Author: Rochelle Sy Chua

Mango Tree Bistro

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On January 8, 2012

Mango Tree Bistro

The newest restaurant in Trinoma Mall that caught my eye is Mango Tree Bistro. While I was walking down the mall, I saw this elegant looking restaurant and it definitely piqued my curiosity. It’s such a good coincidence that my friend wanted us to have dinner there. You see, I’ve always been the one deciding where to eat. I think friends think I know so much about food that they always let me decide. Still, there are times when I’d prefer that they pick where we get to eat. After all, I get tired of my own food choices too hahaha! Now, see how lucky I was because I was shy enough to let my friend know that I wanted to try out Mango Tree Bistro. Apparently, we’d end up there! Coolness! Another restaurant to review in HeaRty’s Haven for me! 😀

Mango Tree Bistro serves Thai food. It has branches in Bangkok, Pattaya, Dubai, Tokyo and of course, here in Manila.

mango tree bistro ambiance 2

The Trinoma branch is huge! I love the color combination of purple and yellow and even though, it has a bit of a dark ambiance, it worked really well. Mango Tree Bistro looked to be a high-class place that serves expensive food. But in all honesty, it wasn’t that expensive.

mango tree bistro ambiance 1

After almost three weeks of not eating anything decent (due to my sickness), I’m so glad that I finally had the energy and the appetite to eat food, real food! So to celebrate my recovery and being out of the hospital, I didn’t hesitate eating all these food that we ordered at Mango Tree Bistro.

Pla Meuk Thod (Php 280)

mango tree bistro squid rings

If you haven’t noticed, my favorite appetizer to order is always calamares. Thai’s version of calamares is served with sweet chili dipping sauce. What I like about Mango Tree Bistro’s deep fried squid rings is that its breading is fine. As my mouth is still a bit sensitive with solid food, this was a welcome surprise. I wouldn’t recommend you eat this without the sauce though.

Tom Yum Goong (Php 280)

mango tree bistro tom yum goong

My ultimate favorite Thai soup is Tom Yum Goong. I just love the spiciness of this soup and the combination of shrimps, lemongrass, lime, mushrooms and chilies. It has a bit of sour taste that lingers in my mouth making me wanting to get some more.

Khao Klook Kapi (Php 230)

mango tree bistro bagoong rice

Like how other Thai restaurants serve rice, it was served like a platter with stir fried rice with shrimp paste in the middle. Surrounding the flavorful rice was bagoong meat, shredded green mango, chopped spring onions, green mango strips, scrambled eggs, tomatoes/cucumber and lemon. Of course, the point is to mix all the ingredients altogether before eating.

Gai Gratiem (Php 280)

mango tree bistro chicken

My friend ordered Gai Gratiem. It was basically stir fried chicken with garlic and pepper sauce served in a bed of crispy rice vermicelli. I usually like deep-fried as opposed to stir-fried chicken but this one, I surprisingly liked! I love how the meat was sliced into bite-sized pieces and how the sauce was spread all over the dish. Recommendable!

Thai Iced Tea (Php 80)

mango tree bistro thai iced tea

Thailand’s milk tea is definitely the best! It’s brewed tea with condensed milk. And the drink is just perfect for any Thai-themed meal. Do not miss ordering this drink when you visit Mango Tree Bistro. A perfect beverage for a sumptuous meal! 🙂

Kow Niew Ma Muang (Php 150)

mango tree bistro mango sticky rice

For dessert, we ordered ripe fresh mango served with sweetened sticky rice. I loved how the dish was presented and I especially love the choice of plate that they used. As shallow as this description may be, I felt that the dish blended with the whole restaurant ambiance altogether haha! This dessert is perfect for sharing.

There wasn’t any uniqueness in any of the dishes we ordered. It seemed that it was just as expected of Thai-inspired dishes. I couldn’t say that Mango Tree Bistro is the best Thai restaurant out there but I can say that I had quite a good complete experience with them.

