Cambodian Heaven: Pavillon D' Orient Part Deux

The lush tropical haven that is Pavillon D' Orient is just the icing on the cake. The sponge cake that holds this hotel confection together are the freebies, the service, and the attention to detail that you get upon checking in. For US$ 100 a night, they managed to pull-out all the essential stuff you need for a hassle-free Cambodian getaway, plus a couple of small niceties thrown in for free.

For starters, we had this uber-comfy bed to come home to every night...

And, it comes with that bed canopy drape that's just very princess-y!

We also had a tea corner, where they put our daily supply of huge water bottles every day.

Every morning, we had a fresh basket of sweet tropical fruits.

And, at night, we had a bedtime story -- of Cambodian legends -- laid out on the bed.

Never mind the grammar though. Its the thought that counts!

On top of this, we still had free buffet breakfast everyday where we get to stuff ourselves with fresh fruits, assorted breads, delish Cambodian mixed fried rice OR Cambodian congee, AND a Continental-style breakfast of eggs and breakfast meats (bacon, ham, sausage).

Photo courtesy of Cla Mallari

Photo courtesy of Cla Mallari

And, free tuktuk rides from sun-up to sun-down going to the Angkor Wat complex...and wherever else in Siem Reap we want! The piece-de-resistance though is the ice chest waiting for us with bottled waters and cold towels. Genius!

Before we left, they gave us scarves and mini Angkor Wat wooden pins as souvenirs!

Awww! How sweet!

How could you not love this place?

For more information on Pavillon D' Orient, visit http://www.pavillon-orient-hotel.com

Cambodian Heaven: Pavillon D' Orient Part Une

Cla, friend and acting tour director, decided to go all out in our Cambodia trip. Instead of booking us in a backpacker hotel, she decided that we needed a slice of heaven to come home to after spending days walking and climbing ruins under the heat of the tropical sun.

And, rightfully so.

Pavillon D' Orient is a boutique hotel with a resort-like feel. You forget that you're in the middle of Cambodia, in a quaint little city very very very far from the sea. Everything smacks of beach elements -- a cornucopia of tropical plants; a profusion of palms; the open-air lobby, resto and hallways; the abundance of wicker furniture...even the pool is salt water! Love, love, loved every bit of this Cambodian paradise! I'm sure you will too!

Check it out:

The Hotel "Lobby"

The pond centerpiece is such a beaut!

Le Planteur -- the hotel's oh-so lovely breakfast nook

The cool salt water pool

The rooms are housed in the aptly called "The Mansion"

Very very beach-y!

For more information on Pavillon D' Orient, visit http://www.pavillon-orient-hotel.com

Note: All pictures from Pavillon D' Orient website http://www.pavillon-orient-hotel.com

The Long but Not-Winding Road to Siem Reap

From Phnom Penh onwards, the beauty Cambodia is renowned for slowly emerges. Every few kilometers, we were greeted by the sight of a temple. Some were old and gray and brown with crumbling facades and overgrown with weeds. Some were like freshly minted coin, all bright and shiny all over. But, old or new, they were all hauntingly beautiful.



Once we've hit the last few hours of the trip, the road gets rough, dirty and dusty due to road constructions. Scenery becomes blah once more -- rice fields, small wooden houses, small roadside shops -- typical scenery you find in the Philippines (of course, if I were from the West, these would surely captivate me).


By the 10th hour, I was already crazy with boredom...and this was coming from a person who made 8-hour bus trips weekly for 2 straight years! I have drained my iPod's battery. Read the Cambodia, Vietnam, and even the Laos and Yunnan province sections of my Lonely Planet guidebook. Dozed. And, made meaningful and senseless conversations with friends.

By 8:00 PM (or about 12 hours or so later), the gods have finally heeded my call: we have FINALLY reached Siem Reap. By this time, I was tired and wilted that I just couldn't muster the energy to be excited.

Oh well.

But tomorrow is a different story.


Note: Photos taken by my friend, Cla, using the Hipstamatic application of her iPhone.

6 Hours Later...Phnom Penh!

6 hours later, we've arrived at our halfway point, Phnom Penh. Here, we would have to transfer to the bus that would take us to Siem Reap. Since we only had 30 minutes before the Siem Reap bus arrives, we didn't dare go elsewhere.

