With all the things that's happened in my life lately, taking a break never sounded so good! I'm so looking forward to some salon visits to loosen up, unwind and just get a breather. Being in a sick room -- even if I wasn't the one sick-- can be depressing at times, and I can't tell you enough how my parents getting sick has affected me so much.
But since it's Friday(oh no!) and the weekend is approaching, I just can't think about those right now. As they say, whatever you're feeling, you have to get up, dress up and show up. Life goes on and I have to think about my uber hectic weekend of executing successful birthday parties!
It's probably good that my sisters-in-law and I are up for another girls day out, because the way things are going, even a book with a subject as miserable as funeral planning could look really attractive to me. Anything to get some me-time! Hahaha!
If I sound desperate enough, Simon may even take pity and shower me with surprises. Right?!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The One With Hospital Hopping
It was one heck of a day that day my dad was hospitalized and diagnosed for a gallbladder operation. Would you believe I rushed my mom to a hospital before I had to go home and rush to another again, with my dad? I can't believe it either. What are the odds, huh?
It was an emotionally draining day and one that I would rather forget. I'd take the burden of directing simultaneous birthday parties any day than that kind of pressure. I'd take the pressure of any job, for that matter, even merchandising jobs with sales quota. I just hate it when my parents are sick.
My mom is better now, like my dad. I just hope I'll get over the fright they gave me very soon as well.
It was an emotionally draining day and one that I would rather forget. I'd take the burden of directing simultaneous birthday parties any day than that kind of pressure. I'd take the pressure of any job, for that matter, even merchandising jobs with sales quota. I just hate it when my parents are sick.
My mom is better now, like my dad. I just hope I'll get over the fright they gave me very soon as well.
The One With Happy For God's Healing
I can't bear it when my parents are sick. I know it's normal for people to get sick every so often. And I know that aging is almost always synonymous with sickness knocking at the door more often, but I just don't understand how one in good physical shape, living a healthy lifestyle, could suddenly fall ill.
My dad recently got operated because of stones in his gallbladder. And everything came as a surprise for all of us, especially because my dad never had any vice, not alcohol nor cigarettes. He doesn't drink and he doesn't smoke, whether it's cheap backwoods cigars or not. The only vice he ever had, to the best of my knowledge, was eating to his heart's content. So now eating too much is off his list too.
I'm just so glad that he's better now and out of the hospital.
My dad recently got operated because of stones in his gallbladder. And everything came as a surprise for all of us, especially because my dad never had any vice, not alcohol nor cigarettes. He doesn't drink and he doesn't smoke, whether it's cheap backwoods cigars or not. The only vice he ever had, to the best of my knowledge, was eating to his heart's content. So now eating too much is off his list too.
I'm just so glad that he's better now and out of the hospital.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The one with machete
Scene: daddy comes home from work, takes off his pants and polo leaving his undies on while checking which to wear.
Simone in a shocking tone: "Nyeh! naka-machete ka na naman daddy...eto suot mo to!"
hahaha...as in LOL!
Simone in a shocking tone: "Nyeh! naka-machete ka na naman daddy...eto suot mo to!"
hahaha...as in LOL!
The one with reading program
I was able to get a hold of CFA reading program (thanks to my good friend, clarice) and we had our first day just today. I must say Simone enjoyed it so far. I really love that she's so into books and reading. She just loves flashing her collection of books and would always pick one and give it to me or her dad so we can read it to her. The CFA reading program comes with writing activity to coincide with the reading lessons. But in one sitting, we were able to do four lessons from the writing activity. It was only after the fourth lesson that i realized that the two should be learned one after the other. :)
Good luck to our reading program! :)
Good luck to our reading program! :)
Monday, March 14, 2011
The One With A Happy Bithday!
Last Sunday, my mother in law celebrated her birthday at Mom and Tina's Bakery and Cafe. It was just an intimate, family celebration to thank the Lord for another year. It was a happy dinner celebration and we all had a good time, even though one of my sister in law, Mercy, was unable to attend. Life concerns are making her busy these days. She's looking into foodcart franchises. I just hope she finds the right business for her.
Anyway, there's nothing like spending quality time with your loved ones and being around the whole family. I'm happy that Simone knows her roots and gets to enjoy the feeling of belonging in a family she can call her own. I know it's good for her emotional development.
Simone definitely enjoyed being around her lola and popsy. I'll make a follow-up post and post some pictures too next time when I'm not so busy :)
Again, Happy Birthday Mommy!
Anyway, there's nothing like spending quality time with your loved ones and being around the whole family. I'm happy that Simone knows her roots and gets to enjoy the feeling of belonging in a family she can call her own. I know it's good for her emotional development.
Simone definitely enjoyed being around her lola and popsy. I'll make a follow-up post and post some pictures too next time when I'm not so busy :)
Again, Happy Birthday Mommy!
The One With Ready For A Fun Run!
Maybe. Hehe. But now that I've decided to start running again, there's no reason why I shouldn't join a fun run if I can.
Anyway, there's an upcoming Family Fun Run happening on April 3, 2011 at the Manila Ocean Park. The event is being sponsored by the Good Housekeeping. If you aren't doing anything on that day, why not join and bring along your dog too? You can register at the R.O.X. Boni High Street until March 28.
