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Balay Dako, Tagaytay

February 29, 2016, 8:30 am
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Our family had a vacation in Stilts Calatagan a few weeks ago and on the way there, we stopped to have lunch in Tagaytay. My mother-in-law suggested that we eat in Balay Dako since she just ate there a few days ago and she was raving about how nice the place was.



Balay Dako actually means "Big House" in Negrense. They're part of the Antonio's Group of Restaurants and they serve Filipino food.


The facade is already pretty impressive and more so the inside, which was even lovelier. Honestly, all I could think about was how nice it would be to have a wedding here or even a pre-nup pictorial.


Comedor is the Filipino restaurant on the 2nd level. I believe it has a seating capacity of about 250 so you can just imagine how spacious the place was. The kids were having a field day running around! Good thing there weren't that much people yet. ;p


We arrived at about 11:30am and it was a Monday so we had no problem getting seats. But around 1pm, the place was already packed considering it was a weekday! I heard it can get crazy during the weekends, so better make a reservation if you can.


There's a great view of the Taal volcano by the windows, but the screens kind of obstructed the view especially when taking pics. The Terraza Bar and Grill on the top floor has a veranda though, for a nicer view of the lake.


We were a large group and we were seated in different tables so I wasn't able to take a pic of everything we ordered. Here's some of the food we ate though.

Tawilis (P210)
Fried freshwater sardines. A local delicacy.
onions, ginger, sili, garlic
Malutong na Tadyang Baka (P380)
Deep-fried beef ribs
Tortang Giniling na Baboy (P320)
Egg frittata flavored with ground pork
Liempo (P290)
Grilled pork belly
Satay Rice (P55)
Fried rice with annatto oil

For dessert, I actually ordered Mango Sago con Leche but they mistakenly gave me mango ice cream instead. They changed it after but I still got plain mango sago, when the description on the menu said "pudding". Oh well, any mango dessert is fine by me. :)

Mango Sorbetes (P55)
Mango Sago con Leche (P130)
A dessert pudding of mango, tapioca pearls and condensed milk
Maja Blanca (P75)
A coconut and corn pudding topped with caramelized coconut cream curds

Ice cream anyone?

They also have a store where you can buy different goodies and delicacies. Hubby said the cheese rolls were so good (he didn't even leave some for me and when we came back to buy, it was sold out na haaay!).

they even sell night gowns!

Overall, we had a great dining experience since the food was good and surprisingly affordable. But the whole ambiance of this place is really something we would come back to again and again. Definitely a great place to dine in Tagaytay with family and friends.


BALAY DAKO by ANTONIO's
Tagaytay-Nagsugbu Highway,
4120 Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines
(Besides Leslie’s and Max’s across Magallanes Square in Tagaytay)

(046) 483-4847 / (+63) 943-264-1680

Balay Dako is open for all-day family style dining in Comedor, from 11am-9pm Mondays-Thursdays and Sundays, and 11am-10pm on Fridays & Saturdays.

Terraza Bar and Grill is open daily from 4pm-12mn for signature cocktails and pulutan favorites. They offer live entertainment such as DJs every Friday and Saturday, and an acoustic night every Sunday.

Filipino Breakfast Buffet is available on weekends and national holidays from 7am-11am at Terraza.

Website: www.antoniosrestaurant.ph/balay-dako
Facebook: www.facebook.com/balaydakotagaytay
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Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort

March 5, 2016, 8:54 am
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Hubby's family always takes a mini-vacation when his tita from the States comes home to visit. So last month, we went to Stilts Calatagan for a 2 night stay (from February 1-3). I did some research prior to our trip and I got excited seeing the photos of the cottages above the water, plus good reviews on TripAdvisor.


Well, I have nothing to say but good things about this resort. In a nutshell, the place was quiet and peaceful, the cottages were big and comfortable, food and service were good, and the beach was clean and calm. I guess it also was a plus that we were here on a weekday since we were practically the only ones at the resort. We felt like being in our own private island!

Anyway, the first thing I noticed when we entered the resort was how big the whole place was. According to their website, Stilts is set amidst 24 hectares of rolling hills, flower-filled gardens, and white sand beaches.


What I also loved were these sayings and quotes carved on wood scattered everywhere throughout the resort. So nice to read them all. :)

the names of the different cottages

They have eight cottages built on stilts over the water. We booked INSPIRATION, a large cottage, which can fit minimum of 7 and maximum of 20 pax. Cost per night was P17,080.00 night (off peak).


Each cottage has a master’s bedroom, guest room, loft and living area.


This is the loft area and there were so many extra mattresses which you can use in the different rooms. Honestly, I think we could have all fit in this cottage if we wanted to. ;p

the huge main bathroom
separate shower area and toilet, so more people can use the bathroom at different times
all cottages have verandas with hammocks
it also has wooden stairs that provide direct access to the water below

We also got a beachfront cottage, which I prefer more since it's right in front of the ocean. And the kids loved it since they could play in the sand the minute you step out of the door.


This large cottage is DELIGHT, and can fit a minimum of 7 and maximum of 15 pax. It's actually the same price as the INSPIRATION cottage. It has a master’s bedroom, guest room and a living area.


Extra persons cost P1,280.00 each with breakfast (the rates for extra persons applies to each person in excess of the minimum capacity of a cottage). Kids 6 years old and below free of charge.

There's just no TV in the cottages and also no wi-fi (except in the dining area but signal was also a bit weak). But it was actually quite nice since you can spend more time bonding with everyone.

pool area - a shallow one for kids and a deeper one for the adults
dining area
some of the food we ordered for lunch and dinner
breakfast
happy hour

Anyway, like I said earlier, we had the whole beach to ourselves during our stay which was absolutely amazing. They offered water activities too like boating, kayaking or snorkeling, but we were just happy playing in the sand.


The sand was white and it had a lot of these little shells which the kids and I had a blast collecting.

sand texture
burying dad in the sand
there were also so many little starfish
and lolo even found this sea slug (gross!)

