Tracking down cheap Tenerife holiday deals

Tenerife is rightly regarded as a great place for families to visit on holiday and the island boasts some of Europe's most popular coastal resorts. The quality of the beaches, the cuisine, the water sports that are available and the night-life options that visitors can enjoy all help to make the island one of the best holiday destinations anywhere in the EU.

The good news for British families, loved-up couples or groups of friends planning a trip to the sunshine this year or next is that Tenerife holiday deals are consistently offered at low-cost and affordable prices. So you could soon be calmly sunning yourself by a Canary Island poolside or relaxing on one of the many spectacular beaches that run right the way around the region. There really aren't many places more perfect for family holidays and the weather is reliably scorching. In fact, Tenerife and the rest of the Canary Islands are bathed in sunshine for the vast majority of the year as they are remarkably close to the equator despite being only around four hours flight time from the UK.

Carrying out a search online is the most straightforward and reliable way to find yourself a bargain on a trip to Tenerife or to any of the Spanish islands. There are added discounts offered simply for placing your booking online and taking advantage of a last minute deal can save you significant sums as well. 

Some of the most popular deals made available throughout the year are last minute Ibiza holidays, with so many night-life lovers unable to resist the temptation of joining the world-renowned party capital of the Mediterranean. There are of course plenty of family-oriented holidays available in Ibiza as well but the island looks set to remain known at least in part as a haven for sun-loving hedonists.

Low-Cost Holidays in Turkey

Turkey is a fabulous destination for every type of holiday. Whether you are looking to book bargain holidays in Turkey for a last-minute holiday or experience more of this cultural delight over a fortnight, this is one location that you won’t be in a hurry to leave.

A classic situation of East meets West, Turkey is a heady blend of ancient ruins, striking mosques and modern beachfront resorts. Here you’ll find all the sun, sea and sand you could ever need for a summer holiday, with more than enough things to see and do besides soaking up the sun.

And when it comes to affordability, Turkey wins hands down. You can book Turkey holidays to suit even the strictest of budgets - thanks to the vast range of reasonably priced accommodation and low-cost flights available.

Late deals often provide the best chance of finding a real bargain, providing you’re fairly flexible on departure dates and exact location. Tour operators often cut the price of package holidays in order to sell off those packages that are leaving within the next few days or weeks, as they generally prefer to sell the holiday for a small price rather than foot the bill for empty hotel beds.

If you just want to jet away for a few days in the sun and you’re not overly particular on which resort or hotel you stay in, this is a great way of finding a good deal. On the other hand, those who like to stay in complete control of their holiday destination whilst still bagging a bargain are best advised to book well in advance. You’ll often reap the rewards of early deals if you act fast as soon as a new brochure or season is launched - so keep an eye out on your local tour operators for details of new arrivals.

Puto Maya, Moron and Binake

27 August 2011
Cagayan de Oro City,
Misamis Oriental, Philippines


Kagay-an Festival fever was high. Many merchants bargaining their trade including these native deli and my good host shared these to me so that I can taste the life Kagay-anons have.

Upon seeing these gifts I immediately mixed Milo and so little of hot water to have a simple choco syrup. You'll see why in a bit but first, here's the serving platter.

The green triangle (a) is "Puto Maya" whole grain glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk. Some makers use two different kinds/colored glutinous rice to achieve that two-toned effect. It taste like biko but puto maya is not that sweet thus its best with choco syrup. Sadly, we don't have choco tablea for this thus we used Milo instead.

If Puto Maya is whole grain, "Moron" (b) is ground. The white crust is made of ground glutinous rice with coconut milk and the brown core is just the same plus cocoa. It also have peanuts inside so be careful. It can stand without the choco syrup but its more fun if it is chocolatey :D

Lastly, and this is my favorite among the three is the "Binake" (c). Its made of (ground and) mashed corn grains cooked with coconut milk. It's like eating corn and milk - mais con yelo without the ice. =)) I also like the packaging, they used corn husk thus its golden yellow.

