Isdaan Resto-Fun Park (in Calauan Laguna) Halloweekend

I’ve been seeing the construction of “Isdaan” for the past year and have always wondered what’s taking it so long. So when my mom dined with her friends there and said she’s going to take the family there, I knew it’s something that I couldn’t miss.

We arrived at nearly six in the evening and were lucky enough to have a parking space as soon as we arrived. We thought we’re not going to be accommodated because it’s the long weekend after all. It’s a good thing that we came early for dinner that we got a table, more like our own floating hut  and was able to roam around the enjoy the place.

Warning: A photo loaded entry. I actually took 325 pictures but chose the ones best for uploading for my readers wanting to check out the place.

Please be informed that if you want to have dinner at Isdaan, make sure you are not super hungry and you’re not in a hurry because it will take time for you to get settled in your floating huts.

And also take note that it is best to find a table/floating hut first before roaming around the place.

I love how Isdaan resto thought about practically everything that they provided life vest for kids the moment we arrived because it can be inevitable that these kids might fall off the floating huts or something.

Isdaan also have amenities for little children and kids

Other Attractions for the night:

Isdaan Halloween Monsters

Isdaan prepared for Halloween that made sure that there are some roaming white lady, chained monsters in mask, ready for guests photo op. I was actually scared of the “dead lady” because she looked really dead, I waited from a short distance for her to open her eyes and take a peak before I asked for her photo. I don’t want to get surprised with her opening eyes because I might fall off board and soak the DSLR I’m using.

Tacsiyapo, means “Nakakainis”– you buy a plate/glass/mugs( with prices like Php 15, 18, 60, 240) and even a working TV set (Php 1,800) so you can throw it against the wall to release your anger).

Caution: Cursing or using Vulgar words are not allowed that’s why you need to shout “Tacsiyapo”.

My friends in Grad School and I have been planning long before that we wanted to go to Tarlac for the “smashing of the plates” but when I found out that Isdaan in Calauan Laguna has it, it’s going to be the venue of our usual get together and sem-starters.

They provided life vest for the guests and there are at least 3 boats around. The boatmen are very nice and if you’re wondering how deep the water is, it’s only 3 feet! But still you wouldn’t want to fall into the water.

Statue of the late president Corazon Aquino, former President Joseph Estrada are available for Photo Ops. We also had our pictures taken with US President Barrack Obama and other amusing photos like the guards and waiters.

Last but definitely not the least, The Singing Cooks and Waiters!

Some interesting info:

• Isdaan Restaurant and Fun Park is 3 hectares in size located at National Highway in Calauan, Laguna. They have their original branch at Gerona, Tarlac and a new up and coming branch in Talavera, Nueva Ecija. 
• It officially opened last October 8, 2011 but there are still some other under construction portions like additional huts and temples at the side and back area but you can hardly notice it.
• It is owned and operated by The Barrio Fiesta Singing Cooks and Watiers atbp., Bento Box, Barrio Grill, World Topps, Kilo-kilo grill atbp., Bakahan at Manukan Chain of popular Filipino restaurants.
• Since it is operated by several group of restaurant food chain companies, their menu varies and has a little bit of the regular best sellers from each of the mentioned restaurants.
• Their operating hours are daily from 10am to 11pm and the price ranges from Php18.00 (for Mineral water) and Php 4,950.00 (for whole lechon) Dishes ranges from 100+ to 700+ depending on the food choice and kilo.
• They accept CASH BASIS PAYMENTS ONLY and are not affiliated with any credit card company so make sure you are armed with cash.
• Contact Numbers: +63.49.566.0880 to 81 and  +63.922.844.4392 to 93

November is coming up! I hope you had a great Halloweekend! Cheers! <3

7th High Halloween Party

Last Friday I went to 7^th High’s Halloween party with my friends from Highschool (@joyjarumayan and @rendhlroyce) and College (Mina and Thea).

Joy, Rolls and I have been friends since we were 12 years old (Ok joy 12 ka na din!) and I’ve been friends with Mina and Thea since I was nineteen!

Halloween Character Pegs:

Moi as the Pop Art Comic Icon

Mina as the Black Widow

Patrick as Zorro

Thea as The Groovy Drag Queen

Joy as the Corpse Bride

Ellis as the Corpse Bride’s Groom

Last but definitely not the least…

Rolls as the sexy playful bunny!

The preparation – I was going after the pop art comic icon but I got “face malfunction” so I decided what the hell? It’s Halloween!

We got hair color sprays for Mina and I and some leopard themed fake nails for Thea.

We had two couples geared up for Halloween! Mina and her Zorro, And Joy the Corpse Bride and Groom!

Monster RX93.7 hosted the event, most of the crown are youngsters and college kids partying.

Tequila: The Best way to start the party and get people’s mood going!

Is it obvious that I am more interested in blogging that I hardly took pics of myself and behind the scenes? I came prepared to stand up and party so I wore my trusty Chuck Taylors and went as a Pop Icon Comic Art rebel.

