ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET

Angsana Laguna, Phuket is located in scenic Bang Tao Bay, Phuket’s most coveted resort address.

Just 20 minutes from bustling Phuket Town

and the Phuket International Airport,

lies the contemporary beachfront resort

with unrivalled access to the emerald waters

of the Andaman Sea.

- www.angsana.com/en/phuket/ -

Angsana Laguna Phuket features vibrant and stylish rooms and facilities designed for the dynamic cosmopolitan traveller. Rust and lavender are its hues giving you that relaxed, earthly feel as it nestles on the green landscape in the middle of the blue waters giving you an oasis in a lagoon as you view it from the top.

Angsana Laguna, Phuket
(top view)

If you'd see the date at the bottom, it was booked on
October 3 when our flight is Nov. 7-12...

My husband who hated flying opted for a 2 hour trip at least for our honeymoon and so I ended up researching on good places to stay in Phuket. I stumbled into this serene resort offering the best package for the whole 7 days we have to spare. With full trust in ZUJI, I checked their package online and it offered a Laguna Room overlooking different views depending on your liking: the beach-designed common pool, the lagoon or the beautiful landscape that surrounds the resort, not to mention it comes with daily breakfast. As the countdown approaches to our actual trip, I always check out the photos which made my anticipation truly at its highest level.

But an omen makes its debut...

Three days before we depart, I checked on our booking, reservations and transportation when Angsana Laguna's reception desk itself, gave me a totally stressful time saying our booking doesn't exist, there's no such reference number and that they are not partners with ZUJI! I was so furious. I booked it a month ago?! So, I had to call ZUJI in between my shows and there you go, ZUJI to the rescue, cleared it out, contacted me back and gave me a go signal once again that Angsana just misunderstood the reservation process. I must say that wasn't a good start already on the resort's behalf. In an attempt not to dwell on the negative, I had let it go. Anyway, it was amended by the staff and everything went fine.

We flew in via Thai Airways. And I give that airlines 5 stars for their service. I never liked airplane food but they served it with good bread and dessert. The flight crew was genuinely accommodating and can speak good, proper English. The comfort that goes with it was superb (not bad for ECONOMY class). The interior is already good as far as how the seats are wide enough but the colors whisper the word "RELAX..." and that's what most of the airlines lack. You see, I have to emphasize on the "comfotable seats" because my husband is a Samoan and he always complains about it and this is one of the reasons why he hates flying. Without bias, I recommend this airline for your 3 hour, 23 minutes of flying from Hong Kong to Phuket. It will be worth your every penny. We didn't experience any delays to and from Hong Kong too.

Thai Airways - Economy Class
They don't force 4 seats in the middle, hence giving more
space for people in the Economy Class to feel more comfortable.

Phuket Airport, is swarmed with taxi services, package stays that are truly tempting and it's up to you if you'd go for it or not. Most have booked it online before they left their country of origin but my husband and I had set ourselves to a "go-with-the-flow" move. We didn't want to program our day as the tours dictate (leaving early in the morning to go see the islands, reserve an entire day for tour or choosing the shows to watch right then and there). We exchanged our moola first to Thai Baht and we are very much surprised that their rates are even better than Hong Kong's. We regret exchanging a few thousands back here when it's hassle free to have it changed in Phuket.

Going out, all taxis in Phuket look like private vehicles. They have no meter and they just charge you with a fixed price. Depending on the location (and most probably, skin color or status - if you're a tourist or a local), there is a corresponding price as per trip. It is pretty pricey. One way from the airport maybe around 450 let's say to Patong Beach. But originally, it is just around 400 (during Novermber, 2013 experience), then 2 way is 700 if you're going to ride the same taxi. Our experience of the first taxi ride in Phuket got extended as our driver brought us to an agency that she probably gets commission from if her guests would book tourist packages from them. Yet again, my husband and I just wanted to settle first in the hotel. So, she had no luck with us. We had to request her to just go straight where we asked her to bring us the first time. Yes, drivers there are both women and men.

Upon reaching the hotel, a 10,000 Baht deposit was asked as identification had been checked corresponding to the reservation made. Just like how majority of the hotels are, they just had to collect deposit when our paper (printed confirmation for our reservation) "actually" said (sent by ZUJI),

• "The package prices shown above do not include service charges, resort fees, child fees, or any other incidentals unless otherwise noted. Any incidental charges at your hotel (parking, phone calls, room service, energy, or any additional surcharges) will be handled directly between you and the hotel."

