Michi Photostory: April 2016

April 30, 2016

How to Redeem Flight Rewards in Mabuhay Miles

My husband went to Cebu; we joined his trip because it is still summer vacation and my son has no summer classes or activities so we are totally free. In order to save money, I told my husband to use our Mabuhay Miles for our ticket so I gave him my Mabuhay Miles number.

1. Call

He called the hotline but he was advised that there will be a $34 fee each for rush processing. The processing of award tickets is free if you are booking 10 days prior to the flight departure. 8 days before departure kami nagbook.

My husband informed me about the fee and I told him that we will just purchase the Manila to Cebu flight, sayang naman yung miles + $34 + P565 (taxes and terminal fee). So he just reserved a ticket for our Cebu to Manila flight. Click the link for the award redemption chart of

Domestic
International

For Cebu

Economy 4500
Premium Economy 7500
Business Class 8500

Unfortunately, there is no available economy so it is either premium economy or business class, so my husband chose the business class for us para maexperience namin. Hehehe! Ubusan ng miles.

Read: Economy Class vs Business Class Experience: Domestic Flight

2. Collect

After calling the hotline, you have 3 days to collect your award ticket at any Philippine Airlines office.

3. Go to PAL office

Fill out the form, show your ID and pay the necessary fee for domestic or international. In our case, we paid P565 each (domestic).

This was our second time redeeming flight rewards and the process is still the same. Redeeming miles is so easy but it takes time to earn miles especially since we are not frequent travelers. Hehehe! Most of our miles are from Non-Flight (credit card rewards).

Update: 2018

Call, Pay, and Wait for the Confirmation Ticket via Email

When my husband booked our Bangkok flight, he has the option to pay fees on the phone. He just gave his credit card number and he received the e-ticket via email. So we no longer went to the PAL office to pay and collect our tickets. #hasslefree

April 2018:

We went to Thailand and my husband used his miles to book our flight, since he booked this flight 10 days before our flight, wala na yung pinakamababang miles, ito na lang daw choices.

For Bangkok Thailand

Manila to Bangkok 15,000
Bangkok to Manila 18,000

Read: Economy Class vs Business Class Experience: International Flight

August 2022

I received an email regarding the Great Mabuhay Miles Getaway Promotion; members can claim an award ticket using 50% of the standard redemption value from August 22 to August 28, 2022. The travel period is from September 15 to November 15, 2022.

Black-out dates for outbound MNL and/or domestic hub flights: October 26 - 31, 2022

Black-out dates for inbound MNL and/or domestic hub flights: October 30 - November 6, 2022

The miles will depend on your route (domestic or international).

1750 miles

2250 miles

3500 miles

4750 miles

6000 miles

7250 miles

8500 miles

11,000 miles

13,500 miles

We don't have plans to travel but when I checked my Mabuhay Miles account, I learned that our (my son and I) miles will expire on January 2023. We have not traveled kasi for the last two years via PAL so no activities. So para hindi sayang ang miles at mahirap din i-earn yan, we booked a domestic flight to Cebu and paid PHP2879 for the taxes and surcharge per person. Mahal na siya compared sa PHP565 dati.

4500 miles + PHP2879 (per person)

My husband just called the Mabuhay Miles customer service to book our tickets and we received the confirmed ticket via email.

Update: July 2023

While browsing my Facebook Feeds, I read a comment in one of the groups I follow about the “Great Mabuhay Miles Getaway Promotion”. Thanks to that comment we were able to plan our holiday. I immediately visited Mabuhay Miles's Facebook Page to get more information.

“Get ready for the ultimate travel deal. The Great Mabuhay Miles Getaway is here! Redeem your Award Tickets on select domestic and international destinations at 50% off regular redemption value.”

Not all flights are included in the promotion and there are blackout dates too so we had to say goodbye to Japan. Our only options were Australia and Taipei, of course, we wanted Australia and we were so grateful because my husband was able to book a flight. Pinagpuyatan ito ni hubby, walang tulog kakatawag sa Mabuhay Miles.

Actually, my husband can book online using his miles but the problem is, siya lang pwede niya ibook so he really needs to call customer service so he can book a flight for us. (wife+son).

