An Early Yuletide Season at Crosswinds Resort Suites

I have always loved how my birthday is quite near Christmas time. With the exception of traffic in the metro and the ruckus inside the mall, the cold season and the glistening Christmas decors give me a feeling of nostalgia. I chose to prepare for my birthday (hell yes, I am 33 years old ...lol) and chose a spot where my family and I can hang out and spend the night.

Crosswinds Resort Suites Tagaytay became my ultimate choice after having seen some office mates hang out more than a year ago. I checked some blogs, online comments and Agoda to prepare for the big event.

Here's my invitation slash itinerary for my family of three (2+bf):

We initially headed to Good Shepherd (not part of the plan) to get some treats before checking out Tierra De Maria (to pray) and LZM (to have our hearty lunch).

We were hoping to secure our room earlier than the indicated time since I have read how some bloggers were given consideration to check in two hours before the usual time which is 2:00PM. We were not granted what we wanted so we ended up checking out Santa's House and The Yule Shop - both are near the main hotel or what they call as the "Grand Quartier".

The Yule Shop offers mostly Christmas decors from Santa Claus to Snowman to Gingerbread Man stuff. They sell their items at a very reasonable price. The store-in-charge is very approachable and warm. He was able to respond to our questions no matter how much energy we had. 

Santa's House on the other hand is every child's dream come true. It has a makeshift chimney, Santa's chair, a 6" ft. Christmas tree, Santa's chair and heaps of toys all over it. The fam had a grand time taking pictures of the place and when we were told by the hotel attendant to wait, BF and I returned to this place to relax (I checked out the dolls and the tiny chairs while he busied himself with a coloring book).

We were allowed to check in at 2:00PM and entered the room at around 2:15PM. We booked for a one-bedroom suite and we loved how inviting the room actually looked. Grand is an understatement. 

 

It helped that their sofa has a pull out bed and we spent the hours watching television, stuffing ourselves with chips, talking about anything and everything under the sun. Whew, talk about bonding time!

We camped inside the suite and helped ourselves with the cooked meals that we brought. Yummy sinigang c/o the mom, inihaw na bangus from LZM, chips from the bro and drinks from the boo. We cooked some of our meals to make them warmer in time for dinner.  

Our night itinerary includes checking out the resort's supposed Christmas Tree lighting or probably taking a tour of the area via shuttle. Unfortunately, we were told that they don't have that activity and was told by an attendant that "he'll just get the keys" when we were asking about the shuttle. He stood us up and we waited for half an hour before the receptionist confirmed that the shuttle service is only until 7:00PM. We ended up walking just within the vicinity, taking in the scent of the 20,000 pine trees of the resort. 

Our package includes free breakfast for two. We paid for two more stubs for us to have a taste of their breakfast fares. They have limited breakfast fares. Doesn't taste bad but it's nothing extravagant if I'll judge their dishes. They served garlic rice, chicken teriyaki, pork tocino, fish fillet with garlic dip, raisin bread, two kinds of cereals, eggs upon request (sunny/omelette), orange juice, chocolate drink, milk, brewed coffee. I love how they plugged an all-Filipino violin instrumental disc which includes Ngayon at Kailanman, Hanggang, Unang Halik. So calming and classy!

We packed our stuff before 12:00NN because they can't allow us to do a late check out (they cited that they are "fully booked" but this is something which didn't totally convinced me since I noticed how few the visitors are). 

Too bad that the Alpine Village hasn't been constructed but the guard told us that it is part of the plan. We had some pictorials at the Crosswinds Cafe, Crosswinds Express and the Giant Christmas Tree. 

My family enjoyed their stay but here are my rants and raves:

Rants:

1. There should be more signage cards in the area. We ended up somewhere far from the hotel because there were very few guides from the entrance onwards;
2. No early check-in and no late check-outs (despite the 1-hour long waiting time and 15-minute check-in time that we endured);
3. My fam had problems with the bath room. There were no partitions between the shower area and the rest of the bath room and the floor tends to end up all flooded;
4. It was sheer torture when we realized that the room's telephone isn't working. I had to call the receptionist using my cellphone suppose we need something from them. Now I'm worried if I might need to pay more than the usual amount that I'm paying my telco;
5. There should be more visual guides - like an information booklet containing Crosswinds' map, the shuttle schedule, etc. 

Raves:

1. A resort full of courteous staff! For instance, the room attendants, assistants and receptionist (my namesake - Joycee) are all very polite and friendly;
2. Free wi-fi inside the room.

Tips:

1. The one-bedroom suite is good for just two people but is also suitable for a family of four. Just make sure to bring extra blankets since they charge Php200/blanket;
2. Bring your own carpool. Commuting from the main street to the resort is close to impossible (unless you're willing to wait for the shuttle to pick you up from the main entrance);
3. Bring your own survival kit aka meals;
4. Have an extra room freshener;
5. They provide pans, pots, rice cooker and most of the kitchenware.  