The beach wasn't good for swimming though since it was low tide most of the time we were there. But it was just perfect for us since the kids could wade in the water. And since we were the only ones on the beach, even my 2 year old was just exploring on his own in the shallow parts.

breathtaking view
gorgeous sunset

We honestly weren't even able to explore the whole place since we were just content staying in the beach and pool. But some of our family members went on hikes and they were able to see the organic garden and also some animals. We tried going there too but we got sidetracked when we saw another beach area.

so many pretty flowers
Serenity Beach

This place was so pretty and all I could think about was how nice it was to have a wedding here. Can you imagine the trees strung with lots of lanterns and lights? :)


The kids loved running around here and playing with the tire swings.


There were also a couple of treehouses, which we were surprised to find had an actual room inside you can stay in!

the area is so small though, there's space for only a bed
and there's even a bathroom!

Anyway, if you're going to stay at Stilts, the best experience would still be the floating cottages. So if you're looking for a place to go this summer, definitely give this one a try. :)


Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort
Websitse: www.stiltscalataganbeachresort.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stilts.calataganbeachresort
Mobile: 0917-5807653 / 0917-5237777 / 0917-5863343 / 0908-8662254 / 0925-8226654
Landline: (+632) 511-8120 / 511-1895 / 845-0676
Email: sales@stiltscalataganbeachresort.net or stilts.sales@gmail.com

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Our 7th anniv dinner at Kiwa Korean Grill

March 8, 2016, 8:30 am
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It's been a month since our 7th wedding anniversary, and were actually here now in Bangkok for work plus to celebrate as well. But during our actual anniversary, we had dinner at the lovely Kiwa Korean Grill in Solaire.


I was here during the bloggers event of the restaurant and good thing they gave away gift certificates as part of the press kit. It was for a Yangnyumgalbi Course which is beef rib seasoned with special sweet soy sauce. Each set costs P3,000 each (good thing I had vouchers!) and it comes with salad, chapchae noodles, soup, and sidings.


Everything was so good, especially the beef which was so tender and tasty. I also loved the salad as well. And the best part, no smoke smell after all that grilling because of their state-of-the-art exhaust system where all the smoke is ventilated under the floor!


I really find their interiors so beautiful especially the ceiling. For more photos of the restaurant, check out my post HERE.


Anyway, I personally feel that it's very important to spend quality time with one another once in a while. When you get married and have children, you sometimes lose the romance part in your relationship since you focus more on the kids or get stressed out by work or other issues in your home. That't why we still try to go on dates as much as we can. Don't get me wrong, we love being with our kids all day, everyday. But having that time together allows you to have deeper and meaningful conversations and appreciate each other more. Personally, I believe that having a strong relationship as a couple is so important because it reflects on your kids and they will be able to see and emulate that in their future relationships as well. And of course, sometimes you just need that time by yourselves to recharge and refresh so you can be better people and parents too, right? If you're happy, everyone's happy! So here's to more anniversaries (and dates) with the love of my life. Cheers! :)

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Tokyo Travel Diaries: Tokyo Skytree

March 10, 2016, 4:00 am
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During our visit to Japan, hubby and I were contemplating whether to visit the Tokyo Tower or the Skytree. In the end, we chose the Skytree since it was newer and there seemed to be more things to see and do within the building (like a shopping complex and an aquarium). Anyway, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world at the time of its completion with a height of 634 meters.



We went on a Monday and we got there at around 10:30am. I was afraid there were going to be long lines, but surprisingly there were none! Anyway, tickets are sold on the 4th floor for the first observation deck. If there are a lot of people, you can get a Skytree Fast Ticket which is a special type of ticket available only to foreign tourists (and Japanese people accompanying foreign tourists). They are more expensive than regular tickets, but allow holders to skip the line and ascend the tower without waiting time. The tickets are sold at a separate ticket counter also on the 4th floor. A passport is required at the time of purchase.

Tickets for the first observatory cost 2060 yen each

Then we rode a very fast elevator up to the Tembo Deck, the first observation deck, which was 350 meters high.

inside the elevator
First Observation Deck
floor guide

You can get tickets for the second observation deck (450 meters high) here for an additional 1030 yen. But we didn't go anymore since we felt the view would more or less be the same.

love this interactive screen where you can zoom in on specific places around the city
view from the top
Skytree Cafe
photoshoot with anime dolls
have I told you I HATE heights? ;p
Skytree's shadow upon the city

It was also the Christmas season during the time we went, so there were lovely decorations everywhere.


There was even the cutest Christmas market outdoors. We felt like we were transported to Europe or something. So pretty!


Afterwards, we had lunch in one of the many restaurants found in the building.


Then there were still so many other things to see like displays and exhibits for free in the different floors.

super cool science and technology stuff

And this was the time Star Wars was just going to be shown so there were a lot of merchandise and displays as well.

my very own life-sized Kylo Ren ;p

We spent about 4 hours exploring, but I think you could very well spend the entire day here with the different attractions. We originally wanted to see the aquarium too, but we were already rushing since we still had to go to Asakusa after. But definitely a good experience and a great place!



Get There and Around
The entrance to the Tokyo Skytree is on the 4th floor of Tokyo Skytree Town, which spans the area between Tokyo Skytree Station (formerly known as Narihirabashi Station) on the Tobu Isesaki Line, and Oshiage Station on the Asakusa Subway Line, Hanzomon Subway Line and Keisei Oshiage Line. Alternatively, it is a 20 minute walk across the Sumida River from Asakusa.

Tokyo Skytree can also be reached by direct buses from Tokyo Station (30 minutes, 520 yen one way, 2 buses/hour), Ueno Station (30 minutes, 220 yen, 4 buses/hour), Tokyo Disney Resort (45-55 minutes, 720 yen, 1 bus/hour) and Haneda Airport (50-70 minutes, 920 yen, 1 bus/hour).

Website: www.tokyo-skytree.jp

Hours and Fees
HOURS: 8:00 to 22:00 (entry until 21:00)
CLOSED: No closing days
FEES:
First observatory: 2060 yen (regular), 2820 yen (fast ticket)
Second observatory: additional 1030 yen
An additional 510 yen service fee is charged for time specific advance reservations.
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Sofitel Staycation

March 12, 2016, 8:30 am
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My mother-in-law had her high school homecoming last February 20 at Sofitel, so she decided to book a stay there for the family so the kids can enjoy as well.