Manila -Sydney -Manila = 22,000 miles + $210.80 for Taxes, Fees and Charges (per person)

Update: September 2024

After I discovered the Great Mabuhay Miles Getaway Promotion in 2022, I started to forward for this promo. Last year was July but this year, they had it last month. I almost missed it because when Mabuhay Miles announced it, they did not mention the date and there was no announcement also na nagstart na pala. I always checked their Facebook Page pero wala talaga, good thing I checked comments and someone posted a link na nagstart na pala.

It was already second day of sale and gabi na nakatawag si hubby. As expected, ubos na flights ng Japan sa travel date namin. Kaloka, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, fully booked na. So we chose Melbourne. Sobrang late na namin nakatulog dahil sa tagal ng waiting time na makakuha ng agent. Buti na lang may natira pa sa Melbourne.

Manila - Melbourne - Manila = 22,000 miles + PHP12,900 for taxes, fees and charges (per person)

Read: Philippine Airlines Experience

April 27, 2016

The Original AA BBQ

The Original AA BBQ is one of the go-to restaurants of my husband if he has a business trip in Cebu so during our last visit we had dinner here. The nearest branch from Marriott Hotel is on Salinas Drive, Lahug. We passed the Golden Cowrie on our way to AA BBQ.

We went there before 6PM so the place was not crowded yet but I asked my husband if we are still in the Philippines. He just laughed because he also noticed na kami lang Pinoy dun. (except sa staff). There were a lot of foreigners there, as in group of 6-10 pax per table.

It is an al fresco restaurant so tiis sa init at usok if you want to eat here. My husband said, malaki na daw improvement ng restaurant, plastic tables, and chairs lang dati.

How to order?

You have to pick your own food at the display counter. There was no price or even name of the food so spicy chorizo pala yung nakuha namin.

The staff will list all the meat or seafood in your tray and just tell them if you want it grill or with soup. My husband ordered tinolang blue marlin and the rest grilled na.

I was not able to taste the pork bbq but my son finished it. The taste of food is just okay for me but my husband loves the food (fave niya ito). The price of the food is very reasonable, we had tinolang blue marlin, grilled squid, chorizo, pork bbq, liempo, drinks and rice; the total bill is P685.

My son likes bbq, third night na itong bbq dinner niya. Hehehe! It was a different dining experience and some people say "do not leave Cebu without eating here". The service is good and the staff will even help you to get a taxi.

April 26, 2016

Lunch at Cebu’s Best Rico’s Lechon

I always watch Kris TV so that is where I learned about Rico’s Lechon. So every time my hubby will go to Cebu, I always tell him to buy Rico’s Lechon but he always buys different lechon kung ano yung nasa airport because of limited time.

So when we went to Cebu that was my chance to try Rico’s Lechon. I faced my fear and took a cab just to go to the restaurant. It was an achievement for me because that was our first time to ride taxi na kaming 2 lang ng anak ko.

Prior to our trip, I searched for the nearest Rico’s Lechon from Marriott Hotel and there is one near Ayala but the taxi dropped me here. It is not the branch that I’ve seen on the internet but it was fine with me, at least nakarating kami.

Ethan: Mommy, lechon na naman.
Me: Ikaw nga puro pork bbq sa dinner. :)

It was past 11AM so the restaurant was not crowded yet, I browsed the menu and I ordered 1/4 regular lechon P190, rice is P30 each and bottomless iced tea is P65. I was planning to buy dinuguan for my puto (yes dinala ko yung puto ko sa Cebu, lol) but I told myself na tikman ko muna food.

Read: Puto with Cheese

At the table, you can see the plates and utensils. The server just gave us sili and calamansi for sawsawan but we did not use it because that is the reason why I love Cebu’s lechon, no need for sauces.

They serve the rice, ang cute noh! One cup of rice is inside the small kaldero. I posted in IG kung makakailan kaldero kaya kami? Yun pala, hindi na. hehehe!

I don’t know why it took them so long to serve the lechon, e non-stop naman sa paghiwa yung staff. When I saw the skin of the lechon, I have the feeling na hindi siya crispy. True enough, makunat siya and my son who loves lechon skin said, ayaw mommy, chewy yan.

