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October 27, 2015

Birthday Staycation at The Manila Hotel

A month before my son’s birthday, I’ve been searching and inquiring in different hotels and resort where we could celebrate his 7th birthday. We even went to Philippine Travel Mart just to check for promos and discounts. Fortunately, we found a good deal in The Manila Hotel and we booked a Superior Deluxe room. Finally, the search is over.

The Manila Hotel is not just an ordinary hotel, because it is rich in history, considered a Philippine landmark and home to high society. It was the year 1898 when Judge William Howard Taft ordered to create an urban plan for Manila. Daniel Hudson Burnham drafted the plan and William Parsons continue the work of Burnham in the year 1908. After four years, The Manila hotel was opened in 1912.

I’ve been to Manila Hotel when I attended my ex-boyfriend now husband oath-taking after passing his board exam. It’s been a decade so I was really excited for our staycation. We packed our things and went to the hotel.

While walking to the entrance door, we were immediately welcomed by their staff, picked up our luggage and placed it in the scanner. Amazing, parang airport lang ang hotel. The lobby was so grand and even the uniform of the staff was so elegant, it seems that we were transported in Spanish era.

We went to the reception and showed our confirmation letter. We thought there was a problem with our reservation but we were surprised that they upgraded us to Luneta Suite. We paid P4000 for an incidental deposit.

My husband informed them that it was my son’s birthday and the complimentary cake was delivered to our room. Not just a slice but a whole cake. I love Manila Hotel.

When we entered the room, my son immediately asked, “where’s the bed?” because it was his first time to stay in a suite room so he did not see the bed when we opened the door. Let’s have a tour.

With welcome fruits, complimentary water, coffee, and tea.

With office supplies such as ballpen, pencil, ruler, eraser, marker, stapler, staple, tape, and stationary

There are flat tv and mini fridge inside the cabinet (in front of the sofa)

Vanity table with blower, flat tv is inside the cabinet

Beside the bed is an iPhone dock charger/speaker

The bathroom is divided into three sections, sink and bathtub, dressing room and toilet.

At 4PM, we went to the swimming pool, it was not big compared to other hotels but it was good enough because there is a minibar in the pool, just like in Acuatico.

They immediately served 3 glasses of water, gave us a menu if we want to order and towels were delivered in our nook. My son and husband were in the pool so I ordered Puto Bumbong P221.40 while waiting for them. Yummy!

We went back to our room and we saw two small boxes of chocolate. We decided to order food because we don’t want to go out anymore. Checking the room service menu was not easy because everything is expensive. Hehehe! Good thing my husband was not hungry since we had late lunch at Harbor View. We ordered Spaghetti Carbonara and Robot (Children’s All Day Dining Menu)

We were surprised when they delivered the food because everything was set up in a table. Unlike in other hotels, meals were placed on a food tray.

Spaghetti Carbonara P520 + SC - egg, parmesan, pecorino, pancetta, olive oil pepper.
Robot P320 + SC - Six inches size pizza with tomato sauce, cheese, bacon and ham.

The pasta and pizza were delicious so sulit na kahit mahal.

Cafe Ilang Ilang

Of course, the most exciting part of the staycation is a free buffet breakfast and I was so excited because I’ve read a lot of good reviews in Cafe Ilang-Ilang and it did not disappoint me. The saddest part is my son is no longer free, waah! P724.99 is the kid’s rate and P1450 for the adult rate.

There were a lot of food choices, forgive me for not having a lot of photos because I was busy eating. The rate is expensive but you will understand because they are not just serving ordinary breakfast meals. They even have turkey for breakfast.

Since we have a “Little Chef” party theme, my husband request for a photo with the chef.

Read: Breakfast Buffet at Cafe Ilang Ilang
Watch the video of Lunch Buffet at Cafe Ilang llang
Dinner Buffet at Cafe Ilang Ilang

Like

1. I love the service from the entrance, swimming pool, room service and restaurant. You will really feel that you are in a luxury hotel.
2. They upgraded us to Suite and we really enjoyed our stay in the Luneta Suite room. The room and bathroom are big.
3. When we informed them that it was my son’s birthday, they said that they will try to give a complimentary cake. So we were surprised that the cake was delivered several minutes after we entered our room. It was not just a slice of cake but a whole cake.
4. I love the facilities and amenities of the hotel.
5. My son loves their bidet. He called it the toilet machine.