Have fun! And remember to make sure you bring your family's emergency kit too, just in case you know. It's a shame we don't have SSDI here in the Philippines, 'coz that I think is "being responsible" in a higher level.
Anyway, there's an upcoming Family Fun Run happening on April 3, 2011 at the Manila Ocean Park. The event is being sponsored by the Good Housekeeping. If you aren't doing anything on that day, why not join and bring along your dog too? You can register at the R.O.X. Boni High Street until March 28.
Have fun! And remember to make sure you bring your family's emergency kit too, just in case you know. It's a shame we don't have SSDI here in the Philippines, 'coz that I think is "being responsible" in a higher level.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The one with yet another try
I stopped jogging/running for over a month now. I started eating rice yet again. But it does'nt mean that i'm giving up on losing weight and trimming the extra pounds. It just means that i'm making another try to make this work again. I just bought deals from ensogo.com.ph and cashcashpinoy.com of RF treatments for contouring waist and arms. I just hope it will be effective and i'd be able to maintain it. I've also decided to start running again. Running makes me feel more alive. It makes my body feel lighter and stronger. So everything deserves a second chance. I think the only thing i have'nt tried is taking adapexin-p tablets. They say it's really safe and effective but i'm not yet on the verge...not yet so considering that option would have to park somewhere else.
Let's go! It's never too late...
Let's go! It's never too late...
The one with the Big reveal
Okay, let's park the stories of my life for a while and talk about someone else's. The other day, Morning Rushers Chico and Del had a BIG reveal. The big reveal started when they told on air, in passing, that they will make an announcement on the said date and that listeners have to stay tune at 9am. Little did they know that everyone made speculations and created an internet buzz about the whole big reveal thing. I can consider myself a morning rusher too but i missed this one. I found out about it the day after (well, it not that late you know) and was shocked but happy to know that Del is finally boarding motherhood! This is one of the best reporting tools they did and it was very effective. Chico, himself, got so affected he caught a fever the day before the announcement. hahaha.
Congratulations Del!!! (feeling close naman ako?!)
Congratulations Del!!! (feeling close naman ako?!)
The one with a dip
Last monday, after our visit to jannet's, simon asked me if i wanted to swim at club manila east. well, of course, i would'nt want to miss it as it would be a fun way to jumpstart summer. :) We hurriedly prepared our things and in a span of 30 minutes, we were good to go. haha. we picked up justin and skokie so it would be doubly fun.
When we reached CME, we were shocked that the resort will close in an hour so we had to go somewhere else or we'd end up being disappointed that the much-awaited water experience will end up in a tub. haha. Even if the weighing scales are telling me that i did'nt lose weight, i did'nt really care. all i wanted was to swim.
So we tried village east clubhouse and was surprised that the pool is closed for cleaning. look at the chances?! we could'nt go home without chlorine-smelling hair so we tried again and we ended up with casanjo resort. haha. it's a small pool resort in a village in front of our parent's village. funny. We were so desperate, we'd settle with casanjo. hahaha. but it was a fun, instant water experience for us and the kids. Simone had fun. I told you, she has always been a water baby so even if it was a gloomy day and it even rained, she really did'nt mind. :)
When we reached CME, we were shocked that the resort will close in an hour so we had to go somewhere else or we'd end up being disappointed that the much-awaited water experience will end up in a tub. haha. Even if the weighing scales are telling me that i did'nt lose weight, i did'nt really care. all i wanted was to swim.
So we tried village east clubhouse and was surprised that the pool is closed for cleaning. look at the chances?! we could'nt go home without chlorine-smelling hair so we tried again and we ended up with casanjo resort. haha. it's a small pool resort in a village in front of our parent's village. funny. We were so desperate, we'd settle with casanjo. hahaha. but it was a fun, instant water experience for us and the kids. Simone had fun. I told you, she has always been a water baby so even if it was a gloomy day and it even rained, she really did'nt mind. :)
 |
| swimming buddies -- simone and justin, moi and skokie :) (simon and jason not in pic) |
The one with money sense
Ever since Simone learned the concept of money (i think she learned this from me), we taught her the value of saving and how fun and easy it is. We gave her a teddy bear coin bank and everytime we come home, she'll check if we have coins in our pockets and if there is any, she'll put it right away in her coin bank. after over a year of the saving habit, the coin bank is almost full. At first, i was thinking of adding this to her bank account but a part of me wants to put it in to the "next destination trip" this June. We are bracing ourselves for more expenses for this trip as we are travelling with both our parents (simon's and my folks). Of course, travelling with them would mean that we don't intend to make them worry of their expenses...and that's the most challenging part. hahaha. But I'm sure everything will fall into place and the resources will come. :)
Since the first quarter too is finally closing, im being reminded of the car insurance and simon's health insurance that we need to settle too. I read in an auto insurance blog that once i received my bill for the renewal of the car insurance, i have to settle it immediately so i won't be charged with penalties and stuff. Well, we've set aside something for that already so i just hope it will be replenished soon. haha.
