Hong Kong Series| Avenue of the Stars

On our last day in HK, instead of resting before our flight, I decided to walk around and visit this place.  My sister and nephew decided to sleep.


the avenue of the stars (Chinese version)

Hong Kong Series| Still In Ocean Park

This is the last part for Ocean Park. 

 



OP's citizens

After the 1.5 hours show, we are on our feet again to see the other animals inside the park.  Ocean Park is really tiring.  You should have lots of energy to survive this park.  You should also have an extra battery pack and memory card for your camera.

Hong Kong| The Dolphin Show

they are so talented...

Aside from the rides, cable car and aquariums, this show is one of the highlights in OP and should not be missed.  For the show schedule please visit www.oceanpark.hk.com.  Be sure to be there at least an hour before the show to have a good seat as the venue is always jam packed.

Hong Kong Series| Ocean Park's Main Attractions

After the enjoyable cable car ride, we're on our feet again to see the other attractions in OP. We just roam around first and see if we can ride one of the attractions.



the extreme rides

And then we realized that we don't have the heart for any of these rides.  We just look for safe rides and activities for my nephew.

Hong Kong Series| Off We Go to Ocean Park

My first visit in this theme park was last 2003 and I'm so glad to be back here again.  The whole third day was intended for this park.

i'm so much more excited here than disney

Hong Kong Series| Disneyland Parade

One attraction that should not be missed is the Disney parade, where most of the famous Disney characters will march.  It also features various performers.  I'm so glad to see most of them are Pinoys.  This is something we are always proud of - our authentic talents and skills for entertainment.

here's Dumbo

Hong Kong Series| 2012 Halloween at The Happiest Place on Earth

One of the attractions that lured more tourists in visiting Hong Kong is Disneyland.  Since it opened in 2005, tourists in HK has doubled or even tripled.

It was our first time for any Disneyland theme park.  Based on the blogs, reviews and promotions I've read, this is one place that should not be missed when in HK so I have high expectations about this tour.

Again, our tickets were purchased on line.  Day pass tickets - HK$450.00 for adult and HK$320.00 for child.  Senior citizen's costs only HK$100.00. 



and I lined up for 2 hours just for this picture

Hong Kong Series| Going to Disneyland DIY Style

The main reason for our HK trip is to see Disneyland as my sister's bday gift to her beloved son, thus, our 2nd day was spent here.  Warning though, HK posts will all be heavy with photographs. The cam whore is in the house!

I have visited a lot of blog sites and browse disney site for numerous times just to research for this trip and it has helped us a lot in saving money and time.  So guys, always research before going to unfamiliar places.

 

yes, I'm here for real....

the famous entrance landmark... the kid in me is excited

Hong Kong Series| Going there from Macau

now back to my "blast from the past" post....  there are still a lot of throw back posts hidden in my old chest...

From our hotel, there is a free shuttle bus going to the port.  After 30 minutes, we are at the port.  We bought our ferry tickets at the ground floor.  The rate is cheaper here by around MOP30.00.  FYI, there is an additional charge for a big baggage/luggage of MOP20.00 (each).


the port going to HK

this is where you should buy tickets

Tanza's Oasis Hotel and Resort

the key card, don't lose or pay Php500.00

the spacious lobby and reception area

 

they are now ready for the halloween

 We went to this hotel for our division's recent planning and team building. In a very short notice, they were able to accomodate us and been very prompt and accomodating in our inquiries.

 

Since, it is lean season, we were able to get the booking with discounted room rates and convention packages.

Cebu Series| Pasalubong Shopping and Total Expenses



Oh! yes I do

Being Pinoys, our travel is not complete without bringing some goodies or pasalubong going back home.  Cebu has a lot to offer when it comes to these.  Here are some goodies that I can't resist bringing back home:

Cebu Series| Food Trip

Cebu is not just known for beaches, Sinulog and girls (you know what I mean right?), but for mouth watering delicacies as well.  Number 1 on the list of course is the lechon.  I have observed that pigs in the Visayas Region are leaner compared to Luzon's.



Oh my! cholesterol overload...

So upon landing in Cebu City at around 9:00PM, we wasted no time and boarded a jeepney looking for Zubuchon.  If you are on a budget and without much baggages with you, you can ride at the second floor a jeepney going to the Mactan town.  It will only cost you around Php9.00.  From there, you can check-in at Island Souvenir Hotel. 

Cebu Series: Tune Hotel

I have been seeing this hotel promo in Metrodeal for sometime but didn't book at any branch since I thought it was not that good.  Feeling ko kase motel lang sya, though there is nothing wrong with a motel.  It's just that I will not be comfortable staying in a motel during my trips.

But then, when we arrived in Cebu in the middle of the night, our original plan of staying at J's office didn't push through.  We also didn't have any advance booking so we have no choice but to scout for a place to stay.  We really initially thought of staying in a motel for cheaper accomodation since we will sleep for 3 hours only before going to Oslob.  Then I suggested to check Tune Hotel first because I read in the net that it is located at the heart of Business District and night life.

 

And I'm glad that we did. First reason is the location.  It is situated beside Ayala Mall so shopping is so convenient.  Beside it is a 7-11 store where you can buy food and toilettries (if you forget to bring)24/7.

