January 18, 2015

My Experience in Reserving MetroDeal Voucher in IndoChinaStrings

The first and the last time I bought a voucher was almost four years ago, I bought Enchanted Kingdom ticket for my son’s 3rd birthday. I don’t usually buy online even there were moments that I was really tempted to buy a deal or voucher. And because of the mixed reviews that I’ve been reading all over the internet, I try to stay away from it. 

My friend availed the promo of “Overnight stay in Canyon Cove for 2 at P2999 only”. She asked her cousin to buy the MetroDeal voucher for us and I was in charge to book the voucher. I was reading all the information and I’ve read that I have to book in IndoChinaStrings. I google it and I started to become worried because of the bad experience that I’ve been reading. So I decided to email Canyon Cove if I can reserve a room but I was informed to book in IndoChinaStrings. 

 So I checked the site and the process looks so easy. 

 Step 1 Prepare and validate your MetroDeal voucher 
           Ready your voucher code(s) sent by MetroDeal via email 

 Step 2 Select your preferred check-in date 
           Hotel booking dates are enabled when available 

 Step 3 Complete the form and upload your IDs 
           Fill in your name, address, email, contact number and upload a scanned image of your government-issued IDs 

 But the problem is when I checked the “Room Availability Checker” there is no more weekend available for November and December. I was thinking na “baka naman wala talaga weekend” but I scrolled the other months, I saw few available slots for the weekend but we wanted to use it in November or December.

 I’ve been checking the site from time to time and then I saw an available slot for November 23, 2014 which is Sunday. I immediately informed my friend about it and I told her I need her cousin’s ID in order to reserve. My husband called IndoChinaStrings office to verify the process of reserving as a gift since we did not buy the voucher. 

 Click the Book Now, you will see the booking form and fill out the details.

Choose the desired date. 

Complete the form, upload ID, and submit. “The last part of the form allows for additional information especially if you are going to give the vouchers as a gift to a loved one or a friend. You need to enter the name and contact information of the recipient of your gift. Don't forget to upload any government-issued ID that you own - file size should not be more than 1MB or the system will not accept the booking request.”



After submitting the form, you will see the booking acknowledgment. 

I booked last November 19, 2014 and on the same day, I received my confirmation voucher. I was glad that I did not have any bad experience in booking our MetroDeal voucher in IndoChinaStrings. I suggest before you purchase the voucher make sure you check the calendar first to ensure that your preferred dates are available. 

 Click here if you need more information about IndochinaStrings-MetroDeal booking process. 

Read:

 Staycation at Canyon Cove
Kainan sa Dalampasigan
Day Trip at Canyon Cove March 2015
Day Trip at Canyon Cove December 2015

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January 17, 2015

Costa Rica Honeymoon: The Dreamiest You Can Ever Have

You have met the love of your life and the time you will spend together is exactly what you are preparing for. After the entire buzz about the wedding, all that you could think of is how you can start your life together with the most magical way possible. Now, where could be a good place to go for the honeymoon? Have you considered Costa Rica Rios adventure honeymoon packages?
It may be the last country on your list, but it is definitely on top of the must-go-to honeymoon destinations in the world. It is perfect for couples who are just starting out. The natural surroundings especially the rainforests are a perfect reminder of why the couple got married and why they are starting a life together. The beautiful scenery and the lush forests will remind them of the love that got them together, to begin with. 

 According to the top tourist destinations sites, Costa Rica ranked # 3 just a little after the famous Hawaii and even the gorgeous Italy. Its ranking has outpaced a lot of the other famous tourist destinations, not for the high rise buildings, but for the beautiful sunsets in its coasts that stretches up to 1,000 miles. The multiple tourist destinations in this small country in the heart of Central America have captured the hearts of many traveling honeymooners. To begin, the tropical weather makes it even more perfect for the outdoors. 

 From spectacular rainforests to enchanting beaches, the abundance of nature and wildlife in this country definitely offers the adventure of a lifetime. Without a doubt, it is the country of romance, apart from the relaxation and rest that you deserve. If you’ve got the passion to explore what the world has to offer, then this country is waiting for you and your partner. 

