Half of the week was spent in Manila. The other half was spent for an out of town work. I ended spending Saturday zzzzzzzzzz. Added to this, I took home another set of back ache and a huge bruise on my thigh. The back ache as always, attributed to poor sitting position and the bruise, it took me a while to remember how and where did I get it. I hit the edge of a huge Narra table at Club Balai Isabel. Good thing, no one saw my lame stupidity. Hahaha It took me some time to stand up and recover from the pain. This is probably my worst stupidity injury. The bruise was about the size of my palm and as an added sacrifice treat, my sleeping position is somehow affected. 

Prior to the out of town work, I have a little confession to make. I became Rebecca Bloomwood again. Blame the stress and the happiness from retail therapy. I'm editing a book. There's reorganization at the workplace. Promises heard. Decisions to be made. Even my Facebook newsfeed is stressing me. Apologies but I hate it when some colleagues post those cryptic status messages whose real message is too evident. C'mon! My immature self is sometimes challenged to reply, friend don't say it, do it! Hahahaha Okay, I've vented out my sentiments. Let me relate the few good things that made my week.

Stress eating - This has been dinner before my evening classes. 7-11 may not offer the best hotdog and bread but this three sauce trio compensates for everything. 

My first Sperry - My biggest excuse, I got it with a big discount from Zalora. I have been indifferent with Sperry,Sebago and all those top sider shoes. I love loafers and moccasins but this style never attracted me. I also believed that their leather may be too thick, painful and uncomfortable. Zalora's discount changed my mind though. Hahaha I got my first pair and true enough, it doesn't look good to my feet. Aesthetics wise, fail! But when comfort is considered, I was all wrong. This pair is surprisingly so comfortable. It's the perfect walking shoes. I should have had this during my trip in Hong Kong. Leather was sturdy but it feels so soft. Sole support is also better than my usual flats. Also in the photo is my favorite skinny jeans, Uniqlo anchor top and my Cath Kidston sling bag. :)

Postcards - Thank you Athena and Terra! I have another reminder that I have yet to see South Korea. And the quote from Henry David Thoreau came in perfect timing too. 

I went to Club Balai Isabel for the nth time! I wasn't there to relax and enjoy though. I was tagged by the Big Boss for work.

Wishful thinking, to have this view at work everyday 

I felt a bit sad and nostalgic when I sneaked in a few minutes to take photos. It was the annual summer outing at the workplace when I first visited this place. Back then, I was with my favorite people at the workplace. Years after, I returned to this place with fewer friends. This time, I was already on my own. Sigh. People come and go. Before I realize it, it has already been years. 

I could only wish for a private suite with this facility.

It's ugly yet it's comfy haha

One of my favorite places at Club Balai Isabel is this pathway

that leads to this

This unique pizza place that I love. Dining here also provides the best view

The trip was exhausting so before I ended the week, I had these

Stress eating Hahaha Big thanks to MFA for joining me haha

• July 26, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 170 - Club Balai Isabel

Half of the week was spent in Manila. The other half was spent for an out of town work. I ended spending Saturday zzzzzzzzzz. Added to this, I took home another set of back ache and a huge bruise on my thigh. The back ache as always, attributed to poor sitting position and the bruise, it took me a while to remember how and where did I get it. I hit the edge of a huge Narra table at Club Balai Isabel. Good thing, no one saw my lame stupidity. Hahaha It took me some time to stand up and recover from the pain. This is probably my worst stupidity injury. The bruise was about the size of my palm and as an added sacrifice treat, my sleeping position is somehow affected. 

Prior to the out of town work, I have a little confession to make. I became Rebecca Bloomwood again. Blame the stress and the happiness from retail therapy. I'm editing a book. There's reorganization at the workplace. Promises heard. Decisions to be made. Even my Facebook newsfeed is stressing me. Apologies but I hate it when some colleagues post those cryptic status messages whose real message is too evident. C'mon! My immature self is sometimes challenged to reply, friend don't say it, do it! Hahahaha Okay, I've vented out my sentiments. Let me relate the few good things that made my week.

Stress eating - This has been dinner before my evening classes. 7-11 may not offer the best hotdog and bread but this three sauce trio compensates for everything. 

My first Sperry - My biggest excuse, I got it with a big discount from Zalora. I have been indifferent with Sperry,Sebago and all those top sider shoes. I love loafers and moccasins but this style never attracted me. I also believed that their leather may be too thick, painful and uncomfortable. Zalora's discount changed my mind though. Hahaha I got my first pair and true enough, it doesn't look good to my feet. Aesthetics wise, fail! But when comfort is considered, I was all wrong. This pair is surprisingly so comfortable. It's the perfect walking shoes. I should have had this during my trip in Hong Kong. Leather was sturdy but it feels so soft. Sole support is also better than my usual flats. Also in the photo is my favorite skinny jeans, Uniqlo anchor top and my Cath Kidston sling bag. :)

Postcards - Thank you Athena and Terra! I have another reminder that I have yet to see South Korea. And the quote from Henry David Thoreau came in perfect timing too. 

