OKAY UKAY!

Fun is Not Optional!

2017-08-29T14:00:00.001+08:00

Our company had its annual family day in Dreamplay in City of Dreams, Manila. The place is best for young kids, and even for kids at heart like me! I thoroughly enjoyed the activities, and so did my kids. It was indeed a fun bonding moment!

Hilarious Translation Fails!

2016-08-26T17:16:00.000+08:00

Last week, I bought a power bank from Lazada at a ridiculously low price, and buy 1 take at that. I don't expect this to be of high quality, but just to give me my money's work, and so far, it has been doing just that. Anyway, the safety precautions and instructions are always a source of delight! Some you understand because the translation was literal, and some are just too literal that ends up being hilarious!

My favorite is: "During the charging and using of the power bank, mild fever is a normal phenomenon!"

Now, I am afraid to use lest I develop a fever!

Hahahaha! And here is another one. Its for hair straightener.

Ma Mon Luk

2016-07-27T18:19:00.001+08:00

After more than a decade of living in Quezon City, I was finally able to eat at one of the institutions when it comes to mami-Ma Mon Luk. The branch is locate in Quezon Ave near Banawe. It was a Thursday, and a little past 8pm, so there were not many people inside. We ordered 2 Original Mami (Large Bowl) and Siopao Asado and Bola Bola.

Actually, the mami was nothing to write home about. It was okay, or maybe my expectations were a bit high. But the bola-bola siopao was great, and I am sure to come back here, if only for the siopao. Unfortunately, we didn't to try the siomai as they have run out already.

Anyway, the place was really old, and while the ambiance was as expected of a Chinese eatery, I was a little bit disappointed because it does not appear to be that clean. I will just stop there and say, it was still a good eating experience and maybe, I will just come again for the siopao and siomai.

Goal: Half Marathon

2016-02-18T18:27:00.001+08:00

One of my goals is to be able to run a marathon before I turn 40 next year. So I want to be able to do this soon. I have run several 5K's and 10K's, and I do run for exercise so I am not such a newbie. But I know that running a half-marathon requires proper training. And I plan to do this very soon!

In the meantime, I will try to run a 5K-10K at least 4x a week to prepare my body to a much longer run. I have seen older people do it so its not impossible

Stupid Questions: OLX Part 2

2015-10-20T10:16:00.000+08:00

Still selling that kiddie bike, and still getting these stupid responses, hahaha.

Stupid Questions: OLX Part 1

2015-10-19T10:15:00.002+08:00

It is a Monday and I wanted to reply something nasty, but controlled myself at the last minute and just replied, no. Hay.

Collecting Membership Cards

2015-10-14T17:59:00.001+08:00

It was fun collecting these membership cards from Resorts World. I now have cards from 3 of their 4 destinations! I wish I can also get one from New York. I have been to Manila (of course!) then in Genting, Malaysia when went last February 2015 and when we forgot to apply from Sentosa, Singapore! This year, I was able to get one when I went to Singapore for a business trip. I really have no use for them now, (except for maybe some discounts in the future) other than bragging rights!

Presidential Elections 2016

2015-10-13T09:22:00.002+08:00

So far, three candidates have signified their intention to run for president of the Philipines for the 2016 elections. I was lucky enough to hear the two of them talk during a conference in Makati where they talked to a group of investors. I was lucky to have heard them in person, but I was not at all happy with what I heard. This early, I have made up my mind. I am voting for Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo.

I believe that at this time, the country needs continuity from all the projects that the Aquino administration has started. Mar may lack political will, but he is still the most qualified for me. And Leni Robredo will have my vote anytime of the day. She was the force behind her late husband Jesse Robredo, and we can't get anyone more qualified than her.

Of course, this is my opinion. You are free to choose and vote for your candidate. That is the beauty of an election. I just hope that this time, we elect the President that we deserve.

New Blog Header!

2015-09-23T19:11:00.000+08:00

I was playing around with Canva and created these two blog headers for this blog. As you can see, the first one is the current header, only because I forgot to design the correct size and I cannot fit that picture of me sitting down on a blog header. But I will still use that for some other stuff. Both are take in Mt. Pulag last year. And as you know, this blog is all about my travels, or my desire to the travel, at the expense of everything else, hahaha.

