SNG Trip : Day 2 - Sentosa Park

After our tiring zoo trip the day before, we decided to have late buffet breakfast at the hotel. I also joined the little bratinella for a morning swim at the hotel's lap pool. Since I forgot to bring my alli weight loss diet pill on the trip, I've decided to shed all those buffet food I had by swimming and doing some lapses for thirty minutes.

Anyway, our itinerary for the day starts with our lunch at Vivo City, Food Republic. Had few pics at Vivo City.

Then from Vivo City, we rode the Sentosa Express as we go to Sentosa Resort. Our first stop at Sentosa, Mt. Imbiah. We entered the 4D shows: Pirates, Iceland Adventure and Cowboy Fun and for posterity sake, had our photos taken at the famous Merlion landmark (the miniatur version at Sentosa). Then by night time, off we go to Beach Station to watch Songs of the Sea - a musical spectacular shows on lights, water, fire and sound. A must watch at Sentosa. Entrance fee: $10 per person.

SNG Trip : Day 1 - Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

We are back from our four day family vacation from Singapore. We enjoyed the trip so much, in fact it was our first family trip in Singapore ...with no work. We were able to tour the city and enjoy the best attractions.

Day 1: We left Manila early morning to catch the 630am PAL flight. By noon, we already got our room from Peninsula Singapore, near City Hall MRT. We were lucky as we had a lovely view of the Singapore River.

By 3pm, we trooped to Singapore Zoo as we wanted to bring Samantha and see the animals. We also learned from our cabbie driver that the zoo has a new animal attraction, the polar bear from Canada. Hmmm... something to look forward to as we've never seen a polar bear up close and personal.

After enjoying the animals in daylight, we then continued our trip at Night Safari to enjoy the animals during night time. The Night safari opens at 7pm and it was just convenient for us as we just finished our zoo trip by 6pm. As the night safari still close, we then decided to have early dinner at KFC inside the zoo area as we were hungry from all the long walks we had. I was so hungry that time and I think I ate so much. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my diet pill on the trip. Too bad. But nevertheless, diet or no diet, I need all the energy for our trip.

picture-taking prior entry to night safari zoo

at night safari tram ride

off to plantation bay cebu

As C&P Team last hurrah for summer, we've decided to go down south this time. Instead of the usual family outing, it will be all-girls trip at the very famous queen city of the south, Cebu. And part of our itinerary is to visit famous Cebu beaches, drink and dine at Tops, visit the Mactan church and enjoy Plantation Bay Cebu. Just can't wait. I heard that The Plantation Bay Cebu is rates as one of the Top 100 best resorts in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, thus it will be a great treat for us. We've already booked our trip, and we are just counting the days and we are off to Cebu May 28-30.

Heavenly treat at Plantation Bay, Cebu

on cherry blossoms

As I've blogged before, the purpose of our recent trip to Tokyo was to celebrate our 6th year anniversary. Actually, it's already a post-anniv trip since we were married third week of February. We decided to postpone the trip a month later to be able to catch the Cherry Blossom or Hanami Festival. You see, the Cherry Blossom is a grand event in Japan, a must see for tourists even for the locals. It only blooms once in a year, and it will be in full bloom for ten days only. The bloom varies per region, it depends on the date and weather of that particualr time. As I've searched the web, it will be in full bloom by end of March. Hence, we decided to hold our Tokyo trip just in time of the Cherry Blossom. It's so beautiful ... a sight to behold.

Cherry Blossom (Hanami) by night at Roponggi Hills

Cherry Blossoms beauty at day time at Shinjuku Park

Lovely photos, don't you think so? I am glad I was able to convince the husband to use best acne treatments I found on the web. He was hesitant at first to reconsider as he finds it so sissy to use, but glad that he listened to my plea. Check out the glow and how clear his skin now. All thanks to the acne treatment. Check it out.

back from vacation

yes, we are so back after our short vacation stint in Tokyo. It was really an amazing place to visit. I heart everything ...from good food, nice people, weather, overwhelming train stations, shopping, and all the convenience ... I so love Tokyo to bits! Despite high cost of living here, wherein everything is sooo expensive! Life in Tokyo seems so perfect and ideal. I was telling the husband that I think I can adapt here. Should he get a business opportunity to work and live here in Tokyo, in a heartbeat, I would say yes to move in! Hahaha!