 Here are the top destinations that made it on my list: 
  • Manuel Antonio is nature’s jewel that rests on the coast of Costa Rica. It is very close to the capital city that its accessibility basically lends itself to those who want to discover romance in the country.
  • Manuel National Park offers adventure activities like kayaking, parasailing, rafting and even horseback riding. You will get a spectacular view of the ocean and wander like a romantic looking for love.
  • Tamarindo is considered as one of the country’s most well-loved tourist destinations. The sensational sunsets make it simply impossible not to love the place. Fun, relaxing and stress-free – that’s exactly what you are going to get. 
There is no doubt, Costa Rica, is an ideal location for those who are starting a life together. It is the perfect destination for those who want to celebrate love. Costa Rica is blessed with great weather conditions that help their rainforests survive. At the heart of the forests come eco-friendly lodges that were built to make you experience the wonders of nature from within. Because most of these eco-lodges are self-sustaining, with organic farms growing their own food, honeymooners could only expect to be served with the freshest ingredients every time. What better food to have on your first few days together, right? 

Author Bio: Larissa James is a lover of nature that she goes distances to discover more if it. She loves to travel and explore what the world has to offer.
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January 15, 2015

How to Set a DFA Passport Appointment Online

Check my updated post: How to Schedule and Pay for your DFA Passport Appointment Online

Gone are the days that we have to wake up early just to fall in line in DFA. I once experienced that when we first applied for our passport in DFA Pasay and we can’t even take our lunch at baka mawala sa pila. Hehehe! And because of that experience, I decided to renew my passport in a travel agency. The price is steep but at least I can save time and effort because I don’t have to be absent from school or work.

 But last 2010, I was so thankful because Pilipinas Teleserv has changed the process of applying and renewing passport. It was my first time to renew my passport without the help of travel agencies. I just scheduled an appointment and went to DFA Aseana. If my memory serves me right, I set my appointment last May 2010 and the earliest schedule that I secured was July 2010. 

Last Thursday, I visited the DFA Passport System site so I can schedule our appointment. Even though this is the fourth time that I will renew my passport, it seems like a first time again. I’ve made mistakes on my first appointment because I did not see the location, my appointment was in DFA Aseana but we prefer DFA South Metro Alabang branch because we live in South. So I scheduled an appointment again.

 Update: New website is https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment

As usual, I applied for Family Application, the process is so easy. I just filled out the form, chose delivery option, regular processing and submit. 

After you submit the form, you will see the reminders and requirements. Read carefully.

Then set your appointment, choose date and time. I was happy that there is weekend schedule so my son won’t be absent in school and my husband doesn’t need to file a VL. But unfortunately, I’ve read that all appointments on weekend are considered a rush order so I have to pay P1200 + P120 for a delivery fee per person. 

 Lastly, you have to check your email to confirm and print your application form (long bond paper). I was also informed that my DFA Aseana appointment was already canceled. 

 I’m hoping that our appointment would be smooth and no longer lines sa pagpapicture. Care to share your experience in applying or renewing your passport because my last experience was year 2010

Read: Our Experience at DFA South Metro Alabang

 DFA Courtesy Lane

 No need to set an appointment if you are qualified for a courtesy lane. Just visit DFA branch near you and bring the required documents. 

 Requirements for Courtesy Lane
Please have all your original documents and IDs photocopied before going to DFA'

 • Regular government employees / with GSIS / appointed by Civil Service Commission 
• Dependent of government employee 
- Legal spouse
- Parents 
- Unmarried children 
• Retired government employees (one year availment) 
• Incumbent elected officials 
• For barangay level, only the following are entitled: 
- Barangay Chairman 
- Barangay Kagawad 
- SK Chairman 
• Endorsement from House of Representatives must be endorsed by DLLU before lodging their applications to Courtesy Lane 
• Media Personnel must first secure an endorsement from Public Information Services Unit (PISU) before going to Courtesy Lane. 
• Minor (7 years old and below) 
• Senior Citizens (60 years old and above) 
• PWD (genuinely disabled) / with PWD I.D.s 
• Pregnant (genuinely pregnant) / with medical certificate 
* Employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can refer or endorse only immediate family members to the Courtesy Lane, immediate family members include the grandparents, parents, parents-in-law, spouse, siblings, children and grandchildren of the DFA employee. Must secure proper endorsements duly signed by authorized signatories of their respective offices. Only original copies will be accepted for verification purposes. Photocopy of DFA employee’s valid I.D. / government agencies official’s Department I.D. must be attached for verification purposes.
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January 13, 2015

Staycation:Canyon Cove

I’ve been meaning to visit Canyon Cove but because of the mixed reviews that I’ve read, I was hesitant to reserve a room. Last May, my husband’s team building was in Canyon Cove and he wanted to celebrate his birthday there.

