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by Erica Jahn

DAMI IM Obsession!

In Uncategorized
August 9, 2014
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It’s been almost a year now since the time I published my DAMI post [perhaps as one of her armies] – – you can scroll down below to find Dami Im’s X-Factor 2013 Journey…

Beautiful Dami!

Photo credit to SMH Au

These days I’ve been listening to her SUPERLOVE acoustic performance on VEVO. Her voice is the pitchy kind that I’d love to listen to over and over and over and over again… I don’t know. Her voice is so clean and mellow and strong at the same time… and really high and angelic and sweet and clear.. crystal clear! Ugh! I think on the average I listen to her Superlove — wait… I’m counting and now I just realized  I couldn’t count the times I listened to her songs — One thing I’m sure, I listen to her all day long!

Dami really got the X-Factor!!!!

Dami’s been really busy traveling to and fro between Brisbane and some Asean countries. I watched her appearances in Korea and my heart melted when she dedicated a song to his husband Noah… the thing is before her song, Noah confessed on an interview his gratitude for Dami’s love… he said he was so happy that Dami loved him and stood by him even when he needed to work as a part-time Janitor. He added that Dami has always been proud of him. Awwwww!!! Sweet Dami Dami!!!

HERE!!!!!!!!

I strongly believe Dami is a very kind person and she’s actually reaping her good Karma from her 25 years of existence… hehe Honestly I am so sleepy it’s almost 2 AM… *yawns*

By the way, the 12 X-Factor 2014 contestants to perform in the lives are revealed… What do you think? I’m rooting for Trill and Reigan Derry though…

FLASHBACK DAMI: ***POSTED SEPTEMBER 8, 2013***

I’ve been wanting to blog about DAMI IM for two weeks now [sometimes I get confused when I read Dami’s surname from articles, my mind would automatically read it as I’m]. If you follow X Factor, and other reality talent shows on YOUTUBE like me, you’ve probably come across 2013 X Factor Australia’s singing sweetheart *BREATHE* Dami Im [OOPS! There goes the I’m again!].

Photo credit to X Factor Australia 2013

DAMI’S EARLY LIFE

Dami Im was born in South Korea. She migrated to Brisbane with her family [her mom and younger brother Kenny] when she was 9. In an interview, she mentioned that it was a struggle growing and studying in Australia. When she was in her primary school, children teased her terribly because she couldn’t speak English. But music helped her overcome other people’s prejudice. Her exceptional talent in playing the piano has struck people around her and stopped them from looking down at her.

Dami started playing the piano at 5. She attended high school at John Paul College, where her former instructor referred to her as “high-achieving music student who concentrated on piano and violin”. She received many awards including the college’s Captain’s Cup prize for “the finest all-round cultural person”. In college, she went to the University of Queensland and eventually graduated with first class honors in music.

DAMI’S AUDITION ON X FACTOR AUSTRALIA 2013

When I started to watch her audition (see video below), I expected nothing. The video edit seemed to be [a bit] satirical. I mean they used a perky music bed and focused on Dami’s cat-printed stockings! I couldn’t take it seriously, not to mention Dami’s mirthful answer to Ronan when asked about her musical career. She said chuckling, she started singing RECENTLY [LOL] and that people can expect AWESOME SINGING from her. So who’d have believed???

But then she sang Hero by Mariah Carey. Everybody stood up to his feet and screamed in excitement. I was as entertained and blown away as the people there. I guess our prejudice on Dami’s musicality had left us flabbergasted!!!  Ha!

24 year old Dami said she’ll try her best so people would like her singing 

and if they don’t she still have her husband 🙂 I think it’s sweet… 

speaking of her husband, Noah, he is so supportive of her… 

He said he is Dami’s no. 1 fan! Awww!

My obsession with Dami doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s just started. Dami continued to Bootcamp but unfortunately messed her performance (see video below). She forgot the lyrics while singing and playing JOLENE. To cut the long story short SHE DIDN’T MAKE IT to the top 24.

BUT as what Dani Minogue had put it, luck was on Dami’s side. She was chosen to join the top 23 and continued to the HOME VISIT after one contestant decided to leave the competition. She went to New York to meet the Minogue sisters. In her home visit she sang IF I WERE A BOY by Beyonce (SEE VIDEO BELOW) and gave a killer performance. So, she made it to the LIVE SHOW!

DAMI ON THE LIVE SHOWS

On the first week here’s what she did:

Dami has never heard of U2’s One… I was blown away by this performance! She nailed it!

Result: Standing ovation from the four judges.

