Elections 2013

*Please note that this post is mostly for opinion purposes only and is not made to offend the hearts of the politically opinionated.*

Just a quick note that this post will be lengthy and I would totally understand if you won't read this post. I just have to have it here.

Who to vote? I’ll tell you that I would be voting this May 2013 Election and I’m a first time voter. And since I don't really know all of my candidates, I then find it really improper for me to just go there and shade blindly. But that's really how it worked for me. But anyways. It's actually good that I visited COMELEC's website few days ago because for some reason, it's SERVICE UNAVAILABLE now.

Today is the big day. I can almost feel the crowd and the confusion that will no doubt accompany the day of the 2013 Elections. I have no doubts that political chaos could ensue well after May 13. Oh well, at least it makes the news programs more entertaining to watch. :)

With all the confusion and mayhem in the political world, it's sometimes hard to distinguish who's who and which side to believe in. I can't really understand some of the aspiring politicians because for some reason, they're all kind of the same for me. At some point. FOR THE POOR. It's unfair. Philippines is not all about the poor! We may be under a bad government, yes! But it's not only because of bad governance. These people I'm talking about are not gonna do anything new, in my opinion. See, what will happen? They're gonna elect these politicians and expect a dramatic change two days after the election. And then they will conclude. Seriously, people?

Also! I'm keeping an eye on those people who I haven't heard before. I think they can do it better than those who have been "serving" for quite a while now. Because they have yet to prove something so they can't be all rubbish and stuff. Also! I don't think I would like to elect those who have annoying jingles that I hear every day because if you're running for a position, you should think of the welfare of your countrymen, not yourself! And you should be at least considerate not to wake up people very early in the morning by your loud stupid jingle!

Let us not judge others by who they are going to vote for this May 2013. I've seen numerous debates in Twitter, Facebook, blogs and other message bulletins that eventually lead to nowhere. Debating about politics is like debating about religion. There will never be a winning party in the discussion. Everyone has their own opinion that they will defend.

It's amazing how many different opinions are out there, and how boldly people will push them at you. I've definitely shoved my fair share of opinions at people, but lately with all of the Campaign business happening it seems like opinions are much more on the forefront. I know politics gets more heated during election years. I'm sure that this kind of thing stands out to me more because this is the election I'll be able to vote in (by the way, VOTE. You should vote. Really. I think it's an important thing to do) so I'm more...actively participating, I suppose you'd say.

So, let's just stay still and practice our right to vote at this day of the elections. If bashing cannot be avoided, then point them to the candidates themselves and not to the people that support the candidate. The thing I hate the most are self-righteous individuals personally attacking each other because they don't agree with the choice of other people.

As each of us has our personal reaction slash observation slash comment slash experience in this national election, lemme tell you mine...

May 13, 2013, 7:30am started finding my poll precinct in San Juan Elementary School, which could have been easier if the school just posted the list of voters in the wall by precinct and made a map of the precinct's location in the school, instead of collating the papers in a table with 3 or 4 people manning it, thus clogging up the information booth. Since I haven’t had my voter's id, thanks to this Comelec app by ABSCBN that I can check my registration status and knowing what precinct I will vote for and sparring me from rumbling with the crowd. By 8:00am we found it, just to realize they consolidated 5 clustered precincts in one room having for one PCOS machine. Whew! Nevertheless, we piled ourselves up not knowing we are doomed to wait for an hour before finally getting inside the voting room because they prioritize those who are senior citizens. By 9am, I couldn't say I was lucky to have my ballot ready to be filled out, and believe me it only took me less than 15 minutes to accomplish it and have my ballot fed on the machine. Finally, my vote is casted!

Though we've been hearing rants and wrath amongst our people nationwide, there are also "some" good news (at least) to savor. One is the fast counting of the election returns which is way way forward than our previous elections, and second I commend ABS-CBN and GMA who made a remarkable coverage on this national event.

For all Filipinos who voted this May 2013 national election...Congratulations! God bless the Philippines! Vote Wisely! #VoteNowCozYourVoteWillMakeADifference #PrayingForAPeacefulAndCleanElection

Happy Mother's Day!

