2015 Eve
My day starts in buying the food that we would be placing on our dining table and enjoy as the year changes.
Went to
Ayala Center with Mary. But since the mall will open at 11AM (and the supermarket by 10AM), took pictures first at the
Glorietta 4 Park. Mary luvs selfies for posting on her facebook. LOL
Then, went to
SM Makati to buy pastries at
Goldilocks (including a round cake with "Happy 2015!" written on it), basket of fruits and some additional grocery items. Have a snack at
Fuel Burger before proceeding home.
After lunch, called
Emerald Garden Restaurant for the food I would be picking-up around 5PM.
On the way to the restaurant, learned that a portion of Roxas Boulevard was closed. Thanks to
Waze,
Google Map and the
barangay tanod we asked for directions. Weh!
While waiting for 12 midnight, sang ourselves hoarse while our neighbors do their usual of lighting up firecrackers.
Happy and a Prosperous 2015 everyone!
KTV Bonding
I always arrange for a way my nephews and nieces bond, the way we used to when my
Lola and
Nanay were still alive. This way, even if they grow up, there is still a bond.
Today, it would be a KTV. Already made reservations at
CenterStage Jupiter around 7PM. We usually do it at
Enchanted Kingdom but somehow they seem to outgrew it.
Success! c",)
Merry Mix-Up
Last working day of the year and took my leave. Doing so, I have twelve (12) straight days since December 24, 2014 up to January 4, 2015.
Went to
Makati City Hall to pay the real property tax. Since there is a change in processing the assessment and payment, many reacted. The truth is they should just learn to ask. Weh! Took me an hour to do my business.
Then, went to
The Landmark's supermarket to buy the ingredients for the fruit salad. Asked the driver to bring it home and was left at the mall. Had lunch at the food court.
Wanted to buy the
Starmobile Engage 7TV+. But it was not available. Asked the salesgirl to call their other branches. One was available at
Market! Market! Requested that they reserve the unit for me and am on my way.
I had the Starmobile Engage 7TV but find it constricting. So, the CNEG tablet (one we used for testing our mobile app), which I gave to Mary, will give to Dodong, and the Starmobile Engage 7TV to Mary. Weh!
Back to
Glorietta, bought micro SD and charger (for the CNEG tablet). Then, proceeded home.
No MMFF Movie
Was hoping that the
Starmobile Sky for my retention plan is already available. So, decided to drop by The
Sun Shop at Greenbelt, just in case. Since was early, had brunch first at
Wendy's. Tsk! Tsk! Unit is still not available, I guess I would have it next year, and it is just a few days away.
No plans of watching
Bonifacio (although I know this would win the Best Picture for the
Metro Manila Film Festival) and dilly-dallying whether to watch
English Only, Please. Thus, no movies.
Have a lot of time, took my time browsing through items and window-shopping. Was able to buy an emergency light (automatically lights up when there is no eletricity) at
The Landmark. There's an emergency light which costs PhP1,000.00+ and there is less than PhP500.00. Guess which one I bought? LOL
Remembered that I have a gift certificate at
Starbucks. Used one of the gift certificates and have my
meryenda of fishball at
Food Choices.
Attended the anticipated Mass and we had dinner at
Kaya.
Kubot Feng Shui
Wanted to watch two more entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Did not watch it yesterday as the cinemas the two are being shown are far apart. It would be a long walk for Nana.
But first, went to Tilak's house to give him his gift. In one of the houses at Forbes, there's a cute Christmas decor that I just have to take a photo of.
After, was dropped off at
Greenbelt for my first movie. Already bought my ticket online last night.
In
Feng Shui 2, the cursed
bagua gets into the hands of Lester, a thief. The one who hired him hopes to remove the curse; but, eventually failed. The first person who looks at himself/ herself in the mirror gets lucky, the succeeding people who looks into it gets killed but gives luck to the first person.
After the movie, had lunch at
The Landmark's foodcourt.
My next movie is at
Glorietta 4 Cinemas.
Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2 started with Makoy with his girlfriend, son and his girlfriend's parents trying to leave the town where Makoy was able to kill a lot of
tiktik who tried to eat their baby while still in the womb. It was not successful as Veron and her line of
aswang tried to stop them by killing Makoy's girlfriend and taking their baby as an act of revenge. In Manila, wanting just to live quietly, Makoy was drawn to be involved in the conflict between different
aswang families. Loved the chemistry between Lotlot de Leon and Joey Marquez as their comedy plays off well.
After, had
meryenda of fishball at
Food Choices, bought groceries at
SM Makati before proceeding home.
Shake, Rattle And Roll The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin
CHRISTmas day is when I treat my "angels" to a movie marathon and for them to try the restaurants I like.
Already bought the movie tickets online yesterday. I find this as an advantage instead of queueing to buy the tickets when we get there. At least, the activities/ schedule I set would run smoothly.
Plan to be at the mall by 11AM. The original plan is to treat them at
Wee Nam Kee (already asked them yesterday what time they will be open). When we got there, they said they will open 12NN. Duh?! My back-up is
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for our brunch.
The screening I chose has enough gap so that we don't have to hurry our way to the
Glorietta 4 Cinemas considering Nana.
Our first movie is
The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin. Because of his success, now Colonel, Benjamin's success went to his head. Almost losing his job, he is tasked to watch over a kid and have him comfortable to him so that he will point where the bombs of U.T.O.U.T.O. were planted in the Philippines.
After, had our
meryenda at
Food Choices. Since still have time, showed them the new "look" of
SM Makati. Then, went back again to Glorietta 4 Cinemas for our second movie.
Our second movie is
Shake, Rattle and Roll XV. There is always a Shake, Rattle and Roll entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) except for the last two years. Now, its back. Usually, one of the three episodes excel from the two. But for this outing, all three episodes can stand on their own. The first is "Ahas". Seems inspired from the gossip regarding the Robinson's malls. The second is "Ulam". The third is "Flight 666". I also liked that they have Sweet in all episodes. It's as if he/ she ties the three together.
After the movie, we had our dinner at
Bistro Ravioli. Everyone is in agreement the food here is great, specially my favorite Spinach and Feta Cheese Ravioli.
After, called it a day. Merry CHRISTmas!!!
Gemini
Would pick-up my food tray order from
Sugarhouse. It will be for our
noche buena. But since I am already at the mall, plan to watch a movie. Would try the New Wave Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry
Gemini.
Started with one of the twins talking about what she thinks happened. As the story progresses, the story changes until the truth will out. So that is new wave... LOL After the movie, saw one of the actors outside the cinema. Hehehe!
After, picked-up my order and proceeded home.
After dinner, went to the
Sta. Clara de Montefalco Parish for the midnight Mass. Mass starts at 10PM but wanted to be there early so that we will find a seat. Usually the Mass ends around 11:30PM with the intention that everyone would be already at home to enjoy their
noche buena. The priest must have forgotten... Weh!
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Have to watch
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. With Christmas nearing, the movies that will be shown in theatres are entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival.
But first, dropped by
Pet Express. Hoping that Prescription z/d would already be available. Yes! It is.
Was then dropped off at
Glorietta. Accustomed to have the mall open by 10AM and was surprised it is still closed. It now opens at 11AM. Decided to walk towards
The Landmark as I am sure the supermarket will already be open. Maybe try to also have an early lunch at their food court. Looks like many are thinking the same that there is already a queue on the food stalls.
Changed my mind. Just in time, too, as the department store has just opened. Was able to buy a
Celeteque moisturizer, eco-bag and a rechargeable radio tuner (?!). The last two are obviously impulse buy. Hahaha!
Had lunch at
Bistro Ravioli and, this time, tried their Agnolotti with Roman Tripe Sauce. This ranks second to my favorite Spinach and Feta Cheese Ravioli.
I already purchased my movie ticket online and remembered that I might miss most of the anticipated Mass. Was able to cancel it and purchase an earlier screening.
Bought a
Fibrella umbrella at
SM to replace my old one.
