A Treat for the Tagaytay Trip: The Adidas Toe Touch Textile

Weeks ago, I already planned to take my Mom and favorite Tita to Tagaytay in celebration of Mother's Day.

I already had everything plotted: from the departure, to the places I intend to take them to, to the shopping afterwards, among others.

But days before, I still had no idea which pair of walkers to wear.

I mean, it will be a semi-long drive for someone like me who's used to just driving around the metro. And the fact that it will only be my second time to drive going there only adds to my exasperation. After all, I only have my google map which can only do so much when my ipad's signal goes bonkers.

Thus, based on actual experience and my limited long-driving skills, I should consider a most comfortable pair in case the drive goes longer than usual. Yup, for someone like me, being lost once in a while becomes almost inevitable. Haha!

I normally go to the mall to de-stress afterwork either to work out at Fitness First or have coffee. Last thursday was no exception. I was doing my usual rounds, thinking about what to wear for the said special occasion when I saw a pair on display at the Adidas Originals Store in Trinoma.

OMG.

Remember my last post about the Adidas Court Adapt? How I got it in a serendipitous way?

Well, it seems like lady luck never did leave my side.

Because right in front of me was another pair I had in my wish list: the Adidas Toe Touch Textile.

It was even more beautiful upclose.

The colorful stripes had my name written on them. Perky!!!!

I already own a pair of pink and blue Adidas Toe Touch so I know for a fact how comfortable this pair is.

Comfortable enough for a...long drive to Tagaytay. :)

I took a look at the tag price and smiled in appreciation.

P 1,995. Pwede. Timely since I saved a lot with the 50% off on Starbucks Frappe recently (haha, yes, am justifying everything).

Funny thing though is that when I got my usual size (9.5 US), I found out that it was way to big. My thoughts were affirmed by the sales person who told me that the Adidas Toe Touch Textile had big sizes.

Guess what? I was down to size 7. Haha! Lotus Feet much? :)

I couldn't care less. What matters is that I can already cross this out on my wish list. Hehe.

So I got the pair and immediately headed home.

My mom was waiting there for me and her next words proved my thoughts right about mother and son sharing a special psychic bond:

"Bumili ka ng shoes no? Patingin. "

And she said that even before I got off from my car. Haha!

Quite proud of my purchase, I showed it off to my Mom who applauded in glee.

Nice. I got the reaction I wanted. So the deal is set. The Adidas Toe Touch Textile is my official Tagaytay pair.

So finally yesterday, my Tagaytay trip finally pushed through.

Unmindful of the long drive, the heavy rains and my poor sense of direction, my Mom and my Tita had a blast in Tagaytay.:)

Maybe because it was time well-spent together.

Or maybe because I finally got my wish.

Of being able to show my Mom and favorite Tita how much I loved them.

And being able to get yet another most coveted pair: The Adidas Toe Touch Textile. 

A PAIRfect Mother's Day Tribute

Mother's Day is just around the corner. On sunday, to be exact. May 8.

It's the perfect excuse to bond in an extra special way with my mom. And my favorite Tita Virgie as well. Not that we don't do it on a regular basis. :) I mean, I know you get my point. Think about say, Christmas. Christmas for Moms and Mom-likes. Hehe.

Anyway, I already made plans about my little surprise for these two women who top my list. But just this morning, upon waking up, I just thought of going the extra mile.

If I can blog about shoes, I can also blog about people who mean so much to me.

So I decided to make this entry as a tribute to both of them.

But going beyond mushy words, I will just dedicate a pair of shoe for each wish I have for them.

Note: I do not intend to buy all the pairs mentioned here. I am not that rich. These are just representations of my wishes for them. And besides, having other SHOEpaholics in the family can spell bankruptcy. Plus I don't intend to share space in my shoe closet. Hehe.

So here goes my PAIRfect wishes for them:

 A colorful pair of Journey is the Destination Toms Shoes to remind them to continuously touch lives and leave their marks on them, much like what they did with mine. 

A funky pair of Jeremy Scott Gold Wings Shoes so that they may rise above the golden years with much grace and ease.

An elegant pair of Charles and Keith Satin killer heels to help them stand tall (and fierce) amidst the daily challenges life may bring. 

A cute and comfortable pair of Lacoste Marthe Espadrilles so they may take time to enjoy life to the fullest without much pressure nor worries.

