Michi Photostory

Filipinos love sale, discounts, and promos so we love going to the outlet store. Here in the Philippines, there are only small outlet stores so most of the time we feel so excited if we will travel overseas or if we knew someone who will go to the outlet store.

According to my research, an outlet store started when factories offer excess goods or damaged goods to their employees at a low price and of course, they extend it to non-employees. Nowadays, you can see different brands selling their products in an outlet store. So if you are eyeing for a luxury brand and you don’t have the budget to buy at a retail store, then visit an outlet store so you can buy it at a fractional cost.

But keep in mind that products from the retail store and outlet store are different. Sad to say, but brands are manufacturing products for outlet store only and for retail only. Don’t expect that you are always buying excess goods, out of season products or damaged goods. I learned this from this video, you can watch the Outlet Store vs Retail Store video here by CBC News.


Are Outlet Stores Worth Visiting? 



If you will ask me if is it worth visiting an outlet store knowing that there is a bit difference in their products. My answer is yes, I will still buy products at an Outlet Store because it is better than buying a replica or fake products. I don’t mind if it comes from an outlet store or retail store as long as I can use it for a few years and I’m satisfied with the price and products.

Acienda Designer Outlet Store 

Anyway, if you are looking for an outlet store, don’t worry because you don’t need to go out of the country because we have Acienda Designer Outlet Store in Silang, Cavite. Yey, we now have an international outlet. It opened last October 26, 2018 and it was only last week that I finally able to visit it. If you remember, last Christmas, we went here but the outlet store was not yet open and I don’t want to wait for the opening hours so we just went home.




Acienda Designer Outlet is now a must visit place if you are going to Tagaytay. As I’ve said, outlet store offer products at a discounted price all year round so no need to wait for sale or promos. You can find deals up to 70% off.



We were in Tagaytay last week so before we went home, we dropped by at Acienda Designer Outlet. It was weekday so parking is not difficult, they have huge parking but I’m not sure kung pag weekend nagkakaubusan.

Upon entering, I was surprised because ang daming pang IG worthy spot so if you love taking selfies, you will love this place. Sakto pa nga, konti tao nung pagpunta namin so I was able to take some pictures na walang gaanong photobomber. My husband even said “Mas maganda daw ito kaysa sa Outlet Store na napuntahana niya sa Texas, USA”. You can the famous London telephone booth, Eiffel Tower, Windmill, Leaning Tower of Pisa and Lombard Street.

Watch the video here.




Unfortunately, not all stores are already open. Konti pa lang ang bukas and I checked some stores and I find P995 Levis Pants, buy one take one sa toys, branded frames for P450 and more. I did not check all the stores since I have no budget for shopping. I just want to have a glimpse of the Acienda so if ever may pang shopping na ko, babalik ako.

Lunch at Ibarra’s Bistro 

It was time for lunch so we look for a restaurant. Unfortunately, konti pa lang din ang choices but there are kiosks where you can buy pizza, ice cream, fries, and etc. We had our lunch at Ibarra’s Bistro. It offers express meals, pasta, noodles, sandwiches, desserts and drinks. We ordered Pork BBQ on Stick with Kare Kare Rice P195 and Mixed Seafood Salpicao P220.



I tried the Pork BBQ and Kare-Kare rice and the taste is okay, hindi gaano lasa yung kare-kare sa rice. For my Mixed Seafood Salpicao, it is a mixed of mussels, squid, shrimp and salmon belly in garlic, olive oil, bell peppers, and spices. I have no idea na spicy pala ito. I know there is bell pepper pero when they served it, may siling pangsigang din. We’re satisfied with our order and the price is not that expensive. They only accept cash, mahina daw signal kaya mahirap pag credit card.



And because, naanghangan ko sa kinain ko, I went to Cold Stone Creamery and ordered a Ferrero Rocher ice cream. It was my first time kasi namamahalan ko sa ice cream na ito. Which is true, mas mahal pa itong dessert ko kaysa sa kinain namin na rice meal sa Ibarra’s Bistro. But in fairness, masarap naman yung ice cream. The staff even gave us a free taste, we tried Ferrero, Manhattan Cheesecake and I forgot the other flavor but I chose Ferrero.


