April 10, 2014

Day Trip at Stilts Calatagan

Honestly, we’re not planning for any summer outings because we dislike crowded resorts. We know that Peak Season = Expensive Rates so as much as possible we plan our family outings during the offseason. But when my friend suggested na “mag-outing naman tayo”, I did not have any second thoughts because it will be our first family outing with friends so I immediately checked my bucket list.


For the last two years, I’ve been meaning to visit Stilts Calatagan but every time I compute the expenses, napapadalawang isip ako. Well, if we can’t afford the overnight trip yet, we can avail of the Day Trip instead. I invited other friends, reserved the trip on April 9, 2014 (Araw ng Kagitingan), and paid the 50% downpayment.

Reception
Stilts Day Trip Rates

P385 – 7 yrs old above (P300 lang two years ago)
Free of Charge – 6 years old below
P1800 – Discovery Pavillion Cottage

Inclusions:
- Welcome refreshment at the resort
- Free use of pool and beach area
- 8AM to 6PM

Our Cottage
We left yesterday at 5AM and hoping to reach the resort at 8AM para sulit day trip. We’ve been to Calatagan before when we had a day trip at Golden Sunset so at least we had an idea of travel time but Stilts Calatagan is much farther than Golden Sunset.  


When we reach the resort proper, the guard stopped us to confirm our reservation and we drove again till we reached the gate. Another guard confirmed our reservation and counted the number of persons inside the car. #strict


At the parking lot, Stilts personnel went to our cars and assisted us with our things. They will deliver our stuff to our cottage. Then we went to the reception and our welcome drinks were served. I filled out a form and paid the remaining balance. Staff ushered us to our cottage and our things were there safe.

We rested for a while and check the beach but my son prefers a swimming pool so off we went to the swimming pool. I was expecting a crowded resort because yesterday was a holiday and of course the summer season, but it wasn’t so we really enjoyed the place.



We decided not to bring any heavy meals so we just ordered at the restaurant and dahil tatlong tumbling lang layo ng restaurant sa aming cottage, they granted our request na sa cottage na lang iserve ang food. #goodservice 

 We ordered 2 grilled liempo, bulalong batangas and light of fire. Sorry but I forgot the exact price of the meal but the range is P200-P500. The food is good but the serving of grilled liempo is good for one person only.


My friend ordered two pizzas for our merienda and then we decided to go home before 5PM.


Like

1. They are very quick in replying to all my emails and in less than five days, we’re all set for our trip.
2. I like the service because they ushered us from parking to cottage and cottage to parking.
3. Good facilities and amenities.
4. Clean restroom and bathroom for the day-tripper.

We had a great time at Stilts Calatagan and we even want to go back to experience the room. So if you are looking for a resort in Batangas, I recommend that you try Stilts Calatagan.

Note: You have to pay the number of persons that you reserved, whether present or not. In our case, one of my friends did not join our outing because her son got sick so we have no choice but to pay for her reservation.

If you will have a day trip, I recommend Discovery Pavillion Cottage because it is near the restaurant, pool, beach, and bathroom.

Read: List of Batangas Resorts

Stilts Calatagan Resort
(+632) 511-8120 
Brgy. Sta. Ana, Calatagan
stilts.sales@gmail.com 
sales@stiltscalataganbeachresort.net
http://www.stiltscalataganbeachresort.net/
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April 08, 2014

Singapore: South East Asia Hotel

We know that cost of living in Singapore is high so looking for affordable accommodation in Singapore is not easy. It took me so long to find cheap accommodation that has a good location and good reviews. We just need a decent room with a private bathroom where we could sleep after our tour.

 Read: Sheraton Towers Singapore

I stumbled upon South East Asia Hotel which is located in the Bugis area. This is the cheapest accommodation that I’ve seen so I told my husband about it and he approved it. I was hesitant at first because the rate is only $100 and I was afraid that in the end, I will regret scrimping. A month before the trip I emailed them and asked if there’s still an available room and fortunately there’s still one room left so I immediately reserved the room.

I received a simple confirmation letter stating 

 “Thank you for your email. We are pleased to confirm your reservation of one Standard Room (queen) at S$100 nett per night for 3 nights from ...” and other information.



