Pasalubong from Netherlands

Netherlands is on my bucket list, I’ve been meaning to visit this place and see the tulips, windmills and other tourist spots that I usually see on movies. I was planning to have a sidetrip here when we we’re planning to visit Norway but after we got our Schengen visa, KLM airfare already increased. It is so expensive for my budget so we bought our plane ticket to a different airline. 

Read: How to Apply for Schengen Visa

On our way to Norway, my mom and aunt took KLM flight so they had layover in Netherlands. She always buy pasalubong in Amsterdam Airport and because we were in Norway, I was able to try these chocolates, waffle and cheese. 

Lindt 

I guess Lindt chocolate is everywhere, I always see this brand in the airport. We prefer the milk chocolate flavor. 

Godiva 

My mom gave me this Godiva chocolate, she said she got it for FREE. The KLM staff informed her that she has expiring miles/points so she exchanged her points to chocolates. The heart shaped chocolates are so cute, parang ayaw ko pa kainin nung una. Hehehe! 

Read: Godiva, Ghirardelli and Lindt Chocolates 

Kinder Chocolate 

If you have kids, you are familiar with Kinder Chocolate brand. It is one of my son’s favorite chocolate. Kinder is a German word which means “children”. It was developed and produced since 1967. 

Even I’m adult, I also like Kinder Chocolate. My son and I love Kinder Bueno and Kinder Chocolate. My mom gave him an Egg Stuffed toy with Kinder Chocolate.

Droste 

Droste is a well-known global chocolate which started by Gerardus Johannes Droste in Holland in the year 1863. Ang tagal na pala but it was my first time to taste Droste chocolate. 

I was able to try the Droste Assortis and Droste Tulips, the gift boxes contained different kind of chocolates, so you can taste white, milk and dark chocolate. 

Original Honingwafels

It is a waffle with honey filling. My mom likes this but it is too sweet for my taste.

Netherlands is also known for cheese so my mom also bought some cheese which I don’t have a photo.

3 Days Trip in Davao

Davao is the first province that I’ve visited in Mindanao so I was a little bit excited when we went there. It’s been a decade already since the last time I’ve been there and it is one of the places that I wanted to revisit because I know that there are more tourist spots that I haven’t seen and experienced.

A few months ago, my husband mentioned to me that he will have a business trip in Davao so I was a little bit excited because I have the opportunity to go back but when April came, his Davao trip was moved to another date. Then May came, Martial law was implemented so Davao trip was totally canceled. 

Well, I hope the Marawi issue will be resolved soon and I’m praying for peace. Aside from Davao, there are more places that I wanted to visit in Mindanao. But for now, let me just reminisce about our 3 days trip to Davao. 

3 Days Trip in Davao 

We’re supposed to book Kalibo but there are no more seat sales, so we tried Tagbilaran and again no more seat sale. We were losing hope already then the CS rep informed us that they still have promo fare for Davao so we booked. 

Honestly, we have no idea about Davao and I’ve never been to Mindanao so I just search and search for possible tourist destinations. At that time, I don’t have an itinerary; I just take note of the places that we can go to before going to Pearl Farm Resort.

Fast forward to our trip, it was raining in Laguna when we left and I was praying hard that there will be no cancellation of flight because it is not easy to schedule a vacation leave. Thank God that Davao’s weather was fine so we will be able to do our itinerary for that day. 

We took a taxi to get to Casa Leticia, which will be our accommodation for that day. I already booked our room a month before our trip but unfortunately, it was not recorded at their end even though I showed them the confirmation that I got from their site. 

Good thing that there is still an extra room, we have no choice but to stay in one room. And because of that experience, I always inquire and reserve accommodation through email unless they informed me to book online.  

After fixing our things we went outside to eat our lunch, there is a grilled restaurant, 100 meters away from the hotel. Price is affordable, almost P100 for a complete meal.  

Philippine Eagle Center 

After our lunch, we asked the receptionist how we can go to Philippine Eagle Center. I did not expect that the travel time will be long; we only took a jeep and habal-habal to get there. Fare in habal-habal is P100 per person, roundtrip. 

 Aside from eagles, there are more animals that you can see there. We were lucky that there was monkey feeding at that time so we were able to witness it. Ang galing lang nila magbalat ng fruits. The travel may be long but it was all worth it because I was able to meet the Phillipine Eagle. 

