Stacy's: A Happy Place to Dine

My friends and I decided to go out on a weekend and one of my friend suggested to try out Stacy's Restaurant instead of the usual going out to the mall. We found this perfect restaurant to dine while we were catching up with each others' stories. The place is colorful with a genuine & friendly ambiance. I really love the combination of the light candy & pastel colors that gives a happy and lively vibes. It is also perfect for family dine-out and couple dates. 

They also have the kids' play area to keep the kids busy and for them to enjoy playing during their stay at Stacy's. 

Selections of their menu are divided into All Day Breakfast Hooray, Loving Spoonfulls, Everyday Soups & Greens, After Brunch Stacy's special, Loving Spaghetti(pasta) & desserts. Their beverages are colorfully listed in the board by the counter.

Upon seated, they will serve you a cup of free butter popcorn with lovely pink pretzels and light blue marshmallows to entice your appetite more. Isn't that wonderful? Kids will surely love this treat! 

We ordered three different dishes but we decided to split each dish into three equal parts for sharing so we can taste it all which I think is a very god decision because they are all delicious. They serve their rice in their special heart-shaped way. It's so cute!

These are slices of beef sirloin served with brown butter gravy and topped with sauteed mushrooms. It comes with sliced carrots and corn.

 Martha's Pot Roast - 285 php 

This Pinoy Tapsilog version is definitely one of their best-sellers. The beef slices which were served with egg and tomato are so flavorful and not dry. I hate it when the beef is served so dry that you don't even want to swallow it. 

 Stacy Jones - 195 php

This is a pan-fried soft dory marinated in herbs which comes with sliced carrots & corn and their special aioli dip.

 Herbed Cream Dory Fillet with Aioli Dip - 175 php

We tried their milkshakes and they are all awesome! I actually want them all. 

 Milkshake Factory (Vanilla Candy, Triple Choco, Pink Strawberry) - 98 php each

It is also a perfect place to hold baptismal and birthday parties. When we arrived, there is actually an on-going kiddie party so we still had to wait for a couple of hours before we were seated inside. It's a good thing the sunset view from that place was great and my friends & I had a lot of stories to tell and we enjoyed each others' company so much that we didn't take much note of the time that passed by. I suggest that it is better to call first before you visit to make sure that you will be accommodated at once. It has been such a pleasure dining here so if you're looking for a wonderful hang-out place, you may bring your family or friends here and just have a good time dining just like what my friends(Den, Kring) & I had.   

Stacy's 
Location: Capitol Greenstreet Commercial Center
               1 Capitol Hills Drive, 1101 Quezon City  
Contact #s: 9526843, 09478916975, 09334427661
Facebook: Stacy's

Canto - Ribs Haven in Baguio

When we went to Baguio, A's brother suggested that we eat dinner on a place called Canto. He was really so excited and prepared to eat at this restaurant. He really raves so much about how delicious the ribs served there are. He knew this restaurant from his friends and they actually said that they have the best ribs in town. So we tried it for ourselves! 

The Canto is located at the famous food hub in Baguio - Ketchup: The Food Community which is near Wright Park and other restaurants such as Happy Tummy, Rancho Norte, Green Pepper and Rumah State are also located. Upon entering the fence it is the first restaurant at your right. You can also actually order from the other 4 restaurants I mentioned and they will deliver it to the table wherever you are seated. Isn't that cool?

We ordered 5 plates of their famous ribs. When we tried it, oh yes it was really meaty, tender and delicious. Now we know why people rave for this dish and it is in people's personal must-try list. When you taste it, you surely will crave for more! It was also served with salad, which also tastes really good. It has watermelon flavor in it and I loved it. It is already good for 2 and with a very affordable price.

Lomo Ribs - 300 php

For the drinks, they serve juice, soda and coffee. I tried their Almond Lychee (gulaman). For almond lovers, this is a must order. 

 Almond Lychee (gulaman) - 20.00 php

A's dad ordered their Burger and I wasn't able to try it but it looks delicious.

 Canto Burger - 130.00 php

For dessert, we ordered the red velvet cheesecake which is a layer of red velvet cake and cream cheese    on a graham cracker base. What I love about this is it has the perfect balance of the sweetness of the red velvet flavor and the graham. 