As the dwarves were able to reclaim their vast wealth and homeland, the King Under The Mountain Thorin Oakenshield succumbs to the dragon-sickness, causing him to sacrifice friendship and honor. Unable to have Thorin see reason, Bilbo Baggins has to make a desperate and dangerous choice in order to save his friends. As the conflict escalates, the races of Man, Dwarves and Elves must decide to unite or be destroyed with the return of their ancient enemy. Loved the movie but have hoped those who died did not die (spoiler).
Attended the anticipated Mass and we had dinner at
Bulgogi Brothers. We ordered Pork Bulgogi and Bibimbap plus Xiao Lang Bao from Modern Shanghai.
CHRISTmas Lunch(es)
Since CHRISTmas is nearing, parties, dinners, etc. are left and right. My Christmas lunch starts today. We would be meeting our friend from Australia and we would be having our lunch at
Dekada.
Learned that our friend just came out safe from a car accident. Her car was a wreck.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
This time lunch will be at
Romulo Cafe. Two were not able to make it as one have sore eyes and the other has to go to his kid's school. #ThumbsUp to the chicken relleno.
I also have one scheduled for dinner; but, this has been cancelled.
Na-da
Would have watched The Hobbit, as it is being shown this week. But since I would be meeting a friend, have to skip it.
After, decided to continue with my Christmas shopping. What to give a friend who always travel abroad? A universal travel adapter. The same thing I brought (plus extension cord for my gadgets) when I went to Singapore. Saw one in a specialty (travel) store which costs PhP1,200.00+; the one I purchased is the one I found at
The Landmark's hardware store which costs about PhP400.00.
I left my purchases (as well as the gift that I have to carry very carefully) at The Landmark's package counter. Will pick them up after I leave for home.
And for our Christmas Eve food, skipped my usual of ordering at
Amber's. Instead, went to
Sugarhouse for their take-out trays. Told them I will pick it up around 2PM on December 24. Prefer ordering food instead of
Nana to be burdened in cooking us Christmas dinner.
For
meryenda, my usual fishball! Weh!
Proceeded to where the anticipated Mass at
Glorietta takes place. Saw the notice that there will be no Mass today because of an event. So, proceeded to The Landmark to attend the anticipated Mass at
Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel. First time to attend Mass here. Very organized. Thumbs up!
For dinner, we went to
Bistro Ravioli.
More CHRISTmas Shopping
The vet gave an alternate food for Tsubasa. So went first to
Cartimar Shopping Center to buy the
Alpo with lamb and rice. It is out of stock. Was able to buy one at
Pet Express.
Then, was dropped off at
The Landmark, where I bought tissue and water at the grocery. Had lunch at
Bistro Ravioli, checked what was showing in the movie theater. Wanted the horror movie but its first screening is at 6PM. Guess no movie for me.
Bought Didache at
National Bookstore, tops and cologne at
Kamiseta for my angels (got a nice tote bag for me for it), picked-up the towels I have embroidered at
Made For U, ordered mouse pad for pick-up after the anticipated Mass at
It's Personal!, shirts and blouses at The Landmark's bazaar. Left my purchases at The Landmark's package counter. Will pick them up before I go home.
Attended the anticipated Mass, picked-up the mouse pads, had dinner at
Luk Yuen which just opened, picked-up my purchases then proceeded home.
Singapore: Day 4
No plans of leaving the hotel. We will be picked-up around 11:30AM for the airport. Besides, it is a rainy day today.
After our breakfast, continued our packing. We were picked-up on schedule for
Changi International Airport.
Upon arrival in the Philippines, dropped by
Duty Free and was able to buy Guylian chocolates.
Singapore: Day 3
Today would be
Universal Studios day! Yey!
Was picked-up by the van around 9AM. Was told we would be picked-up around 5PM. In time, too, as my cousin (who is in Singapore to visit her husband working here and happens to be his birthday today) would pick me up at our hotel. Finally, I would be able to ride the MRT with them. LOL
A fun day, indeed. Was able to ride "Madagascar: A Crate Adventure", "Treasure Hunters", and "Transformers: The Ride" twice!