6. Free Wifi

Dislike

1. They need to improve the bed, old bed may spring pa yata sa ilalim. :)
2. I don’t know if I’m wrong but I did not see any playhouse so aside from pool, there is no more activity for my son.

Overall, we really had a memorable birthday experience at The Manila Hotel. We don’t have any regrets in choosing this hotel for my son’s 7th birthday celebration.

The Manila Hotel
One Rizal Park, 0913,
Manila, Philippines,
Telephone: 632 527 0011
Fax: 632 527 5348

October 20, 2015

Little Chef Party

Even though our family is not into big party celebrations, we still have mini celebrations. We also have party theme every year, it started when my son was 4 years old. He is the one who decides for his theme, for the last three years, we had Lightning McQueen, Mickey Mouse and Mario party theme.

My son loves riding an airplane and two years ago, my son wanted to become a chef so when I joined a contest last year "Artique x Happy Thoughts", I put chef or airplane party theme and fortunately I won the contest. Fast forward to September, my son did not have a theme yet for his 7th birthday. He couldn’t decide so I persuaded him to have Little Chef Party theme and I was glad that he agreed.

Joyce of Happy Thoughts contacted me last September regarding my prize, I won 1 set themed banner, 15pcs invitation, 15pcs cupcake topper, 15pcs party tags and 10 pcs food labels. I received the party kit few days before my son’s birthday. Sharing to you the party kit.

Invitation

Cupcake Topper

Food Labels

Party Favor Tags

Banner

My husband bought piñata and I covered it to match our Litte Chef Party theme.

I was supposed to sew an apron for my party favor, I already bought the fabric cloth but I was not feeling well before the party so these yummy leCHEFlans were my giveaways.

We love our party kit and thanks to Artique Graphic Design and Happy Thoughts, click here and here for their Facebook Page.

October 15, 2015

Super Duper Birthday Party Personalized Book

I’ve been checking Look It’s About Me site for the last two years because I wanted to order a personalized book for my son. But my son is not a bookworm so I’m not really sure if he will like this book. The price is expensive for my budget so I want to make sure that it is worth it.

Finally, last month I saw their 15% off promo so I decided to order a “Super Duper Birthday Party” book for his 7th birthday. I placed the order last September 19, 2015 and I’m hoping that it will be delivered before his birthday. I inquired last Oct 1, 2015 regarding the status and they informed me that it was already delivered last September 30, 2015. But unfortunately, it was delivered after my son’s birthday. I don’t know why it took them (Xend) 5 days to deliver the book, Makati to Cavite, ang tagal lang.

Anyway, my son was surprised to see the package after he arrived from school. He liked the book and it is also a great souvenir for his 7th birthday. It is a personalized book so you can see his name “Ethan” on every page of the book.

This is also a nice gift this coming Christmas. Aside from the personalized book, you can order a personalized clock, placemat, card, coloring book, and many more. For more information, just visit their site. You can do a book tour also so you will have an idea of the story, look and feel of the book.

Note: This post contains affiliate link/s. If you decide to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

October 13, 2015

7 Things for 7th Birthday

Here in the Philippines, celebrating the 7th birthday is like having a debut, whether you have a son or a daughter. I’ve attended different 7th birthday parties in the past but I know that when my son hit 7 years old, we would not have a grand celebration.

My son just celebrated his 7th birthday two weeks ago and we celebrated it in a non-traditional way. No big parties or celebrations, no clowns, magicians, or mascots, and no party games. No 7 wishes, 7 roses, 7 gifts, 7 blue bills, and many others to mention.

I asked my son what he wanted for his birthday so I decided to fulfill 7 things on his 7th birthday. We followed the gift-giving philosophy, something you want and need and something to wear and read. I added 3 things that he wants to experience or have on his birthday.

