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Just this month, my husband went back to Bangkok Thailand. I was checking my blog and seven years na pala ang nakalipas since our last visit. My husband's last visit was in 2018 when they had a team building and stayed at Modena by Fraser Bangkok Hotel. This year their company had a kick-off meeting held at Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Hotel. 

I was awake as early as 12AM last December 31 because we needed to catch our morning flight to Basco Batanes. While waiting at the boarding gate, I was reflecting on my year 2018 and I was not able to finish my notes so here I am, trying my best to finish my supposed to be year-end post.


If my year 2017 is like a rollercoaster ride, my year 2018 is a challenging year. If you’ve read my post last year, two weeks before Christmas we received a not-so-good news so we welcomed 2018 even though we didn’t know what would happen. We patiently waited for an answer and held on to His Promises.

“For I know the plans, I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29;11” 

2018 is not a good year for our family, there are so many ups, downs, and even bumps. It was physically, emotionally, and financially draining. It was challenging because…

1. We don’t know if my husband will still have a job, his former company sold one of their business and unfortunately, that business is where my husband works. So there is no option to stay in the former company and there is no assurance that the new company will hire him. The waiting is so long and we have no other choice but to wait.

After five months of waiting, we’re grateful that my husband got an offer from the new company. Even though the salary and benefits are very different, he still accepted it. Mahirap walang source of income lalo na I’m not working. We’re thankful that he got an offer because yung iba, nawalan talaga ng work.

2. So when I thought that life was already okay and smooth, I did not imagine that our last quarter of the year would be so emotional. We’ve lost someone dear to us and two of my in-laws were diagnosed with cancer. We all know that dealing with cancer is not easy. Cancer affects everyone in the family because of family routine changes and lifestyle.

“When someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone who loves them does too” - Terri Clark 

I realized na mamamatay ka talaga kung wala ka pera because even you go to PCSO, it takes time to get an Individual Medical Assitance. Two months of waiting and until now, we’re still waiting if we can get assistance.

My husband just bought his insurance for a critical illness, two months before we heard the news about cancer. I’m thinking if I will get insurance with critical illness too kasi kawawa si hubby if ever, kulang ang health card.

3. Aside from that, starting January our family was going to the hospital every month tapos naging every week na starting October for our health concerns too. Some are simple health concerns lang naman pero hindi mo pwede ipawalang bahala like caterpillar sting, ear infection, colds and cough and even upset stomach of my son. It is not a secret that I have psoriasis so I always have check-up and laboratory tests. Nakakapagod but health is wealth and prevention is better than cure.

But despite the challenges, I’m still grateful because God is faithful and God always provides. The year 2018, is the year when I got more blog opportunities and I even became part of Althea Angels. So even our problems and concerns are not yet over. I’m still looking forward to the year 2019.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phil 4;19” 

So what happened in...

January 

January, the start of the year. Even though we don’t know what will happen to my husband's job, we still make short-term goals. Life must go on! I looked for a resort for our anniversary and family outings. Mabilis mafully-booked ang resort so as early as January, I paid our reservation for our family outing with my mom. We also went to Tienda sa Solenad.

February 

We had a simple home improvement, my husband wants my son to sleep in his own room na so we’ve started fixing his room. It was my son’s Field Trip and this time hindi na kami nagconvoy. It was our wedding anniversary too, so we had Staycation at Pico Sands Hotel and Sofitel Manila. We were able to watch 9th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition.



Read: Breakfast Buffet in Spiral
Food Trip in Hamilo Coast Pico De Loro

March

We attended my son’s Recognition Day in school and ate at All 4 U Unlimited Korean Restaurant. We treated our son to Kidzania for getting a Gold Eagle Certificate for the school year 2017-2018. We had a day trip at Acuaverde Beach Resort. We went to Caleruega last Holy Thursday. My mom went home for vacation so we spent the Holy Week long weekend in Valenzuela.


April 

To enjoy the summer, we had a family outing at Laiya Coco Grove and family get-together. I got a DFA appointment for my husband so he can renew his passport because he doesn’t have enough passport pages. We booked tickets and planned for our Bangkok and Baguio Getaway. Our most memorable moment on this trip is we experienced Business Flight on our way to Bangkok, Thailand.

Read: Passport Renewal Experience


May 

May is a busy month because I need to prepare for “Back to School”. I bought books, school supplies, and uniform. And because I was so preoccupied, I made a mistake in writing my check so I paid P1500 for that simple mistake. We celebrated Mother’s Day at Tong Yang Plus. And before summer vacation is over, we had a Day Trip at Woodside Farm and Waterpark with my in-laws.


