May 21, 2012

How to Get your Pag-ibig Housing Loan Billing Statement

My husband has been paying our monthly amortization at Pag-ibig office (Shaw) for the last several months and finally, he asked if there’s another way to pay our monthly dues and the Pag-ibig staff informed him where we could pay our dues.

We could pay our monthly amortization at SM Payment Center; we just need to print the monthly billing statement from their site. Here is the step by step guide on “How to print housing loan billing statement (HLMBS) through Pag-ibig Fund Website”


How to Get your Pag-ibig Housing Loan Billing Statement

1. Go to www.pagibigfund.gov.ph
2. Click E-Service/Member’s E-Service
3. Click Housing Loan Payment Verifications
4. Type Surname, Name, Housing Loan Account Number and the code appearing in the box.
5. Click “View Billing Statement” (To disable the pop-up blocker on the upper left side of the screen click “Temporary allow pop-up)”
6. View, Download, or Print Billing Statement

Note: The housing loan monthly billing statement is available for viewing or verification a week before the due date.

We receive the monthly text and email from Pag-ibig regarding our due so even without the statement, we can pay in SM Payment Center. Super late magdeliver ng bill statement sa amin, good thing there are other options to get the Housing Loan Billing Statement. 


Where to Pay your Housing Loan, Installment, or Amortization?

1. Over the Counter (OTC) Payments at the HDMF Branches

Any HDMF Branch, if payment is made on or before the due date specified in the “due date” portion of the Housing Loan Monthly Billing Statement. You may visit www.pagibigfund.gov.ph for the list of HDMF branches.


Only at the HDMF Branch maintaining the account, if payment is made after the specified due date in the “due date” portion of the Housing Loan Monthly Billing Statement.

2. Accredited Collecting Agents (Developers with Collection Servicing Agreement with HDMF, SM Business Service Centers, and Landbank of the Philippines [All branches]).

Only if payment is made on or before the due date specified in the "due date" portion of the House Loan Monthly Billing Statement. You may visit www.pagibigfund.gov.ph for the list of Accredited Collecting Banks/Agents for local and overseas. 


Update: Please be informed that effective July 1, 2018, all housing loan borrowers shall be required to pay their monthly amortization/installment through the Fund's accredited collecting partners.

1. Metrobank
2. SM Payment Center, SM Savemore Supermarket, SM Hypermarket. (PHP5 fee)
3. Bayad Center and its authorized partner (PHP7 fee)
4. Landbank of the Philippines
5. Western Union
6. LBC
7. For Overseas: AUB, IREMIT, PNB and VENTAJA

Note: I paid our amortization last Sunday, March 2013 and SM is now charging an additional P5 for Pag-ibig Service Fee.

My husband paid our amortization last November 20, 2016 and the staff informed him that we need to pay the exact amount. Hindi na daw pwede yung sobra. So sayang na naman ang centavos na hindi maisusukli for sure ng cashier. But this year, 2018 they accept our payment naman kahit nakaround-off na and wala na centavos. Maybe it depends on the cashier, some cashiers wanted an exact amount and other cashiers allow round-off. 

How to Check your Pag-ibig Payment History 

1. Go to www.pagibigfund.gov.ph
2. Click E-Service/Member’s E-Service
3. Click Housing Loan Payment Verifications
4. Type your Surname, Name, Housing Loan Account Number, and the code appearing in the box.
5. Click “Payment History” (To disable the pop-up blocker on the upper left side of the screen click “Temporary allow pop-up)”
6. View, Download, or Print Payment History

Note: You can only view the last 12 payments made. If you want the full payment history, you can go to Pag-ibig office and they can print it for you. We've done this last year when we planned to apply for Pag-ibig Repricing. 

Update January 2020

For the very first time, we did not receive any bill from Pag-ibig, no email, no SMS, and when I check online, there is no new bill that I can download. So we just paid our Monthly Amortization using the old bill. My husband called Pag-ibig regarding our concern and we were advised na bayad na daw kasi kami kaya wala bill.