 Red Velvet Cheescake - 95.00 php per slice / 800 php whole

There you go, you should definitely add this Canto Restaurant to you personal must-try list when you go to Baguio and you'll never go wrong. We actually had our lunch again here the next day so that we can enjoy their very delicious ribs again before we go back to Manila and it is a unanimous decision of everyone. Also, you might want to go early to the restaurant or call for reservation beforehand as there are always a lot of people especially during peak hours. So, what restaurants are part of your personal must-try list in Baguio?

Canto Restaurant 
Facebook: Ketchup Food Community
Location: Romulo Drive, Barangay Lualhati (Near Wright Park), 
              2600 Baguio City, Philippines.


                    Photo from Ketchup Food Community's Facebook

Baguio Holiday Getaway at Mines View Park Hotel

After the long drive from Manila to La Union(you may see my previous post for my La Union stay & experience), and short travel from La Union to Baguio, our bodies felt the stiff and fatigue of sitting in the van for long hours. What we are really wanting that time is a very comfortable and relaxing place to rest. Finally we arrived at Baguio, we went straight to our hotel - Mines View Park Hotel and to our surprise it was even better than what we are expecting. In fact, we are full of excitement to occupy our reserved rooms and it left us all in awe of the beautiful view that surrounded us in that hotel. The weather was cold so don't forget to bring your jackets.

  

Once you arrived at the hotel, they will offer hot towels which can warm up your hands and face.

This is the breathtaking view of the mountains from the hotel's lobby.

They also have this beautiful restaurant as part of the lobby where you can dine.

Finally, we head up to our rooms. The room was so clean, big and beautiful.  The bed was big and comfortable with these cute-shaped towels on top. It has an orange theme. There is also a terrace attached to the room where you can feel the cold air outside. 

The boys' room has a blue theme.(Photo by A's sister)

The bathroom with hot & cold shower.

What I like most of this hotel, is their staff's integrity and honesty. After we checked out, we headed to the small market at Mines View Park to buy some pasalubongs and fruits. Surprisingly, A's dad received a call from the hotel staff that a cell phone and a charger was left at the rooms we occupied. So my companions went  back to hotel to get it at once since we are still near the vicinity. We wouldn't have noticed it at once if the staff did not call us. Thank you so much to their staff! Chances are we were already long gone and heading back to Manila, noticed that the phone was missing and still have to turn a long way back to the hotel. But thanks to their staff this does not have to happen! Two thumbs up to you guys! :)

Besides that, the hotel is also located a few steps away from the Mines View Park and it is near The Mansion, Wright Park and Good Shepherd. It was indeed a perfect choice to enjoy the tranquility and comfort of your stay in Baguio. When you head up to Baguio for a trip, you can definitely have this hotel as one of your top choices to stay. 

Mines View Park Hotel
Location: 1 Apostol St. Corner Outlook Drive, Mines View Park, Baguio City
E-mail: info@minesviewparkhotel.com
Tel: (6374) 424-1088
Telefax: (6374) 442-1599
Cell No.: (+63)922-888-6392, (+63)917-593-1316
Website: Mines View Park Hotel

Manila Office
Tel: (632) 352-5248, (632) 215-8226

La Union Holiday Getaway at Hotel Ariana

Happy Holidays everyone! Finally, it's time for a holiday vacation and the season to spend with our loved ones. This year, A & I were given a chance to spent the Holiday weekend with A's family at La Union and Baguio.

We left Manila at around 2:00pm and arrived at Hotel Ariana in Bauang, La Union at around 7:30pm for our first stop. We stayed in La Union for the first night before we head to Baguio so that we can enjoy surfing early next morning at the beach at San Juan, La Union which is very near the hotel. 

Hotel Ariana is easy to locate since it is just along the main highway, you will easily see the hotel signage with orange background.

Upon arrival and entering the lobby, you will see that there is beautiful interior with ambiance that is conducive for business functions and other events. They also have a restaurant at the lobby. We registered at the front desk and asked for our reservation. Their staff easily accommodated us and helped us bring our luggage to our room. We got 4 Regular Twin rooms in all which costs around 2760php. Our room has 2 single beds and 1 extra bed. It is fully air-conditioned and with cable tv.  