When Joy the Bride got tired of dancing in heels, her sweet beau, Ellis switched his comfy shoes to wear her white heels. Kyooot!

Here are some foot shots that I took. They literally took off their shoes to dance!

Ladies and Gents, Joy and Ellis officially got married! Check out the priest!

But wait, my favorite for the night is none other than the sexiest, wildest, voluptuous bunny of the night! None other than my good friend Rolls.

Here are more pics from the party:

Thank you Cookie Royce for the guest list! Sooobrang namiss kita! You’re my favorite muse that night and partying with you and Joy reminds me a lot of our 2007 party nights back in Cebu!

And because I love you girls, the pics I uploaded are carefully screened haha!

I hope ya’ll have a Happy Halloweekend!

Cheers!

Bookay-Ukay

I’ve been itching to go to Bookay Ukay eversince I saw in on Saab’s blog on Juice.ph. I must admit that I am initially attracted to that famous green wall.

#55 Maginhawa Street, UP Village, Diliman Quezon City

And to be honest, I really want my own photo op as well but I didn't like it the way it looks now.

Bookay Ukay's famous Green Wall

I’ve been such a huge fan of book sales since last year that I learned to be good at finding hard to find books. 

We went there at around 4 in the afternoon, perhaps because the place is non-air-conditioned and it was really hot outside that we didn’t stay long. We did see some of the old books like Sweet Valley, Nancy Drew series, and some brand new books like “The Secret” ( sells for Php 600.00) and some Twilight series books but I was really looking to see if I can find really vintage “comics” like the old school PINOY FUNNY comics that I used to read when I was in first grade.

I came across this blog and got all nostalgic. I want to buy at least one and I couldn't find them in sulit.ph either.  I have decided that I will not be giving away my Sweet Valley Twins and Friends collection because they will, in time, be vintage and it’s my quick trip to childhood lane. 

Bookay Ukay

Facebook Page: Bookay-Ukay Pilipinas

55 Maginhawa st. UP Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines

Business Hours: 10am - 12nn and 1pm to 9pm

Email Address: bookayfriends@yahoo.com

Mobile Number: 9054283125

Website: http://bookay.multiply.com/

The Planner Phase

I've always had a thing for notebooks, paper, journals and planners. Whenever I see teasers about the red cups coming to town, two things immediately come to my mind:

1. I can't wait to get my hands on my favorite Starbucks peppermint mocha.
2. It means the Starbucks stickers and race for the planner is on!

I was able to collect Starbucks Planners before and enjoyed treating my friends during the freebie days ( buy one take one) and I really did take advantage of the coupons.

I was able to collect I think 3 or 4 Starbucks planners until I discovered Belle de Jour planners in 2009 (with more coupons) that made me switch in an instant.

Now, after 3 years of owning Belle De Jour Planners, I think I am on to another phase...

Someone's feelin' my shoes

I admit I'm not really much of a CAT person but isn't this just kyooooot?!

I was looking for my shoes the other week when I saw this little baby making himself at home. I took photos and he didn't even move. He was fast asleep inside my shoe ( I initially thought he died! LOL!) until I picked him up and gave him to his Momma Cat because if I let him sleep in, I'm going to be late for work.

Happy Madison's Just go with it!

For some reason I already downloaded Adam Sandler's Just Go With It in my iPod but have not had the time to watch it. So last weekend, I watched it with my friend Mina. We opted to go for a Saturday Night Chick Flick night over some weekend drinking spree.

Mina: Have you seen Just Go with it?
Me: What's that movie all about again?
Mina: That's Adam Sandler's! You love Adam Sandler!
Me: Oh yeah! I downloaded it but I haven't had the chance to watch it.

Oh Mina, you know me well! :)

According to IDMG movie synopsis:

Danny, after getting burned in a previous relationship, decides to avoid commitment by telling every girl he hooks up with that he's married. But when he meets a gorgeous young girl named Palmer, he thinks she could be the one until she finds out he's "married". So in order to keep their relationship still going, he tells her that he and his "wife" are getting a divorce. When she insists on meeting her, he asks Katherine to pose as his wife. Katherine takes a call from one of her children, Palmer assumes that they're Danny's so wants to meet them. And it's at this meeting that Katherine's son tricks Danny into taking them all on a trip to Hawaii.. Written by rcs0411@yahoo.com

The Movie Poster

Reusable Wedding Gowns

I was in the middle of planning Halloween costumes with my regular Halloween-mates  when I got a message from my friend in GS who's going to get hitched this Saturday! We were talking about theme weddings for next year and I never really realized that a lot of people really do get married until I realized that I am supposedly in the marrying age! Chos!

Anyway, Speaking of cool weddings, Regine donned this red wedding gown by Monique Lhuiller and matched it with knee-high boots

Source

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Then Vera Wang (who did Kim Kardashian's wedding gown) came up with line of Black wedding gowns (perfect for reuse and Halloween!).

