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A flourishing career for Vicky Morales

Newscasters have to be very well-versed on almost anything. “You just have to constantly prepare yourself. The more experiences you have along the way, the better for you in the long run,” shares Vicky.

After more than 25 years in the broadcasting industry,  broadcast journalist Vicky Morales is very much comfortable with herself. She feels no pressure to equate the achievements of others with her or to even surpass their achievements.

“I’m happy the way I am now,” relates Vicky from a previous exclusive interview. She’s now a regular anchor for 24 Oras along with Mel Tiangco and Mike Enriquez. She’s also hosting Wish Ko Lang and Good News. She’s one of the pillars of GMA News and Public Affairs.

Vicky first took up BS Management at the Ateneo de Manila University then shifted to Communication in her second year. A consistent dean’s lister, she graduated in 1990 with First Honors and was nominated by the Ateneo to the 1990 RFM – Rotary Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.

Vicky’s start in broadcasting wasn’t smooth. Her professor gave her a bright recommendation for a job with ABS-CBN. She was assigned as a segment reporter but her stint didn’t last very long. She was singled out among more than 500 applicants for a newscasting job in GMA Headline News but she was taken off after three to four months.

Tina Monzon-Palma, at that time head of GMA’s news section, told her frankly that she didn’t really appear well-versed with the news and looked very nervous. Vicky remembered crying when she lost her first newscasting post. But she always looked back to it as a point of the challenge.

Vicky, of course, got another chance. Dong Puno took her on his then daily morning talk show called Business Today (re-launched into Good Morning Asia in 1997). Vicky co-hosted, produced reports, and wrote news for this show.

In time she had honed her skills enough to make a comeback on GMA Network News, then co-hosted with Mike Enriquez. She also produced reports for Saksi. In 1997, she was sent for a month-long training program on Television News Production at New York University in the USA.

Finally, Vicky has gained self-confidence.

25 years and counting

Vicky feels she’s being challenged every day. According to her, every day presents new challenges. In a way, there’s so much element of surprise in the business.

“You wake up each morning not knowing what will actually happen, what assignment you can actually be given,” she quips.  “You just have to constantly prepare yourself. The more experiences you have along the way, the better for you in the long run.”

Throwback photos of Vicky /personal file

Every day, Vicky prepares herself before facing the camera. “It is really the long-term preparation of myself. I go through my scripts then I make my own corrections because I want it to be based on my speaking style,” she says.

Vicky’s antidote to her early nervousness was to continuously arm herself with broad information. This means newscasters have to be very well-versed on almost anything.

On integrity and public trust

Vicky shares her pieces of advice for aspiring broadcasters. She relates that aside from proper skills, integrity is very important because news is based heavily on public trust.

“I think you should never compromise this trust. Take good care of that trust by verifying the news, you should not be paid to say what you say,” she points out.

She underscores as well the importance of attitude – aggressiveness, curiosity, energy, persistence, and drive. Teamwork is also crucial.

“You have to get along well with people. The news is all about a lot of people working together to deliver a good product. And last but not least is knowledge of current events. It’s actually a habit that you should acquire. Especially in an ambush interview, you have to think on your toes.”

One important lesson she learned from the trade is that there are always “two or more sides in the story.”

She explains: “No matter how believable one person can sound, people should be given the benefit of the doubt. It’s about fairness and objectivity. For me, I try to get both sides of the story as much as possible. Sometimes, we have our own personal biases, but we have to put that aside.”

She credits her parents with the value of hard work and money even though they are quite well-off. She’s blessed with blissful family life. Vicky is married to Alfonso Reyno III, a lawyer, and mother to twins Leon Alfonso and Filippo Luis, and daughter Daniela.

The broadcast business, she points out, doesn’t really remunerate very well, “But if you work hard enough then it could be rewarding in other terms,” she concludes.

(Based on the article published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#throwbackseries #exclusiveinterview #vickymorales #broadcastjournalist #newsanchor #TVpersonality #upcloseandpersonal #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph #internationalwomensmonth

Featured photo courtesy of Vicky Morales on Instagram @vickymorales

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Women Speak Up

Let’s hear it from these successful women who have made a difference in their own unique ways.