There are three ways to get to South East Asia Hotel but since we avail of the Singapore Pass, we took MRT. From the Bugis Station, you will not see the SEA Hotel immediately, good thing they provided direction, or else we will really get lost. I checked the Ibis Hotel building and walk towards it.



The hotel is located near shopping malls and markets, you can see vendors in front of the hotel. As expected the building is quite old since it is operating for more than four decades already.

At the reception, they asked for our passport and I paid for my reservation. (cash only). They returned our passport and handed me the receipt and key. The lady informed me that complimentary breakfast starts at 8:30AM. I was shocked because as far as I know, they emailed me 

 “4. The room rate is not inclusive of breakfast. Food & drinks are readily available at the neighborhood food center & fast food outlets.  Our hotel also operates a popular Chinese Vegetarian restaurant.” 

 But of course, we were happy that we have complimentary breakfast.
Borrowed from their website

The room looks nice and new on their website but in reality, it is already old and really needs an improvement.  Poor lighting and carpet need to be vacuumed. We just came from Kuala Lumpur and our hotel there is much better and cheaper. Wifi is available but not free. Anyway, the rate is just SGD100 and this is very cheap already when you are in Singapore.



You can choose between Continental Breakfast and Vegetarian Buffet, knowing me as a meat lover I ate continental breakfast for 3 days while my husband chose the vegetarian buffet. The continental breakfast consists of 2 slices of toasted bread with jam and butter, 1 coffee and 1 orange juice.


Like

1. I like the location because it is near MRT, shopping malls and markets, you can buy 1 liter of bottled water at SGD1 only. There are souvenirs shops within the area and even Money Changer.
2. Though the hotel and room are old, I can still recommend this if you are looking for cheap accommodation.
3. Since we will be arriving before 3PM, they did not require us to make a downpayment.
4. Complimentary breakfast including my son,
5. They change the bedding and towels every day. They also replenish the toiletries and coffee/tea.
6. Service is ok but don’t expect a happy and smiling face staff.

Dislike

1. Breakfast starts at 8:30AM which I’m not used to, I prefer 7AM for breakfast so we can start out tour early. (free na nga nagrereklamo pa) hehehe!

How to get to South East Asia Hotel

The airport-to-hotels shuttle service operates at 15/30 minute intervals. The fare is S$9 per person.

Taxis are always convenient & readily available. The fare to the hotel is less than S$30 and the ride takes 20minutes. If taking the taxi or the shuttle, please have the driver let you alight at Bencoolen Link, behind Ibis Hotel. The hotel is on Waterloo Street which is a pedestrian mall - located beside the famous Kwan Im Temple and behind the Ibis Hotel.

The Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT) also serves the airport. The closest
MRT station to the hotel is Bugis (6 minutes walk away) The fare is only
about S$2 per person.

Read: Where to Stay in Singapore

South East Asia Hotel
190 Waterloo Street
Singapore 187965
Tel:  (65) 6338 2394
Fax: (65) 6338 3480
URL: www.seahotel.com.sg
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April 06, 2014

Hello Singapore

In less than an hour trip from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia we finally reached Singapore. The first time that we visited Singapore was seven years ago when we celebrated our first anniversary and this year we went back just in time for our 8th wedding anniversary and we already have son. =)


First time to see Changi Airport because seven years ago we landed in Budget Terminal via Cebu Pacific. Just like in HKIA, the airport is big and we have to ride Sky Train too.


After getting our baggage we went to Foreign Exchange first so we could exchange our money to Singapore Dollar then we had lunch at Pizza Hut. I was happy that two of the staffs are Filipina so it feels like home. Since the airport has three terminals, we can’t locate the MRT so we asked help from them. Hehehe!


I don’t know if I’m only hungry pero masarap pizza ng Pizza Hut Singapore, hindi tipid sa ingredients. Hehehe!


We immediately went to MRT to avail the  Singapore Tourist Pass x 2 ($SG30 for 3 days) and 1 regular EZ Link for my son because it is much cheaper.