She booked through Agoda and got a Superior Room for P6k++ without breakfast. Room was 42 sq.m. big and had 1 King bed with balcony.

minibar
balcony view which wasn't so nice during the day
modern bathroom
but no bathtub

When we got to the hotel, we were surprised by how many people were there! The lobby was so crowded with guests. I think this was because it was the weekend (this was a Saturday), then the homecoming event, plus there were 3 weddings at different parts of the hotel that night!


We went swimming and there were a lot of people there as well, mostly just lounging around. The pool area was huge but we just stayed in one part which was the kiddie area.


There was a water slide but only for those 4ft above, so my kids weren't able to try it. But hubby had a go and he went down SO fast even he got surprised! I wish I'd gotten a video lol! ;p


They lend out life vests too, which is good since we forgot our salbabidas.

more lounge areas but these are the "reserved" ones
snack menu
we ordered fries

One thing my 2 year old son loves doing in hotels is running along the corridor, which I find is a great way for him to burn energy. He goes all the way until the end and back again... over and over!


Oh and it was so funny because we kept hearing fireworks throughout the night. We initially thought it was just the SM Mall of Asia display but it kept going on and on. Turns out it was the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition! And we had such a great view from our balcony!


Anyway, I have to say that for a 5-star hotel, I think the rooms deserve an upgrade. Room was very basic, nothing special. Everything was just ok, but looks kind of well-used. And I even found some small insects crawling on the sides of the table and the floor (ewww). Even the pool tiles looked worn out already. For the price, I'd rather stay in a newer hotel like Crimson or Fairmont.


Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
Tel: (+632) 551-5555
Fax: (632) 551-5610
Email: H6308@sofitel.com
Website: www.sofitelmanila.com
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Solstice Bistro & Boulangerie

March 14, 2016, 10:00 pm
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We celebrated my high school friend's bachelorette last February 22 by first having dinner at Solstice Bistro & Boulangerie in Rockwell. They're located right across Starbucks and just a short walk from Powerplant Mall. They had actually opened very recently when we visited and I think they were on soft opening that time.


I really liked the elegant, black and white look of the place. Service was also excellent the minute we stepped inside.


Live music also added to the ambiance. They had a 3-person band that went from table to table to serenade the guests. If I remember correctly, they were singing Tagalog songs and they even asked us if we had any requests. I think my friend said "Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko" hehe. ;p

live band
the bride-to-be
our table being serenaded

They serve European-inspired comfort food and we started off with their complementary bread.

Squid & Chorizo (P420)
line-caught squid & spanish chorizo sauteed in olive oil, garlic & paprika
Beef Salpicao (P580)
U.S. prime beef tenderloin sauteed in garlic & olive oil with spanish chorizo bits
Chorizo Pizza (P690)
sourdough pizza (oven-baked)
Coq Au Vin (P550)
chicken braised & roasted with white wine, served with quinoa, zucchini & carrots, or your choice of side dish
Chicken Jerk (P460)
grilled boneless chicken leg-quarter marinated in Jamaican spices, served with jambalaya rice, and pickled mangoes

Personally, my faves were the salpicao and the coq au vin. And at the end of the meal, they even gave us a free sourdough baguette to take home.

Anyway, Solstice is also launching its BOULANGERIE with an afternoon tea party tomorrow, MARCH 16, from 2:30-5:30PM. So drop by if you're in the area. :)

photo from their FB page

Solstice Bistro & Boulangerie
Ground Floor, 8 Rockwell, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell, Makati City
02-8021891
0977-7488861
solstice8rockwell@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/SolsticeBistroBoulangerie
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Tips for traveling with kids

March 16, 2016, 10:00 pm
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Traveling with the whole family is definitely fun but tiring as well. Especially if you have young kids or babies in tow. I have three kids currently aged 6, 4 and 2 and it definitely is not as easy as it looks, especially if you don’t have the budget to bring a yaya with you. You will be exhausted from carrying the baby bags, lugging the stroller, cleaning up after them, keeping them entertained, and so on and so forth. You have to put your kids’ needs first and accept that not everything will go as planned. Even if you have your whole itinerary prepared months in advance, it can all depend on your kids’ moods that day like if they suddenly get sick or throw a major temper tantrum.

We are actually on a family trip right now since it's already the kids' summer break. And I'm sure a lot of you are also getting ready to go on or are planning your own vacations as well. So to help other parents out there, here’s some tips for a fuss-free family travel based on my experience.


Before the Trip

- When booking your flights, try to choose the time that coincides with your baby or kid’s nap schedule so they’ll have a higher chance of sleeping in the airplane. 


- I’m sure all of us want to save money when traveling, but sometimes the extra hassle is not worth it especially if you’re with kids. Like when we went to Boracay, the flight to Kalibo was so much cheaper but of course we’ll still have to take a long bus ride to Caticlan. So even though the flight to Caticlan was more expensive, we booked that since it was more convenient for us and the kids. And if you have the budget, paying extra for premium seats on the plane can be worth it since you’ll be more comfortable especially if you’re with a baby.

- Make sure you have ample time to pack your things. Traveling with kids is a whole different story since you have to bring so much of their essentials. Make lists to ensure you don’t forget anything.


- Do your research on the places you will visit and activities you want to do. Know the best way to get to your location since it will save you time and money. Download useful apps to help you navigate the city.

- Try to check-in online if you can a day before your flight. It’s really easy and you just print your boarding passes. Usually, you can skip the long lines and just go straight to one of the counters to check-in your luggage.

At the Airport/Airplane

- Get to the airport early. You wouldn’t want to be rushing through everything and running to your gate with your kids in tow!


- Personally, I prefer boarding last when I’m with the kids since they get so impatient once inside the plane (When are we leaving?! Why aren’t we moving yet?!). At least they still have time to run around and expel some energy at the waiting area, rather than have nowhere to go once seated inside.


- Make your kids go to the bathroom before boarding. We all know how cramped airplane restrooms are.

- Bring your kids’ toys, books, and snacks to keep them preoccupied. Try not to bring the expensive or irreplaceable stuff though, as these have a high chance of getting lost or misplaced. Label your stuff and check everything before you leave a place to make sure you didn’t forget anything.

