As was supposed to be believed, there should be 12 round fruits on you dining table when the year changes; thus, went to the mall to buy some of the food for our table.
Since my niece's dog will be brought to its doctor by Edgar, the driver, might as well tap him when I buy the items. He had with him his youngest son. Went to The Landmark's food court to buy two round cakes with "Happy 2018" written on it (one I will give to Edgar) at Goldilocks plus puto, macaroons and round classic polvoron. Next, went to SM Makati to buy a basket of round fruits. Waited for the mall to open at 11AM as I plan to buy the 31% off ice cream from Baskin Robbins.
At 4PM, will have to pick-up the food I ordered at Emerald Garden Restaurant. Pick-up was supposedly at 4PM but given a lot of customers who also placed their order, was able to finish after 1 1/2 hour. Gave a small Yang Chow fried rice and small Sweet & Sour Pork to Edgar to add to their media noche.
While waiting for 12 midnight, set-up our dining table and watched using my make-shift theater (projector, digital TV that also reads media using USB, white cloth, JBL Charge 3). A few minutes before 12 midnight, further set-up the table and had our media noche while our neighbors are busy lighting up firecrackers.
Already made a reservation yesterday for my treatment at KARADA. Was about 15 minutes late but there were still no patient waiting for the mall has just been opened. Thus was served.
After the treatment, I have still 30 minutes for the first screening of Deadma Walking which I plan to watch. It will be my fourth Metro Manila Film Festival film. So, purchased my ticket via GMovies mobile application.
Ordered burger to-go at Wendy's for lunch, which I will eat inside the theater.
Based on the Palanca-winning screenplay, the movie is about a terminally ill gay who asks his best friend to help him stage his fake death, wake and funeral as he wants to know what other will say about him. The story is about friendships, love, family, heartbreaks and deaths. Of all the films included in the MMFF I watched so far, I find this the best. Too bad, there's no much hype was given to this film. I actually laughed, cried, laughed, cried. You can even hear the audience react.
After the movie, bought a white Converse shoes, sole/invisible socks from Iconic, and left the items at The Landmark's package counter. After, attended the anticipated Mass. I had dinner of Saigon soup at Phobac, groceries at The Landmark before proceeding home.
My usual on the last working day of the year, I don't report for work. Hehehe!
First, went to Makati City Hall to pay for the real property tax (RPT). Since my HR-V's OR/CR is already available (called Honda yesterday), went to Honda Makati to get my copy. Then, was dropped off at MRT-Ayala Station hoping to check if I can already get my driver's license card.
Have to have my photo and biometrics taken--as if I am getting my renewal again except for paying. Took me about two hours; but at least, my card was released.
Have a Mongolian lunch at Food Choices and purchased my movie ticket for Ang Larawan using the GMovies mobile application. Going to watch at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas. Dessert at Baskin Robbins. Bought shirts at 20% of at The T-Shirt Project.
Now, for my third Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) movie, "Ang Larawan" is based on Nick Joaquin's play "A Portrait Of The Artist As A Filipino". A masterpiece given by a father to his two unmarried daughters could fetch a huge amount of money; but, the two won't part with it. There are several interpretation to said painting; but, another artist seems to have hit the mark--conscience. The same that the family's house acts as a conscience to the older siblings of the two daughters. The movie won Best Picture in the festival.
Then, picked-up the photos I have a printed of our Christmas day activities before proceeding home.
As usual, Christmas day would be a movie marathon with my "angels". Already bought our tickets online last Saturday to avoid the hassle of queueing to buy tickets then queueing to get inside the theater.
This time, we would start early as the first movie would be Haunted Forest at Greenbelt 1 for the 9:25AM screening. Then lunch, windows shop, second movie (Ang Panday) at Greenbelt 3 for the 2:45PM screening, dinner and Christmas Lights and Sound show at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
Aris, a cop, and his daughter, Nica, goes back to Aris' hometown as he is assigned there. Weird things were happening to Nica while her father is out investigating several murders staged similar to the murder of his childhood friend. I have yet to be really afraid from a Philippine horror movie--and this is not it. Hehehe! Since it is rather early, we were only 10 people inside the theater. Can't help commenting on the flaws while we were watching.
For lunch, it would be at Gerry's Grill in Greenbelt 3. On the way, passed by a parking lot and saw something that really made our day--a sample of Filipino odd sense of humor. Hehehe!
Since still have time before our second movie, went to Glorietta to check the cellphone one of my "angels" wanted to buy. Out of stock.
Our second movie stars (and directed by) Coco Martin. Unlike remakes of "Ang Panday" movies, this is the modern version and explained the lead character as being the grandson of the original Panday, Flavio Batungbakal. Only the one in the bloodline of the original panday (blacksmith) can remove the balaraw stuck in a rock (like King Arthur's sword). This balaraw can kill the evil Lizardo. Not great but not bad either.
After, we saw one of the stars of "Ang Panday" at the lobby--Ms. Carmi Martin. She was friendly to have selfies with her fans.
Bought a box of donuts at J.Co to give to Edgar, the driver, who will pick us up later.
For dinner, we went to Chili's. After, walked to Ayala Triangle Gardens to watch the Christmas Lights and Sound show.
Will pick-up the food for our noche buena I ordered at Conti's around 10AM. It was fast--was able to get my order around 15 minutes; unlike last year which took me about an hour or more.
Have Edgar, the driver, to bring home the food. Now, I would be able to watch Star Wars: The Last Jedi before it is pulled from the theaters due to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Purchased my ticket online.
The movie continues with Rey finding the exiled Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, with the former hoping to know more about herself. On the other hand, the war between the Resistance led by Princess Leia Organa and with the First Order continues. Is Rey's parents really a nobody or is it...? Like! I can't wait for the next Star Wars movie for the "rebellion has just begun" and Luke Skywalker "is not the last Jedi".