I may not have the kind of mom who copiously provide for their daughter, or the kind of mother who affectionately flatter their kids with sweet and chummy words. I have an ordinary mother. Yes, who extra-ordinarily loves and takes care of me and my sister.

She can be sarcastic sometimes, but it works! It's called reality. She never fails to make me think that life is not all about me. She helped me cross the bridge between reality and the fantasy world I've fabricated in my self-centered mind. To be able to stay in the open and embrace my imperfections. Also that I should learn to be grateful for everything and stop comparing myself with others. For I am superbly and wonderfully made. Well she communicated this with all the love and practicality overflowing her.

Me and my Lovely Mom! :)

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, MOMMY!! :) Thank you for being always there for me – ups and downs. Whoever I am right now, owe big chunk of it from her. Sorry for being such a hardheaded, pain in the ass daughter sometimes. I have no words to say how much I thank you for everything you’ve done. I am grateful and blessed for having a mom like you. I LOVE YOU from the deepest part of my heart! ♥ You’re the best mom!!! :)

Here’s a song to pay tribute to my mom and all the lovely mothers’ all over the world!! Happy Mother’s Day!!

So, now I see through your eyes, all that you did was love,

Mama I love you, Mama I care,

Mama I love you, Mama my friend,

My friend

Weekender: BLS-ACLS Training

Finally got the chance to sit down and write again. Week went well, though I was quite busy with the trainings but I think it's good. There are just so many blessings to be thankful about and I must say that I'm really blessed.

I just finished my Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training at NC-CLEX. As a basic requirement for all newly graduate and registered nurses, it is now a growing trend that after graduation and/or having passed the NLE, one would enroll into as much seminars and trainings to have something put into their resumes and increase their credibility as a professional. It’s not new to us that almost all the hospitals here in the Philippines or even abroad are on recession right now because of surplus of nurses, and it is now almost mandatory to have an edge among the hundreds of thousands of competition out there. Unless, of course, if you have a backer.

I decided to take my BLS-ACLS training at NC-CLEX because I find their program interesting and informative. This is a whole day practical course conducted for 5 days, covering the essentials life support skills. The training was not that tough. I thought that it's gonna be another stressful day for me. But it’s not. The staffs and the instructors are super nice and my co-trainees are easy to get along. The participants were taught the basics of first aid and how to interpret ECG strips. They also had hands on demonstration on Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). We started by having a brief orientation, followed by the lectures, then repeating what is instructed and when everything was already discussed, we started practicing for the return demonstration (which is graded). Of course, we were given time to practice the techniques. After that, our skills and knowledge were evaluated.

What I like about our training is their 1:1 ratio for participants, meaning one instructor for each students and it comes by batch so that they can all accommodate the participants unlike the other programs where in there are so many students for only one instructor. The demonstration from our instructors fascinated me. I watched in awe as he performed chest compressions, CPR and rescue breathing on the dummy. I knew that afterwards, we were supposed to do it ourselves. That chest compression part is some kind of hard for me, I need to give my over all energy to do it right! Ahaha. Thankfully, I was able to learn how to do it properly as I passed the exercises on doing basic life support. But boy it was the grueling activities that not only entailed physical strength but mastery of the step-by-step process and/or the practice of ergonomics. Not complaining though! Hehe :)) The lecture on ECG reading and interpretation caused me migraine but I survived it nonetheless.

The training venue itself is nice; they have different dummies that work! And they have the proper equipments that were use both local and international for the said course. At the end of the entire course, you'll have an evaluation exam, it consists of 2 parts: a written one and a return demonstration (Megacode). You have to pass both, if you don’t you have to repeat the entire course and pay again. And after passing all of that and completed the course, you will be issued with a Certificate of Completion plus ID cards which are valid for two years—both cards are renewable in any accredited training center. Also, good thing is their programs are accredited by ASHI which is credited both local and international.

Now, the hunt is on...again. The hunt for an IVT training hospital, that is. It seems like everywhere we look, slots get taken right before our very eyes and it's a pain waiting for another training session to open for reservations for the next month. I recommend you guys (nursing students/health practitioners) to enroll in NC-CLEX, they also have other trainings and programs besides BLS & ACLS.

And oooh, after 3 months of waiting I finally got my PRC license! Yeyy! Raise your ID!! :) haha!