Klook.com

Pearl Farm Resort 

My friend suggested to spend a night in Pearl Farm but I told her it’s too expensive, P9,000 (P4,500 per pax) for one night but she really insisted that I include this so I gave in.  The rate is quite pricey but it is all worth it because of the superb service, food and place. The package includes the roundtrip boat transfer, 3 buffet meals and complimentary use of facilities and amenities. The trip is really memorable for all of us and I am still looking forward to go back. 

On our second day, we woke up early because we need to be at the Pearl Farm Marina before 8AM. We just took a cab to reach the port. Port pa lang naexcite na kami, why not? Pearl Farm is a luxury resort in Davao so for sure we will have a great stay. 

We planned to stay in 2 rooms para tipid but we were informed that the room is only good for two persons and even if there is an extra person, the fee is still the same. Well, okay na rin at least my husband and I will have privacy. Chos! We stayed in Samal House and I like our seaview, we can feed fish just outside our room. 

The following morning, we went to Malipano Island, one boat ride from Pearl Farm Resort. It is part of the resort. 

Davao Crocodile Park 

As much as we want to extend our stay in Pearl Farm Resort, we have to leave because it was our last day in Davao but since our flight is still in the evening, we still have time for the city tour. Good thing that there was an FX driver at Pearl Farm Marina who offered his service to tour us around for P1200. So we took advantage of the offer because it is more convenient for us since taxi could not accommodate 6 persons. 

We visited some luxury hotel to see the T’boli Weaving Center but it was closed. Next stop is Souvenir shops and market. We bought some pasalubong but not durian. 

Then Davao Crocodile Park, we’re just in time for some exhibition but I don’t have any pictures of it. We stayed for a few hours and then we went straight to Davao International Airport. It was a short trip, that’s why I wanted to go back. Given a chance, I will visit Samal Island, Eden Nature Park, Hagimit Falls. If you like durian candy, buy Lola Abon’s brand and don’t forget to buy suha. 

Read: Lola Abon’s
Pasalubong from Davao

This is the last trip that I traveled with friends, ang hirap na kasi magtagpo ng schedule namin. I have my own family na rin so iba na trip pag may anak na kasama. But I miss those times that I can travel with friends.

Støvelfossen in Norway

While we’re eating at Melissa restaurant, my aunt asked what is our plan for the approaching holiday. Apparently, May 1 is also Labor Day in Norway, I thought sa Pilipinas lang ang holiday. If the weather is nice, my mom planned to visit Åfjord or Mussels Picking.  

We experienced mussels picking during our first visit in Norway but according to my mom, hindi na siya season but we still tried our luck so we went to Bruholmen to check if there is mussels or crabs. Unfortunately, we did not see anything. 

Fast forward to May 1, it was sunny so my mom decided to pursue our trip to Åfjord. It is more or less one-hour scenic drive from Ørland, whenever we’re on the road we always check if we can see moose, venison or sheep. We’re lucky to see these animals even from afar. 

On our way to Åfjord, my mom pointed this mountain at the right side of the road. They have a painting of this mountain where you can see a side view face. Thanks to my mom's camera lens, nazoom ng bonnga. Hindi kita face sa camera ko. hehehe!

After one hour, we reached our destination. Ito na pala yung falls na sinasabi ng mom ko. I was expecting a different kind of waterfalls, yung nakita ko sa Pilipinas. Hehehe! We just parked the car and slowly go down to the platform. Part of the stairs was damaged maybe because of the heavy snow during the winter. 

Read: Amazing Waterfalls in the Philippines 

Nevertheless, the Støvelfossen view is still nice. We’re glad to see another beautiful nature in Norway. My stepdad mentioned that during summer, you can see a lot of salmons in the area and they are jumping into the waterfalls. Åfjord is known for salmon fishing but we did not see any salmon during our visit. 

Watch the video here. 

After several minutes, we went back to the city center to look for a place where we can eat. It was a holiday so establishments are closed. We saw a picnic table near the Åfjord church so we ate our snacks first before we went home.

Shopping at Decathlon Alabang

I’ve been seeing the word Decathlon in different social media but I did not mind it because I’m not into sports so feeling ko, marathon or fun run ito, magkarhyme e. hehehe! But last Thursday, my friend asked me if I’ve been to Decathlon in Festival Mall.