1. Something you Want

My son wanted a Lego for his birthday so we went to the toy store to look for his gift. He just wanted the mini-figure (mga tao lang na Lego) but I told him to choose another gift. (insert balloon, wag sana mahal mapili, lol)

2. Something you Need

I’ve been looking for rubber shoes for the past few months but the shoes that I’ve wanted to buy are expensive for my budget. Thank God for my mother who gifted the shoes.

3. Something to Wear

A lounge that I know that he will wear.

4. Something to Read

I ordered a personalized book but it was not delivered before his birthday. I bought an additional book so that he has something to open on the day of his birthday. This is a good souvenir for his 7th birthday! You can order this book here.

5. Piñata

He doesn’t like any party games but he likes to have piñata. My husband bought it but I have to cover the Mickey Mouse Design because our theme is “Little Chef”

6. Staycation at Manila Hotel

Our family loves staycation and if budget and time permits we celebrate our special day in a hotel. My son enjoyed his 7th birthday at The Manila Hotel.

Read: Birthday Staycation at The Manila Hotel

7. Mini Party at Home

If you remember my post before that my son couldn’t make up his mind about what theme he wants for his birthday. I persuaded him to have a “Little Chef Party”. He wanted to become a chef before and last year I joined a contest and fortunately, I won a party theme package "Chef" so we used it for his 7th birthday. I invited my in-laws to celebrate with us, 10 people to be exact.

Read: Little Chef Party

It was a simple celebration but when I asked my son if he is happy, he said, “Yes, awesome birthday”. I’m blessed to have a son who appreciates simple birthday celebrations, birthday greetings, and even gifts. I hope he will stay like that, and learn to be content with what we have.

Read: 4 Birthday Party Theme for Boys
5 Tips for Throwing an Epic Birthday Party

October 12, 2015

Cadbury Chocolate in Malaysia

Last year, we had a chance to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was just a short trip so we just visited the famous Petronas Twin Tower and had a KL City Tour. Since it was the first leg of our trip, I did not bother to research for the best pasalubong from Malaysia.

RM127.50 less 40%

My husband had a business trip in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week so he asked me again what I want for pasalubong. I checked the net and Malaysia is known for OldTown White Coffee, tea, batik and handicrafts. I’m not fond of coffee and tea so I told my husband to buy chocolate instead.

My friend told me that Cadbury chocolates are inexpensive in Malaysia because there is a Cadbury factory there so I informed my husband about it. And guess what? He bought Cadbury chocolate at the airport and it is really cheap.

There is no tax. Promo is Buy 3 Free 1 and there is an additional 40% discount because the expiration is near. My husband checked the expiration and chocolates will expire in two months. But knowing us, it will not last for a month.

October 08, 2015

Trick or Treat

Just like that we are now on the last quarter of year 2015. Here in the Philippines, some people start decorating for Christmas as early as September. Yes, it is not a joke because countdown begins on September 1.

But we are still on the month of October, I’m sure kids are excited to join Trick or Treat event. My son is now in grade school and they no longer have Trick or Treat activity in their school. But I know that my son still want this activity so I’m contemplating if I will join a Halloween event in mall, hotel or DIY my own Halloween party.

I was checking online and I found sammydress.com, I have no idea that they also offer other products aside from dress. They have Festive & Party Supplies here where you can see event & party supplies, masquerade masks, Christmas decoration supplies and other holiday supplies that you might need.

I was browsing the page and here are the three things that I like.

1. Special Stylish 3-Mode Colored Super Flashing Light Shoelaces and it is on sale for $2.73. My son will definitely love this because he like glow in the dark stuff. Check the other colors here.

2. Pumpkin Design 2M 20 LED String Light. This is a cute decoration for your house. I have a friend who decorate her house during halloween and I saw this pumpkin light in her garden. You can buy this here.

3. 14 Simple Wedding Props. I checked the design and you can use this for Halloween party too. This is nice props for photo booth whether DIY or not.

How about you? Are you ready for Halloween? Care to share your plans this coming Trick or Treat?

