was all about Disneyland and last minute shopping. As many have commented that I did a lot of mega-posing during my entire trip, wait till you see my pics in Disneyland! Hahaha. We checked out early from the hotel in the city since we packed already our stuff the night before. We just took the train going to Disneyland. Went to Central Station then moved to Tung Chung line. If you are going to Disneyland, you have to get off at Sunny Bay to transfer to the Disneyland Resort line. It was such a breeze to really travel by train in HongKong, which is very much like the services of the Newark Airport Shuttle. They offer affordable, reliable and safe ground transportation services throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs. Best part is they also operate everyday servicing between hotels and residences making transportation easy. I wish we have something like this in the country that could attract more tourists.
We were in Disneyland Resort by 1030am. We took the shuttle to the Disneyland Hollywood Hotel and we were so glad that we were allowed to check-in early. After putting on our luggages in the room, we decided to go to CityGate Outlets in TungChung. But my two cousins wanted to go to the Big Golden Buddha and they took the cable car. I refused. Hehehe. Told them, they could just go on their own and that they should just leave me in Tung Chung outlets. I prefer shopping than sightseeing, you know!
In TungChung, I was able to buy nike rubber shoes for the kids and Ralph Lauren polo shirts for Dicky. I almost bought a nice Kate Spade bag which was at 50% but I’m just so glad I was able to control. I was also able to buy nice tees from Esprit for me and the kids. My cousins and I saw each other back again in Tung Chung so we can get back to Disneyland together. We wanted to catch the 330pm parade but we missed it. Good thing there was a glow in the dark parade as 7pm because the park was celebrating holloween special, which we were able to watch.
I was suprised that the HongKong Disneyland was just a small place. You can practically finish everything in just a whole day trip. We rode few rides like the Autopia, Space Mountain (which I almost threw up after riding that one) and the It’s a Small World ride. Then we just waited for the fireworks display at 8pm. It wasn’t as fancy as what I saw in Disneyland in Anaheim. It was short!
We took our dinner back in the hotel. They have a good food and a reasonable price for their ala carte menus. We were able to rest early that night that made us wake up early the following day. Took buffet breakfast in the hotel on our 4th day. It was just ok. Then we immediately went back to the park to finish roaming around. We checked out at 12nn and went back to the park to catch the 330pm parade. After watching the parade, we just got our luggages from the conceirge and went to Central Station already, hoping that we could check-in from there already. Too bad, the Cebupac’s counter was closed so we need to check-in our luggages in the airport. It was around 5pm that time so we decided to move around Central before hopping the Airport Express train. This was the time that I bought my LV bag in Landmark. I left my luggages to my cousins who were dining in Cafe de Coral that time. By 730pm, we were already in the airport. It was a breeze to check-in but the boarding gate for Cebu Pacific was so far! Anyway, good thing we were able to move around some more, so reason for another bag purchase! lol!
The flight back to Manila was on time. We landed in terminal 3 almost 12mn. I was glad to be home. It was a fun and rejuvenating trip for me. I needed something like this once in a while!
More pictures…(sorry for the overload!)
You Are a Vampire |
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You can’t help but get people to do what you want. You have sharp senses and a strong predatory instinct. You go after what you want, without mercy. While you have the heart of a killer, many people are drawn to you. You are elegant, timeless, and mysterious. You are the ultimate fantasy object. |
Too bad, the kids haven’t gone to any single trick or treating. I’m so damn lazy and busy at the same time. Do you get what I mean? Confusing ha. I’m lazy to work but I’m just busy for Bianca’s upcoming party next week. I want to finish all errands before the week ends. That’s why it brought me to Divi practically the whole day yesterday. I’m still not done though with some more prizes shopping so I’m also hitting the mall today to complete everything. Oh, and I also need to do the groceries today plus drop by MC Home Depot to get a new faucet for our busted one in the comfort room upstairs. I want to get something like those I saw from Moen.
That’s what you should call me today. Woke up late, went to bed again. Took lunch with kids (happy that Margaux is already on sembreak!) and now just plain blogging and hopping. Called the husband and insisted that we watched High School Musical 3 tonight with Margaux as the little girl has been bugging me that she likes to see that movie. Glad he agreed. Now, I’m just munching on the chocolate left overs which I bought from Duty Free last week, while waiting for the kids to wake up from their nap time. Maybe I should just go back to bed as well!