In the course of my work interviewing various personalities, I have come across varying ideas and views about issues – from personal, complex to the most trivial – but what strikes me the most is when those thoughts emanate straight from the heart. It feels genuine and sincere. It makes you think, that we are all the same in the eyes of God – you stumble, recover, and start again, and come out a better person. There is always resilience in the face of trials and adversity.

Here are some of the meaningful quotes I have gathered from my previous interviews with these accomplished women:

Courtesy Dayanara Torres FB Page

“How I rose from scratch makes me a real model for the youth. I will never break that image.”

– Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, when she was chosen as one of the “Most Distinguished Women” in Puerto Rico at the age of 23. She shared that she was probably selected because she made well in spite of her very humble background.

Courtesy online source

“Mothers are often placed in a dilemma prioritizing between career and family. But for me, my family is always first.”

-Zsa-Zsa Padilla, actress, singer, mom, digital influencer, during the time when she was reviving her showbiz career

Courtesy reallysharoncuneta IG

“After that trying situation, I’ve learned to appreciate life more. It has strengthened my faith. I feel so blessed and whatever will happen to me, I’ll be fine because I’ve been given so much already.”

-Megastar Sharon Cuneta, on her thoughts, when she had her second miscarriage

Courtesy QueenStar Vilma Santos FB page

“I believe in a woman’s right to express herself and to live her life the way she wants to, without losing her sense of morality. I’ll probably despise myself if I take on any man I meet in the streets. Let’s not limit the definition of morality. The most important thing is to have respect for yourself.”

– Star for All Seasons and Cong. Vilma Santos-Recto on how she sees herself in a movie role “Bata, Bata . . . Paano Ka Ginawa?”

Courtesy Bianca Araneta-Elizalde FB Page

“Always keep your values and be well-grounded. When you get into it, you must be mentally, physically, and emotionally stable. You must know what you want because you can fall into so many traps. Make sure to carry the real person in you.”

– Bianca Araneta-Elizalde on her advice to youngsters who are contemplating a career in modeling and hosting

Katherine Annwen De Guzman. Courtesy www.geocities.ws

“It should be considered so important. Where’s the system going if people aren’t educated? How can we vote for a good president if we don’t have educated people?”

– Katherine Annwen De Guzman, former Bb. Pilipinas-World on her notion that education must come first

Janelle Bautista. Courtesy spot.ph

“My family. And I would dedicate my life to preserving that. It’s something I hold in my heart. My mission is to help build a foundation for a good family because I believe the family is a source of strength for all of us. So that children will have good idols, and when they have their own families they will also be able to pass on the strong family values they learned from their own parents.”

-Janelle Bautista, former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe on what she considers as the most beautiful thing in this world, and what would she do to preserve it

Individually, these inspiring women have made a difference in their own unique ways. Happy International Women’s Month!

#InternationalWomensMonth #views #thoughts #women #personalities #throwbackseries #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas: Having it all

In the face of a career-high, Ai-Ai de las Alas struggled as sole breadwinner and a single parent to her three children. Finally, she now feels complete and enjoying all aspects of her life – career, marriage, and motherhood.

Comedy Queen and Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai de las Alas’s business is to make people happy. But what can make her truly joyful is to be surrounded by the most important persons in her life – her children, a husband she can share her life with, and a happy home.

She was given another crack at marriage with a younger husband, Gerald Sibayan, whom, she said came at the right time. “Deep inside I know I’m a good wife, a good mother, and a good person.” The couple tied the knot in December 2017.

Ai-Ai and Gerald – happy together. Courtesy: filipinotimes.net

Aside from Gerald, her source of joy right now are her three children: Sancho Vito, Shaun Nicolo, and Sophia Andrea – her love children with estranged husband, singer Miguel Vera.

Her past experience of love has changed her a lot as a person. “Hindi na ako mapusok (I’m no longer aggressive when it comes to the affairs of the heart),” she admitted. “Noon kasi basta mahal ko hindi na ako nag-iisip (Because then, as long as I love you, I don’t think anymore).”