In general, the place is worth staying in. The management should work together and so something about making the place more enticing by making the services more customer-friendly (see Rants above). I wouldn't mind going back in the future since I have my own expectations now. 

Pasaporte 101

After procrastinating for so long, I admitted that now is the time to renew my passport after it has expired last 2009. Besides, I haven't been out of the country (EVER!) and who knows, I might just travel out of the Philippines some time soon. What delayed the whole renewal is the fear of falling in line outside of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay, either enduring the heat of the sun or braving the rain. I loathe the idea of going past fixers or probably getting tricked by one because of my own ignorance of how the process will go.

Getting my new passport took me less than two hours. Here goes my Pasaporte 101:

1. Google is the key. I eventually reached the main website: DFA Passport Appointment or www.passport.com.ph/ .

Set an appointment > Choose the most convenient place where you can meet up with the DFA Representatives > Start Individual Application > Complete the form and make sure that the details are all accurate.

You get to choose how fast you'd like your passport to be processed. "Regular" will mean 15 (working) days of waiting and "Rush" means 7 (working) days of waiting. Regular costs Php950 and Rush is pricier at Php1200.

Choose your day and schedule of appointment.

Make sure that the email you provide is still active. I initially tried using my good ol' Yahoo mail but ended up cancelling my appointment after the main Yahoo Mail site would not open (hello, website bug).

2. Click on the link which will be sent in your email and make sure that you print the entire PDF file that will pop open. The three-page file will include DFA's Important Reminders, e-Passport application form and a detailed list of requirements which one is supposed to bring.


3. On the day of your appointment, be at the DFA site 30 minutes before the confirmed time. Our appointment was at 9:00AM and we were there before 8:30AM. We were permitted to proceed the soonest time that we showed up.

We selected DFA Aseana because it is closest to where we live.

4. Step 1. E-Passport Application Form scanning. Just hand the printed pdf file to the DFA Representative and you'll be asked to proceed to the next step.

5. Step 2. Make sure that you have your old passport ready, original IDs and its duplicate versions. Everyone is reminded to bring extra photocopies of their documents (passport pictures are no longer necessary). Unprepared passport applicants are not accommodated.

The representative checks all of the submitted files and provides a slip showing the basic details plus when the passport is due for release.

6. Step 3. Payment. Just submit the recently-given receipt and your payment to the counter. Again, it is Php950 for regular processing and Php1,200 for rush processing. This is the part where you get to keep your other files.

7. Step 4. Encoding, data capturing and picture taking. It took us around 30 minutes of waiting which is not bad since we were able to settle in one area of the room where we fixed ourselves. One needs to remove all jewelries and has to avoid wearing contact lens. I removed my jewelries but retained my contact lens. I was wearing a brown pair and was not advised to remove it (lucky me).

The actual Step 4 process (minus the waiting time) took us around 5 minutes and that was it.

8. Step 5. We wanted to have our passports delivered and so we headed to another room and paid Php120 for the delivery fee. We were given 2Go Consignment Notes and that was it.

The whole process took us two hours and I am happy with the convenience that we experienced. Seven-day waiting time for the release starts now.

Here is the link to check on the other needed requirements: List of Requirements for Passport Application.

Turtle Power: Ten Things About TMNT the Movie

But first, disclaimer. This entry isn't a fanatic approach -- the kind which delves into the littlest, minor Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle character and how who evolved to what. I was a kid of the 90s and as typical young ones, we'd curl in front of the television every Friday night to check out on some toons (there's X-Men, there's Ewoks and then there's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle). In a way, TMNT the Movie serves as a memento of my childhood days. Here are my ten thoughts about the movie:

1. The Introduction. The introduction is highly animated. In a way, it teases the audience' imagination on how the characters will look like in living color. Very reminiscent of how Marvel normally shifts from opening credits to the movie's first few scenes. 

2. The main story. April O' Neil (Megan Fox) is an unrecognized news reporter from Channel 6 who seems to be in limbo due to her too limited assignments. While pondering on how she can prove herself as a professional reporter of Channel 6, she coincidentally witnessed four strange vigilantes battling and winning over some feared foot soldiers. Having very limited visual proof of what she witnessed, she went on to investigate and figure out the four vigilantes' identities. Scene after scene unmasks everyone's life secret - including O' Neil's very own. 

3. The setting. Set in present 2014, the power team could have been exposed to more technologies. The protagonists and antagonists' tools seem average. Best for the writers to have seized this opportunity to introduce more equipment and machines that are cutting edge. 