Such a lazy day!
The day 2 was dedicated to move around the entire HongKong (HongKong island and Kowloon side). We woke up at 8am and we were ready by 9am. We took the train going to Chai Wan, the last station in the HongKong Island side. We met with my cousin’s supplier in their office which was near the train station only. This was the business meeting. Then we took the tram going to Causeway bay. My cousins just want to experience also the different means of transportation in HongKong using our Octopus Cards. They were asking if we can also ride buses going to tourist spots or amusement parks like Disneyland like the one charter bus nyc. Since Mary, my cousin had been to New York already, she told me about the NYC Bus Charter, which she availed of when she travelled in New York. Mary said that the Bus Service provided was clean and well-maintained. She was even able to availed of its lowest possible rate and was very happy with the company’s on-time service. But the very basic transportation which we availed in HK was their MTR. It was also so convenient and fast to travel by train.
After going around Causeway Bay, we moved to Central to see the Peak Tram. We had lunch in Bubba Gump since we cant find any other place to dine in. We weren’t happy with the food plus it was kinda expensive compared to their rates here in Manila. We also went inside Madame Trussad and had a blast having pictures with different figures.
We went to Tsim Tsa Tsui to shop within the area. We also stayed there till the evening since my cousins want to see the Symphony of Lights happening every 8pm. After the great show, we went to Mongkong’s Ladies Night Market to buy few pasalubongs.
I was dead tired after it, we went back to the hotel almost 1am already coming from the night market.
Snapshots of 2nd day…
Last Friday was Margaux’s UN Day in school. As I said in my previous posts, I want the little girl to be in Ms. Spain costume. Since the costume from her godmother is too big for her, I decided to have it made instead in a nearby seamstress. I bought the materials in Carolina’s in Megamall with the total cost of only Php 300.00 because I only used Gina Silk and the very plain silk material. Then the seamstress charged me Php 250 only for the labor! I’m so happy with the turnout! I printed out Spain’s flag and put it on a stick. I also had a sash made for her too.
And since I also bought a Ms. Korea costume in SM as a back-up plan in case the Ms. Spain costume won’t be finished, I just had Bianca wore the costume also last friday and it was all good on her.
My two girls…
Good thing the moms were allowed to take some snap shots of the kids before they went on a parade and activity inside their classrooms. They converted the 4 classrooms inside to different countries and each kid were given passports. They ate pizza in Italy. They learned basic skills in Taekwando in Korea. They did hula dancing in Hawaii and they made salsa and nacho in Mexico, which they brought home. Margaux was all happy to show me her passport.
Here are some more pics…
Let me skip my HK trip day 2 and day 3 by leaving you first pictures of HongKong Disney Hollywood Hotel. I really took time to take pictures of the room and the entire hotel since I purposely wanted to show it to Dicky. He was convinced to bring the kids here next time. Pretty happy with our stay in the hotel. We were allowed to check in as early as 11am and was even upgraded to the seaview wing. I saw the Disneyland hotel as well but we didn’t bother to check out even the lobby. But for a first-timer in Disneyland HongKong, I’m happy with the Hollywood Hotel.
The room itself with two double beds…
It’s pathetic that I even took pictures of the bathroom’s faucet and the shower curtain.
Sea View from our room…
The hotel’s lobby…
Going up to the guestrooms…
Some more snapshots…
Wishing to go back here with the whole family!
You Are a Life Blogger! |
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If it happens, you blog it. And you make it as entertaining as possible. You may be guilty of over-sharing a bit on your blog, but you can’t help it. Your life is truly an open book. Or in this case, an open blog! |
It was a fun-filled Sunday for the MBAP Christmas/Shower party held at Jane’s mansion. We were 2nd to arrive after Mich and family. Calltime was 3pm but we were complete almost 4pm already. The kids (girls) headed to Sophia’s playroom at the 2nd floor. While the boys opted to just stay in the playground under the heat of the sun. Food was catered by CCME. After eating, we had to do the exchange gifts. The kids had a blast receiving their toys.
And of course, the hilarious white elephant game for the couple’s exchange gifts. It was so much fun! You can tell from our pictures.
And we played some games for the preggies, for the mommies and also for the daddies, who all don’t need bodybuilding supplements. lol!