Proceeded home.
After dinner, walked our way to Sta. Clara de Montefalco Parish Church. In time, too, for was able to attend the Vigil Mass. Right after is the Midnight Mass. The Midnight Mass started at 9PM, an hour earlier than last year. After the Mass, walked back home where we enjoyed our small noche buena. Shared gifts after.
Start of the three-day long weekend for Christmas. Plan to watch Coco. It has been getting great reviews. In order to enjoy the discount, queued up to purchase the ticket instead of buying it online. Although, loaded up my mPass in preparation for the Metro Manila Film Festival movie marathon I would be doing with my "angels" on Christmas day.
Had a quick Mongolian lunch at Food Choices before my movie.
Despite his family's aversion to music, Miguel dreams to be an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. During the Dia de Muertos, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead. This led him to an extraordinary journey with Hector, whom he met along the way, to unlock the real story behind his family's history. Like! Even shed a tear.
After, attended the anticipated Mass, had dinner at Phobac and groceries at The Landmark. Passed by Pet Express on the way home.
Walked my way to Ayala Center. If timing is right, I can watch the Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Not. Will just load-up my mPass in preparation for the MMFF this Christmas.
Went to Mary Grace at Food Choices and picked-up my order... and distributed them. Had Mongolian lunch. Then, ticked-off items on my list.
1) AM/FM radio at SM Appliance (will use a timer)
2) Exchange gift at Aquazorb
3) Additional gifts at Aquazorb
4) Grocery items at The Landmark
Attended the anticipated Mass, had dinner at Phobac and bought groceries at The Landmark.
Decided to break-in my new Honda HR-V. Going to Enchanted Kingdom will only be 36.4km but it will be about an hours continuous drive instead of stop-go drive due to traffic. Already bought discounted tickets via SM Tickets website.
Left around 9:30AM. First stop is at Petron gas station (to make use of my Petron Value Card). Filled to full tank so I would know how much to fill-up the tank. Then, off to Enchanted Kingdom.
Nice of having already tickets, we don't need to queue to buy tickets but proceeded to the queue to enter the theme park.
Had fun. Rode Dodgem, Roller Skater, 4D Rialto (an upgrade), 7D Interactive Motion Theater (new), Rio Grande Rapids, Flying Fiesta. Two new rides since I went to EK I was not able to try: Agila the EKsperience and Air Race. Maybe next time.
Left early before the rain falls. In time, too, for we are already on the way home when the rain fell. 😄
Picked-up my new Honda HR-V last Wednesday, December 6, and brought it immediately at Ziebart for servicing (rustproofing, gold care). Will pick it up today. If all my checklist for my car is completed today, we can go to Enchanted Kingdom (EK) tomorrow for the break-in.
Called Ziebart and was advised I can pick-up the car after lunch. There would be time for it to be blessed. Was advised we can go around 4PM at Sta. Clara Parish for the car's blessing.
So, it would be EK tomorrow! Good thing my niece advised I can get discounted tickets via SM Tickets. Thus, purchased online. Total of 4 adult plus 1 child--me, the driver, my two angels plus the driver's youngest son.
Before 1PM, was already at Socialite's for my last day of refresher course. Reminded my instructor about parallel parking.
* Be sure the available space is 1.5 times the size of your car.
* Be about 1 meter from the other car. Stop until rear bumper is aligned with the other car's rear bumper (when looking at the rear right window, you should be seeing the other car's bumper). Full right (or left) for right parallel parking. Look for your 45 degree mark on the left (right). Reverse.
* When your 45 degree mark is directly infront of your windshield, stop and straighten the wheel. Continue reverse.
* When the plate number of the other car is in the lower right of your front windshield, full left.
* Straighten looking at your car's right (left) mirror.
After my class, went to Glorietta. Picked-up my order from Mary Grace at Food Choices. It would be my Christmas gift for friends I met during the anticipated Mass I am participating in. Picked-up the EK tickets at SM Makati.
After the anticipated Mass, we had the Christmas dinner with Tita J and Tita Norms at Friday's.
Bought groceries at The Landmark before proceeding home.
Would pick-up the Christmas (food) gift I ordered. Agreement was 11AM.
When I arrived at the mall at 10AM, Food Choices (where the stall is located) is still closed. So, went to The Landmark. Wanted to buy Keds' Chillax Mini Seasonal. At 11AM, went back again. My order has not arrived. Was told it will be available at 1PM. Duh?! Spoke my mind.
So, had lunch first The Landmark's food court. After, went back to Food Choices waiting for my order to arrive.
It would be Day 3 and Day 4 for my refresher course on driving using automatic transmission.
Notes on reverse parking:
a) Car should be about two meters away from the other car. Tail light is aligned with the other car's emblem (middle of the car).
b) Full right of steering wheel. Emergency light. Reverse.
c) Stop when dashboard is straight from the street. Straighten wheel. Reverse.
d) Getting out of parking, forward until middle of your car is aligned with the other car's front light. Stop. Full right of steering wheel. Drive.
Additional notes:
* From a parked position with a car infront of you, reverse until you see bottom of the other car's bumper. Turn steering wheel and drive from parking position.
Remind on Day 5 to teach parallel parking.
Then, went home to pick some items and was dropped off at Glorietta. Will not watch a movie but will order my (food) Christmas gifts. But first, Mongolian lunch at Food Choices. Ordered at Mary Grace and at Hungry Pac for my gifts. Dessert at Baskin Robbins. Went to Conti's to order food for our Noche Buena. Will pick it up on the 24th.
Attended the anticipated Mass, we had dinner at Bistro Ravioli, groceries at The Landmark before proceeding home.