- Make sure you have the essentials with you in your carry-on bag like wipes, extra clothes, diapers, medicine, snacks, and toys. And once onboard, get the items you need and have them within reach before take-off and landing. You wouldn’t want your kid to be screaming for his toy or blankie (which is inside your bag in the overhead bin) once the seatbelt signs are on and the plane starts moving. 


During the Trip

- Be flexible with your plans. Understand that traveling with kids can be unpredictable depending on their mood and how they’re feeling. I once had to bring my son back to the hotel in the middle of dinner because his tummy was aching. Or even if we want to stay longer somewhere, we usually have to cut our outing short when the kids start complaining that they’re tired or have temper tantrums.


- Check operating hours of establishments you want to visit beforehand. You wouldn’t want to go all the way somewhere then find out the place was closed. And also check the weather forecast on that day so you know what to wear or if it will rain.

- Bring a stroller or a baby carrier (or both). In some areas, having a baby carrier is more convenient especially if there are a lot of stairs. But having a stroller can also provide some relief (carrying a baby/toddler for hours is no joke) and can come in handy when your kids have to take a nap. Plus, you can also use it to place all your shopping bags!


- If you can, schedule your visits to popular attractions like theme parks on a weekday so there will be considerably less people. And buy tickets in advance online so you won’t have to line up at the ticket booth anymore.

- Taking public transportation when traveling is a great experience for kids. Just be sure to avoid rush hour because the crowds can get really suffocating. Plus, it will be nearly impossible to squish your way in a cramped train especially if you have a stroller. 


Bottomline, traveling with your kids is challenging but rewarding. At times, it might not even seem like a vacation for you since their needs come first. But remember to just enjoy the moment, keep your cool and know that it will get easier as they grow older. Learn to laugh at stressful situations and treat each moment as an adventure!


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Nurture Wellness Village, Tagaytay

March 19, 2016, 9:30 am
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Tagaytay is a very popular wedding destination and we were actually invited to two weddings there recently, both on the same day (February 24)! One was for my high school friend at Balai Taal, while the other was for my hubby's childhood friend at Nurture Wellness Village. Since both hubby and my daughter were part of the entourage of the latter, we also went ahead and booked a room at Nurture Spa.



According to their website, Nurture Wellness Village (formerly known as Nurture Tropical Spa & Café) was founded in 2001 and is a Department of Tourism accredited destination spa.

Nurture has been named One of the 28 Most Relaxing Spas in Asia by CNN Go and one of the Top Seven Spas of the Philippines by Asia Spa Magazine. Located deep amidst coffee orchards, Nurture offers a distinctive brand of “Ecotherapy” or healing by and through nature. It provides a unique Filipino wellness experience, from its unique Ifugao native huts to its Filipino themed décor to its therapeutic Filipino themed spa treatments, to its Filipino fusion cuisine in its restaurant.


Anyway, the sprawling compound is filled with lots of lush greenery and rustic accommodations. This place is perfect for nature lovers and those who want to escape the hectic city life.


They offer a wide range of spa and wellness services, but we weren't able to try any since we were obviously there for the wedding. Here's one of the many outdoor huts you can get a massage in, while surrounded by nature.

"Ulogs" or native huts in the Mountain Province

The accommodations are located in different villas, all surrounded by beautiful gardens. Guests have a choice of five types of accommodations: Ifugao Spa Suites, DeLuxe Forest View Rooms, Superior Garden View Rooms, Family Rooms and GLAMPING or glamorous camping.


Our room was a Superior Garden View (GANDA) which was on the 2nd floor. We got a discount because we were part of the wedding, but you can view their regular rates in their website.


Room was nice and clean and had a queen sized bed. The room was a bit small but there was still space for an extra bed if you wanted one. Room was air-conditioned but the weather was so cold during our stay that we just opened the windows.


There was cable TV with lots of channels which was good since their wi-fi signal was so weak! We didn't have internet the whole time we were there, not even 3G.


The bathroom was surprisingly large and spacious which was awesome!


Anyway, we loved exploring the grounds which was so peaceful. You really feel one with nature and relaxed just taking a stroll through the gardens.


They also had a pool but it was quite small. But since the weather was so chilly when we were there, we didn't even bother bringing swimsuits.


The kids enjoyed the cute playground with swings and a slide. I think you can even play patintero on that rectangular area too. :)


What was cool was their “GLAMPING” or “glamorous camping” area which features tents with comfortable mattresses, an outdoor restroom and shower facility with running hot and cold water and a barbeque/bonfire area. There was even a trampoline! Maybe we'll try this sometime. ;p


But the main reason we were there was of course the wedding and I have to say this place is really a gorgeous setting. The reception was simple but with a place like this, you really don't need much. And the couple said the rates were very affordable too.




Their room package also includes breakfast the next day.

their restaurant
buffet breakfast

We really had a great time here at Nurture Wellness Village. The place is beautiful and peaceful and if I could have my wedding again, I would seriously consider having it here!



Nurture Wellness Village 
Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II West Cavite,
Tagaytay, Luzon 4120, Philippines
www.nurturewellnessvillage.com
M: +63 917 687 8873 / +63 918 888 8772
T: +63 2 401 9030 / +63 2 710 9786 / +63 46 512 6273
E: info@nurture.com.ph
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Tokyo Travel Diaries: Odaiba

March 22, 2016, 9:30 am
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Next stop in our Japan adventure is Odaiba, which is a large artificial island across the Rainbow Bridge from central Tokyo. There's a lot of attractions here but I have to say the main reason hubby and I wanted to go was to see the popular, life-sized Gundam statue.



The Gundam statue is located at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, a huge shopping, dining and entertainment complex. There's actually a "show", which starts in the afternoon, with lights, sound, and smoke effects coming from the statue. I was actually expecting Gundam to start walking and moving around, but he just stood there hehe. ;p


There was also a park right across which was so lovely because of the fall colors.


It was so nice to take a walk around the island because of the different sights.

a view of the Rainbow Bridge
Fuji TV Building
can you see the airplane in the sky?

We got a chance to see Gundam again when it was dark, and I have to say the show was much nicer since you can now see all the lights.