I've always feared bills specially the ones in the form of credit cards. At one point in our lives, we found ourselves wondering how our debts went that big without our knowledge and how paying for it took forever that it became so traumatic. We still have our credit cards now but we vowed to settle full amount once the bill arrives our mail. It's hard work to keep it that way but it's way, way better than we were when we can actually see our hard-earned money going to the drains of these credit cards.
It really amazes me how God works over our lives, specially in this aspect. I did'nt bother to understand how He provides but He really does. All our actions and plans are all leaps of faith and it feels more secured that way, knowing that someone Greater than any financial plan, investments and wealth, holds your future and that you don't have to worry about anything. We're not rich people, but I know that God is paving our way for richness. I know that He will be spoiling us with His richness, more than our heart's desires. :)
Thank you Lord :)
Since the first quarter too is finally closing, im being reminded of the car insurance and simon's health insurance that we need to settle too. I read in an auto insurance blog that once i received my bill for the renewal of the car insurance, i have to settle it immediately so i won't be charged with penalties and stuff. Well, we've set aside something for that already so i just hope it will be replenished soon. haha.
I've always feared bills specially the ones in the form of credit cards. At one point in our lives, we found ourselves wondering how our debts went that big without our knowledge and how paying for it took forever that it became so traumatic. We still have our credit cards now but we vowed to settle full amount once the bill arrives our mail. It's hard work to keep it that way but it's way, way better than we were when we can actually see our hard-earned money going to the drains of these credit cards.
It really amazes me how God works over our lives, specially in this aspect. I did'nt bother to understand how He provides but He really does. All our actions and plans are all leaps of faith and it feels more secured that way, knowing that someone Greater than any financial plan, investments and wealth, holds your future and that you don't have to worry about anything. We're not rich people, but I know that God is paving our way for richness. I know that He will be spoiling us with His richness, more than our heart's desires. :)
Thank you Lord :)
Friday, March 11, 2011
The One With Just For Fun!
When you're getting older, you get a different perspective in life. For instance, you think about your health and your lifestyle more than anything. You gained more wisdom and are more wiser. Anyways, I was just thinking about more ways to get fit and be healthy and how easy losing weight was when I was younger. And then I came up with other things that are different when one becomes older. Hope you'll all have a good laugh whether you're in the young or in the old group :)
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE YOUNG AND THE OLD
The young ones watch Hannah Montana.
The old watches Joe Montana.
The young thinks about shopping with their credit cards.
The old thinks about short term health insuranc NC cards.
The young can't stand the old.
The old can't stand the young.
The young likes kissing frogs.
The old wishes they hadn't kissed that frog.
The young shaves their head off for fashion.
The old goes bald without their consent.
The young plays hard till they pass out.
The old pass out after playing hard.
The young can bust a move.
The old ones often bust a hip.
You know any more difference? Feel free to leave them in the comments!
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE YOUNG AND THE OLD
The young ones watch Hannah Montana.
The old watches Joe Montana.
The young thinks about shopping with their credit cards.
The old thinks about short term health insuranc NC cards.
The young can't stand the old.
The old can't stand the young.
The young likes kissing frogs.
The old wishes they hadn't kissed that frog.
The young shaves their head off for fashion.
The old goes bald without their consent.
The young plays hard till they pass out.
The old pass out after playing hard.
The young can bust a move.
The old ones often bust a hip.
You know any more difference? Feel free to leave them in the comments!
The One With More Benefits
True, I am so blessed with wonderful friends that I knew since childhood, but I'm also blessed with dependable and loyal staff of Party Boosters. They are there whenever I need them, albeit in exchange of money as compensation :D Still, I could rely on them to deliver, not just my own expectations of a good job, but also the expectations of a client.
As an employer, I do what I could to make them happy and pay them accordingly. Sometimes, I even think about giving them more benefits like emergency medical assistance. Two years ago, I started giving them Christmas Parties to give them something to look forward to every year. I know that in time, I'll be able to give them more perks to enjoy. All in good time :)
As an employer, I do what I could to make them happy and pay them accordingly. Sometimes, I even think about giving them more benefits like emergency medical assistance. Two years ago, I started giving them Christmas Parties to give them something to look forward to every year. I know that in time, I'll be able to give them more perks to enjoy. All in good time :)
The One With Summer Is Here!
I wish there's winter in the Philippines. After our HK vacation, I felt like the heat was suffocating me, and it didn't help that summer was already approaching when we arrived. I must have gotten used to the cold in HK where even the biting wind was as sharp as a band saw blades. And I'm not alone, mind you. Simon, in fact, requested we spend one day in a swimming resort! And so we did :) [more kwentos and pictures to follow!]
So, March is here and Summer has arrived! I am so looking forward to more quality time with family and friends and adventures in the sea (or a pool, hehe!)! Welcome summer!
So, March is here and Summer has arrived! I am so looking forward to more quality time with family and friends and adventures in the sea (or a pool, hehe!)! Welcome summer!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The one with blessing: friendship
If I have to enumerate God's greatest blessings in my life: one of those to make it to top 5 will be my friends. I have been enormously blessed with such great friends. I don't have that many friends but according to my mom, i should feel blessed that i found treasures in them.
