I have a few couple friends who have been wanting to have children of their own. For some, it took only a few months of waiting while the others are still on fertility work-up for years already.
Many of them who are trying to conceive often wonder when is the best time to seek help from a fertility specialist. Couples are often eager to visit a fertility specialist before they have taken matters into their own hands and tried their best to boost their own fertility.
Taking charge of your health and your body is key to fertility and all couples should try to do what they can to boost their fertility on their own.
There are many simple things that you can do to improve fertility in a natural way say the experts at www.pregnancytips.org. For example, women who are overweight can see their fertility improve by losing as little as five to ten pounds. Men who have fertility issues can see improvements if they stop smoking and drinking. Reducing stress and getting enough sleep are both key to fertility, along with eating healthy and exercising.
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| Bestseller: Alcapone |
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| My J.CO box <3 |
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| J.CO's signature cappuccino, Jcoccino |
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There are very few coffee shops which serve good food to go with their delicious cup of coffee. Here in Davao City, Basti's Brew proudly boasts of these two. As one of the first coffee shops to open in the city, it still holds its charm of being a cozy place for those who love to enjoy their Cappuccino and dine as well. It is also a favorite hangout and meet-up place for businessmen, young professionals and students. And here's a trivia, Basti's Brew was the first ever establishment in the city to offer free wifi connection. (And yes, I remember years ago, they had table design especially made for laptop bringers.)
This year marks Basti's Brew's 15 years of operations, and to celebrate, we were invited to a food feast as owners Randall and Vanessa Ong re-introduced the hearty recipes people have grown to love over the years. Here they are:
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| Pork Chop/ Chicken Cordon Bleu |
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| Fish Fillet/ Beef Stew |
3 Ways To Enjoy Korean Shabu-Shabu at Bulgogi Brothers
By ketchupthelatest - October 15, 2014
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Last Friday was my first time to witness how an authentic Korean Shabu-Shabu is prepared and served. And yes, it was my first to eat it too! We went to a food tasting and launching of Bulgogi Brothers' latest offering: the 3-way Korean Shabu Shabu.
For many, Shabu Shabu is a mixture of thinly sliced meats and vegetables in bubbling broth. But there’s more to this Asian culinary tradition than blanching ingredients in hot soup.
Bulgogi Brothers, a Korean BBQ restaurant that has successfully brought the authentic flavors of Seoul in the country with its soulful Korean dishes, introduces 3 ways to enjoy the popular hotpot with the launch of its Korean-Style Shabu-Shabu.
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Saging Repablik is a newly-opened restaurant along Tionko Avenue. It serves mostly Filipino dishes with a special banana twist in them. This is the newest venture of Mr. Gatchi Gatchalian, the same person who introduced Blugre, the first ever coffee shop in Davao in 1999.
As someone who lives in a city where bananas are abundant, we almost take the good old potassium-rich bananas for granted. But not in this place. Almost of Saging Repablik's recipes have bananas in them, cooked and prepared in a uniquely sumptuous way.
They also have become famous for their Create-Your-Own-Banana-Cue. You have the option to choose their own dips and toppings. The choices are caramel, chocolate and white chocolate for dips. For toppings, they can choose white chocolate, rice crisps, mini candies, choco chips, sprinkles, choconut, almonds, chopped nuts and chopped chocolate.
They have a big, high ceiling design which makes its ambiance so relaxing and a perfect place to bond with family and good friends.
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| classy interior design and great lighting |
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they have a second floor (perfect for functions and parties) |
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| A view from the outside (photo credits : Jazper Jay) |
Italianni's Now Offers Lunch-to-Go Packs and Pitcher Perfect
By ketchupthelatest - September 30, 2014
Want to know the latest with Italianni's? Davao's favorite Italian restaurant, Italianni's has recently introduced Lunch to Go packs. You can choose from four of the scrumptious dishes they have prepared: Spaghetti Pomodoro & Chicken Breast , Herb Roasted Chicken with Rice Parmesan Crusted Fish Fillet with Rice, and Crispy Pork Ribs with Rice. My personal favorites are Spaghetti Pomodoro & Chicken Breast and Crispy Pork Ribs with Rice because I both love pasta and spare ribs.