 

Another great tip guys:  buy mango candies and other pasalubongs in Metro Gaisano supermarket.  They are cheaper compared to Taboan's.  They can also conveniently pack them in a box.

at night

Cebu Series: The Ruins in Oslob

Before riding a bus and returning to Cebu City, don't fail to pass by the ruins which are located within the town proper.  From George's Resort, we rented a tricycle for Php50.00/person and went to the ruins. 

 

the watch tower ruins

Cebu Series: Tumalog Falls

very enchanting falls..

Still wet from our whale watching and after breakfast (at the same resort), off we go to Tumalog Falls.  We rented a mini van for Php150.00/person (from original offer of php180.00).  The cost is still high but there is no other mode of transportation available at that time and we are in a hurry already.

Cebu Series: Whale Watching in Oslob

I need to cut my Macau-HK series posts to give way for a very recent travel (kahit minsan lang e updated ako hehe).

 

I always have a wanderlust.  As my hubby and mom would say, I can't be kept in a box.  I also have this thing of taking a break from reality. So, when my friend said that she will book us for a Cebu trip (for Oslob), without second thoughts, I said yes.  Then I realized that it's our wedding anniversary on that date.  Well, after katakot-takot na lambing and pakiusap, I'm here.  Love you tart!!!! 

 

Last Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, we went to Cebu to have a weekend escape.

 

weee... so close.... but i kept my distance

Macau Series: How we spent our last day

rubbing the belly for blessing (ala Buddha lang)

We wake up early to fix our things and checked-out.  We still have an available half day to roam around before going to Hong Kong.  We first left our baggages in the reception area (with no extra charge).  I just love this hotel.  There is no hassle in everything - from reservation, check-in to check-out.

the room is a big mess (with our things lying all around)

Macau Series: Night Life

Don't go to Macau if you are just planning on staying inside your room at night (except when you enjoy staycation more).  Macau is more alive at night with its bright colors and highly spirited surroundings.

bright and colorful lights everywhere

wanna ride?



Macau Series: Hotel Hopping

After a quick rest, we’re off with our feet again. 

Before having lunch, we passed by the Grand Emperor Hotel, owned by no other than the famous Jacky Chan.  It’s known for its display of gold bars on its floors.

back side....

Macau Series: A First Timer in Macau

This is a super late post...haist too may unpublished travels actually... warning - photos heavy post!

the famous St. Paul's church ruins

Last November 2012, I was fortunate to be treated with a trip by my balikbayan sis.  The original plan is for HK Disneyland tour only for her only son.  But since I was tasked to organize the trip, I included Macau in the trip since we have never been to this place yet and it's just a ship away from HK.

From blogs and pictures I’ve seen, there is nothing much to see in Macau but still I wanted to see the grand and fabulous hotels and the church ruins.  I expected not to be impressed so much on this trip.

An unfinished Pilgrimage in Kamay ni Jesus

another long overdue post....  sorry...

the gigantic sculpture

Enjoying Pahiyas 2013 for four hours

 

Every May 15, Lucban in the province of Quezon, is celebrating the Pahiyas Festival in honor of St. Isidore the Laborer (the Farmer).  As a way of being grateful for a bountiful harvest, the locals are adorning their homes with some agricultural products, handicrafts and colorful "kiping" - decorations made from dehydrated rice flour in different colors.  This tradition is being observed since late 1500s (as old as their church).

in one of the heavily decorated homes - dami luya!!!!

Going to Lucban from Manila is easy as a breeze with a driver and car around. It took us around 3 hours by land before reaching it.

All Hands Beach Resort

It's a NO-NO to go late to a resort during summer weekends in Subic, as walk-in guests, particularly on a Saturday.  It seems everyone is heading to the beach during that time.  Everyone wanted to beat the intense heat!



the beach - lahar covered beach, thus it look like a white beach



Inside Subic, there are only four beach resorts - Camayan, Adventure, Sands of Triboa and All Hands.  For day tours, advanced reservations for the cottages are not allowed.  They all observe the "first come first serve policy".  

Subic Homes - more than a home away from home

For our second windangan family Subic outing, we still chose Subic Homesas our temporary home.  We're so glad to see that the villas were renovated and with a new LED TV.    

the reception bldg. where you will get your key

Why do we love thee?  Let me count the ways:

Strawberry Picking in La Trinidad

Our last day in Baguio was the highlight of the trip.



fresh and sweet strawberries....

We went to La Trinidad, Benguet for strawberry picking.  This is the reason why the kids wanted to go to Baguio. 

Strawberries being sold here are at P120.00/kilo but if you want to pick them on your own, they are at Php350.00/kilo. 

Missing the Old Baguio

Baguio has changed a lot from the last time I was here (year 2001).  It is now teeming with commercialism which is kinda too much for me.  I miss it when it was still with lots of pine trees and lesser people and establishments.  Now, I can no longer smell the pine trees.  In the city, the air is already polluted.  What did they do to Baguio????



the family in Mine's View Park

A Glimpse of Capones Island

looks like a bird's beak

On our way back to Pundaquit, we passed by Capones Island. Original plan is to hike to the light house but time didn't permit us so we just sail around the island.