I met up with one of my bestfriends, naan, yesterday and we just had coffee and talked for hours. we never get tired of talking and updating our lives. First, we talked about businesses and possible ventures. I love that she's enjoying the small projects that we work on together. :) The hp printers she bought paid off as she can print her projects and earn extra income. I'am soo happy and proud for her that she is now taking her first steps to her new journey in life and i'm just so excited for her.
Then last monday we visited jannet. We've been missing her badly and i'm just glad we were able to spend more time with her. I just hope we'd be able to see her more often. :)
And then there's Jill, whom i'll be forever thankful for being such a great travel buddy when we went to hk-macau. Jon and Jill made our trip much easier and more fun, being extra hands to take care of everything else. Thank you so much!
Jill, Naan, and Jannet; -- thank you for the gift of friendship...from childhood to forever... :)
love you girls!
I met up with one of my bestfriends, naan, yesterday and we just had coffee and talked for hours. we never get tired of talking and updating our lives. First, we talked about businesses and possible ventures. I love that she's enjoying the small projects that we work on together. :) The hp printers she bought paid off as she can print her projects and earn extra income. I'am soo happy and proud for her that she is now taking her first steps to her new journey in life and i'm just so excited for her.
Then last monday we visited jannet. We've been missing her badly and i'm just glad we were able to spend more time with her. I just hope we'd be able to see her more often. :)
And then there's Jill, whom i'll be forever thankful for being such a great travel buddy when we went to hk-macau. Jon and Jill made our trip much easier and more fun, being extra hands to take care of everything else. Thank you so much!
Jill, Naan, and Jannet; -- thank you for the gift of friendship...from childhood to forever... :)
love you girls!
The one with the after shock
I did'nt bother to figure out how and where i got my strength the week we went on a vacation and the weekend after that. I found myself fully booked the weekend after our trip, as in the day that we arrived, i found myself preparing logistics and making sure that everything was in place. I did'nt have the "vacation after a vacation" time. And then came sunday which was simone's party. My mom was wondering how come i'm still energetic for everything, as if i don't run out of gas.
And when monday came, that's when everything hit me...the stress, lack of sleep, whole body pain, clogged nose, headache. I did'nt want to get out of bed. I wanted to hire a home massage service that day but for some reasons which i dont know, we were'nt able to do so. So my dear husband massaged me and it was a really good massage. did i ever tell you that he massages so good, it's like he enrolled himself to a massage therapy program after that massage, i really felt good and refreshed. I slept a little longer and when i woke up, i felt much, much better.
Thanks beh!
And when monday came, that's when everything hit me...the stress, lack of sleep, whole body pain, clogged nose, headache. I did'nt want to get out of bed. I wanted to hire a home massage service that day but for some reasons which i dont know, we were'nt able to do so. So my dear husband massaged me and it was a really good massage. did i ever tell you that he massages so good, it's like he enrolled himself to a massage therapy program after that massage, i really felt good and refreshed. I slept a little longer and when i woke up, i felt much, much better.
Thanks beh!
The one with turning 4
We threw her a party when she turned one, gave here a simple celebration with family and checked in at a hotel when she turned two, went to bohol with her grandparents when she turned three...and now that she turned four, we brought her to Disneyland on her birthday and when we got back from the trip, we threw a simple, intimate party for her with family and close friends. All i could say is "anak, i hope you know how much we love you." hahaha
But seriously, I tipped my hat off to dear husband for agreeing with all myrequests wishes kaluhuan in life. hahaha. Actually, I got excited when he still agreed to throw a simple party for simone. He gave me a ceiling amount and any peso higher than that amount will not be accepted as a budget for the said party. hahaha. I made some computation and because my job (which i sooo love!) entails me to enjoy fringe benefits such as free cake, free entertainment, all i had to pay was the food and the prizes for the games. wohoo!
Venue: shakey's restaurant ortigas extension
thanks to my sister in law, jane, for discovering this venue. for a minimum of 30 pax, we can get the venue (albeit small) exclusively for us. this was the same venue we used when justin turned three and the same venue when we held our christmas party for partyboosters' team.
cake: emily uy of sugarbox
http://ilovesugarbox.com
what more can i say?! our cake supplier during our wedding turned to become a good friend and i love that we now share the same clients, events, and i really treasure our friendship. we may not see each other often but i'm so glad i found a friend in the party industry thru her form :) love you mare!
magician/balloon twister/ventriloquist: butch gonzales
butch has been my ever-reliable host/magician and i thank him so much for granting my requests (first, for the christmas party of seeds of hope and now, for simone's party) he keeps on spoiling me and everything is just probono. :) thanks so much dear!
cupcakes and candy buffet: jane of sweetbite and achie
http://sweetbite.multiply.com
I love my sisters-in-law. They are always supportive and very willing to help me out on anything. And my sis in law has a new venture...the candy buffet! and i hope we'd be able to pull this off... thanks again sisses!
prizes: achie
I just gave her the amount to spend for the prizes and that's it, she bought everything already. thanks achie! muah!