I was so disappointed because the skin was not crispy and it is salty. The meat was dry, tough and walang lasa. So nasa skin lang ang alat? You cannot choose the lechon part and ayaw ko pa naman nitong part na ito. Malamig na rin yung lechon, tira na lang yata naabutan ko na pinagsama-sama para maging 1/4. (di maintindihan na hiwa)

I just finished our meal because the price is not cheap. Napaisip lang ako kasi super puri si Kris sa lechon but there is nothing special about it. It is not bad but if I will consider the price, dapat mas ok siya sa iba. Mas ok pa rin yung experience ko sa CnT Lechon. And because of that, I did not order dinuguan anymore.

But in fairness, the service of the staff is good naman. Yun lang, I did not appreciate the lechon.

Read: Cebu’s Lechon
CnT Lechon

Cebu’s Best Rico’s Lechon
F. Cabahug St, Cebu City, Cebu

April 24, 2016

Dinner at Hukad by Golden Cowrie

If you remember my previous post, during our first night in Cebu we were supposed to eat in CnT Lechon but it was already closed so I told hubby sa Hukad na lang but the restaurant was packed and we were told na pang-6 kami sa waiting list. Waah!

We don’t want to wait anymore so we went back to food court to eat our dinner. The following day, we went back to Hukad by Golden Cowrie to have our dinner. My husband always eats at Golden Cowrie in Lahug, I don’t know if the two restaurants are sister companies.

Thank God, pang-1 lang kami sa waiting list and waiting time was not that long. I noticed that most of the diners were families and friends, as in parang kaming tatlo lang pinakakonti sa table. Hehehe!

Hukad by Golden Cowrie serves Filipino foods. We ordered tinolang lapu-lapu, baked scallops, calamares, and pork bbq for my son. I can’t remember the exact price of each meal but the bill is P900+, mura na because we have 4 viands, 3 unlimited rice, and 3 drinks.

The staff informed us about the buttons, “just say hukad some more for extra rice”. But I did not ask for extra rice anymore, sa laki ng sandok nila parang 2 cups of rice na yata yun. Hehehe!

The plate is different too.

The taste of the food is good except for the calamares, ang alat niya. When we asked for the bill, the staff asked us “kung pwede daw ba niya malaman kung bakit di naubos yung calamares”. We said, maalat! Itake-out sana namin kung di maalat. (sayang)

The service is good and fast, the staff will ask you if you need anything or how’s the food. If I live in Cebu, this will be my go-to Filipino restaurant, I just hope napaalat lang talaga calamares that time. Hehehe!

Hukad by Golden Cowrie
The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu

April 23, 2016

CnT Lechon

Cebu is known as the Lechon Capital of the world so every time I visit Cebu, I always eat lechon. If my husband has a business trip in Cebu, he never fails to buy lechon for my pasalubong. After 5 years, I revisited Cebu so after dropping our bag at the hotel, off we went to Ayala Mall to eat our dinner. Unfortunately, CnT Lechon is already closed, waah! No more lechon.

So the following day, my son and I went back to Ayala Center Cebu to have an early lunch. Pag naubusan pa naman ako niyan. Hehehe! I ordered 1/4 lechon P152.50 and puso P8 each (rice).

Ethan: Mommy, ayaw niyang yellow.
Me: Rice yung loob niyan. Hehehe!

I don’t know why it is called puso, maybe because of the shape. As always, I'm happy with our lechon, the skin was crispy and the meat was tender and flavorful. No need for sauce.

Read: Cebu's Lechon

April 22, 2016

Bonifacio High Street

Few days ago, my son and I went to Bonifacio High Street to kill time. We’re going to Cebu but my husband needs to attend his business meeting first. At first, I was thinking to spend our time in Kidzania but since the rate is not cheap, sayang naman if we will just stay for few hours since we need to leave at lunchtime to catch our afternoon flight.

So we just stroll and checked what’s new in BHS. We saw the replica of the Louvre Pyramid. According to Wikipedia, the Louvre Pyramid (Pyramide du Louvre) is a large glass and metal pyramid designed by Chinese American architect I.M. Pei. It is surrounded by three smaller pyramids, in the main courtyard (Cour Napoléon) of the Louvre Palace (Palais du Louvre). It was completed in 1989 and has become a landmark of the city of Paris.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa was also there. The Leaning Tower of Pisa or Tower of Pisa (Torre di Pisa) is the campanile or freestanding bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. It is known worldwide for its unintended tilt. Oh di ba parang nagtravel na rin kami.