The toilet room and the bath room are separated. When you enter the door, the bath room with hot and cold shower is on your left and the comfort room is on the right side. 

The room also has cabinets where you can put your belongings and hang your clothes.

We got out of bed early to eat our complimentary breakfast and head to San Juan, La Union to have some surfing adventure. After surfing, we decided to eat our lunch and head back to the hotel to take our shower so we can use a more private and cleaner shower room. The hotel staffs are so kind, they even allowed us to extend for almost an hour without extra charge because we were not yet finished taking a bath upon check-out time. Thank you Hotel Ariana for this act of generosity & kindness. They also have a multi-purpose hall where you can hold your parties, conventions and other events. You can check out their hotel when you go to La Union to enjoy a genuine haven of absolute comfort and tranquility at affordable prices. 

For more info on room rates and other inquiries, here are their contact information:

Hotel Ariana 
Location: Paringao, Bauang, La Union
E-mail: hotelariana.marketing@gmail.com
Tel. #: (072) 7050050/7050080 or 6076788
Manila line: (02) 4253250
Website: Hotel Ariana
Facebook: Hotel Ariana

How To Apply For Visa To South Korea

Are you planning to have a vacation to South Korea? First, you must secure a Visa to enter South Korea. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a visa to enter South Korea:

1) Secure a copy of the Application Form, you may get it at this link. Then fill it up with your information. The form is also available on the embassy but I suggest you fill it up before going to save some time.

2) Attach a 1 Passport size photo of you on the application form by using a glue.

3) Make sure to have your original passport which is still valid for 6 months. Have the first page of your passport photocopied. If you have valid visa and arrival stamps of OECD member countries for the past 5 years, have an original and photocopy of it also. 

4) For employees, you have to prepare the following documents:
    a. Original Certificate of Employment

    b. Original Personal Bank Certificate

    c. ITR (Income Tax Return) or form 2316 Copy

   For businessmen, you have to prepare the following documents:

    a. Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy)

    b. Business Permit or Mayor's Permit (Copy)

    c. Personal Bank Certificate Original

    d. Individual ITR or form 2316 copy

There are also other requirements if you are a Korean's sister/brother in law, Korean's Parents in law, Korean students, religious workers, seaman, housewife, Filipino national married to a Korean, or a spouse of a U.S. military personnel stationed in Korea. For me, I am under the employee category so those requirements above are what I prepared.

5) If your documents are now complete. You may now go to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines to file you application located at 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines from 9am-11am only Mondays to Fridays.

If you bring with you your car, you can park your cars at the side of the streets in front of the embassy. Usually there are a lot of open spaces for you to park and there is no parking fee. Upon arriving at the gate, the guard will get 1 of your I.D. and let you sign in their list. Then he'll give you a gate pass, let you in and walk through the path that leads to the hall where you can apply for visa. 

Upon entering the hall, you will see a front desk where you will register again, tell the personnel if this is your first time to get a visa or not and get a number. Make sure to get a number before you proceed and sit on  the waiting queue. 

This is on a first come, first serve basis. No appointment is needed. First time travelers and those who do not have previous or valid visas to U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, or Korea must present their documents at Windows 1 or 2. Frequent Travelers, seamen and those who have confirmation of visa issuance number should apply at Window 3. 

Take note to arrange the documents in proper order before you hand the documents over especially if you are submitting documents in bulk(for many people) or else they will return your documents to you for you to arrange and you'll have to fall in line again. You will know the proper arrangement listed on the piece of paper which you can get on the left side of the hall upon entering.

Wait for your number to be called by the guard or for it to flash in the screen. Once it's your turn hand the documents to attending personnel and he will just scan through and check if  your documents are complete in front of you. After a short while, he will hand over a piece of white paper where your claiming date is indicated.

For employees, these is the proper arrangement:

1. Application Form with 1pc. Passport size colored picture glued

2. Copy of Passport first page

3. Original & copy of valid visas and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years

3. Employment Certificate Original

4. Personal Bank Certificate Original

5. ITR(Income Tax Return) or form 2316 Copy

Insert these properly arranged documents in your original passport.