Boredom started to sink in. So I decided to while away the time out on the street, experimenting with my Starburst Lens (or, as my dad calls it, the "uglymizer"). I still think it has its charms.

Judge for yourself...

"Before" Starburst

"After" Starburst

"Before" Starburst

"After" Starburst

"Before" Starburst

"After" Starburst

Untouched Scenery

Only 6 more hours to go! Then, its "Hello, Siem Reap!"

Touchdown, Cambodia!

Okaaay....So, we didn't technically touched down at Cambodia since there was no direct Cebu Pacific flight going to either Siem Reap or Pnomh Penh.

So, from Ho Chi Minh, we had to take the bus going to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

And, it was a whopping 14-hour trip!

Now, I'm a veteran of looong bus rides since I commuted almost every week from Manila to Naga for two and a half years. Naga is just, oh, an 8-hour bus ride from Manila. It could be done in 6-hours if you had a cluelessly reckless, cranked-up bus driver. Or, it could stretch into a frustrating 12-hour ride if you made the mistake of taking the day trip, no thanks to the traffic!

Knowing is half the battle. And, boy! Do. I. Know.

So I came prepared with a fully-charged iTouch, installed with tons of songs, the Guns N' Roses "Use Your Illusion" Live in Tokyo Concert (a two-part rock extravaganza!), and a few nonsensical games (this was pre-Angry Birds so the games were boooring!). I also had my trusty Lonely Planet guide book, which I hadn't fully absorbed. Plus, I was traveling in the company of good friends so I was sure that we could keep the convos coming to while away the time.

We took the Mekong Express Limousine Bus, which according to locals, was a trustworthy bus line. Limousine, this ain't. And, a far cry from Isarog (my favorite Manila-Naga bus line) with their Lazy Boy seats. But it was decent and fairly clean and had all the basics covered -- A/C with just the right temperature and not freee-brrr-eeezing cold like the ones of Philtranco; and a clean, odorless toilet.

And, the best part? They served two good pastry pieces as light snack.

All these for US $20. And, that's round-trip already!

---------

The bus ride started out fine. On top of the light snacks provided by the bus line, we were also given banh mi and banana that the thoughtful hostel OIC packed as a send-off. So, I was a very happy girl.

The first leg (6 hours) of the trip was slow. Not much scenery to take your breath away. A few hours down the line, we had already reached Bavet -- the entry point of Cambodia if you're coming by land from Ho Chi Minh.

Be warned: the immigration offices in these parts are pure chaos. The queueing system is an alien concept here. If you're not vigilant, expect a person to unknowingly cut in front of you and invade your personal space. I say "unknowingly." Forgive them for they do not know what transgression they do. This is the norm. Just hold your ground and you're assured that you will reach the end of the line non-line.

Say WAT?

I remember getting an urgent message from my friend, Clarisse, asking me if I wanted to go to Vietnam and that I have to give my response ASAP and pay for the fare that very evening since Cebu Pacific was offering a promo fare.

I didn't even think twice. The answer was pretty obvious for a woman with a thirst for wanderlust.

YES!

It was January when we booked it but flight was still in June.

Not that I was complaining. Living on a third-world salary, it meant more time to save up.

And, of course, more time to sift through tons of travel info for the best deals and the hidden gems.

So, I turn to my quintessential travel bible -- The Lonely Planet.

Didn't see a solid Lonely Planet Vietnam guide book. But, what I saw was way better.

I saw this...

4-in-1!

Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the Greater Mekong Region (which includes Northern Thailand and Southern China!)!

Awesome!

When our travel group met up again a few months down the line for dinner, Clarisse announced that we weren't really going to Vietnam. It was just our jumping point to get to our real travel destination...Cambodia!

No complaints from me. I've always wanted to see Angkor Wat (hello, "35 Before 35" bucket list!). And, with this trip, I could finally scratch it 0ff like an item in a TeuxDeux list!

Someday no more!

C.

Life is a Verb

Okay...