I went to Club Balai Isabel for the nth time! I wasn't there to relax and enjoy though. I was tagged by the Big Boss for work.

Wishful thinking, to have this view at work everyday 

I felt a bit sad and nostalgic when I sneaked in a few minutes to take photos. It was the annual summer outing at the workplace when I first visited this place. Back then, I was with my favorite people at the workplace. Years after, I returned to this place with fewer friends. This time, I was already on my own. Sigh. People come and go. Before I realize it, it has already been years. 

I could only wish for a private suite with this facility.

It's ugly yet it's comfy haha

One of my favorite places at Club Balai Isabel is this pathway

that leads to this

This unique pizza place that I love. Dining here also provides the best view

The trip was exhausting so before I ended the week, I had these

Stress eating Hahaha Big thanks to MFA for joining me haha

Read More

Hello everyone! I'm blogging here at Club Balai Isabel. I was sent here not to make another memorable vacay. I was, fortunately and unfortunately?, part of the group that facilitated a team building activity for some of my colleagues. For those who have been reading my posts, you are more or less familiar of the number of times I've been here :) and so far, I had my own equal share of good and bad experiences. As much as I wanted to share everything, I think it would be best if I'll leave those negative things behind. For now, allow me to share some shots I captured using Instagram.

You can see more posts about Club Balai Isabel here.

Linking this post to

 

• May 30, 2012
• Club Balai Isabel

Last days of May 2012

Hello everyone! I'm blogging here at Club Balai Isabel. I was sent here not to make another memorable vacay. I was, fortunately and unfortunately?, part of the group that facilitated a team building activity for some of my colleagues. For those who have been reading my posts, you are more or less familiar of the number of times I've been here :) and so far, I had my own equal share of good and bad experiences. As much as I wanted to share everything, I think it would be best if I'll leave those negative things behind. For now, allow me to share some shots I captured using Instagram.

You can see more posts about Club Balai Isabel here.

Linking this post to

 

Read More

My backpacker days are over. After two consecutive weeks of moving in and out of the city, I am back for real. The out-of-town assignments are over and my everyday work mode resumes.

Last week, I was in Caleruega for our spiritual retreat. This week, I went with some of my colleagues for a team building activity. We particularly went to Club Balai Isabel. For those who have been reading my blog, you might have encountered some posts I made for Club Balai Isabel. I've been to the place several times and all I have are pleasant and memorable experiences. I love the place and the entire Club never fails to mesmerize me.

I wasn't able to take a lot of pictures on my recent visit. I was busy participating in our team building activities and I was all tired at the end of each session. I also chose to simply enjoy the place and I used our free time to recover the scarce sleeping hours I often experience in the city.

Here are the few pictures I have taken

The villa where we stayed. I recovered a lot of sleep in one of the rooms here. :-)

The entire place is filled with refreshing greeneries

My obsession for pathways! Gardens with pathways will always be a part of my photo posts. 

How I wish our home has this as its backyard.

If I will not own my own infinity pool, I wanted something like this. I want a swimming pool surrounded by ornamental plants. 
 

Club Balai Isabel also provides a place of worship for the Catholics. This is the Spousal of Mary and Joseph Chapel.

Allow me to leave you with this photo

Happy Friday! Wishing everyone a great weekend ahead.

• February 23, 2012
• Club Balai Isabel

Away from the city life

My backpacker days are over. After two consecutive weeks of moving in and out of the city, I am back for real. The out-of-town assignments are over and my everyday work mode resumes.

Last week, I was in Caleruega for our spiritual retreat. This week, I went with some of my colleagues for a team building activity. We particularly went to Club Balai Isabel. For those who have been reading my blog, you might have encountered some posts I made for Club Balai Isabel. I've been to the place several times and all I have are pleasant and memorable experiences. I love the place and the entire Club never fails to mesmerize me.

I wasn't able to take a lot of pictures on my recent visit. I was busy participating in our team building activities and I was all tired at the end of each session. I also chose to simply enjoy the place and I used our free time to recover the scarce sleeping hours I often experience in the city.

Here are the few pictures I have taken

The villa where we stayed. I recovered a lot of sleep in one of the rooms here. :-)

The entire place is filled with refreshing greeneries

My obsession for pathways! Gardens with pathways will always be a part of my photo posts. 

How I wish our home has this as its backyard.

If I will not own my own infinity pool, I wanted something like this. I want a swimming pool surrounded by ornamental plants. 
 

Club Balai Isabel also provides a place of worship for the Catholics. This is the Spousal of Mary and Joseph Chapel.

Allow me to leave you with this photo

Happy Friday! Wishing everyone a great weekend ahead.

