Batangas, The Beautiful

Batangas is my mum's province. Every summer of my primary years, I will ask my parents to allow me to spend my vacation in Talisay, my mum's hometown. Even until now, I will never forget all the wonderful days that I spent in that place. The river where my cousins will wash our clothes every other day. The sinaing na tilapia, a slow-cooked dish using young tilapia fish in soy sauce and dried kamias fruits. This dish is usually cooked using firewoods and palayok (or claypot). Now, cooking using firewoods and claypot is a work of love. Since so much love is required in doing this (read: very difficult to do) the finished product usually never disappoints. This dish is loaded with flavors and textures. Next, sumang yakap and its sauce called kalamay-hati - this is definitely a must-try. Almost every household in Talisay has this delicacy every Undas or All Soul's Day. Also, the hills. Taal Volcano. Fruit-bearing trees such as duhat, chico, sineguelas, mangga, santol, guyabano, dalandan and coconut which are all just practically growing anywhere. Did I miss anything?

If there's one thing that always makes me excited about going back to this place is, I think, the warmth of the people and the simplicity of their lifestyle. (Yes, these two things are to be taken as one.) The cold breeze coming from the mountains during the night is nothing compared to the hospitality that my aunts and uncles had shown me throughout the years everytime I decide to stay with them during summer. They may have always felt that they weren't able to provide everything that I needed during those times because in their minds I was just a silly-needy city boy trying myself to get used to the life in the province but what they do not know is that Batangas will always be a big part of me and that I never needed to "try to get used to living in there" for by blood, I will always be a true blue Batangueno.

Di ga?

Best Tasting Spanish Bread

Spanish Bread is very popular in the Philippines. Despite its name, it is believed that the Spaniards did not actually hand down this yummy bread to the Filipinos.

My favorite Spanish Bread can be bought at PhP 5 each in an old bakery in Pureza St., Sta. Mesa, Manila. A few years ago, Julie's Bakeshop built one of their stalls in front this old bakeshop. Guess which one still stands until this day?

It's the old Spanish Bread bakery.

Angel's Burger

Angel's Burger is a popular burger stand in the Philippines. They popularized the Buy 1, Take 1 promo of burgers and they are open 24 hours. I was very surprised to see some of their stands in places as far as Talisay, Batangas and Tagaytay. I think Angel's Burger is all over the Philippines by now.

I like Angel's Burger a lot. During late night works, it is my companion being near my place in Sta. Mesa. Aside from satisfying my stomach hunger, it's a huge marketing case in my head. How can a humble burger stand be as big as this now?

The Magnolia Residences x Real Living Magazine

Last October 2014, a group of interior designers worked on the few units of The Magnolia Residences. Below are the photos of their works.

This project by Robinsons Land is located in New Manila, Quezon City. For two consecutive years, 2013 and 2014, The Magnolia Residences was awarded as Best Mixed-Use Development Project in the Philippines by the Asia Pacific Property Awards Development. 

The Magnolia Residences is still at pre-selling phase! For sample computations and viewing of sample units, please contact Mark Delgado at +63-998-367-0545 or at markjosephdelgado@ymail.com.

Splendido

It was my first time to step into Splendido in Tagaytay. I was there to sing for a wedding. This place looks stunning especially during the night.

Caleruega

Caleruega is one of the most popular venues for Catholic wedding ceremonies in the Philippines. It is located in Nasugbu, Batangas - approximately thirty minutes away from Tagaytay. I was there to sing for a wedding.

3 Tips To Declutter Your Life This 2015

Are you feeling guilty because of the too many purchases you made during the holiday season? Did it make you feel stressed than happy and elated? Do you feel the need to declutter and go back to living a simpler lifestyle? Perhaps you're in for some simplication treat at the start of this year. Below are three things that I'd like to share with you as you begin this season of letting go.

1. Have a Declutter Plan. First, take a step back and think how you are going to go about this whole simplification process. What are the things you want to remove from your list of possessions? What activities are you willing to let go this year? What items do you have that you can now live without? Decluttering is such a fun thing to do. What more if you were able to think through the whole process and achieve it successfully? It's double the relief! Plus you can help others too by simply sharing how you went about your whole decluttering process.