Happy 4th birthday Francesca Simone! we love you anak :)
But seriously, I tipped my hat off to dear husband for agreeing with all my
thanks to my sister in law, jane, for discovering this venue. for a minimum of 30 pax, we can get the venue (albeit small) exclusively for us. this was the same venue we used when justin turned three and the same venue when we held our christmas party for partyboosters' team.
cake: emily uy of sugarbox
http://ilovesugarbox.com
what more can i say?! our cake supplier during our wedding turned to become a good friend and i love that we now share the same clients, events, and i really treasure our friendship. we may not see each other often but i'm so glad i found a friend in the party industry thru her form :) love you mare!
magician/balloon twister/ventriloquist: butch gonzales
butch has been my ever-reliable host/magician and i thank him so much for granting my requests (first, for the christmas party of seeds of hope and now, for simone's party) he keeps on spoiling me and everything is just probono. :) thanks so much dear!
|
| butch with ate maru as chosen participant :) |
cupcakes and candy buffet: jane of sweetbite and achie
http://sweetbite.multiply.com
I love my sisters-in-law. They are always supportive and very willing to help me out on anything. And my sis in law has a new venture...the candy buffet! and i hope we'd be able to pull this off... thanks again sisses!
prizes: achie
I just gave her the amount to spend for the prizes and that's it, she bought everything already. thanks achie! muah!
 |
| simone waving to her grannies while the happy bday song was playing :) |
 |
| the blancos with mommy rhea |
 |
| cheska, simone's favorite doll |
 |
| tito nap with andie. super thank you nap for the wonderful pics! |
 |
| mommies with our kiddos... from brides to mommies |
Happy 4th birthday Francesca Simone! we love you anak :)
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
The one with 4th bday trip -- 2nd part
Day 3
We transferred to Lee garden guest house at Cameron Road and 3rd day was more like a free day. We strolled on the nearby streets. The husbands got tired easily and stayed on the guest house for the rest of the evening. Jill and I wanted to check out Mongkok's ladies night market. So we went there by ourselves. Mongkok is two train stations away from Tsim sha tsui. But much to our dismay, prices and items found in the ladies' night market can also be found in greenhills "tiangges" (small stores) at much lower prices. We were so disappointed. We did'nt even find nice women's hats nor bonnets there. but just to appease myself, i bought a bag and a couple of fans for my in-laws.
The next day was our trip to Ocean Park. Personally, it was okay but i guess after disneyland, the trip's highlight ended already. hahaha. But Simone enjoyed it because she saw jellyfishes, sharks, dolphins, panda bears in person. :) we watched shows here too, and none of the rides. ahehe. But Simone played some arcade games there.
After our ocean park adventure, we rode back to tsim sha tsui station via shuttle bus of ocean park. then, we went to harbour city while jill and jon went to tung chung to buy a bag for jacqui (jill's sister). i enjoyed the harbour city stroll as it was a feast for the eyes seeing all the branded and designer stuff, all there! i even went inside louis vuitton store. My eyes feasted on all the LV items inside the store. It was a big store and i loved everything there. hahaha. How i wish i could go out the store with a bag on my arm. haha. All in God's time...be patient...
When we went back to the guest house, Jill and Jon were there already so we got our bags and rode the ferry again back to macau. We stayed another night at Kuya Obet's house. The following day was more of our macau day which was our last day. We went to San Malong (?), shopped for some clothes, went to buy pasalubongs for our families and visited Venetian. I sooo love Venetian! too bad, an overnight stay there cost about 12k (off-peak). I hope next time we'd be able to stay there too. hahaha. But going there and strolling around was more than enough.
On our plane ride back to Manila, Simone hugged and kissed me then said, "mommy thank you ha. enjoy ako" then she did the same thing to simon. everything was so worth it after that moment. All the money we saved for it, the time we spent for the trip and the efforts were more than enough. Thank you Simone.
More stories and pictures to follow. :)
We transferred to Lee garden guest house at Cameron Road and 3rd day was more like a free day. We strolled on the nearby streets. The husbands got tired easily and stayed on the guest house for the rest of the evening. Jill and I wanted to check out Mongkok's ladies night market. So we went there by ourselves. Mongkok is two train stations away from Tsim sha tsui. But much to our dismay, prices and items found in the ladies' night market can also be found in greenhills "tiangges" (small stores) at much lower prices. We were so disappointed. We did'nt even find nice women's hats nor bonnets there. but just to appease myself, i bought a bag and a couple of fans for my in-laws.
The next day was our trip to Ocean Park. Personally, it was okay but i guess after disneyland, the trip's highlight ended already. hahaha. But Simone enjoyed it because she saw jellyfishes, sharks, dolphins, panda bears in person. :) we watched shows here too, and none of the rides. ahehe. But Simone played some arcade games there.
After our ocean park adventure, we rode back to tsim sha tsui station via shuttle bus of ocean park. then, we went to harbour city while jill and jon went to tung chung to buy a bag for jacqui (jill's sister). i enjoyed the harbour city stroll as it was a feast for the eyes seeing all the branded and designer stuff, all there! i even went inside louis vuitton store. My eyes feasted on all the LV items inside the store. It was a big store and i loved everything there. hahaha. How i wish i could go out the store with a bag on my arm. haha. All in God's time...be patient...