He called the resort to reserve but unfortunately, there’s no more room available so we spent his birthday in Bellevue. We tried reserving after two months but we had the same fate so I celebrated my birthday in Crimson Hotel. By the way, you can also book Canyon Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas with Traveloka.

 Again after two months, my friend messaged me that she saw a promo in Metrodeal, P2999 only for overnight stay in Canyon Cove. I told her that I don’t have MetroDeal account and I can’t use my credit card yet. She said, siya na bahala. 

 Read: My Credit Card was Hacked

My friend bought two vouchers and we decided to use them last November, the problem is I have to reserve the voucher in IndochinaStrings and I’ve read a lot of bad reviews so I was really worried na baka masayang yung bili namin. Checking the calendar, I can’t see any weekend anymore for November and December. 

 Almost everyday ko yata siya check until I saw the available schedule for November 23 so I immediately told my friend about it and nagkasundo na kami na absent anak namin ng November 24. Lol I just followed the process in booking the Metrodeal voucher, I was worried pa nga because I reserved the room November 19, so baka di maprocess but after few hours I received our confirmation. Yehey, this is it! 

After my long introduction, sharing with you our staycation in Canyon Cove. We were there at 12NN so the lobby was crowded so pinatapos namin lahat ng nagcheck-out bago kami pumila. 

We just gave the confirmation letter, MetroDeal voucher, and valid ID, the staff handed me this gadget. Nung napapatagal na, iniisip ko kung gumagana ba talaga yun. Lol But I can’t complain because I’m aware that check-in time is 3PM and our room was ready before 2PM. 

Room and bathroom. 


Tooth care set, cotton buds, and sewing kit are available upon request.

We rested for a while and off we went to the swimming pool at 4PM. 

Then we had dinner at Island Cafe (Max’s Restaurant). Sorry, no food pictures because we’re all hungry. 

The following morning, we had an early walk before breakfast. 


We ate again in Island Cafe for breakfast. If I remember it right, the breakfast meal price is P200-P250. We ordered the corned beef omelet and longganisa. I did not like the longganisa but the corned beef is good. Yun 2 lang kasi available that day so no choice. 


Then we went back to the room to change clothes. My son experienced his first kayak, at first he was enjoying it but after 15 minutes, ayaw na. Napagod sa pagpaddle. Hahaha! Click here for the video


 Nagplay na lang sa sand. 


 After playing in the sand, they spent the rest of our staycation in the swimming pool.

Like 

 1. I like the place. Though you see some traces that the resort was already old, you can still appreciate it because the place is still beautiful. 
2. I like the pool and the beach. I prefer their beach compared to Calatagan and Laiya. 
3. I like the day bed in our room + terrace. 
4. Free wi-fi in the lobby. 

 Dislike 

 1. Safety deposit box is available but not working so I always bring our important stuff with me. 
2. No laundry bag available so make sure you bring your own for wet clothes. 
3. No bathtub in our room. 

 We had a great time in Canyon Cove so for sure we will revisit. 

 Read: 

 Day Trip Experience at Canyon Cove 
How to Book Metrodeal Voucher
Day Trip in Canyon Cove 
Kainan sa Dalampasigan

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January 10, 2015

Lunch at Tony Roma's

After our trip to COL Financial, we’re supposed to go to Bierra Paluto to claim my prize but it did not happen so we went straight to BGC to claim our free P1500 Jollibee GC from Brother. When my husband bought my Brother GS2700 sewing machine, the Brother has ongoing promo of free GC for every purchase of sewing machine and embroidery models. You can snail mail the warranty card and receipt or visit Brother head office. We chose the latter. 

We got the GC but the problem is we can’t see Jollibee store so we have no choice but to look for other restaurants. My husband suggested Tony Roma's since we haven’t tried it yet. 


Tony Roma’s is known for legendary ribs so we ordered the “The Roma Feast”, it includes Carolina Honey ribs served with BBQ chicken, grilled sausage, corn on the cob and cole slaw P1695. 