Last December, we went to Pag-ibig, nagbayad kami para less principal so ang nangyari, binawas daw doon yung January bill namin. Waah! Less principal nga so hindi ko gets bakit naging advance payment. So paano kaya yung bayad namin ng January, magiging for February. Hay! Anyway, we were advised to call Pag-ibig if 5 days before the due date, wala pa rin daw bill.

Update February 2020

We received our bill for February, ang total due namin is P19.01 so naging advance payment din yung binayaran namin last January. Nagkulang lang ng konti since ginaya lang namin yung total due nung December bill.

Update August 2020

Before the start of the community quarantine, we paid our March bill and when we received our April Bill, they charged us March and April due plus late interest so hindi nagreflect bayad namin nung March. So we emailed Pag-ibig regarding this concern and they advised us to disregard it and wait for a new bill.  Ilang buwan ang nakalipas pero walang new bill and kahit mag-email kami, wala din nangyayari. When we received a text that we need to pay our due at tapos na daw ang Bayanihan Act. Hindi naman sinabi kung magkano due namin, so I just multiply kung ano ang amount sa March bill x 4 (April to July) and paid at SM Payment Center using the April Bill (changed amount lang). Just this week, we received our August bill and the amount due is P0.00. I don't know why. May error ba sa system nila? I will wait for next month's bill and I hope maayos na.

Update September 2020

We received our September Bill and we were surprised because there is a "Grace Period on your Loan Payments (Accrued Interest PHPXX.XX)" Waah! Alam namin na hindi kami nakapagbayad because we don't have a billing statement, nung April pa kami nanghihingi ng updated bill sabi nila wait daw. Then April 15, we saw their announcement on their Facebook Page.

"We're putting ALL LOAN PAYMENT dues ON HOLD while the Enhance Community Quarantine is in effect, which means all borrowers can settle their accounts once the quarantine ends. 

This is in accordance with the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11469, otherwise known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act"

No dues
No penalties
No application required

Now you have one less thing to worry about.


So we patiently waited for our bill online and wala update since April. When we received the text last July na kelangan na namin magbayad dahil tapos na ang Bayanihan. We paid the April to July monthly amortization kahit wala sila binigay na amount due namin. Then last August, we received a bill pero no amount due, P0.00 so akala namin okay na. Nakakagulat dahil ang laki ng accrued interest na babayaran namin + the September due and no explanation kung ano computation nila, we emailed Pag-ibig pero no reply.

Update October 2020

Since no update na naman sa email about Accrued Interest, my husband went to Pag-ibig Office and the staff explained to him about the Accrued Interest so ending, he paid the Accrued Interest + Monthly Amortization so hopefully back to normal na ang bill namin. In short, no penalty nor interest, parang yung interest is for the housing loan na hindi daw nila siningil nung may Bayanihan Act. Hindi siya interest dun sa 3 months na hindi namin nabayaran during community quarantine. Lesson learned, pumunta na lang sa Pag-ibig Office para may sagot agad at wala din nangyayari pag nag-email ka. 

Note: No more bills since we finished our loan already. :)

Hope this helps!

May 18, 2012

Shanghai Akasantei

I’ve never been to Shanghai but if ever I will have a chance, I will surely visit Shanghai Akasantei. It is a teppanyaki and yakinuku restaurant that my husband never failed to visit every time he’s in Shanghai. It is located in Pearl City and 10 minutes away from the Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel.


Shanghai Akasantei produces Japan-style teppanyaki in an elegant dining room. They offer various wonderful dishes from world travel. They serve unique dips and each dip has a distinctive flavor that would give you a good appetite such as Japanese Miso, English Miso, English Mustard, and Black Pepper Sauce.


It is an eat all you can restaurant for RMB298 (P1,800+), just choose from their menu and staff will gladly cook it for you. Hubby told me that there are prices on the menu so one of their traditions is to compute all the food that they have ordered and the price that they have to beat is RMB4800 (P28,000+). But of course, they will only pay RMB298 per pax. So I wasn’t surprised if my husband gained weight after his business trip.