When we went back to the guest house, Jill and Jon were there already so we got our bags and rode the ferry again back to macau. We stayed another night at Kuya Obet's house. The following day was more of our macau day which was our last day. We went to San Malong (?), shopped for some clothes, went to buy pasalubongs for our families and visited Venetian. I sooo love Venetian! too bad, an overnight stay there cost about 12k (off-peak). I hope next time we'd be able to stay there too. hahaha. But going there and strolling around was more than enough.
On our plane ride back to Manila, Simone hugged and kissed me then said, "mommy thank you ha. enjoy ako" then she did the same thing to simon. everything was so worth it after that moment. All the money we saved for it, the time we spent for the trip and the efforts were more than enough. Thank you Simone.
More stories and pictures to follow. :)
Thursday, March 03, 2011
The one with 4th bday trip
I don't think i'd be able to finish blogging about our trip but i wanted to start right away as i might be able to forget some of the things i wanted to share. While i was doing my own research about our trip, i could'nt find any blog about their travel experiences in hongkong-macau so i did'nt get much information about experiential posts. I hope this will help out moms and other families plan their trip better. I'll try to post pictures in between. :)
Date of trip: Feb 20, 2011 10pm to Feb 24, 2011 10:30pm
Destination: Manila to Macau
HK-Macau (via ferry)
Macau to Manila
Weather: Macau (11 deg celsius) and HK (15 to 16 deg celsius)
Travel buddies: Jon and Jill Ramos (our barkada); Simon and Simone (4yo)
Packing
I first bought a big luggage thinking that it will be more practical to just have one luggage for all of us three. I bought a black and white polka dots luggage so i could easily find it. And it was indeed easy to find. It was only a medium luggage but when i tried putting everything inside, Simon could'nt carry it already. Then i talked to Jill and she told me not to bring a big luggage that you can't carry as we will be travelling and transferring to places. We divided our stuff and got a smaller luggage and kept the black and white polka dots luggage. It's a good thing i listened.
TIP: bring smaller luggages. Something with 4 wheels is better. Buy those printed ones or colored ones if you can. Sometimes putting a ribbon or a tag is not enough.
Simone is a very good travel buddy. We are blessed to have a very behaved kid traveler. But before our flight, we brought a netbook, her favorite barbie doll and some chocolates -- all her favorite stuff so we'd get to distract her when she feels uncomfortable. But thank goodness, we did'nt need to use any of those as she was so behaved, she felt she was a stewardess, walking to and fro.
TIP: bring a netbook. it has been very useful during dull time. simon uploaded simone's favorite movies there. we were able to watch tangled three times. hahaha.
I only brought two feeding bottles, milk dispenser, and a bottle of water. I did'nt bring a sterilizer. I only used hot water to sterilize her bottles. What i did was to wash the bottle with hot water right after her milk time and then put water that she'd drink right away. That way, i dont have to wash it with soap.
Our arrival in Macau was Feb 20 in the evening. We took a cab going to our friend’s brother who was so gracious enough to accommodate us and offer their house for us to stay in. thank you kuya obet and ate irma! It was sooo cold with about 12 deg weather. We filled out the form of the immigration department. It’s a blue form, carbonized.
To be continued...this is soo long already...
Date of trip: Feb 20, 2011 10pm to Feb 24, 2011 10:30pm
Destination: Manila to Macau
HK-Macau (via ferry)
Macau to Manila
Weather: Macau (11 deg celsius) and HK (15 to 16 deg celsius)
Travel buddies: Jon and Jill Ramos (our barkada); Simon and Simone (4yo)
Packing
I first bought a big luggage thinking that it will be more practical to just have one luggage for all of us three. I bought a black and white polka dots luggage so i could easily find it. And it was indeed easy to find. It was only a medium luggage but when i tried putting everything inside, Simon could'nt carry it already. Then i talked to Jill and she told me not to bring a big luggage that you can't carry as we will be travelling and transferring to places. We divided our stuff and got a smaller luggage and kept the black and white polka dots luggage. It's a good thing i listened.
TIP: bring smaller luggages. Something with 4 wheels is better. Buy those printed ones or colored ones if you can. Sometimes putting a ribbon or a tag is not enough.
Simone is a very good travel buddy. We are blessed to have a very behaved kid traveler. But before our flight, we brought a netbook, her favorite barbie doll and some chocolates -- all her favorite stuff so we'd get to distract her when she feels uncomfortable. But thank goodness, we did'nt need to use any of those as she was so behaved, she felt she was a stewardess, walking to and fro.
TIP: bring a netbook. it has been very useful during dull time. simon uploaded simone's favorite movies there. we were able to watch tangled three times. hahaha.
I only brought two feeding bottles, milk dispenser, and a bottle of water. I did'nt bring a sterilizer. I only used hot water to sterilize her bottles. What i did was to wash the bottle with hot water right after her milk time and then put water that she'd drink right away. That way, i dont have to wash it with soap.