Anyway, I hope to be able to update my blogs as soon as I am done with 2 major things that are happening in my life right now!

All About Resignations

2015-07-22T11:34:00.001+08:00

I was reading up on resignations as my husband is planning on moving from one job to the other and I was hoping to be able to properly guide him on the steps. Here are just some things that I have learned:

1. You need to file a notice of resignation (your resignation letter) 30 days before your intended last day, otherwise the company can sue you for damages. This is true except for the following just causes:

Serious insult by the employer or his representative on the honor and person of the employee;
Inhuman and unbearable treatment accorded the employee by the employer or his representative;
Commission of a crime or offense by the employer or his representative against the person of the employee or any of the immediate members of his family; and
Other causes analogous to any of the foregoing.

2. You are not entitled to a separation pay unless it is specified in your contract.

3. You are entitled to receive your pro-rated 13th month pay.

4. You can ask for a copy of a certificate of employment.

5. You are entitled to a 5-day Service Incentive Leave (SIL). However, if you have already received your vacation leaves, this can already to the compliance to the SIL and you may not get paid for this anymore.

Quitting a job is never easy, especially if you have build good relationships with your co-workers. However, some employees may decide to leave for want of a higher pay and better benefits. And you are within your right to resign of you choose to do so.

Sources:

http://www.laborlaw.usc-law.org/2010/02/27/service-incentive-leave/

http://www.manilatimes.net/resigned-worker-entitled-to-13th-month-pay/54589/

http://www.truelogic.com.ph/human-resources/5-employee-rights-definitely-worth-knowing

http://www.chanrobles.com/legal4labor6.htm

My First Run in 2015: 10K Robinsons Supermarket Fit and Fun Buddy Run

2015-07-14T17:03:00.000+08:00

Last July 5, I joined thousands of runners in the 8th year of Robinsons Supermarket Fit and Fun Buddy Run. This is my first run in 2015, and I hope it wont be the last. While I am having trouble with my knee due to meniscus (a tear) and metatarsalgia on my left foot, I find joy in the fact that I can still enjoy a good run. 1 hour and 38 minutes is not my best time for a 10K, but my buddy, my eldest son said he was not mentally prepared so we didn't make good time. I have pictures on all the kilometer marker because that's where I have to wait for him as my buddy, hahahah!

The 10K packet was being sold for P1500 at Robinson's Supermarket but I was able to buy mine for a discounted employee price. But the loot bag, 2 bags full of groceries, one for each runner, was more than enough the P750 you pay for each one at regular price. Too bad I didn't have a picture of the contents of the bag. And there were so many sampling booths and giveaways on the event site.

I hope I can join again next year, and hopefully, I can make a much better time then!

Plantation Bay, Cebu

2015-06-16T11:33:00.001+08:00

We were in Cebu over the Independence day weekend for our department's offsite planning. The resort was huge, all 11 hectares of water, trees and restaurants. There were so many things to do from wall climbing, to archery,to biking and of course, swimming and eating!

Rooms start at US$160++ to US$220++ per night. A bit pricey, but you get your money's worth! Check it out! More pictures of my stay on my travel blog!

Managing Stress When Your Kid is Starting High School

2015-06-08T11:23:00.000+08:00

My second son is starting high school (grade 7) at Polytechnic University's Laboratory High School. It means he transferred from the school where he started out in elementary where everything and everyone is already familiar, and where it is only a tricycle ride away from the house, to one of the biggest colleges in the Philippines, and where he had to commute via a jeep and then walk by himself to school. If that is not cause for stress for any well-meaning parent, then I don't know what is!

So here are just some tips on what I have been doing to manage my stress:

1. Familiarize him with the new surroundings. From the time that my son applied for the entrance examination up to enrollment, I always bring him with me to the school. I toured him around the campus (I graduated from PUP), showed him where to eat and showed him how to commute from the house. This way, I know that he is familiar with the route to and from school, and he knows exactly where he is in the campus so I know that he won't get lost or disoriented.