Its been a long time since I updated my blog. Work took up my weekdays...and nights! And, on weekends, I sleep for 12-14 hours and, basically, do nothing. In between, I watch Eat Bulaga (I just love the humor of Vic and Joey) and criticize the strategies of the contestants of Pinoy Henyo...discovering in the process that most contestants are weakest in geography and don't know which provinces are in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Or, pass away the time paying bills and trying on clothes and blowing hard-earned cash in Forever 21 in SM Megamall. Or, grocery-shopping at SM Hypermarket.

But, don't dismiss me and my project yet. In the midst of the chaos of work and the calmness of weekends, I've managed to scratch off (or about to scratch off) some items on my list.

Gaining the momentum with all these developments, which I lost along the way, I'm all fired up and ready to report.

So, expect regular updates again!

But, if ever I don't become as diligent, remember, life is a verb. Its always better to live it.

C.

Make Me Over

Ever since I discovered the wonders that a simple black eyeliner can do for one's looks, I've never gone out on a night out without one. When I went to the US for a 6-month stay and with make-up fiends for friends, I was indoctrinated to wear make-up everyday. By their example and encouragement, I took the plunge...at the MAC cosmetics counter at Macy's. I was just supposed to find a new black eyeliner pencil (of course!) but the friendly make-up artist behind the counter offered a free make-over. How can one resist such an offer? So, my purchase extended to three eye shadows (Orb, Brownstone, and Print), an eye shadow base, and an eye shadow brush (blend like a pro!). Then I started visiting Sephora and discovered the magic of highlighters...and other fantabulous make-up brands that I never knew existed (Benefit, Bare Escentuals, etc). Thus, began my love affair with rogues and paints.

Joining The Body Shop many years down the line from that US trip has intensified my love for make-up. I just take five steps from my desk to the Training Department's area and get made up by a pro! Or, if I'm out in the mall, I just pop into one of our stores and the make-up artist in residence will take the reins. Plus, employees got additional discount so buying quality make-up -- brushes, basics, and limited editions -- was made easy.

Now that I know the rudiments of basic make-up application (or so I think), I wanted to level up by learning how to put it on like a pro...and be more creative and adventurous in my colors and make-up style. Later on, I want to be the go-to person of family and friends for their make-up needs during special occasions. Then, maybe earn on the side as well.

I've decided to check myself into a class to see if I've got my basics right. So, I enrolled at the Personal Make-Up Application workshop offered by CAS (Center for Aesthetic Studies) last May 22. Every workshop has a make-up sponsor. And, for that day, as fate would have it, it was MAC (As make-up sponsor, all products to be used in the workshop will be provided by MAC).

The lecturer was Ms. Mari Wild who was trained in the UK. She was really funky. And her lipstick application of MAC's Russian Red was flawless. She imparted a lot of easy-to-follow make-up tips and tricks. However, given that the workshop will only run for 4 hours, the hands-on make-up application felt rushed. We were a relatively small class of 11 students. But with only 2 instructors on hand -- Mari and Owen Sarmiento from MAC -- there was not just enough time to guide everyone on the step-by-step process of make-up application. Since some of my classmates had no personal make-up application experience, I felt that they would need more the solid guidance than I do. Thus, I would apply my make-up one-by-one and have them check my technique. Seems to be that I'm on par with everything except for the blush (I don't put enough. It should still be visible even when you're 5 feet away.) and my eye-lining (Don't go way into the outer corner of the eyes or it'll create an impression of a messy application.). I also have decent eye-shadow application technique but needed a better brush for flawless application (I was not using the MAC eye shadow brush for this workshop) and put more contrast to my color choices. Otherwise, I was good to go.

Here's the make-up look I created...

It was a good workshop although it fell a bit short of my expectations. I was expecting a really thorough step-by-step application demo. But maybe its not possible given that we had to squeeze in a lecture and hands-on application in just 4 hours. I was also expecting more techniques. I already knew most of the items that were discussed so I was really itching that we move along. Having been a solid make-up user for so many years now and working for The Body Shop has elevated my knowledge and technique. Since this workshop catered to those who have no or little experience with make-up, I was, most likely, "overqualified" for this and would probably be more challenged in an intermediate / advanced course.