 While waiting, they serve complimentary bread and wipes. 

When our ordered came, I was not amazed with the presentation and looking at the food, it was not appetizing at all. I was praying hard that the taste is good because the price is not cheap. 

Well, it did not disappoint us. The meat was tender and flavorful, I enjoyed the ribs and sausage. I did not eat the chicken at nauumay pa ko sa nakain ko na chicken last Christmas. Hehehe!

It is ideal to be shared by two but we’re already three persons and we were not able to finish our meal considering that we did not order any rice. Though the food and service was good, it is not something that we will visit often because the price is quite steep for my budget. But good thing that they have on going promo that time, 25% off in any Fiesta Platter. P423.75 is still a big discount.

Before we went home, we checked the different store in BGC and I was happy because I saw this Deuter bag. I’ve been searching for backpack since June. I already checked Rustan’s in ATC but their Deuter bag is too small for my son. It was already the last piece so I bought it. Ayaw na din hubarin ng anak ko, lol. Pay na daw agad. 

 Tony Roma’s 
5th Avenue Corner 28th Street
Bonifacio Global City, 
Taguig City 1634 
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January 08, 2015

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

I’m not really fond of eating vegetables, you can say the I’m very picky with food but it doesn’t mean that I don’t eat vegetables. I eat vegetables pero di yata lalagpas ng 20 vegetables ang kinakain ko. Hehehe! 

 Anyway, asparagus is one of my favorite vegetable, expensive nga lang. But whenever I see this in the grocery na less than P100 ang bundle, I will surely buy it. Most of the time I just saute it with butter or olive oil + salt and pepper to taste. 

But for a change, I made Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus last New Year’s Eve. Bacon + Asparagus = yum yum yum. This is one thing that I always look forward if I will eat in Yakimix or Sambokojin.  

 This dish is so easy to make and few ingredients are needed. 

 Asparagus (cleaned and sliced into 3-4 inches) 
Olive oil 
Salt and Black Pepper 
Bacon 

 Preheat oven to 400F 
Drizzle some olive oil in your trimmed asparagus. 

Season with salt and pepper or you can remove salt if your bacon is salty.
I sliced the bacon in half. 
Gather few pieces of asparagus and wrapped it using bacon.  

Bake for 12 minutes or more depending on the thickness of your asparagus.



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January 07, 2015

DIY Pajamas

As promised, I’ll be sharing with you my first-ever sewing project. I have zero knowledge of sewing machines so when I checked my Pinterest sewing board, I was looking for an easy sewing project for beginners like me.

 I saw this “easy sew pj pants” and was glad because there was a pattern already and step by step guide. So I printed the pattern even the blog post. Hehehe! My husband saw me checking the site and he said “pajama agad? Magpillow cover ka muna”.


I did not mind my husband because I don’t like pillow covers. After all, we have enough pillow covers at home and the fabric that I have doesn’t match our bedsheet so sayang lang. I want pajama because I know I can use it. Di rin naman masama mangarap lol. 
Since it was my first time to sew, the fabric that we bought was per kilo not per yard so it is like scrap fabric, P130 per kilo. While sewing, I have the sewing machine manual and the tutorial guide with me. 

 I just followed everything and after so many hours, I was able to finish my first ever pajama. I realized that it is not really easy to sew. It needs a lot of patience because I have to make the pattern, cut the fabric, sew the fabric and make sure that the line is straight.

 Despite the challenges, there was a sense of fulfillment because even though I had no sewing experience at all, I was able to make DIY pajamas. And because of my successful pajamas, I immediately make pajamas for my son. Since I don’t have a pattern, I used his pants and added 1 inch per side for allowance. 

It was another successful project but I had to rest because it took me half the day to finish our matching pajamas. 


As of this writing, I already made 5 pajamas. It is supposed to be 7 but the two pairs don’t fit my son and my husband's waistline. Hanggang legs lang naipapasok. Lol. Nagkamali ko ng pagcut ng fabric. Hehehe!.

I’m aware that the stitches were not perfect but in my son's eyes, it was a perfect pajama and he was really happy because I’ve made pajamas for him. We’re using the pj's and so far di pa naman nagkakalas kalas after labhan.
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January 06, 2015

Lunch at Sizzlin’ Steak

I loved the long vacation last holiday but one thing I dislike is most of the private and government offices are closed so they required clients/customers to pay their bill on or before December 23 so payment will be posted. 

