Here are some of our pics:
Saturday, May 03, 2008
AIU-RP Team Building 2008: San Pablo Laguna
This year's AIU-RP Team Building was held at Casa San Pablo at Laguna. It wasn't what I was expecting since the 2 previous team buildings involved more physical activities while this year's team building was more introspective. It was ok but I prefer the previous team building activities.
Here are some of our pics:
Here are some of our pics:
Summer 2008: Puerto Galera
My friend Carl was jealous of her officemates who had been touring the country for the past months that she invited us to go to Puerto Galera as soon as she cam home from Japan. And so we were in Galera from April 5 to 7.
We stayed at the Buenalynne's Beach Resort along the White Beach stretch. We stayed there for 2 nights and it was pretty good considering the location and the price. It's a beach front resort and our 2 nights stay costs us Php 3,500 per night. It had 2 double size beds with a/c and a private toilet. We rented an extra mattress for 500 for the 2 nights for 2 of my cousins who came with us. Our party was Carl, Marlon (Carl's hubby), Dianne, Emond, Kuya Dondel, and of course me!
We rode the banana boat at Php 200 per person and we rented a motorized boat for our snorkeling at Php 2,000. The kuyas withe motorized boat made the trip more fun for us! They were a riot! They told us stories of the places we went to and they were funny guys who kidded with us during the trip. They even had a blue starfish that they asked us to have our pictures taken with. We were lucky to have hired them instead of the cheaper kuyas because not only did they brought us to the Coral Gardens where not most of the bankeros go to but they also made sure that we enjoyed our trip. Thanks kuyas!
We also tried the night life at Galera. The place was hopping at night! There were a lot of people in the bars and in the beach itself since the bars cannot accommodate all of the party goers. We tried the Mindoro Sling of Galera and it really has a punch (pun intended)! On our 2nd night, we opted to stay in our room and order the famous cocktail drink and play cards instead.
And of course, Puerto Galera trip is not complete without our tatoos!
We stayed at the Buenalynne's Beach Resort along the White Beach stretch. We stayed there for 2 nights and it was pretty good considering the location and the price. It's a beach front resort and our 2 nights stay costs us Php 3,500 per night. It had 2 double size beds with a/c and a private toilet. We rented an extra mattress for 500 for the 2 nights for 2 of my cousins who came with us. Our party was Carl, Marlon (Carl's hubby), Dianne, Emond, Kuya Dondel, and of course me!
We rode the banana boat at Php 200 per person and we rented a motorized boat for our snorkeling at Php 2,000. The kuyas withe motorized boat made the trip more fun for us! They were a riot! They told us stories of the places we went to and they were funny guys who kidded with us during the trip. They even had a blue starfish that they asked us to have our pictures taken with. We were lucky to have hired them instead of the cheaper kuyas because not only did they brought us to the Coral Gardens where not most of the bankeros go to but they also made sure that we enjoyed our trip. Thanks kuyas!
We also tried the night life at Galera. The place was hopping at night! There were a lot of people in the bars and in the beach itself since the bars cannot accommodate all of the party goers. We tried the Mindoro Sling of Galera and it really has a punch (pun intended)! On our 2nd night, we opted to stay in our room and order the famous cocktail drink and play cards instead.
And of course, Puerto Galera trip is not complete without our tatoos!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Hong Kong Trip: Day 3 (Ocean Park)
We woke up early in the morning to go to Ocean Park. I think it was the first time for me and Dianne to ride a double decker bus. Mom used to ride one when she was younger along Luneta Park.
The line for the tickets was not as efficient as it was in Disneyland. Even though I have already bought the tickets online, I had to queue in line with guests who still need to buy tickets on site. The line was quite long since it was a holiday in Hong Kong. While waiting in line, my sister saw this amazing kid that was climbing up the statues in front of the Ocean Park gate.
The only ride we were able to go to in Ocean Park was the Ocean Park Tower and the Cable Car. All of the other rides were too much for my sister and my mother. So we spent all day visiting the many aquariums. We visited some of the aquariums more than once because we were so fascinated with how they have setup the habitat. Ocean Park's aquariums are by far better than the Melbourne Aquarium.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to see the dolphin show. The auditorium was already jam packed when we got there. But we saw the sea lion show and it was great! Both the sea lions and the trainors were showcasing their acting talents!
We weren't able to see the panda's also because of the renovation. We made a vow that we will return to see the shows/rides we've missed and to see the pandas!
We proceeded to the Harbour to watch the Lights Symphony show. The sky was a bit foggy and so we were not able to see the lights show in their full splendor but it was still great!
The line for the tickets was not as efficient as it was in Disneyland. Even though I have already bought the tickets online, I had to queue in line with guests who still need to buy tickets on site. The line was quite long since it was a holiday in Hong Kong. While waiting in line, my sister saw this amazing kid that was climbing up the statues in front of the Ocean Park gate.