The dads sure had fun with their bottles of beer while making their stories about tracking devices! (wink, wink)
As for the kids, they don’t need games anymore as they were all pretty busy playing in the playground. We ended the night almost past 8pm already. We just had a great time! We are hoping to repeat it again.
I posted some snapshots here and it details already what happened to our entire 4-day stay.
My cousins Mary and Frannie picked me up at home at 5am as our flight was at 8am via Cebu Pacific. First time to use the NAIA Terminal 3. It was a breeze during check-in and the new airport was so clean and big. Although we noticed that some parts are not open yet. Hope the authorities can keep up the cleanliness of the new airport.
We took the airport express to the city. Since we were 3, got a 40% discount in the train fare. Got our tickets for KH$65 only each instead of HK$100. Also, we got our Octopus Card so we can have unlimited train. bus and tram rides. Cost of which is HK$150, which can be refunded in case you can’t use up completely less their HK$7 handling fee.
Went straight to City Econo Hotel where we would be staying for 2 nights. It was what we expected. It was really a budget hotel. What can you expect for something worth HK$500/night only for triple sharing? Anyway, we entirely did not mind as we really planned to be out the whole day. We arrived in our hotel almost 1130am already since we had to transfer train from Central Station. We were able to check-in early and lodged our suitcases. We headed off outside immediately to quickly grabbed our lunch. We ate in a nearby chinese restaurant along Austin Road. Afterwhich, we walked our way to the China-HK Ferry Teminal in Kowloon side to go to Macau. Ferry fare was at HK$130+, it was an hour ferry ride to Macau. First stop in Macau, Senado Square and St. Paul’s Ruins. How to get there: From the Terminal, ride Bus No. 3 or 10 or 10A. Fare was only HK$2.50. You can use your HK dollars in Macau. Of course, we didn’t miss trying Macau’s famous eggtarts.
We stayed pretty long here with lots of picture taking…
Then at 6pm, we dropped by in Wynn then headed to Venetian Hotel. You can ride the free shuttles from the terminal to get to these hotels.
We finished strolling around almost 9pm already. We went back to the China-HK Ferry Terminal in time for boarding the turbo jet at HK$176. We got off from HongKong side since the ferry to Kowloon is until 830pm only. From the HongKong terminal we just took the cab back to the hotel. Wow, it was a whooping HK$134 from the terminal to our hotel. But we were just too tired to look for the bus stop. First day was entirely tiring. But we were ready to hit the roads early on our 2nd day for shopping!
I so love the above pictures which I snagged from Abie and Peachy. Seems like there’s a problem in Sophia’s BMW steering rack, that’s why Bianca, Joaqui and Margaux had to push Manu while driving, who doesn’t seem to care that he’s driving a pink car!!! The kids had a blast playing with each other. It was so nice to see them together. From the playroom to the playground, they were all hyper. They had a blast! Hope we can do this get together often and that Jane would always be willing to host us! Bwahaha, (abusive!)
As I blogged about it here, I consumed my whole afternoon looking for a nice one for Margaux’s UN activity/parade this friday. Apparently, the costume which I am supposed to get from her ninang is too big for her. I’m thinking to just have it altered but then again, I tried my luck pa rin in the mall. I found a Ms. Korea costume in SM. Bought it but I already indicated in my reply note to her teacher that she would be Ms. Spain. Now that’s my dilemna. So I bought materials/fabric from Carolina’s and rushed it to a nearby seamstress in our place just tonight. I hope she would finish it on time. She said to pick it up Thursday night. I’m crossing my fingers as I really want Margaux in that spanish costume. Well, not exactly like this but this is the inspiration…
Leaving you first with a picture of the little girls from the MBAP party yesterday. They had a blast playing in the pretty play room of Jane’s Sophia. Too bad the heated pool didn’t make it to complete construction so the kids didn’t have a chance to swim. Nevertheless, they love the vast playground in Jane’s mansion, lol! And my little Margaux was whispering to me that she wants a room like Sophie! Hihihi. Well, I said to her that she and Bianca can finally have one in the next couple of months. I’m just glad also that both Bianca and Margaux are now fully toilet-trained so I can let them sleep on their own room eventually without worrying about mattresses getting wet. Goodbye disposable diaper! What a great savings!