This was also during the Christmas season so there were lots of illumination displays around the area. We also went inside Aquacity, which was another shopping mall. This is where we bought our tickets to DisneySea since they had a Disney Store inside. There are nice views of the Rainbow Bridge from the wooden deck in front of Aquacity as well.

a replica of the Statue of Liberty
Fuji TV Building at night. There is an observatory deck housed in the sphere shaped part of the building.
Rainbow Bridge illuminated at night

Definitely one of our favorite parts during our trip! Next time, will be sure to explore more of the island.

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Southern Dairy Homemade Gelato + Kitchen

March 25, 2016, 9:30 am
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Hubby and I passed by this dessert place along Aguirre Ave. one time, but they were still closed. Good thing we chanced upon the store again one night after dinner when we were craving for something sweet!


Southern Dairy is the newest ice cream parlour in BF Homes offering homemade gelato in various flavors. The place is quite small, but cozy. With the stools and tables inside, I think they can accommodate about 15-20 people in the store.


Their gelatos are freshly made everyday and they only make a small batch per flavor to ensure quality. It's all natural, preservatives-free, with no food coloring added. They also serve other desserts like sundaes, floats, milkshakes, and savory dishes like pasta and sandwiches.


We got different flavors of the gelato like chocolate, strawberry shortcake and cookie dough. All were yummy and creamy. Even my daughter who is super picky with food gave it a thumbs-up! :)


We also ordered the Signature Hershey's Cookie Chips, which are two-piece cookie cupcakes topped with Hershey's chocolates and a scoop of their homemade vanilla gelato. This was soooo good, especially the cookies which were so soft and fudgy!


So if you're looking for dessert in the BF area, definitely give Southern Dairy a try. :)


Southern Dairy Homemade Gelato + Kitchen
44-C Aguirre Ave.
B.F. Homes, Parañaque
(02) 503-4809
1:30PM - 11:00PM
www.facebook.com/MooersPH
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Cherry Blossoms in Singapore

March 29, 2016, 8:16 pm
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Hello! If you're following me on Instagram, then you know we just got back from sunny Singapore & Malaysia a few days ago. But don't you sometimes feel like you need a vacation from your vacation? Haha I know hubby and I do, especially after traveling with the kids. To think we didn't even take Skyler along because at 2, I don't think he'll even remember the trip. And I honestly don't know how we can travel with all 3 kids without a yaya or other family members to help. Just Miley and Sabe were a handful! But enough about that for now, I'll be sure to blog about our many adventures in the coming weeks. :)

Anyway, most people were on vacation during the Holy Week and a lot of those I saw online were in Japan, enjoying the cool weather. And I'm sure more people will be going there since it's cherry blossom season! This is definitely something that is on my bucket list, and I guess I was one step closer since I was able to see cherry blossoms... but in Singapore!


I wasn't really planning on visiting the Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay during this trip since I already went there last year. But when my friend said that the display was cherry blossoms, I knew I had to see it!


The exhibit called "Blossom Beats" is styled after a traditional Japanese garden and features elements such as Japanese screens, kimonos, and even a torii gate. It was on display from March 11 to 27 only, so I feel so lucky that we were able to catch it when we were there. Anyway, get ready for tons of pictures starting in 3, 2, 1...


See, I didn't even have to travel to Japan to see the cherry blossoms! It was also extra cold in the dome since they had to lower the temperature to create optimal conditions for the flowers. So it really felt like we were in Japan for a bit haha!

Anyway, to see my previous visit to the Flower Dome (which featured nursery rhymes) click HERE. You can also check out the Cloud Forest HERE.


GARDENS BY THE BAY: FLOWER DOME
18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953
Tel: (+65) 6420 6848.  
Email: feedback@gardensbythebay.com.sg
Website: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/the-gardens/attractions/flower-dome.html
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Blow Painting for Kids

April 5, 2016, 1:48 am
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I've been looking at Art Workshops I can enroll my daughter in this summer, but honestly they can be quite expensive. And for her age (she's 6), most of the activities are still for beginners like finger painting, collage making, paper folding, molding clay, etc. So I figured, why not just do art activities with her at home? So off we went to National Bookstore and bought a bunch of materials (which cost a fraction of what one class would have cost!). And for our first activity, we did blow painting!



All you need is some PAINT...


PAPER...


And STRAW! Then, you just have to water down your paints so they'll be easier to blow on the paper.


To get the paint, I told my daughter to dip the straw in the container then hold the top part of the straw to trap the paint. Then just let go on the paper.


The best part is there's no rules to this! Just keep blowing colors and it'll form this nice abstract art piece.


What do you think? Super easy and fun to do! But not so much for the younger kids, they might sip the paint instead hehe. So if you're thinking of something to do with you kiddos this summer, why not give this activity a try. :)


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Belo Baby product launch

April 9, 2016, 7:21 am
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Last April 6, I was invited to the launch of Belo Baby, the newest line of products from the Belo Group.


The event was held at Museum Café and I loved that it was just an intimate gathering of mommy bloggers. I got to see familiar faces and also met new friends.


Before we actually entered the venue though, we were asked to pick which quality was the most important to us when choosing products for our babies - SAFE, NATURAL or GENTLE. I chose SAFE but then later on, it would be explained that we don't need to choose when using Belo Baby since all the products possess these 3 qualities.


Belo Baby's first ever range of products consists of soap, hair and body wash, face and body lotion, and colognes. And each one was crafted with meticulous care for your baby and the whole family using safe, natural, and gentle ingredients:

Cocoa Butter - has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; strengthens and moisturizes skin

Shea Butter - a known superfood for the skin; naturally heals common skin conditions of babies like eczema and rash.

Sweet Almond Oil - a natural emollient for softening skin; locks in moisture into the skin

soap - P79.75, hair and body wash - P219.75, face and body lotion - P224.75
colognes - P79.75 each

Of course, Cristalle Belo Henares was there to further explain the process that she and her team took to create this line. I love how they not only chose which ingredients to put in, but also which to leave out. Meaning all the products are free of harmful stuff like sulfates (which strip the skin of its natural oils), parabens (synthetic preservatives used to extend product shelf life), tetrasodium EDTA (breaks down the skin's protective barrier), and phthalates (a chemical ingrediuent used as a plasticizer to soften plastics) to name a few.