On the second week she sang PURPLE RAIN by PRINCE (see video below):

What did just happen?!! She gave another powerhouse vocal performance!

On the third week of the live shows here’s what she did!!!

Don’t leave me this way Performance by Dami Im

Dami sings ROAR by Katy Perry

Dami Im sings BEST OF YOU by FOO FIGHTERS

This is so touching…

Dami Im’s CLARITY!!!

FYI Dami has received 7 consecutive standing Os from the judges now! And it’s justifiable! That’s why people (including me) go “DAMI NUTS” !!!

Week 8 performance!!!!

Dami is the voice!

Week 9 1 of 2 🙂

A perfect vocal performance! 🙂 Dami just sings with full passion! Love this!

Her voice is so clear!!!! 🙂 

I love Dami!!!!

WEEK 10! Here’s what the judges chose for Dami!

Here is Dami’s Grand PERFORMANCE!!!! SO ALIVE!!!

I’m definitely LOVING HER! 

GO DAMI!!!!!

DAMI WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

DAMI’S FASHION

Would you believe I sent Dami a message asking about her attire? I did. I happen to like what she wears. Perhaps because she’s Korean??? 

Rummaged some photos from her FB page!!!! 🙂

I admire Koreans [and people] who can easily throw a laid-back outfit… I think it’s so neat and real and comfortably beautiful… speaking of which, I want to push this laid-back style in the next few days and since I’m so busy, I tried to browse from ZALORA some Dami inspired outfits. So here are what I found and what I actually plan to order:

Chiffon top and printed skirt.. what do you think?

(Photo credit to Zalora.com.ph)

Great news is that Zalora offers 250 discount voucher when buyers subscribe to their newsletter [lucky me, lucky you!] …and FREE SHIPMENT!!! Yep! Perks of shopping from ZALORA! I can get gorgeous clothes at discounted price without having to exhaust my feet inside the mall! So convenient!

WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT DAMI IM

Dami is a proud born-again Christian! She is a baptized, regular worshiper at Brisbane Full Gospel Church, a part of the Assemblies of God community. She sings contemporary gospel music and boldly professes her faith! She is inspirational! (see videos below)… When she sings, I can feel in my heart the message of the song because she sings it with conviction…

Dami does a cover of River by Emelie Sande… This left me in tears… God will always be by our side… we just need to recognize His presence…

Dami sings Amazing Grace

Photo credit to Brisbane Times

The photo above shows Dami Im’s pastor at the Brisbane Full Gospel Church, Pastor Joseph Hong, holding Dami’s recorded album in 2010. This CD, consisting of gospel tracks including Dami’s original composition Little John, was recorded to raise fund for Brisbane Full Gospel Church endeavors. Pastor Hong believes that the secret behind Dami Im’s angelic voice and the power behind her singing career success is the Holy Spirit. 

Dami’s husband, Noah, is also a member of Brisbane Full Gospel Church.They actually met at that place after Noah finished his military service in Korea and migrated to Australia.

DAMI IM FOR THE WIN

I think Dami got the X Factor show at the moment. If she continues to belt out songs chosen for her by Danii, no doubt she’ll be pronounced this year’s grand winner. Week after week she comes off better. The reason I see is that she is becoming comfortable performing in a huge crowd. I hope her confidence remains solid and continue to do what she does best…

Even if Dami Im loses X Factor, I think she’s already proven how great of a musician she really is. I just hope she’d create contemporary Christian music to share to the world. And I hope she continues to enthuse other people with her story, her X Factor experience, and most of all with her faith and spirituality.

DEAR DAMI, If you read this, I want to say, thank you for the inspiration 🙂 And best of luck to your music career! God bless you and your family more!

Author

Erica Jahn

Erica is a former PR pro turned entrepreneur. Her greatest joys are family, blogging, music, skin care and social justice. As a Muay Thai enthusiast, Erica prides herself on working with increased focus, humility and diligence. She believes in living a fit life doing everything with a flair of creativity and love! Stalk her social channels @thegirlwiththemujihat

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[PRESS LAUNCH] Hortikultura Filipina 2018: Philippine endemic, indigenous & hybrid plants to the world

In Lifestyle, Uncategorized
November 26, 2017
0

The Philippine Horticultural Society, Inc. (PHSI), together with its partners and sponsors, will celebrate the annual, largest, most prestigious, and most updated horticultural festival of the Philippines on 2-11 February 2018 at Quezon Memorial Circle Tropical Garden.

The horticultural event will showcase the country’s endemic, indigenous and hybrid plants aiming to promote Quezon Memorial Circle as the place for gardening and horticultural practices not just in Metro Manila but in the whole country as well.

