March 10, 2014

Dinner at Bulgogi Brothers

The day before Valentine’s Day we went to Healthway Clinic to see an Orthopedic doctor because my son can’t walk properly after he tripped on the floor. Well, I don’t know what really happened because I was not there. My husband told me na natapilok nga.

I was worried so I want peace of mind. The doctor said. “It looks fine but just to be sure, pa x-ray namin”. And we did but unfortunately, the result is after two days so we were not able to get it because we will be going to Kuala Lumpur on that day.


After the checkup, we went to Bulgogi Brothers for dinner and at the same time early celebration of Valentine’s Day. The restaurant opened its first branch in the year 2011 but it was only last month that I was able to try their dish. 

 According to their website, “Bulgogi Brothers specializes in authentic Korean cuisine and bulgogi marinated barbecued meat, the best representative form of Korean barbecue. The word "bul" means fire and "gogi" means meat.”


We ordered Premium Beef Combinations at P995, good for two persons. Let me borrow this picture from Bulgogi Brothers website to give you an idea.


The meal includes different side dishes, corn tea, and one rice. Yes, one rice only so we have to order extra rice but the side dishes are unlimited. 


I was expecting that we will grill our own food but I was wrong, the staff will be the one to cook the food for you.


We’re happy with the food and service, medyo bitin lang food. Lol.


P.S. After our Kuala Lumpur-Singapore Trip, we went back to Healthway to get the result. Negative for fracture. And on the same day, my son can walk properly na.
Posted by 6 comments:
Labels: ,

March 07, 2014

Ocean Adventure

Ocean Adventure is just a few minutes walk from Camayan Beach Resort and if you are a hotel guest you will have unlimited access to Ocean Adventure + an additional 20% discount on your entrance ticket. Do not forget to get a form when you check in at the resort so you can avail the discount.

After swimming/resting in the resort, we went to Ocean Adventure. 

 From the website the entrance fee is 

 P550 - adults 
P440 - 12 years old below 

 I was not expecting that my 2-year-old niece is not free of charge. She has no entrance fee in Zoobic Safari but in Ocean Adventure meron na. #lugi Good thing we have a 20% discount.

Klook.com

The entrance fee includes features shows and aquariums. 

1. Dolphin Friends 
2. Sea Lion Marine Patrol 
3. Walk on the Wild Side 
4. Balancing Act with the African Acrobats 
5. Ocean Discovery Aquarium 
6. Seatrek


We arrived just in time for Dolphin Friends Show but unfortunately, no more seats for us so para-paraan na lang.


The next show is Sea Lion Marine Patrol. We loved this show, and this is my favorite among the four shows. Click here for the video




 After the show, we returned to the resort to rest before dinner.

 The following day, we watched the first show which is Walk on the Wild Side.

Then Balancing Act with the African Acrobats.

Serious sa pagvideo. :)


The last stop is Ocean Discovery Aquarium, this is only a small room, parang ilang tumbling lang nasa exit ka na. Lol.

If we still have time I wanted to stay for a few hours for Dolphin/Sea Lion Photo Encounter but we have to go back to the resort for our checkout.
Posted by 3 comments:
Labels: , , ,

March 05, 2014

Staycation at Camayan Beach Resort

Most people stay in Camayan Beach Resort if they go to Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure because of the proximity. 


I was actually hearing and reading mixed reviews and I’ve even read about the jellyfish issue but most of my friends and even my husband recommended Camayan.


I suggested this resort to my mom and she approved it so I booked 3 rooms for our family outing through their website but after one week, I did not get any reply so I emailed them. So if you want you can also book Camayan Beach Resort in Subic, Zambales with Traveloka. 

 Unlike other resorts, you have to make full payment to reserve the room. If you check the rate, it is not budget friendly because the rates are only good for two persons and any additional person is charged even kids + rates are not inclusive of tax and service charges.


As I mentioned in my other post, we tried if we could check in early but no early check in. They are very strict with 2PM check in time. So we had our lunch first in “The Reef Bar and Restaurant”. Since we are in a group, we ordered the family set meal. For our lunch, we ordered Barkada Chow P1650 and Pinoy Favorites P1650.

Barkada Chow includes Calamares Fritters, Bihon Guisado, Pakbet Ilokano, Beef Caldereta, Grilled Chicken Fillet and Grilled Pork Belly. Pinoy Favorites includes Chicken and Pork Adobo, Nilagang Baka, Grilled Tilapia, Talong-gong, Camayan Chopsuey, Canton Guisado.
Finally, at 2PM we were able to check-in.



Kids were so excited to swim. Pero nabitin kasi we have to go to Ocean Adventure.