As a mom, she’s both strict and a spoiler. “Kasi ‘yong hindi ko naibibigay na oras, kung ano na lang ang gusto nilang hingin minsan ibinibigay ko na lang din,” (Because I don’t always have time for them, I just give what they want sometimes) she shared. “But I always remind them that we’re not rich. And if ever I can’t give them what they want, it doesn’t mean that I don’t love them. Ayaw ko lang na masanay sila sa pera.” (I just don’t want them to get used to money.)

Good at loving someone

Being a celebrity she still disdains the lack of privacy that goes with her job. “Minsan depende sa approach kasi may mga taong salbahe talaga,” (Sometimes it depends on the approach because there are really bad people.) she said.

She admitted that she’s a crybaby in real life. “Sometimes people have this notion that what you’re doing onscreen is the same thing what you’re doing in real life,” she explained. “I want them to know that I have also my own private life. Hindi lang nila alam na kaunting bagay lang iniiyakan ko na.” (They just don’t know that I’m crying over a few things.)

She said she’s a good cook and also good at loving someone. “My talent is GIB (Good in Bed) and sometimes it’s VGIB (Very Good in Bed),” she said in jest.

Ai-Ai is presently part of the cast of GMA Network’s romantic comedy-drama “Owe My Love,” top-billed by Lovie Poe and Benjamin Alves.

Ai-Ai has been in the business for the longest time and the sustainability she attributes to the kind of professionalism she gives to her craft. She handles stardom by keeping her feet on the ground.

#Aiaidelasalas #comedyconcertqueen #queenofcomedy #actress #singer #performer #throwbackseries #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo courtesy of GMA network.com

 

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Conversation with a former Beauty Queen

“Joining a beauty pageant is also a good vehicle for empowering women. I know that we have so much to express, we are talented, and we are as capable (as men) to perform complicated roles in our society.”

Former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Nina Ricci Alagao’s most unforgettable moment was when she won the most prestigious local contest in 2000.

Joining a beauty pageant, she found out, was not as easy as she thought it was. It takes a lot of discipline, grace, intelligence, and inner strength to be able to make it. “It is also a good vehicle for empowering women,” shared Nina, who is also a TV personality, make-up artist, model, visual artist, mom, and wife, rolled into one. “I feel so strongly for women. I know that we have so much to express, we are talented, and we are as capable (as men) to perform complicated roles in our society.”

She exudes the epitome of a beauty queen – independent, intelligent, aside from being beautiful. That she wasn’t aware of.  “I probably had it in me, but I didn’t see it right away because I was very boyish when I was young and my goal was directed towards another thing which is the arts,” she shared. “I remember when I was young, around six years old, there was this girl who was five years older than me, and she called me ‘Miss Universe’ for some reason. I just said, ‘Sana magdilang anghel siya.’ I had no idea why she called me that because I was thin, dark, and ugly then.”

It was her friends who convinced her to join the local pageant at that time. They were prodding her for four years and so she finally agreed.

Photo courtesy: Ruby Asoy personal file/@ninaalagao IG account

Among the beauty queens, she looks up to former Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz because “she’s very sincere” and made a strong impact during the question-and-answer portion of that beauty contest.

Of course, she also maintains a beauty regimen. “I wash my face with soap and water after every event or engagement,” she shared. “Then I cleanse it with astringent and I put moisturizer to make it look fresh the next day even If I don’t have enough sleep that night.”

An artist at heart

A painter on the side, she uses mostly acrylic and oil; she also loves doing watercolor on paper. She has learned how to paint from her dad, Tomas, who is a frustrated artist. That’s why after finishing high school at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Mount Makiling (Laguna) she enrolled at the UP College of Fine Arts, where she majored in Visual Communications.

As an artist, she likes women as her subject. “I’m really fascinated with the female body – especially the curves they’re very sensual. And I’ve been trying to master the female anatomy.” Her favorite artists are impressionist Cesar Legaspi “because he makes things appear as close to the real thing as possible,”; and Anita Magsaysay-Ho “because she’s a woman and she’s very expressive.”