Now that I know how a make-up class / workshop goes, I'd really like to enroll in a make-up course. I have yet to determine if CAS is the make-up school for me. There are still other make-up schools out there so I guess I'll drop by in those one of these days and find out.

In the meantime, happy graduation from the beginner level for me!

...and, the First Step We Shall Make!

So, I've just attended the NUS MBA Roadshow and have gathered the necessary information about the program.

Next step is to find out similar information from other schools I'm interested to attend so I can all lay them out and compare and decide which program I really want and need.

These are my list of schools so far:

1. NUS - MBA
   
2. NTU - MBA or MA in Marketing
   
3. Loyola School of Chicago - Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications
   
4. West Virginia University - Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications (Online)
   
5. Leeds Metropolitan University - Masters in Events Management (Online)
   

My goal is to post relevant information about all these schools and programs by the end of May so I can prepare my application requirements et al. 

Also, if any of you know or have heard any information about these schools and/or their programs, whether positive or negative, please drop a line.  Who knows?  It just might be the tipping point.  : )  

 

The Road to an MA: Attending the NUS MBA Roadshow in Manila

Went to the NUS MBA Roadshow at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel earlier today.

The Roadshow started with a demo lecture on Mergers and Acquisitions by Professor Andrew Delios from the Department of Business Policy.

Now, Mergers and Acquisitions or M&As is a really complicated subject (not to mention boring!). So, I wasn't really keen on sitting in this mock class especially on a hot Saturday afternoon. But, I was surprised by Prof. Delios' lecture. He eased you into the subject matter so as to eliminate any feelings of intimidation one might have about M&As. After all, M&As is akin to a high-stakes numbers game -- but with financial statements, stocks analysis, graphs and charts instead. Once you're comfortable with the subject matter, he started presenting the requisite percentages, graphs and charts. But it was presented in such a clear and concise manner that made it easy to follow and understand. Therefore, one can go straight to the heart of M&A issues. It was really interesting stuff...that I had to control the urge to whip out my notebook and take down notes. And, that's a first when it comes to financial subjects and issues because they really bore the hell out of me. And, any guy who can make me interested in such a boring subject matter is definitely topnotch!

After the demo lecture, we had a 10-minute break where light snacks were served (yay!). I ate 1 pc of the Mango-Chicken Salad Croissant, 1 pc of Samosa with 2 dipping sauces, 2 pcs of the Smoked Salmon thingamajig (forgot what its called), an extremely small cup of Creme Brulee, an extremely small square of strawberry cheesecake, and an extremely small Strawberry Tart. I just couldn't resist! After all, one does not get to eat hotel food everyday. I did try to control my portions so I can stay within my diet (and, dinner was still cereal).

After the break, we got back on the road with the NUS MBA Program Orientation. It was delivered by Mr. Edwin Lim, the Marketing and Admissions Manager of NUS Business School. In a nutshell, he discussed why NUS Business School is the way to go, the NUS MBA program and double degree MBA programs, application and admission requirements, and other FAQs.

-----

Based from what I have gleaned from this seminar as well as from my research, I like NUS Business School (aside from the fact that it is in Singapore) due to the following reasons:

1. It is globally-ranked and globally-recognized 
   
2. It has an international faculty whose members have acquired PhDs from top universities in the world
   
3. It has an excellent Career Services Office, which is devoted to placing their students / graduates in top corporations
   
4. It offers Study Trips, Internships, and Exchange Programs to enhance the students' knowledge and experience
   
5. It has a wide range of double degree MBA programs in different universities in Asia and Europe (particularly Paris, France)
   

Below are additional information about the NUS MBA Program:

Students are required to get a specialization in one of the following fields:

• Strategy and Organization 
• Marketing 
• Finance  
• Healthcare Management 
• Real Estate 

Full-Time students are given 17 months (1 year and 5 months) to finish the program.

Part-Time students are given a maximum of 72 months (6 years) to finish the program.

Entry requirements are:

• a good Bachelors Degree
  
• a good GMAT Score (600s and above)
  
• at least 2 years post-university, full-time work experience
  
• TOEFL / IELTS Score*
  

* Graduates from the Philippines are exempted from taking the TOEFL and IELTS since medium of instruction in the country is in English

Competition to get into the NUS MBA Program is tough. According to Mr. Lim, out of the 5,000 applications, only 700 are shortlisted for interview. Out of the 700, only 100+ will be accepted into the program.

