Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Jakarta Domestic Airport, WOW.

Before I talk about my first dinner in Jakarta, let me tell you about Jakarta Domestic Airport.

NAKAKA-Inggit! 

You would never know that this is their budget airline airport (Air Asia) because to me, it looks 20,000,000 times better than our INTERNATIONAL airport.

The floors were spotless and even the toilet is clean and may bidet pa! Winner!




A hundred clean and orderly seats for waiting passengers. Real trees inside! Do you know that they have enough sunlight that there are no lights that were turned on. Saving electricity is the key to progress!


In their lounge, (only Platinum and Titanium cardholders can get in, thanks to TR!) I saw the cutest mini soda bottles! I don't usually drink soda but in this case, I had to try it!

Mercury Retrograde, Strike 1.

I was booked a month before. Got the tickets, all packed and ready to go to my trip to Jakarta. I had them both in my hands, my passports, old and new. The old one is going to expire in 5 months time. I said to myself, "Do I really need to bring the new one? Anyway, there's still 5 months to go and it is just in Jakarta."

My FIRST dreadful mistake.

I got to the airport in time. DL got there in time. But once I got up to the counter, the head scratching begins. They didn't want to accept my old passport. I said, "WAIT! My new passport is just in Pen. I can have it brought here!" Manager said that she can only wait for 10 minutes and no longer.

I called AG and begged, "PLEASE get my passport in Pen and bring it to the airport as fast as you can!"

He tried. He really did. But it wasn't early enough. The plane closed it's doors. AG said, "Just wait there, I will pick you up and you can drive the car home but you have to hurry because I might be late for work."

As soon as he got to the airport, DL, who decided not to go without me, was informed that our luggage was already in the plane and it will take 30 minutes to pull it out. That means, AG couldn't wait for us which means we were to take a cab.



I decided to try to fix the tickets by going up to the offices. I was shocked!!! This is what it looked like on the 2nd floor of NAIA, Terminal 1. I can think of so many NAKAKA's!

NAKAKA-Hiya 

NAKAKA-Takot

 NAKAKA-Diri

NAKAKA-Kilabot

NAKAKA-himatay!

We left to go have breakfast and drown our sorrows at Makati Shangri-la's Circles. A wonderful treat came upon us when GM Reto Klauser saw DL and I being sad. We explained our reason for our morning breakfast and when it was time to pay, we were informed that he treated us. A smile appeared in our faces.


I called up my travel agent, ARK TRAVEL and asked them to find me a way back to Jakarta. This time, we were booked in Singapore Airlines, which is so much better than Tiger Airways, but we had to buy whole new tickets. HAY NAKOOO!!!! Mercury Retrograding! (Told you it's real!)

Finally, we were on the plane to Jakarta. And when we got there, TR brought us to our first amazing dinner at UNION. More on that on my next post. 

Mercury Retrograde WARNING!

Don't believe? Well, BELIEVE it BECAUSE CANDY SAYS SO!!!

For now until December 14, 2011, DON'T buy appliances. When traveling, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION!!

Anyway, here's what it is about.

According to Rob Tillet, an astrologer for more than three decades, at 07:20 UT (Universal Time) Thursday, November 24th, 2011, Mercury the wise communicator—and universal trickster—turns retrograde at 20°06' Sagittarius in the sign of the Archer, sending communications, travel, appointments, mail and the whole wide world into a general snarlup!


Retro phases present us with a series of events over which we seem to have little or no conscious control, relating especially to the sign in which the retrogradation occurs—although this need not mean that our responses are outside our control!

Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray or awry.


When Mercury is retrograde, it is considered to be a time of problems with interaction, travel and even the simple basic workings of things. It is also thought that the general averse aspects of a retrograde planetary motion carry over into the lives of the people born under them as a part of their lifetime astrological chart.

It is not exactly wise to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde these intellectual characteristics tend to be less acute than usual, as the critical faculties are dimmed. Make sure you pay attention to the small print! Read more about Mercury Retrograde here.

In AstrologyZone, you can learn a bit more about MR!

What happens when Mercury retrogrades? You miss appointments, your computer equipment crashes, checks get lost, you find the car you just purchased during Mercury retrograde is a lemon. (Or, you hate your haircut, the lamp you bought shorts out, your sister hates her birthday gift.)

There will be countless delays, cancellations and postponements--but know these will benefit you in the long run. Don't fight them, although your frustration level and feeling of restlessness will be hard to cope with at times.

All machinery and things with moving parts--such as computers, VCRs, camera equipment, garbage disposals, and so forth, will reveal any weak links now. It is critical that you back up your data system and be more careful and vigilant than ever. Projects will demand more time and money than anticipated this month.

Now, I believe in all this because my Mom has always taught us the importance of the alignment of the stars and the fullness of the moon. The reason I am telling you to research on MR is because I want you to be prepared because in all honesty, my next post will tell you exactly how I was Mercury Retrograding to MAXIMUM LEVEL!

Gobbling Up The Turkey!

Two weeks ago, Minena invited the Joy Luck Club girls for Thanksgiving dinner at her house. We were only too excited to accept and were armed and ready to chow the awesome food that she prepared.

Minena, as you may or may not know, is the Martha Stewart of my JLC. When she hosts, expect the best quality food, service AND presentation. We have often asked her to put up a restaurant and earn gazillions but she refuses to cook for anyone else except us. How lucky can anyone get, right?

Our sit down dinner



In front of our plate, we all had a cake in a bottle! It was a very moist Red Velvet deliciousness in a bottle that is ready to eat whether you are at home or on the road because it came with a spoon! The bottles were also very pretty! Can't wait until she expands this product and sell it to the public.