Lunch to Go are perfect for to-go lunches, meetings, get-togethers, field trips, etc for your families, friends or business associates. They are reasonably priced and taste so good as if you just ate them right at Italianni's.
As their initial offering, you get 1 FREE Lunch To Go with every 5 packs you order. And for 20 orders or more, don't forget to call them a day ahead.
Aside from Lunch to Go, Italianni's also brings Pitcher Perfect, their version of cocktail by the liter for only P 195 which is perfect for 2-3 persons. Just pick your choice from these refreshing variants: Borabora Sangria Blue Moon, Orange Amaretto, Mango Bellini, Watermelon Bellini. Since I'm not much of a drinker, I personally like Orange Amaretto because of it's mild taste.
Now that's a good news for you and your friends who want to chill after a busy day.
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| Italianni's Lunch to Go |
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| Spaghetti Pomodoro & Chicken Breast – P195 |
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| Parmesan Crusted Fish Fillet with Rice – P225 |
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| Herb Roasted Chicken with Rice – P225 |
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| Kadayawan masks for sale along the streets |
Since I've got some time to use while waiting for her, I went and rode a jeepney headed to town to check out the street dancing parade (Indak-indak sa Kadalanan). The main thoroughfares of the city were used for the event, so public transportation were rerouted to other streets. A bit confusing at first, losing my sense of direction, but I just walked where my feet would bring me (something I haven't done in a long while, so I took it as a fun experience!) and headed to the street dancing routes.
It was a really hot Saturday morning but the ethnic vibe coming from the street dance performances plus the excitement of the crowd overwhelmed the whole ambiance along C.M. Recto, Ilustre and Duterte Streets. I only had an hour to spare so I took the most of it by taking pictures as I walked. Here they are, hope you like them :)
The Stairwell: Newest Gastro Pub at Matina Town Square
By ketchupthelatest - July 31, 2014
Matina Town Square is very popular here in Davao City because of its bustling night life. In fact I love going here because it has a wide array of restaurants, bars and shops you can choose from. It caters both the young and the young at heart.
Recently, a new gastropub, The Stairwell has opened its doors in the area, and it is unique because it has a relaxing ambiance and a chic industrial design. Your friends and loved ones can enjoy a fusion of Filipino and international cuisines cooked in good old-fashioned way.
The owner, Dr. Kat Mascardo is a dentist by profession but her genuine love for good food, and inspiration from her travels abroad have motivated her to open her own restaurant.
With this, she also aims to support local farmers and artists by making The Stairwell a showcase of their product, and workmanship.
Take a peek at their abode and check them out.
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| The Stairwell: A Matter of Taste |
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| Fab architecture ( my 2 friends not included) |
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| Homey facade |
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| Catchy decors |
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| the stairs leading to the 2nd floor (this gave the owners a hint in naming the resto) |
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| Annapurna 'fishtail' mountain, a section of the Himalayas |
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| took this while on the bus heading to Pokhara, such an awesome sight! |
We were on for another 6 hour bus ride from Chitwan to Pokhara. I was looking forward to finally see the famous Himalayan mountain, the Annapurna ( also known as fishtail because of its shape). I was getting snaps from the bus window as the image of this famous mountain finally presented itself. Woohoo! First time in my life have I ever seen a huge mountain so grandeur as this, beautifully topped with snow. Simply breathtaking!!!
I couldn't wait to start our adventures in Pokhara the moment we arrived at the bus station and were picked up by the hotel shuttle. And guess what, our hotel room window had a perfect view of the Annapurna!! We were going to stay in this pretty little city for four exciting days and made sure we took the most of it.
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| The spectacular sunrise in Sarangkot |
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| me and the sunrise ;) |
We paid for a Safari Jeep Tour to the park that was scheduled first thing in the morning, the next day. We couldn't help our excitement as we were going to see nature face to face. What if a lion or tiger climbs up our jeep? Shucks! My buddy Joy even told me (almost jokingly, though) not to wear my shawl with animal prints so as not to catch the attention of these wild animals we might meet along the way. Zzzzz... so much for overthinking!