 Dinner at “The Reef” again and we ordered the Meat Lovers P1950 and Seafood Delight P1950 but there is no seafood so Pinoy Favorites na lang.

Meat Lovers includes Lumapiang Shanghai, Pork Sisig, Beef Kare Kare, Mixed Grilled Meat Plate, Crispy Pata

The following day, we had an early breakfast so we could swim first before going to Ocean Adventure






Check-out at 12NN, actually we could stay if we wanted to swim but we wanted to go home early. 

Like 

 1. The resort is walking distance from Ocean Adventure and 10 10-minute drive from Zoobic Safari. 
2. If you stay here you get unlimited access to Ocean Adventure and 20% discount on the entrance ticket. 
3. The room and service are ok. 

Dislike 

 1. Our room was ok but my brother’s room was not, there’s no fridge and there’s power interruption, bigla na lang namamatay yung electricity. Feeling namin may problem talaga sa electricity but they said, now lang nangyari. E nakausap ng SIL ko yung housekeeper, sabi inalis daw yung fridge kasi may pumutok. They requested for other room but fully booked daw. Wala man lang offer na discount for inconvenience. 

 2. A week after I made the payment, I did not get any confirmation voucher, I had to call the office to ask for that and they said, ma’m nasend ko na po, check niyo po by lunch. I checked my email and there’s no confirmation voucher. The following day. I emailed them again to follow up.
Camayan Beach Resort Day Pass Klook.com
Posted by 5 comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

March 04, 2014

Book Review: I Wish They Taught Money in High School

I didn’t grow up in a rich family, we also live from paycheck to paycheck. The salary is enough to provide for the needs but not the wants. If you want something like new toys and new clothes, you have to wait for your birthday or Christmas. We don’t have a family date every weekend, no summer outing or summer classes.


If there’s no school, I don’t have money so even when I was a kid I learn to save my allowance. Nobody taught me about money, I just realized that I need to save if I want to buy something. I had my first savings account when I was in college, I know it’s already late because others have it since they were kids. I feel so rich when I had my first ATM. lol. 

 I was able to buy my first cellphone, I joined out-of-town trips, and was able to buy my wants because of my savings. It is my dream to save more so I was very eager to graduate and have my own work so I can save and save. 

 As I mentioned, nobody taught me how to handle money, how to save, and how to invest but through watching TV and reading magazines and books I’ve gained knowledge. One of the books that opened my mind is “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”. 

 Last month I received this book “I Wish They Taught Money in High School So I’m not dependent on my paycheck/So I Can Start My Own Business Right Away” 

 I was reading this book while waiting for our Kuala Lumpur flight and I finished the book before we reach Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I like the book because it so easy to understand and even the financial terms were simplified. You will be inspired and motivated because the authors are sharing their own experiences and you will realize that you can do it too. 


So I’m not Dependent on my Paycheck 

 I’m pretty sure that most of us wanted to gain financial freedom or at least we won’t be dependent on our paycheck. When I was still working, I just wanted to save and from what I’ve read you need to save at least 6 months of your income so I followed it, even I reached my 6 months income I did not stop until I resigned from work. 

 I’m proud to say that my savings helped me to finish paying my insurance and postpaid bill. At least hindi ko inasa sa aking hubby because I have my own savings. So what if hindi ako nagsave, sayang ang aking insurance kung materminate lang. Saving is really a must for everyone, especially for emergency needs. 

 Well, of course, saving is not the sole solution to gain financial freedom. The book will challenge and show you how to achieve your dream. You will learn that money is not taboo, debt is not bad and credit cards are not evil. I must agree because I posted before my savings tips regarding cards.

 I want to share the 5 tips from the book so you can transform your regular income into passive income. 

 S - Start Small 
M - Make a Habit (and stick to it) 
A- Acquire More Knowledge 
R- Raise the Bar of Creativity 
T- Think Outside Your Salary 


 “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune - Jim Rohn”



 So I Can Start My Own Business Right Away

I resigned from my work because I need bed rest, having no work = no salary. Of course, I’m not used to it and I don’t want to spend my savings on my wants and needs. I tried selling house and lot, I opened my online business and recently I resell generic home products like detergent powder, dishwashing liquid, and fabric conditioner but it wasn’t successful. I earn from those sidelines but I think it is not the business that will make me achieve my dream. Well, I’m not giving up yet, I’m still hoping that I will have my own business someday. 

 Reading this book will make you realize that you can start your own business with little or no capital. It will teach you how to multiply your income and how to overcome challenges and finding solutions. 