Read: Glimpse of Shanghai China






Summer Essential

Summer is not yet over because we can still feel the scorching heat of the sun though there are times that we experienced occasional rain showers, it is still hot. My family summer essential is aircon; it seems that we can’t live without this appliance.

When we move to our house, we can’t really sleep comfortably because aircon wasn’t installed yet and we can no longer use the old aircon because it will not fit our new room. My son had skin rashes because of the heat so we went to my doctor to have it check. When we reached the hospital, the rashes were lessening maybe because of the aircon of the car. So after the check-up, we immediately bought aircon and have it installed as soon as possible.

Aircon is very important to us and I don’t even know how we are going to survive the summer heat without the aircon. I’m very much thankful to the inventor of this appliance, whoever you are. Hehe! And because it is very significant in our lives, we make sure that we maintain this home appliance. Preventive maintenance is a must at least once a year but my husband is in-charge for that. Sometimes if our aircon needs a minor repair, he will not call any repairman like Hvac Austin and Cedar Park AC Repair, so it is really a big saving on our part. But if he can’t fix it, we will just call our neighbors to fix it.

The only disadvantage of this appliance is, it always makes me nervous every time I receive our electric bill. 

May 17, 2012

Career Change

“As much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with unexpected things that will make you happier than you originally planned’

I know that I posted this quote before; this is one of my favorite quotes because I can totally relate. I’ve said it numerous times that it was not my dream to be a full time mom but now I’m a stay at home mom for four years already. So I believe that no matter how I plan my life, there are things that I cannot control, so I just let go and let God to be my guide.

Well, I’m not alone because most of my friends also change their career, we all took BS Commerce but one of my friends is now an engineer and another friend is now a chef. Not all ended up with business position.

The same thing happen with my husband, he used to work in semi-conductor manufacturing company. He used to handle, evaluate and improve equipment utilization as an Equipment Engineer. Most equipment in their company mostly uses compressed air to perform their functions. This compressed air must be free of compressor oil; this can be done by using air compressor filter to make sure that the output product from this equipment is free from oil contamination. So there are times that he needs to work overtime but he only works inside the plant.

But now he works in manufacturer of telecommunication products and the job is very different from his previous job. He now evaluates and develops products and he also trains technicians and end-users. Most of the time he is out of the office, he is in out of town trip or he is out of the country. But whenever I asked him “which job he loves, the previous one or the present one”? He said, he loves both.

How about you? Are you planning to change your career? 

May 16, 2012

Mother's Day at Taal Vista Hotel

As I mentioned in my previous post, hubby just came back from Shanghai last Saturday so I know that we will not have any Mother’s Day celebration. Well, the truth is, it is not a big deal to me, I can’t even remember if we really celebrate this occasion, as far as I know, the year 2009 was the first and last time that we celebrate Mother's day. A simple greeting from my family is enough and if I could have a rest day on this day. hahaha!

Surprisingly, last Sunday hubby was suggesting that we could have an overnight stay in Tagaytay because he wanted to sleep, sleep and sleep. #jetlag. I asked him what’s his budget and he said P500. Oh my P500 for an overnight stay in Tagaytay, I told him I rather stay at home than stress myself looking for cheap accommodation. Today is my day! 


But hubby was determined to pursue our overnight stay so after lunch, I checked Pina Colina and Hotel Kimberly site but there was no promo. Then I checked Taal Vista Hotel, they have an on-going promo. The promo price is almost the same with Hotel Kimberly regular price but since we haven’t tried Taal Vista Hotel, we chose the latter. P4,075 for a superior room but unfortunately no more rooms available so we have no choice but to get the De Luxe room for P5,075 less discount (SMAC or BDO Rewards) = P4,775.

After 50 minutes, off we went to Tagaytay (1:50PM). We reached Taal Vista Hotel at 2:50PM so one hour travel time from our place.


For me, Taal Vista Hotel has the best view of Taal Volcano but unfortunately, we can’t see it from our room, all we can see are building walls.