Operating Hours: 11AM to 9PM; Monday to Sunday

Acienda Designer Outlet 
KM48 Aguinaldo Highway Lalaan 1,
Silang Cavite

When my husband told me that he will have a training in USA, I had mixed emotion. Part of me was happy because he can travel outside Asia but part of me was sad because he won’t be home for two weeks. For the very first time, absent siya sa Valentine’s Day which is our couple anniversary.



Anyway, last month off he went to Austin, Texas and it was his first long haul flight since he always travels within Asia only. Since it is 8,401 miles away from Manila, he needs to ride two airplanes.

Manila to Los Angeles (12hrs and 20 minutes)
+ 4 hours and 35 minutes layover 
Los Angeles California to Austin Texas (3 hours and 3 minutes) 

It is more or less 20 hours flight, PAL provided travel kit which includes eye mask, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste. Good thing Philippine Airlines has wifi and seat monitor during his Manila to Los Angeles flight to entertain him. 



Upon arrival to LA, he passed the immigration. He was a bit nervous because during that time, President Trump just signed an executive order and this order banned the citizens of 7 countries and there is even a rumor that the Philippines will be included. 



When he reached Austin Bergstrom International Airport, he looked for National Car Rental counter so he can get his key for the rented car. Yes, this time he will drive from hotel to office. He applied for International Driving Permit prior to his trip. 



Read: How to Apply for International Driving Permit in the Philippines 



It was a different driving experience because the roads and highways are wider compared to the Philippines. Thank God for GPS, he was able to reach his hotel. He stayed at Marriott Residence Inn Austin Lake for two weeks. 

Read: Marriott Residence Inn Austin Lake



For the very first time, he experienced jet lag. It was hard for him to adjust his sleep and cold weather. It is challenging for us to communicate because of the time difference which is 14 hours. 





He spent most of his free time in visiting different outlets looking for affordable pasalubong for us. He visited Round Rock Premium Outlets, San Marcus Premium Outlet and Tanger. Yes, there are so many sales and discounts but he just bought the stuff that he can afford. For chocolates, he went to groceries because the price is much cheaper. 


 

Since I was not there, he washed and ironed his own clothes too. I even teased him to finish his laundry para wala na ko labhan pag-uwi niya. Hehehe!



After two weeks, it is time to go home. He just parked the rented car at the airport and dropped the key in the box. 

Austin Texas to Los Angeles California 3 hours and 35 minutes
+ 2 hours and 10 minutes layover
Los Angeles to Manila 15 hours and 55 minutes + 1 hour layover in Guam




He was disappointed with Philippine Airlines because there was no wifi and no seat monitor during his LAX to MNL flight. How can you entertain yourself for 16 hours, parang budget airlines na lang ang PAL.


He was excited to go home but he experienced a lot of mishaps during his Austin to Manila flight. It started with a delayed flight, he almost missed his connecting flight in LA, unexpected layover in Guam and the worst part is when he landed in Manila, his Luggage was missing. 

Read: How to Deal with Lost Luggage 
Texas Roadhouse

Hong Kong is on my bucket list and I was happy that I finally ticked it off on my list. Whenever there’s international seat sale, I always check Hongkong but I wasn’t lucky in booking a flight. It took me years before I was able to score a cheap fare during P1 seat sale and would you believe it was only P2000+ for 3 persons. 



One way fare only because I booked another flight from Macau so I could save time and ferry fare. I'm sharing with you, our Hongkong and Macau itinerary when we went there last November 2012, I’ve revised it so many times because of the weather but still, we enjoyed our stay especially in Hong Kong Disneyland. 

They say one week is not enough to enjoy Hongkong but since we want to do Hong Kong and Macau in one trip, I need to choose the tourist spots that we’re going to visit in four days. 

Hongkong

Upon Arrival in HKIA, we immediately went to Yiu Fai Guesthouse to check-in our luggage before starting our tour. We rode A21 bus going to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) fare is $HK33. From bus stop we walked to the Golden Crown Building where the guesthouse is located. 

Day 1 City Tour at Tsim Sha Tsui and The Peak

We visited 1881 Heritage, Clock Tower and Avenue of Stars which are all walking distance from TST area. 