The only ride we were able to go to in Ocean Park was the Ocean Park Tower and the Cable Car. All of the other rides were too much for my sister and my mother. So we spent all day visiting the many aquariums. We visited some of the aquariums more than once because we were so fascinated with how they have setup the habitat. Ocean Park's aquariums are by far better than the Melbourne Aquarium.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to see the dolphin show. The auditorium was already jam packed when we got there. But we saw the sea lion show and it was great! Both the sea lions and the trainors were showcasing their acting talents!
We weren't able to see the panda's also because of the renovation. We made a vow that we will return to see the shows/rides we've missed and to see the pandas!
We proceeded to the Harbour to watch the Lights Symphony show. The sky was a bit foggy and so we were not able to see the lights show in their full splendor but it was still great!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Hong Kong Trip: Day 2 (Disneyland)
Day 2 was reserved for Disneyland!
We were told that Hong Kong Disneyland wasn't really that good since it's only like Enchanted Kingdom back home. But contrary to what we were expecting, we had a blast in Disneyland! Maybe it's because Dianne and I are long time Disney fans and so really enjoyed most of the shows in the park.
We rode Space Mountain, the Buzz Lightyear ride, and the Mad Hatter ride. Mom had fun in the Buzz Lightyear ride. At first, it was only me and Dianne who were blasting the enemies but after a few minutes, my Mom took the blaster from me and started firing away! Hehehe.
We had our pics taken with Stitch and Buzz Lightyear. The line for the pics with the other Disney characters, particularly with Mickey and Minnie, was too long!!!
We rode the Disney train but the views were less than I was expecting. It wasn't the exciting ride I thought it was.
The Jungle River Cruise was cool! The same with the Raft ride to Tarzan's house. There was a cute guy in the River Cruise crew but he was suplado. Hehehe.
We also saw the parade but weren't able to stay until the fireworks display. Mother and Dianne wanted to go to the Ladies Market at Mongkok.
Next post will be about our Ocean Park adventures! Will try to post it tomorrow since I am too sleepy right now. Till next post!
We were told that Hong Kong Disneyland wasn't really that good since it's only like Enchanted Kingdom back home. But contrary to what we were expecting, we had a blast in Disneyland! Maybe it's because Dianne and I are long time Disney fans and so really enjoyed most of the shows in the park.
We rode Space Mountain, the Buzz Lightyear ride, and the Mad Hatter ride. Mom had fun in the Buzz Lightyear ride. At first, it was only me and Dianne who were blasting the enemies but after a few minutes, my Mom took the blaster from me and started firing away! Hehehe.
We had our pics taken with Stitch and Buzz Lightyear. The line for the pics with the other Disney characters, particularly with Mickey and Minnie, was too long!!!
We rode the Disney train but the views were less than I was expecting. It wasn't the exciting ride I thought it was.
The Jungle River Cruise was cool! The same with the Raft ride to Tarzan's house. There was a cute guy in the River Cruise crew but he was suplado. Hehehe.
We also saw the parade but weren't able to stay until the fireworks display. Mother and Dianne wanted to go to the Ladies Market at Mongkok.
Next post will be about our Ocean Park adventures! Will try to post it tomorrow since I am too sleepy right now. Till next post!
Hong Kong Trip: Day 1 (Departure)
The Cebu Pacific flight to Hong Kong was delayed for 2 freaking hours! The crew told us that the plane will be coming from a domestic flight and since there was a power problem in the domestic airport, all domestic flights were delayed. Sigh! And to top it off, I forgot that Cebu Pacific flights do not include the departure tax in their tickets yet. We had to pay for Php 1,620 per person for the travel tax. All of my previous travels have already included the travel tax in the ticket price. Good thing we had extra money in peso that day.
We arrived at Yesinn at about 11pm. We took the A11 bus from the Hong Kong airport to King's Road in Fortress Hill. The cost of the ride was HKD 40 per person. This was the cheapest transpo since the Airport service via MTR costs HKD 100 per person and taxi from airport to Fortress Hill costs HKD 350.
The room was quite small, 1 double bed deck and the toilet was also quite small. But we liked it since the small space was really maximized and it has all the amenities you might need. There's a water heater shower in the toilet, microwave oven, ref, aircon, and water heater.
The small lobby of the hostel even had 1 computer terminal where guests can access the internet for 15mins if there's someone else who will use the computer. This was very useful for us since we had to backup twice the 2 1GB SD card that we brought for our digicam.
The receptionist of the hostel was a very friendly Filipina named Lee who gave us useful tips on how to go around Hong Kong.
We arrived at Yesinn at about 11pm. We took the A11 bus from the Hong Kong airport to King's Road in Fortress Hill. The cost of the ride was HKD 40 per person. This was the cheapest transpo since the Airport service via MTR costs HKD 100 per person and taxi from airport to Fortress Hill costs HKD 350.
The room was quite small, 1 double bed deck and the toilet was also quite small. But we liked it since the small space was really maximized and it has all the amenities you might need. There's a water heater shower in the toilet, microwave oven, ref, aircon, and water heater.