I always check stuff like this just to be sure so I followed it. We didn't set aside an additional 10k Baht for it so we had to spare some of our cash for the said amount. It was all good because we thought it's going to be easy to do room service with it anyways. We just had to change our money again once we get in the city.

Here we go, welcoming drinks were given as they prepared the room for us. That was H-E-A-V-E-N!!! Anklets were given for a souvenir and we were given hot facial towels. The drink was Thailand's rose lavender tea - very very refreshing! From Thai aiways, all the way to Angsana Laguna Phuket the hues: brown, purple combined with the sea, the sand and the sun is very very relaxing for me. Hogan said the place looked nice. Though as we were brought to our room, we noticed something old about the interior and that somehow of the entire building. We're sure it's newly built but so many parts of it aren't maintained and were not well kept.

The biggest disappointment happened (and this was during the first day). The idea is, we are on our HONEYMOON for crying out loud and this was how the beds were.

Twin beds on our honeymoon? So SWEET!!!! Hahahaha!

So we called the front desk immediately and had asked to change it. Options were, to change it into a king sized bed or transfer us to another "Laguna Room". The next call said the only option is to bring the beds together since they have no available king sized bed at the moment and that all Laguna rooms are occupied. But I made them understand that how can this be when I did the reservation a month ago. They reasoned out to us that the particular time we are there is considered the peak amongst Russian visitors. So, the 40 sqm Deluxe Laguna room that we found so inviting upon booking was not given justice when we got there. Most of the time, we can't help but just go, "OHMMMMM!!!!" Hahahaha! Additional expectation had gone downscale when some of the amenities didn't meet our satisfaction meter either. Here is a copied list from their website of the said amenities:

•40 LCD TV


•Audio system

•Dual line telephone (inclusive of voice mail) / IDD Telephone

•Unlimited High-Speed Wireless Internet Access

•In-room electronic safe

•Mini-bar

This was how it was presented beautifully online.

•Tea and coffee-making facilities

•Hairdryer

•Bathrobes and slippers

•Complimentary daily newspaper (local)

•24 Hour room service

•Complimentary bottled water

•Pillow selection menu

•Angsana Signature Collection Amenities

•Writing Desk

•Private furnished balcony

•Nightly turndown service

•Individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fan

•Sealy Posturepedic mattress

•Floor to ceiling sliding window doors

•Sunken bathtub (selected rooms)

•Non-smoking rooms available

Allow me to mention specially the following:



Their pouch was complete
and hotels which uses Colgate for
their toothpaste supply is always
a thumbs up for me.

Posturepedic mattresses are a zero. Since they had to put together the beds, we had to sleep uncomfortably for the whole stay because of the gap. We were together when we were about the sleep but come morning of the next day, we are separated already owning our good side of the bed, which is far apart. Unacceptable most especially if your guests had booked it for their honeymoon and a month ahead.

Tea and coffe - making facilities were nowhere to be found.

We were never given no pillow selection moment;

nor no delivery of daily newspaper happened.

Angsana Signature Collection Amenities were rad I must say. They were checked everyday and refilled everyday. They had left instructions asking to leave the pouch behind though so, I realized, there was really no signatured amenity, was there? Because all of those were disposable anyways. The towelette? No, you can't take that.

Slippers that were given were old and was used before I'm sure. Being labeled as a 5 star resort/hotel, it should at least be wrapped in a dry cloth labeled, ""SANITIZED" but, it was pretty "maputim" (English translation: Beige in colour but has that blackish look around the edges).

Not included in the list that we found faulty were the bedside lamps (which needed repair so badly), hair dryer (so old, it smells like it's burning when used) and the Elephant displays that you may notice to be hanged over the bed's head board. They light up when you put out all the lights. But the other one on the right when we were there was not working at all. Sigh.... I was patient that time but my husband was saying, "Oh no! You just gave my wife something to write." And I just laughed.

We ordered room service to calm us down and we planned to go out to the mall for dinner for our first night. Hogan started becoming comfortable and he checked the bar right away, went for a dip in the pool while I plug our laptop to check the internet connection and to put on some party music. Unpacked, showered, took some photos and checked itineraries online. I also planned a day for us to check the place. My husband and I were pretty booked the entire Halloween with a lot of shows 'til midnight before this vacation had happened. We know that we have the whole 7 days for it so we really reserved a day to check on what's good to see, eat and witness in Phuket upon reaching our hotel rather than spend a lot of time doing that at home. Our maid in honour, Aima and her family too were coming to Phuket so we reserved a day to get together with them for her birthday. So all set with itineraries. All of a sudden, room service comes offering this at hand with the apologetic card.