2. Give him a sensible phone. I had him bring my old blackberry, kept in silent mode in his pocket with instructions for him to call me at anytime if there is a problem. I also told him to text me before he leaves the school, then put the phone back in his bag, and then to text me again the minute he is at home. He was told not to play with his phone in school or inside the jeep. The phone is strictly for communication.

3. Remind him to ask questions. He is shy but I remind him to always not be afraid to ask questions or directions or to ask the teacher to repeat instructions. I tell him there is nothing wrong with asking and he should do so when he is unsure.

4. Don't talk to strangers. I told him not to talk to strangers. Especially since he had to walk a long way from the jeepney stop to school and back. He must avoid being accosted by thugs, and he must walk in groups or right behind a group. In case he was held up for his money and cellphone, he must give it up right away without struggle and then to go inside the school and tell the guard to call me and I will go get him right away.

5. Make friends. I told him that I would feel so much better if he makes friends right away so that he has somebody to share the new experiences in school. But to make sure to look for the right kinds of friends that are interested in school.

6. Tell me if there is a problem. I told him that if anything or anyone is bothering him, he must tell me so I can help him. If he is being bullied or if he is not very comfortable at school, he must tell so we can remedy the problem.

Letting go of one's child is really stressful. I have to work and I can't be with him all the time. But knowing that I have prepared him well should be enough to keep the stress away. Now, excuse while I wring my hands while waiting for my son's text message!

Liliw Resort

2015-05-13T14:18:00.001+08:00

How to Get Here:
On private vehicle via Antipolo, pass by the towns of Antipolo, Tanay and Laguna up to Magdalena then Liliw. Simply ask for directions on where is Liliw Resort.
Via public transport, ride a bus to San Pablo or Sta Cruz , take a jeep to Liliw and ride a tricycle to the resort.
How to Reserve at Liliw Resort
contact Ms Mayie at 0930 6285521

More info at Piso Traveller

JRC Breeze Resort in Lian, Batangas

2015-04-10T09:57:00.000+08:00

JRC Breeze resort in Lian Batangas, near Mt. Dew Resort. This is a beach with swimming pool and house and cottages for rent. Contact the numbers on the photo below. Enjoy!

Kubo cottages and rooms

2 swimming pools!

Home is Heart, Heart, Heart

2015-02-13T09:28:00.001+08:00

where am I?

Travel makes you humble, because it makes you see how tiny a space you occupy in this vast world, says a quote I've read somewhere. And while it makes you compare your home country, the beloved Philippines to the super efficient Singapore, you still realize that nothing beats home. Yes, their train runs on time and is very organized and our trains are well, you know how they are. And yes, their streets are clean and people are afraid of being fined and ours are like, well you know how we are. But the moment you step in Singapore, you are on your guard. You are mindful that you can be fined by eating on the trains or in the stations. You don't litter, you don't spit and God forbid if you should ever chew gums. You are always on your guard. But when you get back home, you know you can let go. You are home after all and here, nothing can fine you! So you are fine. So while I really love to travel, I will always want to go home!

Piso Fare!

2014-12-12T09:37:00.000+08:00

I have been seeing some P1-fare sale of both Airasia and Cebu Pacific valid for travel next year, but I have not bought any ticket yet. With my first-born now in college, it is not as easy to pick a date since being absent from class might mean a failing grade. And because we might be doing a land trip instead next year.

But it so tempting to buy, even for just me and my husband! If only it's that easy, hahahah!

Magtanin Ay Di Biro

2014-11-07T11:00:00.001+08:00

Taken in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur where farming is still a way of life.

Being Strong

2014-09-29T21:18:00.000+08:00

Yup. I know how it feels.

Keeping Safe at Home During Typhoon

2014-09-22T15:37:00.001+08:00

Last September 19, we were on high alert at home ready for when the water rises and flood reaches inside the house, like it did with Ondoy. Thankfully, flood water only reached the gate, and we had continuous supply of power and cable and internet. My husband and I tried to go to work but came back on when we couldn't find a way with out motorcycle and decided to just take a leave and be safe at home.

So, now safely and warmly stucked at home, we planned the meals! And we what we had were all best for the rainy weather. We had a cup of noodles for breakfast, sinigang na bangus for lunch and then ginataan for merienda. Then we topped it off with tsamporado. The best!