Mango Tree Bistro has great ambiance, excellent service and quite decent Thai food. I was a happy camper and I was just so glad it was the first restaurant I tried out after quite some time.

mango tree bistro roch

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Mango Tree Bistro
3/F Trinoma Mall, EDSA cor. North Ave., Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 585-5460

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HeaRty’s Project 365

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On January 8, 2012

HeaRty's Project 365

As the year 2012 came in, I started a project that I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time. It’s called HeaRty’s Project 365. A lot of people have been doing their own Project 365. In the past, I’ve been browsing through those and was hoping I could do one of my own. However, most of Project 365s are photography-themed. I don’t consider myself a good photographer yet. I felt that I might be disappointing viewers (myself included) if I push through with a half-baked project.

At first, my plan was to take pictures of my daily outfit. I had friends recommending me to do it. I thought this must be a great time for me to start it plus I can also use that as a reference to what clothes I have in my closet.

But then, as January 1 came, I decided to change my 2012 theme for HeaRty’s Project 365. I realized I have been doing my own Project 365 already and it is far more important than any of my other goals for year 2012. Why not just share it to the world?

I was keeping that Project 365 to myself and some close friends. It just came to me that instead of having two Project 365 simultaneously, why not just stick to one? I can do the daily outfit project next year.

It all came to me when I was hospitalized last December. Even though I have been attending Bible Study sessions, I wasn’t making too much effort in getting to know Him. When I was sick, I felt God. I felt ashamed that I have been taking Him for granted. In spite of that, God forgave me and was there when I needed Him.

So I said to myself that this time around, I’ll read the Bible and I will definitely finish it in year 2012. I don’t wanna falter so I found myself a guide to follow.

You’ll see my daily Bible read throughout 2012 in my Tumblr site.

List of themes:

Year 2012 – Chronological Bibly Study
Year 2013 – Daily Outfit (tentative)

The website address is http://rochellesychua.tumblr.com.

Hope you could visit daily 🙂

——————–
HeaRty’s Project 365
starting year 2012
http://rochellesychua.tumblr.com

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My One Week Stay at St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On January 8, 2012

St. Luke's Medical Center Global City

Toward the end of 2011, I started getting really sickly. I was trying to fight it off by taking lots of rest and self-medication. However, they weren’t enough, because I got even sicker while working in the office or even on vacation. I decided to visit the doctor finally, so I went to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City. In just 2 minutes upon seeing me, the kind doctor immediately suggested that I get admitted.

I wanted to get well so I decided to follow doctor’s orders and immediately started preparing myself for the hospital admission. I called friends to see if they could take me to the hospital. I was just so lucky that I have friends who are willing to help whenever they can.

So one early saturday morning of December, my friends brought me to St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City. In all honesty, despite dreading the thought of staying in the hospital for several days, I was a bit excited as I knew St. Luke’s Global City has the best hospital facilities in the country. As what most people say, it doesn’t even look like a hospital but a hotel. How cool is that?

Admission

The process of admission went so smoothly. We were shown a brochure of available rooms in St. Luke’s the Fort. There in the brochure were pictures and prices of the rooms. I was hoping to get the deluxe room private (Php 4,000/day) but it was just too expensive for me. I requested for a semi-regular private room (Php 2,500/day). There were only about 20+ rooms for that in the whole St. Luke’s Global City so I had my fingers crossed while waiting for them to check if there’s an available room.

st lukes bgc admission kit

Luckily, I got the semi-regular private room (Php 2,500/day) as it saved me Php 1,000 compared to the regular private room (Php 3,500/day). I was given an admission kit that includes a small towel, toothbrush kit, a measuring cup and set of dining utensils.

We were escorted by a good-looking man to our hospital room. He graciously explained the facilities inside the room and wished us well as he wandered off.

Semi-Regular Private Room

The room was superb! In my life, I think I was hospitalized about 4-5 times. Each time was just dreadful for me. This time around, though I felt sad that I need to stay in one room without any freedom to do things that I want outside of the hospital, it felt good that I have chosen St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City at the Fort.

st lukes bgc small private room bed

You know why? Because as I’ve experienced it, the hospital is really world-class. The facilities are all so modern, very technology driven and since it was just a 2-year old hospital, it felt so new!