I find it sincere, yes. But we are talking about a 5-star hotel and as I am knowledgeable that there are 184 Laguna Rooms all over the resort, it was pretty disappointing that they can't even transfer us into a better room. My husband doesn't even like wine. So, yes, 3/4's were mine alone. I was also thinking what if we were totally non-alcoholic drinkers? It didn't solve that much dissatisfaction with just a bottle wine, did it?

Happy on your honeymoon?
I find it as a commanding statement.
It ain't wishing us a happy one at all.

Seriously, I personally thought of asking for a reimbursement and just go and rebook another venue but, it was prepaid already and it stated in our documents that it emphasised about the NO RETURN, NO EXCHANGE POLICY. It left us with no choice. And speaking of having no choice, every time they would clean the room, they always leave this "Save the Earth" souvenir. I think they left 3 or 4 in our room. I thought that was a token since we faithfully kept our hotel towels well hanged since we wanted to be environment friendly. We didn't know it was this "Green Imperative Fund" worth 30 Baht in our bill. I find it a scam because of the very nature that we didn't choose to have that, nor were we oriented about this. My husband just let go of it instead of it being a source of STRESS!

But then we can't control the situation,

let's control how we look at it.

I took a breather so Hogan and I went and hang by the veranda, a beautiful view awaits. A swimming pool surrounds the entire resort and gives it the lagoon vibe. Complete with cozy sunbathing chairs where you can lounge on to get a good sun, a bar also was built in the middle for easy access to cater you with refreshments. We loved it particularly because of the barista that served us. And you need not worry about bringing cash with you as you can just charge it up to your hotel room tab.

Coming out of our veranda, this is our view from center to the right side.

The bar in the middle of the extensive pool's length.
Visible from the room.

Photo op with the baby elephant having a morning stroll around the resort.

Our first day had passed and the next morning, we went and check out the breakfast buffet. Russians swarmed the place. It was a pretty setup most especially when the sun shines bright and welcomes you along with the blue lagoon. You can choose a romantic spot for two outdoors or get hold of the wide array of food indoors as you sit closely by it. I was continuously researching on my husband's thoughts and expectations.  He said, the food was basically the same everyday. I enjoyed it since I went for different choices every morning. Compared to him, he always resorts to eating bacon, omelette and fruits. Probably he didn't see anything that much appealing but congee, oatmeal and different kinds of bread were served. Which he has no preference of. Angsana is popular amongst families going on holidays because of the fun experiences that await not only the adults but also the kids. If you are a morning person, there may be a chance for you to encounter their pet baby elephants that go for a walk, shower and feeding during this time of the day and late afternoon. That was actually something you don't see everyday. They are playful as well and are harmless. We could tell that they are very well taken care of and are not restrained in any way so we were alright with that. Both my Hogan and I are animal lovers and we hate animal abuse of any sort. Breakfast is served from 6-10am. The good points go to the full out choices for juices, bread and freshly cooked omelette.

Angsana breakfast

The resort's interior is amazing and so were the spa treatments. With staff pursuing you to buy Angsana properties every morning though were annoying. But in general, we loved our stay there. It's not about anything else but it was a fun relaxing time with my husband and we are more than grateful for having a smooth, safe trip. We were hesitant to post pictures back then because the Haiyan typhoon was happening at the same time.

Like how I described it earlier, it is a huge resort. You can book this ride at the frot desk (first come, first served) if you desire to go to a restaurant or any location within the vicinity.

The lagoon stretches out to 4 to 5 mini piers with 2 bamboo rafts sailing every 20 minutes to bring you to different sides of the resort. We tried to ride it to get into the beach front and it was again a very relaxing experience. It makes you forget the fast paced life of the city and it calms your mind and body with all the trees and clear waters at view.

Here are the other memorable shots around the resort.

This was late in the afternoon when we spotted the baby elephant
playing with the people by the volleyball court.
I was actually scared to go near because it was so playful
at that time so I just had the just with him in the background.
We don't want a honeymoon turned disastrous Hahahaha!

With Aima, our maid of honour by our veranda.
November babies ready to watch Phuket Phantasea.

Behind Hogan is the lounge bar.
It plays super mellow music at night even on a Saturday.
A resort for the "family" - check!
No LOUD music.

Infinity pool

Safety precautions is a must.
So, this was an A+.

Cheers!!!

Room service is always the best!

This is a stairway that extends from the lobby to
an outdoor view of the resort extending to the beach.
Very good place for meditation, reflection
and photo op. Hehehehe!