They claim that they try to be fair in the screening process and  get well-rounded students. Hence, they do not just use college grades or GMAT scores as sole basis for acceptance in the program. Work experience is just as important as well.

Tuition fee for the whole program is S$50,000 or approximately P1.5 Million (payable in 3 semesters for full-time students and 5 semesters for part-time students).  

They do realize that the tuition fee is a cause of major concern for students in "developing economies."  Yet,  they recommend that students who have not yet mapped out their finances should still go ahead and apply. Once a student gets in, they are optimistic that the student will find ways and pull through the required tuition fees...  

All that matters is that you take the first step. 

For more information, visit the NUS Business School website.

Road to an MA: The NUS MBA Roadshow in Manila

It seems that the stars are conspiring to help me. 

Because coming to Manila this April 17, Saturday, is the NUS (National University of Singapore) MBA Roadshow.

And, being the good, focused, and determined girl (or should I say woman) that I am, I have already registered.

I really want to get my MA / MBA in an Ivy League university in North America but its horrendously expensive given our Third World cost of living. So, I would gladly settle for an MA / MBA in a Singaporean university since their programs are at par with those in North America and Europe. It's not horrendously expensive (just expensive!). And, definitely workable. Especially, since I also plan to work in Singapore some time in the future. 

I'll find out exactly how workable it is on Saturday. 

Tomorrow just keeps getting better and better!

Day 1 of The 14-Day Nestle Fitnesse Meal Plan

Went grocery shopping last night to buy toiletries and weight-friendly food to kick start my goal to have a bikini-body. 

I've tried a few diets, including the infamous Master Cleanser Diet a.k.a. The Lemonade Diet. Basically, you just chug down lemonade sweetened with real maple syrup and a dash of cayenne pepper for about 10 days. I lasted for 3 days before I surrendered (I still have a very expensive bottle of grade B maple syrup gathering dust in my food shelf). With nothing but lemonade for sustenance, I felt weak and faint during those 3 days of hell. Not advisable for people who have work or are always out-and-about. And, I work and I'm always out-and-about. So, I need a diet that requires food. Because food = energy. 

Then, I discovered the Nestle Fitnesse Cereal and their 14-day promise. Looking at the suggested meal plan at the back of the carton, it didn't look too unreasonable. 

I mean I love cereal, I love milk, I love fruit, I love yogurt, I love some vegetables. How hard can it be, right? Well, we'll soon find out coz today is Day 1 of the 14-Day Nestle Fitnesse Meal Plan. No backing out now coz I've already invested in 2 boxes: Honey & Almond and Fruit. 

And, to gauge the effectiveness of the diet, we've got to have quantitative measurable data as basis. 

So, here come's the dreaded weigh-in result...

A shocking 140 lbs! 

Gosh, I really need to start this diet. STAT!

Turning 30

There is something about turning 30 that depresses the hell out of everyone. Probably because its the halfway point of one's life. You're not young, you're not old either. But, by this time, you should have done a LOT of things. You should have an established professional life, financially healthy, traveled extensively, and/or have started a family. Well, that's what most people think anyways. 

Me? I'm quite satisfied with the first 30 years of my life in spite of how different it is from an average thirty-year-old's. Oh, there are things I wish I would've done differently. But, of course, you can't undo the past. Besides, if I took the other route, I wouldn't be where I am right now. And, I believe I am in a pretty good place (although my parents probably think otherwise!). But, it definitely has lots of room for improvement. 

I have danced through life to the beat of my own drums. And, I will continue to live it that way. But, that's not to say that I should just continue dillydallying. Life is too short. And, there are just so many things to do, places to see, books to read, music to listen to, films and plays to watch, and food to eat to fit it all in just one lifetime. Hence, THE LIST.

THE LIST basically consists of the non-negotiables that I want to achieve as well as other fun, frivolous things that I feel will make my life a blast...or the next 5 years, anyways. 

May this project inspire you to draft your own list and, most importantly, to live it as well. 

Cheers!