In my room, there was a huge cabinet to put my things plus there was a lockbox to put our precious stuff in. There were also a refrigerator, a telephone, a flat-screen TV, a DVD player (we can even borrow DVDs!), digital blood pressure checker and some other medical gadgets, a bed, a fire extinguisher and couch (can also be a bed).

st lukes bgc room amenities

I also appreciate that we can see a good view of Global Bonifacio City through the window.

st lukes bgc small private room

It definitely was a welcome happy surprise that St. Luke’s Global City is Wi-Fi-enabled hospital-wide!!! That was the biggest driver why I wanted to stay in St. Luke’s the Fort in spite of the far distance from my house. It was worth it, definitely worth it.

Room Rates as of year 2011

I’m not sure what St. Luke’s Medical City at the Fort offers for the year of 2012. For 2011 though, when I was hospitalized, St. Luke’s offered 16% discount for all their room rates.

In my almost 1 week stay at the hospital, my bill was at Php40,000+.

Here’s a rundown of the room rates as of December 2011 (Rate/16% discounted rate):

Ward – Php 1,786/ Php 1,500
Semi-Private – Php 2,500/ Php 2,100
Semi-Regular Private – Php 3,000/ Php 2,500
Regular Private – Php 4,137/ Php 3,500
De Luxe Private – Php 4,762/ Php 4,000
De Luxe Private with PC – Php 5,119/ Php 4,300
Executive – Php 5,952/ Php 5,000
Executive with PC – Php 6,310/ Php 5,300
Regular Suite – Php 11,905/ Php 10,000
De Luxe Suite – Php 14,286/ Php 12,000
Executive Suite – Php 17,857/ Php 15,000
Ambassador Suite – Php 47,619/ Php 40,000
Presidential Suite – Php 59.524/ Php 50,000

Food

Do you even think that I won’t be including a food review in my hospital experience? Oh, no, no! I’m a food lover and everywhere I go, food always makes me giddy.

Unfortunately, my sickness that time prevented me from eating anything solid. So I ate only soup, soup and soup.

I had my friends try out the yummy food food served in my room. Boy, it was gourmet! Whoever thought that hospital food can look and taste so good? Well, St. Luke’s definitely gave a new meaning to a full hospital experience. I love it!

There were two types of meals we can choose from: full diet or soft diet. At first, they didn’t give me that option and went ahead and served me full diet meals. While it looked good, I couldn’t eat it due to my sickness. The server noticed and suggested to serve me soft-diet meals next time.

st lukes bgc full diet

So the next meal I was served with were congee, lychee, soup and mouth-watering shrimps!

st lukes bgc soft diet

I can’t imagine hospital food can look and taste so good! It was like dining in a restaurant. I was pretty impressed with the presentation and the quality of the food being served!

st lukes bgc food

st lukes bgc room food

Service

Overall, I think my experience with St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City was good. However, it wasn’t perfect. The facilities were more than satisfying but service was inconsistent.

Here’s my rating (5-highest, 1-lowest) for service:

Admission Department: 5/5
Hospital Escorts: 5/5
Nurses: 4/5
Food Servers: 5/5
Cleaning Staff: 4/5
Nurses Station/Room Floor Reception: 3/5
Endoscopy Section Staff: 5/5
Accounting Department: 5/5

I gave Nurse station a low rating due to some frustrating situations. Like for example, there were quite a few times that I had to press for service tons of times as my dextrose went empty (or some other causes). I felt the button wasn’t useful as they don’t go to my room when needed. Since I was alone and don’t have any family member to look after me at nights, I had no choice but to depend on that button. You see my frustration when I had to wait for nurses to do their regular checking or the food server to come so I can ask favor from them to call on the nurses station for my needs. That was my biggest beef with the service.

Another frustration was checking out of the hospital. You see it took me HALF a day to finish the whole process. Ang tagal! 🙁

But still, good service overpowers the bad so I will recommend St. Luke’s Global City to my friends.

Personal Experience

My hospital stay made me reflect on a lot of things. This has got to do with the outpouring support from friends. Honestly, I never thought that a lot of people do care for me. I was deeply touched and humbled.

st lukes bgc roch visitors TY

Most of all, I felt God as I see my brothers and sisters in Christ showing so much love and care. I somehow felt I didn’t deserve it but God is so good!

st lukes bgc roch visitors

You know, as soon as I got home, I immediately went to my bookshelf and got my Bible. I started reading it like really reading and understanding it. I want to get to know Him better and I was sorry for taking Him for granted. When I got sick and when I thought I’d be spending miserable days in the hospital, God was there. He made me feel that I’m not alone after all!