2. Take out your empty boxes and trash bags this year. It's because you will use them for the items you will let go. Don't wait for the items to speak to you and tell you to let go of them. Have a box or a trash bag ready by labeling them with what you intend to place inside them. Sample labels include For Sale, For Gift Giving, For Donation and etc. One day, you will find this whole process useful and you will thank yourself for it. It's all about being intentional and proactive. For example, in my country, the Philippines, I know that every year a lot of people get affected by the typhoons (God forbid this year.). Even though in my mind, I wanted to avoid this kind of thought, I know there's a fat chance that many Filipinos will be homeless, cold and hungry again because of the typhoons. It's been happening for years. Instead of avoiding the thought, why not do something about it such as pooling in one place the things that I can donate to the (would be) victims of typhoon. If the need comes, I will be one of the firsts to help out. What an incredible privilege!

3. Sign in at OLX. This 3-letter name is starting to make a huge difference in my life. It's so aligned with my goal to declutter and what's good about it is that it gives me the opportunity to earn by just simply desiring to own less. Because of OLX, there are more incentives to live a life of less clutter and at the same time form the habit of earning through selling the things I don't need anymore.

#Fasting2015 Day 1: Rest

Today marks the first day of our #Fasting2015 at Victory Ortigas. As I reflect on my newly written faith goals for this year, God impressed in my heart the word "rest". How amazing can God put words inside my head at the right time! It's because after reading my faith goals a few times, I felt a little worried. How will I be able to accomplish all these things? 

Then it hit me. The battle is not mine. It's God's.

"...and he said, "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, "Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's." -2 Chronicles 20:15

Upon realizing this, I immediately ran away from the computer and headed to my room. Then I locked the door and started talking to God. Then a bird suddenly perched upon my room's window. Now, an event such as this doesn't always happen. Birds won't perch upon our windows because they aren't always fully open which means there is not much space for the birds to move around. The birds usually prefer electric wires. But not only that. The next second, the bird did something extraordinary. It began tapping on my window. As I waited for what it's gonna do next, I muttered the name of my Lord and Savior "Yeshua" and then it flew away.

Then I found myself tearing up as I was reminded of the things that the King said in the Bible involving birds.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" -Matthew 6:25-27

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." -Matthew 10:29-31

There are two things that I got from these verses.

On the first verse, God is telling me not to worry about my faith goals for everything is to be accomplished by Him. The battle is His, not mine.

On the second verse, God is telling me that I have no idea how valuable I am to Him. Wow.

Brothers and sisters, our God is clearly a romantic. How he delivers His messages to his sons and daughters in subtle but powerful ways! Right now, my mind is totally blown away and I am admittedly "kinikilig" while I was writing this. How can I help it?

It's only Day 1, church! My prayer is that may you find "rest" in God as you begin this new season. Remember. The battle is His, not yours.

"For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." -Romans 11:36

3 Reasons Why You Should Give Perfumes As Gifts

1. The recipient will remember you every time he/she uses the perfume. Did you ever wonder why certain smells evoke some emotions and bring back old memories to us? Well, there’s a science behind it. A smell travels through the olfactory bulb which is responsible for processing smells. And the olfactory bulb is part of the limbic system, the emotional center of the brain. This is why some smells bring back old memories as well as emotions. Consider this. The moment the person opens the gift and discovers that it is a perfume, there is a fat chance that he/she will try it right away. And guess what’s the last thing on his/her mind before he/she opens it? You. So if you want to make a mark on somebody, consider giving him/her a perfume.

2. Filipinos (among other people in the world) are crazy about perfumes. This one needs no rocket science to confirm. The reason why the perfume business in the Philippines (e.g. Prescripto, Aficionado and the like) is such an awesome industry is because Filipinos like feeling good and smelling good. We are among the races who practically take a bath every day. For us, smelling good is a very basic thing.

3. Perfumes are non-expensive, easy to carry and are considered as luxury items. There are expensive perfumes and there are affordable perfumes. Aside from this, perfumes are very easy to carry so it’s less hassle for you and the one you want to give the perfume too. Also, perfumes are considered as luxury items. Just make sure to pick the good ones.

