this 2013. Thank you Punchdrunk Panda!

Denim Dress: True Love, SM GTW (Sale @ P200) - borrowed from my lil sis.
Floral Denim Shorts: True Love, SM GTW (P399)
Earrings: For Reselling Soon (est. SRP P180)
Ring: For Reselling Soon (est. SRP. P100)
Women's Skimmers: Punchdrunk Panda (NOW ON SALE! @ P647.50, originally P1,295)

More photos that didn't make this post

Shop Punchdrunk Panda

LIKE Punchdrunk Panda on Facebook

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

In Pursuit of Happyness this 2013

I've been reading a lot of 2012 thank you-s and goodbyes and 2013 greetings from a lot of bloggers that I follow over the holidays and I've been desperately wanting to do one too. And believe me, I have tried... 

Time and time again, I find myself open a blank page attempting a new post to greet the New Year but NOTHING is just coming out. Few minutes of staring at a completely blank page then stirs me into an overwhelming anxiety attack with a mix of frustration and  disappointment being fought by a little spark of hope and optimism I have deep inside, that begged the questions -  Was my 2012 legendary? Have I done enough to make myself believe that 2012 was a success? Have I achieved my goals? - and just when I'm about to get myself to type a single word, I end up shutting my laptop off and save my thoughts and my attempted blog post for another day, with the hopes of having a clearer head.  

With my obvious week of silence, it took me some time to realize and acknowledge the reason behind this anxiety. 

To be honest, I do not want 2012 to end just yet because there are still a lot of things I want to do (to fix) and it took some courage for me to finally admit to myself that I am really just down cold scared to face 2013. 

I have been known to be a person who's always in control of my life and always has a 3-year plan. And I hate to admit that 2012 was a blur because I really didn't know how to find myself and answer my own question "What's next?" While great opportunities found its way into my path with my cluelessness and this big hanging "?" (question mark) over my head, I'm am still soooo afraid to enter yet another year with having no clearer sense of direction. 

Segue to my last blog post with a renewed sense of hope, determination and much optimism, I got myself looking back at a brighter 2012 series of events, where I...

January  - Married the love of my life, got myself my very first iPhone, went to Misibis Bay for the Honeymoon and moved in to our new condo.

February - Traveled to Boracay for my friend's wedding

March - Modeled for BPI and got myself a billboard! 

April - Resigned from work, Started the Clueless Mrs. and Officially registered my weddings & events coordination biz.

May - Traveled to Majayjay B&B for a quick labor day retreat and went for a swim at Taytay Falls, Tandemed with Georgina Wilson for a Garnier ad, Joined Open Philippines, met BNO and reunited with Ramon Bautista after 5 years.

June - Achieved a successful Axe Anarchy Raid Event and met Petra Mahalimuyak and  Traveled to Singapore.

July - Learned how to play Football.

August - Publicly launched my blog - the Clueless Mrs. - and received an overwhelming response.

September - Launched Axe Anarchy Island Sexy Saves Boracay Campaign.

October - Went to the TikTik Movie Premiere and met Dingdong Dantes, Attended the Philippine Fashion Week for the very first time, Went back to Boracay and jumped off a cliff and survived!

November - Achieved a successul Axe Anarchy Island Bikini Auction Party to save Boracay and Started to get invited to events as a blogger.

December - Got a makeover,  Now acknowledged as an official blogger, and Realized my long-shot true destiny and first love and passion - FASHION.

Christopher Gardner: Hey. Don't ever let somebody tell you... You can't do something. Not even me. All right? 

Christopher: All right. 

Christopher Gardner: You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period.

- In Pursuit of Happyness (2006) 

Looking back now, my 2012 wasn't so bad... (right?) My traditional, old-school dad would probably still not approve of the plans I have to follow my dreams and I might second-guess myself from time to time again BUT as I promised myself before and I promise myself now, "I WILL NEVER STOP TRYING." And this is what I will carry this 2013.

So, to my readers and to the rest of the world, Happy New Year and may you all have a fruitful and inspiring 2013!