——————–
St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City
32nd Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, 1634 Philippines
+63 (02) 789-7700
http://www.stluke.com.ph

Roch Signature

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Movie Review

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On January 1, 2012

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Movie Review

Honestly, I usually shy away from any MWFF movies. I’m seriously getting tired of seeing Bong Revilla, Vic Sotto and Ai Ai delas Alas in the movies. However, I haven’t seen any movies for a long time and I got curious after seeing friends tweeting about their viewing experience.

So I checked out the trailers of each of the MMFF entries on YouTube. I came to the conclusion that Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow would be interesting.

I initially thought that the movie would be cut into three parts:

1st story starring Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion and Carla Abellana
2nd story starring Solenn Heusaff, Dennis Trillo and Paolo Avelino
3rd story starring Lovi Poe and Jericho Rosales

Apparently, it was just one story. The characters have some connection with each other. If I have to narrate the story, I would still arrange them in a way that there would be three interesting stories within it.

Maricel is a strong woman. Too strong that it caused friction between her relationship with her daughter as well as her marriage with Gabby. After 10 years of annulment, she still had so much bitterness in her. Gabby, on the other hand, is newly married to young Carla Abellana. Carla is beautiful and gets along very well with Gabby & Maricel’s daughter. The story revolves around those 4 characters. One lesson we can take away from this is that we should learn to forgive and forget. If we continue to hold grudges, it will affect not just yourself but also the people around you.

Solenn, on the other hand, is a very modern woman. She’s liberated and extremely sexy. She doesn’t hesitate getting what she wants and she doesn’t care what other people think. She’s carefree, beautiful and super attractive. Paolo is her boyfriend who’s a bit possessive. Agot Isidro is her mom in the movie. She’s having an affair with Dennis Trillo who’s her personal trainer. Solenn upon seeing Dennis (not knowing about her mom’s affair) got attracted to the guy. In spite of the sexy scenes, there’s still a lesson to be picked up there. Loyalty, trust, love, resisting temptation and honesty are just some of those.

Jericho and Lovi are a happy couple. They have a beautiful baby and have just started a family life. Jericho is working for Maricel and due to work pressures, he has given less time and attention to his family. Lovi, misses her singing gig which she gave up for a life with Jericho. As the story goes, they eventually lost their child which was really sad. It is in this story that I shed some tears. Tons of lessons in this too – true love, forgiveness, responsibility and hope.

Acting wise, Maricel, Gabby and Jericho were excellent! Lovi was good but there was a scene that was so funny! When Lovi was crying over her kid, it was too obvious that the baby was just a pillow!!! I felt bad for Lovi for trying so hard to act while we (audience) laughed as the baby was just a lifeless pillow. Solenn, on the other hand, was perfect for her role! She looked good on screen and was a perfect flirt. I’m sure the guys would love watching her scenes in Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

My Rating for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: 2.5 out of 5 stars

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Wishful Thinking in 2012

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 28, 2011

wishful thinking in 2012

I have specific goals in the upcoming year, 2012. However, material-wise, I do have a lot that I wish to have. I know that I won’t be able to buy most of them. I do want to keep a list here so I can be inspired enough to at least, make some of them a reality. We’ll never know 😉

On the other hand, I’ll be updating my Bucket List soon. Recently, I have reflected on several things. I decided that I have been focusing on the wrong things. I will be changing it and making the items more actionable and attainable. I’ll do that soon. If you’re interested, please watch out for it.

For this post, I’ll be concentrating on the material things I have always wanted or have always planned to purchase. Some are attainable but most are just my personal wishes. If I win the lottery, I’ll be buying them all. For now, it’s all just wishful thinking…

Apple Products

I believe it’s no secret that I’m an avid fan of Apple. Steve Jobs is my ultimate idol and I felt affected when he died, to the point that I bought an iPod Nano impulsively to honor him.