The husband hasn’t divulged to me yet all the details of the MBAP dads’ talk last night, while having their one-bottle of beer each. I was asking him about the reason behind all the big laughs. Well, he just mentioned that they just talked about good old boys stuff. He said they also talked about DSLR and discussed about options in brands, lenses and even memory cards. He is now convinced to really get one. We just need to find the right choice for us. He said that he also enjoyed the company of everyone and was even telling me to always bring him already for MBAP get-togethers! So what did all the husbands say to you, MBAP moms?
Because of so many things I have to do today…the quiz tells that my color for today is blue. I feel like there are a lot of things to do because I was away for like 4 days. And 4 days with limited internet access makes up around 80+ serious business emails to answer!
You Are Having a Blue Day |
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You have the intelligence, skills, and drive to rise to the occasion. Your mind is sharp. While things may be a bit chaotic, you are still taking the time to reflect and be calm. Today you are extra attractive and interesting to people. You are giving off a detached vibe, which is very intriguing.
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Came home almost midnight already of Saturday morning, I was dead tired but the trip was all good. I had a number of pictures to share which I haven’t uploaded yet. I had to sleep all day yesterday and make up for the lost time with my kids and the husband. They were all so happy to see me. I shopped a lot for them. I wanted to bring home all the loots from Disneyland for my kids. They had a blast with so much mickey and minnie mouses as well as disney princess items. Got the husband about 2 shoes, neckties and perfumes. And the only consolation I have for our household helps are clothes for our laundry hamper. Kidding aside, I compensated it by giving them HK shirts and chocolates. As for me, guess what I got? Yes, you are right. New “babies” for me. Will post it soon.
it would be within our hands…
Our very own. The dreamhouse construction will finally be pushing through within the year. The husband and I decided that we should not delay it no more. Thanks to the Man Up There for paving the way. We are grateful for the blessings. Everything happens for a reason and because of Dicky’s career move, an unexpected grace from Him, we are just now ready to start off our new family project.
Things falling into place. And after careful consideration, we felt that this is a better plan and perfect timing. I have been convinced that we are not travelling (for the meantime) to the US for the holidays. There would always be a next time, next year? Anyway, it won’t go away and we still have 9 years to use our tourist visas. Will make sure we can then stay longer than 2 weeks by the next travel.
We just can’t wait for the house warmings!!! :-P
Was up early today because I have so many things to do. But I just can’t seem to have my hands in doing. I barely know where to start. My mind is not working!!!
Things to do today:
1. Finish answering all emails since Friday.
2. Bank Transacations
3. Buy exchange gift items for MBAP party
4. Download pics from camera to have space for HK trip.
5. Pack clothes
6. Buy toiletries
7. Buy snacks for the week for Margaux’s school
8. Write down instructions for the maids
9. Pick up the personalized books I ordered as a gift for the birthday party we are attending on saturday.
10. Blog and bloghop
11. Prepare for MBAP party (games)
12. Print all booking transactions for the HK trip (e-ticket, hotel accommodations, etc)
13. Check out LV website, (lol!)
14. Meet staff and endorse things to do for the entire week while I’m away.
15. Finalize cake, invitation and souvenir designs for Bianca’s party.
I don’t know if I would ever finish all of these because I want to spend time with the kids today as I’ll be gone for 4 days! Reason why I was also off-line for the entire weekend. Really made sure I spent quality time with the kids and the husband.
Goodluck to me!
Dicky has been bugging me to completely fill out already the necessary forms for something we are working on. Apparently, that’s the only thing I did this morning because I need to finish signing all documents before I leave for Hong Kong next week. I also had to phone his aunt, who is an interior designer for some specifics of the furnishings. Indeed, we are getting so excited about this new venture. Just can’t wait. And while I was talking to his aunt, I got more excited about her plans for Indoor Water Fountains. She asked me to check a site and see which one among the selections would I prefer to get for the foyer leading to the living room. I thought she’s just going to put a big mirror for that wall but her new idea for Wall Fountains would be something interesting and unique. I’m giddy happy for the turn out of the plans from the revisions we had. It’s becoming more of what we really love to have and to live with. She is also suggesting for us to get Water Fountains for the quiant garden we would have which will be right across the sliding door fronting the dining room. We are eyeing this wall fountain pictured below. Can you get a picture of what I am talking about? Yes, its all about the dream house. We are close to it!
is the favorite play time of the kids now…
Happy Thursday!