I said “No, hindi naman ko mahilig sa sports so baka wala ko mabili”. She said, try mo ang dami mura and she mentioned the stuff that they bought in Decathlon. She said that the store is big but according to her brother, x3 daw nun ang Decathlon sa Singapore.

Out of curiosity, I searched for it. According to Wikipedia, Decathlon is one of the largest sporting goods retailers which founded by Michel Leclercq in Lille, France. It started its first store in 1976 and now there are more than 1100 stores around the world. So far there is only one store in the Phillippines and it is located in Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa. Wow, ang tagal na pala and wala ko kamalay-malay.

Last Sunday, on our way to Alabang, I informed my husband about Decathlon so before we went to the grocery, we paid a visit to the store. And we were surprised na ang laki nga niya and the price is really affordable.

I even saw a friend there and sabi ko talaga, “napadpad ka dito sa South”. He said “dumadayo talaga kami dito sa Decathlon”. Well, if you are really into sports, you will appreciate Decathlon because your money can go along way. You can buy a shirt for as low as P199.

Kinain ko yung sinabi ko na baka wala ko mabili, because we went home with these stuff. Now I know, where to buy affordable sports clothes and accessories. I’m so glad na malapit ang first store sa amin. There are 8 cashiers pero ang haba pa rin ng pila so expect long lines.

If you want to become a member, just register and it is FREE. You can also get a one-time reusable bag for free or buy it for P50. I don't know yet, what are the benefits of being a member. Have you been to Decathlon?

Update April 9, 2018

My aunt was looking for shirts (big sizes) and I recommend Decathlon baka may makita siya na malaking size. So after my mom bought pants at Landmark, off we went to the store. At the counter, out of the blue, my mom asked me kung nasan na daw yung bitbit niya. What! I remembered na umupo siya in one of the benches in Decathlon store. So I guess, nung tumayo siya naiwan niya yung shopping bag.

We checked the whole store and one staff also helped us in checking each aisle then she referred us to one of the staff. The guy went to their office to check their LOST AND FOUND, but unfortunately, no one returned the shopping bag. I asked for CCTV footage so we can see who took the shopping bag but the guy replied na hindi naman daw nakafocus dun yung CCTV. Lesson learned, be alert. Nafood coma yata nanay ko after magbuffet sa All4U at bigla nakalimutan na may bitbit siya. Goodbye pants!

Decathlon Alabang 
2F, Bridgeway Exit, Festival Mall
Alabang, Muntinlupa, City
Store Hours: 10AM–10PM

 

Open Closet for Small Spaces

I’ve been meaning to replace my son’s cabinet but I’m choosing between built-in cabinet or ready-made one. My son’s cabinet is more than 8 years old and I bought it when he was still a baby. It is already old, sira na rin yung ibang part so it really needs a replacement.

A few weeks ago, I told my husband that I will just buy a clothes rack so he can disassemble the old cabinet. We went to the department store and I was surprised when I saw the price of the clothes rack. It ranges from P2000 - P4000. Eight years ago, my son’s cabinet was only P2900 so ngayon, pang clothes rack na lang pala ang presyo. (yes, nakadikit pa price sa cabinet) hehehe! I did not buy the rack kasi namamahalan ako.

Last Friday, I was browsing my newsfeeds then I saw an IKEA Mulig clothes rack for P1200 only. I decided to buy this clothes rack because it is cheaper compared sa nakita ko sa department store. Then all of a sudden, I checked the price of that clothes rack in IKEA and I was surprised na wala pa P300 yung rack na yun.

So I immediately searched if there is IKEA in Kuala Lumpur and I was so happy when I learned that there is IKEA Cheras. I browsed their online catalog and screenshot all the pictures that I want to buy and sent it to my husband. I asked him if he can drop by in IKEA before he went to the airport the following day.

After few hours, my husband messaged me that he is on its way to IKEA. Yey! Ang dali kausap, good thing that he read my message before going back to the hotel. He bought 1 Rigga clothes rack, 2 Skubb Storage with Compartment and 1 Skubb Organizer.

Rigga RM59
Skubb Storage with 6 compartments RM39.90
2 Skubb Box with compartments RM59.80 (RM29.90)
Total RM158.70 

Last Sunday, my husband disassembled the old cabinet and assembled the closet rack. Then I put all the Skubb organizer and box. The Skubb boxes are from IKEA Alexandra, 3 pcs in one pack kaso two boxes lang kasya. The Maximum load of the closet rack is 35kg which is just enough for my son’s clothes.

