Review of Online Purchase at lazada.com.ph

I had tried purchasing several products online back when there was a social media site Multiply. Last Thursday, just out of curiosity, I ordered a Cherry Mobile 7-inch tablet from Lazada.com.ph. This is in replacement for an old android tablet that my mom broke a few months back. She's more familiar with using the tablet rather than the computer as it was her source of entertainment (being a retiree and stay at home).

What I liked most about Lazada.com.ph: 

1. Prices were fair enough to say that items were discounted.

2. Lazada has many payment options.

3. Hassle-free transaction

4. Free delivery charge for items Php 1000 and above.

I chose to pay via Cash-on-Delivery because I got rid of my credit card already and I did not have time to do bank deposit transaction. So, I filled-up the information at Lazada website, and it was as easy as counting 1-2-3.

The following day, Friday around 10am I received an SMS from the courier verifying my address. I was amazed that it took less than 24 hours for my order to be processed and delivered right at my doorstep. Since it was my mom who received my package, I had to leave an authorization letter, valid ID and the confirmation email sent by Lazada. 

When I came home Friday afternoon, the package was sealed in a bubble wrap via 2go courier. The item was safely secured, and it's working correctly. It was really a hassle-free transaction.

Kudos to Lazada.com.ph! Hoping to find more great items from your online shop. 

Photo Credit

Picnic at Nuvali: A First for 2014

I consider this as my first blog after a long time of not writing blog entries. It's the first day of the year 2014, and I am just so proud to share a new experience. Well, Nuvali is a budding eco-business hub here in the South. For first time visitors, Nuvali can be a really cool place for hanging out, dining, a venue for events and other family activities like PICNIC! But for someone like me who passes by the area every single day, it could just be another ordinary place where I can drop by and do my personal errands.

However, on the 1st day of the new year, I finally experienced sharing a hearty lunch under the shade of the trees along Nuvali. It was a fantastic start of the year matched with the great, breezy weather. So, after hearing the Holy Mass, "somebody" suggested that we drive to Nuvali and go on an impromptu picnic. We drove to the nearest Jollibee branch and bought chicken meals. Mr. Somebody had fruit salad and fruits from their house, but it will not be enough for two starving creatures (it seemed that he had it in mind already). So, we drove off and found a spot where we can eat and lie down lazily.

View of Nuvali

I was expecting that Nuvali will be full of visitors as it is always the situation especially during holidays and weekends. Indeed, the place was flocked with families carrying loads of food. Some even had tents for the kids! I wish we could be as prepared as them since we only had taken out food from Jollibee. Hehehe :)

Nevertheless, it was a fun, relaxing, carefree experience. A good kickoff for the year 2014.

Happy New Year!

Phaidon Beach Resort: Exclusivity and Unlimited Beach Bumming Experience

Phaidon Beach Resort - beach front area

Part of our Antique-Boracay tour is a beach bumming session at Phaidon Beach Resort. After falling in love with Malumpati Spring, we were in awe upon seeing the bright and exclusive beachfront area of Phaidon Beach Resort. When we arrived, we paid an entrance fee of PHP 60 per person, and this includes the rental for the cottage. 


The owner said that Phaidon Beach Resort is the other side of Boracay. I surely agree with her because we had the beach all to ourselves --- no stressful crowd, no boats on the shore and no noisy parties. The peaceful, serene water was just awaiting visitors to plunge in. Of course, the sand is more beautiful in Boracay, but sand at Phaidon Beach Resort is still comparable to it. The water was so clear as if calling you to swim the moment you arrive. As soon as we enter the resort, we dropped off our things at the cottage and immediately ran off to swim in the enticing beach. 

clear, calm water but beware of sea urchins

Due to our excitement that we were the only ones on the beach, we didn't notice sea urchins lurking in the water. We found one and another and another....they were all just right in front of Phaidon Beach Resort. So, we walked a bit to a vacant property which was said to be owned by Loren Legarda. We also had fun joking around and sharing laughter while doing "photo shoot" sessions. 

Here's a list of what I love about Phaidon Beach Resort:

1. It was not crowded.
2. The place was squeaky clean.
3. It was cozy.
4. We ordered instant coffee priced at PHP 35 per cup, which is reasonable enough (for me).
5. We had the opportunity to take a peek in one of their rooms, and it was nice with a welcoming atmosphere and very clean. 

What I think needs improvement would be:

1. The sea urchins are everywhere. This is due to the fishermen who are on the other side of the property, and they unintentionally bring in the sea urchins as they catch fishes.
2. The lounge area at the beachfront area can be used but charged with a rental fee. I didn't ask for the price anymore. It was just disappointing because if you were a guest for a more extended stay, you'd have to rent the lounge area. That's a bit disappointing.
3. They didn't want us to enter the comfort room after swimming on the beach. It was indirectly implied because the staff kept on pointing out that there was a hose for washing our feet instead of going inside the comfort room.
4. The location of the resort is quite far from the city proper. So, if you want to go someplace, you'll have to rent out their van or have a tricycle rented out for touring around Pandan. 

cottage 1

cottage 2

cottage in front of the resort

veranda

restaurant

lounge area (for rent)

Overall, I find Phaidon Beach Resort a very private and close to a perfect beach bumming escape away from the noisy crowd of Boracay. Another twist in your Visayas region tour. I'd give it a rating of 3.5 out of 5. :)

fishermen in the nearby property

fresh catch

pulling the net

children collecting shells for their dinner

beautiful sunset at Phaidon Beach Resort