Read More

I'm back in the city! After three days, the out-of-town work is over and I am back at home with my family. I know there are lot of beautiful places outside the city waiting to be discovered. But nothing still beats sleeping in my own room and spending quality time with the family. Dinner and watching TV with the entire family, priceless!

I hibernated at Club Balai Isabel with the members of the management committee of my workplace. It was the strategic planning activity and I was tagged by my boss to join the other bosses. I am not a "boss" in the company by the way. If you have read my profile, I am a rank and file employee so my job is to provide assistance in terms of logistics. So you see I am only a quiet fly in the midst of the elephants. ;-)

Planning is supposedly a brain exhausting organizational task. The participants, which include the management team, are tasked to establish the company's goals and later on develop specific strategies on how to achieve them. Hence, a fresh, relaxing and different environment that is contributive in bringing out ideas is encouraged in strategic planning activities. This is the main reason why we went to Club Balai Isabel. The lush surroundings and the calm atmosphere away from the city is expected to lessen the overwhelming workload.

Here are some pictures I've taken from Club Balai Isabel. I hope you will appreciate the place as much as I did.

Reception Area of Club Balai Isabel

I have noticed that entire place was carrying a Filipino theme. Wooden furniture, colorful lamps and even the different areas were named after Filipino heroes and places.

The porch of our conference hall provides us with this view and pathway. Do you notice the tree in the right side of the picture? I like the idea of the attaching a circular wood that can function as a table.

One of the villas here served as our home for three days. I love the architecture and the terrace that provided us with this view

 

I love the lush greeneries that Club Balai Isabel offers

 I wish to have my own weekend getaway place like this.

Club Balai Isabel has three swimming pools. This one is the grandest and my digital camera can't even fit a perfect shot of the pool.

In another angle,

The pool side during night time

Club Balai Isabel is a resort that was built along the shores of the tranquil Taal Lake.

A swimming pool near the lake was also constructed

And we spent our meals in this place while enjoying the view

Club Balai Isabel is also becoming famous as a venue for beach and outdoor weddings. But Catholics can also have their wedding solemnized at Club Balai Isabel. The resort recently constructed this small but elegant chapel.

I love the effect of the colored glasses in a rustic and shabby wooden door in the chapel

 And from the middle of the lake, this is Club Balai Isabel

It's Thursday night and one more day to go before the weekend.  In case we share the same situation; sleepy or just relaxing after an exhausting day, I hope my shots were able to refresh and rekindle your tired spirits.

• June 30, 2011
• Club Balai Isabel

Where I hibernated for three days

I'm back in the city! After three days, the out-of-town work is over and I am back at home with my family. I know there are lot of beautiful places outside the city waiting to be discovered. But nothing still beats sleeping in my own room and spending quality time with the family. Dinner and watching TV with the entire family, priceless!

I hibernated at Club Balai Isabel with the members of the management committee of my workplace. It was the strategic planning activity and I was tagged by my boss to join the other bosses. I am not a "boss" in the company by the way. If you have read my profile, I am a rank and file employee so my job is to provide assistance in terms of logistics. So you see I am only a quiet fly in the midst of the elephants. ;-)

Planning is supposedly a brain exhausting organizational task. The participants, which include the management team, are tasked to establish the company's goals and later on develop specific strategies on how to achieve them. Hence, a fresh, relaxing and different environment that is contributive in bringing out ideas is encouraged in strategic planning activities. This is the main reason why we went to Club Balai Isabel. The lush surroundings and the calm atmosphere away from the city is expected to lessen the overwhelming workload.

Here are some pictures I've taken from Club Balai Isabel. I hope you will appreciate the place as much as I did.

Reception Area of Club Balai Isabel

I have noticed that entire place was carrying a Filipino theme. Wooden furniture, colorful lamps and even the different areas were named after Filipino heroes and places.

The porch of our conference hall provides us with this view and pathway. Do you notice the tree in the right side of the picture? I like the idea of the attaching a circular wood that can function as a table.

One of the villas here served as our home for three days. I love the architecture and the terrace that provided us with this view

 

I love the lush greeneries that Club Balai Isabel offers

 I wish to have my own weekend getaway place like this.

Club Balai Isabel has three swimming pools. This one is the grandest and my digital camera can't even fit a perfect shot of the pool.

In another angle,

The pool side during night time

Club Balai Isabel is a resort that was built along the shores of the tranquil Taal Lake.

A swimming pool near the lake was also constructed

And we spent our meals in this place while enjoying the view

Club Balai Isabel is also becoming famous as a venue for beach and outdoor weddings. But Catholics can also have their wedding solemnized at Club Balai Isabel. The resort recently constructed this small but elegant chapel.

I love the effect of the colored glasses in a rustic and shabby wooden door in the chapel

 And from the middle of the lake, this is Club Balai Isabel

It's Thursday night and one more day to go before the weekend.  In case we share the same situation; sleepy or just relaxing after an exhausting day, I hope my shots were able to refresh and rekindle your tired spirits.

Read More