Another mission of the said event is for the Philippines to be recognized as one of the most diverse horticultural centers in Asia.

The Press launch

On Nov. 17, bloggers and press people came together to attend Hortikultura Filipina 2018 Press Launch. What an event the PHSI community has put together alongside its partners, we had an incredible opportunity to learn about horticulture – the science and art of growing plants.

We also had the chance to be mesmerized by the colorful ornamental arrangements as well as to taste some common Filipino dishes served with creativity twist.

Among the highlights of the press launch is the discussion of the laid plans for Hortikultura Filipina 2018. At the end of the program, attendees were given their plant starter kit as token of appreciation for gracing the successful event.

Photo from Camille Bernabe

“Horticulture is both an industry and leisure,” said Mr. Zac Sarian, Agriculture editor and columnist for the Manila Bulletin.

Mr. Sarian delivered an interesting talk about the business potential of decorative plants and gardening plus some tips on how to start your own gardening business. 

Some PHSI members giving a talk: Zac Sariam, Boyet, Audrey

Following Mr. Zac Sarian was Mr. Boyet Ganigan who talked about the trends of gardening.

Finally, Ms. Audrey Cabato discussed what people can expect on the horticultural event in 2018. Ms. Cabato touched on the following activities and show features:

  • Terrarium, Aquascape, Vivarium Exhibit
  • Bonsai Exhibit
  • Corporate and Group landscape
  • Ornamental potted plants compettion
  • Arts battle
  • Trade fair
  • Daily lectures/ workshops
  • Photo Exhibit of Philippines Orchid Species
  • Acoustic Nights
  • Installation Art
  • Orchid Aseptic Culture Exhibit
  • Street Dancing
  • Garden tour
  • Daily Raffle

According to PHSI, all the stated activities gear towards the promotion of horticulture as arts and lifestyle.

Food for the attendees

The food prepared by Ms.Baby de Leon are very interesting: Banana blossom tempura, Pansit Puti, meatballs, and turon. These Filipino dishes were served with hibiscus iced tea and kamote iced tea. Our guilt-free dessert is the healthy and delectable Ashitaba ice cream.

About the Philippine Horticultural Society, Inc. (PHSI)

The Philippine Horticultural Society, Inc. (PHSI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization of plant lovers interested in spreading their passion and enthusiasm for plants. PHSI endeavors to be the lead organization in horticulture be it for food, medicine or aesthetic gratification in the Philippines. For over 40 years, PHSI has managed to bring organizations and people together to educate and collaborate on horticultural practices and techniques including traditional farming.

To those who are interested to be a member of the PHSI, you can message them your intent through their Facebook page: Philippine Horticultural Society, Inc. (PHSI). There is a membership fee that comes with lifetime benefits and privileges.

Parting words

There is indeed much to look forward to at the Hortikultura Filipina 2018 – the trends in horticulture, its industrial applications as well as its business potential and getting acquainted to and being enchanted by the Philippine endemic, indigenous, and hybrid plants – these and more in this ten-day event!

If Hortikultura Filipina 2018 calls to you, mark your calendar and save the date! We’ll be seeing you in February!

If you want to join the exhibit or competition, don’t hesitate to reach out to PHSI. For further information on the event, please check out their facebook page. You may also contact PHSI at pshi08@yahoo.com or call 02 577 5234/ 0917 712 6392.


Thank you so much! If you find this post helpful or interesting, don’t forget to share!

Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort in Mabini, Batangas — Review

In Airports, Featured, Travel, Uncategorized, Video
August 27, 2019
0


I only stayed one day, but I can already tell the Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort in Mabini, Batangas is a place to fall in love with. If you don’t mind paying a little extra for great food, hospitality and unique experience, then you should definitely allow this place to get you fully smitten.

I have visited several resorts in Batangas now and I know that standard accommodation in this area range from Php1500 – Php8000 depending on the type of room and the property in general. Deluxe rooms at Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort start at Php4,999 inclusive of breakfast. The property has no swimming pool nor a stretch of powdery sand along its private beach but has that “extra something” that makes it worth the price. 

Find my full review of the Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort below. For added visuals, watch the video clips I took around the property posted on my YouTube channel and embedded right above the article heading. It’s worth noting that this resort allows day trips, walk-in guests for weekend BBQ and dining. Currently, they offer all-you-can-eat buffet-style brunching on Saturdays at Php699 per person. I was invited to try and review this brunch buffet but as usual, all views I share here are my own. 