The small lobby of the hostel even had 1 computer terminal where guests can access the internet for 15mins if there's someone else who will use the computer. This was very useful for us since we had to backup twice the 2 1GB SD card that we brought for our digicam.
The receptionist of the hostel was a very friendly Filipina named Lee who gave us useful tips on how to go around Hong Kong.
Holy Week 2008: Day 4 (Easter Sunday)
We attended mass in Vigan Cathedral on Easter Sunday. The mass was in Ilocano so we did not understand much of the mass. Afterwards, we walked along Calle Crisologo, this is where most of the preserved old houses are located. This is also where most of the souvenir markets are.
We also went back to Baluarte to visit the animals there in broad daylight. The kids had fun riding the small pony kalesa,
the butterfly garden,
and the tigers.
We then continued on our way home. The End.
We also went back to Baluarte to visit the animals there in broad daylight. The kids had fun riding the small pony kalesa,
the butterfly garden,
and the tigers.
We then continued on our way home. The End.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Holy Week 2008: Day 3 (Black Saturday)
Mother wanted to go to Vigan since Christmas last year. And since no one yet in our party have ever been to Vigan, we were easily convinced to continue with our road trip to Vigan, Ilocos Norte.
The trip was another long one! From Bolinao, Pangasinan we had to travel around 6-8 hours to go to Vigan. After that long trip, we just had to take a picture when we saw the Vigan arch.
We took a kalesa ride to see the more popular spots in Vigan. The kalesa ride costs us 150 per hour and our ride was a little over 2 hours. The ride took us to Bantay Church, Padre Burgo's old house, Hidden Garden, the old houses along the way and to Chavit Singson's Baluarte.
We spent the night at Grandpa's Inn. It costs us less than 3,000 for an aircon dormitory type room. There were 8 double beds and 8 free breakfast the following morning.
The trip was another long one! From Bolinao, Pangasinan we had to travel around 6-8 hours to go to Vigan. After that long trip, we just had to take a picture when we saw the Vigan arch.
We took a kalesa ride to see the more popular spots in Vigan. The kalesa ride costs us 150 per hour and our ride was a little over 2 hours. The ride took us to Bantay Church, Padre Burgo's old house, Hidden Garden, the old houses along the way and to Chavit Singson's Baluarte.
We spent the night at Grandpa's Inn. It costs us less than 3,000 for an aircon dormitory type room. There were 8 double beds and 8 free breakfast the following morning.
Holy Week 2008: Day 2 (Good Friday)
Good Friday arrived bright and early!
We were so excited to go to Treasures of Bolinao so we woke up early and continued with our journey from Alaminos to Bolinao.
When we arrived at Treasures of Bolinao, we were surprised because the rates they told us was way too much than what they advertised in their website. According to the page, day tour was 250/pax for the use of the beach and the pool. We were told that Holy Week rates are higher ... and it seemed way higher! We were asked to pay 660/pax. But this rate includes lunch already and the corkage for snacks and drinks were waived. And since we were already in love with the spectacular sights, we gave in. In return, they gave us a discount. There were 14 people (11 adults and 3 kids) in our party and they only charged us for 12 adults.
We were not able to do much swimming in the beach because the water was either too low or too high. Instead, we took the time to do a lot of picture taking. Here are some of the great shots we had:
Supergirl?
Vince, watch out for the croc at your back!
Run Tito Pitch! Run!
Woahhh!
That is not to say we did no swimming while we were there. There was a pool that satisfied our craving to swim/dip in the water. And make new friends!
And the dramatic sunset view gave us another fantastic backdrop for pictures.
We were so excited to go to Treasures of Bolinao so we woke up early and continued with our journey from Alaminos to Bolinao.
When we arrived at Treasures of Bolinao, we were surprised because the rates they told us was way too much than what they advertised in their website. According to the page, day tour was 250/pax for the use of the beach and the pool. We were told that Holy Week rates are higher ... and it seemed way higher! We were asked to pay 660/pax. But this rate includes lunch already and the corkage for snacks and drinks were waived. And since we were already in love with the spectacular sights, we gave in. In return, they gave us a discount. There were 14 people (11 adults and 3 kids) in our party and they only charged us for 12 adults.
We were not able to do much swimming in the beach because the water was either too low or too high. Instead, we took the time to do a lot of picture taking. Here are some of the great shots we had:
Supergirl?
Vince, watch out for the croc at your back!
Run Tito Pitch! Run!
Woahhh!
That is not to say we did no swimming while we were there. There was a pool that satisfied our craving to swim/dip in the water. And make new friends!
And the dramatic sunset view gave us another fantastic backdrop for pictures.
Holy Week 2008: Day 1 (Maundy Thursday)
Our Holy Week outing this year started early. Lola Fely allowed us to deviate from our usual Visita Iglesia and so we were on our way to Pangasinan early Thursday morning.
The traffic along NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) was horrendous! The usual 1 hour drive from Balintawak to Dau Exit tooks us 3 hours! There goes our schedule for the week ...
We had a slight detour on our way to Pangasinan. We visited Apo Tina and had our breakfast in Pampanga.