I have a lot of Apple products. iPod Video, iPod Nano, iPhone, Apple Extreme Base Station and MacBook Pro are just some of them. But you know I can’t get enough of Apple products! Every Apple product is so cool that I want to own each and every one of them. Yes, I’m that crazy with Apple. I’m a hard core Apple fan!

Apple iMac 27″ 3.1 GHz ($1,999)

iMac

the iMac is such eye-candy. Whenever I see them in Apple stores, I dream that I use it everyday at home. I’m planning to buy one either in year 2012 or 2013. A lot will depend on my budget, but this will definitely be on my shopping list for the next two years.

Magic Trackpad ($ 69)

Magic Trackpad

When I get the iMac, I’ll surely get this accessory called Magic Trackpad. I’m so used to the multi-touch technology on my MacBook Pro that I don’t think I can live without it. Since Magic Trackpad is created for the iMac. It’s just perfect to get it together.

Apple Battery Charger ($ 29)

Apple Battery Charger

Again, another accessory that I will buy together with the iMac. The iMac comes with the wireless keyboard and magic mouse. Both need batteries to work, and since I’m an Apple fanatic, I want my batteries and charger to be Apple-branded.

Time Capsule – 3GB ($ 499)

Time Capsule

When I bought my Apple Extreme Base Station (router), the Time Capsule wasn’t released then. I think it only took a few months for Apple to come out with Time Capsule. I was a bit devastated. If only I waited, I could have just bought the Time Capsule. I wanted to retire my Apple Extreme Base Station. This 3GB Time Capsule model is a perfect replacement for it. For now, it’ll only be my wish.

Apple TV ($99)

Apple TV

With iCloud officially out, it makes sense for Apple users like me to get an Apple TV. The Apple TV is just a small gadget but it’s powerful. It can easily access our purchased movies, TV shows, music and photos right on our widescreen or flat screen TV. I heard rumors that a new version will come out soon. So my wish will be to have the next version of apple TV 🙂

iPhone 5

iPhone 4S

iPhone 5 isn’t out yet but that’s the next phone that I will definitely purchase. I know iPhone 4S has just been launched a few days ago. I almost bought one, like really bought one! I know my finances will be compromised if I went through it, so I’m glad I wasn’t able to. If there’s a wish, that is to have an iPhone 4S but as a goal & plan, I’ll get the iPhone 5 by 2012.

iPad 3

iPad

Rumors are saying that iPad 3 will come out very very soon. So I hope to get that or probably the iPad 4. To be realistic, I don’t think I have any budget for an iPad in 2012 🙁 It’s sad… I don’t have a tablet yet and I’ve been wanting to have an iPad ever since the first version came out. I’ve been joining raffles and contests hoping to win one. Unfortunately, I don’t have any luck with it. Well, right now, owning an iPad will continue to be a wish.

Fashion Accessories

In the past, I never appreciated the value of branded bags and accessories. I’ve always felt that women were just throwing money away buying those expensive Louis Vuitton and Hermes products. However, after buying so many Php 1,000-priced bags and throwing them away after just two months of use, I learned that I’m actually wasting more money buying cheap and poorly made stuff.

With this new outlook, and my new appreciation for branded bags, I now have a list of fashion bags and accessories I would like to have in the future. Looking at my shopping goals for 2012, these items will still not be something I would buy. I wish that soon, I’ll get the chance and the will power to finally buy them as I know I want them and need them.

Louis Vuitton Long Wallet Origami ($ 705)

Louis Vitton Long Wallet Origami

I want a Louis Vuitton bag so it just make sense that I would want a matching wallet with it. Upon browsing through the whole Louis Vitton wallet catalog, only one design caught my eye and it was the Louis Vuitton Long Wallet Origami. It’s pretty simple outside but when you open it, you can see the uniqueness of the interiors. The wallet is inspired by the traditional Japanese art, Origami, which I really, really personally love! 🙂

Features: grained calf leather and monogram canvas lining, shiny golden brass hardware, rear zipped coin compartment, 12 credit card slots, two large interior bill compartments and three smaller interior bill compartments.