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| posing on a lake across Chitwan National Park. |
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| the 'sexy boats' that would bring you near the Chitwan National Park |
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| Selfies even on a 'swingy' ride |
Finest Chocolate Products from Cacao de Davao (and Champorado memories from my childhood)
By ketchupthelatest - June 01, 2014
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| Cacao Davao's premium chocolate products: only from the finest Davao cacao, a source of the world’s best chocolates. |
See, he was the self proclaimed cook at home, while my mom only cooked during special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, fiesta, etc. And like my papa, I learned to cook this hearty breakfast dish until now that I have my own family. As the years go by, the tableas being sold at the market are not as rich and pure as we had before, and if they are, they come with a hefty price. Then one Sunday, my husband found Cacao de Davao's exhibit booth at the mall and told me they are selling chocolate callets. This made me happy because finally I can now have my dependable supply for our favorite Champorado.
And guess what? During the Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014 (DFAT ) last May 15-19, Cacao de Davao was one of the sponsors. They gave us samples of their products, and as someone born and raised in Davao, I am proud to say that their chocolate is one of the best I've tasted and affordable too. Now, many restaurants and cafes not only here in the city, but around the Philippines use Cacao De Davao premium chocolates for their recipes.
You may visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cacaodedavao or contact them via the following details:
Cacao de Davao
San Pedro Extension, 8000 Davao City
Mobile: +62 943-728-7763 / +63 917 250 2226
email: cacaodedavao@yahoo.com
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| samplers of fudgy brownies, dark chocolate and chocolate callets |
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| Sikwate (hot chocolate drink) made from rich and premium Davao chocolate |
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| my version of the Champorado (chocolate rice) |
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| Air Asia passengers queuing to board the 450-seater aircraft bound to Kathmandu |
First off, my friend Joy and I boarded an Air Asia flight to Kathmandu from Kuala Lumpur. It was a four-hour flight, and it was an experience to be in inside a 450-seater airbus with mostly Indian and Nepalese passengers.
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| my newly found friends at the plane from Chile |
My friend Kevin Olmedo of the Davao Reader shares this post about Davao...
Many things have been said about Davao
City. Despite being the only metro city of the south, the “durian capital” has
gained national, if not worldwide, recognition for being a model city with full
implementation of laws against smoking, over-speeding and firecrackers, just to
name a few. These are only some of the few things that makes the city
noteworthy. Well, you also have to give credit to the tourist destinations like
Samal Island which is just a 15-minute ferry ride from “Sasa”.
For a tropical country such as ours, it is a necessity to protect our eyes with our choice of sunnies or eyewear. And of course, we would want to look best with our shades on as we brave the sun while pursuing our daily activities.
Fancy A Facial? Let My Skin Essentials Facial and Skin Care Center Pamper You!
By ketchupthelatest - January 21, 2014
Everyone would sure agree with me that nothing beats the feeling of being pampered, just relaxing on soft and crisp white sheets of a spa bed, and forgetting all the cares in the world for at least a couple of hours.
So how would think I felt when I was given a complimentary facial courtesy of My Skin Facial and Skin Care Center? Heaven. And it wasn't just an ordinary facial that you experience in other spa centers. This one is called, Diamond Microdermabrasion Premium. Aside from diamond Microdermabrasion and facial, this package includes Collagen mask with Collagen infusion using Galvanic facial machine administered by their well-trained staff. A galvanic facial makes use of subtle electric currents of positive and negative ions to give you a refreshing experience while stimulates and rejuvenates the skin.
For me, a good facial such as this renews your energy to face another working day, making you even more productive. Come to think of it, if we feel good about ourselves, we can share more positivity to others. I definitely was happy to have this premium service from My Skin!
My Skin Facial and Skin Care Center offers Facial services, Diamond microdermabrasion, Body/specialized treatments (stretch marks/warts/Syringoma removal, eye collagen infusion, Milia extraction); and Waxing and Advanced services (Gluthatione, Placenta and Collagen injections)
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| My Skin Essentials Facial and Skin Care Center uses only natural skincare products from My Skin Essentials, Inc. |
