Michi Photostory

Update: I read from CNN Philippines article last July 22 that Kidzania Manila is closing down by end of August 31, 2020 after months of shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

My aunt-in-law’s family was back in the Philippines last May, it’s been years since their last visit here. My husband’s cousin is only 9 years old, the same age as my son so he asked his aunt if they were interested in visiting Kidzania and they said yes. So my son and I went back to Kidzania Manila to accompany them. I always pay for regular tickets but last summer, they had an ongoing promo for walk-ins so I got a 20% discount care of my Get Go Card or Mercury Drug Suki Card.

Tip: Always check their Facebook Page so you are updated in their promos.

It is no secret here that my son loves Kidzania, this is our fourth visit to Kidzania Manila and we had just visited Kidzania Bangkok last April but there are still a lot of activities that he hasn’t tried. If Kidzania is just so near, I will avail of their UnliPazz last summer vacation. My son wanted din na sa Kidzania Field Trip nila. Hindi niya favorite noh? They were able to do 14 activities during their visit.


14 Activities in One Day at Kidzania Manila 

Watch the video here.

1. Job at National Bookstore
2. Job at Healthy Options
3. Job at Mercury Drug
4. Pit Crew Training
5. Burger Shop
6. Jack n Jill
7. Cooking School
8. Century Tuna Marine Research Lab
9. CSI
10. Pilot
11. Driving Lessons
12. Driving Test
13. BS Engineering and Architecture
14. Window Washing

The new activities that he tried; jobs at National Bookstore and Century Tuna Marine Research Lab. He went to Healthy Options and Mercury Drug before but when he went back, he got a new job. For Jack n Jill and Cooking School, they prepare a new snack. So it is okay to revisit establishment so you can try different jobs that they offer.








My son went to Driving School again because his Driver’s License had already expired, when he first took the Driving Test, it was only a written exam but now, may practical exam na rin sila. Hehehe! There is a separate car for the driving test. I hope there is a monitor at the Aviation so we can watch the kids just like in Kidzania Bangkok.


My son took BS Engineering and Architecture lessons but after getting his degree, his last job was Window Washer. Hehehe! That was the last activity na pasok pa sa time before the closing. We still have a long list of activities so I’m definitely sure that we will visit again. Other courses are Business Administration, Health Sciences, and Humanities and Arts.



Book your ticket here
KidZania Manila Admission Ticket in Manila


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I love bags, it is something that I want to buy for myself. I still remember when I started working, I always buy bags, basta gusto ko bibilhin ko but of course, I only buy those bags that my salary can afford. I don’t care about the brands, I buy my bags in a department store, Divisoria, Girbaud and Charles & Keith.

When I resigned and became a full-time mom, natambak na lang yun bags. I gave away some of my bags so someone can use it. I threw some bags that are not in good condition because of poor storage. And I only keep a few pieces since most of the time I’m using a Diaper Bag. That is also the time that I realized that I don’t need a lot of bags. So even I like bags, I practice self-control. Now I only have few bags so kahit paulit-ulit, okay lang.


I’ve been blogging for quite some time now and I earn a little from this hobby so a few years ago I decided to buy bags again. There is a sense of fulfillment whenever I see those bags that I bought from own pocket. So far, I was able to buy mid-range branded bags like Lacoste, Longchamp Le Pliage, Cath Kidston Cross Body Bag, Samsonite Luggage, and now my very first Kate Spade New York Bag.

I’ve been meaning to buy Kate Spade sling bag but when I checked the price online, I was surprised because it is so expensive. Mas mahal pa siya sa luggage ko pero kasing laki lang naman siya ng notebook. Hehehe! I’m pretty sure mas mahal pa yung bag if dito ko sa Pilipinas bibilhin.


I already forgot about the bag but when my husband went to Singapore last week, I told him to check Kate Spade New York store, may nakita kasi ko na B1T1 and 70% off na bag. I sent him some photos of the bags, timing sa Great Singapore Sale.

My husband stayed at Four Points by Sheraton so the nearest shopping mall is in Orchard road. He went to Kate Spade store and there was 30-50% sale. He sent me photos so I can choose pero wala ko nagustuhan and wala pasok sa budget ko. Lol

Fast forward to his departure, there was also a sale at Changi Airport so he checked Kate Spade Store again. He sent me photos, at that time I can’t decide whether to buy or not but in the end, napayes na rin ko. Yey! Finally, my Kate Spade Cameron Street Sima is here. Now I have my little black bag.




I like this bag because you can use it as a clutch bag or sling bag, the chain is detachable. It is slim but it can hold my essentials. It is versatile too because I can use it for casual or formal events. Parang gusto ko na umalis para literal na magamit ko. Hahaha! Thanks to Great Singapore Sale, I got this bag at 50% off.

Size: 6.6” h x 10.1” w x 2” d
Drop length: 20”

Material:
Crosshatched leather with matching trim
Bookstripe printed on poly twill lining
14-karat gold plated hardware

My husband loves Japanese cuisine so whenever he travels, he will eat at a Japanese restaurant if he finds one and if the price is right. When he went to Singapore last week, he ate at Iridori Japanese Restaurant, it is one of the restaurants of Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview. This restaurant offers a-la-carte buffet lunch and dinner so if you love Japanese foods, you will enjoy this place.

Read: Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview

The seafood and ingredients are from Australia, New Zealand, Norway and other countries in Europe. They serve Sashimi, Maki Mono, Nigiri Sushi, Te-maki, Yaki Mono, Mushi Shiru Mono, Ippin Mono, Age Mono, Teppan Yaki, and Manrui Gohan Mono. They have more than one hundred dishes that you can choose from their menu.



