Macky Benj

Land of History & Natural Beauty: Bohol

Bohol is one of the largest islands of the Philippines and is located in the Central Visayas Region. This peaceful province is lying between Cebu in the northwest and Leyte in the northeast.

It's known for its wonderful beaches and resorts. An island in Bohol called Panglao is hailed as one of the best diving sites in the world coz of its unpolluted crystal clear water.

How to get there:

-By Air:

Route: Manila – Cebu (through ferry) – Bohol

Manila – Bohol

-By Sea

Cebu – Bohol: about an hour and half

Manila – Bohol: more than 24 hours

Panglao Island Resort & Spa

Where to stay:

Our accommodation: JJ Seafood Village

Other accommodations:
Panglao Island Resort & Spa
Dao Diamond Hotel & Restaurant

The PeacockGarden

Amun Ini BeachResort

FlushingMeadows Resort & Playground

Hotel La Roca
More here: Bohol Hotels & Resorts

Destinations:

-Tarsier Conservation Area

-Chocolate Hills

-Loboc River Cruise

-Man-made Forest

-Blood Compact Monument/Sandugo Shrine

-Bohol Bee Farm

-Dauis Church

-Dumalwal Beach (White Sand)

-Panglao Beach

-Xzootic Zoo

-Baclayon Church and Museum

-Hanging Bridge

-Butterfly Sanctuary

-Ship House

-Hinagdanan Cave

My Suggestions & Recommendations:

-I recommend JJs Seafood Village because of the location, amenities and friendly staff. They also have a restaurant that can cater to 30+ people.

-If you have extra money, go to Panglao Island Resort & Spa. They have a man-made island where you can relax and enjoy the beach and they also have an "exclusive cave".

-Look online for more affordable accommodations.

Check Here: Bohol Resorts & Hotels

-Hire a car because the tourist destinations are far from each other.

-Bring sun block, food & water.

-Give tip to the musicians in the Loboc River Cruise.

-Try the ice cream in Bohol bee farm (A MUST) and buy a lot of their different flavored spreads. (Pesto and chocolate are the best!)

-Don’t buy souvenirs and pasalubong in shopping malls, help small business owners.

-For souvenirs: T-shirts, key chains, displays, ref magnets, blankets, handmade bags and house decors.

-For pasalubong: piaya (Bohol’s piaya is one of the best!), peanut kisses (never forget this!), peanut fingers, star peanuts and flavored spreads (from bee farm).

-Enjoy!

Loboc River Musicians

Flavored Spreads from Bohol Bee Farm

Man-made Island in Panglao Nature Resort & Spa

Bohol will always have a special place in my heart. I really like the peaceful environment and the tropical haven of its natural beauty. I think Bohol’s beaches can also compete with other well known beaches in the Philippines or even in the world. I just hope Boholanos will continue to treasure this province because they don’t know how lucky they are.

Bohol’s official website: http://www.bohol.gov.ph/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackybenj/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mackybenj

12:25 PM
8 Comments

Export Wordpress to Blogger

export wordpress to blogger

I have decided to be a full-time blogger, so I recently bought a domain from Godaddy. I was using free Wordpress back then and it's kinda expensive for me to use it as my web host.

The good news is Blogger is one of many free web hosting companies, whether you have your own domain or not.

I did some research and exported my contents from Wordpress to Blogger.

Here are the simple steps:
-Go to your Wordpress account.
-Choose which blog you want to transfer (if you have more than 1 blog).

-Go to dashboard.

-Then, go to tools and click export

-Choose between Guided Transfer or Export ( I chose export)

-Click start export
-Next, choose what would you like to export: all content, posts, pages, etc. (I chose all content)

-Finally, click download export file.
*the export file will be downloaded to your device. Make sure that you save it.

BLOGGER:
-Log in to your blogger or create a new account (if you don't have).
-First, go to your blogger's dashboard.
-Go to settings, click others.
-In the page you will see Import & back up.
-Then, click Import Content.

*Make sure you saved the downloaded file from wordpress in your computer.
-Next, answer the security question (CAPTCHA)

-Finally, click import from computer
-Wait for all the contents to be transferred.
-And you're done. Welcome to blogger. :)

NOTE:
-Followers from wordpress will not be exported.
-You need to edit some stuff like the size of pictures, spacing, etc.

If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackybenj/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mackybenj

7:05 AM
12 Comments

Foodie Bloggers Meet Up @ SM City Baguio

Bloggers Event

As a new blogger, it’s important that I expose myself to different events. These events will not only help when it comes to creating fresh contents, but will also improve my skills in socializing. Meeting fellow bloggers is a good way for me to learn or understand more about this industry.

SM City Baguio recently conducted a Food Fest – Bite Into a Fun Gastronomic Adventure. The event started from 25th to 31st of July at SM Atrium. There were a lot of activities during the festival such as foodie sale, food tour, cooking demos with celebrity chef and my favorite the foodie blogger meet up.

The bad weather didn’t stop me from attending the event. I was bouncing off the walls because it’s my first time to attend a blogger’s get-together in my city.