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Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Cagayan de Oro City
Misamis Oriental, Philippines
last 27th of August 2011

The Hunger Games

23 March 2012
Shang Cineplex 2
6/f EDSA Shangrila Mall

I was so delighted to receive two tickets for the special screening of "The Hunger Games" from Nuffnang Philippines and event sponsors Banana Boat and Schick.

It was held at EDSA Shangrila Cineplex Cinema 2. Upon registration, we are asked by the Nuffnang staff where we would like to seat while presenting the available seats. I was so lucky enough to get a good seat.

Screening time was 8:50pm so while we are waiting, event sponsors gave us some refreshments from Dome Cafe.

We had Canapes (left), Hoisin Chicken Wrap (right) and a glass of iced tea. I forgot to ask the waiter what it was but its like garlic bread. The wrap was good too but the iced tea was great tasting and refreshing.

This event was sponsored by Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion and Schick Razor, both are from the Energizer Company.

Movie Plot:

The story was set in the future world where after the war and famine, the country was divided into 12 districts and the seat of government was in the capitol. The government made a television reality show called "the hunger games" where children both girls and boys aged 12-18 was drafted to fight other children from other districts until sole winner left standing alive. Each district will have two representative - a boy and a girl - called tribute will go the capitol be trained to fight for four days and then they will go to a government controlled forest where these children will fight each other to death. These tributes will also have trainers and handlers that will stand as advisers and also to get sponsors for them to help them survive the game. Along course of the game, some rules was added to bring the games more exciting to the viewers.

Study on Related Stories:

Tekken (film). A story where the world is divided into eight districts and each district will have a representative in a mixed martial arts combat reality show. The difference is that Tekken's representatives are professionals mix martial artist unlike Hunger Games trbutes are simple and innocent children.

Big Brother (TV show). Big brother TV shows are set in a house where cameras was placed all over to monitor all tenants' moves. Hunger Games was set in jungle or forest where cameras are also strategically placed to watch the tributes. Both Big Brother and Hunger Games change or twist its rules just to extract the tenants or tributes survival instincts.

Review:

Its all worth it. Its a good movie, however, because of its rating of PG 13, some fight scenes where deleted or blured. The line that says "they (the government) will not take this easy" tells me that this movie will have sequels. My sister said that Hunger Games have three books and an airline magazine said that this movie is a trilogy really proves that theres more to come. Lastly, the last scene in the movie shows the president in a "vengance" look also tells us that this movie have another part.

Likes: "chariot on fire"; Katniss Everdeen's interviews. She is really beautiful; Burial for Rue; Katniss Everdeen's shots the apple.

Dislikes: battle royale on the start of the game. its blurry and shakey, it made me dizzy but I think the director/editor did it to lower the rating to PG13. Im not saying that I want it more brutal, all I'm saying is I want it more clear and more fight scenes.

Parting Words:

Thank you so much once again Nuffnang, Banana Boat and Schick for giving me the chance to watch this movie with you. Im so glad that I'm part of the Nuffnang Bloggers and I'm happy to meet and greet my fellow bloggers.

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Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Shang Cineplex 2
6/f EDSA Shangrila Mall
last 23rd of March 2012

Postcard Mania # 01 : Cagayan de Oro City

Intro:

When I was in High School, Insomnia was already part of me. While waiting for Mr. Sandman to pour sand on my eyes, I came across to this movie on TV entitled "84 Charing Cross Road". Its a movie about a two-decade(1949-1969) long distance friendship (New York-London) of two people who loves books. They send not only letters but also includes postcards, food parcels,and virtually everything that the post accepts. That movie made me want to have letters and postcards and make it as my wall paper.

Hopefully  - at this times where post is becoming less important due to technology - its not yet to late to make this dream a reality. Now that I have two blogger friends who started this idea, I will now blog my postcards received. I'll also join this post crossing website so that my postcard collection will roll over.