The most exciting part of the staycation is the complimentary buffet breakfast; I think this is open for walk-in visitors for P678. 

foggy morning

Al fresco


During our stay, here are the choices: Hungarian sausage, beef tapa, bacon, fried silinyasi, chicken longganisa, steamed rice, fried rice, goto and champorado. There is an omelet station, bread station, vegetable salad & fruit station, cereal & pancake station and drinks station.

Bread: muffin, banana bread, white bread, ensaymada and malunggay pandesal
Drinks: coffee, milk, orange juice, mango juice and pineapple juice.

Our favorites from the menu are malunggay pandesal and goto.

After breakfast, we went to the swimming pool and we spent the rest of our time at the swimming pool.


Likes

1. They really have the best view of Taal Volcano

2. Facilities and amenities are good.
3. I love soft pillows, our room has 4 pillows. The bed is comfortable.
4. Welcome drink is good for up to four persons unlike in other hotels. 


Dislikes

1. Since this is not a cheap hotel, I was expecting more for the service. During my overnight stay, I did not hear any “welcome to Taal Vista Hotel, good afternoon, good morning, and good evening”. 


The staffs are just ok. I’ve stayed in pension houses, guesthouses, hotels, and other luxury resorts but this was the first time that I did not hear any greetings from the hotel staff. 
I don’t know if it is just an isolated case, I don’t expect them to greet me whenever we bump into each other but a smile and nod will do to make the guests feel welcome.


2. No bathtub 

3. It was Mother’s day and wala man lang freebies or greetings for mothers.
4. No Wi-Fi 

So before we left the hotel, I filled out the survey form and gave it to the receptionist. I was not expecting good service anymore but Raffy gladly assisted us during our check-out and he was really smiling. He even asked if we already have a car pass and if not he need to sign our parking ticket. I just hope they have more staff like Raffy. 


I received a call from Taal Vista Hotel because he read my comment in the survey form and asked if we had a bad experience in their Hotel. I told them that it was not really a bad experience but I hope they improve their service. He asked if I will still visit Taal Vista Hotel, and I said yes. 
If they will have a good promo, I will try this hotel again but if not, I will just book cheap airline tickets.


Update: I received a call and apology letter yesterday (May 22, 2012) and they informed me that they have launched a new smile campaign program to correct the error. I tried to reply to their email but I'm receiving a Mailer-Daemon Notice. Anyway, It is good to know that they are seriously taking into consideration the guest feedback or comments. 


Note: If you are reserving a room don’t forget to give your SMAC or BDO rewards number so they can give you additional discounts (if there are any) and upon payment, give your SMAC or BDO reward card so you can earn points for your stay.

McDonalds is just in front of this hotel and there’s a small stall beside PAGCOR where you can buy mami for P30. 

Klook.com

Kids in the City: Newcastle

Newcastle isn’t usually the first place that springs to mind for a city break with the kids. Look online to find deals on a Newcastle hotel and take the family somewhere unexpected this summer. Consider central Newcastle hotels as a base to explore this impressive northern city; it has lots to offer children of all ages.


BBC Newcastle Tour

Do you have a TV star in the making? If your bairn was born to be the face of the next generation’s primetime slots, check out the Geordie home of the BBC. Families will learn about the production of popular TV programmes and the inner-workings of TV studios. Children will love seeing sets from Tracey Beaker, reading the BBC news and presenting the weather. 

Book your tour at BBC Newcastle in advance to avoid disappointment on the day. This is a working studio and places are limited.

Discovery Museum

Whether your child loves history, science or simply learning about the world around us, the Discovery Museum in Newcastle is one of the best hands-on attractions around. If you have a large family you’ll be delighted to hear that the Discovery Museum is free to all, providing a completely complimentary day of interactive fun and learning for the whole brood.

Saltwell Park

Pack a picnic and take in the summer air at Saltwell Park. This common is an impressive 55 acres and is simply filled with activities to keep everyone entertained. From bowling greens to adventure parks and boating lakes to animal houses, this handy park is free for everyone.

For the more adventurous among us, learn a little about Saltwell before you travel and educate the kids on the Saltwell Towers and the history of Newcastle. Exploring the city with a family doesn’t have to be expensive. Go online to find deals on Newcastle hotels and spend your days indulging in some of the free attractions on offer. 