Afterwards, we continued our trip to Pangasinan with stopovers to churches we passed along the way.
One of the churches we visited was St. Raymund of Penafort Parish in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.
Our plan is to go to Treasures of Bolinao in Bolinao, Pangasinan but the resort was fully booked as well as all nearby resorts and inn so we had to go to Travllers Lodge at Alaminos, Pangasinan first to spend the night. You might be wondering why since we are at Alaminos already, why not go to Hundred Islands instead? The answer: we went there already about 3 years ago. :D
The travel was a bit long since we had many stopovers to do our Visita Iglesia. We had our lunch at a highway restaurant. The food was a bit expensive but the views were great.
The traffic along NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) was horrendous! The usual 1 hour drive from Balintawak to Dau Exit tooks us 3 hours! There goes our schedule for the week ...
We had a slight detour on our way to Pangasinan. We visited Apo Tina and had our breakfast in Pampanga.
Afterwards, we continued our trip to Pangasinan with stopovers to churches we passed along the way.
One of the churches we visited was St. Raymund of Penafort Parish in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.
Our plan is to go to Treasures of Bolinao in Bolinao, Pangasinan but the resort was fully booked as well as all nearby resorts and inn so we had to go to Travllers Lodge at Alaminos, Pangasinan first to spend the night. You might be wondering why since we are at Alaminos already, why not go to Hundred Islands instead? The answer: we went there already about 3 years ago. :D
The travel was a bit long since we had many stopovers to do our Visita Iglesia. We had our lunch at a highway restaurant. The food was a bit expensive but the views were great.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
2007 Year End Review
I know, I know. It's what, end of Feb. already and I'm making a 2007 year end review?! But I found my sister's post about her year end report and I got to thinking that it's a nice way of taking the year it was in retrospect. Specially that last year was a very good year for me and there were so many happenings to really remember it with.
January
Of course there was the annual New Year party at home.
It was my Papa's birthday on the 6th and, as usual, we offered a mass for him. We included in the mass offering my Lolo Godeng and Lola Mely, my paternal grandparents.
It was also Carl's and Get's birthdays but since they're out of the country (Carl was in Japan and Get is in Qatar), I just sent them greetings through emails.
Eli came home from Italy this month. He treated me and some of our G-23 blockmates to dinner at Gerry's Grill in Park Square.
February
Summer outings started early last year. My mom's company outing was to Bolinao, Pangasinan and I went with them since I haven't been there before. I wasn't able to swim much since the water is either really shallow or really deep. But the waves were fantastic.
March
Attended Henry and Mima's wedding in Clark, Pampanga. Henry rented a villa for us at Mimosa so we can stay the night there.
The Cookies (Jenny and Lord), Stan, Fred, Earth, Hazel, and me took a day trip to Corregidor. This is my first time to go there and it was a blast! Hope we will have more out of town trips.
Since we're an outing addict, my mom and I joined my Tita Mariz's company outing to Golden Sunset Village Resort and Spa, Calatagan, Btangas. This resort is owned by a famous hair dresser Ricky Reyes.
April
For our annual Holy Week outing, we went to Beachwood Resort, Sariaya Quezon and Aguila Resort, Mabini, Batangas.
Badminton and Karaoke party with Headstrong friends: The Cookies, Fred, Stan, Jet, Hazel and Tid.
Headstrong company outing at Mount Sea Resort, Tanza, Cavite.
Puerto Galera trip with Carl, Marlon, Abi, Dianne, and Apple.
May
The annual family swimming party for Vince's birthday. Rain or shine, we go swimming for his birthday. And my mom wanted to celebrate her birthday too so we went to Fontana, Clark, Pampanga.
June
Had dinner with Solar lab pips. Chona and Winson invited us to their wedding.
July
Chona and Winson's big day! I was part of the entourage and it was my first time to try curly hair.
AIU-RP Team Building at La Corona, Pagsanjan. Unforgettable experience!
August
August means birthday gifts and birthday parties! Thank God I have lots of family and friends who loves me! Yay!
WEBAPSS PSG also had a fun party at Redbox, Trinoma this month.
September
My first trip to Melbourne, Australia! Yay!!! It was so exciting and I feel very blessed that I was given a chance to travel to this place. And it was free! I was sent by the company for a business trip.
Jherome's birthday party.
October
Redbox party (again!) with my G-23 friends.
November
Another first for me. First trip to Bangkok, Thailand! Again, courtesy of AIU.
And the annual All Saint's Day trip to the cemetery.
December
Lots of Christmas parties:
1. AIU-RP Christmas party at Giligan's, Park Square
2. Headstrong Christmas Party at Intramuros
3. AIU Party at Serendra
4. Barkada Christmas party at Seaside
5. Family Christmas party at Aristocrat and at home
6. AIU-RP Reunion and Christmas party
January
Of course there was the annual New Year party at home.
It was my Papa's birthday on the 6th and, as usual, we offered a mass for him. We included in the mass offering my Lolo Godeng and Lola Mely, my paternal grandparents.