October 06, 2015

Lunch at Harbor View Restaurant

We’re so busy cleaning our house and packing our stuff for our staycation last Saturday. We left the house at 12NN without eating lunch because we’re so excited to go to Manila Hotel. But before checking-in, we had late lunch at Harbor View Restaurant, it is 2 minutes away from Manila Hotel.

My husband suggested this place and warned me that there is no aircon in that restaurant. I lived in Manila for few years but I have no idea about this restaurant. This is already an old restaurant in Manila Bay, it is like a floating restaurant where you can enjoy amazing view of the sea.

Upon entering the restaurant, you will see a lot of frames with pictures of famous celebrities and politicians who dined there. The place is very simple but you will love it because of the ambiance. Who needs an aircon kung ang hangin hangin naman. I was worried about the smell of the sea but that time, wala naman malansa na amoy.

The staff ushered us to our table and gave us the menu. We ordered Lechon Kawali P295, Grilled Squid P240, rice and drinks.

Price is reasonable because the serving is not that big. We all enjoyed our meal, Lechon Kawali is crunchy and tender and Grilled Squid is flavorful and tender too.

Service is good too and they even returned our stuff. My husband left his cap on the chair and hinabol kami sa parking ng staff nila just to give the cap. Kudos to the staff.

I will definitely go back to this place, maybe mas ok ang view pag sunset. The only downside of this place is the parking fee. Yes, may P40 fee sa parking.

Harbor View Restaurant
Manila Bay, Rizal Park
5146339

October 01, 2015

Health Concerns + How to Send Money in Cebuana Lhuillier

2015 is not a good year for our family when it comes to health. I’ve been going back to the hospital as early as January and until now I’m battling with my severe psoriasis. I’m not the only one in the family who have health concerns this year and I do really hope that we can surpass this challenge.

If you remember my Iskargu post, I visited my grandmother and gave her monthly allotment from my mom and aunt. The following day, I received a text that my grandmother was rushed to the hospital due to unstable BP. I was thankful that I just went there so they had money for the hospital deposit.

We are all worried about our grandmother condition and of course for the hospital expense. My grandmother has no health card and we all know that once you reach 60 years old, it is difficult to apply for a health card. Good thing that one of the Senior’s Citizen benefits is “automatic member of Philhealth” + 20% discount.

My grandmother stays in Laguna and the nearest relative is me because I also live in South Luzon. But because I wasn’t feeling well since Sunday and my doctor advised me to rest after my check-up and lab test last Tuesday, I can’t go out and extend my help. But I was really glad that everyone in the family is involved when my Lola was confined in the hospital.

But as I mentioned the hospital is far from Metro Manila and traveling just to send money is not a good idea. Yes, we can always send money in the bank but one thing that really helped us during the confinement period of my Lola, is Cebuana Lhuillier.

Before, I don’t understand why people choose Cebuana Lhuillier to send money because I always choose online banking to send money, to save time, money and effort. My first experience in Cebuana was three years ago when I claimed a remittance from a relative. My second experience was last month when my aunt asked me a favor to withdraw and send money to her son and daughter-in-law.

Then last week September 25, my aunt informed that the billing staff was already asking them to pay more to decrease the running balance. Five days stay in the hospital, bill was 165k+. Waah! September 25 was Eid’l Adha holiday so there is no way to send money through bank. Thank God for Cebuana Llhullier who is open everyday, mapaholiday or weekend. Hehehe!

How to Send Money in Cebuana Lhuillier

Sending money is easy as 1, 2, 3. All you need is the name of receiver. Make sure that the receiver has valid id. He/She will present it once he/she claim the money.

Go to nearest Cebuana Lhullier, get this form and fill up. The charge is depending on the amount of the money that you are going to send. I don’t have the complete list but these were the charges when they sent the money.

P20,000 - P350 fee
P50,000 - P500 fee

After that inform the receiver about the tracking number. He/she can go to nearest Cebuana Lhullier to claim the money.

Now, I do understand why people choose Cebuana Lhullier because they can send money to anyone who has a valid id. They don’t need an account to get the money. It is open everyday and even holidays.

I’ve visited my grandmother last Saturday and Monday and finally after 10 days, we’re happy that my grandmother was out in the hospital.