For more information about the NC-CLEX you could visit their website HERE.

Thursdate @ Nail Bar

Living in such a fast paced environment tends to make us feel tired and withered long before our time. I know inserting a pamper day on your busy schedule can be difficult, but I tell you, your body needs to relax. Love and pamper yourself  from time to time. Heal yourself!!

Nails are probably the least thing on my mind when I think about beauty and cosmetics. Although I know it's always in the back of my mind that I need to attend to it every so often. Before I would just settle for the typical salon and bear with the noisy and busy atmosphere of it. But lately, I have been tasteful and really trying to engage myself in my nail pampering processes. I make sure that the places I go to have accessible locations, tranquil surrounding, and skilled nail technicians and had more than nail grooming to offer. I mean, it's not so often that I care for my nails....so for those times that I do, I think I should give them the best. Don't you agree??

It's amazing how the hand and foot pampering services boomed in the country lately. Left and right you will see different salons offering manicure, pedicure, hand and foot spa services at competitive prices.

I will never survive without clean nails. It's too bad I can't clean them on my own. :( I don't usually go for the 'fancy-schmancy' nail treatments because for me, the effect is the same. And I really don't have the patience to wait forever to get my nails done.

Ever since, I've always tried on our village's most renowned "manicurista", Ate Lorie. She gave me best cuts. :) Until, when those Nail Spa and Salons popping out. :P

When I was invited by my friend to try out services at Nail Bar located at 2nd Street Mendiola, Manila. I didn't hesitate, I'm glad I did enjoyed every second in there. It's another nail pampering trip for me. A total treat!! :))

You know me, I have no qualms in trying out new stuff especially if I get to feature it on my blog. Me and my friends had a mani/pedi in their Mendiola branch and it was a total experience. Their services was great. For one, they have a very attentive and accommodating staff. Once we entered the store, they immediately accommodated us and gave us a seat and pillows. They were also very thorough and careful in cleaning, which is one of the things I am really keen on with nail salons. I was impressed at Nail Bar inviting ambiance. They have a nice ambiance which made us wanna sleep while waiting for them to be done. And, with their great service, I'm not surprise that a lot of people, especially students since it was near in the University Belt, were they have their nails done even on a weekday. It's not pricey, their services usually charge from 100-200 pesos for mani/pedi. Kudos to their team!!

L-R: Ivern, Me, Rai & Jen

I believe girls wouldn't mind going in since  like other famous nail salons it has a girly, pink, white and green interior. Their couches were huge and comfortable. The lighting was just right. I loved the pink and green uniform the staff members are wearing.

Got the pic from their Facebook page

All the methods done were the familiar mani/pedi. My nail tech, Ate Jessica, was really great in making sure it doesn't get scrubbed. The manicure started with soaking my nails in their small unique nail soaking dish. Then, with regular cleaning, removing my cuticle and then polish. I informed the staff not to remove my ingrown and side skin because most salons do that without asking. I was relieved to learn that they are not allowed to remove the ingrown. They only remove cuticle and dead skin cells.

They will give you an option to choose Essie, OPI, and Orly. The price depends on the type of brand of nail polish you'll choose. I was expecting 'Caronia' or 'Bobbie' but they had these....

I had Orly Nail Polish Blushing Bud shade on I was told it was their best seller.

Definitely! I'll recommend Nail Bar to all girls out there. It's a nice place to get your nails done and they have faster service like the other nail salons I've tried. The price is reasonable. They offer variety of services, like nail art, body massage, and a lot more that won't break your budget. For example, a nail art here starts at 150pesos only unlike other nail art salons that charges 300pesos or more. The products they use is also high quality. Once inside, the sense of tranquility kicks in leaving all worries behind. Below is the pricing and services they offered. 

Happy Hour Promo!

All in all I'm incredibly happy with my nails! I had a great day of pampering at Nail Bar with the girls. Living in a world full of stress. We should all find time to relax and decompress. Indulge your body!