Anyway, with our short visit here I fell in love with the place, especially with those beautiful cherry blossoms. The weather was cold, ending winter and preparing for spring. At 5C which I am not accustomed to, but was happy that I was able to wear all my stuff I bought from Zara. Thank goodness for Zara shop at Roponggi Hills, I was able to get my thick sweaters, coat and even my boots here. Love, love the shop. As I was not prepared with this kind of weather, Zara saved me. Hahaha! Do check out my outfit in Tokyo below.

Trip to Disneysea

Of course our upcoming trip to Japan will definitely include a one-day visit at the famous theme park: Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea. And since we've been to Disneyland twice already (Hongkong and Florida), the husband and I would like to experience Tokyo Disneysea : "Where adventure and imagination set sail "

The "Land Park" and "Sea Park" are each divided into 7 theme areas, so there's a huge choice of where to have fun. In DisneySea Park, it has dynamic attractions with the waterfront creating an amazing ambiance. Now I am excited! Then, I look forward to catch the magnificent parades by Mickey Mouse and his friends. And finally, watch the firewroks display to recap my stay.

For accommodations, I haven't decided yet if will book hotels near the resort or get one at Tokyo city. Wish there's available houses like the Outer Banks rentals near the Disney resort for convenience and ease of travel. I really hope so.

The Magic continues at Tokyo DisneySea Resort

summer get-away

Before I search for possible Mesothelioma lawyers available online for my brother, allow me to share our company summer get-away for the year. Since our sales team performance was outstanding for 2009, the company decided to send us to the beutiful and pristine beach of Boracay for a 3 days and 2 nights stay at Shangri-la Boracay Resort and Spa. Really, wow!! The hotel opened mid-2008 and it would be lovely to have a little R&R on the famous beach haven of Boracay. Yes, we are very much excited. Two more days to go and we are off to Bora!

Anyway, check out Shangri-la's Resort's pictures below

travel plans

Before I search for possible Outer Banks vacation rentals for my aunt in North Carolina, allow me to share our travel plans for the family this year. Since we are still recovering from recession, and travel budget quite tight this time, the husband and I have decided to just go for two out of the country trips for the year.

First, to celebrate our 6th year anniversary, we chose to tour Tokyo, Japan this time. Travel period by end of March, just in time to catch the cherry blossom festival. Wouldn't miss Disneysea and Sanrio Land.

And second trip with the kids probably first week of June to celebrate my birthday. Last year, we went to Hongkong but this time, Singapore it is! It will be perfect time to visit with the opening of Universal Studios and of course, the Great Singapore Sale. LOL.

If budget still permits, I am still negotiating with the husband to do quick visit at my fave get-away place, Hongkong to bring the kids again at Disneyland. Yes, my fave place and I can't fathom the idea of omitting HK from our travel plans this year. Hahaha! Let's see and I do hope and pray to go here together with my siblings and their family.

vacation planning

The husband and I already started talking about our travel plans for year 2010. You see, with the new addition of a baby in the family, going abroad or long vacations should be well planned. Not only we should be financially ready, we need to consider the emotional and physical readiness of the kids when going out for long trips. And since the husband and I thinking of going to Hawaii early this year, bringing our five year old daughter may be feasible but to consider bringing our new born son ... it may not be wise or practical decision at this time.

And since we already planned to spend seven days in Hawaii to attend his telco-conference, our aunt based in Florida begging us to consider flying to Florida and spend time with her and enjoy beautiful orlando vacations. She's willing to shoulder our additional domestic airfare from Hawaii to Florida just to allow us to enjoy the tropical weather on the East Coast side of the US. Tempting, huh?! Her offer is really good and will save us a lot of money, but the husband I haven't decided if we will take her offer. Going on an extended vacation may be difficult for us especially it is still school time for the little girl and with a little kid in tow. Anyway, no definite decision yet. Let's see, we still have a month to decide if we will take the travel offer.

be home soon ...

yes, the husband will be home soon. He decided to cut his business trip short and instead of arriving this coming Wednesday, he'll be home two days earlier. Wonderful, since I miss him so much. Thanks to the Ramadan or Eid al Fitr at Malaysia, he was forced to squeeze all his meetings within two days due to holiday of obligation, Islamic religious observance : fasting.

Thus with this good news, he will be home by tomorrow afternoon. Very timely since will get to spend time with him as it is a holiday here in Manila. Together with the bratinella, will pick him up from the airport and proceed to Serendra for dinner. Really pleased he'll be here by tomorrow since I need to consult him about the roadside assistance package offered by our insurance company. I checked online and found good deal motorhome towing packages which is convenient and practical for car-owners like me. The auto club membership looks promising and I want to share this with the husband for reconsideration. Hopefully he'll agree me on this one.