It was also Carl's and Get's birthdays but since they're out of the country (Carl was in Japan and Get is in Qatar), I just sent them greetings through emails.
Eli came home from Italy this month. He treated me and some of our G-23 blockmates to dinner at Gerry's Grill in Park Square.
February
Summer outings started early last year. My mom's company outing was to Bolinao, Pangasinan and I went with them since I haven't been there before. I wasn't able to swim much since the water is either really shallow or really deep. But the waves were fantastic.
March
Attended Henry and Mima's wedding in Clark, Pampanga. Henry rented a villa for us at Mimosa so we can stay the night there.
The Cookies (Jenny and Lord), Stan, Fred, Earth, Hazel, and me took a day trip to Corregidor. This is my first time to go there and it was a blast! Hope we will have more out of town trips.
Since we're an outing addict, my mom and I joined my Tita Mariz's company outing to Golden Sunset Village Resort and Spa, Calatagan, Btangas. This resort is owned by a famous hair dresser Ricky Reyes.
April
For our annual Holy Week outing, we went to Beachwood Resort, Sariaya Quezon and Aguila Resort, Mabini, Batangas.
Badminton and Karaoke party with Headstrong friends: The Cookies, Fred, Stan, Jet, Hazel and Tid.
Headstrong company outing at Mount Sea Resort, Tanza, Cavite.
Puerto Galera trip with Carl, Marlon, Abi, Dianne, and Apple.
May
The annual family swimming party for Vince's birthday. Rain or shine, we go swimming for his birthday. And my mom wanted to celebrate her birthday too so we went to Fontana, Clark, Pampanga.
June
Had dinner with Solar lab pips. Chona and Winson invited us to their wedding.
July
Chona and Winson's big day! I was part of the entourage and it was my first time to try curly hair.
AIU-RP Team Building at La Corona, Pagsanjan. Unforgettable experience!
August
August means birthday gifts and birthday parties! Thank God I have lots of family and friends who loves me! Yay!
WEBAPSS PSG also had a fun party at Redbox, Trinoma this month.
September
My first trip to Melbourne, Australia! Yay!!! It was so exciting and I feel very blessed that I was given a chance to travel to this place. And it was free! I was sent by the company for a business trip.
Jherome's birthday party.
October
Redbox party (again!) with my G-23 friends.
November
Another first for me. First trip to Bangkok, Thailand! Again, courtesy of AIU.
And the annual All Saint's Day trip to the cemetery.
December
Lots of Christmas parties:
1. AIU-RP Christmas party at Giligan's, Park Square
2. Headstrong Christmas Party at Intramuros
3. AIU Party at Serendra
4. Barkada Christmas party at Seaside
5. Family Christmas party at Aristocrat and at home
6. AIU-RP Reunion and Christmas party
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Blogthings: Do You Need a Man?
***You Don't Need a Man ... or Want One!***
Generally, you're very happy being a single woman.
And anyone who has a problem with that... well, that's there problem.
Not that you wouldn't share your life with the almost perfect guy.
You simply won't settle though. Your life is too good to share with some substandard man!
Do You Need a Man?
http://www.blogthings.com/doyouneedamanquiz/
Generally, you're very happy being a single woman.
And anyone who has a problem with that... well, that's there problem.
Not that you wouldn't share your life with the almost perfect guy.
You simply won't settle though. Your life is too good to share with some substandard man!
Do You Need a Man?
http://www.blogthings.com/doyouneedamanquiz/
Blogthings: What Sign Woman Are You, Really?
Your True Sign Is Cancer |
 Moody Romantic Traditional Ultra-Sensitive Unable to Let Go The Most Loving Ever Intuitive and Imaginative |
Blogthings: Could You Be Violent?
There's a Chance You Could Be Violent |
 Overall, you're a pretty chill person - and you have a good handle on your emotions. Sometimes your anger gets the best of you, and end up regretting how you act. Try to curb your temper more often. It only has to get out of control once to do some damage. |
Friday, February 08, 2008
Blogthings: What Kind of Soul Are You?
Got this from Ann
***You Are an Old Soul***
You are an experienced soul who appreciates tradition.
Mellow and wise, you like to be with others but also to be alone.
Down to earth, you are sensible and impatient.
A creature of habit, it takes you a while to warm up to new people.
You hate injustice, and you're very protective of family and friends
A bit demanding, you expect proper behavior from others.
Extremely independent you don't mind living or being alone.
But when you find love, you tend to want marriage right away.
Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul and Visionary Soul
What Kind of Soul Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofsoulareyouquiz/
***You Are an Old Soul***
You are an experienced soul who appreciates tradition.
Mellow and wise, you like to be with others but also to be alone.
Down to earth, you are sensible and impatient.
A creature of habit, it takes you a while to warm up to new people.
You hate injustice, and you're very protective of family and friends
A bit demanding, you expect proper behavior from others.
Extremely independent you don't mind living or being alone.
But when you find love, you tend to want marriage right away.
Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul and Visionary Soul
What Kind of Soul Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofsoulareyouquiz/
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Hong Kong Trip
Just finished booking our room accommodation for our Hong Kong trip. We booked a 3/4 Persons Family Ensuite (2 double beds) room for me, my mom and my sister. I was hoping for a triple ensuite room but these rooms were already booked at Yesinn Hostels on our scheduled trip.
Our room costs us 1,677.00 HKD or 8,702.88 PHP according to an online currency converter. I paid using my credit card and I was charged an initial $335.40 HKD (1,740.58 PHP) for the deposit.
As I was looking for a place for us to stay, I considered the Wang Fat Hostel and Sun Kong Hostel as possible hostels for our trip. The problem was I saw a lot of mixed reviews about these 2 hostels. Some say that these 2 were ok, others say that they had problems. But my main concern was that some of the reviews said that even if they have already booked in advance, when they arrived the receptionist could not find their reservation. That to me is a big concern since I don't want to have the hassle of looking for a new accommodation once we're there.
We also have booked our flight care of Cebu Pacific. We will be leaving on March 25 and will return on
So far, we have already accumulated around 30K of expenses, including the expected international tax when we leave.
Next to do is book our online entrance tickets to Ocean Park and Disneyland. I want to make all the online bookings that I can so that we will have less to worry over when we take our trip. Also, it will be easier to budget our pocket money. My goal is that our whole trip will only cost us about 50K. Luckily, our schedule lands on the off peak days in Disneyland and Ocean Park. According to Disneyland's online booking system, 3 adults will cost us 885.00 HKD (4,592.76 PHP). The Ocean Park will cost us 624.00 HKD (3,238.28 PHP). That leaves us about 10K for our food and transpo for the 4 days. Sigh! How about our shopping expenses?! I think I need to re-think our budget ....
Here's hoping all the preparations for our trip will make our trip more fun!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Work, work, work
Am so busy with work lately ... I sometimes feel as if all I do is work! Hay! Good thing that I have supportive family and friends that prevents me from having a burnout. Thanks!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Stories from Down Under - Chapter 3
September 23
May nakalimutan pala ako ikwento nung Friday kaya bago ko simulan ang gala kwento ko ng Sunday eh babalikan ko muna ung Friday ….
Last Friday kasi nag-email sakin si Leni. Siya ung Pinay na friend at officemate ni Sonny na nag-tour sakin nung Monday sa City. Si Sonny naman ung kausap ko ngayon dito sa AIG para dun sa ginagawa ko dito. Pinoy din siya. Nung ni-invite ako ni Leni for lunch, sabi niya sabay daw samin si Ronald, another Pinoy friend and officemate nila dito. Si Ronald yung nag-suggest sakin ng trip to Mt. Buller. Nag-offer din siya na ito-tour nya ako ng Sunday. At siya nga ang naging tour guide ko nung Sunday kaya me pics na ako na andun ako! Yehey!
Actually, di ko alam na matutuloy kami last Sunday. Kasi nung last Friday ang usapan namin ite-text ko siya kung matutuloy ako ng Saturday sa Mt. Buller at kung tuloy kami ng Sunday. Eh ni-text ko siya last Saturday kaso di siya nag-reply so di ko sure kung na-receive nya. At di nga daw nya na-receive nung nagkita kami nung Sunday. Pero napag-usapan din namin na kung matutuloy kami eh dadaanan nya ako sa hotel ko ng 8am. Swerte na lang at maaga din ako gumising nung araw na yun kasi nga nabitin ako sa gala nung Saturday. After eating a hearty breakfast from the hotel's resto (shempre todo kain ako kasi free un tapos balak ko magpakapagod di ba?) eh naupo muna ako sa lobby at nagayos ng mga props ko, i.e. digi cam, sweater, scarf, etc. Aba at nagulat na lang ako at biglang tumabi sakin sa sofa si Ronald and ready to go na! Hehehe. Di daw nya na-receive text ko and inassume na lang nya na tuloy nga daw kami nung Sunday na un. Kaya ayun, tuloy ang gala …. (kala nyo kanina start na ng kwento ng gala noh?! Hehehe.)
Una namin pinuntahan eh yung St. Kilda beach. Un ung pinaka malapit na Beach dito sa hotel ko. Nag-tram kami papunta dun. White beach daw siya pero actually medyo cream colored ang sand nya at hindi white ….
O di ba! Beach siya pero balot na balot ako! Ang lamig kasi eh! And wag nyo na lang pansinin na parang ang taba ko sa pic … promise bulky lang ung suot kong panlamig! Hehehe. Ganda ng scarf ko noh? 2 toned yan, half-black and half-gray. And marunong na ko maglagay ng scarf! Bah akala nyo siguro madali lang maglagay nun, eh ako nahirapan nung una kong dating dito kasi di naman ako nag-scarf sa Pinas noh. So tiningnan ko pa mga nakikita kong mga tao dito kung pano nila nilalagay yung scarves nila … o pede na ba?! Hehehe.