Watched "Shrek 4-D Adventure", "WaterWorld", "Lights, Camera, Action!", and "Sesame Street Saves Christmas".
Our lunch is at Discovery Food Court.
Of course, bought souvenirs for me. Weh!
Around 5:30PM, my cousin and her husband are already in the hotel lobby. They gave me a card which I will be using for the MRT. Also learned it can be used for the monorail, bus and taxi.
Already inside the MRT when we decided to go to the
Trick Eye Museum since my cousin has not been there, too! Originally, we were planning to go to
Marina Bay Sands. Stepped off at Harbour Front and rode the monorail back to
Sentosa.
Stepped-off at the first stop of the monorail. Hmmm... familiar. LOL
My cousin's husband already made reservations to the restaurant we would be dining in. Their daughter would also be on the way to the restaurant. Took a taxi to the
New Ubin Seafood. For a seafood restaurant, their (Angus) steak is very good. Thumbs up!
After dinner, took a bus ride to their condo where we chatted away. Left their place around midnight and took a taxi back to the hotel.
Singapore: Day 2
Our second day would start with the city tour followed by the Jurong Bird Park tour.
Was picked-up by the van around 10AM where all those joining in the city tour are Filipinos. Our first stop is at
Vis Konsep Chocolate Gallery. Was able to buy some for
pasalubong.
Next stop is at
Raffles Hotel. According to our tour guide/ driver, this is where Michael Jackson stays when he is in Singapore.
Third stop is
The Merlion.
Last stop is at
Qualitas Jewellery Factory. One of us bought a pendant (with free necklace). Supposedly, we should also be stopping at a Chinese temple; but since we will be picked-up in our hotel around 1:30PM for our next tour, decided to skip it. Was dropped of at
Food District in P
eace Centre for lunch, which is a few steps away from our hotel.
At 1:30PM, a van picked-up at the hotel and was transferred to a bus for our
Jurong Bird Park Tour.
After the tour, we requested that we be dropped off at Bugis instead of at our hotel. We were dropped-off right at the steps where we can buy items at very low price (flea market). And I was able to find the store where I can buy the
pasalubong I intend to buy--dried BBQ pork--at
Bee Cheng Hiang.
Since one of us wanted to buy shirts 3 for 10 Singapore dollar, was able to buy at
Bugis Village.
Since we arrived at Singapore, it's either taxi or van for us. I wanted to walk towards the hotel to be familiar with the "lay of the land". But first, we had dinner at the foodcourt of
Bugis Junction. Thanks to Google Map, walked our way to the hotel. In order to encourage my companions, told them it is a 10-minute walk instead of 1 kilometer. LOL. I believe they slept soundly after. Hahaha!
Singapore: Day 1
Will be taking
Philippine Airlines' first flight to Singapore. Have to be at the
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 by 3AM for the 6AM flight.
We have already arranged our accommodation, hotel transfer and several tour packages for our four-day stay.
As soon as we landed, the one who will pick us up is already there. But first, had our U.S. dollars changed to Singapore dollars at
UOB and I also bought the
Starhub MaxMobile--prefer to have internet anytime.
Since check-in time is at 2PM, we left our bags at
Fragrance Hotel-Selegie's reception to have our lunch and to proceed to
Gardens by the Bay by taxi. Our first tour is still around 6PM for the Night Safari.
Walked our way towards Bugis to look for a place to eat. Found one at
Broadway Foodcourt where I had the Thit Kho Trung.
After lunch, took the taxi for
Gardens by the Bay where we spent our afternoon. Plan to be back to the hotel around 4PM.
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| Inside the Flower Dome |
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| Inside the Cloud Forest |
Back to the hotel, checked-in, rested, and was picked-up by a van around 6PM. Transferred to the bus in a hostel ,where we will be joining other participants of the
Night Safari tour.
Our tour ended around 10:15PM. We were then brought back to our hotel for the much needed rest.