May 15, 2012

Glimpse of Shanghai China

Hubby just came back last Saturday from Shanghai business trip, this was not his first time trip, if I remember it right, this is the 4th time that he visited Shanghai but this is the first time that I’ll be sharing photos of his trip. My husband is not fond of taking pictures so even though his work entails a lot of out of town and out of the country trips, he has no souvenirs (except for the expo trip in Shanghai). I’m not surprised because even team buildings and Christmas party events he has no photos unless someone I knew posted pictures on Facebook.

He always brings a camera to document his business trip but all photos are business-related. I always remind him to take some pictures so at least I have an idea of the place he visited. Whenever I asked him about his hotel, he will just tell me the same thing, check the internet. Well, he always stays in Marriott Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel, again no pictures inside the hotel.

I’ll be sharing some limited pictures that he took during his seven days trip so you can also have a glimpse of Shanghai. Shanghai is known for its architectural buildings and some popular tourist destination such as Oriental Pearl TV Tower located in Pudong, The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and City God Temple.

Read: Shanghai Akasantei








Klook.com

May 13, 2012

Scalp Psoriasis

If you’ve been following this blog for quite some time now, you know already that I have psoriasis and I had this since college, (4th-year college). It started on my scalp and I thought it was severe dandruff, so I used different dandruff shampoo but it wasn’t working. But when I went to the doctor, she confirmed that it was scalp psoriasis. Then she prescribed medicine and shampoo.

When I reached home, I immediately search the internet to know more about my condition and I was shocked when I learned that this skin condition has no cure yet but it can be controlled and prevented. I can’t remember the last time that my scalp was free from scalp psoriasis. My case will range from mild to severe scalp psoriasis.

Having scalp psoriasis is difficult because sometimes hairdressers or barbers will reject you because they thought that scalp psoriasis is contagious. I'm lucky that my aunt has a salon so I won’t experience this but now that I live in South Luzon, there are times that I need to go to a nearby salon and I’m always nervous because I don’t want to be rejected.

So if I have mild scalp psoriasis and I need to go to the salon, I will ask my husband to remove my scalp psoriasis using oil, sort of hair spa. I used baby oil, virgin coconut oil or aromatic oil. I’m still in search of good oil for scalp psoriasis and I’ve read that Moroccan oil is good for psoriasis but I don’t know if this argan oil is available in the Philippines.

Right now, I’m using Xamiol for my scalp psoriasis but it leaves my hair so sticky, I was really having a hard time removing the gel from my hair so sometimes I will use this and sometimes I won’t. And because of that, I don’t know if the medicine is effective. Last Saturday, I had my check-up again and I asked my doctor if she could prescribe new medicine because I don’t like Xamiol.

Even I wash my hair twice or thrice, my hair is still sticky. She told me to apply my shampoo directly to my dry hair then wash. Then she gave me this flyer for illustration, good thing that she has a copy. I was hesitant at first but it really works. So this is the secret of how to use Xamiol. Well, I just hope that they include this in every box of Xamiol because not all patients know the secret. 



May 11, 2012

Dependency

Growing up without my parents beside taught me to become independent. I always do things on my own and as much as possible I don’t ask any favor. I don’t want to disturb or bother someone for my own problems. So people who are close to me think that I’m very tough.

But things change when I got married, all of a sudden I realized that I’m not that strong and I need someone to help me and to take care of me. Now, I’m so dependent on my husband so even life is difficult, I don’t like him to work abroad because I know that I can’t take a long distance relationship.

Though I know that we can have a better life if he will work abroad but we never dream to be super rich, all we wanted is a simple life where we can afford our needs and some wants. But even he is not working abroad; his job entails a lot of out of town and out of the country trips. So whenever his away, I’m always scared and paranoid, what if something happens and he’s not beside us. 