From afar, a white beach and blue waters will catch your eyes.  It's so tempting to embark and take a dip. This is real white sand unlike Nagsasa's and Anawangin's.  Camping is possible for a small group.

super white fine sand

You will not notice the light house until you reach the tail of the island.  It looks so rustic from afar.  The nearer you get from it, the more interesting it becomes.

there's the light house

it has a keeper's home

I wish to return here to camp and hike to the light house.... : )

A few minutes in Anawangin Cove

Anawangin's facade

Before going back to Manila, to complete the tour, we passed by Anawangin Cove and Capones Island.

We only spent few minutes in Anawangin Cove since our boat came late and we are in a hurry to go back home.

From the entrance, you will not have an idea that there is a paradise hidden inside.  Like Nagsasa, this cove has a clean and clear water.  There is also a long stretch of beach shore.  The difference is: while Nagsasa was divided into partitions and each partition being fenced by each owner, Anawangin Cove is only one big resort being operated and maintained by the local government.  There is an entrance fee of 50 pesos for day tour and 100 pesos for overnight stay.  Also, the beach is quite far from the camping site.



Eat, Trek and Swim in Nagsasa Cove

it's more beautiful at the top

I was fortunate to be invited to join  a department's outing last last weekend in Nagsasa Cove with side trips to Anawangin Cove and Capones Island.  Since the food expenses were subsidized, I only paid a few hundred bucks for this trip.  Besides, I have nothing to worry about this outing but how to enjoy.

We left Manila at 2:30AM and arrived in San Antionio, Zambales at 4:30AM.  It was an uncomfortable land travel but I didn't notice that since I'm sleeping most part of the trip (Nissan Urvan is not recommended for long trips with 16 people in it).  Food was bought from the market before going to the cove.

early morning in Pundaquit

Laguna: Sta. Maria's Hidden 3 Falls



my kids enjoying the experience

When my kids and I went to my bestfriend - Jane's home in Laguna for a weekend getaway, I didn't have much expectations.  I only wanted to see her town, their nice home and have some rest and break from my usual weekend.  She has been telling me about the falls they have but I do not have much interest on it.  Actually, I imagined it as a small kind of falls and nothing spectacular about it.  But we have included it in our itinerary though I was planning to cancel it (sleepy mode attack).

It's time for comfort! (for ladies only)

I remember when my very first period came, my mother prepared a cloth pad for me. They have so many beliefs then so I was not allowed for a disposable one.  Well, thanks to my mom since I don't remember any pain during the first few years that I'm having my monthly visits.  But it was so inconvenient since I have to cut and sew the cloth.  Added to this is the washing of these cloth pads which is really so yucky.  But the comfort it brought me can never be matched by any disposable one.

Came college time, I'm quite ashamed of using the cloth pads, thus, I started my affair with the disposable ones.  They are so convenient but less comfortable.  Also, we know that disposable ones are harmful to the environment.  Imagine the tons of garbage they create.
 

reusable pads made up of super soft cloth for utmost comfort

I'm so delighted when I saw these reusable pads at Caleb's Closet online ecostore.  They are quite pricey but i'm sure they are so worth it for their number of usage and comfortability.  I also love their design.  They can be neatly packed after each usage and comes with a bag (like wet bag) for every pack (of three). According to its box, they are stain-free.  I'll see about that.

For now, I'm happy that I've found these and I won't be guilty in adding harm to Mother Earth when I have my monthly visits.  You can order from www.calebscloset.multiply.com.

The Wet Bag

Sorry dearest blog...I've been busy and lazy lately.  Actually I still have a lot of articles to post but can't find the heart and energy to.

Anyways, I'm excited to include this in my articles - the joy of online shopping.

Since last year, I'm kinda hooked on to online shopping.  I'm delighted seeing goodies which cannot be simply found in the malls.  The best part is, you don't have to dress up and go out just to buy these goodies.  I have purchased quite a few - from bracelets, clothes to toilettries.

This month, I've been a fan of  " Caleb's Closet Ecostore", a store featuring organic and goodies made of natural materials for moms and babies.  Since I'm starting to be on the organics, natural and healthy stuffs, I've been enjoying buying some for my personal use.  Here is one which I found so useful at the same time fashionable for everyday use.

Introducing the wet bag! Are you familiar with the dry bag?  Unlike, the dry bag which protect your stuff from being wet, this one is the opposite.  It protects your dry stuff from being wet from your  wet things.

cute flower design...love the feel of the soft cloth

This is originally designed for soiled wet diapers but I saw it more as a wet clothes bag.  Summer is quite approaching and you know what summer means - SWIMMING!.  So instead of bringing a plastic bag (which is harmful to nature), this is the best bag to bring.  It's so versatile, fashionable, with right size, light weight and reusable.  It so affordable at P350.00 per piece.  It also comes in different designs.  I'm planning to buy all of the design to give my friends.  You cannot have too much of this bag.

If you are an organic fan like me, please check this site:  www.calebscloset.multiply.com.  Beware, you might be addicted!