A pair of the Adidas Mi CC Ride for good health and well-being. It wouldn't hurt seeing them both fierce, fit and fabulous at 50 +++:)

  And lastly, an avant-garde pair of make-believe shoes so as to assure them that it's never too late to fulfill their dreams, whatever they may be. As long as they have me included in the big picture. Haha.

 So there.

I guess it wouldn't hurt if I share these pairs (and my wishes) with all the mothers out there. :)

Thank you for making this world a better place to live in.:)

And to my mom and Tita Virgie, you two are worth more than these pairs (and the ones I have at home. Ayan ha, that much.:) ).

Indeed, priceless gifts from HIM upstairs.

 I love you both. :) Happy Mother's Day! :)

SHOEpper's Guide 3: Cybergate Mall, Tung Chung, Hong Kong

Recently, I've been getting a lot of queries about my favorite shopping areas in Hong Kong. It seems that most people nowadays no longer equate summer with the local sands and seas.

Instead, most people have seen things my way: why pay much to get sunburned?

Better to indulge in retail therapy instead. :)

After all, the goods last longer than a fake tan. Hehe.

Anyway, going back to my story.

I recently went back to Hong Kong for my retail therapy. After a couple of months working my ass off, I think I deserved it.

Actually I needed it to keep me sane. And prevent me from getting burned out.

Like a hound that can sniff its way home, I found myself navigating effortlessly towards my shopping haven of choice a few hours after settling in my hotel at Dorsett Seaview at Yau Ma Tei (which proved to be in a very strategic location, as it is just a stone throw away from the Temple Street Night Market, the Jade Market and a station away from the Ladies Market at Mong Kok).

Armed with my Octopus Card (a one-card-for-all transportation needs), my little yellow bag (to carry my personal stuff) and my chosen pair of walkers (Zara Espadrilles this time), I braved through the busy streets of Hong Kong and found my way to Tung Chung (after 3 train exchanges), where the Cybergate Mall was located.

For those of you who are not yet familiar with the Cybergate Mall, it is actually an establishment located near the airport, which houses a bunch of outlet stores of different brands. Easily accessible via the Tung Chung MTR Line, the Cybergate Mall has become a favorite destination of both tourists and locals alike in search of original branded goods for less. Yours truly, included.

For SHOEpaholics like me, the Cybergate Mall is heaven on earth. Located within it are outlet stores of some of my favorite shoe brands like:

Adidas

Nike

Puma

New Balance 

Among others.

At a glance though you might be wondering what would set these stores apart from the rest. Well for one, they offer a bigger variety of styles per category, exclusive to the region (some of the pairs I got were exclusively launched in HK, thus none available here in the Philippines. The  chance of seeing someone with an identical pair is when that person  a.:) knows my favorite SHOEpping destination by heart b.) is an avid reader of my blog or c.) robbed me of my precious possessions. Haha! 

The displays were quite attractive and sizes were readily available. 

\

Also these stores offer very good deals, relatively cheaper than the local market place. Some even offer rebates, regardless if you pay in cash or card. Tip: Pay using your credit card as the conversion rate is lower. 

Winner Much. 

And the best part: This year-long sale of goods gets even better during June to August, when Hong Kong officially declares its sale months. Up to 80% off! 

Apart from my favorite shoe brands, other retail stores  can also be found in the Cybergate Mall like Giordano, Esprit, CK, Samsonite, Swatch, Levis, Body Shop, Polo and a bunch of other famous brands.

I can't wait to see you again soon Cybergate Mall. :) Just in time for my 30th birthday. :)

SHOE Adventures Cycle 2: Adidas Court Adapt @ Coffee Talk

Wishes do come true.

Mine just did.:)

Whether it was because of the alignment of the universe, the will of God or the coin I dropped inside the wishing well at Disneyland, I couldn't care less.

I am just darn thankful. Hehe.

You might be wondering what I wished for.

Well, for quite sometime I have been restless.

Maybe because of the stress from work, my teaching post and other personal matters in between.

All the while, I wanted just one thing: a break from it all.

So consistently I called on fate to favor me.

And guess what? Fate was kind enough to grant me my wish.

Earlier this year i told myself that I would make a bucket list of the things I want to do and the places I want to visit since I'm turning 30 this coming August.