I’m always paranoid because there are instances that I need to go to the doctor for my son’s check-up, my son was sick but we have no choice but to commute because my hubby was in business trips. Two years ago, we experienced a signal #3 typhoon; I couldn’t sleep because I was really scared. We have no electric supply and water supply for almost 48 hours. I don’t even have an internet connection for two days because the antenna has been hit. I was saving my cell phone battery so I can still text or call my husband who was in Shanghai that time.

During those times, I always say, why now when my husband wasn’t home? But that's life! Another thing that scares me is when I need to fix something at home. I have no idea about tools such as self-drilling screws, bolt, grinding wheels, locksmiths and many more. But I know some tools like a screwdriver, hammer, electric drill etc. So whenever he’s away I always pray and hope that no more bad experiences.  

I always take one day at a time but time is really slow whenever he’s not here. How I wish I can fast forward the time so he will be home soon. Six days of waiting plus one more day and he will be home again. 

Mother’s Day Card

My son gave me an advance gift for Mother’s day; this is the second mother’s day card that I received from him. Though last year was much better, #choosy, you can click here to view my first mother’s day card. But I appreciate his effort for coloring this card because I know he doesn’t like to color na. I always say that my son loves to color but now I don’t know what is happening. I always notice this on his teacher remarks.

First few days: “Wonderful”
Next Few Days: “”Nice”
Then: “Checked”

After few days, I saw a note “Ethan, next time please color the picture nicely”. Oh my, I don’t know what is happening, so after class, I will trace the activity so he can color it again and ok naman result. I always remind him to color the picture nicely and don’t go beyond the line. The following day, teacher’s remark is “Keep up the good work”

So feeling ko ok na, then this is the result of my Mother’s Day card, black heart, and red bear but since I’m his mother, I love this card. He gave me this card with a smile. =)


Some kids are born lucky, they get to have the best kinda mom and I'm the luckiest coz you are mine! Happy Mother's Day Mom!


Happy Mother's day to all the moms!


May 10, 2012

If Ever I won the Lottery

The lottery is very popular in the most part of the world including Philippines. A lot of people really take chance on this game and they even include lottery in their everyday budget. They also have their favorite or lucky number. These people are praying and hoping that they will be the next lucky winner.

With our present economic situation, we can’t really blame people if they gamble their money in the lottery. They feel that this will be the best solution to have a good life. Why not? The lucky winner can win millions of peso and this means they can afford their needs and wants. They can buy house and lot, condos, brand new fancy car, latest gadgets and many more. They can travel around the Philippines and even around the world. If ever I won the lottery, I will spend part of the winnings in traveling.

Though I love joining giveaways and contest, the lottery is not my thing. I haven’t tried this game and I have no plan yet because I’m afraid that my winnings will cause me more harm. (assuming I will win, hehe!) Don’t get me wrong. But here are the things that I don’t want to happen if ever I won the lottery.

1.  Your family might take advantage of you 

After winning the lottery, I’m absolutely sure that you will gain more relatives. They feel that your winnings are for the whole clan. They want you to rescue them from their debts or financial problems. They will borrow money from you because there is no interest. 

2.  Your friends and colleagues might take advantage of you 

Of course not only family but friends too will like to get a share of your winnings whether it is a free meal, drinks, movie or even a weekend getaway.

3.  You will become a target for bad people 

A lot of people will come and offer you some investment opportunity, networking or insurance and convince you to buy from them.

4.  You might be a victim of a robbery, carnapping and even kidnapping.

But if these things will not happen, I might try my luck in lottery. 


May 08, 2012

Day Trip at Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa

I never thought that we would be busy this summer season and it is already the start of May and we still do not have any summer outings. Hmmm…so I will just reminisce about our past trip, hehe! 


I’ll be sharing our Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa (now Mithi Resort and Spa) experience last December 2007, yay! five years ago already. Well, I was supposed to be here last August 2007 but my Supervisor just gave me one day leave, I already filed my leave five months before but still, she did not approve my 2 days' leave. I have no choice but to rebook our flight. (so expensive).

Fast forward to December 2007, we were able to pursue our trip, it was almost canceled because my husband still had no vacation leave, two weeks pa lang siya that time sa present company niya. Hehe!