We did not see the Merlion, san ba banda yun?

Then we had breakfast again at Starbucks, “wednesdate”. I ordered white chocolate mocha, french toast and chocolate dipped donut. We did not finish the food, too sweet for my taste. My son practices cursive writing to keep him busy.

After 1 hr and 30minutes we left Starbucks to check the different stores and Timezone, only to find out na late pala sila magbukas. Waah! Ang init tumambay sa labas, nakakahiya naman pumasok sa Krispy Kreme or Starbucks ng di bibili.

Finally, my husband called and we will go airport na. Yey! Finally, makakalabas na rin ng Luzon, it’s been two years. Lol

April 21, 2016

White King Puto

I’ve been cooking puto with cheese using pancake mix for the longest time. It is an easy recipe that I can prepare for our merienda. But for a change, I bought this White King Puto Mix P36 to check kung mas ok ba siya. I was surprised because there is no egg in this recipe.

200g White King Puto Mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
5 tbsp of cooking oil
Cheese

1. Boil water in a steamer.
2. Combine the mix and water until well blended. Add sugar and mix for 30 seconds. Gradually add cooking oil and continue mixing until smooth. Pour into puto molders about 3/4 full.
3. Steam for 15-20 minutes. Puto is cooked when the surface is shiny and bounces back when pressed.

Honestly, I can’t taste the difference between my puto using pancake mix and this White King puto mix. I already ate 4 pieces of puto, trying to find out kung ano pagkakaiba, lol. I was expecting na lasa siyang malagkit but no. So for me, you can use pancake mix or this puto mix and you will have yummy puto in several minutes.

Read: Puto with Cheese using Maya Pancake Mix

April 20, 2016

Cool in the Pool

My son doesn’t like to enroll in any summer class or activity so we’re just spending our summer vacation at home. Napakaproductive ng summer namin, lol!

April 11

My friend told me about their swimming plans and asked me if I wanted to join. Of course, I said yes, parang wala pa nangyayari sa summer namin. Nagsabi agad ko na daanan nila bago nagpaalam. Hehehe! I know my husband will say yes too ng makalabas naman kami. I messaged my husband about the swimming plans and he said yes.

April 14

We woke up early and I asked my husband to drop us at my friend’s house then off we went to my friend’s condo for our outing. When my friend told me about the P200 fee (visitor), I said ang mahal naman parang resort na. Lol. But I realized, the price is worth it na rin because we don’t have to pay for the cottage or corkage fee.

In addition, the place was not crowded, maybe because it was a weekday and the residents are busy working or sawa na sa pool nila. So if you have a tight budget this summer, makiswimming in your friend’s condo or clubhouse. :) We let the kids swim for a few hours.

They spent several minutes in the playground and we went to Market Market for our lunch. Then window shopping at SM Aura.

My friends wanted to drop by at San Pedro Calungsod Chapel at the 7th flr, nakakahingal umakyat dito tapos may elevator naman pala. Nakakaloka, magkatabi lang yung stairs at elevator hindi namin napansin.

Then we bought ice cream at Baskin Robbins. I chose Jamocha while my son chose Chocolate Chips. (P85 1 scoop) My son tried my ice cream and said “Mommy switch tayo!”

As if I have a choice, lol, wala naman kasi lasa yung chocolate chips niya but I like the Jamocha na isang tikim lang nagawa ko.

April 16, 2016

Hot Wheels Epic Race Experience

Boys love cars or should I say Hot Wheels! My son really likes Hot Wheels, it was his wish list last December 2014 and since then we’ve been collecting cars and race track.

Hot Wheels

We’ve been buying Hot Wheels toys for the last two years but I hate to admit it was only now that I’ve learned the history of Hot Wheels. For your information, Hot Wheels is a brand of 1:64, 1:43, 1:18 and 1:50 scale die-cast toy cars introduced by American toy maker Mattel in 1968.

In 1950’s, Ruth Elliot Handler, founders of Mattel, brought the now-iconic fashion doll Barbie to life. Elliot was looking to invent another toy. Something that not only would capture kid’s imagination, but ignite as well. As he went to the parking lot of Mattel, he saw a designer’s custom ‘64 El Camino and examined, “Man, those are some hot wheels!” It was the spark of inspiration that led to a line of cars with a distinctive Southern California look, fast-moving wheels and redline tires.