Here are my favorites:

Talk about wedding gowns that you can reuse!

I remember my friends, Claire and Pietro's Rock Star Black wedding early this year. We all wore black except the bride!

To see Vera Wang's collection see this article.

Because @joyjarumayan pumped up my Halloween Spirit!

Anyone close to me knows that I have this thing about Halloween. Halloween is like my personal holiday and through the years I’ve celebrated it in my own little way by playing dress up and attending Halloween parties. 

Halloween 2009 at Amber, The Fort

BTS Engagement Shoot at Sweet Harmony Gardens

I found a way to lessen my photo loaded entries because I most of the time let the pictures do the talking themselves. I have many events coming right up and I've got to find a way to segregate pictures so I asked my sister to teach me how to lay out pictures using photoshop. Excuse the photos, these are my first ever try at the program and the pictures are all raw. 

We had the opportunity to tag along at my friend and former colleague, Veeya's pre-nup photoshoot with Nice Print Photography. The last time I saw Veeya was during our good friend, Chubi's wedding and that's more than a year ago. She and her beau were already making plans of getting hitched and now we're a couple of months away from the big day.  (Plus: She's 5 months to family way as well!) 

Couple: Veeya Monteclaro & Louie Fadul

Official Photographer: Nice Print Photography

Hair: Aprille Araguas

Make up: Kristine Araguas

Photos by Aprille Araguas

Venue: Sweet Harmony Gardens, Taytay, Rizal 

The Venue and pictorial site

Stress-resistant Dipliner

I’m not really a huge fan of eyeliners but I’ve always liked how eye muk-up lightened Kim Kardashian’s already pretty face.

So since it’s too dyahe to wear make up to my current job, I decided to use eye-liner instead to make me look “awake”.

My former boss (and friend) Julie, introduced me to this really cheap dip liquid eye liner called Fashion 21 dip liner. It basically has the requirements that I want in an eye liner:

• Easy to use/apply.
• Water/Tears/Sweat Resistant.
• Long-wearing.
• Very handy.
• Very affordable.

I call it stress-resistant eyeliner! 

Combined googled pictures of Kim Kardashian

Maybelline's Unstoppable Mascara & Fashion 21 Black Dipliner

I have nothing but good things to say about this liquid eyeliner because I swear, I tried another Dip Liners (like the local brand, Ever Bilena) but it did not come close to Fashion 21.

Once applied it dries easily and when dry, it becomes what they call “rubberized” so it’ll be on your lids for the entire day. For easy removal you have to use baby oil and cotton buds to remove because water and alone, sometimes is not enough. Unless you really rub your lids hard enough to take them out.

For best results, after applying the mascara, use Maybelline’s mascara.

Engagement Shoot collaboration with @ellipra

When my sister invited me to do the styling and creative directing for her colleague's photo shoot to be held at Museo Pambata I immediately said "Gow!" for these reasons:

• I've never been to Museo Pambata
• I need a break from grad school 
• I need to do something that I looooove to do!

My sister, Aprille, introduced me to the couple. We were running against time so all the pleasantries happened during the preparation (read: hair and make-up).

The couple was very easy to work with, they were shy and not the PDA type of couple but they gamely posed when instructed to do so. We were done shooting after 2 hours!

I chose my personal favorite shots of the couple. The complete set is on my sister's blog.

Date: September 2011
Venue: Museo Pambata, Manila
Photos taken and processed by: Aprille Araguas
Creative Director: Kristine Araguas


When I found these typewriters sitting quietly at a corner, I immediately had an idea on what to do with it! 

We played with the typewriter concept

We had to make use of the stairs of the miniature old house exhibit...

There's a fake grass and even though there were kids running everywhere, the couple gamely posed and got the job done!

We saw this cute barbershop and thought of an on-the-spot shot:

This is such a cute church! I was inside the church while this photo was taken because I had to hold the door.

These candid shots were taken inside the replica of the human intestine. I was outside giving directions through the holes.

It's a good thing the fire station display provided costumes for kids.

We had the train shot by end of the day because we couldn't find the proper timing where no one is sitting on the train. 

Of course, what's a pre-nup shoot without the "silhouette of a kiss"...

Complete set of the pictures at: Aprille Araguas' Official Website.


All photos are processed and edited by Aprille Araguas.


It's very challenging to do an on-site concept shoot but I enjoyed it because the venue provided lots of inspiration. I've done and participated in pictorials before but this is the first time that I only met the couple on the day (actually on the set) of the pictorial so the concept and poses were all on the spot. There were no costume assignments or prior instructions or preparations. 


It's a good thing that the couple gamely posed for us and it's a good thing that their official photographer was also accommodating and friendly. I thought I would only instruct my sister who's taking the candid shots, but it turned out I directed and assisted two photographers (amateur and professional) at the same time.