I have no itinerary at that time so we just go with the flow. After our countryside tour we decided to have a day tour at Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa. It is one of the best resorts in Panglao Island so this was our first choice to experience Panglao Beach. We just took a cab to get there; the cost of the fare is double so if it is P150 you need to pay the taxi driver P300.

We didn’t know that there was a cave (Cambagat Cave) inside PINR so we were lucky to personally see it. The service in PINR is just okay for me and the taste of the food is just okay, there is nothing special about it considering the price. Sana hindi na lang kami nag-upgrade to buffet dinner and ala carte meal is fine.

Anyway, the trip is still memorable, how I wish I can go back to Bohol and experience Island Hopping.

Read: 
Bohol Countryside Tour
          Damaged Heritage Site

Most Fashionable Places in London

London is absolutely brimming with attractions, including theatres, museums, galleries, and many beautiful parks and gardens –  but where are the best places to go to experience the height of fashion and indulge in some retail therapy? Here are just a few suggestions.

Covent Garden

Situated in the heart of ‘Theatreland’, the historic Covent Garden market dates back hundreds of years and houses the world-renowned Royal Opera House. Today, its quaint cobbled walkways, charming piazza, and Grecian-style buildings are home to a delightful indoor market selling hand-crafted goods, homemade preserves and fashion accessories for women. There is a huge choice of cafés and restaurants around the piazza, and street performance artists are often seen entertaining onlookers with their wild antics.


Camden Town

Camden, in North London, is the capital’s hub of alternative culture: markets and shops are buzzing with visitors no matter what the season and the area’s numerous boutiques and indoor stalls are never short of weird and wonderful clothing – it’s the place to be for anyone into the punk or goth scenes, who will find leather, studs and rock paraphernalia in abundance.



The King’s Road

For the ultimate high-end shopping experience, a visit to the King’s Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is not to be missed. Stretching from Sloane Square and running through Fulham, the road is famous for its fashion scene, largely thanks to legendary designers Vivienne Westwood and Mary Quant. Boutiques, designer fashion houses, and the occasional French-style patisserie are staples in this highly affluent area, surrounded by Georgian and Victorian mansions.



Spitalfields and Brick Lane

Famous for its thriving silk markets, fresh fruit and vegetable produce in the 1600s, and later disused but since regenerated; Spitalfields is one of London’s most trendy areas. An Aladdin’s cave of history, the area is the best place to go for arts and crafts, vintage clothing, and independent boutiques. For a delicious post-shopping meal, visit nearby Brick Lane for some of London’s most mouth-watering curry houses.


If you’re planning on visiting London’s most fashionable districts for some well-deserved retail therapy, an American Express Gold Card or Platinum Card is the ideal shopping companion. You can earn reward points on virtually all your purchases, and take advantage of exclusive membership benefits.

May 07, 2012

Live the High Life With Luxury Ski Packages

Sometimes in life good just isn’t good enough and only the very best will do. For times that call for an extra special holiday luxury ski packages is a fantastic choice. There are several options to turn your skiing holiday into a luxurious experience, including:


Book a Luxury Hotel


When considering skiing holidays Europe has some of the best ski resorts in the world to offer. Why not choose a luxury hotel in Andorra or the Alps, to ensure that you’ll be skiing in style.


The five star Sporthotel Hermitage hotel in Andorra is an incredibly luxurious example and is sure to make you feel like snow queens and snow kings for the duration of your stay.


You’ll enjoy a sumptuous interior, three-course evening meals, a lounge with fireplace and free room service, and all that is just for starters. This all-suite hotel has beautiful rooms with satellite TV, balcony and spa baths as standard.


Those who love their whirlpool baths will be even happier to learn that this hotel has an impressive five-floor spa offering spa baths with panoramic mountain views, several pools, heat experience rooms and a wide range of treatments.


Upgrade to a Super Service Chalet



Neilson Holidays offers super service upgrades on selected catered chalet packages, for when you want to really spoil yourself. Expect a whole host of additional treats including a welcome drink on arrival, an extra course at dinner, wine choices and mulled wine with afternoon tea.