Akalain mo yun, matanda pa sa kin si Hot Wheels. Anyway, last year we were able to attend the Hot Wheels Race to Singapore Grand Prix at SM Southmall, it just so happened that we were in that area and we saw their booth. We bought Hot Wheels so my son can use the race track and he had a blast.

Read: Hot Wheels Race to Singapore Grand Prix

This month, I got an invite for the Hot Wheels Make it Epic Race 2016 and I was glad that we're available on that date so I said yes.

“Make it Epic” is rooted in the overall Hot Wheels brand purpose: Exhilaration and Achievement for every kid.

“Make It” is the call-to-action to all boys to show what they can do with Hot Wheels through customization and competition, through imagination and hacks, through cool cars and a daring attitude. This encourages and enables boys to experience a sense of achievement.

“Epic” is a challenge to boys to make Hot Wheels play bigger, faster, higher, cooler, louder, anywhere, anyway. It is the promise of Exhilaration.

It’s more than just a tagline, it’s a challenge. “Don’t just make it awesome, make it epic”

SM BF Parañaque South Qualifying April 16 -17, 2016

The booth is smaller compared to SM Southmall (2015) maybe because there is an event beside their booth. The setup is also different; if last year, there are ready race track that you can use, this time, you are free to build your own race track.

There is Gravity Platform that you can use to play or try your winning cars.

A living diorama is also onsite, it will give you an idea how to improve your race track at home.

My son had fun in building race tracks and playing cars in the gravity platform. So if you have kids from 3-12 years, visit SM BF Parañaque to join the Make it Epic Race. Click here for the video

How to Join:

1. Purchase at least two Hot Wheels Basic Cars from the participating store.
2. Maximum 2 trials car, the fastest speed will be recorded.
3. Top 20 (fastest speed record) will be shortlisted to join the Area Qualifying Rounds.

I suggest you go there before 3PM so you have more time to enjoy the race tracks and practice your Hot Wheels.

SM San Lazaro North Qualifying April 23 and 24
May 14 Semi-Finals at SM Mall of Asia
May 15 - Finals at SM Mall of Asia

Fun Facts:

1. Since 1968, more than 1,000 models and over 20,000 variations of Hot Wheels cars have been created.
2. They make 8.9 million cars every week. That’s more than five times the worldwide production of life-size cars.
3. Worldwide: 10.5 cars sold every second.
4. 6,000 miles of orange track are produced and sold each year - enough to go from Los Angeles, USA to Rome, Italy.
5. 1.1MM die-cast sold for 2015 in the Philippines.
6. #1 selling sku at Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom Express for 2015 based on units sold.
7. #2 brand of Toy Kingdom and Toy R Us for boys last 2015. (#1 Star Wars Movie)

Hot Wheels has Speedtropolis and Track Builder Set. I saw the video of the starter kit, you can build 4 different race tracks, nice noh!

April 12, 2016

Staycation: Vivere Hotel & Resort

Our family loves staycation, it is our way to celebrate, reward or destress from our busy lives. It is a good way to relax and enjoy ourselves without hurting our budget. Traveling is not really cheap, you really need to spend money but “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”.

Last February, my siblings and I were planning for a family outing and I suggested Vivere Hotel. We took advantage their Lenten Promo, reserving a room is not easy. I don’t know why but it took us 11 days just to reserve a room which I have never experienced in other hotels. I will share it at the end of my post.

Vivere Hotel and Resort is a five-star hotel in Southern Metro Manila, offering 200 different rooms in their 31-storey building. I believe this is the first luxury hotel in Alabang. We’ve been to three other luxury hotels in Alabang so I’m happy that I finally crossed this out on my list.

Read: Staycation in Alabang

After my husband’s dental appointment, off we went to Vivere Hotel for our Easter Staycation. We parked in the basement and went to reception to check-in. I was surprised by their charges, I thought the P9000 is already my downpayment for the three rooms but my brother told me that he was also charged P9000, so he verified this with the staff and was advised that it is really the charge, P5000 downpayment, and P4000 for incidental deposit.