Read: How to Claim Remittance in Cebuana Lhullier

September 24, 2015

Lunch at Iskargu

For the last six years I’ve been going to Victoria, Laguna to visit my grandmother every month. We always passed by Iskargu and we’re really curious because we always see that parking is full.

The restaurant was badly hit during Typhoon Glenda but after few months, they built it again. Last Saturday, we picked up our son in school and went straight to Laguna then it was time for lunch so we tried Iskargu. Iskargu for isda, karne and gulay.

I thought it was a restaurant but I was surprised when we went inside, more on carinderia or turo-turo. There were ready food already and all you have to do is choose.

My husband ordered fried chicken, pork binagoongan, and pinakbet. They gave us complimentary soup but I can’t understand the taste. The food and soup are just ok but we did not really enjoy it because they served it cold.

I think they should have a microwave to reheat the food and soup before serving it. But anyway, they have a nice view of rice field and mountain. The food bill is less than P500.

For turo-turo style, we prefer Rose & Grace because they always serve hot bulalo soup. :)

You can also visit Isdaan and Kamayan Palaisdaan.

September 23, 2015

Royce Nama Chocolate

No post for the last few days because last week was my son’s exam and I wasn’t feeling well these past few days. Anyway, hubby was in Brunei last week, he was asking me what I want for pasalubong. Honestly, I don’t know what is the popular pasalubong in Brunei so wala ko bilin. But my husband never fails to buy chocolate for pasalubong.

Hubby’s flight was delayed last Friday + traffic in Pasay because of Oktoberfest so nakatulugan ko na paghihintay. The following day, I went down the stairs and I was surprised when I saw the Royce plastic bag.

Me: Ano yung Royce na plastic dun?
Hubby: Pasalubong ko.
Me: Bigay sayo?
Hubby: Binili ko.
Me: Wow, level up na chocolate mo.
Hubby: Bakit ano ba yun?
Me: Mahal na chocolate kaya yun.

My husband just bought Royce Nama Chocolate without any idea that it is popular and expensive chocolate. I was happy because finally, I can taste this chocolate. FYI, Royce was founded in 1983 at Sapporo, the capital city of Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido.

I checked the fridge, the chocolate was inside the cooling bag with dry ice pack to make sure that it will not melt on your way home.

I notice that the packaging is good and secure.

I can really say that this is not an ordinary chocolate. It was cut in cubes and my son said, yummy brownies. Hahaha! I find it amazing that the chocolate is soft even it came from the fridge. It is not sweet so there’s no umay factor.

We loved and enjoyed it very much and I told my husband to buy another flavor if he will go back to Brunei. It is cheaper compared here in the Philippines.

September 18, 2015

How to Refund MERALCO Bill Deposit

Moving to our new home six years ago was not easy as 1, 2, 3 because there are so many things that you need to buy and prepare. One of those things is applying for your electricity and water supply.

We all know that in order to have electricity, you need to pay a bill deposit. Bill deposit is an amount required from customers of distribution utilities as a guarantee for payment of electric bills. It is equivalent to your average monthly electricity bill and earns interest at a rate prescribed by ERC.

The bill deposit may be refunded in full if you have been consistently paying your monthly electric bills on or before the due date for the past three years.

Last April, aside from our Meralco bill, I saw another paper stating “As a good paying customer, we are pleased to present to you the following options regarding your bill deposit.”

Option 1: Refund the bill deposit in full including accrued interest.

If you prefer this option kindly accomplish the application form at the back of this letter and submit it to the nearest Meralco Business Center together with the necessary documentary requirements.

Please be informed, however, that as prescribed under the rules of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), a bill deposit previously refunded in full prior to the termination of service may be re-imposed if the customer fails to pay the monthly bill on or before the due date. Further, once the bill deposit is re-imposed, the customer loses the right to refund the same prior to the termination of his/her electric service. As such, we encourage you to continue paying your bills on or before the due date to maintain your good credit standing and avoid having your bill deposit re-imposed.

Option 2: Retain the bill deposit with Meralco to continue earning interest in accordance with the existing rules of the ERC.