June

Back to school. June is the month when my husband started with his new company and because of that, he has no vacation leave yet. So he was so busy that we were not able to celebrate his birthday. Kasi meron siya despedida from former company + orientation naman sa new company. Sobrang hectic so we had delayed celebration na lang and sabay na rin ng Father’s Day. We went back to Tong Yang Plus.

July

After two months of not flying, my husband is back with his business trip again so wala gaano ganap kasi nasa bahay lang kami mag-ina. I received good news that I’m part of Althea Angels. Yey! I’m hooked with Korean products so I’m really happy to be part of Althea Korea.

August 

It was my birthday month and we celebrated it at Las Flores and Pantry of Dusit Thani Hotel. I got birthday shopping rewards from Althea Korea so I splurged on my birthday. We watched my son’s Cheers and Yells and they won. First championship since 1985 daw. Wow!

September

September was stressful because Furniture Source Philippines failed to deliver our order on the agreed date. It took them 24 days to fulfill our order. Kastress talaga! It was also my son’s first recollection in school.

We celebrated my son’s 10th birthday in advance so we spent the last weekend of September in Sofitel Manila again but this time we book the Sofitel Luxury Club room. My husband and I had a quick date in Tagaytay.


October

10th birthday of my son and 80th birthday of my grandmother-in-law so we went to Pangasinan to attend her birthday. This is also the start of our series of check-up, we visited different doctors such Pedia, Ophthapedia, and OB. We lost someone dear to us and this is also the month when we learned that my two in-laws were diagnosed with cancer.

November 

Our family had a series of check-up and labtest with OB-Gyne, Pedia, Orthopedic and Dentist.

December

Our family had a series of check-up, labtest, and therapy with OB-Gyne, Nephro, Orhophedic, Ophtha, and Derma. I still need to see my Gastro doctor pero dahil holiday na, nagpahinga muna ko. Writing this year-end post, reminds me na hindi pa ko nakakabalik. Waah!

We had family get together, we went to Tagaytay and lastly, we ended the year 2018 in Batanes.

With all the health expenses that we’ve spent parang ayaw ko ng gumastos pa. But life is short. We deserve a break and we want to enjoy the holiday. I was thankful for God’s provisions and for making our Batanes trip possible. Expect for my Batanes series soon.

Traveling is already costly so buying pasalubong for families and friends is an additional expense. My husband is a frequent traveler but we don’t expect him to buy pasalubong every time he has a business trip. But of course, we’re happy if he has pasalubong especially those foods or things that are not available in the Philippines.


Thailand is not only known for temples, delicious foods, or shopping malls. They are also famous for being one of the affordable countries that you can visit. We had a chance to visit Bangkok Thailand last summer and I agree that Bangkok is not that expensive compared to other countries that we have visited in South East Asia so you can stretch your budget and buy some pasalubong.

Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kids

Bangkok is a popular shopping haven, so I’m pretty sure that even if you don’t like to shop, you will visit at least one mall. You can buy souvenirs or pasalubong from malls, markets, and even at the airport if you have no time. If you love giving pasalubong or if you just want to buy souvenirs from Thailand, here are some of the best things to buy in Thailand.

1. Tamarind  

We have tamarind here in the Philippines but tamarind in Thailand has more flavors. Yes, you can buy sweet, savory, or even spicy tamarind. It is really a popular pasalubong, parang pag may pupunta sa Bangkok, expect na may tamarind na bitbit.

2. Dried Squid 

Just like tamarind, you can also buy dried squid and they also have different variants. We were able to try some of the delicacies because this was the pasalubong of my sister-in-law when she went to Bangkok a few years ago.

3. Durian Chips 

When I was buying pasalubong in Bangkok, I always see Durian products but I did not mind it because I dislike durian. Naku, amoy pa lang niyan hindi ko na gusto. I even told my husband na wag na bibili ng durian candy pag galing sa Davao. Kasi nasasayang talaga at wala kumakain sa bahay and even sa family and friends namin, wala may gusto. hehehe!


Then a few months ago, my friend said that she likes the Durian Chips in Thailand, masarap daw siya. So out of curiosity, I asked my husband to buy Durian Chips when he went back to Thailand last August. Since he had no time to go to the mall, he bought the chips at the airport. One pack is THB195 and to be honest, I find it expensive for chips, parang Irvin Salted Egg Chips na ang mahal. So I was really hoping that I did not waste my money.