My first postcard Blog Entry:

To start this new hobby, I'll share this.

Post card from Ms. PostcardEnthusiast.
Theme: Cagayan de Oro City (Philippines).
Post date = 12 March 2012.
Date Received = 16 March 2012

Thank you so much Ms. PostcardEnthusiast. I'll reciprocate very soon.

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Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Our Home
last 17th of March 2012

Best Food Forward 2012: the teaser

This coming weekend (24 and 25 March 2012) we are all invited to taste and see the best food in town – in the metro, probably in the country – as chefs, caterers, concessionaires and foodies alike will be marching to Bonifacio Global City to setup their booths and place their best food forward. Now on its second year, Best Food Forward is still the best food fair not only of its food but also for their generosity to give back to charity.

Last 18^th of February, yours truly was so privileged to witness and taste some of the participants’ products and creations.

First, a welcome drinks from a 12-year-old girl who is a certified bar tender. Its called "butter beer", beer topped with whip cream. I guess that whip cream has a secret ingredient too. Non-alcoholic variant is also available.

Then Pies and quiche from “Simply Pies”. Its truly simple but not easily to forget. The photo herein is just a sampler thus those pies are in half, so when you see it this weekend, it would be whole and in a cute box.

Organic and healthy pizzas from “Quantum Café”

Fried Chicken so crunchy and tasty from “Manang’s Chicken”

Kebabs? They have it too, and trust me this is you should not miss from “Skew U”

How about pinoys’ favorite chicharon? “Carlos’s Kitchen” crunchybelly cracklings really puts crunch on pork belly.

I hope you still have some space for desserts for they also have lots of it.

Cupcakes – yes that brick looking cake is still a cupcake – from “Choco ATBP” is the most “cacao” tasting choco cupcake I ever tasted. Unlike the others which tasted like processed cocoa. That Brick looking cake is the strongest, as if you are eating newly roasted cacao beans and that cupcakes are on the milder side.

 

Me love ice cream and not just ice cream but a homemade ice cream. Ice cream from “Pint” is a marriage of fruit and milk in your mouth.

Heavenly-melt-in-your-mouth cakes from “Casa San Luis”

Lastly, your boring bread or crackers will be awaken and liven up with these jams and preserves from “The Fruit Garden”

For sure and I guarantee these –featured herein- are just a teaser. The above participants have a lot in store for us. Many chefs and concessionaires are also waiting for us. Come and join us and celebrate life as we put the “best food forward” there’s many more to come so be there. If you miss it, you’ll drool waiting for next year. Lastly, don’t forget to bring those handy totes because for sure those food are so best, you’ll bring home some for your love ones.

PS: sorry for featuring this after a month, I'm currently using Compaq Presario 1456 (AMD K6-486MHz ) veteran. My fastest PC was decommissioned. My apologies.

Greatness Starts @Home: Moment of Achievement

We always say, “Prayers can move mountains”. I belong to a Catholic community at that time but still may faith is not that hard as the others. I am not convinced that prayers can really move mountains until this came to my life.

I was taking Bachelors of Science in Computer Science in a well-known college (it was now a university). I took this course simply because one, I’m into computers since High School and two, it doesn’t have a board exam. Board exam is a task that makes me nervously coward.

My parents as a government employees, Civil Service Eligibility is a must have for them. They encouraged us – me and my two sisters – to have that exam. Again, same as the board exam, it gave me a cold shiver into my spine. I have no choice but to take it since I don’t have a government eligibility examination.

One day, I went to the main office of Civil Service Commissions. I filled up some forms and I choose to take the pen-and-paper test for Professional Eligibility. They gave me my exam permit with the date and time and location for the examination then I patiently waited for that day.

I cant recall where was the exam took place but I guess it was in public school somewhere in Project 4, Quezon City. The exam time was about seven in the morning and our home to the exam place was about two hours traveling so I need to leave the house at five in the morning.