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

The New IT Girl

Okay, my blog backlog is seriously piling up (again) and here I am, sitting in a corner of my fave cafe, almost clueless on how and where to start (again). Annyyywaayyy.... While my blog is still relatively new, I've been so lucky and privileged to be invited to some of the most exciting events and launches happening around the metro. 

One of which is actually the grand launch of Kristn.com - your new digital go-to-girl! Oh, how I wish you can hear me saying this in my most kikay voice. *haha*

Last November 28, 2012, thanks to my dear friends from TV5, I was one of the lucky few who got to witness the official unveiling of TV5's new lifestyle portal, Kristn.com. The event, held at the NBC tent, was a star-studded affair, jam-packed with surprises, PRIZES (Sorry, I just had to highlight *hihi*), and pure awesomeness.   

In normal situations, I wouldn't really have a care in the world which and what new websites are up and new, but this is different. We are talking about digital evolution, people! A new age lifestyle portal that will change the way we live and do things using digital platforms that makes our lives amazingly easier that even our kids will possibly get to experience (until the new wave of digital evolution comes to age, anyway). So, while I was people watching, star sighting, and food hoarding, while my feet were aching, I made sure to keep my eyes and ears open on what the people behind kristn.com have to say. 

Disclaimer: I was standing too far from the stage when all of these were happening, so I had to grab photos from Kristn.com instead. [Photo source]

From Top to Bottom: (1) Team Kristn and Celebrity Contributors
(2) Victor Basa arrives at the event using BCode to Register
(3) Event Hosts, Divine Lee and Derek Ramsey
(4) Kristn.com Editor-in-Chief, Trixie Reyna
(5) DJ Callum David

Oh, Callum David is such a cutie... Back to Kristn though, what I love about Kristn.com is that she's very user-friendly. She's a one-stop-shop of all the things you love and enjoy, may it be movies, fashion, food, travel, music, gadgets, and more. She has also combined our favorite features from Pinterest, FourSquare, MunchPunch, TripAdvisor, etc.,  all rolled up in multi-platforms you can easily access via laptops, tablets, mobile phones and even Smart TVs, which made Kristn.com a certified IT Girl because she just literally has everything! 

On top of these, Kristn boasts celebrity friends who contributes to her wide array of digital content namely, Marvin Agustin, Heidi Ng, and Stephanie Zubiri for Food & Dining; Divine Lee, Bianca Valerio, Ana Kalaw, Kat Dy, Nicole Romero, and Zo Aguila for Fashion & Beauty; Zig Marasigan for Movies; Rica Paralejo, Divine Lee, and Victor Basa for Travel; Abe Olandres and Calvin Lo for Tech & Gaming; Victor Basa and Kevin Yapjoco for Men's Grooming; and Derek Ramsey, James and Phil Younghusband for Sports & Fitness. With all these? Kristn.com will definitely go on top of my bookmarks. 

This is one of the events I've truly enjoyed so far, not only because TV5's young babes and hotties who were all dolled-up wearing the newest trends from SM Ladies' and Men's Fashion, strutted the mile-long runway in the music of OPM rock legend, Razorback, or because of DJ Callum *hihi*, but because it was an evening shared and enjoyed with some of my coolest friends. *awww...*

And, the highlight of my night? Prizes and Freebies! *woohoo* 

I won! I won!

Kristn's Loot Bag!!!

The launch of Kristn.com was co-presented by PLDT. Major sponsors were Sun Cellular, Smart Communications, SM Ladies' Fashion, SM Men's Fashion, and Manny O Wines. Special partners were Benefit Cosmetics, Etude House, the Body Shop, Max Factor, and Cover Girl. With the participation of: The Bar Vodka, Selecta Ice Cream, Zalora, ASUS, Starmobile, URC and Jack N' Jill, Jing Monis Salon, Lenovo Mobile, Garnier, Axe, Tresemme, InFlight, Nivea, Soak Swimwear, Camayan Coast, Azalea Residences Baguio, Dusit Thani, and Belle De Jour Planners. 

Want to get to know Kristn? click here.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.