June 2013 | Lady & her Sweet Escapes

Jun 30, 2013

Pasta and Sushi at Scoozi

Italian or Japanese? That was the big question we had to face on a Thursday night. But why choose when we can have both in the same place, at the same time! In 1992, Scoozi started as an Italian restaurant and eventually changed its concept years later by adding Japanese cuisine on the menu. Scoozi is now all over Beirut and Dubai, giving people the option to enjoy both Italian and Japanese dishes on the same table. 

Scoozi in Dubai Mall

Jun 27, 2013

Breakfast Date at Social House

Ed and I were at The Dubai Mall for breakfast and a little sale shopping two weekends ago. We normally spend lazy Friday mornings at home, but that weekend was an exception due to my craziness over Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Sale! Well, it was more of a need than a want as I only have few more sprays left on my VS Bombshell. I badly need to purchase a new scent before the mall gets crowded and while there's still enough stocks on sale. :) 

So, it went out as planned. I had my VS goodies before I had breakfast! Crazy eh! I know, I know! I'm just lucky to have a very supportive husband who endured the pangs of hunger while I was at Victoria's Secret for almost an hour, just for a perfume, a lotion, and a lippie! :)  Okay, enough of the girly stuff. Let's talk about breakfast! 

Social House in The Dubai Mall

Jun 24, 2013

100 Lucky Juans: 2nd Batch of UWInners

I am back with another great news to tell! I'm sure many Filipino Expats in the UAE who joined Cebu Pacific's 100 Lucky Juans contest on Facebook have been waiting for this. Here is the 2nd batch of Lucky Juans who will be flying to the Philippines for free on October 7, 2013:

Jun 22, 2013

Singapore: Franco-Asian Breakfast at Sky on 57

I had an itty-bitty problem while I was making our Singapore 9-hour lay over itinerary. Our first stop was at the Gardens by the Bay to view the sunrise, next was to have an aerial view of the city at Marina Bay Sands. But how can we do that if the MBS Skypark only opens at 9:30 AM? So, I searched for options and found an amazing restaurant at Marina Bay Sands with a 360 degrees panoramic view of the city.

view of Marina Bay Sands from Helix Bridge
Marina Bay Sands: Singapore's Iconic Structure

Jun 19, 2013

9 Hours in Singapore

Singapore is the first country that I set foot in when got my first passport was back 2007. It was the year that I fell head over heels in love with travelling. Yes, it all started in Singapore and the rest is history! I had six country stamps, Philippines and UAE included, when my first passport expired. Six different stamps are quite a few for others, but it sure is an achievement for me! :) Looks like history repeats because Singapore is again the first arrival stamp I got on my new passport! Ed and I had a very short, but sweet lay-over in Singapore last March. I was so ecstatic when we got promotional fares with a 9 hour lay over though I have been there before. If I found Singapore amazing six years ago, back when there were no Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios yet, how much more this year?    

breathtaking view of Marina Bay Sands,Singapore

Jun 17, 2013

Free Attractions and Cheap Thrills in Dubai

When a budget airline announced their daily direct flights from Manila to Dubai, I wasn't the only one who's overjoyed. My family and friends in the Philippines were so excited about it as well. In fact, most of them are already planning to visit Dubai soon. Since travelling to Dubai is already cheaper, their only concern is how to enjoy the city even on a budget!

Dubai may be a city of glitz and glamour, but it is definitely possible to have fun without spending a fortune!  

Free Things to do in Dubai


Jun 15, 2013

Clubbing Holidays in Malia: Top Money Tips

Clubbing holidays in Malia 2013 have to happen, but with not long left before you have to take to the skies, it’s definitely time to put a plan into action and look into booking that holiday of a lifetime.


source

Jun 13, 2013

Silay: The Paris of Negros

Silay is a quaint town in Negros Occidental where heritage houses and historical landmarks are well-preserved. It is also famous for its homegrown artists and cultural shows. Thus, people call Silay "The Paris of Negros", while I call it my home. As years go by, Silay gradually transforms from a laid-back town to a busy city. Though a lot of major developments including an  International Airport have been made, Silay has its heart and soul perfectly intact.

When I went home for vacation, I explored the city like I have never been before!  It felt so good to see the sugarcane plantations again, to feel the vintage vibe and to be greeted with warm Silaynon smiles. Let me take you on a journey to a town close to my heart.

Things to do in Silay City:

Visit the city's heritage houses. There are over 30 ancestral homes declared as historical landmarks in Silay, only 3 are open to the public.
  • Balay Negrense - a museum that showcases the lifestyle of a sugar baron during the late 19th century. It was built in 1897 as a home to Victor F. Gaston , one of the pioneers of sugarcane cultivation in the province.
Balay Negrense

Jun 10, 2013

The Lucky Juans: First Batch of UWInners

By now, you have probably heard the great news! You have read the contest mechanics and have probably submitted an entry or two already! Clueless? Then you must have been too busy at work, or have been anti-social(?!), or have been living in a cave(duh!). Seriously, if you haven't checked the news feed lately, here's something every Filipino Expat in the UAE should know: Cebu Pacific is giving away 100 Dubai-Manila round trip tickets! If you are a Kapuso (GMA Pinoy TV Subscriber) and a huge fan of Cebu Pacific Air, all you have to do is to join the 100 Lucky Juans contest at Cebu Pacific's Official Facebook Page for a chance to fly home for free. 


Jun 8, 2013

Baker & Spice: World Environment Day Breakfast


My heart breaks a little whenever I receive an event invitation that I need to decline. Due to my evening work shift, I must sadly say no to dinner events. I have mastered the art of writing "I'm sorry I can't be there" email. Why can't there be a daytime event? Huhuh! Heaven must have heard my prayers as I finally received a breakfast invitation. I was not just happy because I can finally reply "Yes, I'll be there". I felt giddy mainly because it's a special event that I have been wanting to participate in; it's the Baker & Spice Dubai Annual World Environment Day Breakfast.

Baker and Spice

Jun 6, 2013

Bohol: Day Trip in Alona Tropical Beach Resort

Flashpack Trip day 7 was a day of pure rest and relaxation! We spent almost 7 hours lying on the pristine white sand, swimming in the clear blue waters of Panglao Island and just watched the day go by. Panglao Island in Bohol have wonderful beaches that are pretty much as beautiful as Boracay, minus the huge crowd. There is a public beach in the island, but since we wanted to spoil ourselves and experience a tiny bit of luxury that Panglao can offer, we looked for a resort that can accommodate day trippers. Bohol Beach Club was our top choice. Sadly, BBC was closed for renovation, so we headed to Alona Tropical Beach Resort instead. With the words "tropical" and "beach" on its name, Alona Tropical Beach resort sounded like PARADISE! 

Alona Tropical Beach Resort Bohol

Jun 3, 2013

My Favorite "Juans"

I was browsing the entries for Cebu Pacific's 100 Lucky Juans contest in Facebook a while ago, and I must say that all participants really did an awesome job! I adored the creative artworks and even shed some tears while reading the touching stories of my fellow OFWs in United Arab Emirates! I have read about longing for home and sacrifices of being away. I actually saw a piece of me in most entries. Kudos to all participants!