Our arrival in Macau was Feb 20 in the evening. We took a cab going to our friend’s brother who was so gracious enough to accommodate us and offer their house for us to stay in. thank you kuya obet and ate irma! It was sooo cold with about 12 deg weather. We filled out the form of the immigration department. It’s a blue form, carbonized.
TIP: always save your passport number, date of issue and place in your celphone so you don’t have to get your passports everytime you fill them out. Once you’re done with immigration, NEVER lose the carbonized form as you will present it again when you leave the country J
TIP: my husband and simone easily get colds so I made sure I bought thermals for them.the ones I bought in greenhills at 450 per set (top and bottom) were maximized during our stay there. J
The following day, we rode a ferry at 1130am going to HK. Since we had two destinations (macau and hk), we decided to just bring the ones we’re gonna use for hk. So we settled with a smaller bag and our shoulder bags. The ferry ride was more like 700 pesos each. We decided to book the macau flight since we wanted to hit two birds in one stone and maximize the trip and it still came out cheaper when we book it via macau plus ferry than booking straight to hongkong J the ferry ride was a good 1.5 hours. We then took a cab going straight to Hollywood hotel. The cab cost about 250HKD. It’s costly I know but since we had a lot on our hands, we decided to take it…plus we don’t know anything about going there.
TIP: the taxi cab drivers in hk and macau are fast drivers…as in! average is like 60kph. Haha. They also charge 5hkd for every bag that you put in their trunk. So if you can fit it inside the car, you can do so and you’ll save 5hkd more J
We booked the hotel online so we don’t have to pay anything at all. We got the garden view room of Hollywood hotel for 1,486 hkd. Apparently, upon checking in, the rates were subject to increase. When I asked the reason why I needed to pay addl 93 hkd, they could’nt give me a straight answer. Since it’s almost 2 in the afternoon and we’re in a hurry to go to Disneyland, we just agreed to pay it already. The stay comes in with 2 buffet breakfast at chef mickey.
TIP: If you want additional breakfast coupons, you can buy at the reception for 162hkd for adults and 80 hkd for kids. The rates are cheaper when you buy it from the reception desk than when you buy it at chef mickey restaurant itself. J about 10hkd difference J
We rode the shuttle going to Disneyland. My friend, jill, bought tickets already online. We got two tickets free, as a gift from my sister-in-law’s friend. Super generous, it saved us about four thousand pesos! J thank you ate val! So we only had to pay for simone’s ticket. Rates are 350hkd for adults and 250 hkd for kids. J we had to replace our Disneyland florida tickets (the one we got for free) to HK Disneyland tickets at Guest relations office.
TIP: BRING a stroller. There’s a stroller for rent in Disneyland but believe me when I say that this thing will save your life. J my friend, kokie, lent us their umbroller. You know the thin one that you can fold easily. We decided to buy another one for us when we got back so we can use it for our sg trip in june. Super lifesaver! If your stroller/umbroller is handy and light, it’s very advisable that you bring this.
It’s my second time in HK Disneyland, first for my two babies so it’s such a delight to see twinkle in their eyes when they saw the castle and how it is inside. I felt like crying and tried to stop it until Jill mentioned that the place is overwhelming, she wanted to cry. And then that’s when I cried. Hahaha. Such a tear-jerker. But I don’t know, there’s something about Disneyland that I will never get tired of. I seriously thought of a job that I could do there. Hahaha.
The weather that day was perfect. A friend of mine who went there two weeks before us gave me a tip to bring an umbrella. It rained on the day they went there so she had to buy an umbrella worth 200hkd or 1 thousand pesos. Haha.
TIP: bring a foldable umbrella or pray hard for a good weather J we opted for the second one J
TIP: food and drinks bought outside are not allowed. We did’nt eat much here in Disneyland as we know that it’s pricey. A waffle cost about 40hkd. We just bought drinks and brought our chocolates with us (for the sugar rush, haha) I brought simone her milk and some crackers to munch on for the day (for some reasons, they did allow simone’s crackers inside or they might not have seen it?)
TIP: immediately get a map and a schedule of the shows. First, ride the train that will tour you of the whole Disneyland and while you’re there, you can plan where you’d go. Disneyland is divided into four adventure lands: fantasyland, adventure land, tomorrow land and _____________. We based our itinerary on the time slots of the shows. We were able to maximize the shows more than the rides as simone was small for the rides, she wont appreciate it that much and we, adults, were not so much fond of the rides. Haha. We watched lion king, philharmagic (which simone loved the most!), it’s a small world (very very nice!). we missed watching the golden mickeys and stitch encounter because we chose to take photos with Disney characters. There are designated gazebos for the photo opps. You can just give your camera to their staff and they’d gladly take a photo of you and they’ll also take a photo of you using their camera and give you a blue coupon just when you wanted to purchase your picture taken by them. The photo cost about 50hkd. J
TIP: start with the shortest line for photo opp. We started with Minnie mouse, then, goofy, Pluto, and then mickey mouse. J unfortunately donald and daisy were not there. L
We did’nt see other princesses roaming around but we did see Rapunzel and we had a good 3 to 5 minute talk with her. As in! when it was our turn, Rapunzel complimented simone’s dress and then simone talked back and they started chatting. I did’nt care about the others next in line. All I cared about was “man, she was really talking to my daughter and they’re having a great time!” I also told rapunzel that it’s her bday that day (so the talk led to another minute longer, hahaha) sooo funny! Jill took a video and my husband some pictures of course.