HK Travel Itinerary

After weeks of deep thinking, debating, reading newspapers, and watching H1N1 updates from the news. The husband finally said yes to our travel plans this week to HongKong. He confirmed the good news last June 2 which prompted me to confirm all my hotel reservations only last week. I've also prepared our HK travel itinerary which suprisingly more favorable for the kids this time than my shopping agenda. LOL.

June 10 (Wed)

10am : depart from Manila via PAL
12nn : arrival at HK International Airport
2pm : check-in at Disney Hollywood Hotel
4pm : catch the Disney parade show/ rides

June 11 (Thu) : Disneyland with the Kids

June 12 (Fri) :

9am : Disneyland breakfast hotel
10am : Tunchung shopping outlet (Jacqui and Ico ; Mike and Sam to sleep)
12nn : Check out
1pm : move to Holiday Inn Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
3pm : Victoria Harbour -The Peak and Wax Museum
5pm : Shop at Ocean Terminal/Lane Crawford (my fave!)
7pm : Dinner / Avenue of the Stars/ Watch the HK City Lights

June 13 (Sat)
9am : city breakfast
10am: last minute shopping at Ocean Terminal
12nn : check out hotel
1pm : lunch and roam around Nathan Road
3pm : off to HK airport
6pm : flight back to Manila

Despite the H1N1 scare, surprisingly no discounts or rebates offered by the HK hotels. As a matter of fact, some hotels I've inquired already booked on our particular travel week. Luckily, our fave Disney Hollywood Hotel available during our trip hence we all look forward staying here. We all love this hotel so much not only because of its fine amenities, but the kids love the LCD TVs with Disney shows on each room. Just like the one I saw on the web offering wholesale tvs.

Three days to go ... and we are off to HK! Just can't wait.

birthday plans

Yes, it's going to be a very, very happy birthday this year. As I celebrate my x birthday exactly one week from now (June 14), my birthday plans and wishes will do come true. LOL. It's going to be an uber busy birthday month for me and as I've previously mentioned in my blogs. My only problem ... moolah to spend! Hehehe! Anyway, I am ecstatic and overwhelmed with joy as I finalized my birthday plans.

1. I've got my birthday gift.

A week advance, actually. Weee! This one deserves a separate post.

2. June 10-13 : Hongkong Travel

The husband as of June 2 agreed to pursue our 4D/3N HongKong travel. Yes, despite all the H1N1 scare, he was convinced to go. I've shared with him emails from my friends who went to HK recently. They've shared comments and stories travelling with kids at this time not at all bad. Risky, yes...very risky in fact. But, we are hoping (and praying) all our possible preventive measures preparation will win over this flu virus.

I am excited to visit HK together with the kids. Will be spending more bonding time at Disneyland than shopping! Yes, believe me...less shoping in HK this time. LOL.

3. June 16-19 : Singapore Trip

Work-related trip in time for the Communicasia Event in SNG. I was told still sale period at SNG, though I don't have plans to shop ... not sure if I can say NO to those gadgets at Sim Lim, shops at Orchard Road and make-up haven Sephora. Hahaha! I am sure I'll have more time to shop here than in HK since I'll be travelling without the kids. It'll be perfect time for me to visit Ikea too, and check out outdoor lighting for our garden I found on the web.

Despite having a back-to-back meetings, I look forward to Singapore's night life. I am sure most of our FA-partners will invite us for dinner and cocktails at Clark Quay. As a matter of fact, I've received cocktail invitations already from them and like I've said it''s going to be a very,very busy networking nights in Singapore. Haaayyyy....

Now I am really excited on my upcoming birthday. Got so many plans on how I'll spend my natal day. This year of course, will be an unforgettable year for me. Aside from turning a year older with a "travel" bang ... I am happy preggy too with Baby No. 3 ... my last, actually. So, will it be really a happy, happy birthday? I sure do hope so.

still undecided ...

... for our Hongkong travel this coming June.

Since I will be bringing the entire family to celebrate my birthday in HK, now I am unsure if I will push thru with our travel plans. With all the H1N1 (swine flu) virus scare, I am now hesitant to confirm my hotel reservations. News about the swine flu scare already found in Causeway Bay and with this, I am now having second thoughts of pursuing our trip.