“The Singapore Tourist Pass is a special ez-link card that offers tourist unlimited travel on Singapore's basic bus services, MRT and LRT trains for the duration that it is valid.” – Source 

Then off we went to South East Asia Hotel.
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April 04, 2014

Purple Oven: Classic Sansrival

A couple of weeks ago we went to Nuvali just to buy a cake, yes, I’ve been craving for sweets and I told my son that I will buy him a cake “Congatulations Cake” hehehe! So off we went to Purple Oven, I wanted to try the “Pistachio Stardust Cake” but it was not available so we chose the “Classic Sansrival” for P720.


We love sansrival and I was happy because Purple Oven did not disappoint us. We love the cake and would you believe that my son can finish one slice of this 1/8. I also brought a few slices in school and my mommy friends love it too. #simutsarap. 


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April 03, 2014

Cupcakes by Sonja

The first time I tried Cupcakes by Sonja was year 2007, my college friends and I had reunion in Serendra. Back then it was quite new and was really popular because I think it is the first cupcake store in the Philippines. I bought three different cupcakes which I can’t remember the names anymore before going home. #pasalubongforhubby



Fast forward to March 20, I bought Cookie Monster Cupcake P90 because my son was already hungry and we were still looking for a restaurant where to eat our dinner. At the counter, the cashier asked me if I had P10 so I checked my wallet, at the same time my son was talking to me then suddenly I heard

Cashier: “hay, ayaw sumagot” (sharp tone)

Waah, can’t she wait and see that I was checking my wallet. First time to experienced this, so I gave her the P10, got the box, and left. #feelingirritated. Ako lang naman customer niya, nagmamadali masyado. #poorcustomerservice


While waiting for our food in Nanbantei of Tokyo, I let my son eat the cupcake, and after two bites he said “Mommy, ayaw na”.

My son loves dessert, remember our Vanilla Cupcake Bakery experience, ayaw nga pashare. Of course, I ate the leftovers and understood why my son didn’t like it. It is overly sweet, as in too sweet for our taste even without the frosting. 
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Nice and Comfortable Hotels Will Help You Enjoy Your Stay

People throughout the world travel for many different reasons, many travel for work, leisure, family, friends, and for several other reasons. While some people travel often, other people travel seldom. In both instances, it is important that you are comfortable during your vacation. One of the biggest components of your vacation is the hotel that you stay in. There are many options for hotels to stay in, but not all of them are nice as well as clean. When you are in need of hotels in Houston, MO, only go to the best. To have the confidence needed that you are getting a nice hotel, you can look on their website to see pictures of the room and other amenities.


When you go to a hotel in Houston, you will quickly find that it has been updated and remodeled. Each room has been updated with new and comfortable mattresses, bathroom features, LCD televisions, and many other luxuries. Each room has a fresh new look and a clean feel to it. As you stay in the hotel, you will have confidence that your room will provide you with a comfortable stay.

People travel to certain locations because of different landmarks. When you go to Houston, MO, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and The Big Piney River that offers many recreational activities. Houston is also located just a few minutes away from the Mark Twain National Forest where you can horseback, bike, hike, fish, tube, and enjoy scenic drives. As you enjoy the nature, you will gain a greater appreciation of the beautiful scenery. There are also great restaurants and entertainment for any age.

When you want to enjoy a great vacation, do not let your hotel ruin your stay. By reserving a comfortable hotel, you will enjoy your vacation to its fullest. Hotels in Houston, MO, offer many amenities to give you the best stay possible. There are many beautiful places throughout the hotel where you can relax and enjoy nature. If you want to enjoy nature to its fullest, you can trust that you can by staying in a hotel in Houston.
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April 02, 2014

Dinner at Nanbantei of Tokyo


After our tour in Mind Museum, we were looking for restaurant where to eat our dinner, hmm, sa dami ng restaurant sa BGC, it is really hard to choose. We’re supposed to eat in Elias but the only available seats were outside so we moved to the next restaurant which is Nanbantei of Tokyo. It is a Yakitori restaurant, “yakitori” refers to skewered food both poultry and non-poultry.


We’re first timers so it took us time to browse the menu then we saw the P888 promo which is good for three persons. Correct me if I’m wrong but as far as I can remember there were three sets and we chose the Samurai Set A. The set includes 3 Miso Soup, 3 Gohan, 3 Tebasaki, 3 Poteti Maki, 3 Negima, 3 Aspara Maki, 3 Pork Yakiniku and Ebi Tempura. My husband ordered additional appetizer which is Tamago Sashimi P85


While waiting for our order, they gave an activity for my son, complimentary vegetable sticks and wet towels.