Hey guys! I’m selling perfumes called Grances. It’s available at 12ml, 30 ml and 60ml. We have gift packs too composed of (a) 2 bottles of 60ml; and (b) 2 bottles of 30ml variants of your choice. You can choose from Green Apple (bestseller), White Lace (bestseller), Rain Kiss Leaf, Dew Happiness, Santorini Blue (Men) and Navy Coast (Men). For orders, please send me, Mark Delgado, a message at 0998-367-0545 or at 0915-339-4455.

Here is the price list:

• 12ml - P199
• 30ml - P299
• 60ml - P399
• 2 bottles of 30 ml with basket and ribbon - P599
• 2 bottles of 60ml with basket and ribbon - P799

I have testers. Let's meet up! Just contact me using the numbers above.

3 Reasons To Visit RenewHub Spa in Manila

There is not much clutter inside the spa. It's minimalist.
That's why I like it so much.

1. Away from the action.

I admit it. If you're not from Sta. Mesa, it may be hard for you to find RenewHub Spa. Well not that hard. Because honestly it's just near LRT 2 Pureza Station and then you will have to ride a pedicab to bring you down to Building 28 A-11 GSIS Metrohomes along Anonas Street. It's just that not all pedicab drivers are aware of the whereabouts of the spa. But believe me, it's all worth it when you find it. If you're the type of person who likes nesting in places that are hard to find and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this spa is the perfect spot for you.

2. Quality service.

This is not a paid post. I am doing this because RenewHub delivers everytime I go there. Everything that they offer is awesome and awesomely priced. I usually go for my pedicure here with the best pedicurist in town, Ate Juliet. She is very detailed and makes sure that my nails are clean before she declares "It's done." She had never let me down. No other pedicurist had done it better than her.

3. Affordable.


Their 1-hour massage is at P299. They also have body scrubs and paraffin treatments. The owner is actually a dermatologist and she has a skin clinic beside the spa. You really just have to go and check out this place.

They are closed every Monday. They open at 2pm and closes at 12mn. Give them a ring at 949-1137 or 0925-473639.

3 Reasons To Shop At Island Rose

Roses for your Ms. World? No problem. Island Rose is the
official flower sponsor during the Ms. World Philippines
2014 pageant.

1. Quality.

The very website of Island Rose is about quality. (Check it out at www.islandrose.net.) It's one of the most navigable e-commerce websites I have ever visited -- no kidding here. It's fast and simple. Less frills. Less clutter. It's ideal for people who know exactly what they want and want it quick -- without sacrificing the quality. Since the first touchpoint of most customers is through online, you can already say a lot how the people behind this business do it. And true enough, as I click through the pages of the website, one thing is impressed on my mind -- Island Rose is about quality. You can say that you can get roses and other gifts anywhere else but there is no denying that it is Island Rose that had perfected the art and science of "delivering fresh roses to the ones you love". And you know too well that when giving to the ones you love, quality is of utmost importance. I believe this is what Island Rose is about.

2. Great business idea.

The awesome website of Island Rose.

It was last year when I first heard about Island Rose in a webinar about best practices in e-commerce in the Philippines. When I first heard about it, I knew that it was a great business idea. First, it's unique in its own niche. Before and after I heard about Island Rose, I've never heard of any other business that delivers fresh roses to anyone anywhere which can also be ordered online. There can similar businesses to Island Rose but they haven't reached me yet. Second, it's focused. By its name, you will know already what it's all about -- roses. By focusing on the most popular flower in the market, it has become an excellent business in its own respect. Where there is focus, there is excellence. And third, it's revolutionary. In its website, it was said that in the year 2000 the business sparked a revolution in the Philippine flower industry and e-commerce retailing. This means when I was in Grade 6 and long before Lazada and Zalora, Island Rose is already doing e-commerce. Being a digital marketing consultant myself, this blows my mind incredibly.

3. Love.

A screenshot of their Deals page. My favorite items are
all here especially "Forever" which is found at the
upper right hand corner.

