Clarkfield, Pampanga | Dinosaur Island : To be a kid again, In the Land Before Time!

Newsflash! Dinosaurs discovered in Clarkfield, Pampanga!

AI experience in Venice Piazza

It was a good year for Idol. Jlo and Steven plus some interesting voices on the show made this season one of the better seasons of this top rating Fox series. Even better for Filipino fans, there's this year's runner-up, Jessica, who represented the Fil-Am talent exteremely well.

Let's Move & Let's Love

Let’s move! It’s time to make our move and show love to the seas. It's time to mean the difference between wanting and ‘actually doing’ our share in protecting our coastal areas.

Ocean Conservancy is the leading promoter of this advocacy and has been doing so for more than a quarter of a century in driving a Start to a Sea Change. September is declared as the International Coastal Cleanup month.

15 September 2012. Organized by Inspire@HP with support from HP SurfShack, volunteers from across the business functions of Hewlett Packard Philippines gathered at Vistamar Beach Resort to make their move and support the conservation of our long stretch of coastline. For the 2^nd year in a row, the stokedtraveler is back to the coast of Anilao, Batangas to do his share for the ocean.

2013 Philippine Holidays declared

Source: https://www.facebook.com/presidentnoy

Talk about early planning. "ber" months have just started and we already have the official list of holidays for 2013 proclaimed. Kudos to PNoy on this one. This is just a shortlist, expect more holidays to be proclaimed next year. Specific city-holidays (i.e. Taguig day, QC day etc) are just some to add to this list of holidays depending on where you work or attend schoold.

Watch out for long weekends and plan your leaves ahead to take advantage of the holidays!

Mondo Juiced!

Mondo Juice - it is one of the many smoothie/beverage shops that recently opened franchise here in our country. We've already had a few shops offering coffee brews and milk teas. Now we see a rise in the all natural fruit juice business

They stand by their claim that if they can't spell it, it's not going to be in our smoothie. It's a really slick way of saying that we won't expect any of the complicated preservatives and sweeteners that are usually added to make the drinks more tasteful and addicting. (So, atleast they can spell 'raspberries'... )

They usually have free sample tasting just outside their store in megamall. The blogger had a few of them in the past and it was only last week that he actually found the time to enter the store and make an actual purchase.



The Drink
Our blogger had "Proteinzone". It is a drink composed of raspberries, bananas, nectar cranberry juice and a shot of soy protein (4g). It was fruity with a hint of sour taste from the berry juices. It was supposed to be protein-filled but it seems that the only protein source there was actually the soy protein which isn't really a fruit source. A regular protein shake would have atleast 22g of protein and this wasn't even close to it. For the name and tag "be buff like aaaahrnaaald scwarzenewhatever" it wasn't really meeting up to the blogger's expectation (atleast for the protein part). It was still an all natural juice and it is a healthy alternative to soda.

He ran into an unusual yet entertaining barista that day. He wanted to get the smaller glass but he was enticed to get the mondo size (after the lady at the counter said upfront that she wasn't sure how to answer the blogger's questions because he wasn't sure if he was pinoy -- and that he sounded sweet and smelled good). So for that experience, the order deserved justice. It would be a shame to be kuripot after all the compliment -- although it could have just been a sales strategy for him to buy the bigger glass (Grr!)

The Price
uhmm .. the blogger vaguely remembers this one. The small size was a little above P100-P120 while the mondo size was around P180. A little pricey compared to just buying the fruits and making a shake yourself but it is still competitive against its competition - jamba juice.

The Store
The store in megamall is very conveniently located. It is only a few stores away from fitness first -- where all the health junkies are. There is not much gimmick in the store but they do have a good supply of Preview Magazine and other health mags to compliment your healthy juice drink

The Verdict
Overall, the drink would fit those who love fruits and want to keep their fluids healthy. Plus, it is really cool to have a store that would breakdown the health benefits of the actual drink like this. Will our blogger be back for more? Yes -- definitely. But only during his gym days. :) The store doesn't really look much as a barkada hangout place -- atleast the one in megamall.

read my jamba juice blog entry too!
http://stokedtraveler.blogspot.com/2011/12/jamba-juiced.html

La Union Escapade | Summer Getaway - Part 2

click to read Part 1

After taking some photos at Poropoint Thunderbird Resorts, the stokedtraveler and the rest of the group made another detour for a quick stop at the Filipino-Chinese friendship pagoda

This pagoda is located on top of a hill. It symbolizes the friendship between Filipinos and Chinese. It was ironic to be at such a place when tension is rising between both countries fighting over islands west of the Philippines.

