• St. Andrew Residences

  • Nissan Navara and Nissan Livina Up Close

    Calagaus Island Escapade

  • Travel Guide to Calaguas Islands

.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Review: Honda BR-V and Honda Mobilio

Drove the Honda BR-V and Mobilio the other week and they are literally like non identical twins on the road in terms of what’s under the hood and performance. Here’s a quick comparison with the two. #NCDdailyDrives 🚘🚗


Both, a 7-seater crossover SUV with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, same power, torque and fuel capacity (42 liters) with CVT.🛣


𝑬𝑿𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑶𝑹

BR-V looks sporty with a higher ground clearance 201mm that is. R16 tires

Mobilio - pegged as a mini wagon, very family oriented :D, lower ground clearance as compared to BR-V, 189mm, R15 tires.


𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑶𝑹

Very identical, dashboard even looks the same. Since the BR-V has a higher ground clearance your road view will be notch higher of course. The basics on the infotainment are there with LCD screen to suit your needs. 


𝑺𝑷𝑨𝑪𝑬

Seats at the back can be folded and tumbled. Very versatile which is a basic in most crossover or compact SUVs. You can check our photos during our #BaryaNiJuan mission in Buhi and Nabua.


𝑷𝑹𝑰𝑪𝑬

A little over 1M depending on the variant. Add a few thousands for the RS or Navi (Navigation) feat too. 


𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆❓Based on my lifestyle and preference on the looks, I would prefer the BR-V over the Mobilio. Always remember that in getting a car, always take into consideration your 𝑩𝑼𝑫𝑮𝑬𝑻 (how high can you go), your 𝑳𝑰𝑭𝑬𝑺𝑻𝒀𝑳𝑬, what will be the most common USE (purpose) of your vehicle?


𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆

Since they have the same engine, the are literally identical too on the feels except that one has a higher ground clearance. Handling is fine for these two cars. 


In most instances, this Japanese brand has a higher re-sale value. And you know as they say, Honda is Honda. 


𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑

Honda Cars CamSur FB  https://www.facebook.com/hondacamsur.ph/

Foton CamSur FB - https://www.facebook.com/fotoncamsur.ph/

Visit them at Maharlika Highway, San Jose, Pili, CamSur


Here's our video during the #BaryaNiJuan Mission in Buhi with our working horses the BR-V and Mobilio https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=839964246765086


——————————


Thank you 🙏🏻again JLO Auto Group for being our partner in delivering goods of happiness to our fellow Bicolanos in Buhi and Nabua for the Barya Ni Juan Project by Discover Manila. Dios Mabalos Honda CamSur (BM Paul) for the BR-V and Mobilio and Foton CamSur (BM Jojo) for the Toplander as our working horses for the relief operation. To our kuya drivers, Ms. Kim and GM Rox…Salamat, salamat, salamat! 



















Saturday, September 19, 2020

Molly Milk Tea, your milk tea shop for the whole family!

#NCDFoodtrip I thought we had everything in Naga when it comes to milktea, but I guess we’re not yet over with the craze, There’s a new homegrown (from Nabua) milktea shop located at Cuatro Esquinas (Dinaga St. front of Moraville Hotel). At MOLLY MILK TEA, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕒 𝕕𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕞𝕚𝕝𝕪. Price starts for as low as P65 to only P115 for large. Don’t worry they have deliveries, all you have to do is contact the numbers below or send them a message via their Fb page. Let this cute bear spread cuteness and sweetness in Naga City!


MMTea will soon be available via Hungrily!



You have a lot of options to choose from!


Classic Milk Tea Edition


Premium Edition


Overload Edition 

(Must try for me is the Red Velvet and I also like Dark Choco)


Fruit Tea / Soda Menu

(Available in Single Flavor and Two Tone)


and Cocktails

(Just the right amount of fun in a cup, yey!)



Contact the numbers below or send them a mesage via their Fb page for deliveries https://www.facebook.com/MollyMilkTeaStation/


(0927) 396 2301

(0946) 523 3616


Visit them at Cuatro Esquinas, Dinaga St, Fronting Moraville Hotel, Naga City

Also available soon via Hungrily!






Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Solar Energy System Supplier and Installer in Naga City

It’s been 3 months since our home took the leap last Feb 29, for mother Earth 🌍. No more brownouts. It’s as if everything fell into place when we decided to have our home powered by the 🌞sun. We have been in quarantine for months now and we are at home all day and night plus the summer heat is unavoidable. There is always something for every one. I’ll try to explain the benefits of this investment without being too technical.  (Originally posted May 31, 2019)

🔅Gridtie Hybrid 🔅
Casureco BILL from 4000>1100php 
6 panels 410 w each - 2.4 kw 
Bitek Battery 51.2v 105 ah 
5 KW Luxpower

MODE:
DAY / solar will power loads and will charge battery 
NIGHT / battery will work with grid and reduce the grid consumption. 

📌Installed by JRV SOLAR
429 Filoville, Opal St. Calauag, Naga City (formerly located on the 2nd floor of Maybank)
Rajiv 0917 791 9107
Jema 0949 952 7772

BTW as of March 2021, nasa Ragay na po si JRV Solar dahil nakapa tugdok na sinda ning self-sustaining building (GPS Ragay) 😍. Same contact numbers and page po, dawa yaon sinda sa Ragay, yaon pirmi ang technical support all the way. Just tell them po na tig refer ko kamo. They also ship solar products nationwide.


INTERESTED? please contact Raj at JRV Solar with the number above and inquire about available packages that will suit your needs at home or office. Saro po sinda sa haloy ng company here sa Naga, sinda po si dating yaon dyan sa taas kang Maybank. Tell him that you read about their services through NCD so that you can get a good offer too. You can even start at P95K and have only a few loads dedicated for solar energy. Thing is you can start with a low cost and upgrade later on. Never hesitate to ask questions. Ask everything you need to ask along with self-readings that you need to do. To further explain how it works, please continue reading below. It’s quite long, but bare with me, I cannot explain everything in just a paragraph. 


HOW DOES IT WORK?

To simplify the terms:
Load - means your electrical appliances at home
Grid - Casureco2. So GRIDTIE will mean the system is tied to the Electricity Grid
Hybrid Solar Inverter - manages both solar panels and a battery bank simultaneously, which enables batteries with either by the sun through the panels or the electricity grid. It is SMART, meaning you can see everything REAL TIME through an App. Battery percentage, solar yielding, energy consumption etc.

It took us months to learn about as to how the system works and what would best fit our lifestyle at home. Canvassed many suppliers, both local and national too. With the consistent advice of friends who also have their own system for yearS, we were able to finally decide to have our own installed last Feb 29.


Top reasons why we invested in Solar Energy (please take note that this is in reference to our own using and lifestyle), yours might differ in many ways or another.


ADVANTAGES of Hybrid Gridtie
🔅 No brownouts
🔅 Reduce Casureco Bills
🔅 Clean Renewable Energy. We enjoy the power of the sun. Guilt free!

🔅 Net metering. We can sell the excess electricity to Casureco, which will mean even lesser bill on us. This I still have to do with Casureco and inquire about the requirements.
🔅 Having the hybrid gridtie will lengthen the lifespan of the inverter and battery. Thus low maintenance cost.
🔅 This summer time, we have been enjoying the AC from 11am to around 3pm, guilt free, pure solar energy.
🔅JRV Solar also keeps track of our system, it’s connected to the internet.

How about when it's raining?

CHALLENGES
🔅There’s a COST to it. This simply means the bigger the investment the more comfortable and convenient you’ll get. Bako man po kami mayaman, everything was carefully planned for years at the right time. If one can buy a brand new car, why can’t you invest in solar energy? 
🔅 ROI is at 5 years or lesser. This is for a system like ours. See, it’s like a car but solar energy is clean. Maybe we can buy a hybrid car next time, who knows hehe
🔅I know you are wary about typhoons passing by our region. It’s like this, just make sure the area for your panels (roof or ground) is sturdy. If you are doubtful about your own roof, have it fixed first or make it stronger. I even had the installation checked on how the panels were mounted on our roof and thankfully, both my friends said it was sturdy and strong enough. 