 I already made my credit card payment before the holiday except for our amortization. As usual, late na naman ang Pag-ibig bill. Good thing we also received text alert so we were able to make payment before due date. We went to Festival Mall just to pay our amortization last Dec. 26, kahit sobrang nakakatamad. 

Since it was lunch time we ate at Sizzlin' Steak. I had my first sizzling experience at Pepper Lunch so I want to try new restaurant. We were the first customers at mga puyat pa siguro mga tao. Hehehe! 

 Upon seated, staff gave us the menu and he informed us about the group meal. So we ordered the Meal for 2 at P499.

 Choose 2 | Beef Pepper Rice, Pork Pepper Rice, Chicken Steak, or Burger Steak Set 

 Choose 2 | Ice cream or soup | Banna Dark Choocolate Ice cream, Blueberry Ice cream, Egg drop soup or Creamy Corn Soup.

 Get 2 Iced Tea. 

We chose Beef Pepper Rice, Pork Pepper Rice, Egg drop soup and Banana Dark Chocolate. 

Just like Pepper Lunch, the food was served in sizzling plate, so you have to flip, turn and mix your own food. The food serving was big enough for me so I shared it with my son. There are available sauces that you can mix with your food but since I’m not fond of sauces, I did not put anything so medyo matabang. Lol. 

The food is good naman, the only thing I dislike is ang tagal niya lumamig. I can’t enjoy my food sa init. So if you are really hungry, I don’t recommend this kasi ang tagal bago makain or it is just me because my husband already finished his meal while we’re just starting to eat. Hehehe!

I was expecting slice of bananas in Banana Dark Chocolate but they put banana chips instead. Anyway, the food was filling enough and the service was good too.
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January 05, 2015

The Day I Learned to Sew

I posted three years ago “5 Things You Want to Do Before You Get Old” and learning to sew is one of my list.  I wanted to have sewing skill because it is really hard to look for tailoring shop here in our place especially if my son needs costume for school. There are several shops but not all are willing to accept a rush order.

 Few years ago, I was checking TESDA site to see if they offer sewing class and if they have branch near our place. But I could not find anything or I just don’t know how. Lol 

 Last Christmas, my husband gifted me a Brother GS2700 sewing machine. (P12,995 + P1500 Jollibee Gift Certificate) Whoa! I have zero sewing machine skills and I don’t even know how to put a thread in the needle. As in, I have zero knowledge in operating sewing machine. I wanted to learn how to sew but I was not expecting that I will have sewing machine first without attending any sewing class. We don’t have sewing class in school, all I can remember is we had a sewing project in Home Economics that we need to submit. 
Back to the sewing machine, since I don’t know how to operate it, my husband set it up for me because the staff in Automatic Center had no idea too. He need to try it for warranty. Napaandar naman niya. 

 Brother GS2700 Features: 
• LED Light
• Automatic needle threader
• Automatic one step button hole
• Quick Set bobbin
• Stitch length/width adjustment
• Instructional DVD included 

 Two days after Christmas, 

Hubby: “Hon, gamitin mo naman gift ko” 
Me: Agad-agad, di nga ko marunong 

 Hmmm, sayang naman ang sewing machine and pati frabric meron na rin so after our breakfast, I checked my Pinterest Sewing Board. O di ba, I have sewing board talaga kahit wala ko alam. I looked for easy sewing projects that I could try. I printed a Pajama pattern and connect everything but I have to stop because we’re going to Night Sky Cinema. 

The following day, I started reading the manual so I will have an idea on how to operate the machine. I need to learn how to prepare the bobbin thread, upper threading and the different stitches. I was forced to learn this skill. Lol My first project was DIY pajama and I did it.

 Read: DIY Pajama

 Good thing there was DVD tutorial too so at least I have basic knowledge on how to operate it. There are sample projects in their DVD which is tote bag and drawstring pouch that I can try.
"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try"
I’m happy because I’m learning a new skill and I hope this year 2015 I can enroll myself in sewing class. I need to know the types of fabric, sewing terms, and even the tools that I need. Marami pa ko kakainin na sinulid.
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