So if ever you find yourself in need of a place to relax after a long day at the mall....or just the need to get away, visit Nail Bar, so I hope to see you there sooon!! Ooh! and try to bring a friend with you. Getting some nail pampering is the greatest when shared with a friend. Just the same I spend that day with my girlfriends. :) 

Do you do your own nails or have someone do it for you?? If you like to be treated your nails like a princess then try Nail Bar now! Now point your browsers to their Facebook Page and make your fingers and toes happy!! :D

Stay gorgeous everyone! 

Rekindle the Joy: For the love of Starbucks

Finally, the day that most coffee aficionados -- particularly Starbucks fans - have been waiting for, have arrived. It's that time of the year again where people flock over to Starbucks to lust over these planners and shell bucks upon bucks of hard earned money for....for what, exactly?? November 3, 2012 marks the day the Starbucks planner 2013 is released.

Are you excited?

So am I!!

As much as I love spontaneity and change, I also do value traditions. There are just some things in life that are best left untouched. These are the ones that you can always count on to happen at the exact same time of the year, every single year. Readers of the blog must have noticed what a big Starbucks Coffee fan I am. This began way before I actually became a Starbucks partner myself. I've have been a frequent visitor most especially during my university years. 

Christmas at Starbucks always begin in November! This year's planner has the theme "Moments of Connection". I'm sure you and I will agree that we each have our own special memories of connecting with our friends, our loved ones and even that special someone over our favorite cup of coffee or even an ice-cold Frappuccino blended beverage.

I must admit I love Starbucks coffee. This is a love affair that will never let die! But really it's nice to wake up in the morning in a nice mood and know that soon, I'll have my grande of frappe in my hand to get through the rest of my day. Yes, you can save money by not going to Starbucks, but you will probably end up spending the money you save on something else. This is my little treat much like a vacation, manicure, techies or a new book. Kanya kanya lang yan! :)

For one, past couple of days I meet up with my long time friends for our bonding and catching up. We decided to go and stay at Starbucks for a while for a little chitchat about anything under the sun. Of course, one day wouldn't be complete if we didn't order our own favorite frappucinos. :) These are just a few examples and I'm pretty sure you all have your own connection stories to tell too!!

My besties: Bern & Sha

With Michael

This year theme "Moments of Connection" will be highlighted throughout the planner. Starbucks believe that a shared moment of genuine connection over coffee is a simple act that helps provide an uplifting part of someone's day.

As I opened the planner, I noticed that the cover has a magnetic "tab". There's also a magnetic bookmark to help you mark the page that you want to refer back to. It looks very modern yet just like a Starbucks store, it will give you a homey feeling perfect for the holiday season. I also noticed that the planner starts in January 2013 as opposed to the planners before that starts in December.

What a Starbucks planner without more treats and surprises?? The Limited Edition Starbucks Philippines 2013 Planner will be available in three (3) leather covers (White, Green and Black). What's your pick?! This year they have thirteen (13) "Kindness Cards" with different Starbucks treats that can be shared with family, friends and loved ones and you can avail on the specified month. There are also three coupons that you can use or share with others for the entire year. That's sharing the Starbucks cheer for yah!! :D 

Look! Look! at these goooooooorgeous planners, so sleek and elegant and so damn worth your every chug of coffee. YEAH RIGHT!!!

What can I say?? Who's joining in the hype? Will you? will I? Well, despite all the sarcasm, I MOST PROBABLY WILL succumb, yet again, to this mysterious force calling me to be part of the bandwagon of people wanting to fit in the fad, be one with the crowd, and yeah.....LOL. Huwhaaaat!!

Well personally, I am a fan of Starbucks. With their coffee and the brand itself. I don't frequently visit lately but I do have a favorite: Hot chocolate, Chocolate Creme Chip, Coffee jelly, Toffee nut Latte one of the frappucinos you'd earn a sticker for. Hehe I love Starbucks, the coffee, the products, the store, the people and the brand! And for the comfort and that good aura together with smell of coffee it gives, who cares about the price. Hahaha

I'm even a planner person and I'll get that BLACK STARBUCKS PLANNER!!! My planner is one of the most exhausted things in my room. Its silent witness to my aggression towards the things that happened in my daily life, things I love doing, my passion, my personal thoughts. It contains my plans a year from now, even has a snapshot of stuff I want to accomplish in the following years from now. That means you would normally see my drawer containing old pieces of papers, letters, notebooks and planners -- I keep them because I written important things on them. They are my hidden personal treasures. 