Angsana lobby

Now, we are expecting our baby and my husband said, he would want to come back and give it another chance. He likes how serene it is. We both took the opportunity to relax from work and it helped us gain strength in preparation for our little budding family. Rest from those 7 days did us both good since we really planned for a little one during the same month.

Last night of seafood indulgence by the beach.

Frankly, if you'd book Angsana, you would want to be ready with your cash at hand. It takes a taxi ride to go to destinations outside the resort. So, access to money exchange with desired rate may be limited. They have an international atm machine within the vicinity though. But of course, to avoid international fees to be paid upon atm card usage, bringing right amount of cash is still better.

If you're going to ride the taxi every time, it wouldn't be so practical. There was a mentioned shuttle service but this just covers the entirety of the whole 4 resorts but if you'd go to Patong and everywhere else, you may have to take a cab or a tuktuk outside the resort's gates. 

Souvenir shops were also at bay. There are old women offering massage services that may cost from 200-700 Baht depending on the kind of massage you want. The setup is the same as how they have in Boracay.

This is how the beach looks like by Angsana, very very beautiful.

Also, restaurants inside Angsana Laguna are costly while the pub restaurants by the beach (which is already outside its borders) offer delicious seafood meals and authentic Thai delicacies. It's also a bonus that you don't just engulf good seafood but also, the serenity the seaside offers. The sound of the waves are soothing, the cold wind mesmerising, and my husband was a beautiful sight so the time given to us to spend there is incomparable. It's actually our first trip that it's just us alone. It's usually with friends or to visit family.

So, to some of you who probably may have stumbled on this post researching about Angsana Laguna, Phuket, I have pretty much shared the stuff you needed to know. This was just really too long to put in the reviews at Tripadvisor so... there you go! It's that season of holiday trips again and you might consider Phuket as your next destination. Post about the activities we did will come soon.

Related posts:
1. BORACAY 2013 - Our stay at Microtel, Boracay
2. THE GROVE - a movie experience around L.A.
3. 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT HONG KONG - How I see it while living here for 7 years now.

SO THAI SO GOOD

Looking for a good Thai restaurant? Tsing Yi got "So Thai So Good" and it lives to its name with their not just decorative dishes but also flavourful ones that will surely take you aback. One rainy night, my husband was craving for something explosive in the mouth without letting go of what's familiar, particularly, seafood. His palate's cravings were not disappointed in coming to this place.

Maritime Square, situated at 33 Tsing King Road is the first mall in Hong Kong to adopt an ocean  and navigation design theme for its interior. It is a home of 150 shops and on the 3rd floor of this 500,000 square feet mall is where  "So Thai So Good" is located.


As you reach the mall via the Tsing Yi MTR station, you will not miss the dainty restaurant on the third because it exudes a homey feel that can capture a passerby's interest. Because of how simple the colors are and how the price of their food is readily available to be checked out by the entrance, it becomes attractive to  people from different walks of life. I like how it's clean, it's different from the rest of the restaurants and that the decorative pots are in Tiffany Blue. Fancy!

Pai Thai in Tamarind Sauce with River Prawn - HK$85

More than the decor though is the food. To start off, that stormy night (hence my rain boots and extra jacket in Summer), they had a buy one, take one on any yogurt smoothie which was fantastic with the Poly boys' taste. It's refreshing and milky sweet. This aided the spicy 'Pai Thai' in Tamarind Sauce with River Prawn that I ordered. As we all know, milk soothes a burnt tongue faster than anything. So, this was just a perfect match. Some of the hit flavours were blueberry, mango, strawberry, banana hazelnut, citron, green apple, peach, mango coconut, chocolate and banana. It's interesting how it came in bottles of fresh milk because it gives it a rustic ranch plating. It looks clean and classy too.

Cardoman Galangal Beef - HK$85

The Cardamon Galangal Beef served sizzling hot was also a bit spicy but the meat was very tender and tasty. The vegetables were served fresh but cooked. It came with a serving of rice and I believe with an additional cup of rice, it can serve two people. May I suggest that you share as a group with all of these orders because pretty sure, it can serve more than one.

One of us wanted to try the fried pork knuckle
served over the rice but my husband and I died
as this dish came. It was that good.

It's simple but the fish was meaty, juicy and sweet. It came with a spicy fish sauce that took us back to our honeymoon days in Phuket. And that being said, with "So Thai So Good"'s aim of bringing East dishes to combine with Western taste and decor, we took it with a light heart and a full tummy with two thumbs up with everything that we ordered with a reasonable prize.