Louis Vuitton Totally GM ($ 1,290)

Louis Vitton Totally GM

I want a huge everyday bag. I bring too much stuff that normal-size shoulder bags just doesn’t cut it. I don’t have a point & shoot camera but I always bring my DSLR which is a bulky gadget. Only a big bag can fit it. So I’m glad that Louis Vuitton has one! Now I want to have this! However, the price is just too steep that I don’t know if I want to shell out that kind of big amount for a shoulder bag.

Features: two flat straps fit comfortably over the shoulder, wide zipper closure, three flat pockets on the inside, interior D-ring to attach to pouch or key holder and golden brass pieces.

Rolex Watch – Datajust Special Edition 81338 ($43,260)

Rolex DataJust Special Edition 81338

I love my Nano watch but just in case I want to keep a watch as a treasure, I would want to own a Rolex. It’s damn expensive so I don’t think there’ll be a chance for me to get one. Well, there’s no harm in dreaming, right?

Features: 34 mm yellow gold & diamonds, white mother-of-pearl set with diamonds and diamond-set pearlmaster bracelet.

Tiffany & Co. Jewelry

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. In all honesty, it doesn’t have an appeal to me. If I have to choose between gadgets and jewelries, it would be a no-brainer, I’d choose gadgets 🙂 However, if ever I need to own jewelry, I would want the ff.:

Jean Schlumberger Lynn bracelet ($ 21,500)
Bracelet in 18k gold with round brilliant diamonds in platinum.

Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Lynn bracelet

Jean Schlumberger Lynn earrings ($ 2,500)
Earrings in 18k gold with round brilliant diamonds in platinum, for pierced ears

Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Lynn earrings

Jean Schlumberger Lynn necklace ($ 37,250)
Necklace in 18k gold with round brilliant diamonds in platinum. 15″ long.

Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Lynn necklace

Photography

My best gadget purchase for Year 2011 is the Nikon D7000! I loveeeee it! I’ve been using it heavily since I bought it last February 2011. It’s the best mid-range DSLR out there. However, I only have one lens (35mm prime). During travels and events, I realized that having only a prime lens is really hard. Like for example in the FHM event I attended this year, I had to borrow a zoom lens as my prime lens just wasn’t good enough, considering I was seated far from the stage.

If I had enough resources, I would buy more accessories for my Nikon D7000. Here’s my wish list:

Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED ($ 800)

For wide-angle needs, this 10-24mm Nikkor lens would fit perfectly.

Nikon 10-24mm f:3.5-4.5G ED

features: DX-format, ultra wide-angle 2.4x zoom lens with focal length ranging from 10 to 24mm (picture angle is equivalent to a focal length of 15 to 36mm in FX- and 35mm formats), Newly developed optical system features two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements, Superior reproduction capability, with the distortion that is common with ultra wide-angle lenses dramatically reduced, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures smooth, quiet AF operation, Two focus modes available – M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus), Seven-blade rounded diaphragm for natural blur effects and Internal focusing (IF) system means the lens barrel length does not change during focusing

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR DX ($389)

For telephoto lens needs, this 55-300mm Nikkor lens would fit my taste perfectly.

Nikon 55-300mm f:4.5-5.6 VR DX

features: Super-telephoto 5.5x zoom lens covering 55-300mm focal range (angle of view is equivalent to a focal length of 82.5 to 450mm in FX/35mm format), Vibration Reduction (VR II) enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible, Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements minimize chromatic aberration for superior picture quality and High Refractive Index (HRI) lens achieves high specifications and optical performance.

Nikon SB-910 ($ 550)

For my flash needs, this newly released Nikon SB-910 would be perfect!

Nikon SB-910

features: Three illumination patterns (standard/even/center-weighted), with increased light distribution accuracy, are available to match every shooting environment, Automatically detects Nikon FX and Nikon DX formats and selects suitable light distribution angles, Power zoom function covers wide 17-200 mm (in FX format) or 12-200 mm (in DX format) zoom ranges, AF-assist illumination, compatible with multi-point AF system, covers wide 17-135 mm focal length range, New MENU button enables quick access to custom settings, while improved LCD panel GUI (graphical user interface) enhances operability, Durable and heat-resistant, easy-to-use, hard-type color filters (fluorescent or incandescent) included and Automatically detects color filter types and transmits filter information to camera for optimum white balance setting

Nikon EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery for Nikon D7000 ($72)

Nikon EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery for Nikon D7000

My camera battery always runs low on power. Sometimes, I tend to forget to charge my camera so it really makes so much sense for me to get an extra battery for my beloved Nikon D7000.