How to redeem?? You know the drill, to avail any of limited edition Starbucks 2013 planner; all you have to do is to purchase a total of seventeen (17) drinks; Nine (9) Christmas beverages + Ten (10) core beverages.  This year, they have three Christmas beverages that you can try. There's the Toffee Nut Latte, Peppermint Mocha and the Dark Cherry Mocha.

Personally, I love the Toffee Nut Latte and I normally would order this for all the 9 Christmas beverages stickers needed. I just can't have enough of the buttery caramel flavor of sweet toffee combined with toasted nuts, espresso, milk, and topped with more toffee flavored sprinkles! Yummy! :)

The Dark Cherry Mocha reminds me of the taste of the Black Forest Cake. Bittersweet chocolate mixed with sweet cherry syrup, espresso shot and milk. 

Meanwhile, the Peppermint Mocha is one of the most-sought-after drinks every Starbucks Christmas season. Sadly, it's not something that I really like as I am not a fan of anything minty but if you love the combination of chocolate and mint then this is the perfect drink for you!

And well you know it all boils down to being a "luho". Everything about Starbucks is hardly a necessity, yet for the awesome feeling it gives.....money is just money, baby!! 

With this, I officially start my Toffee nut X stickers journey. 2013 Starbucks planner, Thou shalt be mine!! 1 down to go, 16 more to go. READY. GET SET. COLLECT!! Leggggoooo!!! :))

But best of all, with every redeemed of Limited edition Starbucks Philippines 2013 planner comes a donation for the children of Sparks Hope, a childhood care and development program in partnership with UNICEF. Support the cause, Buy a drink, Collect stickers, and own a 10th Limited edition 2013 planner!! 

#NoToCyberCrimeLaw YES TO CYBER FREEDOM

No, this is not going to be a serious, witty, lawful post about the Cyber Crime Law. It's just that it has caused so much clamour that I thought that it would be worth a few words or maybe more. But, this issue is so depressing and disappointing. I have a little theory on why it has been a big issue to many, particularly to our generation. I know that it has its own advantages but when it comes to its disadvantages, it may lead to asking you, "What's the use of the internet now?".

Republic Act 10175 was approved by PNOY last September 12, 2012. This new Cyber Crime had take effect last October 3, 2012 and facing a lot of protest including from netizens. Hash tag #NoToCyberCrimeLaw become a trending on Twitter in our country and worldwide. It aims to fight online pornography, hacking, identity theft, and spamming following local law enforcement agencies' complaints over the lack of legal tools to combat cybercrime.

However, the law came with tougher legal penalties. It also allows authorities to collect data from personal users accounts on social media and listen in on voice and video applications such as Skype, without a warrant. Users who post defamatory comments on Facebook or Twitter, could be sentenced to up 12 years in jail. Yeah! you aim to fight them. But to LIKE, to RETWEET, to SHARE, to REBLOG can cause us to go TO JAIL? Is it legal? C'mon people!! Common sense!!

I live in a democratic country. I was against SOPA and PIPA. This new law was implemented that silence the Filipino people's freedom of speech and expression and take down powers of DOJ to shut down websites finding violation of law even without a court order. 

I'm not scared to fight against it because of the following reasons. First, I know that those who favored the Cyber Crime Law obviously passed it and majority of them is because one's ego is bruised, then the whole make amends for it. We are all aware that it's a result of a Senator who PLAGIARIZED and LIED in front of the public. We all know about his plagiarism issue, but lying? Yes, he did! This Senator actually denied putting the libel part, but later admitted about it. Secondly, it saddens me, no it upsets me because now we faced with Cyber Martial Law because of the Cyber Crime Prevention Act violates the right to free speech. We want to be free from the shackles of dictatorship. Good thing that many netizens are against it. Sad though, it's what the past leaders/heroes were fighting for but now WE GET THIS!!! Lastly, this is probably a rant. This law is UNJUST, UNFAIR and VAGUE and has TOO MANY FLAWS. 