From TST, we took the MTR going to Central Station and head to Exit J2. We just follow the signs going to lower Peak Tram terminus where we will ride Peak Tram. We rode the Peak Tram to reach “The Peak”. My husband was not interested in Madame Tussauds so we did not buy package ticket just a roundtrip Peak Tram ticket. 

Day 2 

Chin Lin Nunnery
Nan Lian Garden
Ngong Ping Village   

We woke up early on our second day because we will visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. It was surprising that there is a garden in the midst of a busy city.  



After that, we proceeded to Ngong Ping Village. 



Shopping is not included in our itinerary but we did a quick visit in City Gate Outlet because we need to buy some clothes. We need warmers to survive the coldness of Hongkong weather. 

Day 3 and 4 Hongkong Disneyland 

From Yiu Fai Guesthouse we transferred to Disney’s Hollywood Hotel for our next accommodation. We spent our two remaining days in Hong Kong Disneyland. We let go the Ocean Park because we’re more interested in Hongkong Disneyland and my son really adores Mickey Mouse. 



Read: Disney's Hollywood Hotel  
Day 3 Hong Kong Disneyland
Day 4 Hong Kong Disneyland

Tips:  If you are on a budget you can eat at Chef Mickey’s Restaurant for breakfast but if you want the meet and greet experience with Disney characters, book your breakfast in Enchanted Garden. 

Read: Chef’s Mickey Restaurant

If you are looking for affordable fast food in Hong Kong, you can try Cafe de Coral, they have branches everywhere. 

Read: Cafe de Coral  

Now I know why people always go back to Hongkong, if only I have the budget, I will go back again. Bitin ang 4 days. 

After Hongkong Disneyland, we went straight to the Sheung Wan Ferry Pier. We refunded our money on the Octopus card and bought a ticket at TurboJet Counter. 

Read: Travel Guide: Hongkong to Macau

Macau 

We stayed in Hotel Sintra, I chose this hotel because of the location. It is walking distance to New Yaohan Mall, Tourist Spots and Hotels. 

Read: Hotel Sintra

We had two whole days to roam around. Macau is not only for people who love casino because there are several things that you can do in Macau. Sharing with you our Macau itinerary. 

Day 5 Macau City Tour

Walking Tour



We visited the famous tourist spots such as Senado Square, St. Dominic Church, Ruins of St Paul, Macau Museum and Monte Fort. Then we went back to our hotel to rest. 

Then we went to Michael Jackson’s Gallery in Sofitel, no entrance fee. We're not really a fan of MJ but since this is a free museum, we paid a visit. We went back to Senado Square for night photo. 

Day 6 Fisherman’s Wharf and Hotel Hopping

We woke up early to finish our itinerary. We were not able to watch Prosperity show because it was under maintenance so we went straight to Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a tourist spot near Macau Ferry Terminal.



Then we started our Hotel Hopping, we visited Grand Lisboa, Wynn Hotel, City of Dreams Hotel and Venetian Hotel. We watched Bubble Show at City of Dreams. We only experienced Bubble Show because Dragon’s Treasure, Prosperity Tree and Fountain Show are under maintenance. 



Finally, we went to Macau International Airport. Back to Manila, Philippines. 

Tip: Take advantage of the free shuttle bus of different hotels. We did not spend any money for our transportation in Macau. We just walk or ride shuttle buses. 

There are free food tastes on your way to Ruins of St Paul. This is also the place where you can buy pasalubong. 

Do not forget to taste the famous Portuguese Egg Tart and Lechon Macau. 

Read: Food Trip in Macau

Hongkong and Macau Itinerary

Day 1 City Tour at Tsim Sha Tsui and The Peak
Day 2 Chin Lin Nunnery
Nan Lian Garden
Ngong Ping Village 
Day 3 Hong Kong Disneyland
Day 4 Hong Kong Disneyland
Day 5 Macau City Tour
Day 6 Fisherman’s Wharf and Hotel Hopping

Night before our Day 2 Tour, I asked my hubby if he really wanted to go to Ngong Ping Village because if he wants the cable car there’s cable car in Ocean Park. I was trying to persuade him so I will not ride cable car but he really wanted to see the Buddha.

smile kahit takot.

kita ba yung buddha?

nasan ang Po Lin Monastery?

ang layong lakaran, ito pala yun