Disney countdown ...

The little girl is counting the days 'til will be off to the happiest place on earth. She's very excited with the Hongkong trip not because she'll get to see the Disney princesses and the characters, but she's more excited that it will be her little brother's first Disney trip. And she's been babbling for days now on what to see, what to prepare for her brother's trip. Very thoughtful and sweet ATE, indeed.

For this trip, will be my early birthday celebration as the kids will be back in school by first week of June. And so as not to hamper their school days, decided to move the trip two weeks earlier. Will be having a simple itinerary as the kids with me and as this will be our nth HK visit, decided to spend most of our trip inside Disneyland...and a little shopping time for myself. Hihihi!

Day 1

7am: depart Manila

11am: check in at Marco Polo Gateway

1pm : malling at harbour view

6pm : avenue of the stars

Day 2: city for more shopping time

Day 3: transfer to HK Disney Hollywood Hotel

enjoy Disneyland

Day 4: breakfast at enchanted garden

last minute shopping at Tun Chung

depart HK for Manila

Executive Golf Event

Will be off on a trip again in a few days, this is for our company's annual Executive Golf Event for our clients. For three days will be spending much of our time at the beautiful Davao City -- at Ranchos Palos Verdes. We've arranged activities for our Club Bayan customers, aside from whole day golf play, we also added city tour, zip line and night parties! Really excited! It will be my first time to visit Davao, and I look forward to explore the place. I look forward to meet the smiling people of the South, taste the famous Durian fruit, and check the best cigar in town. Hmmm...could this be true? Let's see.

big kids

Just want to share the recent pic of my fourteen year old son, Ico and my five-year old girl Samantha. This photo taken inside Hershey's store from Universal Studios Singapore last month. I love this shot as you can see how playful my kids are. Playful at the same time, big already. Yes, I can't believe my kids grew so fast. So fast, right before my eyes. They are no longer my babies. They have their own friends, own activities, mood swings and in fact, they have a mind of their own! I can no longer dictate and force them to do things. Oh, if I can only stop time, so they'll be forever my babies. With the kids growing up fast ... no need for hgh, eh? What do you think? :)

Midnight Special

I am one eager-beaver again ... excited and eager to check out PAL's latest airline promo, Midnight Special. I just hope they will include International Flights as a surprise treat! As I look forward to book our family trip to Singapore or Guam trip. Or if domestic promo, probably another Cebu trip for the family. Anyway, looks promising ... and I hope it will be worth the wait. Let's see.

Tokyo travel plans

Traveling to Tokyo proved not difficult at all. As I was preparing for our travel itinerary weeks before our travel, I was having a hard time understanding the directions and even instructions.It came to a point I was lost in translation, and doing our travel itinerary proved to be troublesome. I've wanted to do everything during our short trip. So many places to go and see. I've patiently done some research, asked friends, read some reviews and even read some blog posts thru free directory submissions ... just to prepared for the Tokyo trip. And happily, all these research and readings paid off. As we came to Japan, everything planned and mapped out. Thus, our recent travel went like a breeze. No hitches. Everything just fell into place as planned. Laaveet!! Because of this, I officially appoint myself the travel planner of the family. Tee-hee!! :)

tokyo loots

And we are back ... from our five-day trip in Tokyo, Japan. It was a short but all-fun trip. I enjoyed Tokyo so much. From the good food, nice people, amazing transportation services, huge malls and all the lights and sounds of Tokyo. Everything is so amazing and beautiful. I've wanted to explore more of Tokyo, but got too little time. And as I was saying to the husband, I want to go back. I love Tokyo to bits and will not grow tired of exploring this city. I want to see more ... the traditional side of Japan. Probably go to other parts of Tokyo like Nagoya or Osaka. Heard it's equally beautiful here too. Hahaha!

Though we want to do some shopping in the city like trying to find nice and authentic Japanese-inspired outdoor rugs , everything is sooo expensive. My plan to get my dream bag did not materialize. With almost 40% mark-up from Paris price, of course it's a no-no buy for me! Went home empty-handed from my Ginza trip instead ... oh not so empty-handed, went home still with Japan best buy loots.

The authentic Hello Kitty items for my little girl: bags, lunch kits, utensils, pencil case, wallet, pins etc.
Oh so yummy Royce' Chocolates. Chips, Nama and chocolate bars. It is cheaper by 30% here in Japan.

Summer is here

Summer is definitely here. You can feel the scorching heat of the sun, and everybody is getting ready with their vacation and summer plans. Despite the above 30C weather tempeature, everyone is so looking forward to relax and laze around the pool area or beachfront.