Admiring the beauty surrounding me in the hammock

Accessibility

Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort is conveniently located along Mabini Circumferential Road, about 2.5-hour drive from Manila Airport. It is accessible through public transportation—via provincial bus to Batangas, then jeepney from the bus stop to Mabini and then tricycle from Mabini crossing. The resort also offers a shuttle service from the Airport to the property for Php5,000/14pax. If you are a group of divers staying in this resort, best to coordinate with the resort about the shuttle service. The property has spacious, secure, and free parking in case you plan to go via private transportation.

For guests with dietary restrictions, mobility issues, or travelling with youngsters or elder family members, the resort remains accessible. There are ramps for guests on wheelchairs, common lounge room with family entertainment, kid-friendly buffet, customized meals for those with allergies or strict meal plans. 

Unfortunately for those who travel with their pets, the resort doesn’t welcome them. 

My happy face inside the FALL IN LOVE room




Accommodation


I described my experience in Saltitude on my social media posts as “a beach getaway with an attitude” mainly because of the owner’s careful attention to the overall experience their guests have—manifested in the creative and unique room designs, for one. 














You can see from the video and photos, each room has a story to tell—with themes properly executed without compromising the comfort and cleanliness guests have come to expect. 














Guests can enjoy taking photos inside their rooms as much as they enjoy sleeping in. The bed is comfortable enough. The linens smell fresh. The restroom is spotless and clean-smelling too. There is a bidet in the toilet.   

View from the balcony just outside the Fall in Love room









Most rooms have a balcony with a view but the best room is the Let’s Fall in Love room (Php 5,699/night) which has a view of the beach. 












For group travellers, the Party Room is perfect (Php10,000/night) which occupies a maximum of 10 guests.












Posting my dive photos soon but for now, let me share my afternoon yoga








Activities



Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort combines the best elements of a quick beach getaway to escape the harried life in the Metro. A wide range of water sports is offered including scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, jetskiing, and kitesurfing. 








For seasoned divers, there is a comprehensive schedule of scuba and free diving. 








For those who wish to get their diving certification, the resort also offers a 3-5 day course at about Php25,000 fee. The owners are divemasters themselves and underwater photography enthusiasts. If you train with them, there is so much to learn and talk about!




For the landlubbers, I would also recommend a sunset trek to Gulugud Baboy. You can also rent a car and get around the nearby towns and visit some famous attractions in Batangas. 











  • [message]
    • ACTIVITY PER PERSON
      • ✓ Snorkelling – Php500
        ✓ Intro Scuba Diving – Php3,499 (Inclusions: gear, lunch, use of resort facilities)
        ✓ Intro Wind Surfing – Php3,499 (Inclusions: lunch, use of resort facilities)
        ✓ Intro Free diving – Php2,999 (Inclusions: lunch, use of resort facilities)
        ✓ Kayak – Php350
        ✓ Paddle board – Php350
        ✓ Sunset trek to Gulugod Baboy – Php350 (Inclusions: drinks and snacks)







marvelling at the clear sapphire water







  • [message]
    • DIVING GEAR RENTAL RATES
      • ✓ BCD – Php350
        ✓ Regulator – Php350
        ✓ Wet Suit – Php250
        ✓ Tank – Php250
        ✓ Booties – Php150
        ✓ Fins – Php150
        ✓ Mask – Php150
        ✓ Full Gear – Php1,200
        ✓ Flashlight/ torch – Php350
        ✓ Dive computer – Php500







canton, carbonara, bacon







Food and Dining Facilities


Although much of what happens here at Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort revolves around the reefs underwater, dining is also a highlight of the resort experience. Guests can indulge in traditional local dishes and delicacies. I highly recommend you try bulalo, bihon and sisig. 












On Saturdays, both in-house guests and walk-ins can enjoy a sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet-style brunch. The selection is wide so there is definitely something for every palate, even for the pickiest eaters like my kid. The menu changes weekly too. You would have something to look forward to your next visit. 












While enjoying any food inside the dining area or al fresco, you can also socialize. In the “friendly” restaurant aptly named “Mingle“,  you’d be impressed with the resort’s congenial and hospitable staff. If you have the chance to meet the owners, you’re in luck for a more entertaining feast! 








Thanks for this photo of me brunching by the beach, Jen of Sandundermyfeet






Brunch by the Beach at Php699/person




In Tagalog, we use the word “sulit” for things worth your money or generally a good deal for your money. Brunch at Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort is sulit! With three different cuisines and at least 25 dishes to choose from, you can indulge from 6AM till 12:30PM. 