Upon waking up, I immediately took a quick bath and dress-up. My parents was amazed why I was so early, I told them that it’s my Civil Service Exam day. Grabbing my bag with my pencils, permit. I then left the house and took the exam.

After a few months, a letter was sent to me. It formed me that I failed the exam with a grade of 60+, I really forgot. It was frustrating news. After all the hardships I took, all I got is a failing grade. I blamed President Estrada’s Impeachment Trial. Civil Service Professional Eligibility has a section for Philippine Constitution and all questions on that section was all about impeachment, which is all new to all.

On the lighter side, I took it as a “charge to experience” and “try and try until you succeed”. True enough, I found myself again applying and taking the procedures again but on my second try, something different came unexpectedly.

I woke up at 4am, boiled water for coffee. After my bath, my parents asked me where I’m going. I told them that its my Civil Exam day. Dress-up and eat a little, before I grabbed my bag to leave, my mother stopped me for they will pray over me. My heart was touched and even if my mind is telling me that any minute loss will make me late, but still my heart yielded so thus my body and spirit. I took the exam at San Francisco High School, it’s just beside SM North EDSA. I felt that this exam is easier than my first take.

After a few months, the result came thru mail. YES! I did passed with a grade of 80.7% and the passing grade is 80% so I was so thankful of that 1/7 percent. This is my highest and greatest moment of achievement I received. Receiving my Civil Service Eligibility made me realized that without faithful prayers and sacrifices we are all nothing. Thank you dear parents for teaching this virtue.

I owe it to the Lord who gave me all endurance and guided me on every step. Recalling this milestone teaches me that prayers really move mountains. Thanks to my parents who inspired me, encouraged me to achieve this goal. With out their faithful and constant prayers plus their enormous support I will be nothing. All I have to do is to yield to Christ. Truly home and family is not just the basic unit of society but it’s also the basic step towards self-development.

To my parents I offer all of my achievements to you.


PS: sorry if this entry doesn't have a picture, back then my toy camera was not loaded with film. sayang! wala tuloy akong souvenir.

Summer is hotter with Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion, Schick, & Nuffnang

My ideal Nuffnang summer is...a romantic date on the beach during sunset.

After we put sunscreen lotion, Me and Pangga will walk along the beach. Hot sand on our feet. Sun kissing our skin. Exchanging glances. Waves will be the soundtrack of our conversation. Photo walks from different angles. Then we rest to watch the sunset go by.

We then go back to our hut or cottage where the famous Visayan dish called Su-Tu-Kil and a cold cola is waiting in our table. After we eat, we head back to the beach to see the on-going night life or just interact with the locals.

Bantayan Island in Cebu or in the town of Anda in Bohol are just two destinations that I had in mind for this romantic night. This dream - well its a plan on the rise actually - will never be perfect without a Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion. We've got you covered. Those touches and caresses is not romantic if you have a painful sunburn isn't it? Peek and kisses is not romantic too on a unshaven face. With Schick, free your skin from those itchy unwanted hairs. Smooth kiss is perfect on a smooth skin.

Oh! Dear! cant wait for this to became a reality.

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Figaro Dinner Meals

Hello, Jessie here once again! My brother's still not able to blog, so allow me to post here once again to share to you a very sweet deal I found out recently.

It's nearly the end of Valentine's Day as I type this. I am not one of those who went out with a loved one to celebrate this day as I am sure restaurants and malls would be crowded, and since payday's still a day away, I guess most of us will just have to way a wee bit longer to celebrate V Day.





Recently, my sister Jenn of Tara, Let's Eat! and I were at Figaro in Tomas Morato and we found a very great deal that didn't just satisfy our tummies, it also saved us precious bucks.