No matter what you’re doing, go to the circle at 3:30pm. That’s when the Parade of the stars is. Being early is better so you can choose where to stay. Super enjoy! Facing the castle, we were at the left side which was the same view as I had when I first came here. It was a nice view according to my husband as the music playing was in sync with what is currently parading in front of us. I don’t know if it will be different if we were somewhere else. Woody shook hands with simone. Hehe. And simone kept on calling “Justin, Justin” at woody (Justin wore a woody costume last Halloween and simone was jesse)
TIP: I personally think the part just right in front of the castle is the best part. There’s also a smaller circle (inner circle) that I think is another great view. J
TIP: take a video of the parade. So nice!
TIP on the side: when taking pics of you in Disneyland, there are suggested “Kodak points” where you can see a nice angle and you can do it on your own. J
We rode the casrousel, and strolled and waited until 8pm for the fireworks. While waiting, we bought souvenirs and gift items. There are a lot of gift items there but our best buys were two mugs (mickey and Minnie) with designs of their bottom parts. We first wanted the face of mickey and Minnie but had second thoughts as this can easily be imitated by the ones selling in divisoria. Haha. So we bought something that’s hard to be copied at the same price. We also got key chains (as part of our souvenir), mallow lollipops at only 15hkd, (we can give for the kids) and toys for my two nephews.
During the fireworks, we stayed at the street where the gift shops are located. It’s a little far from the castle but it’s still a nice view as we were able to get a wide shot of the fireworks. I think something nearer there is a better view but not too near from the castle as you might strain your neck looking up.
TIP: I regret to inform that simone was asleep during the whole fireworks show. So if you can, don’t let your kid sleep minutes before the show. Hehe…if you can…
We got back to the hotel at around 930pm and found a restaurant near chef mickey. It’s like an upgraded fastfood restaurant. The food here cost a lot cheaper. For a 40hkd to 70hkd, you get a full meal already. We went to our hotel rooms with full stomach. The room has complimentary bottled water, coffee and creamer. The room can accommodate a maximum of 4 adults. Since we were 4 adults and one kid, I asked if this is ok and the reception officer readily said yes.
TIP: when asking for bubble bath, they use the term “bath gel”. I ordered for bubble bath and they sent me shampoos. Hehe J
The room is simple but with complete amenities. The bed is queen-sized but the tv channels were limited to Disney channels and Chinese movies. No cable. Haha.
The next day, we had breakfast and took the opportunity to take photos at the back of the hotel. There was also a playground where simone played and a very good picturesque of the Hollywood Hotel signage. We requested for a late check out of 12 noon instead of 11am.
TIP: The 2-day ticket of Disneyland now made sense to me. For a difference of 40Hkd, you can maximize Disneyland for 2 days. So first day would be your check in date and second day would be your check out date where you can leave your luggage at the concierge so you can enjoy another day in Disneyland. You don’t have to finish the 2nd day until closing as you’d still have to travel to your next destination or check in to another hotel, if you’re not staying for another night at Hollywood hotel. We did’nt consider this as we had our two tickets for free and thought that it was’nt upgradeable to a 2-day ticket but it would have been better if we were able to have the 2-day ticket. J
After our stay there, we took a cab going to Cameron Road of tsim sha tsui. Our friend, naan, recommended a guest house that they’ve tried. Lee Garden Guest House, Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui station. And true enough, the rooms are clean, a very good location. But after staying at Hollywood hotel, set your expectations very low for this room as this is really for the purpose of a place to put your luggage and to sleep on. It’s not a place where you’d like to rest and stay and just unwind. Haha. But in terms of location and cleanliness, we loved it. The house staff were Filipinos too so we were able to ask for directions and other inquiries with better accommodations.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
The One With An E-Course
I don't have to wonder how it's like without email and cellphones at best, to communicate and conduct business, since I lived an era where snail mail was as good as it's gonna get (just don't ask me how old I am), so believe me when I say I appreciate the new way of communicating that technology has brought us. It's helped me tremendously in my business, and it's really the way I first make contact with my clients.
I am mentioning this now because recently, I read from an e-course that I'm taking that e-mail and web is the new trend in marketing in the sense that prospecting through phones is no longer as popular as it used to be. That's true, although I can say that cellphones still work for me, in fact I have two phones to prove it! Ya, that's because I need two. Which reminds me, I have to get Simon unique fathers day presents since he was the one who got me my newest touch-screen phone! He's sweet that way, so I'm trying to return the sweetness :D
I am mentioning this now because recently, I read from an e-course that I'm taking that e-mail and web is the new trend in marketing in the sense that prospecting through phones is no longer as popular as it used to be. That's true, although I can say that cellphones still work for me, in fact I have two phones to prove it! Ya, that's because I need two. Which reminds me, I have to get Simon unique fathers day presents since he was the one who got me my newest touch-screen phone! He's sweet that way, so I'm trying to return the sweetness :D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)