Skubb Box (3pcs) SGD19.60

At first, my son doesn’t like the idea of the open closet, gusto daw niya may door. I told him that he will have a closed cabinet in the future but for now, he will have an open closet because I’m still saving for the built-in cabinet. I know that there are disadvantages of open closet, una na diyan is dust. But I prefer this than using the old cabinet because I was able to maximize the space. It has more shelves and compartment so mas marami ko nailagay na clothes niya compared sa old cabinet.

After I finished his open closet, he liked it na. Yey! If I will compute everything, I only spent more or less P2500 which is a big saving compared to the P2-4k price of one clothes rack. If ever magawa na yung built-in cabinet,  I can also reuse the Skubb storage and the Rigga clothes rack, pwedeng sampayan. :)

Read: Decluttering Our Home 

IKEA Cheras
No.2A, Jalan Cochrane Taman Maluri
55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Update: February 2018

As promised, I will have a built-in cabinet in my son's room. Finally, natapos na rin. It took them six days to build this floor to ceiling cabinet. And I was able to use the IKEA storage boxes that I bought before, pinasukat ko talaga para kasya lahat.

I took this after they built it, so hindi ko pa napunasan. hehehe!

Glimpse of Plaza Premium Lounge in Kuala Lumpur Airport

Whenever my husband goes to Malaysia, I can’t help myself but worry because he always ride Malaysian Airlines. I can’t forget the news about the missing Malaysian Airlines flight 370 and the Malaysian Airlines flight 17 that was shot down a few years ago so nakakaparanoid talaga.

We were glad when Philippine Airlines announced that they already have flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur so he chose this flight on his recent business trip. And because of that, he was able to stay in Plaza Premium Lounge in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Who has Access to Plaza Premium Lounge? 

You may relax in Plaza Premium Lounges if you are Mabuhay Miles Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler. If you are not a member but you have a Business Class ticket you can access the lounge for FREE.

Domestic Lounges
International Lounges

The lounge is big and it offers comfortable seats, hot meals, hot and cold beverages, wifi, TV and even shower facilities. Like other airport lounges, the view is the airport runway. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Read: Mabuhay Lounge at NAIA 2

Read: 5 Ways to Get into Airport Lounges

Buffet Breakfast at Marriott Garden Cafe

Update January 2018: Cebu City Marriott Hotel is closed now and it is under renovation. Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation contract with Marriott came to an end last December 31, 2017. After the renovation, the hotel will be named Seda. 

We had a 3 days staycation at Cebu City Marriott Hotel last year but we only booked a “room only” package to save money. We were not able to try their restaurant or even their buffet breakfast. Good thing that the hotel is walking distance to Ayala Mall so we ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the mall.

Last week, my husband went to Cebu for a business trip and he stayed in Marriott Cebu Hotel too. I already blog about our experience here so let me just share their breakfast buffet at Marriott Garden Cafe. 

Read: Staycation at Cebu City Marriott Hotel

The location of the restaurant is nice because you have a garden and swimming pool view. According to him, the buffet spread is good because there are so many choices. There are different stations that you can visit like omelet station, curry station, cereals, and oats station, cold cuts and cheese station, and more. 

They even serve homemade dimsum and homemade bread. Of course, a buffet breakfast in Cebu is not complete without eating the famous chorizo longganisa, danggit and native delicacies. In addition, the service is good too. I can attest to that because when we were there last year, maasikaso talaga sila. 

Checking all the photos, they have more servings compared to my husband's experience in Marriott Residence Inn in Austin, Texas. Anyway, because of that trip, we had danggit and Cebu’s Lechon again. 

Scene after school

Ethan: Mommy, what did you cook?
Me: I did not cook.
Ethan: E, what is our ulam?
Me: Lechon
Ethan: Lechon? Where did you buy?
Me: It's daddy's pasalubong from Cebu.
Ethan: Huh! I did not see him.

Well, my husband went home from Cebu but my son was already sleeping and when he woke his daddy was already at the airport for another business trip. #thestruggleisreal. At least naramdaman niya ang pasalubong. hehehe!

Read: Pasalubong from Cebu

Cebu City Marriott Buffet Breakfast Rate

Buffet Breakfast P850 
Continental Breakfast P650 
Full American Breakfast P850 
Grab and Go Breakfast P200 
Hot Breakfast P850