Figaro Dinner Meals
at Buy 1, Take 1 at 50% Off





My sister had the Chicken Rice Bake, which reminded me of the cheesy rice she used to cook for me as my packed lunch when I was still in High School. The rice was soft with mild flavors, chicken chunks, mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers. My favorite part of the dish was the cheese on top. The serving may look small, but since each spoonful is packed with goodness, it was actually enough to make one full.





I on the other hand had the Tofu Steak Rice. Tofu is one of us siblings' favorite food, and I really really love its special sauce. Sure it was a little sweet, but there was something in it that made me eat more and more of it. I actually am craving for it every now and then... simply because the sauce captured my interest and my tastebuds!

Each of the Dinner Meals cost p150. Not bad for a good meal, but currently, Figaro's offering these meals at Buy 1 Take 1 at 50% off. Now that's a very good deal - the p75 saved we could use to try another Figaro dish!





Each of the meals came with a regular glass of Lemonade.

This deal is an ongoing promotion and is happening at 6pm onwards at these participating outlets: Alabang Town Center, Cattleya, Emerald, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Shangri-La, Robinson's Place Manila, Festival Mall, Gateway, Liberty, Tomas Morato, SM City North EDSA Sky Garden, and SM City Sta. Rosa.





True, Valentine's Day just ended... but should you drop by any of Figaro's branches and spent about p500 worth of food and / or drinks, you will receive a free box of Cioccolato Morsi - valued at approximately p100. These chocolatey goodness wasn't so sweet and had a hint of alcohol, which made it really tasty. The nuts not only added texture, it also added taste to the pastry, too. These babies are only available (for free) until 15 February 2012, so grab this freebie while it's still available.

So...shall we see you at Figaro? :)

* Jessie *

Max's Restaruant Valentines Treat

*** It's been quite a while since I last posted here on my blog, far too many things to attend to,

but while I still can't fully get back into blogging,
I will give the floor to my sister Jessie for this awesome treat.***

In a few days, it'll be Valentine's Day and for sure many of us will flock to the floral and pastry shops to get our loved ones that awesome Valentine's Day gift. Here in our house, Valentine's Day isn't something we really, really celebrate... but that doesn't mean we won't be treating ourselves with some sweet gifts, right?

Max's Restaurant has been one of our family's favorite restaurants, and this Valentine's Day, they have lined up not one, not two... but five treats (courtesy of Max's Corner Bakery) to make this day of celebrating love ultra sweet.




>>> On February 10 - 14, receive a free box of 9-Piece Assorted Pastry Bites for every purchase of p1500 in any Max's Restaurant branches. Offer good for dine-in, take out, and deliveries.




>>> If 9 pieces of pastry bites will not be enough, or you just want to get the treat without having to order for any Max's Restaurant dishes, just buy your loved one this box of 15-piece Assorted Pastry Bites for only p199.




>>> Like most celebrations, Valentine's Day is often celebrated with cakes, but if you think the typical cakes are a little bit too much to eat, you may consider getting this cute heart shape Chocolate Moist Cake, for only p199.




>>> As cheesy as it may sound, most of us refer to the number 3 as something that symbolizes "I love you." With that, you may consider giving these new cupcakes, especially made for the month of hearts. From left to right: Banana-Chocolate, Black Forest, and Blueberry. Each cupcake cost p50, but if you want to go for three items to say "I love you," get the three-piece cupcake set for only p135.




>>> Also this month, you can get your preferred Max's Corner Bakery Cakes not in their typical circular shape, but in heart shape! Prices vary based on the flavor, of course.




>>> For the kids (and the kids at heart), these cute Sugar Cookies will be a sweet gift.

Max's Restaurant is really about family. Valentine's Day may be a day for couples... but we all can still celebrate it - even with friends, family, or just by ourselves. Spread the love with these treats!

With the exception of the first treat, all other treats are available the entire month of February. For more details about these treats, feel free to check Max's Restaurant Website, Max's Restaurant Facebook Page, and Max's Corner Bakery Facebook Page.