It was past 1PM when they ushered us to our room. Every floor is secured because you need the key card just to enter the hallway. They say that there are no two rooms alike in this hotel but when I checked my siblings room, di naman pansin gaano yung pagkakaiba.

Let me show you our De Luxe Room. The room is not really big but it has a living room and kitchen. The kitchen has a microwave oven, fridge, and sink. If you want to save money, you can just bring your food and reheat it.

I was disappointed with the bed. The promo is good for 2 adults and 2 kids so I was expecting a king-sized bed or at least two double beds but this bed is good for couples only, pwede three kung slim. I stayed in Vivere Azure and the bed is really huge so I thought Vivere Hotel has the same size of the bed.

The bathroom has a bathtub but the toiletries are not VMV Hypoallergenics.

Read: Vivere Azure in Anilao, Batangas

2PM is check-in time but my sister’s room was not ready so they left their things in our room. We went to the Lama Pool at 3PM so the kids can swim.

For dinner, we went to Yabu at Alabang Town Center, and we availed of the free shuttle service of the hotel.

The following day, we ate our breakfast at The Nest “Dining in the Sky”. The restaurant is not that big, you can choose to eat inside or beside the pool.

I was surprised to see the buffet spread, it is not that big compared to other luxury hotels. The choices were limited but it is enough to satisfy our hungry stomachs. The taste of the food is good and I enjoyed my roast pork. Good thing my son is free of charge because he only ate pancakes and bread.

Then we went to Kid’s Club on the 8th floor, the Jacuzzi is located on the same floor but we haven’t tried it.

We went to the lobby to buy the “A Hoppy Easter” ticket but were advised to get the ticket on the 2nd floor. We attended mass at 9AM and went straight to the Easter event on the same floor.

Read: Easter Egg Hunt at Vivere Hotel
Watch the video here.

We checked out after the Easter event.

Likes:

1. The room is not big but it has a kitchen and living room. Two televisions inside the room.
2. The bathroom has a bathtub.
3. Free wi-fi and shuttle service.
4. Service is good except in reserving a room and check-in time.
5. The hotel has a pool, jacuzzi, game area, and kid’s club so you have something to do without leaving the hotel.
6. Complimentary drinks are available in the lobby (coffee, tea and juice). In our room, there are 2 complimentary bottled water and canned juice.

Dislikes:

1. The bed is good for only 2 people.
2. Like I said, reserving a room is not easy.

February 27, my sister-in-law called and reserved 3 rooms. She was advised that our rooms were already confirmed and to wait for the email. One week passed and we did not receive any email.

March 5, I personally went to the hotel, I asked them about my sister-in-law’s reservation and I was shocked na wala daw reservation. So I reserved three rooms again, I was asked to fill out the form and wait for an email. I find it so weird, I was already there, why do I need to wait for an email.

March 7, still no email, I made a follow-up but I don’t know why they are still asking for the details. I already filled out the form last March 5 and everything was there, so useless ang pagpunta ko dun at pagsulat sa form. Wala na naman sa system nila.

I received the confirmation voucher pero mali yung details, I told them about their promo “free buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids”.

March 8, I received the confirmation voucher with the correct details. I signed it and sent it back to them. Imagine, it took us 11 days just to reserve a room. Tinawagan, email at pinuntahan ko pa.

If you remember my post last February, they did not answer my email so we just reserved a room in Vivere Azure.

3. Check-in time is 2PM, my brother and I were lucky that our rooms were ready before 2PM but my sister was not happy because they waited till 4:30PM just to get their key. She was not alone, marami din guests ang mainit na ang ulo na nahihintay.

I don’t think it is a good idea to wait for the guests to vacate the room and let the next guests wait. To compensate, they offered late check-out for my sister but my sister did not stay till 4:30PM, sumabay din siya sa min.

I don’t think that the hotel is fully booked because sa floor lang namin, may mga vacant rooms. Maybe because it was a promo rate so wait talaga na magkaroon ng Deluxe room. In The Manila Hotel, when our room was not available during our check-in, they upgraded us to Suite Room.

Read: The Manila Hotel

4. The staff failed to inform us about the charges during the check-in and I forgot to ask about the details too since I already received a text from my credit card company that P9000 has been charged. I thought the P9000 is already my downpayment for the three rooms.