And of course, I've already tasted the first summer outing for 2010. Where else, but at the famous vacation spot in the Philippines -- Boracay! But mind you, not just havin' fun at Boracay beach ... but at THE Shangri-la Boracay! Yes, THE ultimate vacation spot here. Will post more about our recent trip at Boracay, but for the meantime, allow me to leave you with my fave beach photo at the pristine waters of Boracay! Enjoy you summer! :)

travel plans

Before I search for an affordable and relieable video card for Kuya Ico's laptop (who has been complaining lately on his laptop's performance when engaged in online games), allow me to share latest update on my travel plans for the year. Yes, surprisingly I will be out for international trips more this year compared to previous years ever. I'll be doing what I love best ... and that is travelling. My passion and love! So here's my travel itinerary for the year (moving skeds)

Feb 19-22 : Kota Kinabalu, company sales incentive

Mar 27-31 : Tokyo, Japan with hubby as post anniv trip

May 2nd week: Singapore client visit (annual trip)

May 28-31 : Macau with my HS friends

June 9 -12 : Singapore with the family for the Universal Studios treat

July 2nd week : Hongkong for client visit - work related

Aug 27-30 : Beijing, China with Highschool friends

Sept 3rd week: Canada/US trip with the husband to attend wedding of cousin (TENTATIVE depending on budget availability)

Whoa! So much travel plans eh? Really exciting! Now, I need to save up fast. With all these travel plans, will be really really broke this year :( Wish me luck.

Planning for US Family Trip by 2010

As the husband busy checking for best airline deals available online for his upcoming Hawaii trip, he's also busy checking possible orlando vacations for the family. You see, the husband is keen on bringing the kids to US by 2010 since we've received several invites from our relatives particularly from Hawaii, New York and Florida. They promised to give us a tour and even invited us to stay with them for weeks! All we have to prepare and worry would be our airline tickets (for 2 kids and 2 adults) and of course, our outlet shopping money! Really excited about our US travel plans. If ever, it will be the kids' first time to travel and see our US-based relatives. Now all we have to check is our budget for 2010. Hope we have excess moolah! :)

Migo's First Out of Town Trip

Last Sunday, we went for a short trip to Tagaytay Highlands. It was an impromptu trip, as always. We just decided the night before that we want to bring out Baby Miguel and have breakfast at Antonio's. And since it was Baby Migo's first out of town trip, naturally we want to capture all his firsts via our new Sony digital camera. LOL. Check out how we enjoyed the sun and cold weather of Tagaytay below.

back from Cebu trip

Yes, I am soo back after a three-day conference at Shangri-la Mactan, Cebu. It was hot, sun-shiny weather at Cebu. Perfect for swimming at the beach and soaking under the sun. Total opposite from the cold, rainy and floody streets of Manila. Sadly, was not able to enjoy the good weather here. I was so busy meeting clients for three-days!

My original plan for a little R&R before I give birth did not materialize. In fact, I even booked airfare and accommodation for two, that is for myself and my daughter, Samantha. Availed the low-fare promo from PAL and Local Resident's Package Shangri-la Resort. But at the last minute, I've decided to go alone because of hectic work schedule. Hotel booking cancelled, but the airfare was non-refundable. Too bad.

Anyway, despite working ... still enjoyed my stay. It ended up as bonding time for me and the husband together with our friends from the telecom industry. Of course, despite all the fun and partying ... we are still working! LOL.

I was able to get copy of my picture from the last night party of the ACC event. Looking at the picture, you'll see not only that I am in need of weight loss supplements , but the husband as well. Hahaha! With all the buffet food (and Cebu lechon) during our three-day stay, I strongly believed he gained few pounds from it. Even our friends can attest to it! Now he's desperate to go into crash diet. Poor husband. He's trying to cut down his rice intake lately and I hope (and pray) it'll work. Really wish him luck. Hahaha!

I love HK ...

...yes, we so love going to Hongkong which is why trip to our fave city will not be complete without visiting HK Disneyland (and shopping, of course!). Also a MUST for every trip to the happiest place on earth should be re-lived and captured with the famous Disney characters, Mickey and Minnie.

Check out our past two years photo ops with Mickey and Minnie. I think we were lucky to have our pictures taken with the famous mouse wearing different outfits on every Disney-themed celebration.