For the visa fees:

For Philippine Passport holders:  

     59 days (or less) stay in Korea -- GRATIS     

     60 to 90 days stay in Korea -- PHP1,350.00
     More than 90 days stay in Korea (not applicable for tourist visa)           

Single Entry -- PHP2,250.00           

Multiple Entry -- PHP3,600.00 American Passport holders -- PHP2,025.00

Foreign nationals in the Philippines applying for a tourist visa -- PHP1,350.00

You will know if your application for visa is approved or denied on the releasing day itself. Processing takes 5 working days for first time travelers and 3 working days for frequent travelers. This may be extended depending on the Consul's decision. 

Then you will just have to go back again on the claiming date indicated on the white paper given to you to claim you passport with visa. Releasing time is only from 2pm to 4pm. So don't miss it, you may also opt to come early. If you come early, they are already starting to release even before 2pm. Upon arriving at the front desk, show your claiming paper, register on their list, and get a number. When your number is called or flashed on the screen, proceed to the window and you will receive your passport in just a few minutes. 

That's it! Getting a Korean Visa is very easy. My friend told me that if you ask the travel agency to get it for you they will charge you additional 600php to 1000php. So it's not that hard If you do it yourself plus you get to save some money which you can spend in Korea. Now, you're ready to fly to South Korea! Enjoy!

For other info on Visa Requirements and Procedures, you may visit this site. 

Mega Shoes & Bags Sale at SMX

It's happening again this year! It's time for the Mega Shoes & Bags Sale! It's a perfect event to buy your Christmas gifts at a discounted price.

They got this 2 for 349.75php shoes.

 Barbie shoes for the young ones.

 Of course, our favorite section, the ladies shoes!

 On the right side of the hall, shoes for the boys.

In the middle of the floor are shoulder bags.

 There are a lot of travel bags to choose from.

And if you avail a total of 3000php worth, you get a free SM loot bag which comes in different colors and 100php worth of Krispy Kreme GC.

That's it, visit SMX's Hall 4 now! The sale runs on December 6-9, 2012, from 10am to 10pm. 

Remarkable Play Which Will Capture Your Heart : The Phantom Of The Opera in Manila

I am so lucky to be able to watch the Phantom Of The Opera live at the Main Theater of CCP. Not to mention, it was at a discounted price. Thanks to Ticket World for having me! :) 

My sister and I arrived early at the CCP theater to avoid the rush hour traffic. Because of this we had ample time to roam around the lobby to take pictures. There was also a snack bar at the back of the main stairs and a kiosk where you can buy you souvernirs such as key chains, teddy bear, accessories CD, shirts, and caps.

I had my seat at the Parterre box where I had a perfect view of the stage because it is elevated and it was not very far from the stage. I saw the theater was in Full House and I believed all of them were as excited as I was to finally experience and hear the songs of the Phantom Of the Opera live.

Photo courtesy of Ticket World Manila's Facebook.

It was so excellent to insert Filipino humor to the play. The cast delivered it so fine that it stroked the theater into laughter. You will never miss the part "if you need me, I'll be in Boracay".

One of my favorite parts were Christine and Raoul's very romantic scene on the rooftop. It was just so magical to have a very beautiful scenery and be with the one you love. The background is so amazing and the buildings at night looks very realistic. "Love me - that's all I ask of you, anywhere you go let me go too, love me - that's all I ask of you..."

My other favorite part was when Raoul is trying to save her beloved Christine from the Phantom. It was a jaw dropping, intense scene that it surely heightened my emotions.

Photo courtesy of Ticket World Manila's Facebook.

This is an evident story of what love sometimes pushed as to do. Especially when jealousy comes into the picture, as humans we do things we never thought we could ever do. But we must never lose hope that everything will be fine and that in the end good heart will still prevail.

This play is definitely a must-watch - spectacular stage, elegant costumes, graceful dancers, great cast and wonderful story. They really know how to put up a good show! It will run until October 14, 2012 - Tuesdays to Fridays at 8PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 3PM & 8PM. So don't miss it! 

You may buy your tickets online - www.ticketworld.com.ph or in any of Ticket World's outlets around Manila. They also offer student discount for Balcony 1 and 2 sections. 

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