If you prefer this option, Meralco will defer collection of the additional deposit should your existing bill deposit fall below the required amount as long as you continue to pay your bills on or before the due date. On the other hand, should the bill deposit go beyond the required amount, the excess amount will be credited to your electric bill.

April 2015

Of course, we chose Option 1, the amount is not that big but we decided to refund it. #peraparinito My husband went to Meralco to refund but we were not able to get the money yet. They just get some information and we need to wait for 30 days to process.

Months had passed and we forgot to follow up on our Meralco Bill Deposit Refund and we did not receive any letter or call if we can get the money already. #asapa

August 2015

My husband was on leave so I told him to call Meralco and check if we can refund the bill deposit and off he went to Meralco.

I prepared the following:

Original Receipt that we received when we applied six years ago. It was attached to the Contract for Electric Service Form.
Letter of “Meralco Bill Deposit Refund”
Photocopy of ID

He was able to refund the bill deposit. Meralco got the original receipt + letter then they gave my husband a paper“Acknowledgement of Credit Refund” + stamped “BD Claimed” on our Contract for Electric Service.

And because I want to be a good paying customer so they will not require us to pay the bill deposit again, I enrolled Meralco in my bank account so I can pay it online.

Read: How to View Meralco Bill Online

Important Notice from Meralco

Early Refund of Bill Deposit due to Good Credit Rating

Registered customers with good payment records can avail of the Early Refund of Bill Deposit. The bill deposit serves as a guarantee for payment of electric bills and earns interest at a rate prescribed by ERC. Eligibility for early bill deposit refund is earned through consistent payment of monthly electric bills on or before the due date for three consecutive years.

To know if you are eligible for this program, kindly call any Meralco Business Center or the refund hotline at 632-8888.

If you are eligible and decide to refund your bill deposit, kindly be advised to keep paying your monthly bills on or before the due date to avoid deposit re-imposition. Under ERC rules, a customer with a re-imposed bill deposit loses the right to refund the same prior to the termination of the electric service contract.

September 16, 2015

Lunch at Slappy Cakes

Slappy Cakes is an all day breakfast restaurant that started in Portland, Oregon, USA in 2009. They only have few branches here in the Philippines so it was only last Sunday that we were able to try this.

After our LazerXtreme experience we moved to SM Aura just to eat. It was already lunch time so most of the fastfoods and restaurants were packed. Then we saw Slappy Cakes and good thing there is still an available table for us.

The staff handed us the menu. Even it was lunch time, I still ordered pancake so my son can cook his own pancake. Well, he knows how to cook pancake at home but I know that he will have fun because he can create different shapes and styles of pancakes.

For DIY Pancakes

1. Choose your batter - buttermilk, chocolate, peanut butter and red velvet

2. Pick some fixins - (Sweet) chocolate chips, mangoes, bananas, and coconut.
(Savory) bacon, sausage, chorizos, cheddar cheese, salted duck egg and white cheese

3. Add some toppings - blueberries, creamy peanut butter, lemon curd, apple sauce, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, hazelnut spread, cream cheese frosting.

My son chose Buttermilk P225 + Chocolate Chips P45. Hubby and I ordered Slappy Moco P250 and Pop’s Pot Roast P390.

While waiting for our order, we started cooking our pancake. Good thing we ordered pancake because it took them so long to serve our food, twice pa kami nagfollow up. For the 8oz batter we were able to make these pancakes.

After cooking and eating pancake, our order came.

Slappy Moco - Grilled hamburger party with steamed rice, sunny side eggs with mushroom, red bell pepper and spinach sauces.

Pop’s Pot Roast - The classic comfort food. Tender, slow cooked beef with gravy, sauteed broccoli and carrots with your choice of rice or mashed potatoes.

I did not enjoy their mashed potato because I want a creamy and smooth texture. The gravy is so limited and bland.

The price is on a pricey side but the serving is big and I can’t even finish my order. Taste is just ok, nothing special. I guess they need to improve on the food presentation and service. Good thing our table is beside the counter where you can get water and maple syrup so we served ourselves na lang. Staff are nice pero parang ang tagal lahat maski sa pag bill-out.