For a living, she has been working as a model for print and TV, a make-up artist, and a TV personality. Being a model has taught her how to be more confident. “You can easily face people without intimidation. You learn more about yourself in the sense that you know your best angle and what looks good on you.”

She wants to be remembered as the embodiment of a woman — talented, smart, confident, has a sense of humor and good disposition in life.

#ninaalagao #beautyqueen #artist #model #profile #throwbackseries #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo courtesy: @ninaalagao IG account

 

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Trendy home office must-haves

Organize your desk with fun and functional accessories and storage systems that highlight your personality.  

With working from home emerging as a new lifestyle trend, we are certainly spending more time in our home offices. With that, our desks have become a favorite space where we make reports, plan our schedules, attend zoom meetings, and keep connected with friends and family.

And the start of the New Year is a good time to give our desks at home or in the office, much- needed refresh with stylish accessories from SM Stationery.  These desk-mates mirror the latest fashion trends – metallic mesh, geometric pattern – lattice, herringbone, dotted; and as well as a pop of pastel colors that will help you work better and more creatively.

Organize your desk with fun and functional accessories and storage systems that highlight your personality.  Showcase the things you love by adding gadget accessories like LED Touch lamp that makes your space modern and contemporary.

Add green in your workspace to welcome new ideas and experiences. Indoor plants can help you keep calm and breathe in your work area. But most of all – make it also an inviting space for yourself as you work long hours, or for visitors who may drop by.

 

The desk organizer set collection is available at the selected SM Stationery section of the SM Stores.  Also, SM Stationery is now online on www.smstationery.com.ph and with the SM Store’s #143SM Call to Deliver services.  You can now have your home office must-haves delivered right to your doorstep. Follow SM Stationery PH on Instagram and Facebook and join their Viber community for more details and info.

#desk #accessories #deskorganizers #workspace #smstationery #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo: The Girlie Go-Getter.  Bring a sophisticated, feminine touch to your workspace.

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Jamie Rivera’s Music

Jamie has interpreted the inspirational song “We Give Our Yes,” adding a feather in her cap.

There’s a new dimension to Jamie Rivera’s music career that she’s very proud of. Just recently, she launched the inspirational song “We Give Our Yes,” the official mission song of the year-long 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines celebration which kicked off last month.

Father Carlo Magno Marcelo wrote the song and produced it by ABS-CBN music creative director Jonathan Manalo. As of press time, it has 113k views on YouTube Channel.

Highlights of Jamie’s career

She has made a name for herself as a singer and has blossomed, too, as a composer. Jamie considered being part of Miss Saigon the highlights of her show business career. She was only 24 then.

“Through that, I experienced a twist of fate. Before that, I thought I was just a singer. The stage was still an unexplored arena. Somehow because of Miss Saigon my status was elevated,” she disclosed from a previous exclusive interview.

From that experience, Jamie learned pointers on confidence, stage acting, independence, humility, and punctuality.

“Lessons on the latter, I had in big doses. It happened to me one time during my first rehearsal. Our stage director said, ‘You have to be in the theatre exactly 10 in the morning.’ I arrived at about 10:05. He said, ‘Miss Jamie Rivera, you’re now in London, and when I say 10 o’clock you have to be here about five minutes before 10.’”

Aside from Miss Saigon, another memorable performance of Jamie was when she got the female lead of a 22-member cast in the musical Bogis Street. Jamie played opposite Singaporean theatre actor George Chan. The musical was staged not only in the Kallang Theater in Singapore but in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur as well.

Jamie admitted that she has experienced how to be treated like a star when her first record album, Hey, It’s Me became gold in so a short time.

“That time I was really overwhelmed,” she recalled. “Even my family misunderstood my intention, my attitude because I became too busy. You should be as normal as everyone else. Of course, if you’re a star somehow you have an edge over other artists. When you’re a star you should be more humble because a lot of people look up to you as a role model.”

Lucrative profession

Jamie said she considers singing a lucrative profession. However, there are times when it’s not that stable.