If there is yet another great reason why you should get flowers for your sweetheart from Island Rose, I believe that it is love. You can be a Filipino professional who is working abroad and is looking for a way to send roses to your sweetie-pie here in the Philippines. Or you can just be here looking for a way to make your honey-bunch feel extra special by having her favorite flowers delivered at her office. I believe Island Rose is the one for you.

Check out their website at www.islandrose.net. My favorite item so far is "Forever" which can be found at their Deals page.

7 Personality Types Single Men (Who Are Looking) Should Avoid Becoming

This list is inspired by Pastor Joseph Bonifacio’s talk during the recently concluded Act Like A Man Summit held last September 13, 2014 at Victory Greenhills.

1. Mr. Hindi Ko Na Kaya

Some men confess their feelings to women they like just because they “can’t contain it anymore”. Men, if there’s one important virtue that we must cultivate within ourselves, we know too well that it is self-control. If you’re planning to confess your feelings to the woman you like just because of your uncontrolled emotions, we have a problem. What you should do (and you should know this by now very well) is, first, tell your plans to God. Pray and make sure that this is an act of faith and not just any impulsive reaction to your emotions. Ask God for guidance. The confession must be Spirit-led. After praying, ask for prayer and guidance from your Victory Group leader or from someone who you trust can give you godly counsel. Lastly, have a clear action plan in your mind. What if she says “yes” that you can already pursue her? What if she says “no”? Whatever the outcome is, thank God. But let your confession to the woman you like be not just a mere confession. Have a clear action plan in your mind and let God bless it.

2. Mr. Pa-Bestfriend

Some men intentionally choose the “bestfriend route” just to “test the waters”. While befriending someone you like is permissible for a certain period of time, overly doing this eliminates the opportunity to “walk above the waters”. Men should be clear with their motives and must actively pursue the woman that they like. Tama na ang pa-bestfriend!

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

3. Mr. Oversharing

Some men tend to overshare things to the women they like and are friends with as part of their “testing the waters” tactics. They tend to make someone they like prematurely “involved” in their personal lives just to get the “feel” of it. If you have a tendency to do this, beware. You are not doing a great job guarding your heart and also the heart of the woman who had captured yours.

4. Mr. Serial Dater

The rule of thumb is simple. Don’t date her if you don’t have any plans of pursuing her for marriage. Sounds too much? I say, do not be conformed to the pattern of this world (Check out Romans 12:2). While most people in our generation will say that dating is normal and that there’s no need to bother becoming different, I say Joshua Harris did a great job in writing his book entitled, “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”. In his book, he pointed out the importance of keeping away from sin at all cost and also the value of purity. Jumping from one date to another often leads to compromise that it’s not anymore a wonder why pre-marital sex had become a norm in our generation. Even when most people do it and even when it hurts to wait, do not ask her out for a date yet if you don’t have any plans yet of pursuing her for marriage.

5. Mr. Feeling Heartthrob

Some men had become too "handsome" that they had passively forgone the opportunity to pursue someone they really like. Women had become too easy to get for them. Most of the time, relationships that started where men did not exert efforts to pursue the woman do not last long. In his book entitled “Wild At Heart”, John Eldredge said that inside a man’s heart are three important things: a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue and an adventure to live. Zoom in on “a beauty to rescue”. The idea is simple. The woman that a man worked hard to pursue is a woman to be treasured.

6. Mr. The-Lord-Told-Me

This is an appeal for both men and women. Please. Be careful in using the phrase “The Lord told me…” In the case of a man pursuing someone he likes, using this phrase is a red flag. You can’t ask someone out for a date with you using this phrase as a compelling reason. Be guided.

7. Mr. The Buzz ng Bayan

When you have plans of pursuing someone, do not tell it to everyone. The most that you can do is to ask for prayer and guidance from your Victory Group leader or from someone who you trust can give you godly counsel. Also, stop making “parinig” over social media. Be a real man and tell it straight to her in faith during the right time!

“Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”

Song of Solomon 8:4

Don't have a Victory Group yet? Join us every Saturday, 6PM, at Robinson's Galleria. You may contact me via 0998-367-0545 or 0915-339-4455.