Despite the dislikes, my family enjoyed our Easter Staycation at Vivere Hotel. I do hope they will improve their reservation process or else maghahanap na lang ng ibang hotel ang guest.

April 11, 2016

Buko Pandan

Buko Pandan is one easy dessert that I always prepare if we have a family get together in our house. I don’t have yaya or helper so I always look for easy recipes that I can prepare so it would not be stressful.

We’re supposed to eat DIY halo-halo last Saturday but crashed ice was not available so my husband bought ginataang halo-halo (ginataang bilo-bilo). It was a warm merienda and I was craving for cold dessert to ease the summer heat.

We always have buko juice every week (market day) so I said to my husband that I will make Buko Pandan so ipakayod niya na lang yung laman. Pinapapak lang kasi namin lagi so for a change I will make dessert.

Like I said Buko Pandan is an easy dessert, all you need to do is mix the ingredients, the only ingredient that you need to cook is the gulaman jelly.

2 box of alsa green gulaman jelly
Few drops of pandan essence
1 can of condensed milk
1 pack of all purpose cream
1 bottle of nata de coco (drained)
3 coconut (shredded)

1. Cook the gulaman. Follow the package directions. Add few drops of pandan essence while cooking your gulaman.
2. Set aside and cool. When the jelly is firm, cut into cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix the shredded buko, nata de coco, gulaman jelly, all purpose cream and condensed milk.
4. Keep it refrigerated and eat.

My husband already ate this after I combined all the ingredients, masarap din naman kahit di pa malamig. Hehehe! You can also add sago if you want. My son likes this dessert without the nata de coco and jelly.

April 07, 2016

Things to do in Bataan

This coming Saturday is another holiday in the Philippines but unfortunately no long weekend for us. April 9 is Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, aka Bataan Day or Bataan and Corregidor Day. On this day we recall and show respect to all World War II heroes.

Have you been to Bataan?

Bataan is located in Central Luzon region of the Philippines; the capital is Balanga City. Bataan is known for World War II history and Nuclear Power Plant but of course, there are so many things to do in Bataan.

I was already in college when I first visited this province; I have a friend who invited us to their house. It was sembreak so off we went and stayed there for few days. We visited Mt. Samat and went to a resort which I can’t remember the name anymore. Hehehe! Then we had a day trip Corregidor, from their place we just rode a boat to reach Corregidor. (rented)

Do you know that Corregidor is not part of Bataan but it is located in Cavite?

I revisited Corregidor with my family and we availed a tour of Sun Cruises, it is a guided tour so it is a different experience compared to my first visit.

Can you see me?

I live in Southern Luzon so Bataan is really far from where I live but I’ll be sharing with you the places that we have visited during our few trips.

Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel

From its name, it is located in Morong, Bataan. The resort is big that it can accommodate big groups. I just went there for a seminar so I was not able to tour the whole place. My relatives always visit Parmata Bali Beach Resort which is also located in Morong, Bataan.

Read: Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is known as heritage resort where you can see different restored houses from different parts of the Philippines. When you entered the place, it seems that you’ve been transported to a different era. It is nice to see and learn the history of each house which I did not learn in my History class.

They do accept day trip and overnight guests but I suggest you stay in the resort so you can also use the swimming pool.

Read: Day Trip in Las Casa Filipinas de Acuzar

The Heritage Resort is located in Bagac, Bataan so on your way to the resort you will pass three tourist spots such as Mt. Samat, Zero Kilometer Death March Marker and Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower.

Read: Bataan Road Trip

The Plaza Hotel in Balanga

The hotel is located in Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga, where you can see the City Hall, the 18th century Balanga Cathedral and Galleria Victoria Mall. The place already is historical and you will be amazed because the buildings are Spanish inspired.

Cafe Kyoto, a Japanese restaurant is located inside the hotel but if you are not into Japanese food, do not worry because there are fastfoods around the area and Galleria Victoria Mall.

Read: The Plaza Hotel Balanga
Cafe Kyoto

If you are into World War II history, you can go to Balanga Elementary School. Inside the school, you can see the Surrender Site Marker, Torture Chamber and Bataan World War II Museum.

Read: Bataan Historical Site

So far, these are the tourists' spots that we have visited, feel free to share if you have suggestions.