“We’re not a regular earner. So you must have a fallback,” she said. “I’m urging other singers to finish their studies so they’ll have a fallback. (In her case, she finished Commerce, major in Economics at UST). She’s also helping her husband in his real estate business.

Courtesy: Jamie Rivera FB page

She has learned to accept that there’s a lean and peak season in everyone’s career. “You shouldn’t be frustrated. You learn through your experiences,” she quipped.

Jamie’s musical taste is more on the classical. She loves broadway, cartoons, and orchestra songs. “But when I write songs it should be commercial,” she said. “Kasi iba gusto ko sa gusto ng ibang tao. Ang ibinibigay ko ay ‘yung gusto ng tao. Kasi kapag gusto ko ang gagawin ko hindi naman sya bibilhin ng mga tao,” she rationalized.

What makes a good singer?

“A good singer should have a distinct quality of voice and proper packaging. I consider Lea Salonga a good singer because of her flawless voice. Of course, there’s Regine Velasquez, Kuh Ledesma, Barbra Streisand, Zsa-Zsa Padilla, and Pops Fernandez,” she shared.

Inherent Talent

Mary Jane Cruz Mendoza in real life comes from a musically-inclined family. Although, she’s the only one who could sing professionally. Jamie decided to pursue a career in music when she won in the Yamaha Music Mate Girl Contest in 1986 while still majoring in A.B. Economics at the University of Sto. Tomas.

Actual training for her began during her first years with the Metropolitan Theater where she also did her first major concert, Hey, It’s Me, Jamie. Soon after, she recorded her first album. And the rest is history.

In her line of work, the most important lesson she learned is to be politically correct.

“Otherwise, you will get enemies easily,” she said. “Another lesson is to prioritize your family. All the things will fade but not your family; nobody can take them away from you. And whatever you do in the past it will reflect you in the future. While you’re still young try to be good. Keep your feet on the ground.”

#JamieRivera #singer #composer #inspirationaldiva #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Photos courtesy of Jamie Rivera FB Page

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Hue Hotels and Resorts: Bringing colors to leisure

Hue Puerto Princesa is a standout hotel and resort-like feel at the heart of Puerto Princesa City.

This summer, let’s explore Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan and the gateway to almost every island in the province.

The room design combines both local and global inspirations to its interiors.

Just adjacent from the newly-opened Puerto Princesa airport, this writer stayed at Hue Hotels and Resorts admirable for its wide-open space, and for excellently combining global and local design to its interiors. Truly, a standout hotel and resort-like feel at the heart of Puerto Princesa City.

The moment we arrived at the hotel, we easily felt the warm welcome from its staff and front desk manager at the time of our visit. He ushered me to my comfy room and immediately got awe-struck with the room design – the carpet was made of a colorful banig, the welcome kit consisted of local delicacies and drinks, and the imported glass bottle (no, they don’t use plastic bottle) seemed so attractive. I made sure to check on the hotel swimming pool and Aminah Spa located on the roof deck. It was a relaxing feeling to have tried the soothing massage on our second day.

The hotel swimming floor located on the roof deck. Photo by Renjie Tolentino

The hotel restaurant is called Matiz Tapas Bar & Restaurant just very near the hotel lobby. It offers Classic-Filipino-Spanish and some Vietnamese dishes that pay homage to the Vietnamese community in Puerto Princesa. Matiz is being managed by Chef Gabby Prats.

The modern look of Matiz Tapas Bar and Restaurant. Photo by Renjie Tolentino

Hue Puerto Princesa is envisioned to be chic and creative with a “design-forward and culturally-rooted architecture.”

The property is being managed by Hospitality Innovators Inc. (HII). “It (HII) creates distinct hotel concepts that are original and one of a kind – this is what Hue Hotels and Resorts is all about, ” shares Chris Guballa, the hotel’s general manager. Guballa is also proud of its advocacy of promoting the local community through a hotel that promotes local products and culture.

City tour

Hue Puerto Princesa has not only given us superb accommodation but an unforgettable tour around the city.