♦️Curious about our loads at home? I’ll just state here the big loads. Back then we started changing most of our appliances to inverter type and there has been a noticeable decrease of energy consumption. 
1 Inverter Ref, 1 hp split type AC inverter, 1 hp window type AC inverter, 1 hp window type non-inventer, 1/2 hp window type AC, 1 smart TV, fans, 1 washing machine inverter (which I only use once a week or once in 2 weeks during the peak hours of the sun, para libre kuryente parin hehe). Plus of course you don't forget about the lights and other small gadgets like your router etc. You’ll actually learn more about how everything works little by little.

See how the app works HERE


🌎To give you a glimpse of how our family is a very “Mother Earth conscious family” you may check the hashtag #NCDecoblog on Facebook on how we do our share in caring for mother earth consistently.


⭐️We have posters that act reminders at home (parang school/office lang noh hehe) in all electrical switch and faucets, yes ALL. Why put them all around at home? Because mind conditioning STARTS AT HOME, saving mother Earth, starts at home. All of us, family members have this automatic hand switching off what needs to be switched off which became part of our values and system every time when we go out. We religiously segregate and keep a lot of re-usable materials (cabinets of them). We have 6 pairs of trash bins (bio and non-bio) inside the main areas of our home. We are that OC, we know. Hehe These are just of the few things that we do at home. But I thank God I have this upbringing that’s why I’m also doing my best to somehow influence you (I hope) to do the same. 


Here’s something that we learned for ourselves. Even though we have this system already, our OLD HABITS of energy conservation are still being practiced up to know. Matipid parin kami both in electricity and water. This all started as a dream before and now we enjoy the power of the sun day and night. I never appreciated the sun more than ever.


👁‍🗨Something to read:
✔️Try to join Solar Power Philippines Group - you’ll learn about how Filipinos are now shifting to solar power. Sikat din si Raj duman hehe he has so many clients all over the Philippines.
✔️3 different types of systems: Gridtied, Off Grid and On Grid. 


Follow our Solar Power Home Journey here:
✔️Laundry Day even with and 8 cubic ft ref is on and other appliances https://www.facebook.com/120043598046413/posts/4117310951652971/

Friday, June 26, 2020

#NCDFoodtrip: Escalante-Mitra Bulalohan and other Bicolano Foods

#NCDFoodtrip From a 40-year old family recipe of Bulalo to affordable and delicious home cooked meals, Escalante - Mitra Bulalohan is a keeper. 🥰

Bicol Express, Lechon Kawali and Bulalo will mean more rice at Escalante-Mitra Bulalohan


3 Quick Notes About #EscalanteMitraBulalohan
✔️ Bulalo Cravings
✔️ Bicolano Food
✔️ Affordable Lutong Bahay







Aside from the Bulalo only priced at P180 being the main dish of the house, my personal favorite is the Ginataang Spicy Beef (2nd photo) which I learned that it’s a signature dish of Escalante Bulalahon, so please keep this as a MUST TRY.

Another favorite is the Gulay na Santol! Oh my for only 30 pesos! The Bicol Express was flavory Bicol of course. Lechon Kawali, special Fresh Lumpia and the Ensaladang Talong was also for the win 🤗


📍They are located along Diversion Road, right infront of C-Bros. Perfect for travelers and on the spot source of ulam for your homes. If you are familiar with them, they were located along Dayangdang before.







Ginataang Spicy Beef


Oh, they also sell #CamNorte delicacies Maza Podrida, Pili Roll and the like. So if you’re craving for them, just visit their store.


Gulay na Santol

Fresh Lumpia and Ensalad



Store is open from 7AM to 8PM. 
🛵They also accept deliveries until 7PM. Just send them a message in their FB Page for inquiries https://www.facebook.com/escalantemitrabulalohan/
✔️They offer party trays/packs too!
☎️ ‭+63 951 610 2848‬

Friday, June 19, 2020

Redefining the Customer Experience at SM City Naga

Malling might be a different experience these days but SM City Naga redefines customer service fast and easy. 