Then one by one, they served our food. If you look at the plate and serving, it seems that it is enough to fill our tummy but I was wrong, we were not able to finish those sticks.

Tamago Sashimi


We went home full and satisfied and as of this writing I’m really craving for this food. Hay, ang layo lang kasi.

Nanbantei of Tokyo
Bonifacio High Street Central, 
7th AveFort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 621-3224
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March 31, 2014

The Mind Museum Where Science Comes Alive

I’ve been meaning to visit Mind Museum because of my husband’s stories. Sobrang binibida nga niya na maganda yung museum. One of his projects in the office is Mind Museum kaya ganun na lang makabida pero when I asked him kung nasan yung ginawa nila, he said “Yung hindi mo nakikita” hehehe!

 Update: We revisited this museum, you can also read my second visit here.

But it took us two years to finally visit the Mind Museum because I find it too expensive. P750 per head kasi so when my husband sent me an email from their office

 “As their thank you to (name of office), The Mind Museum  is offering - exclusive to employees - a 46 percent discount on museum all-day passes (from P750 to P405) for purchase until December 16.”

We took advantage of the discount and bought 3 tickets but since we are busy from December to February, it was only two weeks ago that we were able to use the ticket. I was hesitant at first to go to the museum kasi sayang naman kung ilang oras lang kami, e all day pass ticket namin but my husband said, “Yung Universal Studio nga nakaya natin ng one day lang, yan pa kaya na maliit lang”. So after my son’s Moving Up we went to the museum as my son’s reward for finishing Kinder Level. Hehehe!

As we all know, parking is difficult in BGC so my patience was being tested again.

Me: Mag 1 hour na tayo nakapila sa parking. Ilang oras na lang para makaikot sa Mind Museum.
Hubby: Mauna na nga kayo basta iwan mo ticket ko.

 I’m a submissive wife so nauna na kami mag-ina. LOL Finally, we met Aedi. Click here for the video

There are different galleries that you can visit such as “Atom Gallery, Earth Gallery, Universe Gallery, Life Gallery, and Technology Gallery”. Don’t forget to watch the shows in Space Shell and Nature’s Hourglass.

 Universal Gallery

We started our tour in Universe Gallery and watch the first show “Passport to the Universe: Take an unforgettable voyage from Earth to the edge of the universe. Fly beneath the rings of Saturn, travel into the heart of the Orion Nebula and return home via a black hole.”

Phases of the Moon
Spinning Tunnel, nakakahilo talaga
Earth Gallery

 After getting through the spinning tunnel, we met Stan the T-rex at the Earth Gallery. Our favorite activity is checking the fossils parang “Jurassic Park” lang. hehehe!



Next stop is Life Gallery.


Then Atom Gallery, our favorite activity here is the static ball and shadow box.

Di makita shadow ni Ethan, 

The last stop is Technology Gallery which is located on the second floor. Our favorite activity is Gutenberg Press.



We had a quick bite in Kyle’s Lab.

Before we left we watched the three remaining shows 

 “Back to the Moon: Immerse yourself in the story of how various teams around the world are competing to be the first to return to the Moon in more than 40 years. See how this global competition is reviving a desire for space exploration by challenging the citizens of the world. ”, 

 “Birthplace: Catch a visually spectacular journey through time. Witness key events since the Big Bang that set the stage for life. ” 

 and “Ang Simula”.

We were able to enjoy the museum in less than four hours including the four shows. I would definitely recommend this because it is the easiest way to teach science to your kids. My son had a great time, he discovered new things, experienced old and new stuff, and most of all he had fun. We bought a photo souvenir for PHP99.

Dislike:

No guided tour and no flyers or anything that will serve as a guide when you roam the museum. It is better if they provide flyers so visitors can plan their tour and immediately check the show's time, especially those who will not avail of an “all-day pass”.

 I did not know that there’s Science in the Park outside the museum and we missed this when we went there two weeks ago. Sayang ang trip namin, we live outside Metro Manila pa naman.

The Mind Museum
JY Campos Park
3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City
Taguig
Tel No. 909-MIND
www.themindmuseum.org

Schedule:  Tuesday - Friday (9am to 6pm); 
                  Saturday - Sunday (9am to 9pm); 
                  Museum is close every Monday.