We went to the famous Underground River named as one of the seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other interesting tourist spots we visited were Baker’s Hill, Butterfly Eco Garden, and Tribal Village, Rancho Mitra, Elephant Cave, Baywalk Plaza Quartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and Buenavista View Deck (where you can see the beauty of Ulugan Bay and Tres Marias).

 

Our Puerto Princesa trip was made possible by Hue Hotels and Resorts  Puerto Princesa – one that truly brings colors to leisure.

#HueHotel #nicetomeetHue #HuePuertoPrincesa #Palawan #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo by Renjie Tolentino

(Special thanks to Experience Travel and Living magazine)

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Jaya: Her own person

Jaya has said many times: “I know my mom prayed a lot for me. I think that’s where all the blessings came from.”

After 30 years in show business, Queen of Soul, Jaya, feels that she has been blessed. “Life’s been treating me good. I’ve always pursued what I believe in and I don’t think of what people say. I do what pleases me as long as I don’t hurt anyone. And if I didn’t succeed the first time, I just keep on trying,” she shared.

Jaya said that she doesn’t plan to sing forever. “I don’t want to do this forever. I’m only doing this because I’m trying to satisfy myself and the talent that I have. I don’t think I will grow old in this profession. But that’s so far from now.  But who knows . . .”

If there’s a song to describe her life, it would be “What Matters Most.” She said: “People tend to think about the temporary things in life. When we die what matters most is what we have done when we were still alive. While we are still alive let’s enjoy life, make friends, see different countries if you can afford it, breathe, live, enjoy the spirit that’s in you, improve what’s bad in you because we’re only human and we’re capable of committing mistakes. But what matters most is that we should love each other.”

As a woman, she admits she’s bading, independent, and strong-willed. “I didn’t graduate from high school but I still try to learn things by surfing the internet, doing research,” she shared. “As a person, I’m not very trusting but once I trust you, matagal ‘yon. Basically, I’m very loyal. I don’t really harbor ill feelings toward other persons. I just let it pass. I’m very impulsive also and loving, but I don’t forget the past because I based my present life on my past. And I don’t believe in too much in politics.”

Jaya on a roll

Since she launched her singing career locally some years ago, Jaya has become a household name. “I think I’m a little bit more self-assured now knowing the crowd expects me to give this type of music. And sometimes, I want to surprise them.”

Definitely, her living in the States for several years has had a big influence on her musicality. She says, she had the chance to listen to different types of music – Irish, Brazilian, African, reggae, pop, rock, alternative – name it.

“Because of that American influence in me, everybody noticed that I was a bit different when I came here. But I wasn’t trying to sound like anybody else. I’m influenced a lot by African-American music. Back in the old days, my voice was like matining na mataas. Now it has texture. I have the low tones and the high notes.”

Remembering her mom

Looking back at what she and her late mom, Elizabeth Ramsey had been through, Jaya muses: “Aside from my talent in singing, I’ve inherited some of her good traits, like her spirituality, but mine is in a different way. I’m not a collector of saints like my mom, but I have a few at home. I don’t pray as regimentally, but the moment I hold a rosary, I know that I will be saved.”

Jaya has said many times: “I know my mom prayed a lot for me. I think that’s where all the blessings came from.”

Jaya with her lovely family.

Jaya has been married for more than 14  years now (and counting) to non-showbiz husband, Gary Goditoc. The couple has two beautiful children.

#showbizthrowbackseries #jaya #singer #exclusiveinterview #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

(Based on the feature articles published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

Featured photo: Jaya with her late mom, Elizabeth Ramsey

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Stay longer in Nasugbu, Batangas

The town is blessed with abundant natural attractions, picturesque sceneries, cultural, historical, and religious sites, recreation and accommodation, gastronomic delights, and eco-tourism.

Nasugbu is about two hours drive from Manila. It is the town on the western coast of Batangas, and a favorite leisure and vacation getaway for tourists because of its proximity to Manila.

The town is blessed with abundant natural attractions, picturesque sceneries, cultural, historical, and religious sites, recreation and accommodation, gastronomic delights, and eco-tourism.

With the influx of tourists coming to Nasugbu, the Kaybiang tunnel was constructed to connect the Ternate-Nasugbu Road, making the trip to Nasugbu a less than an hour journey.