Kung mapapansin nyo, maalon ung dagat sa likod ko. Ang lakas kasi ng hangin minsan dito eh! Imagine ang lamig na nga eh may malakas na hangin pa! so ang lamig lamig talaga minsan, brrr!!!
Naglakad kami along the beach hanggang makarating kami sa Luna Park.
Unfortunately eh 11am pa siya nago-open pag Sunday kaya di na kami nakaikot sa loob. Ang liit ng pic ko noh?! Mahilig kasi si Ronald kumuha ng pic na kita yung background in all its glory. Kaya ayun, ang siste maliliit ako sa mga pics. Hayy!!!!
Tapos lakad kami ulit papunta sa other side. Grabe! Nung napunta ako dito tsaka ko lang nalaman na kaya ko pala maglalakad ng buong araw! Ilang araw din na pamamasyal ko dito na puro lakad ginawa ko ha! Huh! Ako pa na gagastos na lang kesa maglakad ng malayo from PBCom to Landmark dahil malayo na sakin un!
Sa other side nung bach eh me St. Kilda Pier naman. Lakad lakad din kami dun.
Ung asa likod ko sa pic na ito sa itaas eh yung city sky line, kita nyo ung matataas na bldg? yan ung city. Para siyang SG in a sense na puro shopping malls at kainan dun. Kaso ang difference, sa taas ng mga bldgs na yan eh di lang office spaces. Marami din residential dyan, unlike sa SG na ang center eh puro malls at offices lang.
And pansin nyo ba na ang nakaalalay ako sa hair ko?! Pano ba naman kung hindi eh di na makikita mukha ko kasi ang lakas ng hangin! Ang hirap magpa-picture na maayos ang hair … kaya ayun tinali ko na lang hair ko.
Tapos balik kami city. Punta kami sa Flinders Train Station.
Sakay kami train papunta sa Williamstown, isang sikat na town din dito. So nakasakay ako ng tram at train dito. Yung bus na lang di ko nasasakyan … di ako nakasakay dun sa tourist bus! Para siyang free city tram pero iba naman iniikotan niya. Sayang!
At dahil napagod na kami ng kakalakad, nag-lunch na kami dun sa williamstown. Kumain kami sa La Porchetta.
Eto ang parang Pizza Hut or Shakey's nila dito. Para tong Nando's na maraming branches. Pero sa loob nito kami kumain kasi malamig sa labas eh.
After ng lunch eh nag-train ride ulit kami pabalik ng city para magpunta sa Smith St. sa Fitzroy.
Pero bago pa kami nakarating ng Fitzroy eh dumaan muna kami dun sa Royal Exhibition Bldg at Melbourne Museum kasi on the way naman. Although di na kami pumasok sa both building kasi kapos na sa oras eh.
Dito sa Royal Exhibition Bldg tumitira ang Queen of England pag napapadpad siya sa lugar na ito. Yang mga nakikita nyo na ruins, ung inuupuan ko, actual ruins yan from the buildings before dito sa Melbourne.
Onwards to Smith St. at Fitzroy! Andun yung mga factory outlet shops ng Nike, Addidas, Quick Silver, etc. Pero wala naman ako nabili para sa sarilli ko kasi tinitipid ko nga pera ko. Tsaka wala naman ako nakita na type ko.
After nun balik ulit kami sa city. Punta naman kami sa Melbourne Aquarium. Iniwan na ko dito ni Ronald kasi nakapunta na siya dito eh tsaka medyo mahal dito, A$ 25, so ako na lang mag-isa nagikot sa loob. Pero bago kami maghiwalay …
May nakalimutan pala ako ikwento nung Friday kaya bago ko simulan ang gala kwento ko ng Sunday eh babalikan ko muna ung Friday ….
Last Friday kasi nag-email sakin si Leni. Siya ung Pinay na friend at officemate ni Sonny na nag-tour sakin nung Monday sa City. Si Sonny naman ung kausap ko ngayon dito sa AIG para dun sa ginagawa ko dito. Pinoy din siya. Nung ni-invite ako ni Leni for lunch, sabi niya sabay daw samin si Ronald, another Pinoy friend and officemate nila dito. Si Ronald yung nag-suggest sakin ng trip to Mt. Buller. Nag-offer din siya na ito-tour nya ako ng Sunday. At siya nga ang naging tour guide ko nung Sunday kaya me pics na ako na andun ako! Yehey!
Actually, di ko alam na matutuloy kami last Sunday. Kasi nung last Friday ang usapan namin ite-text ko siya kung matutuloy ako ng Saturday sa Mt. Buller at kung tuloy kami ng Sunday. Eh ni-text ko siya last Saturday kaso di siya nag-reply so di ko sure kung na-receive nya. At di nga daw nya na-receive nung nagkita kami nung Sunday. Pero napag-usapan din namin na kung matutuloy kami eh dadaanan nya ako sa hotel ko ng 8am. Swerte na lang at maaga din ako gumising nung araw na yun kasi nga nabitin ako sa gala nung Saturday. After eating a hearty breakfast from the hotel's resto (shempre todo kain ako kasi free un tapos balak ko magpakapagod di ba?) eh naupo muna ako sa lobby at nagayos ng mga props ko, i.e. digi cam, sweater, scarf, etc. Aba at nagulat na lang ako at biglang tumabi sakin sa sofa si Ronald and ready to go na! Hehehe. Di daw nya na-receive text ko and inassume na lang nya na tuloy nga daw kami nung Sunday na un. Kaya ayun, tuloy ang gala …. (kala nyo kanina start na ng kwento ng gala noh?! Hehehe.)