Thus for now, I am holding off our reservations for our hotel. Our plan is to stay two nights at Tsimshatsui, Kowloon area so we can be close to the shopping district like Ocean Terminal and Victoria Harbour. I am torn getting an accommodation amongst: Hotel Nikko HK, Kowloon Hotel or Marriot Renaissance Hotel. Got great deals from these hotels with superior rooms ranging from HK$800-$900 per night only.

For our last night, as a special treat to the kids, we are tentatively booked at Disney Hollywood Hotel. This will be our 2nd time stay here and since then, we love the hotel so much. Very hip and appealing to kids. Plus add the fact that it is cheaper than the Disneyland Hotel. With a two-day Disneyland pass, I am sure staying here will surely be worth it.

So with all these HK travel plans, I am hoping (and praying) that the H1N1 virus be over soon. If the case persists for the next three weeks, I am definitely letting go of our HK trip. Sadly, I cannot re-book or refund our air tickets. Since I got our tickets from PAL's great deal sale, the tickets purchased are non-refundable or non re-bookable. This is the sad part.

Anyway, still hoping for the best ...

travel plans for the year

Despite my preggo status, I am still thinking of travel plans for the year. Yes, the itchy traveler in me still hopes to fly until my OB says No. So that makes me unstoppable 'til my 8th month! LOL. I've lined up just two Asian travel for the year, one as an official function, and the other as a birthday treat.

For the official business function, I was informed last week that our company is planning to be part of the Philippine delegate to Communicasia this June in Singapore. I am not sure how grand our particiaption would be this time, but definitely with or without the event, will be doing our usual business courtesy call in Singapore.

For my birthday treat, I am still pushing for travel to Japan or Guam. Well, first priority would be Japan. But thinking about my preggo situation by June (read: obvious baby bump), I don't think I can enjoy the rides at Disneyland and Disneysea. If I can't go to either of my two, I am more than willing to settle to my fave destination .. Hongkong. Hehehe, wouldn't pass up a year without going here.

Though the husband insists that I let go all my travel plans until I give birth by November, of course I don't want to give in. He's persuading me to re-consider all my travel plans and promised to reward me (as a push present) travel to the US instead. And since my aunt from NY will be moving to a Indiana next year, she promised to give us a tour before she leaves NY. Who knows, we might even have the chance to visit hubby's cousin based in Texas and probably stay in luxurious Dallas Texas hotels for the duration of the trip.

Anyway, at this point, nothing definite yet. I am still presenting my business case (a.k.a justifying my travel plans) to the husband. Let's wait and see for the final resolution. LOL.

Travel to Guam ...

...for the summer. I am lovin' the idea of traveling to Guam with the kids in tow. It originally started with a summer get away at Boracay. But after checking the airline fare, I've decided better to travel abroad with the same travel expense.LOL

Anyway, since we are planning for another baby next coming months ... this might be my last travel for the next three years. Need to prioritize baby expenses you know. And since this will be my birthday gift too this coming June, think the husband will agree with me to travel to Guam instead of having a birthday party. Better option.

I've checked with the PAL Swingaround promo and I can't believe that going to Guam seems affordable. Package starts at $280. Haven't checked the actual cost (taxes, fuel etc.) yet but the package is very, very tempting. Thinking of going to Guam before my birthday in June. Just hope the weather at Guam ok by that time.

Guam Travel Destination Clockwise : Tumon Bay, Tumon Entertainment District, Agaua Bay and Talafofo Falls

So much for our summer travel plans. For the meantime need to check on the web Allsup's provision for disability insurance. The company has a good track record of providing financial and health care services since 1984. With over 110,000 people granted with Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits by Allsup, this will be a big help for my aunt's patients in New York.

Bangkok Trip : Day 4

Our last day in Bangkok. We woke up around 7am to prepare our things for our way back to Manila. As usual, we had our breakfast buffet at the Sky Lounge, 43rd floor of the hotel. After breakfast, I stepped out to the tiangge shops near the hotel for last minute shopping. Here I already bought our pasalubongs like the ref magnets and of course, the sweet and sour tamarind for our families and colleagues. Since the tiangge stores were open as early as 7am, I was able to buy some blouses for myself at THB100 each. Real good deal. Unfortunately my shopping experience in BKK tiangges not that good. Most of the items on sale were free size (or one size only), No sizes available for my built! I really hate it! No fitting allowed also in most stalls. LOL. Anyway, was still able to get some nice blouses for myself, hoping these items will fit me. Hehehe!