With the increasing economic crisis, I am now experiencing staff requesting for some Payday Loans. I must admit that I am not keen at first regarding this matter but of course the necessity for some to get Instant Pay Day Loans is inevitable. I understand now anyway. I just have to reiterate to my staff that they should really work hard for it and should value the trust I am giving them. Well, lucky they have been loyal to me ever since and they also are not abusing my generosity. Times are really hard now.
Aggie posted:
“Anyway, for this week, I want to SEE you. Post your most recent pictures. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t look great. I want to see more than what is a normal avatar. Take note that it needs to be RECENT. Can you believe I can use an avatar dated 2 years ago? Time for things to change
Secondly, I want to KNOW you. Just YOU. Sans kids, the husband, just YOU. I have a lot of ME tags in my blog – you can use that. What do I want to read: You – Now. It can be as simple as “I love Coke.” or as complex as “I am the crossroads of my life.”
Here’s my latest picture just taken today, while doing something in my work station.
Let me try to be spontaneous here because I really do not know where to start….
I am happy. I love my life. I love my current state right now. Although it didn’t come easy because I have my own share of struggles and challenges, I am thankful to what I have become in life.
I’m the youngest in the family. I only have one brother who I look up to and became my inspiration to work hard in life. Our family didn’t have any riches, in fact, my parents worked hard to send us to school because they did not want us to experience what they have endured in their childhood. I’m thankful for that. I got good education, strived hard to do good in school from grade school down to college. I wasn’t the brightest in class but I managed to get very good grades which I am proud of.
But back in high school and college, I also did some naughty escapades. I had no regrets with it. Barkada, night outs, boyfriends! I fell in love and fall out of love at a tender age. I cried like there was no tomorrow when I was hurt but I realized there were still things to look forward to. I valued friendships with a lot of people. I became stronger and learned the ways of life.
After college, I was excited to land my first working job in a telecommunications company. I was ecstatic to spend my own money, to be independent and carefree. I met a lot of good friends again. A year after, I met the man of my life. I am the luckiest girl in the world. I was pampered and loved. I felt blessed. I didn’t let him go. Four years after, I got married. I was so happy. I learned a lot of things from him and still learning up until now. I got a will power to become more independent and do the things I want where I am good at. I am working hard to be a good wife. I am always making a conscious effort about it up until now.
I quitted my job, ventured into business. It wasn’t easy at first. And I wouldn’t say that it became easier. They said if you are an entrepreneur, you have control over your time. But it also means that you should be available 24/7 in order to reap the rewards you want to get.
I was just a wife for 2 years and a half. I thought we won’t be blessed with a child. I was so dissapointed. I was turning my back to everyone. Then finally, our first-born came 2005. I felt complete. I was excited and anxious at the same time. I was working hard to be a good mom. Then another bundle of joy came to us unexpectedly a year after. But I embraced this another responsibility whole heartedly. It was tough. Motherhood is tough. I’m not a perfect mother because I am still working hard for it.
I sometimes feel so down, stressed and burned out. I am tired of being busy. Sometimes, I just want to quit but I can’t. I just cant throw everything I have planted. Sometimes, I just want to laze around but work calls me to get up and do what is appropriate. Sometimes, I just want to stare in a blank wall and do not think of anything but there are just so many things running in my head. But I am cut to be always-on-the-go. I guess I am used to it. I have always been a fighter.
Mundane things that keep my sanity are shopping and travelling. I want to shop, shop and shop to the max, as if there’s no tomorrow! lol! As you know, I love bags. I have special relationships with my bags. I want to travel the whole world. That is my ultimate dream. I want to travel around the world before I die. I want to travel with my whole family. I want my kids to enjoy life as I am enjoying life now.
I know there could still be more challenges to face. I am just holding on to my faith. I am praying to always have one.
I look forward to better tomorrows, to still walk hand in hand with the love of my life, in cuddles of my bundles of joy, in comforts of family and laughters of good friends. What I have now and what I have become, I STRIVED and WORKED hard for it. And I am still continuing to do so for the rest of my life.
I am living up to the subtitle of my blog….
“Witness how I dice my different roles in life because at the end of the day, win or lose, life is still beautiful!
(Sorry, it became too long, i got carried away! lol!)