Kaybiang Tunnel – connecting the Ternate-Nasugbu Road, making the trip to Nasugbu a less than an hour journey. Courtesy: Facebook.com

Nasugbu has a population of 138,000, and it caters to the AB market. Frequent tourists to this area include Europeans, Americans, and some Asians.

Pico De Loro Cove: Offers an active vacation lifestyle

Pico De Loro Cove, which is set amidst the verdant green mountains and vibrant clear waters of Hamilo Coast is SM land’s premier leisure destination with 5,800 hectares of natural beauty. It only takes 90 minutes by car from Manila via the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) and the Kaybiang Tunnel. This writer had a relaxing stay at Pico Sands Hotel, the cove’s premier hotel during a previous media tour.

The writer at Pico Sands Hotel
Courtesy: Pico Sands Hotel FB page

Pico De Loro is renowned for being part of the “center of the world’s biodiversity,” where more than 65% of the world’s marine species can be found. Its location within the Verde Island passage makes it an ideal jump-off point for cruising to other renowned island destinations such as Apo Reef, Mindoro, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay.

The property is composed of eight mid-rise residential buildings set around a serene environment. It makes owning a beach home as easy and practical as condominium living. Each condo comes with playing rights at the Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club, which has the most extensive land and sea-based recreational facilities in the Nasugbu area.

Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club

Together they offer an active vacation lifestyle and a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation options. Homeowners and guests can enjoy eco-adventures such as biking, trekking, fish-feeding, cove tour, diving, kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, banana boat, Frisbee, jet skiing, paddle boarding, water taxi, and beach volleyball.

Nasugbu town: A major tourism destination

The tourist destinations inventory of the municipality has listed down 18 natural attractions, including the famous Hamilo Coves, the Karakawa Rivers and Falls, the Layong Bilog River, and the Tumalim Water Falls and River.

Mountains such as Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Batulao, Mt. Pico De Loro, famous for mountain climbing, surround the town. Rock formations are also scattered around Nasugbu Bay including the Elephant Rock, Pinnacle Rocks, and Payong-Payong.

Virgin island abounds the town with Fortune Island and Twin Island as the more popular ones. It is also surrounded by four marine protected areas: Fuego Point Marine Sanctuary, Taytayen/Etayo Marine Reserve, Pinagdakutan/Santelmo Marine Sanctuary, and Cutad/Pico De Loro Marine Reserve.

For a sumptuous local lunch, visit Kainan sa Dalampasigan in Martinez St. in Nasugbu. This 13-square- meter restaurant is owned by Normita “Tita Baby” Limjoco-Lucas and offers excellent home cooking and rustic ambiance.

Hearty lunch with DOT and Hamilo Coast marketing.

Nasugbu has a wide array of kakanin. It is said that there are at least 13 varieties of kakanin in town. Thus, an “abibingkahan” can be found in the public market where kakanin are being sold.

The tour was never complete without a visit to some religious sites like the main town church of Saint Francis Xavier Church and Lumang Simbahan where pilgrims and devotees from far and nearby towns come to visit every Friday to offer prayers to the Black Nazarene. Nevertheless, the influence of the Catholic Church in Nasugbu has been dominant in their culture and townspeople’s religious faith.

Saint Francis Xavier Church Nasugbu. Courtesy: Nasugbu Tourism Office

 The group ended the tour with a relaxing Barako foot bliss at Rain Spa of Pico Sands Hotel. This coffee-infused foot treatment relieves sore feet and frees up one’s thoughts. Coffee’s calming and anti-oxidant qualities are employed to relieve stress and tension as well as improve circulation, restoring the body’s natural balance.

In Nasugbu, you can definitely explore more tourist attractions, and deserving of another visit. This time, plan to stay longer in your next getaway with your loved ones.

By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo

(Based on the article published in Experience Travel and Living magazine by the same author. The media tour was organized by the Department of Tourism some years back.)