Nonetheless, the place provided a panoramic view of San Fernando City, La Union and worth a few minutes of staying at – to take more photos. It is said that the view is so much better during sunset when one expects to see the scene with a full view.

After all the pre-event photo sessions, the group decided to drop by CSI supermarket to stock up on snacks and booze to consume at the resort. If planning to have a drinking session better buy your drinks outside of the resort because the price can be steep for the ordinary budget traveler. Buy some food for merienda and some drinking water to avoid the unnecessary spending at the resort café.

A little past the regular check in time, the group arrives at San Juan Surf Resort. The rooms are spacious and worth it at P2, 750/room. The group had 2 villas and 1 condo room. Each of them looked different from the other but still is considerably cheap since the room can accommodate 4 persons with the standard rate. Extra mattresses would cost P500/each and there would be an extra person charge of P500/head in excess of 4 persons per room. But at the size of the rooms, you can even slip in an extra person without actually paying the extra chargeJ. Each room comes with 2 free complimentary breakfasts.

PoroPoint Thunderbird Resort, La Union | Summer Getaway - Part 1

The meditteranean architecture is reminiscent of Santorini, Greece

This is the first tour stop of the trip that the stokedtraveler and his friend setup for his officemates. It was a pleasant addition to the plan which was initially only to get to San Juan beach and surf all day.

This location is only a few minutes away from the town proper and was a very welcome sidetrip to have while waiting for the hotel check in at San Juan Surf Resort.

This view of the pool facility has got to be the best next to the buildings themselves

 Poropoint Thunderbird Resort has always been  one of the places the stokedtraveler wanted to check out since he first laid eyes on it online. True that this place stands out in La Union as a high class resort. Unfortunately, it seems to cater to the upper class who can avail a P6,000-P8,000/night for 2 pax with only very few amenities to offer.

Camayan Beach Resort, Subic Bay | The perfect escape for the family

The stoked traveler spent the previous summer holidays with his family in two beach outings in this same resort. You can book Camayan Beach Resort in Subic, Zambales with Traveloka. 

The place was very relaxing and child friendly so they opted to stay there in both trips. Even more so, the service in Camayan Beach Resort was just superb and met every request his hard to please family had.

He's been to this beach several times even before Ocean Adventure opened up. This resort has really gone a long way since.

Anawangin Cove, Zambales | Communing with nature on a city of tents

Tent city - the stoked traveler learns that this is what many others call the camping grounds in Anawangin cove. There’s no concrete or wooden lodging, hot shower, island resto or even loud party music coming out of bars like what one would expect from a weekend beach break. Keep your mobile phones and ipads away too; they will not be much use if you prefer to stay connected. It’s just pure communion with nature. Back to basics is the theme for any group visiting this secluded paradise.

Mt. Pundaquit, Zambales | Traversing a landscape of yellows,greens and blues

A different high struck the stoked traveler. In the midst of bright yellow and green mountain slopes and on the top of rocky peeks, the stoked traveler finds himself awed by the beauty that is Mt. Pundaquit. 

  

Without the waves and the board the stoked traveler goes on a new adventure to the now not so hidden yet still secluded nature paradise of Anawangin.

The trek begins at 6:00 AM in Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. The ground was too soft and hard to walk on because it’s like stepping on beach sand. But it’s really just surface soil mixed with volcanic residue from the catastrophic Mt. Pinatubo eruption that now covers most of the top soil in areas affected by the eruption.

Daybreak greeted the group with a magical sunrise that painted the skies to match the picturesque mountains and pine trees surrounding them.

Sun Life grabs top spot in life insurance market

By: Doris C. Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

1:19 am | Monday, March 26th, 2012

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine unit of global insurance giant Sun Life of Canada has bucked the global downturn to grab the top slot in the local insurance industry based on its premium collection in 2011.

Based on its unaudited financial statement, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. capped 2011 with gross premiums of P14 billion, or 31 percent higher than the previous year’s level, while net premiums surged by 31 percent to P13.9 billion.

These numbers made Sun Life the No. 1 in the country’s life insurance market, the company reported.

The life insurance business in the country has been dominated for many years by The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Co. (Philam).
 