From the appetisers, down to their desserts, it's promising enough for another definite visit. The cafe restaurant is open from 11am to 11pm, separate from the closing hours of other shops in Maritime Square. A heads up for foodies who may want to try this that they could get crowded during peak hours. With a seating capacity of  only 90, expect that you will line up during lunch and dinner times.

Home-made potato wedges
with Cheese and chilli mayo

So Thai So Good is one of the 30 restaurants representing cuisines from the Mediterranean, Korea, Southeast Asia and China that King Parrot Group had put up. Established in 1992, they aim to give quality food, excellent service and beautifully themed and designed ambience for an exquisite dining experience. King Parrot Group has been the leading company in providing best themed restaurants all around Hong Kong with 23 years of experience in the business.

Check out this gem after checking out Bershka, Zara or Uniqlo for a unique blend of Thai and Western fusion cuisine with home made coffee and bread for a finale.


Related posts:
1. ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET - Planning a getaway trip for a good massage, food and scenery? Check out why we loved every day of our 7-day honeymoon at Angsana Laguna.

2. MREandMISST EXPERIENCE IN PLATE CULTURE - Expand your foodie world into a new sublime experience where the chef walks you thru every bite you take. Check out my experience at Mr. E and Miss T's rooftop.

3. SIZZLER - Thailand has its share of good restaurants and I highly recommend Sizzler for its salad bar, big servings and prompt service. It lives up to its name for its viands are relatively spicy but hey, you're in Thailand! It's their specialty. Let your palate sizzle!

MISS UNIVERSE 2015

I am dedicating a post to my friend, Nia Sanchez for tonight, she is competing with 87 other women from different countries for the title of Miss Universe 2015. Nia, being one of the crowd's favorites, is representing USA. I've known her for the class, elegance and humility she owns and I'm wishing her the best of luck.

With that being said, I encourage you, my readers to accept your own flaws. Once you do, that's when you'll see your real beauty. Don't settle for being "perfect". This is a word that is SO easy to be given away by people who can't think of anything but. You've got to have a word. Choose it, own it, live it. You can do it weekly. Set a day where you figure out a goal that needs to be accomplished and set the word for it.

My DIY Mondays are dedicated to self-empowerment. After all, it's the best Do-it-yourself task we could ever do. I choose the word, "ELEGANT" for this week with Miss Nia's portrayal in mind and heart. She had set a very good example and I am truly proud of her.

NBC features the Miss Universe Pageant LIVE tonight in Miami. (This morning in Asia).

Related posts:
1. SAMANTHA ROSE SCOTT FEAUSI - a post featuring a top international Rugby player in Hong Kong

2. SUMMER IS HERE! - a post featuring Nia Sanchez competing for the title of Miss USA last year.

3. ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET - a post featuring this world class resort where my husband and I had our honeymoon spent.

DIY LIP BALM

I used to pay a fortune for my lip balm. But now, I can choose the most natural ingredients possible for some pucker protection at a minimal cost!

I am so excited to share with you about the lip blaming workshop I've attended but before we go straight to this instructional post, it's better to have a brief understanding of what is a LIP BALM and what is its importance.

Anatomy of the Human Lips

The surface of our lips is made up of a very thin layer of skin. Underneath this thin layer of skin is a network of tiny blood vessels, hence its red plump nature. This "Red Margin" separates the keratinized area from the oral mucosa. The skin of the lips doesn't have sebaceous glands nor does it sweat because of the absence of sweat glands. It lacks the ability to lock-in moisture unlike the rest of the skin of our body and it constantly needs getting wet. Hence, it becomes prone to dryness and getting chapped. Wetting it with saliva is the most natural way. But due to the food that we eat and vices that we adapt (smoking), sometimes, it adds up to harming our lips more than keeping it safe. As part of the integumentary system which is basically the first line of defense of the body against harmful microorganisms, it's just right to take care of it. 

Now, a lip balm is another way of helping the lips stay moist. It is a coat applied to the lips to help it lock in moisture with the use of the fingers upon application. With certain essential oils, topical vitamin E and flavor added to it, it helps in keeping it from getting dry and chapped. The worst part that could happen is that you neglect your lips then it dries up. If you yawn or even smile, the dried part would crack open and will bleed. This opening can be a channel for harmful microorganisms to lodge and make a mess with your asset. The least that you want is to flash a smile with a canker sore. So here, my friends, is how you make your own lip balm at home. Remember: PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