 #throwbacktravel #nasugbu #batangas #philippines #tour #attractions #tourism #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Unique and Sweet Valentine’s Gifts for Everyone

This Valentine’s Day finds the most unique gifts that have just the right amount of thoughtfulness and sweetness. SweetBlooms Rose Candy Pastillas are perfect gifts for your loved ones.

When you are searching for the exact gift for your loved ones, the one that achieves the genuine tone is something that will make them feel appreciated, special, and that your love for them survive and thrive even during the pandemic.

SweetBlooms Rose Candy Pastillas are perfect gift ideas for many good reasons: Made with quality and fresh ingredients, affordable, presentable, a yummy treat, and blooming with candy pastillas. Choose from an array of product choices you can find in the brand FB page link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=Sweetblooms&set=a.5149750408376144.

Lovely to look at, the rose candy pastillas come in different flower sizes that are edible and with a reasonable price range. SweetBlooms deliver flowers nationwide.

It is available in small rose candy pastillas (Php25.00), medium rose candy pastillas (Php35.00), Rosebloom candy pastillas (Php55.00), Gerbera candy pastillas (Php60.00), bouquet (Php350.00), Saver Bouquet (Php395.00), Long Stem Bouquet (Php100.00), Full of Love Bouquet (from Php595.00 – 945.00), Full of Charm Bouquet (from Php685.00 -1,620.00), Enchanted Full of Charm Bouquet (from Php835.00 – 1,880.00), Beary Full of Charm Bouquet (from Php1,075 – 2,270.00), and Bouquet (from Php95.00 – 295.00).

Celebrating the most romantic day doesn’t always mean to be expensive — because it’s the thought that counts. What matters most is remembering and celebrating the occasion with the people you care about the most.

SweetBlooms Ambassador, singer-songwriter/influencer Moira Lacambra.

SweetBlooms has also appointed an Ambassador for February, the charming young lady singer-songwriter/influencer Moira Lacambra, to create more awareness of the brand, and encourage new customers.

A sweet venture

SweetBlooms was borne out by the owner’s love for Filipino delicacies, her fondness for flowers, and childhood dreams of having her own thriving food business. The confectionery shop has been around for more than a decade now.

May Tiburcio De Vera, the hardworking owner of SweetBlooms first discovered her passion for making pastillas through the support of her beloved mom Remy, a restaurateur and a native of Isabela province. Knowing her genuine love for the craft it wasn’t difficult to pursue her passion.

May with her mom Remy (center), who taught her how to make pastillas.

Through the years, SweetBlooms has evolved from a pastillas kiosk, into a candy flower shop, a cake shop, a café, and now housed in a headquarter building in Marikina City. It inspires people on diligence and hard work that led the brand to where it is now.

The entrepreneur-pastry chef takes pride in how far she has come and continues to have faith in how far she can go. Success is sweet and sweeter when you have worked hard for it.

The entrepreneur-pastry chef attending her culinary class . . .
During a TV interview with media personality Karen KaladKaren

The way to a man’s heart

Food as they say is the way to a man’s heart, and thus, this was how the owner’s love story came about.

May and her husband Macoy have created a strong bond through the rose pastillas. During the earlier stage in their relationship, May didn’t like giving her boyfriend an ordinary present.

The young couple then had created a strong bond through rose pastillas.

Instead, she made him edible rose pastillas. Her boyfriend was overwhelmed with her efforts, and the more that she was endeared to him. May thought that it was a perfect way to show her love to him.

The couple now: Enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Happy family life: May and Macoy with their three lovely children.
M & M Building – a testament to their hard work.

So, whether you’re looking to rekindle a flame, continue to enjoy that wedded bliss, or keeps the fire burning bright in your relationship, and family life, say it with #SweetBlooms on the most romantic day of the year. Share the bloom in all seasons!

To order, contact: 09175073997, 09175139300, (02) 83520051, (02) 75020497. Sweetblooms Marikina is located at 267 J. P. Rizal St., Barangay San Roque, Marikina City.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Sweetblooms/photos

#ValentinesDay2021 #SweetBlooms #RoseCandyPastillas #filipinodelicacy #uniquegift #giftforvalentinesday #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo:

May Tiburcio De Vera, owner of SweetBlooms