The Belo Baby Guarantee is that each product formulation uses 100% certified natural ingredients with 0% harmful chemicals, clinically proven gentle and less irritating.


I also really learned a lot that day about how delicate a baby's skin is. Like how their skin is 20-30% thinner compared to adults and is also very permeable. There was even a fun trivia game, and even though our table lost, everyone was still given goody bags containing Belo suncare products (yey!). Perfect for the summer. ;p


We also met the brand's mombassadors, namely Patty Laurel-Filart, Kelly Misa-Fernandez, and Nicole Hernandez-De Los Angeles, who all talked about their experiences using the products.


All the mom bloggers were given a set of the Belo Baby line plus this cute stuffed toy lamb. I'm super excited to try the products on my own kids and post a review soon. Watch out for it in the coming weeks. :)


Anyway, I've actually known Cristalle for many years now because she was my classmate in high school. And it was also nice to see another AC girl, Monica (who blogs over at Dharma Dreams). It was like a mini reunion of sorts. :)


If you want to know more about the new Belo Baby line, check out their website at www.belobaby.ph.  For now, you can get it online at Lazada, Zalora, and Cudsly. But soon it will be available at all leading supermarkets, drugstores, and even sari-sari stores nationwide.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/belobabylove
Twitter: @belobabylove
Instagram: @belobabylove
Hashtag: #BeloBaby
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Mommy Bloggers Workshop on April 23

April 13, 2016, 8:11 pm
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Are you a mommy blogger or would like to be one? Then join Good Housekeeping’s Mommy Bloggers Workshop on April 23, 2016 (Saturday) from 1-4PM at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel.

Slots are limited so please sign up/confirm right away to reserve your slot! Make sure you register on or before April 15 to get the discounted rate.

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Tokyo Travel Diaries: DISNEYSEA (plus park tips!)

April 14, 2016, 5:51 am
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During our trip to Tokyo last year, we decided to just visit DisneySea instead of Disneyland because I'm such a huge Little Mermaid fan. Plus, you can only find DisneySea in Japan. Since I've already been to Disneyland in California and Hong Kong, I wanted to experience something different as well.



Inspired by the myths and legends of the sea, Tokyo DisneySea is made up of seven themed ports of call: Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront.


While suitable for all ages, Tokyo DisneySea was designed to specifically also appeal to a more grown up audience. They even serve alcoholic beverages, which are unavailable at the neighboring park. Hubby was in heaven drinking a beer at Disney!



Anyway, here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your visit based on my experience. I think most of these tips are applicable to any theme park as well though, so read on. :)

TICKETS

We tried buying our tickets online but for some reason it kept getting an error. So what you can do is buy your tickets in any Disney Store in Japan. You can find the list of stores selling park tickets HERE. We bought ours in Odaiba Aqua City. Our ticket cost Y6,900 each and we used credit card to pay. Saves you time than actually buying on the day itself because you can just enter the park straightaway.


Ticket prices are the same for Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo DisneySea Park.


PLAN AHEAD

Visit the park's website before your visit so you can familiarize yourself with the layout, rides, and attractions. And especially check operating times since some days the park may open or close earlier. Like if you check the calendar, average time is usually 8am to 10pm, but there are certain days that the park closes at 6pm.


You may also check dates and times of shows, temporarily closed attractions. age or height restrictions for certain rides so you know what to expect during your visit. Try to arrive early and go on a weekday if possible to avoid large crowds.


WHAT TO BRING

Outside food and beverages are not allowed, but bring a water bottle which you can refill at water fountains to save money. Also check the weather beforehand so you know if you should bring an umbrella. I also brought a GorillaPod but the staff who checked my bag said I couldn't use tripods or selfie sticks inside the park. I didn't have to leave it at the entrance though which was good, but sayang lang the space and weight in my bag.


RIDES & ATTRACTIONS

We went on a weekday but there was still a LOT of people! As in! The lines can get pretty long like 45 minutes to more than an hour. If you have the budget, get a FastPass so you can maximize your time.


But if you're ok with being a SINGLE RIDER, go for it! Most of the rides are usually even numbered, like 2 or 4 persons in a row. Single Rider means you line up separately and if there's an available slot (like when there's a group of 3 people), you get to fill up the empty seat. Hubby and I did this and we were able to save a TON of time. There are only 2 rides in DisneySea that allow Single Riders, which are Indiana Jones and Raging Spirits. For Raging Spirits, it was about a 20 minute wait while for Indiana Jones just 5 minutes! If we had lined up together, we would have spent hours here.
SINGLE RIDERS ATTRACTIONS in DISNEYSEA

Another tip would be to visit popular rides/attractions during parades or shows, since most of the people would obviously be watching outside. But only if you're ok with missing those shows or if you've already seen them before, since sayang din naman. I was honestly thinking of skipping Fantasmic, but glad I didn't since it was still so amazing no matter how many times you've seen it.

the crowd during one of the shows
Fantasmic!


CHARACTER GREETING

Ariel is my favorite Disney Princess so I was so excited to have a photo with her. BUT guests are requested to limit their photo-taking to ONE shot per party when using their own camera. Not like in Hong Kong Disneyland where you can take many shots, and even use your cam and phone. So after this photo with hubby, hindi na pala ako pwede mag solo, not unless I avail of Disney's photography service. Ang haba pa ng line, so I didn't want to line up again. But it's ok, at least I have a photo with Ariel and that's what matters.


There are some characters though that will just pop out in certain places. Like we went to the Mermaid Lagoon and I was so surprised to see Donald, Daisy, Pluto, and Goofy there! But no need to line up to have your photo taken with them. Basically, you just go up to them and take a pic coz they're just interacting with everybody. But it's kinda magulo though since there are a lot of people crowding around them as well, especially kids. So sariling diskarte lang. I would prefer having a line though so it's more organized.



HARDLY ANY ENGLISH

The park had maps and signs in English, but for all the rides, attractions, and shows - the language spoken was Japanese. At least in Hong Kong Disneyland, they would speak Chinese but then have an English translation after. Here wala talaga. All the instructions, reminders, and songs you would hear were in Japanese so it was quite frustrating at times since you couldn't understand a thing.

Mickey and friends singing in Japanese


SOUVENIRS

If you're going to buy souvenirs, buy during the day. We made a mistake of making that our last stop before heading home - when everyone else is also panic-buying before the park closes! Super daming tao in all the shops. And people were really buying so much stuff, namamakyaw sila ha! We really had to squeeze our way through all these people just to buy one thing... a MAGNET haha! ;p

pandemonium!

It's so funny pa nga, we saw so many people holding this teddy bear everywhere. We're not familiar kasi with the character. Anyway, we entered one of the stores and ayun, we ended up buying one as well haha! This is Duffy and Shellie May, superstar bears in Japan!



Anyway, DisneySea was such a magical experience as expected. I especially love visiting Disneyland during the Christmas season since everything is more festive with the decors and lights. And of course it was nicer to go around the park with the cold weather. Hopefully we get to come back and if we're with the kids, we have to check out Tokyo Disneyland naman. :)


Get There and Around
From Maihama Station, take the Disney Resort Monorail to Tokyo Disney Sea Station (10 minutes, 260 yen). Alternatively, you can walk to the park from Maihama Station in about 20 minutes.


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A Star Wars Birthday Party

April 18, 2016, 8:22 pm
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Happy 5th Birthday to our dear Sabre! Since his birthday falls in April, he wasn't able to celebrate with his classmates last year. So he's been bugging me for the longest time that he wanted to have a party in school this year. We actually threw his party in early March, before their moving up day, so it was a super advanced celebration. ;p


Anyway, I was so happy to find cheap Star Wars themed party supplies in National Bookstore.

party hats, loot bags, banner

Hubby also went to Canada for work and bought all the Star Wars party stuff he could find.

masks
balloons from Canada, then we just bought sticks here from a local bookstore
napkins
plastic table cover
Play Packs at $1 each!
comes with crayons, stickers, & coloring book

Then, I just printed personalized tags which I stuck on the back of the loot bags from National Bookstore.


I love how the Play Packs fit perfectly inside the loot bags!


This is the banner from National Bookstore. I just downloaded a free Star Wars font so I could use it to print Sabre's name (and also for the loot bags and invite).

party hats
balloons
star candles from National Bookstore
DIY cupcake toppers
used his toys as cake toppers

 Here are some photos from his school party:


Again, happy 5th birthday to our very own Jedi! We love you so much baby! :)

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Our McDonald's Kiddie Crew experience 2016

April 21, 2016, 1:44 am
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Over the past few years, I've been seeing pictures of the McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop in social media and I'd always wondered when my own kids would get to do it. Well, finally the time has come since they're now old enough (5 & 6 years old)!



We actually registered in mid-March here in BF, and got the slot for the Batch 4 workshop which was held last April 11-15. There's a morning and an afternoon session, and we signed up for the 3PM to 5PM schedule. You don't need to bring your child with you when you sign up since you'll just be submitting the form and payment. The uniforms will be given later on.

For a registration fee of P650, your child will get a t-shirt, cap, bag, I.D., workshop materials, and meals.


The orientation and releasing of uniforms was actually done just 2 days before we started the workshop. We got a text on Friday to come to McDonald's the next day (Saturday) from 1:30PM - 3PM.

Basically, the kids just introduced themselves and we were given an overview of the activities that they will be doing for the week. These activities will only be from Monday to Thursday though, since Friday will just be their graduation.

Values formation lecture: Teamwork, handwork, responsibility, discipline, sharing
On-the-floor training: Front counter, Drive-thru, Lobby
Workshops: Personalize your own Scrapbook, Burger Making, Talent Workshop, Song and Dance: Kiddie Crew Theme Song, Do-the-Ronald, Dance Exercise

Then the kids were given a short tour of the kitchen area. Some important reminders were that the kids should come in pants/jeans since there might be hot areas in the kitchen they could be exposed to, and also to use a hairnet at all times to ensure food cleanliness.

items released during the orientation

Anyway, we did the workshop together with some of their friends so it would be more fun. I think us mommies were more excited than the kids haha! And be ready to eat a whole lot of McDonald's for the whole week lol. And to buy Happy Meals for your kids! ;p

first day on the job!

There were 12 kids in their batch and they would stay in the party area room first and do some activities. Us parents would just wait for them outside but we could see them sometimes dancing or drawing. Then after a while, they'd go out and do on-the-floor training. Take note though that they only spend about 45 minutes here so if you're going to invite relatives and friends, make sure they're there early. Their grandparents missed them twice since they were already done by 4pm!

What I appreciated is that the staff were so accommodating to us parents who kept taking pictures of the kids. I'm sure you can imagine us all crowding around the counter and drive-thru area haha! Of course, this is free advertising for them so I'm sure they encourage it. ;p

Anyway, my kids' favorite activity was doing the drive-thru and they did this all week!


Of course, we went and ordered drive-thru so they could serve us personally. That's hubby in the black car getting his merienda. ;p The kids were so excited every time they would see an incoming car in the monitor. And they loved handing out the food to the customers!


They also did the first window of the drive-thru where you give your payment.


 They were also able to do the counter, but they told me they really liked the drive-thru area more.


On Day 4, they did the burger making activity. I'm glad the parents were allowed to go inside to watch the kids and take pics. It was so fun seeing them make a McDo burger, which was also their food after.


Btw, their merienda for the week is either a burger or spaghetti. Since my daughter is very picky with food and doesn't eat either, it's ok to bring snacks or buy something else (in our case fries). I just ate her food after. Hay, tataba ka talaga sa Kiddie Crew e! ;p

For the last day, we were informed that their graduation would be at 10AM since it was for both the morning and afternoon batches together. When it started, we were so surprised that it was Sabre who led the prayer! It was so cute because they just told him to pray for what he felt like. So he said something like "Dear God, please pray for my Daddy when he's at work. And take care of my mommy when she's at home." LOL! Love you baby!


Then, the morning and afternoon batches performed their Kiddie Crew song one after the other.


After a group picture, it was time to give out their certificates. Here they are with Kuya Rolly, who was so nice and patient with them. I'm sure it's not easy dealing with a whole bunch of kids for these workshops, so thumbs up to all of the Kiddie Crew staff. :)

good job kids!

Here are some of the other items they were able to take home - a scrapbook where they draw what they did for the day, a CD with the McDo songs, and pins/badges.


We really had a wonderful time and I definitely recommend this activity to everyone. For P650, it's super sulit and the kids get to have such a great and memorable experience. They were actually so sad when it ended so for sure we will be doing this again next year!

I believe registration is until April 30, but I heard there are some branches that are already full. Just make sure to call the branch to inquire or check the McDo website for more details.
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10 Money Principles Kids Should Learn

April 23, 2016, 7:09 pm
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Learning about the value of money and the importance of saving is essential even at an early age. I'm happy that my young kids kind of grasp this concept already by always asking "is this cheap?" when they want to buy something haha. ;p

But seriously, I myself was taught at a young age to be practical. I remember not spending my allowance in school and just saving this up as much as I could. I also remember how exciting it was for me as a little girl opening up my first savings account and having my own passbook. These things have stayed with me until now, and I'm hoping my kids will be the same. I want them to be successful and have financial freedom when they become adults.

Anyway, sharing this super cute infographic about money principles that really applies to everyone. Remember, it's never too early to start saving and investing for the future!


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Sigekiya Ramen in Commercenter Alabang

April 24, 2016, 5:00 pm
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Last April 13, I was invited to try the latest ramen place in the Philippines, Sigekiya Ramen, which is located in Commercenter Alabang.



Sigekiya actually started as a humble ramen shop in Yokohama, Japan that was established in 2010 by Ramen Master Mamoru Sugizaki. It became very popular among the Filipinos living there because of the very delicious taste of its signature Sigekiya Ramen, as well as its tsukemen. Sigekiya is also very popular among Koreans who love the spiciness of the ramen, and of course the Japanese who love its distinct taste.

this is the original Sigekiya Ramen shop in Yokohama

Sigekiya was “discovered” by Filipino Gaylord Gatchalian while he was working in Yokohama way back in 2010. He had a “love at first slurp” with the ramen that he promoted it to his friends and officemates working in Yokohama. Since then, Sigekiya became the favorite ramen shop of most Filipinos in Yokohama.

Two years ago, Miguel Illescas (who is the brother-in-law of Gaylord) was also assigned to work in Yokohama. Miguel became friends with Sugizaki-san as well since he frequented Sigekiya every week to eat ramen and tsukemen. Miguel and Gaylord talked to Sugizaki-san about bringing Sigekiya to Manila and the rest was history.

Miguel with his wife Margarita, Master Sugizaki-san, and Gaylord

Sigekiya actually means “something spicy” so I was relieved that you could choose the spice level that suits you. Personally, I have very low tolerance for spicy food so I told them that I was a Level 1 out of 10. But if you want, you can even go beyond Level 10 (which is already really hot) for a minimal fee... all the way to Level 100!

the different sizes of their bowls

While waiting for our food, we munched on this appetizer which was so addicting. We were surprised to find out it was made of fried gyoza wrappers!


Aside from their ramen, they also serve side dishes like gyoza which is one of my favorites. I love the texture of their gyoza and how it was a bit chewy.


This is their Chashu Sushi. I personally don't eat sushi, so this meat version was a treat for me!


And now finally, the main dish! I was served the Sigekiya Ramen, which is the signature ramen of the house. The soup was rich, the noodles were thick, and the grilled chashu was very flavorful.


This was my son's first time to try ramen and he LOVED it! He kept saying this was his new favorite restaurant and he wanted to eat ramen again. :)


This is the Tsukemen Gyokai, which has a fishy flavor and is topped with fish powder.


This is the regular Tsukemen, without the fish powder. It is also called the dipping ramen since you dip the cold noodles into the steaming hot soup.


Sigekiya Ramen makes its own noodles at their restaurant and all the food preparation is being done on site, similar to how it is being done in Japan. This guarantees that everything is fresh and of high quality. All of the ingredients, except vegetables and pork, are imported from Japan to ensure that it could maintain the original taste of Sigekiya.


Lastly, we were served some Jelly Ace as dessert and I really liked their presentation!


For all you ramen lovers out there, don't forget to ask about their loyalty card in which you could get free ramen or tsukemen once all the 20 boxes have been filled out with stamps.


Anyway, it was a lovely lunch with these ladies. I can't wait to go back especially since I've seen that they've now added more items to their menu like chicken karaage, rice toppings, and korokke (deep fried mashed potato with minced chashu). So if you're looking for an authentic ramen place, look no further than Sigekiya!



SIGEKIYA RAMEN
Commercenter Bldg., Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang
0917-5330818
11:00am to 10:00pm
Instagram & Twitter: @sigekiyaramenph

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DIY: Popsicle Stick Characters

May 1, 2016, 3:47 am
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Now that it's the summer break, I sometimes feel like I'm busier than when the kids were in school. Between driving and accompanying them to their different activities/workshops/playdates, I also have to think of ways to keep them entertained at home.



Well, here's one project that my 6 year old actually thought of. We were in National Bookstore one day buying art supplies when she pointed to these rainbow colored popsicle sticks on the shelf.


She then proceeded to look for googly eyes and when I asked her what she was going to make, she said stick characters!


Then just gather any markers, paints, or coloring materials for decorating.


I actually just left them in their room and they were busy for more than an hour. Usually, they'd call me and ask for help, but for this project, it was all them! :)


After I came in to check on them, they showed me their works of art. This is their self-portraits:


And my daughter also made these Disney Princesses characters. If you can't tell, that's Snow White, Jasmine, Aurora, and Rapunzel. :)


Meanwhile, my 5 year old son made these Marvel Superheroes. I had trouble identifying some of them (he knows his characters more than me lol), but I applaud his creativity! From the left is Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, Ant-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Red Hulk (the Hulk's brother daw), and Nick Fury haha!


I just love this project since it's so easy and fun for the kids. They get to exercise their imagination with the simplest of materials. Plus after they made their characters, they spent another hour playing with them. Now that's a win in my book!
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