Notes:
1. Allot 1.5 to 2 hours in making this.
2. 8 sticks will be made if you follow the measurements as per ingredient.
3. Have these tools at hand before proceeding:
- Beaker
- Stirring Rod
- 8 pcs. lip balm tube
- pot with the right amount of water (on a burner) enough to submerge 3/4's of the beaker
- weighing scale or precision scales (scales used in baking at chemistry labs)
4. If you're making this for a friend or for your business, use gloves to avoid contaminating your product.
5. Prepare these too on the side:
- tape
- pentel pen/marker
- potholder
- medicine dropper
- paper towel


Ingredients that you're going to need: (you may get them in local organic shops or online)

1. Sweet Almond Oil = 15g

2. Cocoa Butter = 8g

3. Bee's Wax = 12g

4. Essential Oil for the scent/feel that you like = 10 drops (Depending on how strong you want the flavor, you may add more. Or you may omit this if you want no flavor to your lip balm just like how vaseline is.)

*Our group had used Rose essential oil but some used Orange and Lavender. Depending on the holistic effect that you want, you can base the essential oil to be used on this. Rose always is a feminine flavor but I love Lavender because of its rejuvenating feel. It always reminds me of how relaxing my honeymoon was in Angsana Laguna, Phuket. Orange may be preferred by the active-by-day people because this flavor pops the senses.

Procedure:

1. Make sure your working place is clean, your tools in place and your ingredients, well set on the surface. If you may, label them properly. There were 10 of us in our group for the workshop so we had to label our beakers with our names so as not to get mixed up with whose beaker is which. It is best if everything is within arm's reach.

2. Tape the 4 corners of a ply of the paper towel on one side of the table. This area should be different from your working area. Put your lip balm tubes on top. For now that they're not filled up, they are light in weight so little movement will wreck how they are set up. That is the purpose of the taped paper towel You don't want lip balm to spill on the table and you don't want to make a mess of the tubes.

3. While allowing the pot with water to boil, mix your ingredients (sweet almond oil, beeswax, and the cocoa butter) into the beaker. Make sure you add up your ingredients (sweet almondeswax and the cocoa butter) in total grams as you weigh them. Precision is the key.

4. The water in the pot is boiling, you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to see some action. Submerge your beaker into the boiling water like in the picture below. The bee's wax will blend together with the rest of the ingredients once it melts. It will take 2-5 minutes for it to melt and it's up to you when to stop stirring. If you think everything is evenly stirred thru, use your potholder in taking the beaker out of the boiling pot. (Turn off the burner when not used.)

Use your stirring rod to help melt the bee's wax and for the ingredients to be evenly mixed.
Be careful not to burn yourself. Be careful as you immerse the beaker into the water,
make sure you have a space to hold onto and that it's not completely for water to get into your beaker.

5. Let the mixture cool off a little bit. Cool enough for the beaker to be held with your own hands but not too cool for the wax to harden. When that happens, it will be hard for you to put the mixture into the lip balm tube. (Just put the beaker back into the boiling water then give it time to melt again.) But if you're all set, put 10 drops of the essential oil into your beaker and stir it once again for a final mix.

6. Easy as it is, the next procedure is for you to pour the mixture into your lip balm tubes as smoothly as you can. Accidental spills are to be expected but that's what the paper towel is for. For you to possibly come up with more than 8 tubes, you may use your medicine dropper as you transport the mixture into it but this may take you a little longer.

7. It doesn't take long for the mixture to harden. But one thing I have to remind you is you have to fill up the tube until the very rim for a smooth finish. If you'd take a good look at the tube on the far left, that's what happens when you don't fill it up completely. Behind maybe not that clear but just to show what happens as it overflows. It's not hard to clean up but it makes the very surface of the top kind of messed up. Not good for business or for a gift.

You have to know that once you put it inside the tube, you can't repeat the whole process of reheating to reform it once again. The best thing to do is to keep it for personal use when it overflows, as compared to the not-completely-filled-up one is easy to be remedied.

As you wait for it to completely harden (even from the inside), it's good to start cleaning up at this point. Keep the ingredients sealed off from unnecessary exposure. Keep them compartmentalized and out of extreme temperature.

The cooled off mixture would look like the one below. It will be completely good to use as soon as it reaches this state. This DIY lip balm post didn't include chemicals to preserve it longer than it's supposed to for the purpose of keeping it as organic as possible. Otherwise, there's no reason why we have to do make our own lip balm. In addition, preservatives are what make the commercial lip balm expensive.

Shell life: 6 months
Upon application: 3-4 months

8. Label your tube accordingly to guide you in knowing which essential oil you have used in each. What I did was the simplest one. Find some printables that you may paste around the tube to decorate it aesthetically.