Money Talk | When Life Insurance Isn't Worth It

When Life Insurance Isn't Worth It

By Greg McFarlane | Investopedia

The principle behind life insurance is simple, in theory. It's also morbid, at least compared to other financial services. You pay small amounts at monthly intervals, and should you die, a beneficiary of your choice gets a sum of money approximating what you would have earned had you stayed alive.

That's the stark truth right there, which a lot of life insurance customers fail to comprehend: the service is supposed to be nothing more than a replacement plan. The idea is that should your family suffer a crisis that transcends finances, at least their finances won't be impacted too negatively. If you die, your spouse and kids won't have to take on multiple jobs, beg for alms nor lose the house and car.

Money Talk | Philippines cited as best country for long-term growth

Philippines is cited in CNBC.com as one of the 10 best countries for long term growth!

If this report proves to be true, Filipinos are up for great things to come their way. Although, true or not, this definitely means something more in a positive light for the country. It is known that in the business of investing and money markets, even the slightest news can mean a big difference. Ever watched the 2010 hit film "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps"?

With an estimate of 7% average growth, Philippines is expected to take off sooner than we think. GDP is just one economic indicator, it will be up to how the government's policies and execution take advantage of the upcoming opportunity that will thread the way to a country's real development

In SunLife Financial, we always say that the best time to invest is Today! (If not yesterday). The fear of investing can only be overcome by investing. One doesn't have to have hundreds of thousands of pesos to gamble with, all it takes is the understanding and the right attitude towards building up your wealth. With all good things coming to our country and the proven stability amidst asian/european crises, the average pinoy should find the services of an investment company worth a shot. You wouldn't want to be left out when everything goes up would you?

For clarifications on what services SunLife Financial can offer send an email to : bryan.d.garcia@sunlife.com.ph

Marinduque | Moriones and the Lenten Mecca of Southern Tagalog

This week many members of the christian community celebrates an event that shares a common thread woven into the fabric of numerous cultures and traditions around the world. This is the week of Carnaval, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday and most especially the start of the christian celebration of the Lent! 

Each culture celebrates the lenten season in their own very unique ways. "Ash Wednesday" comes after "Fat Tuesday (last day of eating fatty foods before the fasting for Lent)" and marks the start of the lenten season. In Brazil, Italy and other countries there's "Carnaval (carne = meat and vale = to bid farewell to)" and Mardi Gras (french for Fat Tuesday). In the Philippine's we have Senakulo, Pabasa, Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) and the colorful festival with religious significance - Moriones Festival

Money Talk | Financial Planning Seminar @ RBC

"If you think Education is expensive, try ignorance"
In our advocacy to eliminate Financial Ignorance, I would like to invite everyone to join the seminar that we will be conducting at Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas Ave, Pasig City.

At the end of this seminar, the participant should be able to know:

• How to achieve financial independence
• How to accumulate wealth faster
• How to protect your wealth from uncertainties
• How to choose the right investment

Clarkfield, Pampanga | 17th Philippine International Hotair Balloon Fiesta | A weekend of everything that missed

Every year, for the past 17 years, the stokedtraveler’s hometown hosts this magnificent fiesta of everything that flies. This year he planned to attend the festival on its final day and witness all the new attractions it had to offer.
The Balloon Fiesta hopes to fuel the passion of flying to both the young and the old to help move the aviation industry forward. It also hopes to create jobs and business opportunities by promoting Tourism.

Sunlife: Insurers stable; pre-need faces new challenge

For those moms,dads and future savvy individuals owning or considering to own a life insurance plan, no need to fret over the recent trouble with Prudential Life and the large majority of pre-need companies in the Philippines

Sunlife Financial Phils. President Riza Mantaring told Business Nightly's Coco Alcuaz falling interest rates are a challenge for insurers and pre-need companies but insurers are healthy due to stricter practices and regulations.

Watch the very informative interview:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/business/02/14/12/sunlife-insurers-stable-pre-need-faces-new-challenge#ooid=puc2NpMzpyavOKVsj-ViBZ2bKsq5I98o

Source:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/business/02/14/12/sunlife-insurers-stable-pre-need-faces-new-challenge

For a free sample policy or to know more about sunlife and what services it can offer the money-wise investor that you are, send an email with your name,gender,age and protection/investment interests to bryan.d.garcia@sunlife.com.ph. You may also request for a free non-obligatory presentation for your convenience.