Photo shared by Ami Evangelista Swanepoel 

Petitions were filed and still we are not heard. We TWEETED, we BLOGGED, we changed our profile pics to black and still, the Government, our Government shunned our voices. Just a COMMENT, LIKE, RETWEETS or any form of intellectual criticisms or opinions from us can get us into jail. I f ever I get imprisoned, I will be there for 6-12 years. Any opinion, good or bad, can be thought as a libel. How could you, President Noynoy sign this bill??? 

We shall not silenced. We will fight and we will take what is rightfully ours. Now the Yellow ribbon that signifies freedom is wrapped around our faces. What happened to the YELLOW RIBBON??!! Isn't suppose to fight for FREEDOM?! I don't know what to say anymore but our GOVERNMENT is just TOO MUCH!! FREEDOM IS EVERYTHING.....EVERYTHING IS FREEDOM!!! But, don't use FREEDOM just to attain your selfish needs. 

Photo shared by Filipino Community Page

Thank you to Sen TG Guingona for fighting with us. The following photo was posted from Sen. Guingona Facebook Page.

Anywayyyyss....Here are some recommended useful links for more info on the Cyber Crime Law and why you would fight for it:

• 10 Scary things about the Cyber Crime Prevention Act
• Republic Act No. 10175
• Senator flip-flop on Cybercrime Law
• Sotto...for Plagiarism
• Palace statement on the Cybercrime Prevention Act 

Here's a short video from ANONYMOUS PHILIPPINES:

I hope this blog post would be a contribution to help people be aware as well as urge them to fight for their right. (P.S Hopefully, I shouldn't get any case or be in jail from sharing you this!! :P)

Classic Songs, ROCK!!

We all knew that many foreign artists coming here in the Philippines to have their concert. It's almost every month, though. Since, many concert artists keep coming here in Manila, from my favorite boy bands to singers which reminiscing my grade school and high school years. That's old I am now!! Hihihi :)) Yeah! Time flies so fast, which even I don't have a chance to watch it, it may be sold out or being penniless me!! :(

I have loved classics, I guess because my dad loved playing these songs at home during Sundays or times there's nothing good to watch. Since then on, I would always hear these wonderful songs playing in my head till now. And yes, I don't sing! But I LOVE MUSIC very much, I just hymm with the tune. :D

Here are some of the few of late 90's and early 21st songs I love. I also added the ones from early 80's which I think were the most best songs are. Even though I don't remember some of the names of the singers and title of the songs. Lately, most of the songs are revived. Though, they are still good ones today.

Can't help falling in love with you - Elvis Presley 

I want to know what love is - Mariah Carey version

If ever you're arms again - Peabo Bryson

More than words - Westlife

Everything I do, I do it for you - Bryan Adams

Close to you - Carpenters

Crazy for you - Madonna

If I ain't got you - Alicia Keys

Make love to you - Boyz II Men

If tomorrow never comes - Ronan Keating

I miss you like crazy - Natalie Cole

Eternal Flame - Atomic Kitten

Can you feel the love tonight - Elton John

Runaway - The Corrs

Stay - Lisa Loeb

This I promise you - NSYNC

I do (Cherish you) - 98 degrees

I do - Westlife

Can't smile without you - Barry Manilow

Time after time - Cyndi Laufer

I will always love you - Whitney Houston

Stop - Spice Girls

Every Little thing she does in magic - MYMP

The reason - Maroon 5

Sunday morning - Maroon 5

Wannabe - Spice Girls

Like a rose - A1

I don't wanna miss a thing - Aerosmith

My heart will go on - Celine Dion

There you'll be - Faith hill

Only one - Yellowcard

This is kinda long list. These are some of my all time favorites!! I know I missed a lot of songs, add them up guys! Love! Love! :))

These songs have become my personal anthem in one part of my life or another. And today, I would like to share them with you. I can't say that I have a favorite song cause I literally have hundreds, no thousands!! There are few though, that bring me to my knees and get me LSS (Last Song Syndrome). 

I think overall I am a happy person. I have been told I am optimistic even though sometimes there is full negative thought coming. Well, that's I am!! ;P Some music just brings out a kind of sadness in me. I like to say I am not that emotionless...so in this way sometimes music is a therapy session for me...for free or for the cost. :)

Milk Tea-rific #3: Chatime

Hello bloggers! Sorry for being lazy posting again. Been busy doing some stuffs and fixing things. But I already have a list of things to post for me to share it to you. But for the mean time let me just share to you my milk tea review no.3.