 Read: 10 Gift Ideas from the Mind Museum
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March 30, 2014

Office Space For Every Business Need

There are many businesses that must invest their money in office space to ensure that they are able to be productive during the day. However, every business needs a different kind of office space and a different way to get work done. Businesses are situated in many different ways when they are moving into a new office, and they must have the chance to choose the office space that works the best for the company and the way that they operate. 

There are businesses that need to be near the docks or new a port in order to manage all of the shipments that they have coming in and out of the country. There are other companies that need to be near the city center to make sure that they are near their other clients and businesses that they do business with. However, the business has to have the chance to pick one of many of these spaces to do its work.

With companies like Hi-Reit showing these office spaces, it is much easier for the company to find the spot that is going to work just right for them. The office could be in any space in the city, but it must work well with the way in which the company prefers to do business. Some companies simply need office space near where their shipments go out. Other businesses want to be near the airport, but there are still others that would prefer to be in a commercial office space near the center of the city. The environment in which the business works is very important to whether they can get their work done in an efficient and profitable manner.

Once the right office space is chosen, the business needs assistance in figuring out to utilize that space and make it work for their purposes. The business will find that it can make changes to the way they operate when they get into a new office simply because the office allows them to be more efficient. These changes can be discussed before the office space is even leased, and the business can plan to make changes that are going to profit their business over the long term.

The best office space for business comes in the form of a commercial space that suits their size, needs, and method of working. Otherwise, the business will end up in a space that does not suit them.


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March 28, 2014

How to Get to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

After I booked Manila to Kuala Lumpur via Cebu Pacific, I visited Air Asia website to check Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru flight schedules and prices. I know that we can go to Singapore via bus but since I dislike long travel by land and the plane ticket is not that expensive, I chose the plane.  

But it took me a week to decide which flight will I take and I ended up booking Kuala Lumpur to Singapore since we will just visit Legoland Malaysia for one day. I paid P2,322.42 for 3 people.

We checked out early at Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang and took a taxi to KLCCT. We ate breakfast at the airport too.

 Air Asia

It was not my first time riding Air Asia because I tried this when we went to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia so I know what to expect but the “self-check-in” thing is new to me. I don’t have no idea what to do but since I don’t want to pay a service fee for manual check-in, we tried it.


Well, it is not difficult to use, as long as you can read and follow instructions, everything will be easy.

1. Scan the barcode from your printed itinerary or type in your booking number.
2. Select guests you’d like to check-in. Scan the passport.
3. Print Boarding Pass.
4. Verify the documents and drop checked baggage at the baggage drop/document check counter.

KLCCT is not that big so you will not get lost. There’s free wifi too, I guess 1-2 hours free of use. It is just enough while waiting for your boarding time.

One thing that I dislike in Air Asia is we won’t be seated together even if we check in as a group but I was happy with my seat number because I was in the front row, I love the leg room. My husband and son were at my back.


In less than an hour of travel time, we landed at Changi Aiport. Hello Singapore!

 Read: Air Asia Experience
          Air Asia Declined Error
          6 Days in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore
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Ponds Pore Conditioning Toner and Cream

Ponds Toner and Cream are part of my beauty regimen. I started using the cream when I was still in college maybe because it is budget friendly for me. But when I got pregnant, I stop using any beauty products then I became lazy.

But when you reach the age of 30 and you will see yourself in the mirror, you realized that you need to do something so I started using the cream again. I recently bought this Ponds cream and it is very different from what I’m used too. I like the “Powder Finish Day Cream” as in para na ko may powder and no oily look. =)

According to packaging, Pond’s White Beauty

1. Purify skin layer by layer for a translucent pinkish white glow from within.
2. Lighten dark spots for clear even-toned skin.
3. Provide triple sun protection agents.

Time will tell if it will really lighten my skin.
I can’t remember the first time I tried the Ponds Pore Conditioning Toner but I know that I’ve been buying this for years because even my husband is using it. The pore conditioning toner cares for your pores to give you radiantly fair skin that is smooth and refined up close. It is enriched with vitamin B3, pore tightening essence and sunscreen. 
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