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Showing posts from March 17, 2020

When the longing for authentic Pinoy dishes strikes in the U.S., Isla Grand stands ready to transport your taste buds back to the Philippines.

Carmina is traveling to the United States to spend time with her family. My dad planned a family gathering for Mother's Day at their favorite Pinoy restaurant . Since reservations aren’t possible, we arrived an hour early to ensure we could get a table for twelve before everyone else showed up. As my dad approached Isla Grand , the branch we visited in Pleasant Hills, California , the host at the door said they could prepare a table for twelve at five o'clock. Later, the server called my dad's name and guided us to our table. The place was bustling with people enjoying meals and celebrating Mother's Day. On our first visit to Isla Grand, I was captivated by the décor, noticing many native items that gave the place a fancy yet authentic Filipino feel. They usually have a live band, but unfortunately, there was no entertainment the night we went. My family had spoken highly of Isla Grand and encouraged us to try the Filipino dishes we’ve been missing from back home. Lech...

Are you PANIC MODE, MIDDLE MODE or DO NOT BELIEVE MODE for the COVID-19?

I feel we are experiencing the movie called, "Blast from the Past" where the parents decided to let their son grow up living in their sheltered away from the environment outside as they thought something bad was happening to them. Only difference we are not experiencing 30 years just for one month or for the time being. Imagine if you had stay 30 years in your own home and not able to go out how would any of us survive this way. There are people who are on PANIC MODE ,  MIDDLE MODE and DO NOT BELIEVE MODE . But whatever mode you are experience imagine the movie Blast from the Past as they stayed until their son was already grown up to be a man. My friend was telling me that they have been receiving calls from their other friends who don’t seem to think this COVID-19 is serious. I was telling my friend no matter if you explain to them it will not stick to their brain no matter how you explain the way they think it is different from you. Just like the ones w...

Santorini Greece in the Philippines

When you feel your hand and feet itchy that you want to travel to Greece, but there is no way to travel there and explore the only place you can visit is somewhere near your home which is the Philippines. When in time there are places that are inspired to look like Greece but just within your reach you probably seen places I have already visited in my other blogs I have posted in the past and the ones who haven’t been able to see it I will give you a short cut so you can see it for yourself and read along and see the pictures. Fortune Island in Nagsugbu, Batangas, Philippines https://www.carminalifestyle.com/2019/10/fortune-island-nagsugbu-batangas.html La Bella Hotel in Tagaytay, Philippines https://www.carminalifestyle.com/2019/10/la-bella-hotel-in-tagaytay-philippines.html Everyone who loves taking pictures and capture a place that inspire you to let people you have been places that no one else can afford but when your budget is limit and those who don...

Bali, Indonesia

I was supposed to travel to Bali, Indonesia since my mom saw pictures from her friends who had traveled there recently and she wanted to visit the place. We had inquired from our travel agent after our trip from Australia. The best time to visit Bali, Indonesia is the month of April to October. Bali, Indonesia is a tropical climate like the Philippines where the beaches are really known for and if you're into this time of atmosphere this place is for you. If, you're not into nature like waterfall and hiking this place is not for you. At first I was wondering why my mom wanted to visit this place because she is not into swimming at the beach, hiking or into walking hours in the nature with fresh air.  Places to see in Bali, Indonesia: Kintamani: Batik UC Silver Village Mt. & Lake Batur View Penglipuran Village  Tegenungan Waterfall Turtle Island Tour   WaterBlow Bali Collection Bedugul: Mengwi Royal Temple Lake Beratan Ulund...