While my son was reviewing for his exams, I opened the Durian Chips and surprisingly, there was no bad smell and when I tried it, it tasted good. My son said, “I don’t like durian” but when he tried it, halos siya na umubos. The packaging says "No Cholesterol" and "Salty" but it is not salty and not oily so you will feel less guilty about eating chips. Now I know, why people like this so if you are going to Thailand, buy Durian Chips and you will be amazed because you won’t think that you are eating Durian.

4. Mango Sticky Rice 

They say that people will travel anywhere for good food, which is true because Mango Sticky Rice is one reason why I wanted to go back to Thailand. We have mango and sticky rice here in the Philippines but I love the mango sticky rice that I’ve eaten in Bangkok. I have tried the mango sticky rice in The Terrace Restaurant and from Robinsons Supermarket and both taste good.



And because it became my favorite, my husband buys me mango sticky rice if ever he had a chance like a layover or business trip in Thailand. He always buys at the Suvarnabhumi Airport so the price is a bit higher, it ranges from THB180 to THB200. He only buys two packs because there is expiration so you cannot hoard. I eat it right away.

5. SIANGPURE Oil 


Oil is one of the trends now so I’m pretty sure that your family or friends will appreciate SIANG pure oil. Honestly, I’m not familiar with this brand but I saw this when we went to the supermarket and when I was at the airport so I bought it. SIANG pure oil is used for pain, inflammation, and insect bites. This is available in different packaging and I chose this one so you can bring it anywhere.

6. Lounge Pants and Silk Scarves 

As I’ve said before, Thailand is known as a shopping haven so you can’t help but visit malls and markets. During our trip, we visited MBK Center where you can find affordable stuff so if you have time, visit this mall. You can see a lot of lounge pants with elephant prints and silk scarves which is a good pasalubong. Jim Thompson House & Museum has a souvenir shop where you can buy silk scarves but the price is steep.

7. Namu Life SnailWhite Products 

While I was looking for souvenirs at Suvarnabhumi airport, I checked different stores and I even visited the pharmacy I was surprised when I saw foreigners who were buying Namu Life SnailWhite products. I got curious kasi basket of SnailWhite talaga ang binibili nila, kung makahoard sila ganun na lang. I thought mura siya na pwede pampasalubong but when I checked the price and it is not cheap, pangmaharlika. lol

Then I just learned that Namu Life is a famous brand in Thailand and Snailwhite is a popular beauty product in their country. This beauty product is good for repairing and renovating aging skin. They have different products such as facial cream, sunscreen, body wash, facial mask, mist, and the whipp soap.

Just this month, Snail White Whipp Soap is already here in the Philippines. Yes, you can already buy this soap in Watson or online shop but dahil sikat pa siya, lagi sold out. I’m also curious about trying the soap, maybe next time. I will ask my husband to buy this for me baka mas mura sa Bangkok. :)

Update: March 2025

One way to save on your travel trip is to book affordable accommodation. Some people choose a hostel, some people choose Airbnb, and some people choose a budget hotel. We have our own preferences so choose an accommodation that matches your budget and style. If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Bangkok, check Modena by Fraser Bangkok Hotel.


Modena by Fraser Bangkok Hotel is one of the newest hotel and service apartment in Bangkok, as of now they are celebrating their second year anniversary so it is really quite new. You can book a fully-furnished room or studio. This hotel is near Khlong Toei Fresh Market, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and Queen Sirikit MRT Station. Terminal 21 is one station away.


My husband attended a conference/team building last week and he stayed at Modena by Fraser, this was his first time on this hotel because most of the time he stayed at Sukhumvit Area. The hotel has a gym but no swimming pool. Like the Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, they also offer complimentary Tuktuk Shuttle Service which brings you around the commercial areas such as BTS Skytrain Asok Station, nearby office buildings, Ratchadaphisek Road and Soi Pai-Sing-To.


The room interiors are simple, bright and minimalist. It is perfect for business travelers and even leisure travelers. You have a working desk, mini-fridge, and coffee & tea making facilities. According to my husband, beds and pillows are comfy too.




The bathroom has no bathtub.


They have an all-day dining restaurant and lobby bar. The room package has a complimentary buffet breakfast at Bistro@M. The restaurant was crowded so my husband was not able to take some photos but according to him, buffet spread was limited, konti lang ang meat choices.

Read: Where to Stay in Bangkok Thailand
6 Days in Bangkok with Kid

Modena by Fraser Bangkok 
2527 FYI Center, Rama 4 Road,  (at the Klongtoei Junction)
Klongtoei District Bangkok
10110, Thailand

It is really nice to travel with your family but I admit there are times that it is a challenge to travel with a kid in tow. Especially now that my son is in tweenage years, he has his own likes, wants and mind so when I was planning for our Bangkok Itinerary, he immediately said “I don’t like temples ha”. What?