Do-It-Yourself Hot Oil Session

2014-09-18T17:33:00.001+08:00

Earlier this month, my daughter and I had a DIY Hot Oil session at home, and it was so simple and fun!

Here are the instructions on how to do it:

1. Prepare your oil. I used coconut oil that I made myself. You just need to heat the shredded coconut on low fire, stir until the oil comes out and the shredded coconut turns brown. Then filter the oil and keep in a bottle or sealed container. It smells so good, good enough to eat!

2. Using a cotton, apply oil to the scalp, the roots and the end of the hair.

3. Massage the scalp to apply oil to all the areas.

4. Cover your hair with a shower cap for 2 hours.

5. Shampoo your hair and use conditioner if desired.

6. Voila! Enjoy your smooth and fragrant hair!

How much did it cost me? Around P20.00 for the shredded coconut, and lots and lots of fun with my daughter!

Dinner at Jay-J's Inasal

2014-09-16T09:16:00.001+08:00

To belatedly celebrate the birthday of Ehms, the Superfriends met at Metrowalk to have dinner at Bancheto. Unfortunately, there was no more bancheto there so we opted to have dinner at Jay-J's Inasal instead.

We opted to get their Family Meal Package good for 4-5 persons and it was more than enough for the 6 of us. The food was delicious as always. We had the shrimp, Sinigang, Pusit and seafood ginataan, as well as the deep-fried plala. We added Pansit Canton as birthday noodles and we were set. There was also the delicious turon for dessert (no picture, hahaha!)

The whole costs us about P1,980 at it was not bad at all for around P250 per pax.

Dinner At Dampa sa Libis

2014-09-12T06:00:00.000+08:00

In celebration of her birthday and her recently awarded scholarship to Germany, our friend Rona treated us to dinner in Dampa sa Libis. The last time all 6 of us were together was in February when we went to Cambodia and Vietnam. So dinner was a very enjoyable affair.

Rona and her husband Rodney was early, so they already ordered our dinner. They bought the shrimp and the pork from the market and had it cooked. It was ready to be served when we got there. We had shrimp in lemon butter sauce, grilled and sinigang pork, siomai, and the chopsuey (not in the photo).

It was actually my first time to eat in Dampa, but I had fun so I am surely going to come back for another dinner soon!

Fatboys Pizza: Metrodeal Promo Review

2014-09-11T15:36:00.002+08:00

I bought one Metrodeal voucher for 2-15" Fatboys Pizza for 299 and decided to redeem it last Sunday. The deal is for 2 pizzas: Hawaian and Sausage and Mushroom and P299 seems like a good deal.

The Good:

1. Redemption was easy. I went to the branch in Puregold Agora and handed the voucher to the girl, she wrote it down and I signed, and voila! We have the pizza after 10 minutes.

The Bad:

1. There was no sausage available for the Sausage and Ham Pizza but since I wanted to try other flavors, I agreed with the girl to just replace the mushroom with pineapple. Bad combination.

2. The pizza was not delicious. Yes it was hot, yes it was nicely cooked but no, it was not awesome, nor really good nor was it anywhere near delicious.

3. The branch, which was in the food court of Puregold Agora did not look appealing. I was surprised when I handed the voucher to the girl in front of the counter, and then she sat on the counter and throw her feet up, to slide to the other side, to get inside the counter! The door under the counter was too small for a grow person to pass. But hey, maybe other branches looks just fine.

So, did I get good value for my money? No. As my son said, I should have bought from 3M pizza instead.

How to Plant a Malunggay Tree

2014-09-08T17:43:00.000+08:00

I asked my friend for a cutting from their Malunggay tree so that we can plant one in our garden. She asked their helper to cut a branch or small trunk of the Malunggay tree. When I brought it home, my mom took out some of the skin and planted it in one big pail.

We filled it with soil and watered it and just left it alone. Please note that this method of planting Malunggay tree is not as sure as planting from seeds but this will have to do for now.

I will let you know soon if our Malunggay tree will make it and maybe we can enjoy the fruits of our labor soon!