4. Megan Fox as April O' Neil. Megan Fox as the cunning and strong-willed April O' Neil will never work for me. Based on how O' Neil was depicted in the comic book and in the cartoon series if I may add, she's an unassuming and driven woman, petite with short hair in terms of looks and clad in a yellow suit where fashion is concerned. Instead, we see a very feminine O' Neil who is poised and prim and proper (looking unhurt AND gorgeous even when she's supposed to be getting all roughed up by being dragged by something/someone or by falling down somewhere or by slamming hard into something) all throughout the film. I was thinking of somebody who will be able to look like a harassed damsel in distress (still pretty but not poised) who is in dire need of four turtles rescuing her. 

Left: Megan Fox. Right: How April O' Neil typically looks like. And Megan Fox is still Megan Fox in the movie -- plus the casual wear.

5. The action scenes.  Martial arts, karate, chase scenes -- the fight scenes were good while it lasted. As part of the audience, I say MORE. Action-packed is how the TMNT the Movie is supposed to be. I mean, COME. ON. 

6. The Main Power Team. Great character designs for everyone: Donatello, Michaelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo and Splinter of course. [**Spoiler**] Excellent side story that covers the turtles' growing up years. 

7. Shredder is oh-so-fly. Shredder's armor is by far the best development that they have in the movie. Gone is his typical villain attire and they replaced it with this gear which makes his character look tougher than ever. 

9. Missing characters. Where are Krang, Beebop and Rocksteady? Oops. Sorry. I might be expecting a little too much ...which leads to my hunch (see number 10).  

10. The ending. Seems to most that they are brewing the second movie. No, there are no scenes after the ending credits. 

This movie merits 3 out of 5 stars for me. 

*All photos used in this entry have been obtained from random sites in the world wide web.

Flavorful Thai at Tamarind [SM Aura]

We are celebrating our 17th month of being together on a busy Saturday when our impromptu yet sharp decision-making skills should take the front seat (what with our important individual schedules in the later afternoon). Thank God for instant information which is at the palm of our hands, we checked out SM Aura's new dining places and aimed for Tamarind - one of the plenty posh restaurants that brighten Sky Park's area. The Masters of Jatujak made Tamarind possible and the latter is known to be a "higher-end" version of the former. 

True enough, the interiors looked very modern and each space is adorned with something interesting: like a grandiose chandelier in the middle of the room, walls on the far end and side to make the room bigger, a hanging decorative tamarind on some walls, bright orchids in elegant vases, Buddha statues in one of the shelves that they have (I wasn't able to move around and take pictures though).

Their menu is classier than Jatujak's. 

Gone is the casual, purple-tinted cover with the elephant silhouette as mascot.

The cover is almost as appetizing as the real thing!

 

Waiting time was good for around 10 minutes -- which is not bad. These yummies came marching in. We ordered the usual faves: Tom Yum Soup with Prawns, Bagoong/Shrimp Paste Rice, Chicken Pandan, Lemon Grass Mint Tea for me and the usual Coke for BF. 

 

                      Left: Tom Yum Soup (prawns).  Right: Lemon Grass Mint Tea (refreshing).

I love how the prawns are cooked to perfection. The shell comes off so quick and the prawn itself is very juicy. The main Tom Yum soup boasts of its trademark spicy-sour combo.  

Heaps and heaps of shrimp bits!

Bagoong Rice will always remain to be our great love where rice is concerned. Still sweet and flavorful. I hope that they added more sidings: extra pork, more omelette please!

Ahh, Chicken Pandan. I'll never get tired of its soft, flavorful, marinated chicken meat (and the sweet, tasty sauce). I don't mind the hassle of unwrapping the pandan leaves. It adds up to the excitement. 

Price is slightly higher than Jatujak. It's like 30-40% higher than my typical bill at Jatujak ...which is still okay considering that the place is very relaxing. 

The staff were accommodating and courteous although they are all over the place -- literally. There should only be 1-2 servers roaming around the area and 1 supervisor/ manager. Instead there were like 6+ people going around, joking with one another, giving loud instructions. One reminded the other in a crisp, audible voice, "Huy bantayan nyo nga yung mga stations niyo!" The casual interaction between servers/supervisors ruins the sophisticated facade of the place (here's hoping that the management gets to read this). 

Then there's us. Who would have thought that we'll be celebrating still despite our differences and distinct quirky characteristics? Lol. It gets better, thank God! Happy 17th Month to us. 

- The WORD according to Foursquare -

(selected random comments from random netizens)

• "Have a Thai iced tea with shrimp cakes for starters ...great way to start a meal."
• "Same owners as Jatujak. Expect the same food."
• "The Crispy Pata in Curry is a must try@ The fish fillet and crispy catfish salad were my favorite."
• "MUST TRY: Sticky rice with mango."
• "Ordered Pad Thai, Satay and Spring Rolls. Great value for money. Price points and serving size are excellent!"