Money Talk | Prudential Life Plans and 30 other Pre-need companies in trouble

 The Insurance Commission on February 3, 2012 issued a “Stay Order” on the request of troubled pre-need firm Prudentialife Plans Inc. for corporate rehabilitation.

With the “Stay Order” decision, all payment of claims by planholders effective February 6, 2012 are suspended. That means starting February 6, all Prudentialife planholders cannot file for any claims against the company until its corporate rehabilitation plan is approved.  All claims being processed, however, as of February 6 will still be honored and funds will be released to planholders.

Notice to Prudentialife planholders and other stakeholders
The Insurance Commission directs all Prudentialife planholders, stockholders, creditors, and other interested parties to view and comment on the verified proposal for corporate rehabilitation submitted by the company. Details of the proposal are available at Prudentialife’s website. Deadline of  comments on the said rehabilitation plan is on February 25, 2012.

Planholders and other interested parties are also encouraged to attend the consultation hearings scheduled on March 2 and 13, 2012, 9 am, at the IC Board Room, 2nd Floor of the Insurance Commission building at United Nations Avenue in Manila. The sessions will discuss the process of corporate rehabilitation for Prudentialife.

Be Extraordinary: 8 Steps To Living The Life You’ve Always Wanted

Are you bored with your daily routine? Tired of doing the same things, day in and day out?

Are you unhappy with how life is treating for you? And wish that everything could be different?

If your answer is yes, then you have a bad case of being ordinary.

There is nothing wrong with you, and you’re definitely not the only person who feels this way about themselves.

In fact, most people live exactly this kind of life… but that’s because they choose to be ordinary.

So why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary, right?

If you want more excitement, more variety, more happiness and more things to happen for you, then just follow this 8-step guide on how to add that “extra” to your ordinary life.

San Juan, La Union | A stoked weekend in La Union!

Now more than ever the stokedtraveler is even more amped about surfing.

Straight from work our weekend warrior – the stokedtraveler – takes to another weekend escape into the sands and waves of San Juan, La Union.

This was supposed to be another solo travel for him. Fortunately, his surf buddy and former officemate decided to make a last minute registration with Travel Factor to join Surfvivor La Union.

Isdaan Floating Restaurant | Gerona, Tarlac | An oasis at the middle of nowhere



Isdaan means a fishpond in the local language



Isdaan Floating Restaurant is a fine looking place that weary travelers might often overlook as they pass thru MacArthur highway going to the Northern provinces or back to manila coming from the north. Being here is like being in a place warped from several locations in and outside the Philippines.

 

Binondo, Manila | Chinese New Year in Binondo

The Stoked Traveler has always been awed by Chinese history, culture, arts and the mysticism of their practices. What better way to celebrate all these than to be at the core of everything Chinese in Manila – Binondo.

How Much To Save To Become Wealthy!

Everyone wants to become wealthy!

But what does being wealthy mean?

Literally and figuratively, from the Pera Palaguin Publications and financial literacy seminars of Colayco Foundation, being wealthy simply means one is able to sustain his/her chosen cost and kind of lifestyle without having to work.

How old are you today?

How much is your monthly gross salary today?

How much money do you have NOW that you can save & invest and not touch until you fully retire?

Find out how much you need to save to become wealthy by using our online financial calculator.

Plan your leaves with this 2012 holiday guide

Planning your limited leaves and taking advantage of these holidays will help give you the much needed fuss-free vacation you'll need to survive the year. Here are a few tips on when to file your leaves for 2012.

• January 23 - A long weekend coming up very soon! Want to have a longer weekend? Take a leave on January 20 (friday) or January 24 (tuesday)
• April 5-9 - Holy week vacation starts and ends with Araw ng Kagitingan. A very long vacation to have but plan early to avoid the peek season rate rush
• May 1 - Take up a vacation leave on April 30 to enjoy a long weekend's rest before Labor day
• June 12 - Take up a vacation leave on June 11 to enjoy a long weekend's rest
• August 21 & 27
• Take a leave on August 20 (monday) or August 24 (friday) to take advantage of a longer vacation on these dates
• November 1,2 & 30
• Take a leave on November 5 (monday) to extend your November holiday. These gives you time to visit the cemetery during the weekdays and find some R&R with a longer weekend.
• You can also opt to extend the Bonifacio Day holiday by taking a leave on December 3 (monday).

These makes up most of the local holidays. There are a few privileged cities that declare non-working days too (i.e. Taguig city day, Quezon City day etc). Make sure to watch out for these and plan your trips ahead