During our visit, we had Asian, Mediterranean, and American dishes. I ate a lot of california maki, pancit canton, fried rice, clams, roasted chicken, aglio olio and carbonara, pancakes, siomai, fish, and the bread with salmon toppings. You can see from my photos (and video above), I ate a lot!





The food tastes really good. The dishes are well-prepared and the presentation is well-thought of. The buffet table is already appetizing judging from the food set-up. Again, kudos to Ms. Malou, the owner of the resort, who personally prepared the buffet set-up. 












The newly renovated dining area is also worth mentioning. It resembles a rustic Filipino country house made with “sawali” or interwoven splits of bamboo walls, with high ceiling and wide open-air windows. Inside is a simple bar counter with high stools. Opposite the bar counter is a corner dining with nautical pillows and plain round tables.








I told you I ate a lot











Other dining tables have tiled tops that look elegant and gorgeous. They remind me of Mexican Talavera stencils. Especially when the blue and mustard yellow plates were placed on top of our table.  

















This table looks gorgeous!!!







  • [message]
    • AVAILABLE CUISINE:
      • ✓ Asian
        ✓ American
        ✓ Continental

        DRINK OFFERS:
        ✓ Tropical drinks
        ✓ Very good coffee
        ✓ Alcoholic beverage

        Sample food and drinks cost:
        ✓ Sisig – Php149
        ✓ Lechon Kawali – Php269
        ✓ Buffalo wings – Php289
        ✓ Garlic sausage – Php279
        ✓ Chips – Php79
        ✓ Cocktails – Php179
        ✓ Beer – Php89
        ✓ Fruit shake – Php149
        ✓ Iced Tea – Php99/PITCHER
        ✓ Canned Soda – Php69
        ✓Pasta – Php249
        ✓ Pizza – Php499
        ✓ Calamares – Php249
        ✓ Bulalo – Php389
        ✓ Bihon gisado -Php199








Caught selfie-ing by Tina in one of the resort cabanas







Resort Services and Facilities


  • [message]
    • ✔️Private beach area
      ✔️Garden with cabanas, hammock, and beach lounge chairs
      ✔️Themed rooms
      ✔️Restaurant
      ✔️Bar
      ✔️Shared lounge
      ✔️Diving certification (more details below)
      ✔️Saturday Brunching (more details below)
      ✔️Shuttle service to/from the airport
      ✔️Free WiFi
      ✔️Massage service
      ✔️Room service
      ✔️Car rental
      ✔️Spacious parking area



Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort garden 
Saltitude Dive and Beach Resort cabanas




SUNBATHING AT Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort





Estimated Budget




DAY TOUR: PHP 999/PAX




You can visit this resort on a day trip. The resort is open 8AM to 5PM Mondays to Sundays. 







Day tour inclusions: 


✓Lunch 


✓Use of resort facilities 








OVERNIGHT STAY FOR 2 PAX: PHP6,000*


*Reservation is required if you opt to stay overnight.










How to get to the resort


Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort is located at 131-A Sitio Lagundi, Barangay San Jose, Batangas, 4202 Mabini, Philippines. The travel time from EDSA Shaw is about 2 hours and 17 mins if the flow of traffic is not heavy. 





































  • [message]
    • 1) Take Epifanio de los Santos Ave/C-4 to S Luzon Expy/Osmeña Hwy/Pan-Philippine Hwy/AH26/R-3 in Pasay
      2) Follow R-3 and Calabarzon Expy/STAR Tollway to Bauan – Batangas Provincial Rd/Diversion Road in Batangas
      3) Take Palico – Balayan – Batangas Rd to Bauan – Mabini Rd in Mabini











Contact


You may reach the resort by phone: 


+043 410 1857


+63 927 422 0428


+63 939 088843 




Or email: info@saltitude-anilao.com






Connect with their social media channels:


Website: www.saltitude-anilao.com/ 


Facebook: facebook.com/Saltitude-Dive-Beach-Resort 


Instagram: instagram.com/saltitude_dive




Book a Room








CLICK IMAGE TO RESERVE A ROOM








Parting Words




With all the competition for tourists and divers along Batangas beaches, resorts must have superb facilities and services to stand out. My type of resort is the one that’s able to give even the smallest conveniences to let the guest feel they care about their comfort and happiness. For those families, couples, group of travellers who wish to experience this (and more) can do no better than stay at Saltitude dive & Beach Resort. 














Have you visited any Batangas beaches? What do you think about this resort? Would you like to visit this place? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below! If you find this post useful, please do share! Thank you so much! Happy travels!

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