As you can see, it's very easy to make your own lip balm. Say goodbye to cracked lips, stress because of expensive tubes and say hello to business opportunities and DIY giveaways for events like bridal showers and slumber parties. Suggestions are welcome in terms of which essential oils are best to use. If you also happen to know nice organic stores to get the cocoa butter and bee's wax from, please let me know thru the comment boxes below.

I hope you'd enjoy making your own lip balm as much as I did.

Reminiscing being a chemical engineering student!

Workshop by Kath Tang. Click here if you would want to book a workshop with her.

Related posts:

1. SPA IN YOUR OWN HOME - Here are some of the things you buy so expensively but you can do it with ingredients from your own kitchen.

2. PRODUCTS I LOVE - Here I have shared some of the products I consider worth investing in.

3. CROWNING GLORY - A post on which foods would help you keep your hair pretty and glowing.

PICO DE LORO BEACH RESORT AND COUNTRY CLUB

In the Philippines, April and May are the best months to go and explore beaches and resorts. I can't wait to share to you where I had brought my daughter to, during her first visit of my home country.

Hamilo Coast holding the Pico Sands Hotel,
 and the Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club

The salty warm sea breeze welcomed me upon reaching Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club. My eyes squinted with how the sun reflected thru the white sand and attacked my iris with a splendour of the Hamilo Coast's vast horizon. I was engulfing the scenery when I got distracted with a volleyball toss made on my left periphery and it instantly pulled me back into reality hearing my aunt's echoing voice regarding checking in.

Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club is strictly for its members only based on the regulations set for shareholders. However, the resort opens up a part for those who want to experience a great getaway as guests for a fair chance with one of Batangas' assets. In order to set this identification properly, they give you a water proof wristband that should not be in any way removed while you use the resort's facilities. It is actually to distinguish a guest from a member, where members get a full access to the country club's exclusive pool in mind. My auntie had to check that everyone got the wrist bands on just so nobody would be outcasted. Personally, it felt too much but they are concerned with everybody's safety so I complied. This wristband changes colour everyday. Once it gets tampered, damaged or broken, it may compromise your identification, and that's when we are adviced to collect a new one as soon as possible from the front desk, sans the whole process of checking the registered name. Yes, before arriving to the Philippines, around 4 days before, as soon as I confirmed to my cousin that we'll be joining them to this fun getaway, our complete names and birthdays were asked. This is to ensure the person's registration.

So much for that stressful checking of accommodation, allow me to give you a little bit of a trivia why it is called Pico De Loro Cove.

I hope the image had given it justice. So many hikers had documented their achievement of the hilltop but nobody shows the parrot beak like this. In addition to its name, the Hamilo coast where the resort was built and constructed is estimated to be holding 3 coves that have been declared Marine

Diving and snorkelling with my cousins.

Protected Areas (MPA's). Their coves are preserved and well kept. We had rented out a boat to take us into different coves and it was something that I didn't do for a long time. We had visited a private beach along one of the cove's beautiful white sand coasts and it was like a miniature of Boracay's Station 1.

As we started going for a dive, I noticed that the water wasn't that salty. As we stopped meters away from the beach to swim, my uncle noticed that there was not much to see when snorkelling. It was too clean. There were no corals whatsoever. Fishes are around but I think it's because of the bread that they are expecting from the people that stop here. Although it had been said, that 17 species of sea animals can be found in Hamilo coast, I think this can be observed way far off the beaches.

They said many Filipino celebrities rent a property situated around the area for a good month just to rest. It is pricier in this coast than everywhere else because you need to ride a motor boat to get there and it is a private property. It is good to share that Pico De Loro Cove is part of the VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE, a crucial centre of marine bio-diversity within the coral triangle. With its 5900 hectares of land area, only 1/3 is developable. This serves the right of the land to be preserved and remain untouched. That's why it's recommendable to those who are seeking rejuvenation. Nature feeds the souls of those who would be coming here and I assume, all of us from time to time need this.

It is attractive to the preoccupied population in the metropolis because it is estimated to be just a 90-minute drive from SM Mall of Asia. It is the perfect choice for those who wants to take a breath out of office work. The place is family friendly, safe and serene. The sand doesn't match up with Boracay's (It's as white but after facing extreme heat from the sun, it's too hot to step on it barefooted. In Boracay, no matter how hot, it's not painful to the soles, it still remains cool.) but the view is exceptional.