Unlike in other buffet restaurants where you get your own food, here in Iridori you will choose from the menu and they will serve it. What nice about their menu is there is English translation and picture of the food so you’ll get an idea on what to order. No buffet take away is allowed. Unconsumed food or leftover will be charged as per a la carte prices so make sure to finish what you order. My husband only ordered three meals from their menu but according to him, the price is worth it. The foods are really good.

Irodori Japanese Restaurant Menu 




Sashimi (Raw Fish): Shake, Maguro, Hamachi, Mekajiki, Tako, Ika, and Sashimi Moriawase Maki
Mono (Matt Roll): Shake Maki, California Maki, Futo Maki, Kani Stick Maki, Kanpyo Maki, Kappa Maki, Oshinko Maki, Tekka Maki, Sanshoku Maki, Ebi Maki, and Irodori Maki.
Nigiri Sushi (Finger Press): Shake Sushi, Maguro Sushi, Hamachi Sushi, Mekajiki Sushi, Tako Sushi, Ika Sushi, Saba Sushi, Kani Stick Sushi, Tamago Sushi, Ebiko Sushi, and Inari Sushi.
Te - maki (Hand Roll): California, Spider, Ebi, Tekka, Shake, Kappa, Tamago, Ebiko, Kani, Oshiniko, and Kanpyo
Yaki Mono (Grilled Dishes): Cocktail Bacon Maki, Kanistick Bacon Maki, Saba Shioyaki, Shake Shio, Sanma Shioyaki, Shishamo, Tebasaki, Yakitori, and Shitake Teriyaki.
Mushi Shiru Mono: Chanwan Mushi, Dobin Mushi, and Miso Soup
Ippin Mono (Appetizer): Edamame, Hiyayako, Oden, Yasai Salada, Hiyashi Tomato, Tofu Salada Age Mono (Deep Fried): Ebi Tempura, Fish Tempura, Ninjin Tempura, Renkon Tempura, Shitake Tempura, Tamanegi Tempura, Kaki Age, Age Dashi Tofu, Chicken Katsu, Tonkatsu, Ebi Furai, Sakana Furai, Shisamo Karaage, Tebasaki Karaage, Torikaraage, Age Gyoza, Korokke, Tako Yaki, Edamame Stick, and Haru Maki.
Teppan Yaki: Nasu Miso Itame, Pork Shogayaki, Beef Shogayaki, Buta Kimchee, Yasai Itame, Buta Enoki Maki, Beef Enoki Maki, Beef Enoki Maki, Shake Steak, Chicken Teriyaki, Yaki Meshi, Yaki Udon/Soba, Enoki Shitake Butter Yaki. Manrui Gohan Mono: Su Udon/Soba, Zaru Udon/Soba, Ramen, Ebi Ten Udon/Soba, Curry Rice/Udon, Katsu Udon, Oyako Don, and Sake Cha Zuke.

Buffet Lunch and Dinner Rate 

Adult SGD38.80 ++
Child SGD24.80 ++ Below 10 yrs old
Softdrinks and Juices SGD3++

Opening Hours 

Lunch - 11:30AM - 2:30PM
Dinner - 6:00PM - 10:30PM

Update August 2018: 

My husband went back to Singapore and he ate again at Irodori, this time he ate a lot compared to his last visit.






Irodori Japanese Restaurant 
382 Havelock Road, Four Points by Sheraton
Riverview #03-01 Singapore, 169629

Singapore is such a small country but it is one of the favorite destinations in Asia. It is known for being an expensive country but still, a lot of tourists are coming in. If you are looking for accommodation and budget is not a problem you can try Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverside. 

My husband went to Singapore for his orientation and to meet his new boss. He used to stay at Sheraton Towers Singapore but since he is now working in a new company, the present company booked a room at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview. It is walking distance from his office. 

Whether it is a business or leisure trip, this hotel has a good location. It is situated on the side of Singapore River. It is close to CBD, Orchard Road, China Town, Clark Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay. Some famous tourist spots are a few minutes' walk like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Tiong Bahru. I remember we started our DIY Singapore City Tour at Clark Quay during our second visit to Singapore.

Read: DIY Singapore City Tour


If you’ve read my Bangkok post, you know that we’ve stayed at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok last summer. We’re very satisfied with our stay so when my husband learned that he will stay at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, he already knew that it is a good hotel. But even though they have the same name, of course, there are still differences. 

The room is small so I’m not sure if there is enough space for an extra bed. The bed and pillows are comfortable. 





The bathroom is also small. There is no bathtub but it has a bidet. 


My husband received one complimentary drink coupon for 5 night stay, unlike in Bangkok they gave us 2 complimentary drink coupons per day. If the Bangkok branch has a complimentary tuk-tuk ride, in Singapore, they offer free shuttle service to Orchard Road, MRT station such as Clark Quay, and Chinatown. They have a gym and swimming pool but it is also small.  

They have 3 restaurants and a bar to satisfy your palate, whether you prefer Chinese, Japanese, Seafood or Singapore cuisine. My husband was able to try the Irodori Japanese Restaurant but I will write a separate post for this. The complimentary breakfast is served at Four Points Eatery, the interior of the restaurant is more elegant compared to the bright and colorful style in Bangkok. 

Read: Irodori Japanese Restaurant







Update: August 2018

My husband went back to Singapore and stayed at this hotel again. He arrived past 10AM and they allowed early check-in. The only room available is a twin bedroom and this time the bathroom has a bathtub. During his first visit, there is no bathtub in his room so I'm glad to know that there are rooms with a bathtub. Four Points by Sheraton knows how to spoil loyal guests, when my husband returned from work, he saw some fruits and notes on his desk.




Swimming Pool



Read: Where to Stay in Singapore

Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview 
382 Havelock Road, Singapore, 
169629 Singapore

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