Where there is the JLC, there are bottles and bottles of happy liquid. 


And now, the FOOD!!! Seeing the photos now is making my tummy rumble! 



I so want to eat this right now. Melt-in-your-mouth beef with mushrooms with Truffles soaked in it's own juices.



And the piece de resistance, TURKEY!! Cooked to perfection, I have to tell you that this bird was moist, tender and juicy and the best tasting ever!!!

Came with all the goodies that usually come with it!


Wanna see how we killed that bird??? I have to tell you, it was a GIRLS DINNER (with Eric, who did the carving for us.)


Even the desserts were homemade. 

Banana bread pudding that is sinful but worth going to fat-hell for. 

And would you believe that after that wonderful dinner, I was still able to do a little bit of work by delivering this green emerald ring to my BFF? I was so touched that she even wore the green H to welcome her new baby! 
 

Minena, THANK YOU and I know that we don't have to tell you how grateful we are for having you in our lives. We also thank God for giving you the magnificent skill of cooking food perfectly. However, not sure if we are thankful for the 5 lbs. we all must have gained in one evening.

Christmas Macarons by Andreas.


Christmas time is here again and as early as last week, the house has been quite busy with orders of macarons. 

For super special friends and family members, I suggest this huge box with 54 pieces of 4 assorted flavors of macarons by Andreas. The box, after consuming the delicacy becomes a very useful utility kit which I love!!



But for smaller sizes, Andreas still offers the box of 12. All come with Christmas packaging.



For orders, please email me at dizon.candy@gmail.com! 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

My Skin only at The Skin Inc.


I never really have too many problems with my skin. With a bit of make up, I am good to go. 
 Until I got a major pimple on my forehead. It was huge. I am thinking Mt. Everest! It also wouldn't go away. For weeks I would have a pray over meeting and exorcism just for the pimple to disappear. 

It needed drastic measures. So I go to the only place I trust to touch my skin. Dr. Windie V. Hayano is a very good friend that I only wants nothing but the best for my skin. 

As soon as she saw my face, she explained to me what she needed to do and no amount of prayer was going to help. I needed some kind of injection on my pimple. I hate injections!! I hate pain! But she assured me that I will feel none. True enough, I was able to handle the laser, injections and what-have-you.

I laid there, leaving my whole life in her hands. 

After my face, she worked on taking hair away forever (down there). Too much information?? But it's true!!! And I have never been so happy with the smooth situation that I am in now. 

Of course I don't have photos of that but I do have this really cool photo of me under a red light. It's supposed to create more collagen and reduce inflammation. 



Anyway, I once blogged about this dark spot on my right cheek. After one visit, 2 zaps with laser, it's GONE! Like magic! I swear, I don't need to photoshop that black spot forever! 

BEFORE

AFTER
                              
Not only do I trust the doctors at The Skin Inc, I love their facilities! So clean, homey and with such friendly staff! 

I am due to go back next week and so should YOU! Even for just plain facial. 

Here's the deal, mention CANDIFIER and you automatically get 20% off (cash) or 15% off (card)!! 





THE SKIN INC.
For appointments: 853 3024
Room 303-304, Tritan Plaza, Magallanes Commercial Center, 
Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City

Heaven in Angel's Kitchen!

The Dizon Family planned a dinner out last night and we all agreed to have it at Angel's Kitchen where we have tried and tested to be one great place to dine at. 

Must be my 4th time here and Lucille's 10th and we don't plan to stop there. 

Last time I was here, though, was with my Mom and I remember clearly how much she enjoyed the food. The service is also impeccable. It's always such a pleasure to visit Angel's Kitchen for some awesome chow time. 

What I became really excited about is Mi Casa. Bottled products, sweets and frozen food, all to go. 

For the holiday season, Mi Casa prepared some very delicious packages that made us stock up for our gifts to clients but mostly for our own kitchen. 



Lengua de Gato! One canister is for me alone. No sharing on this one. 

These are marinades for your meat. Perfect for people like me who cannot cook. 

White chocolate polvoron! Hello! Childhood love with a twist!

Polvoron dipped in Belgian Chocolate. How can anyone go wrong? 

LOVE the packaging!

PASTABILITIES! 
This is a gift pack that includes 2 pasta sauces.
Chorizo Bolognese and Puttanesca and a bag of Penne.
P850.00 

TRIP of TUNA
Unique blends of Tuna in one box!
Tuna sisig, Tuna Laing and Hell's tuna with Melba Toast.
P680.00

SPREADS GALORE
A Perfect starter for every party.
Chicken Pistachio Liver Pate, Tuna Olive Spread, Spinach Pesto with Melba Toast.
P800.00

HOLIDAY DUO
Gourmet food in a bottle! This has to be my ultimate favorite!
Chili Garlic Tinapa and Adobong Tuyo! Also available are Spicy Tuyo and Lemon Garlic Tinapa.
P430.00

ULTIMATE BESTSELLERS
The best value in town with all the finest selections in one box. 
Adobong Tuyo, Lemon Garlic Tinapa, Coffee Date and Walnut, Chicken Pistachio, Mango Dressing and a pack of Melba Toast. 
P1,250

And after so much shopping, the best part comes.....EATING!












I stepped out for 1 minute and when I got back, everyone went through the other desserts like they haven't eaten in years.

I will remind you again: When eating with Candifier, you cannot touch the food until I take a photo. HAYYY.....This is all I was able to get.



Angel's Kitchen 
57 Connecticut St., 
North East Greenhills San Juan, 
Metro Manila, Philippines

Mi Casa: 7245430 / 7218822 / 7441018
Mobile No: 09175352033