June 2007 : Disney Summer Special

February 2008 : Chinese New Year Special

October 2008 : Disney Halloween Special

June 2009 : Disney Summer Special (again)

June 2009 : Disney's Summer Luau Special : Lilo and Stitch

Hmmm ... Now makes me think that we probably lack just one season to complete our Mickey and Minnie picture collection. And that would be celebration of Christmas or Holidays! Probably December travel this year, wouldn't that be great just in time with the birth of the new baby ... what do you think? :)

The HongKong Trip : Day 1

Last June 10, our family pushed thru with our much-awaited holiday break at HongKong. Despite the H1N1 scare, we still decided to push thru with our travel plans as a summer cum back-to-school treat for the kids, and my birthday treat.

Anyway prior the trip, we've made some precautionary measures to avoid the flu virus. Aside from giving them flu shots weeks before our travel, the family took ascorbic acid on a double dosage. From the usual 500g per day, it was taken at 1000g per day. We made sure that our immune systems were well-prepared to combat any possible virus.

June 10 (Wed) : Day 1 at Hongkong Disneyland.

Since we took the flight a day ahead from the husband, I've decided it will be more practical to proceed to Disneyland Hotel from the airport and enjoy Disneyland with the kids. Less fuss and hassle of course especially if you have kids in tow.

While waiting for our delayed PAL flight. From 10am flight, we waited another hour for our trip. We left Manila at 1115 am. Not bad considering there were few passengers only at this time.

Inside the aircraft, I was able to convince the little girl to wear her mask whenever we are inside enclosed places like plane and MTR trains. She happily obliged of course with a little bribe of a Disney toy. Aside from the masks I bought from our local drugstore, I also have pocket-sized alcohol to keep our hands clean. Safety net of course. Suprisingly, only a handful of tourists were wearing masks at the HK International airport and inside the plane. The H1N1 scare not that scary after all.

We were so lazy to leave the hotel thus we arrived at Disneyland (via free coach services) around 3pm. Just in time to catch the Disney Summer Waterworks Parade. If there's something I love about Disneyland, they always showcase different parade every year. For my past four visits at Disney, I haven't watched same parade twice. Which makes it more exciting and worthwhile to go back at HK Disneyland. Anyway, after the waterworks parade,we were all wet! Mind you they use Bonaqua for the water spray...that is HK distilled water! LOL.

And of course, more pictures with the Disney characters and Disney's famous landmarks

Trip at HK Dinseyland will not be complete without pictures with Mickey and Minnie.

And more pictures with some of the rides : Cinderella carousel, Mad Hatter's Tea cup ride, Flying Dumbo and the new ride which opened 3Q 2008 : It's a Small World. Sadly, the Winnie the Pooh Ride was under maintenance during our visit. The little girl missed this ride.

summer at the Highlands

As I sort some of our 2009 summer pictures, I almost forgot to post our early summer get-away at Tagaytay Highlands. We went for a quick trip at the famous Highlands clubhouse to finalize my BIL's wedding reservation for October.

Anyway, this is us, enjoying the sun and good weather of the city. Obviously, this picture taken weeks before the rain hits Manila, which sadly, officially ended the summer season. LOL. Looking at my pictures below, it made me wish I should have seriously considered taking the diet pill I found online. With those extra bulges, it would be difficult for me to lose all the post natal weight more. Hehehe!

Travel To Guam by June

Yes, after enjoying our short BKK get-away .. we need summer vacation as a family. Thus, after searching the net trying to book for Boracay trip, I've finally decided...will travel to Guam instead by June. Wohooohoo! Yes, together with the little girl this time. So, I am giving up my plans for birthday party for a short summer get-away to Guam! I just can't wait. Really excited this time.

Never been to Guam ... I don't know what to expect. I am sooo excited. I even called the husband for this great travel idea. He's kinda hesitant because I might be preggy by then (assuming! LOL) but he thinks great idea too. Oh this will be a good time for the kids to try their US Visa, you know.

Anyway, I need to research more about the Guam trip. Wish me luck this travel plan pushes thru.

*Agana Bay and Alupai Island

Bayan Biz HK trip

Almost forgot to post my recent HK pictures.

This is us...the Bayan Business. Off to HK last october 3-5 for ultimate shopping and bonding. Just us. No kids and significant others. Simply enjoying this awesome treat. Check out some of our pictures below.

at NAIA airport before boarding Hongkong Express

photo opps with Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland with good friend and colleague, Anne.
BSPS Team at HK Airport
Off to HK Peninsula for LV shopping

More pictures (and posts) to follow ... for my HK loots, see at my other site here.