There are over 40 activities you could do here in Pico De Loro naming some: snorkelling, boating, hiking, waterskiing, aqua zumba, pony tour ride and beach volleyball. Besides a haven for people who are dying of having time to unwind, it is open for wedding events since they have the venue for every choice you are considering. A beach wedding, garden wedding or church wedding. It got nice spots to do your pre-nuptial photos too. And there are areas where office and/or corporate meetings can be held. 

That being said, they have a lot to offer guests in terms of dining places. Being balikbayans, my cousin from the States came up with the best idea.... to have a boodle fight by the beach. So, we had asked the staff to prepare one for us as it is available in the menu. To my other cousin's estimate, for a Php700+ arrangement, I am sad to say, he found the meal dissatisfying. But here's why:

The menu assured that the food can be shared amongst 10 people but considering our anacondas, and the activities which we did earlier that day, it wasn't going to be enough for 10 people. Most of the activities are physically demanding. It's expected that guests would have a big appetite you see. But some items like tomatoes, boiled salted eggs, eggplants and some other bbq items are not present. It was my first time to actually be in a boodle fight so I don't have that much for comparison. But I am aware of what should be there. For reference if you want to include this in your itinerary as you visit the resort, let me post this picture.

Boodle Fight is a military style of eating where long tables are prepared and food are put on banana leaves.
Viands and rice are ready to eat using bare hands, jugs of water are prepared on the sides
to wash hands before the "eating combat".
With the signal to start the boodle fight, everybody aims for his/her position.
- URBAN DICTIONARY

If you highlight the whole food presentation, it looks satisfying
but it looks miniature in front of us. What do you think?

We also tried dining in the resort's Sun Coral Cafe which offered delicious Filipino dishes and a variety of international cuisines. One of the dishes that ignited my taste buds was tinolang manok but using squash to thicken the soup. Dining in Sun Coral Cafe maybe enjoyed al fresco or by the Reef Bar or pool bar. The Reef Bar is facing the beach where we had the boodle fight.

We chose to dine in Sun Coral Cafe after more than a 2 hour drive from Manila.
Sun Coral Cafe didn't fail us.    

-the view of the Reef Bar coming from the beach shore-
It is pretty setup romantically.

As I returned to home-Kong, I craved for it instantly and I had to ask our yaya to cook it because of that lingering sensation in my head. My buccal cavity welled up with saliva as I thought about the thick chicken soup boiled slowly with squash. I never had that before in my life. I thought it was such a great combination. My daughter loved it too. 

Since my family and I were staying for one night only, we couldn't let a chance pass of night swimming. There was not much people at the time we visited the resort so we pretty much dominated the kiddie pool. We were pretty disappointed when our big floats were prohibited to be used in their pool. And they were very strict as per swimsuits to be used when actually taking a dip. No long shorts, and no t-shirts. I think it was just right to impose this.

To go around the area, there were shuttle rides that stop every 10mins at each building. We were staying at my aunt's colleague's unit located at Jacana. It was said that Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club are owned by SM Primary Holdings. That's why if you'd notice, the so called 90-minute getaway's starting point is from the SM Mall of Asia and their souvenir shop is actually "Kultura" which could only be seen in the SM department stores.

There are so many available units via Airbnb that you could rent if you're planning to visit this remarkable resort. Here are some of the model units you can also look at if you are considering being an owner of one of the units someday.

The hotel can be seen in Agoda as well and the room rates starts from HK$800 up. This price includes breakfast and free wifi. I am going to limit the information to that because nowadays, those are the 2 important things guests ask anyway. Based on research, kids as long as they would use the existing beddings, are free. Until those who are 11 years old. The usual, you check in at 2pm and check out at noon.

A piece of advice from me, units in airbnb got the advantage of offering you a fully furnished kitchen which may help you in saving up with food. If you plan to stay here for a week or two, may I suggest that you combine dining out (since there's no more rewarding than eating fresh grilled seafood by the beach) with cooking your food and eating indoors. If you have kids, make sure you stock up the fridge with snacks and bottled water. You don't want to risk them being cranky because of hunger or dehydrated because of getting a day in the beach. Watch out also for bees that may sting you. The flowers around the units harbour beehives.

Here's a sneak peak of the whole place. Credits to my cousin, JP Gloda for this video.

Pico De Loro had allowed my daughter to bond with my family whom she just knew for the first time as she visited the Philippines for the first time as well. I am thankful for their warmth that made a good trip possible. This vacation will be remembered so well as the great getaway post nuptial of my cousin. Like Angsana Laguna, Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club is a beautiful family friendly place to visit. I give it 5 stars.

Standing at the middle of
the Pico De Loro Resort and
Country Club where residences
and a hotel surrounds this lovely river.

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