TAMARIND

5/F Sky Park -  SM Aura Premier

McKinley Parkway

McKinley Hill, Taguig

(02) 556-1156

Operating Hours: M-F, 12NN-10PM

Sight-Seeing the Elements of Binondo

I tailed after my boyfriend when he needed to check out some affordable hardware supplies for his ongoing construction project. We targeted Binondo or Manila Chinatown since this side of the city is known for its practical offers.  

Roman Ongpin's statue 

We stopped by an Eng Bee Tin branch to grab some goodies. They certainly have more eye candies than one can ever imagine. Below are just a few of their mouthwatering delicacies. 

There were shops that offer charms, precious stones and gems. I got myself a black tourmaline stone as advised by an aunt. Being a first timer when it comes to getting Chinese stones, I had no idea that the stone needs to be placed in a bronze bowl. The seller of the item conducted a mini ritual before allowing me to get the black tourmaline directly from the bowl. 

Having been in Binondo on a Sunday, we chanced upon some closed Chinese restaurants. We were hoping to drop by Sincerity Restaurant since there were raves and awesome reviews about their "Amoy" food. Still, the main Sincerity Restaurant branch was closed. We opted to visit the Lucky China Town Mall and voila, look at what's waiting for us -- another Sincerity branch.

 

We obviously requested for the restaurant's top picks: Oyster Cake and Sincerity's Fried Chicken. 

Not your typical birthday cake! 

Fried rice for the starving ones. 

Sincerity's very own fried chicken.

The Oyster Cake is whipped like your regular breakfast omelette but with oysters on the inside. We're not fans this though, since we didn't like how slimy it feels with every bite. 

Two thumbs up for the famous Sincerity fried chicken. They didn't give us with any special sauce / gravy / dips. What we paired it with is just an ordinary banana ketchup but the skin is extra crunchy and the meat is tender and flavorful. 

We'd certainly love to go back and try the other known dishes.

NBA Cafe: For the Champs at Heart

Hoops fans will surely be thrilled to explore the newly-opened NBA Cafe that is located on the 5th Floor of SM Aura. Opened on March 2014, this branch is the first of its kind in Asia (as per our gracious server, Ian).

The boyfriend and I went straight to this restaurant for his post birthday celebration. Being a typical basketball fan, he was curious to check out what NBA Cafe can offer.

There were a few customers dining in when we dropped by since we came on a weekday lunch. The area is naturally bright and sunny and offers a great view of a nearby mall on one side plus the mall's fountain area on the other side. Significant theme is red-white-blue. The interior's flooring, ceiling parts are adorned with a light brown colored wood -- mimicking a bball court's typical flooring. 

The menu is simple and straight-to-the-point: it presents an overall white color with a huge NBA Cafe logo on the outside plus a variety of American gastronomic fare on the inside. Quotes from basketball legends are printed on some pages of the menu.

 
We chose their baby back pork ribs sauced with Sweet Kansas City BBQ sauce + corn on the cob as side dish. We loved this fare! We added coleslaw as an extra siding. NBA Cafe visitors responded via Foursquare that they loved the milkshakes and that Peanutbutterness is the best from among the selections. Not a fond "peanut butter drinker", I daringly ordered a glass.

  

In general, they serve appetizers (fried oysters, tacos, lamb & chicken skewers), soups (spiced pumpkin soup, tomato soup, cauliflower soup - hmm, garden vegetable soup), salads (mixed greens, almond salad, roasted mushrooms), grilled fares (herb crusted salmon, tiger prawns, grass fed ribeye, loin steak, lamb chops), main fares (creamy mac n' cheese, whole wheat penne, lemon roasted chicken), burgers (classic burger, cheese burger), sliders (ground turkey, chicken breast, pork belly), pizzas (three cheese, classic meatball, margarita), sandwiches and hotdogs. Desserts, milkshakes and floats made it harder for us to decide as to what we should really order. For the drinks, there are signature cocktails, imported/local beers, cold drinks, hot drink and yes, wine!

 

 

 Post meal we toured the place and took pictures of several memorabilia, huge photo murals and jerseys.
 

Customer service borders more on good. Ian the guy who served us was really accommodating and gave us some bits regarding their newly-opened restaurant.

Local basketball championships and other non-basketball sports tournament are being aired every now and then in their several tellies.

Basketball aficionados who are up for a night's worth of live championship game will surely make this their heaven on earth.

 

Address: NBA Cafe, 5L SkyPark - SM Aura,  Taguig City

Operating Hours: Sunday - Thursday: Open 10AM-10PM | Friday - Saturday: Open 10AM - 2AM