Una namin pinuntahan eh yung St. Kilda beach. Un ung pinaka malapit na Beach dito sa hotel ko. Nag-tram kami papunta dun. White beach daw siya pero actually medyo cream colored ang sand nya at hindi white ….
O di ba! Beach siya pero balot na balot ako! Ang lamig kasi eh! And wag nyo na lang pansinin na parang ang taba ko sa pic … promise bulky lang ung suot kong panlamig! Hehehe. Ganda ng scarf ko noh? 2 toned yan, half-black and half-gray. And marunong na ko maglagay ng scarf! Bah akala nyo siguro madali lang maglagay nun, eh ako nahirapan nung una kong dating dito kasi di naman ako nag-scarf sa Pinas noh. So tiningnan ko pa mga nakikita kong mga tao dito kung pano nila nilalagay yung scarves nila … o pede na ba?! Hehehe.
Kung mapapansin nyo, maalon ung dagat sa likod ko. Ang lakas kasi ng hangin minsan dito eh! Imagine ang lamig na nga eh may malakas na hangin pa! so ang lamig lamig talaga minsan, brrr!!!
Naglakad kami along the beach hanggang makarating kami sa Luna Park.
Unfortunately eh 11am pa siya nago-open pag Sunday kaya di na kami nakaikot sa loob. Ang liit ng pic ko noh?! Mahilig kasi si Ronald kumuha ng pic na kita yung background in all its glory. Kaya ayun, ang siste maliliit ako sa mga pics. Hayy!!!!
Tapos lakad kami ulit papunta sa other side. Grabe! Nung napunta ako dito tsaka ko lang nalaman na kaya ko pala maglalakad ng buong araw! Ilang araw din na pamamasyal ko dito na puro lakad ginawa ko ha! Huh! Ako pa na gagastos na lang kesa maglakad ng malayo from PBCom to Landmark dahil malayo na sakin un!
Sa other side nung bach eh me St. Kilda Pier naman. Lakad lakad din kami dun.
Ung asa likod ko sa pic na ito sa itaas eh yung city sky line, kita nyo ung matataas na bldg? yan ung city. Para siyang SG in a sense na puro shopping malls at kainan dun. Kaso ang difference, sa taas ng mga bldgs na yan eh di lang office spaces. Marami din residential dyan, unlike sa SG na ang center eh puro malls at offices lang.
And pansin nyo ba na ang nakaalalay ako sa hair ko?! Pano ba naman kung hindi eh di na makikita mukha ko kasi ang lakas ng hangin! Ang hirap magpa-picture na maayos ang hair … kaya ayun tinali ko na lang hair ko.
Tapos balik kami city. Punta kami sa Flinders Train Station.
Sakay kami train papunta sa Williamstown, isang sikat na town din dito. So nakasakay ako ng tram at train dito. Yung bus na lang di ko nasasakyan … di ako nakasakay dun sa tourist bus! Para siyang free city tram pero iba naman iniikotan niya. Sayang!
At dahil napagod na kami ng kakalakad, nag-lunch na kami dun sa williamstown. Kumain kami sa La Porchetta.
Eto ang parang Pizza Hut or Shakey's nila dito. Para tong Nando's na maraming branches. Pero sa loob nito kami kumain kasi malamig sa labas eh.
After ng lunch eh nag-train ride ulit kami pabalik ng city para magpunta sa Smith St. sa Fitzroy.
Pero bago pa kami nakarating ng Fitzroy eh dumaan muna kami dun sa Royal Exhibition Bldg at Melbourne Museum kasi on the way naman. Although di na kami pumasok sa both building kasi kapos na sa oras eh.
Dito sa Royal Exhibition Bldg tumitira ang Queen of England pag napapadpad siya sa lugar na ito. Yang mga nakikita nyo na ruins, ung inuupuan ko, actual ruins yan from the buildings before dito sa Melbourne.
Onwards to Smith St. at Fitzroy! Andun yung mga factory outlet shops ng Nike, Addidas, Quick Silver, etc. Pero wala naman ako nabili para sa sarilli ko kasi tinitipid ko nga pera ko. Tsaka wala naman ako nakita na type ko.
After nun balik ulit kami sa city. Punta naman kami sa Melbourne Aquarium. Iniwan na ko dito ni Ronald kasi nakapunta na siya dito eh tsaka medyo mahal dito, A$ 25, so ako na lang mag-isa nagikot sa loob. Pero bago kami maghiwalay …
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