The SM City Naga Concierge at the mall’s Event Center receives order from customer through sms, hotline, online and walk-in. SM Concierge can do the shopping for you, pay your bills, or book appointment with your preferred wellness center. 



SM City Naga has partnered with MavenHands, Pandelivery, Beshie and Food Panda to provide dedicated “ Shoppers” that you may book from the comfort of your own home. Simply contact us via our Facebook Messenger. Fill up a form, and a personal shopper will be designated to you. Once the shopper has completed your order, he will have your basics delivered at your doorstep or you may pick up your essentials at our designated pick up point located at the mall's main entrance.






Great Gifts for Dad From The SM Store Naga's Call to Deliver

Whether being homebound together has made you appreciate Dad more, or you’ve been missing him as boundaries separate, make him feel special with The SM Store’s Father’s Day Gift Essentials and have them delivered to him on his very special day through #SMCalltoDeliver! 


The SM Store’s call to deliver catalogue features great gifts for Dad that will touch his heart:








A Gift of Memories. Whether capturing family’s best moments or his new norm 

adventures, dads will surely love a new gadget like the FujiFilm Mirrorless Digital 

Camera or Go Pro Hero Max Action Camera.











 A Gift of Time. Days with Dad are priceless, and it’s amazing how he has always found time for you despite his busy schedule. Organizers for his favorite watch collection will surely bring a big smile to his face.




 A Gift of Fashion and Fitness. A nice pair of rubber shoes, tees, shirts and dri-fit shorts for your dad’s work out from home activity.






 A Gift of Scent-sibility. Either a new scent or his signature scent will add zest to his special day.



 A Gift of Cool. Keep Dad safe with smart and protective helmets as his takes his ride.




For other Father’s Day gift ideas at the SM store SM City Naga call the #SMCallToDeliver hotline (0917 855 0941, 0917 855 7363) from Mondays to Fridays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for inquiries, or check out the catalog 

https://www.thesmstore.com/call-to-deliver-catalog


Stay in the loop with latest #SMCallToDeliver updates, and join The SM Store Viber Community Group https://bit.ly/2XLyD

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Health Home-Works from SM Home


With most of us homebound these days, it's the best time to start good health habits by preparing nutritious meals for the family, and creating a wellness based lifestyle whose benefits we will enjoy beyond the quarantine. It's also the best time to rediscover the simple joys life and of doing things together. 

SM Home, the one-stop shop for all of your home essentials, shares with us some healthy home-works from UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization in maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

1. Prepare a Weekly Meal Plan and make a shopping list of items you need before you go to the store for your routine shopping. Create the list from the meal plan and include back up ingredients on your list in case your first choice is out of stock. Limit the list on buying the essentials.

2. Stock up on nutrition-packed food such as whole grains, breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables; and staples like sauces, milk, eggs, spices and condiments. Fresh products should be consumed first. Frozen fruits and vegetables as well as canned vegetables and fruits are good alternatives as these have a longer shelf life.



3. Build up a stock of healthy snacks for your children - yogurt, nuts, cheese, chopped or dried fruits, boiled eggs and more. Stock them up in a stackable glass container to seal freshness and label them.

Juice up to boost your immune system with this handy Oster Mason Jar Blender.
Available at thesmstore.com and ShopSM app.
4. Continue to practice Food Hygiene and Safety. Wash fruits and vegetables under running water and dry it with vegetable spinner; use separate chopping boards for meat and seafood as you prepare the meal; and don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing your meal.

5. Drink water regularly and stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses a day to boost your immune system.

6. Make cooking and eating together a family habit. Kids can help wash and sort the ingredients and set the table before the meal. This creates a healthy routine and fun bonding with the whole family. Also practice mindful eating and stay away from processed food.

​Enjoy healthy home-works and memorable meals together with home essentials from SM Home. These are available at the smhome.com.ph and shoppers can now place their order online through the thesmtore.com and ShopSM app. For more info and updates, follow them at SM Home at the SM Store in Instagram or visit thesmstore.com website.