Hey fellow bloggers.. :)

I wasn’t able to take quality pictures (especially the food) because I was using an Ipad (my camera dead coz I wasn't able to recharge it due to power outage). I observed how the bloggers took photos #foodgram and they were pretty good. The only problem was the weather (dalwang bagyo ba naman kasi!). I hope the organizers will consider moving the event during summer season.

#SMCityBaguioFoodFest
#iLoveSMCityBaguio

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackybenj/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mackybenj

5:41 PM
7 Comments

Steps on How to Renew Philippine Passport - Online System

How to

Before travelling to another country, you must have a valid passport. A passport is an official document issued by the government that certifies the bearer's identity & citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries.

In the Philippines passports are renewed every five years. Here are the reminders and steps on how to renew your passport through the new system.

What you will need for online application filing and scheduling:

1.) A working computer with internet access.
2.) Web Browser. (Internet Explorer ver.11 or higher / Mozilla Firefox ver.45 and up recommended)
3.) A valid and working email address to receive system-generated messages with file attachments. (All email addresses from Hotmail, Live, MSN and Outlook will not receive email confirmation due to technical incompatibilities. Gmail or Yahoo! accounts are recommended for the time being.)
4.) PDF reader and a working printer to view and print the system-generated the application form in A4-size paper.

STEPS:

1.) Prepare all the requirement(s) needed (e.g. old passport, birth certificate, etc.)
2.) Go to: https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment
(READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY)
3.) CHOOSE SCHEDULE
-select where you intend to file an application.
-choose preferred date and time for the personal appearance.
4.) FILL APPLICATION FORM
-Provide your personal information and contact details.
-Choose the type of application you wish to apply.
5.) PERSONAL APPEARANCE
-Prepare all the required documents.
-Proceed to your chosen DFA site for biometric data capture.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackybenj/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mackybenj

4:49 PM
2 Comments

My Creamy White Spaghetti

creamy pasta

Spaghetti is one of my all time favorite pasta. I can eat it like every day (trust me; I never get sick of eating pasta) because there's something about spaghetti that I can't refuse.

When it comes to my spaghetti I like it rich and extra creamy. The pasta should be aldente, the meat should melt in my mouth and the flavors shouldn’t be overpowering. It's like a celebration inside my mouth.

For today, I will share my simple recipe that you will really love.

Ingredients:

- 1 half pack spaghetti pasta (macaroni will also work)

- 1 or 2 can(s) of tuna (chicken breast will also work)

- 1 can of button mushroom

- 2 packs of all purpose cream

- 1 tablespoon of butter

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- Garlic cloves (minced)

- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (optional)

-salt and pepper

Directions:

1.) Boil water in a large pot. Put salt and a teaspoon of oil.

2.) Cook pasta until al dente and drain (set aside half cup of the water).

3.) In a pan heat the olive oil add the butter. Add the garlic. (Medium heat)

4.) Add the tuna then the mushroom. Cook for 5-7 minutes.

5.) Lower the heat and add the cream & rosemary. Allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes, and then add the half cup of reserved water.

6.) Add the pasta and toss to coat evenly.

7.) Season with salt & pepper.
Enjoy! <3

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https://www.instagram.com/mackybenj/?hl=en
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3:49 PM
4 Comments

My Review on Master Oil Control Max with Zero Oil Facial Moisturizer

Facial Moisturizer Review

I started using Master Facial Moisturizer July of 2015. At first I was skeptical to use this because I have a sensitive skin. I read the ingredients and boom! I saw the magic word, SALICYLIC ACID that combats acne. Upon reading everything I bought a sachet (10g.) for 18.25 PHP.

Master facial moisturizer has a “fresh and minty aroma” that men will like. The moisturizer is like a gel and it doesn’t leave that “heavy feeling” on your skin compared to other moisturizers that I tried. It is easy to apply and dries fast.

The product claims that it can control oil for up to 8 hours. Uhmmm, I’m sorry, but it DOES NOT. It can only make me look fresh for 2 hours approx.

It also says that it can minimize pores and leaves your skin “smooth finish”. YUP! IT SURE DOES!.. After applying the product on my skin, I immediately see the difference.

I sometimes use this moisturizer as my primer before applying my foundation. And, it does help in making my foundation last longer.

Compared to my other moisturizer, the Master is better when it comes to price. I think it doesn’t really combat acne that much even though it contains Salicylic Acid.

Will I recommend this product? OF COURSE. I think this product is good for people who have “semi-oily skin.”

So, there you go! That’s my honest review about the Master (Oil Control Max with Zero Oil) Facial Moisturizer.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackybenj/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mackybenj

credits to the owner of the photo: http://www.skinmatters.com.ph

7:59 AM
2 Comments

Pahiyas Festival 2017

Festival in the Philippines

Finally, I was able to experience one of the most colourful & extravagant celebration in the Philippines, the Pahiyas Festival.

Pahiyas festival is held every May 15 in Lucban, Quezon to honour the patron saint of
farmers, San Isidro Labrador for having bounty harvest.

As an aesthete, I was amazed at how people turn a simple house into a masterpiece. Houses were decorated with different fruits, vegetables and kipings. The kipings were strung in different shapes and forms like chandelier, flowers, ribbons, etc.

Your trip to Quezon is meaningless without trying the Pancit habhab.