Travel in Style



Why not start your holiday as you mean to go on by arriving in style with a private transfer? You could even upgrade your flights on selected routes, meaning that your hard-earned holiday begins from the minute you depart.

When you’re in the mood to treat yourself there are some fantastic options to add a touch of luxury to your trip. Don’t forget the duty-free champers to continue the holiday once home!

May 04, 2012

Cellphone

Last December my husband received a call from Smart, Customer Service Representative told him that he is qualified for iPhone 4S as his retention plan. Then last month he received a call again, CSR told him if he says yes, the phone will be delivered straight to our house. But until now, my husband is still undecided because he doesn’t like the plan, I guess P1000 for an unlimited data plan and P300 consumable, (not so sure). He doesn’t need the unlimited data plan. He inquired in Globe and it seems that they have the same offer.

Every month he keeps on bugging me if he will grab the offer or not. But I always say the same thing “whatever” or sometimes I will tell him to accept the offer and exchange it with my phone. Hehe! I’m not really into gadgets; all I know is iPhone 4S is very popular and expensive. There are so many brands and models in the market and I don’t even know what the latest is. I have no idea about cables, LG faceplates, adapters or cool cell phone accessories

Well, let’s wait and see what happens, maybe after 48 years he can make up his mind. Are you using iPhone 4S? Do you have any positive or negative feedback that you can share?

Final Decision

Last Saturday on our way to “Healthier Moms, Happier Kids” event, my sister-in-law asked us if we know someone who needs a job because they have an opening for a finance position. Then all of a sudden my husband told me to update my resume and submit it to my sister-in-law.  I asked him, who will take care of our son? He immediately said we will hire a nanny and he will ask his mom to move into our house so my son won’t be alone with a stranger.

Ok, fine with me! It seems that he has a plan already. But I won’t apply in financial position because I don’t like that job, I had an OJT in the finance department and I witnessed how stressful their job so I’m absolutely sure that Austin bookkeeping and quickbook Dallas job won’t work for me. I used to be a bank teller (first job) and I did not enjoy it.

Yesterday, I asked my husband again if he’s really serious about it and the answer is still the same. So last night, I was updating my resume, checking available jobs online and reading my “interview” file. Then suddenly, my husband changed his mind. He was convincing me that “I don’t need to work, he is happy that I’m dedicated to them and he could not ask for more”. The final decision, “he wants me to stay at home”.

Time will tell if ever I will work again or not but as of this moment, my son needs me on his new chapter. He still needs me on his first day of school. 

May 03, 2012

Back to Work

It’s been four years already since I resigned from work and I admit that there are times that I’m thinking if this will be my destiny if I will be a full-time mom forever. There are moments that I’m also thinking if I could still get my life back. Don’t get me wrong, I have no regrets in choosing to be a full-time mom because even it is not easy, I enjoy being with my son. Motherhood is really challenging, there are times that I want to give up but at the end of the day, I’m still thankful because I have the privilege to be with my son.

I did not dream to be a stay at home mom but when I had my son, everything change. There are two reasons why I chose to be a full-time mom.

1. I could not leave him with a stranger alone, I’ve heard and read so many horror nanny stories and I don’t want it to happen to my son. My husband wanted to hire household helper but I always declined because I had a bad experience with my brother’s household helper. (she stole my jewelry, camera, and money).

2. It is not a secret anymore that I did not grow up with my parents and it wasn’t easy especially when I’m sick, when I need someone to attend my school activities and meetings, when I need help with my school projects and when I need someone to attend my recognition and graduation day. Those were the times that I was looking for my mom. I was so jealous of my classmates because their parents are always there. I don’t want my son to experience those things so I want to make sure that I’m just here whenever and wherever he needs me.

But if my husband wants me to work again, I’ll get back to work as soon as possible but I just hope I could hire a good nanny and I would be available if my son needs me. I hope I still know how to make a resume; it’s been years since the last time I made one. Maybe I should hire a resume writer or look for resume services to help me. 
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