Part of that list was to go and experience the wonderful culture and sights of Bohol. You know like, have my pic taken at the Chocolate Hills, indulge in the feast at the Loboc River and mingle with the tarsiers.

Lo and behold, last week, I managed to squeeze in my hectic schedule this quick weekend getaway.

Thank God for time management...and the internet. Hehe.

So off to Bohol I went.

But of course, you know me too well.

I've been trained to never come unprepared for a battle.

So I brought out my newest wish granted.

For those of you who have been following my blog, you might have seen this particular pair included in my wishlist (check out my previous entry): Working for my wishlist: Adidas Inspired.

So while I was busily engaging in my retail therapy at Mongkok, HK recently, I saw my favored pair right before my eyes.

At first I couldn't believe it since I only saw the pair online. 

I was starstruck.

By the Adidas Court Adapt.

It was simply as beautiful as I perceived it to be.

I grabbed a pair to check out its texture and feel.

I wasn't wrong. It was very much like Crocs, only edgier and perhaps a bit more comfortable. 

The shiny cloth-like support at the hind part saves one from the nasty callouses other pairs may bring during long strolls.

And the lime color....was simply lovely.

It was love at first sight for me indeed.

And at HKD $ 299 (roughly around P 1,800), it was one temptation I couldn't resist.

So I did get myself a pair which I managed to put into good use since I intended to go to the beach and take Bus # 11(see previous post) most of the time.

Anyway, going back to my story.

Being a first-timer in Bohol,  I was quite excited. I could barely contain myself.

But then again, I needed a dose of caffeine. 

For those of you who know me personally, you can probably attest to the fact how much I loved coffee.

Coffee shares an equal billing with shoes in my vocabulary.

So the moment I stepped out of our resort (Paragayo), I saw a signage which made my heart skip a beat.

Now let's talk business. Hehe.

I immediately rushed inside to get myself a drink.

I was welcomed by the owner, Tita Doris, who immediately engaged me in an animated conversation.

After finding out that I was a tourist on vacation who keeps a shoe blog, she immediately offered to serve breakfast for me and my friends so I can blog about her coffee shop.

Who am I to resist such tempting offer? 

I saw a menu tarp outside but I already forgot what was being served and Tita Doris was quick to suggest her best sellers.

"You just try out everything and let me know what you think", she said with a smile.

Bongga. Galante siya.:) 

During our conversation, I learned that she got the name after being inspired by the practice of exchanging stories over coffee. To date, she has two branches: one in Robinsons Cebu and the other one at Panglao Beach, where I was at that time.

While we were talking, I checked out the place. It was much like a small quiet nook where you would love to spend your afternoons reading your favorite book or updating your ipod. 

Just perfect for someone like me whose tired corporate soul needs some fresh air.

"I just opened last month so I would appreciate if you can give me some honest feedback," she said apologetically.

Aww, humble much. Pero sige. Magaling ako manlait. Haha.

Finally our breakfast came.

Five different viands for 5 people. 

I chose the beef tapa combo to go with my capuccino.

Mind you, at P145 each, the serving was really big. 

Hungry as I was, I wasted no time in trying out my breakfast plate (and my friends' too, para ma-try lahat di ba? hehe) 

Winner. I can finish this. Hehe.

I took a sip of my capuccino and was brought instantly to coffee heaven.

I love it. What brand are you using (pa-bibo)?

"I distribute Danesi. It's a good brand." , Tita Doris said.

Tita Doris, ikaw na ang big time, I silently told myself and smiled. 

Promise my breakfast set was very good. My friends enjoyed theirs as well.

"So how did you find everything?" Tita Doris asked after finishing our meals.

I smiled upon seeing her nervous look.

"It was all good Tita. No worries." 

No stir.

Happy with what I said, she immediately invited me to have coffee with her when I visit Cebu.

I was quite overwhelmed by her excitement that I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

And my smile grew wider when she offered to give us a 50% discount on our bill.

Bongga. Tipid talaga. :) Thank You Tita Doris.:)

Much like my shoes. The Adidas Court Adapt. Value for money indeed.

And the experience of having both: my dream pair and my dream vacation...was simply priceless.

For inquiries about Coffee Talk, please email Tita Doris at doris0317@yahoo.com. :)