At 1140am, the service car arrived for our airport pick up. Travel time from the hotel to airport, 45 minutes thus by 1230pm, we were already queuing up for luggage check in. Upon check in, we were told that our flight was delayed for two hours. New flight time at 550pm. We were given meal vouchers (THB240 each) to compensate for the delayed flight. I hate it. But of course we can't do anything but wait. With more than 4 hours waiting time we just ate, roamed, shopped and checked our mails online.

while waiting inside the Surambhuvit International airport

Inside the Gucci store. Another impulse buying (blame it on the delayed flight! LOL). Getting a new bag is not part of the plan but can't resist the good deal. New arrival of Gucci Jolie Summer 2009 bag at THB2000 off plus THB2000 cash voucher that can be used any store inside the airport.

So what did the husband bought for the THB2000 cash voucher I got from Gucci? Hard drinks! He happily bought three Johhnie Walker Black Label (with free travel luggage) plus Chivas Regal.

After three hours of flight travel, we arrived in NAIA around 8pm (Manila time). One hour later from the time of Bangkok. Immigration went well with no long lines. Everything went well despite the small glitch with one of the customs officer. I was questioned due to the Gucci paper bag I was holding. Our conversation went like this:

Officer: Ma'am, Louis Vuitton ba yan?

Me: Hindi. Gucci. (ovious ba, written sa paper bag nga!)

Officer: Ah.. may tax kasi pag Louis Vuitton.

Me: Ah talaga...Gucci ito eh.

Officer: Magkano bili nyo sa bag?

Me: Discounted eh sa duty free mall ng Bangkok.

Officer: Ah ... pag LV kasi may tax. Thank you.

Then I saw a lady next to me holding a Chanel paper bag which obviously bought also inside the Bangkok airport too. She was not questioned or stopped. Makes me think our custom's policy keen on getting tax for Louis Vuitton items but not on Gucci, Prada or Chanel bags. Hahaha! These bags are sometimes more expensive than LV. Hahaha!

Anyway that concludes our 4D/3N Bangkok experience. Thank you for reading my long post and hope you were able to pick some travel tips or ideas with my Thailand experience. 'Til my next travel post.

Bangkok Trip : Day 3

Saturday, It's our 5th wedding anniversary. We woke up as early as 530am since we need to prepare for our out-of-town trip. Our hotel pick up was 630am and we need to be ready by then. Our itinerary for the day includes Floating Market, Elephanant Ride, Samphram Elephant Show, Snake Farm and Rose Garden. Ticket for the guide, transportation, entrance and buffet lunch at THB 1500 per pax. Travel time approximately 2 hours going to these places.

First stop: Elephant Jungle Ride at Saphram Park: Decided not to take the ride since we opt to try the floating market instead. It's a one hour ride inside the jungle at THB600 per pax.

Second Stop : Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak -- another food trip for the husband and I. The boat ride costs THB150 per person for 1 hour. The experience was ok and the husband was able to taste more foodie here. No, we didn't dwell much on the souvenirs, it was kinda pricey comapred to the street market. But we enjoyed buying some of the treats here like mango with sticky rice (THB10), grilled chicken wings (THB10 per pc) and Thai Spring Rolls (THB20) while cruising the river.

Next stop: Cobra Show at Snake Farm -- after our floating market trip, we were asked to ride a speed boat going to the Cobra Show. Entrance to the show THB200 per person. Again, the husband the show so much. Real live venemous cobra in action. Jumping for his prey. This show, too scary for me!



Next Stop: Elephant and Crocodile Show at Samphram Park. We enjoyed the elephant show so much. Funny seeing these big animals play football and do wonder tricks. I didn't enjoy much the crocodile show. It was long and boring, and I think the crocs not in the mood for the show.LOL.

Last Stop: Rose Garden for Thai Cultural Show. I was tired of taking pictures here. It was a short presentation showcasing thai's culture, their dance, sport (muay thai) and way of life. This is more for tourist presentation. It was a nice show but I guess was too tired to appreciate it.

After the tiring day trip, we went back to Bangkok city around 430pm. It was early yet to have dinner thus we asked our guide to drop us at Chatuchak Market. Travel to BKK will not be complete without a trip here. It was our last day in Bangkok and we wanted to end our day shopping for pasalubongs.

the husband buying tie silk at THB20, munching the crispy, deep-fried street food chicken and pork

Since it was our last night, we decided to hav dinner at the 93rd top floor of Baiyoke Sky Hotel. The tallest building in Bangkok. Picturees below from the revolving tower. 360 full view of Bangkok by night. Really amazing!