MILK TEA!! One of my favorite drinks nowadays! I always crave for one. 

My official introduction to the world of--hold on, I mean the wonderful world of milk tea was from Chatime. Tea and milk are two things poles apart in taste. But, when blended together, tastes amazing! It's just so damn good. I tried so many milk tea store out there but Chatime is really one of the best!

Good Tea, Good Time!

Chatime is founded in Taiwan on 2003 and as of March 2012 it has over 500 outlets in 15 countries and counting. Chatime (again, I need to be wittier! Haha!), the largest international milk tea brand would open its doors in Manila! True enough, with over 12 stores in the top malls all over the country, Chatime's pretty much gathered a loyal following in the milk-tea-loving crowd, ME INCLUDED!! :) I suddenly got giddy and a lot more fun than the images of relaxation and tea pots that we're used to. I'm just happy its family is expanding and more people are gaining awareness about its great flavors. Fine! it was a bit of an exaggeration but it definitely made me smile from one ear to the other. I must have had dozens of cups of Chatime milk tea already before I was finally able to write an entry about it.

Recently, in the Philippines there is a lot of milk tea outlets established wherever you go and a lot of people began to be curious about the taste then became crazy about the said beverage. Milk teas had been quite a fad food wise, sprouting like mushrooms all over the metro taking over the Starbucks culture and Chatime is one of the many milk tea company responsible for it. They have the variety of flavors that you can enjoy from plain milk tea to a flavored tea. Not only milk tea but they also offer fruit juices. It's your choice! Chatime uses freshly brewed tea infused with different natural flavors to make the best bubble tea drink in town! Here is a small peek of their menu:

Menu  from their Facebook page

Their menu is written in both English and Chinese. Their prices are almost the same of the other tea house. However, their prices are not inclusive of toppings. An additional topping costs PHP15-PHP25.

A usual that I get is the Chocolate Mousse with 100% sugar and normal ice (PHP85-Medium, PHP95-Large), Taro Pudding Milk Tea with the same specifics. I always add topping of pearls whenever I ordered a drink. It taste good and addicting; now I know why it's one of their best selling flavor. Also, Matcha Tea Latte is a green tea with latte underneath it. The taste is less sweet which I do prefer compared to Starbucks' green tea frappe. I think even without the latte the green tea would taste a bit bitter which for some people will pass the said drink. 

Taro Pudding Milk Tea

Global branches

Chocolate Mousse

RECOMMENDED!! I think Chatime offers one of the better tasting milk teas in town. They have a wide selection of drinks and you have the option to choose the amount of sugar and ice you want. 

They also had this electronic round mini frisbee-like disc (I don't know what it is called exactly) given to you while waiting for your drinks. It lights up and buzzes once your drinks are ready for pick-up at the counter. So no need to loiter around the counter. 

But what I loved about this store is their new IPAD menu! It shows all their drinks with fun facts about each drink. You can also see which add-ons are best for the drink. Just touch it and you'll see all the refreshing teas Chatime has to offer.

Once you get there, it is very relaxing despite the number of people going in and out of the store. Comfy and chic, it is fun and relaxed at the same time. Enjoy the bright purple and pink accents against the bright white interiors. Which almost girls like!! :) Sink into the lean back soft seats with your milk tea in hand. Definitely a cool place to hangout with your friends up until the weeee hours. I thinks it's also a good place to do a lot of planning and thinking here. And like what I always look for from all the other milk tea I've tried, and like what I've stated from my previous milk teas entry, I want the tea flavor intact! And here, you still get that yummy yummy tea taste!!

They're also selling cakes, breads, mini hamburgers and other staples such as the curry dog, french fries, and pepper salt chicken pops! You won't miss it for sure!

Pastries and Desserts

While I've compelled to keep trying the different milk teas out there, it doesn't hurt to have a favorite. I'll always be loyal to Chatime. 

Have you gone for your own Chatime yet?? I think this will be a place for me to hang out and enjoy the drinks from time to time...For those milk tea lover if you want to try this, check out their Website, like their Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter.