Love@5 Years

Can’t imagine that we have celebrated our 5 Years together as husband and wife which will only mean that we have been together as a couple for 13 Years. Hubby posted this on my wall:

“...to the one woman I will marry a thousand times over...happy anniversary =) love you!"

Syempre kinilig ako! Even after all these years, he continually gives a warm smile on my face. To which I replied:

“ waaah! now ko lang nabasa... thanks ney! ... and to the man I will say "Yes!" a thousand times over... Happy 5th Anniversary!"

And that’s true. I believe and trust that we are both right for each other. Just look at our kids – diba perfect combination – genes pa lang yan! Hahaha!

We decided to celebrate with an overnight stay at Edsa Shangri-La last December 30 (post celebration). We brought with us the 2 boys (sans the yaya) so imagine our hands were full but it was a fun stay especially for Kuya who enjoyed the swimming pool so much. And when we asked him if he wants to join a swimming or football class – he would excitedly say “swimming.” So we are still torn where to enroll him this summer.

I didn’t go swimming anymore to watch over Rafa. Hayz! I could have brought my swimsuit and alternate watching over Rafa with hubby. We actually got a go signal from his pedia that it’s okay but it was our choice (in the end) not to let him swim since he’s barely 4 months old.

Take a look at Kuya… all ready to swim…

Having so much fun with Daddy.

By the pool.

That night, we ate at the Heat. I consumed less rice (HA! I’m so used to eating less rice.) but devoured on the baked salmon, grilled salmon, baked lobster and the chocolate chip cookies. Those cookies are heavenly, I tell you. Not much pictures during dinner… remember, we have 2 boys with us.

The next day, we had breakfast at the Heat again. Thank God we were such early birds because we would have been lining up for breakfast. They’re jam packed that morning (31st) . We loved the Coffee Frozen Yogurt they served during breakfast yum yum!

Coffee Frozen Yogurt on top of my Peach Crepe
with pistachio and dark choco chips.

After breakfast, Daddy and Enzo went swimming again. Rafa and I went up early to our room as it was drizzling. Daddy and Enzo followed suit before 11AM as Enzo still wants to play at the bath tub. Seriously, when we buy our own house, we’ll have a bath tub installed.

And here is our yearly Anniversary picture. Oh! I have yet to post our yearly Christmas picture too (reminds self!)

Flower Anniversary Celebration

Our 4^th Year Anniversary was spent on a weekend at Sofitel. We decided to splurge a bit as a consolation for our cancelled Bohol vacation. We left the condo early thinking we can at least enjoy the hotel facilities even if we will not be able to check-in early. Luckily, there was an available room at the 5^th floor so we were able to check-in as early as 11AM.

There was only a hassle on guaranteeing our overnight stay. Since I know that my credit card might not be accepted due to recent charges made on the card, I specifically asked the Reservation Officer if they are accepting BPI EPS. The girl said yes and even offered that they also have a BPI ATM machine within the hotel premises. Great! So when my credit card did not work (as I have expected) and when I was about to settle the room accommodation with a BPI ATM card, I was told by the Front Desk Officer that their machine is only for BdO. What?! She told me they have a BPI ATM machine downstairs. Fine! However, that machine is unable to make transactions. What?! I was really pissed off already but controlling myself as I do not want to ruin our stay. I demanded to be allowed to check-in already so that we can go out and find a BPI ATM machine nearby. If that Reservation Officer advised me when I called the day before that they cannot process BPI EPS then I would have made the withdrawal before going to the hotel. That’s my point!

Thank God there is a nearby BPI ATM machine that can actually dispense some cash harharhar! We decided to eat in Jollibee (as Enzo is demanding!) so we can splurge later on the dinner buffet offered at Spiral. But since the Jollibee branch there only have breast and wing part which hubby doesn’t like, we moved to KFC where we were able to finally grab our lunch. We headed back to the hotel by 1PM.

After some photo ops in the hotel, we finally let Enzo swim in their brrr… cold… freezing cold pool! But the lil boy had a blast and it was harder to get him out of the water. Then we took a quick afternoon nap.

Thank God that we made a reservation at Spiral that afternoon. We were even told that we will be on the waitlist already. We went down a bit early for our 6:30PM reservation and surprise! Surprise! They were able to include our reservation in the lay-out of the restaurant so we don’t have to wait anymore for our turn. As they say, “The early bird catches the worm!” And guess what time our dinner ended? 9PM harharhar!

We woke up early the next day to have breakfast so that we still have time to go for another swim. We were done with breakfast and swimming before 11AM and had our mini-family pictorial at the hotel room 533 and the hotel grounds. Nice pictures huh?!

This is why I told hubby I wanted to get married on the month of December. The mood is sooo festive and happy. Thanking God for those 4 blessed years of being together. There might have been bumps along the way but I’m happy and thankful that there weren’t really any rough roads for us. Plus we are blessed with this wonderful kiddo – who’s talkative yet inquisitive, naughty yet charming, temperamental yet sweet and lovable and he’s only 3!

42 days to go...

and I pray for a good weather such as this to welcome us on our family vacation...












We ended up booking at Dumaluan Beach Resort as finally I was convinced that Dumaluan Beach is a lot quieter and beach is also nicer, they say. But I should keep in mind that the food in the older Dumaluan Resort is cheaper and better than here. We should try their grill restaurant there.

I was thinking of having our lunch on the 15th at Bohol Bee Farm as they said food is okay here and it's our treat for hubby's 31st birthday. Any feedback on their menu?

The tour guide, Mang Johnny (referred by hubby's officemate) is suggesting we do the Panglao tour upon arrival since check-in time is still at 2pm. Then he said we can have the Countryside tour the next day. I was thinking of skipping the "Hanging Bridge" and "Butterfly Garden." I was also told by Mang Johnny that the Loboc cruise and lunch is Php400/head... hmmm... but I heard reviews that don't expect much on the food. But it's also one of the highlights in Bohol aside from the Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers encounter.

Lapit na...

random thoughts

Our dream of at least one trip a year since we got married has been coming true for us so far...

2006 - Cebu on our honeymoon
2007 - gave birth
2008 - Boracay
2009 - Cebu (again with lolos/lolas)
and this 2010, we're off to Bohol (finally!). Even my brother's family will be going with us with my 2 nephews that equals to riot but fUn... FuN... FUN!!

I was able to book 6 adults (including the lolos/lolas) + 1 child for only, let me type that again ONLY Php8,680.00. Wowowee! We're leaving on hubby's 31st birthday but it's also an advance 3rd birthday celebration for the lil boy meaning, we will no longer have a big party for him on his birth date. Of course, I will still cook spaghetti and get him a Goldilock's McQueen cake. At least, we are able to pamper the lolos/lolas who have generously showered Enzo not only with material gifts but more of their time and unconditional love and support to our family. I bet it will be a lot of fun. I'm leaning on booking at Alona Tropical but not yet guaranteed.

--ooOoo --

I sooo like this! Something to bring to work to perk me up hahaha! Since it cost a bit, not as much as an LV but we're saving for the family trip and all, this have to wait for a little more time... how about December hon? kidding...









--ooOoo--

And this I can't miss. I'll have hubby get tickets for July 2.

Do I book now?

Alona Tropical it is! As recommended by my high school barkada whose hometown is Bohol.

But my dilemma is to book now with PAL's existing promo (Php1,000/way to Visayas) or wait a little more (maybe until June) if ever there will be cheaper promos by then. What do you think? Should I already grab the Php2,000/head?

Alona Tropical Beach Resort

Alona Tropical Beach Resort was the first resort I was looking at. Rates are reasonable. And it has a pool (Isis Bungalows doesn't have one.).












Initially, I was thinking of getting just 1 room, the "Poolside Suite" which I was told is good for 4 pax but can still fit 2 extra person (Php5,500). Extra mattress is Php 500 each. That's roughly Php 19,500 and less 10% for low season rates = Php 17,550. But hubby wants a separate bathroom since there will be 6 of us.






So, if we get 1 "Deluxe Room" inclusive of breakfast (Php3,460/room/night) and 1 "Poolside Suite" exclusive of breakfast (Php5,500/room/night) is roughly Php 24,192 (already less the 10%). Breakfast is 250 per head. Roundtrip transfer is Php 1,400.

I wonder if they can have queen-size bed in the "Deluxe Room" so we could stay there and the grannies will stay at the "Poolside Suite" instead.

Hubby is leaning on the ISIS Bungalows and it appears relatively cheaper than Alona Tropical plus I have read rave reviews of their Thai food. Confusing?

Isis Bungalows

Hubby & I will be up late Saturday night (technically, Sunday morning) and try to avail of PAL's midnight sale. I wonder if local destinations are also up for sale - Bohol or Caticlan? If not, then we might end up getting their existing promo to Bohol which costs about Php2,000 roundtrip per head. So, am back scouting at the net for good deals on accommodations. I found this:

Isis Bungalows "aircon rooms" (Php2,000/room/night)









With a queen-size bed. Though there is no cable tv & ref. :(









This, on the other hand, is their "Standard Bungalow" (Php3,000/room/night).









It has a king-size bed and cable tv but no ref.











Or this "Deluxe Bungalow" (Php4,000/room/night)











This has cable tv & ref.











Initially, I was thinking of getting 2 aircon rooms and 1 standard bungalow which will cost us roughly Php21,000 for 4 days/3nights. I'm waiting for the reply of the manager how much is the extra charge if we request TV for the 2 aircon rooms and ref for the standard bungalow.

Now, I'm thinking of getting 1 Deluxe Bungalow for the grannies and 1 Standard Bungalow for us which will roughly be about Php23,100. This one, at least, will have TV on both rooms and a ref at the Deluxe Bungalow we could share. I will just request for 2 extra mattress for the Deluxe Bungalow.

Roundtrip transfer is Php1,200 for a van. Breakfast is not included in the rates and it's Php180 per set. A choice between American or Filipino. What do you guys think? Haaah! tempting...

Up next: Alona Tropical

Microtel Inn & Suites Mactan

Here are some pictures of the furnitures you would find in Microtel Mactan. I have read somewhere that these furnitures were made by the same renowned Filipino guy who made the furnitures of Brad Pitt. It seems like it!

Enzo enjoys this "duyan" and would even stay put when left alone which is so unlike him.











This is one of the couches in the dining area.

And you'll see these chairs (pic below) as you enter the lobby. cool noh?

As their slogan says "The same great hotel everywhere you go!"

Summer Fun at the Queen City of the South (10 May 2009) - Day 3

My mom, mom-in-law (MIL) and myself spent Mother's Day in Cebu hihihi! And since it is also our last day and we were taking the 5:20PM flight later that day, I requested for a late check-out and luckily, we were given until 3PM. With no itinerary set for the day, we just maximized our stay in the hotel. My brother-in-law (BIL) and his gf ate breakfast really early to be able to swim the whole morning.

Me & hubby, on the other hand, went to the beach after our breakfast for a stroll. It was high tide (you see, it was low tide during afternoons which is quite the opposite when we went to Mactan, Cebu last December 2006 that it was low tide during mornings...) so we decided to bring Enzo to the beach so he could play since the water is clear (unlike in Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort where we stayed during our honeymoon where there are jellyfish and starfish though I'm not sure now...that was about 2 years ago!). In fairness, the breakfast buffet in Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort is something we look forward to. And we did enjoy our stay there as well except for the beach part.

I totally "heart" this shot. Also because I took it hihihi! You might wonder why hubby only has a few pictures because he prefers his shots and he really doesn't think I take good shots. But this proves him otherwise harharhar! What do you think?

We ordered from Greenwich for lunch and it took them almost 2 hours to deliver the food... no kidding! We finally left the hotel at past 3PM.

And here goes the grueling story of our flight to Manila...

When we checked-in at the counter, we were already advised that our flight was delayed and moved from 5:20PM to 7:35PM. It was because they had to change aircraft. We were also given meal coupons for the delay. Your choice are: Dunkin Donuts, Fruit Magic and another food stall I totally forgot! By almost 7PM, we realized that we have not seen any aircraft yet that landed hmmm! No announcements of a further delay was given but when I approached the desk, the guy advised me that the aircraft has not even left Manila yet. What?! Finally, by 7PM past, the guy made an announcement that the aircraft will only leave Manila at 8:15PM and we will board at about 8:50PM geez! So, yup! We got back to Manila at about 10PM already. Lesson learned: better re-confirm your flights! Which I normally do when I travel abroad, I was just complacent this time since it was, after all, just a domestic flight.

Except for this particular boo-boo, it was truly a fun, fun break from the hustle and bustle of the city! Now, I wonder what our next stop will be...

Summer Fun at the Queen City of the South (08 May 2009) - Day 1

...and we are back to the hustle & bustle of the city! :(

Last May 8 (Friday), we, together with my folks and my in-laws boarded the Philippine Airlines flight for Cebu. We arrived at the Mactan International Airport at about 10:25AM. We bought the "econolight" ticket (sometime February) via the web which costs us approximately Php1,500/person (roundtrip). The flight to Cebu was uneventful (but the flight coming back home is another "grueling" story!). We were able to check-in early at the Microtel Inn & Suites so by 11AM past, we were on our way to have lunch.

Here is a picture of the magnificent view the day we first set foot on the sand of Cebu. To think that it has been raining hard in Manila the night before our flight. It was indeed an answered prayer!

A view of the Microtel Inn & Suites where we stayed for 3days/2nights. I highly recommend this place. It's cheap for only Php3,700/night for a standard room with 2 queen size beds. Just add Php 1,000/person for additional pax. The Php3,700 rate is good for 2 pax inclusive of buffet breakfast.

We were looking for the "Han Gang Korean Restaurant" as it has been recommended by my cousin. Unfortunately, the taxi driver was not quite familiar with it so we ended up eating at the Majestic Seafood & Chinese Restaurant where they are offering lunch buffet for only Php199/person (nett). Imagine! (left to right: ninong Mac, tita Mary Ann (Mac's gf), lola Myrna, lola Rose, lolo Jun, me, Enzo & lolo Boy. Larry is, of course, the designated photographer hihihi!). This is near the Save More shop. Taxi fare is about Php90.00 only so insist for the meter since they charge you a "whopping" Php200.00. But it's cheaper to go by multi-cab since it's only Php10.00/way.

We went back to the hotel after lunch to rest a bit. By afternoon, we hit the pool/beach. Here is Enzo as he set first set foot on the sand of Cebu.

Here is Enzo with Daddy at one of the kiddie pools in Microtel Inn & Suites. There were actually two. The other kiddie pool is connected with the infinity pool. I wasn't able to join them since it's my 2nd day (I know, wrong timing! When me & hubby went to Cebu last December 2006, it's also a red flag geez!).

Here is the gang with lolo Jun on the side as he does not want to go swimming.

It's been exactly 28 months since we last set foot in Mactan (December 2006). We just got married then now, we have a toddler in tow.

We just ordered Jollibee for our dinner on our first night.

...day 2 to follow with pictures of our city tour!

16 days to go!

... and we're off to the beach! Yipeey! We'll be staying at Microtel Inn & Suites. We so much loved our stay in Microtel Boracay last July that we decided to book with Microtel again this year for our annual family adventure. Yes! Hubby & I wishes to be able to travel at least once a year with Enzo in tow.

I find Microtel cheaper and since we will be travelling with my parents, in-laws, BIL & his gf and they have really big rooms to accommodate us in just 2 double standard rooms, it's the best choice for us.

This will be Enzo's 2nd plane ride and I bet it will be another fun adventure since our families will join us this time.

Mama said she will give me their share for the food & van for our tour. Speaking of tour, hubby and I are still discussing our itinerary for the 3 days/2 nights. Here is a peek:

Friday:
arrival
lunch at Sutukil (I was told this is near the Lapu-Lapu Shrine.)
tour of the Mactan Shrine (I was told by Vicky, my booking agent at Microtel that there are mini-shuttles, tricycles to bring us there.)
swimming at the beach/infinity pool (late afternoon)
dinner (where? any suggestions please?)

Saturday:
complimentary breakfast
relaxation at the beach/pool
pick-up at 11am for the Cebu tour
lunch at CNT Restaurant (I was told they have the "best" tasting Cebu lechon! will see?!)
visit of the following tourist spots - Colon (oldest street which we have not been to during our Honeymoon last December '06), Magellan's Cross, Basilica, Fort San Pedro (we've seen already but since this is a first for the others and our digicam went empty then so it would be nice to go again), Buddhist temples, Tops (I was told this is overlooking Cebu)
dinner at Mr. A (clueless as it was suggested by the tour guide...hmmm? any ideas?)

Sunday:
complimentary breakfast
enjoy Microtel facilities
departure huhuhu!

waaah! can't wait! Watch out for the photos when we get back oki :) Oh, I still have to post Enzo's first visit to his great grandma's house (my dad's side) last Saturday, April 18. I'm waiting for hubby to transfer the pictures.

Sun, Sand & Rain of Boracay (25 July 2008)

As I have posted earlier, our family adventure almost did not happen. But thank God for pedias like my son's who comforted us that we are good to go.

Enzo got a fever last Tuesday night (July 22) and we were hoping it was just a reaction to the measles vaccine he got 10 days ago. Because one of the possible effects is a fever 5-10 days after the vaccination. Dr. Clemente advised us that it should resolve within 24 hours. But it didn't. :( Fever registered again on Wednesday afternoon. Doc advised us to get a urinalysis done. Good thing Medical City has a branch in Trinoma where hubby brought Enzo's urine sample. We got the result after an hour and texted it to our pedia. Result: slight UTI. geez! Doc advised us to start on Ceclor (2.5ml 3x a day). Hopefully, he will respond to it and fever will be gone by Thursday. Our dilemma now is how to make Enzo take his medicine. You see... Enzo has no problem taking his vitamins (he even sips it from the dropper) but he wouldn't just take his medicines orally like Ceclor and even Tempra. We ended up mixing it with his milk (1 oz). Enzo seems to be getting better by Thursday but around lunch time (after eating Cerelac), he threw up so we decided to bring him to Dr. Clemente so we would know whether to push through with our Bora trip or move it. We decided that there is no way we are leaving Enzo behind! Fever registered again that afternoon while we were in the clinic but Dr. Clemente is quite hopeful that it will resolve after the 6th intake of his medicine.

Another story... we take Enzo's temperature using an anal thermometer since we were advised that it is the most accurate (we do have a digital ear thermometer) but lately, Enzo's getting smarter and we are having a hard time keeping it in place. I was amazed at the laser thermometer Doc has... WOW! But it's just so expensive. His assistant told me it costs roughly Php5,000. yikes! Too much!

Doc assured us that we can bring Enzo besides we have all his medicines with us and he told us that there are doctors on call in Boracay and he will be on top of it if need be. So... we're excited again...

(This photo was taken after we landed in Caticlan.) We left for Caticlan last Friday, July 25 on board Asian Spirit. We availed of the "0 fare promo" way back in April of this year. We booked for a faster flight but days before we were to leave, our flight has been moved to 11AM for the 1-hour flight. geez! And when we got to the domestic airport, our flight was delayed for an hour. We were finally able to board the plane by 12 past.

This is both our first time to go to Boracay and also our first time to board the Asian Spirit. geez! Didn't know the plane was that small. *scary* Oh, the aircon wasn't even turned on yet, we had to wait for the plane to take off before it cooled. Oh well, it got us to our destination safe & sound and for roughly Php6,000 for the three of us, why complain?!

I have pre-arranged with Microtel Inn & Suites our transfer which costs Php1,000 per person (excluding infant.)

(This is how the weather is like when we got to Boracay... lovely!)

(The first time we hit the sand of Boracay coming from the jetty port.)

This is how the "double room" of Microtel Inn & Suites look like... that's just half of the room. Another same-sized bed is placed on the right side. It's that big... I guess good for 4 pax at least.

Amenities included: airconditioned, cable T.V., hot & cold water, drinking water/coffee & tea available at the vending area (ground floor), free shuttle, set breakfast.

There is no refrigerator in the double rooms. I was told suite rooms will have one. But you can leave it (like in our case, Enzo's medicines) in the refrigerator in their pantry area. There is also no bathtub in case you are looking for one.

Their set breakfast is okay. Hubby loves the daing na bangus so he got that for two consecutive mornings and ordered pancake on the last day which he says is also as good.

While I ordered tapa on the first morning, longganisa on the next and toasts on the last day.

(Here is Enzo feeling at home already.)

(Microtel is a beachfront property. This part is the Diniwid beach although the sand is not as fine as the White Beach in Station 1.)

I would recommend staying in Microtel Inn & Suites. It is affordable and they have a free shuttle to bring you wherever so it's really not a problem even if it's not in Station 1. Although food is a bit expensive. Imagine we spent roughly Php 1,000 on our first day because we decided to have lunch there instead since it's late in the afternoon and we're sooo hungry and Enzo is a bit tired if we decide to still go out and explore. And we only ordered a bolognese, tuna sandwich, pumpkin soup, 2 mango shakes & coke. But we have tried their version of the "Banana Choco Peanut" shake and hubby even says it's way better than Jonah's. I dunno about that but it's more expensive than the Php75 of Jonah's.

That night we went to d' Mall to have dinner and buy mineral water at the Budget Mart. How lucky the owner of that mini-mart where all tourists seem to flock. We were supposed to try Mang Inasal but since it was full, we ended up eating in Andok's hihihi! Oh and I tried the Mango Nutella Crepe (with an extra serving of choco fudge) of Crazy Crepes... yummy! Loved it so much that when we got back to Manila, I just had to have so we bought Mango Crumble Crepe (this is the one with vanilla ice cream) at their The Block branch in SM North EDSA. My new found love! And still craving for it.

Afterwards, we bought Wilkins for Enzo's milk and another brand of Mineral Water (Summit... I guess) to wash-off the Chicco Sterilizing solution I bought in SM. We did not bring the sterilizer with us. If I can only bring it with us, life will be simplier and faster but it's just way too bulky. We also bought Joy Antibac to wash Enzo's feeding bottles and 2 jars of Gerber.

... day 2 to follow.