Entertainment

Another interest of mine is gaming. I remember I used to give up sleeping time just to be able to level up my character in a game. When I was very young, when Super Mario Bros. was all the rage, I already showed that kind of love for gaming. Even after so many years, gaming is still something I really love. As of now, I play a lot of games on my PC and iPhone. However, I still want to have a gaming console for myself. And of course, I would want to have the complete experience thus would want to upgrade my entertainment system for it! 🙂

Sony Playstation 3 320GB Move Bundle ($350)

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Sony Playstation 3 has been in my wish list for 3 years. You know what? I actually bought two units of PS3 already! However, the PS3 system was lost/stolen not once, but twice! Talk about tough luck! I was devastated! Maybe, if I buy it the 3rd time, situation will be different. Third time’s the charm, right?

Bundle includes: 320GB PS3 system, DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller, PlayStation®Move motion controller, PlayStation®Eye camera, Sports Champions™ game

Sony Playstation Dualshock 3 Controller ($55)

Sony Playstation Dualshock 3 Controller

One Dual 3 controller is not enough for Sony PS3. That’s why I will get an extra controller if I end up buying the Sony PS3 320GB bundle.

Sony Playstation Move Motion Controller ($30)

Sony Playstation Move Motion Controller

One move motion controller isn’t enough, it should have a partner! 🙂 Two is always better than one! 😀 It’s definitely sad playing alone.

Sony PS3 Wireless Keypad ($ 50)

Sony PS3 Wireless Keypad

It’s difficult to chat using the dual shock 3 controller so I would want to buy at least one of these (at least for the main controller). If I have extra money, I will get two.

Samsung 55″ LED 3D TV – UE55D8000

Samsung 55" LED 3D TV - UE55D8000

I currently have a 32″ Samsung LCD TV. Since 3D is getting popular, I think it’s time for me to upgrade. I want a bigger screen TV (55″) and a 3D capable one! I hope to fulfill this wish in 2013 or 2014 🙂

Home & Living

For me, living comfortably does affect our moods. Especially since we consider our home our sanctuary, then it should be something we invest our hard-earned money with. You might not agree with me but I’ve come to that conclusion from personal experience. I believe that we should only have a FEW items in our home so it can be maintained better. Cluttered spaces really is a pain (believe me!).

I’ll be fulfilling one of my biggest dreams in 2012. In preparation for that, I want to buy tons of things! Since I’m starting over, I literally will not bring anything from my old home. However, I can’t afford all of the new items in 2012 so they’ll stay in my wish list for now.

Tempur Cloud Mattress 25 – Queen Size

Tempur Cloud Mattress 25

I haven’t had any good sleep. Even if I try to lie down for hours, I still can’t get myself to sleep. But when I go to a nice expensive hotel, I tend to sleep easily. So I conclude that my beddings currently at home aren’t good for me. Thus, I want to invest in good beddings. Where else can I get high-quality mattress but in Tempur, right?

2 pieces Tempur Original Pillow – Queen Large

Tempur Original Pillow

In relation to the Tempur mattress, I would want to match it with good pillows. So I’m sticking with Tempur as well. I know Tempur’s products are so expensive. However, I thought, aren’t we spending more time in bed than in any other place?

I want two pillows, since I’m getting a big bed 🙂

The Travel Set

I realized that I needed this after the retreat that I attended last December 2011. For me, if I need to bring something so I can have a good sleep then it’ll be Tempur-branded. I also think that when I get to buy the mattress and pillow above, I will surely find it hard to sleep without them when I travel. Thus, my wish to have the Tempur travel set.

*** Photos are taken from manufacturers’ websites ***

So there, that’s my list for Year 2012. I’m sure there are more items that I want but that’s what I remember for now. I’ll be updating this list throughout 2012. Items may change as well if upgraded versions come out.

I have a feeling that my wish list for 2013 will be the same as this one! hahaha! I hope I’d be able to at least clear out at least 1-3 items in this list in 2012. Let’s see. 🙂 Do you have a list of your own?

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