 One thing that caught my attention is Eker’s Sophisticated Analysis because this is something new to me. According to Eker’s analysis whenever you have any extra money, you should practice apportioning it into 6 different jars. (after tax) 

 10% Financial Freedom Account 
55% Long Term Savings for Spending 
10% Contingency Fund/Necessities 
10% Education 
10% Play 
5% Give 

 I do encourage you to buy this book P500 if you want to learn how to save, invest, or start your own business. Check here
 “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago; the second-best time is now - Proverb” 


 A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home
Posted by 12 comments:
Labels: , , , ,

March 03, 2014

Art Time

I received this package last week and my son was so excited when he saw that there’s painting and paintbrush. He wanted to paint immediately but I told him that we would paint on Sunday.

Cute!
Inside the box

I think, our first painting experience was last year when we made DIY Christmas Balls, you can click here to check. I know that painting is not easy, it takes a lot of patience which I don’t really have. Hehehe! I know that I don’t have the skills but it did not stop me from enjoying the experience.


As promised to my son, we painted the canvas shopping bag yesterday. You can get this for free when you buy Promil PreSchool. The box contains the shopping bag, 4 pcs of paint, paintbrush and of course instruction. 

 At first, I thought it would be easy but when my son started asking for different colors, waah! Nastress na ko, I can only make green, purple, pink, orange but I don’t know how to make other colors so I decided not to follow the picture.

 Son: Mommy, this is brown. 
Mommy: (Silence) 
Son: Mommy, this is brown repeat 10x 
Daddy: Mommy is not following instructions? 
Son: Yes, this is brown, not yellow. 
Daddy: Kung ano ginagawa ng matanda, gagayahin ng bata. 
Mommy: Gawan niyo ko ng brown. 
Son and Daddy: (Silence) 

 Hahaha! Anyway, this is our finished product. Painting needs patience because you can’t finish it in one sitting. It is messy but fun. After painting this bag, parang ayaw ko na gamitin. Nakakahinayang!


Proud na ko dyan. lol
Thanks Promil for the kit.
Posted by 2 comments:
Labels: ,

February 27, 2014

Zoobic Safari


Honestly, when I was still single I have no interest in visiting zoos but when I had my son I became interested. I feel that kids enjoy seeing animals and how much more if they can interact with them.

 So far we have visited different zoos in the Philippines and you can check the list here. One of the zoos that we haven’t visited is Zoobic Safari, I’ve been meaning to visit this zoo but living in Southern Luzon always hinders me.

But finally, a couple of weeks ago we were able to visit this zoo as part of our family outing. Our itinerary is Zoobic Safari + Camayan Beach Resort + Ocean Adventure but for now, I will share our Zoobic Safari experience.

We left the house around 4AM because we wanted to reach the zoo by 8AM and we’ve made it. Actually, the ticket counter was still closed when we arrived. There are different packages that you can avail which you cannot see on their website. If I remember it right, we availed the White Safari Package for P645/4ft above, P545/4ft below and 3ft below is free of charge.

Inclusions:

11 attractions (Zoobic Park, Rodent World, Serpentarium, Forbidden/Zoobic Cave, Tiger Safari Ride, Close Encounter, Savannah, Animal MuZOOeum, Aetas' Trail, Hip-Hop-Bay-a-Wak, Croco Loco) for approximately 2 1/2 hours
White Jeep
White Tram
Cold Towel
White Lion Safari Ride (New Attractions)
Zoo Guide

But unfortunately, there was no tour guide so we were on our own. They just gave us a map and no flyers. #boo If you want more information check the website. Anyway, Zoobic Safari is the first and only tiger safari in the Philippines. It is a 25-hectare amusement park where you can have close interaction with animals.

Klook.com


We started our tour in Bird Walk, Zoobic Park, Rodent World and Serpentarium. We tried goat milk feeding for P30 per bottle. This is a unique experience for the kids, scary at first but fun.


Then we rode the tram to visit the Forbidden and Zoobic Cave.


After that, we went to Tiger Safari Ride and White Lion Safari Ride, a few minutes walk from Zoobic Cave. I bought Chicken for P200.


Next stop is Close Encounter, Savannah, Animal MuZooeum, Aeta’s Trail, Hip-Hop-Bay-a-Walk and Croco Loco. I bought chicken for P50 for crocodile feeding.

We finished the tour just in time for Amazing Bird Show which is 10:30AM. Since we’re all tired and hungry, we did not wait for Animal Show 1:30PM and Animal Parade 3PM. We went to Camayan Beach Resort hoping that we could check-in early.