*This post is good for sharing.

4 Things I Learned About Manhood from Pastor Gilbert Foliente (Act Like A Man Summit 2014)

It was a great honor to be listening again to Pastor Gilbert Foliente during the Act Like A Man Summit held last September 13, 2014 at Victory Greenhills. I won’t forget that he actually is the first pastor I have ever listened to in Victory U-Belt when I was still a college student in UST - still a non-believer during that time. Years had passed and I am a Christian now, he still has the same effect on me. He is still the same witty and funny preacher who is full of wisdom of the Lord. I honor you, Pastor Gilbert!

Below are the 4 things I learned about manhood from Pastor Gilbert during the summit.

Please feel free to share this to all the men in your life.

1. Real men are secure with the Lord.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:26-27

Pastor Gilbert reiterated to us the importance of knowing that we are created in the image and likeness of God. He said that this is one of the greatest gifts God has given us – to be created in His own image and likeness.

Perhaps this is also why we, including our bodies, are considered sacred. To add, seeking to destroy someone is considered as a grave sin. Killing someone is tantamount to destroying a creation to whom the very image and likeness of God had been endowed.

Pastor Gilbert told us that our security must come from the Lord. Fundamentally speaking, our self-image must be rooted with the fact that we are created in God’s image and likeness – and not with any superficial and temporal things we can find in this world.

2. Real men provide.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Genesis 2:15

I appreciated it when Pastor Gilbert specifically pointed out that work is not a result of the fall. Even before the fall, God already appointed Adam to become the keeper of the Garden of Eden. We are made for work. Thus, work must not be despised nor be considered as a punishment. It is a gift, a special appointment, from the Lord. Other creations can’t do it – only us.

Years ago, I was able to read a popular book called “Wild At Heart” by John Eldredge. He said that while Eve was created inside the Garden of Eden, Adam was created outside it. For him, this spells a lot of difference. Man is wired to go outside the house, haunt and come back with food for the family. The woman, on the other hand, is intended to be inside the house and become its keeper. Though modern times had tweaked this a bit, I believe we are all still wired in this pattern. This observation by Eldredge, I believe, supports the claim of man being the worker, hunter and provider for the family. With the woman, he forms a wonderful teamwork.

3. Real men protect.

So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

Ruth 2:8-9

Don't be confused. Boaz is not Ruth's father. Because of this passage, I was able to get a sneak peek of the love story of Boaz and Ruth. It is one of the greatest love stories in the Bible. Boaz is the man! In this passage, he gave specific instructions to Ruth for her safety.

There’s also a passage in the Bible that talks about a time when Boaz found Ruth sleeping near his bed. But Boaz, being a real gentleman and a man of God, did not take advantage of Ruth. He was after her purity. Real men are protectors – not defilers of women. Aside from this, real men are protectors of his whole family.

4. Real mean lead.

But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

Genesis 3:9

This is a short but a truly insightful passage. I believe that God knows who ate the forbidden first, being the omniscient God that He is, but why did he ask the man first about it?

Is it because Adam is His favorite and that He cared less for Eve? Nah. I believe it’s got to be more than that.

Adam is the one appointed to take care of everything in the Garden of Eden. I believe that means including Eve. Being God’s appointed, it is but just right to ask him first about their whereabouts and what the two of them had done – regardless of who ate the forbidden fruit first. It’s interesting how Adam responded to God’s interrogation afterwards. Here’s Genesis 3:9-12. (Bold, italics and underline mine) Look closely.

He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

God’s query is a simple question answerable by a yes or a no. “Have you eaten from the tree?” Interestingly, the man answered with a statement, which I believe now, even in the present time, which is trillions of years (or more) after the creation, can be described as a statement that is somewhat defensive and passing the blame on others – first on the woman and second on God.

When Adam was expected to take responsibility, he pointed his fingers to Eve and then to God.

***

Real men are secure with Lord. Real men provide. Real men protect. Real men lead. Thank you very much Pastor Gilbert Foliente for the lessons that you shared to us. Thank you too to Pastor Dennis Sy and his team who are behind the Act Like A Man Summit 2014!

A-hoo!