Read: Why Do We Travel with Kid in Tow


Of course, I will not waste my opportunity to visit at least one temple in Bangkok so I asked other mommy bloggers for their suggestions and then I chose Wat Pho. I was contemplating if I will just book at Klook, With Locals, Hotel Tours or DIY. I mentioned before that I’m not confident in commuting and I’ve read that there are scammers at the temples so I wanted to book a package tour but in the end, I still chose DIY tour. Why? Because it is cheaper and I can explore the temples on my own time.

On our day 5, off we went to the temples. We’ve seen the temples on our first night in Bangkok. I availed Chao Phraya Princess Dinner River Cruise but of course, I want to see the temples up close. Going there is not a problem because the direction is almost the same except that we will not ride a taxi anymore.

Read: Chao Phraya Princess Dinner River Cruise 

How to Get to Chao Phraya River

From our hotel, we rode at BTS Skytrain Asok Station to BTS Saphan Taksin Station

Travel to Siam Station using BTS - Sukhumvit Line (4 stations)
Travel to Saphan Taksin using BTS -Silom Line (6 stations)
Then go to Exit 2 and follow the signs to Chao Phraya River Express Boat.
Purchase ticket a Hop On-Hop off ticket or Single Journey Ticket.

Train: THB44/person
Chao Phraya Tourist Boat:
THB50/person - Single Journey Ticket
THB180/person - One Day River Pass

You can choose the regular boat but I chose the Chao Phraya River Boat for convenience. This boat will only stop at Tourist Spots like Shopping Mall, China Town, Flower Market, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Pra Kaew and Khao San Road.

The boat leaves at Sathorn and Phra Arthit every 30 minutes
Sathorn 9:00 to 17:30
Phra Arthit 9:30 to 16:00

Boat extend their routes to Asiatique
Phra Arthit 16:00 to 18:00
Sathorn 16:30 to 18:30

There is already a booth of Chao Phraya River Boat at the train station so I purchased a ticket there and when I reached Pier, the staff get my ticket and replaced with a map and printed receipt. Then we waited for the boat with Blue Flag.



My initial plan was to visit Wat Pho but the boat stopped at Wat Arun (N8 - Tha Thien). Since I only wanted to visit one temple, I did not purchase a ticket anymore so we just enjoy the beauty of the temple outside. Wat Arun or also known as Temple of the Dawn is a stunning temple in Bangkok because of the design and location. Check my Chao Phraya River Cruise post so you can see the beauty of this temple at night.





Wat Arun or Wat Chaeng
Opening Hours 8AM to 17:30
Ticket: THB50

Then we took a small shuttle boat to cross the river so we can visit Wat Pho on the opposite side. We paid THB4/person for the boat. Afterward, we walked to the temples, we just followed the crowd. Hehehe! I’m thankful that my son is still FREE, you can hire a tour guide if you want for THB200-400 depending on the number of persons.


Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. We did not waste our time, we immediately looked for the famous 15 meters tall and 46 meters long Buddha. You need to take off your shoes before you enter, don’t worry there is a ready plastic bag there where you can put your shoes. Taking a picture is hard because there are a lot of tourists. If you want some luck, donate THB20 for a bowl of coins and drop in 108 bronze bowls. Dito lang nag-enjoy anak ko sa paghulog ng coins, the rest of the day “sad face” maski sa picture. Lol This temple is also known for traditional massage and medicine so you can try that.






As much as I want to explore the whole Wat Pho temple, my son was complaining already. Ayaw na nga maglakad. So I have no choice but to end our temple tours. Sayang nga, the Grand Palace is 10 minutes away lang daw, hindi ko man lang nakita kahit sa entrance lang. We rode the small shuttle boat again so we can ride the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat at the Wat Arun side.

Watch the video here.

Wat Pho 
Opening Hours: 8:00 to 17:00
Entrance Fee: THB100 with free bottled water.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring drinks, fan, cap or extra clothes. Sa init dun, maliligo ka sa pawis. Of course, wear appropriate clothes. They say that there are tourist scammers at the temple but we did not encounter any or dahil diretso lang lakad namin. But of course, beware of scammers.

I did not regret that I chose DIY Tour. Going to the temples is not that hard, all you need to know is where are you going to buy the riverboat ticket and what station are you getting off. Once you get off the boat, just walk to the Temple, pay the entrance fee and explore.

Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kids
Shopping at IKEA Bangna  Klook.com