Click here for the video

Read: Revisited Zoobic Safari


Day Tour Entrance Rate

Php 495 - Adult
Php 395 - Kids 4 ft. and below
Free       - Kids 3 ft. and below

Open daily including Holidays
Park Hours: 8 am - 4 pm (last admission of guests)

 Zoobic Safari
Group I Ilanin Forest
Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines
Telefax: (+6347) 252-2272; (+63) 929-7072222
Posted by 11 comments:
Labels: , , ,

Why Artwork Makes Great Gifts

Are you looking for a unique gift for a loved one, a co-worker, or someone that is hard to buy for? If so, you may want to consider making a custom artwork purchase. Artwork, like the prints sold by Mimi's Muses, makes great gifts for all occasions. Not sold on the idea of artwork? Well, keep reading to learn three reasons why original artwork is an excellent gift idea.

Artwork Is a Gift for All Occasions

Original artwork is something that is suitable for all types of occasions. It can be bought as a Christmas gift or a wedding present. Artwork can be purchased for Mother's Day or even as a Valentine's Day present. There really isn't a wrong time to give the gift of art. All that matters is that thought went into the purchase. Regardless of the reason for gifting a piece of art, it is important that you keep in mind the personality of the person you are purchasing the piece for so you don't end up buying an abstract painting for someone who prefers traditional styles.

Artwork Is Versatile

When you think of artwork, what is the first image that pops into your mind? Is it a gallery with paintings adorning the walls? While this type of artwork can make a fabulous gift, it isn't always affordable. This is why it is better to think outside of the box when considering artwork as a gift. There are a number of creative ways to give the gift of art. For example, do you have children? If so, you may want to consider having their original artwork printed on a tote bag for Mother's Day or on a tie for dad on Father's day. Artwork can also be displayed on mugs, journals, notebooks, magnets, and a plethora of other novelty items that make receiving artwork a memorable experience.

Artwork Is Personal

If you take your time selecting a piece of art for a loved one or even for an acquaintance, the gift will feel more personal than the go-to gift card or cash. When shopping for artwork at places like Mimi's Muses, there are plenty of opportunities to find a personal gift that your loved one or friend will treasure for many, many years.
Posted by No comments:
Labels: ,

February 25, 2014

Rose & Grace

I’m not yet done with my backlogs and as of this writing my mom was already back in Norway and I’m still going to share our experience in Rose & Grace restaurant. 


As I mentioned in my previous post, we ate here after our bonding in Festival Mall. Rose & Grace restaurant is near Paseo de Sta Rosa and Nuvali, it was not my first time pero sa tagal di ko na tanda yung kinain ko dati. Lol


It was weekday so the place was not crowded, unlike my first experience. It is like an improved carinderia where you have to point your choice of viand (turo-turo). We ordered BBQ, Laing, Bopis and Tawilis, they gave us complimentary bulalo soup which we really like.


The serving is good for two to three persons so we took home our leftover. I can’t remember the price but each viand is P100+ and our total bill is less than P1000. #budgetfriendly

 Update: August 2015

 After this visit last February 2014, we've been a frequent diner of Rose & Grace if ever we are in Nuvali area and if we are looking for an affordable restaurant. I even recommended it to my friends so we ate dinner here after our day trip at Stilts Calatagan. 

But during our last visit, it took them so long to serve our food and when they served our food, mukha and lasang sunog na. Overcooked ang liempo, so dry pa siya. We're so disappointed with our food. 

Posted by 4 comments:
Labels: ,

February 21, 2014

Stay Away from the Sun with Lined Valances


Rooms that are facing the western sun are really warm during afternoons. If your bedroom happens to be in this part of the home, chances are, you don’t feel comfortable inside. Putting some curtains can make your room dark so you will have to turn on the lights during broad daylight which can add up to your monthly electric bill.


Why not cover your window with a lined valance? They cover the upper part of your window enough to let the sun out while it enhances the appearance of your room. Lined valances are specially created by manufacturers to protect the homes from damages brought about by ultraviolet rays. They are made of thick fabric enough to block the sun from damaging the wall paint.

If the kitchen is facing the west, the food will spoil easily especially if you live in a tropical country. With a lined valance, the food spoilage is prevented while the kitchen looks beautiful. The skin of your children is delicate so their rooms should be adorned with bright colored valances. Lined valances come in different color variations such as mocha, crimson, sage, brick, sand, marine, taupe, java, and grass. Name the color you want and you will have it.

Indeed, these valances are in demand in places where terribly hit by La Niña especially in California because they give ample protection to the home. The searing heat during summer can be annoying if you are a stay-at-home mom. Before the arrival of the summer season, you need to hang the lined valances on your windows especially if you have an attic. Your kids love to stay in the attic, so make sure the dormer windows are adorned with the valances.

 A piece of the lined valance is priced at $14 and the most expensive one could reach as far as $65. Their price is a bit expensive because the fabric is thick enough to block the UV rays that can be damaging not only to your home but to your skin. With a lined valance, staying at home can be relaxing during hot summer days.
Posted by No comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Klook.com