Ikea is our Happy Place

Euen's first airplane ride is where else but our favorite out-of-the-country-destination: Singapore.  Denden had a business trip and we just tagged along.  Very timely for Kuya Shosh's birthday, so Shashing accompanied us.  The baby's airplane ride was smooth, she just watched by the window during the take off, then, she was asleep the whole time.

I gave Euen the same experience, the first time I went to Singapore.  Mostly, went around places, ate lots and lots of food (she loved rotti prata), took the river taxi, enjoyed the view and sights.

Of course, we took her to Ikea.  She enjoyed playing with all the display toys and trying out the baby and children's furniture.

Like me, Ikea is Euen's happy place too!

Sisters Day Out

Probably the last, if not the second to the last trip to Singapore, we booked our flight even before I knew I was pregnant. Fortunately, I got clearance from my OB to ride the plane. We decided that this visit will be just us sisters, with Kuya Shosh.

Unlike my previous trips to Singapore, this time, we had limited places to go. I couldn’t walk too far, especially go and up down staircases, and I get tired easily. Of course, I wouldn’t miss Ikea and its yummy meatballs! But I had to limit what I had to buy because of the baggage allowance, mostly baby stuff, decors for baby’s room. And it was Cherub’s first time to eat in Marche, and as always, it was a treat.

The five days went by instantly. It was a “mission accomplished,” we got to spend quality time with Lij. For some time now, I haven’t experienced having two sisters: living in same house, sleeping in the same bedroom, waking up and having breakfast on the same dining table. I missed that!
On the other hand, we also got to witness how her day starts and ends there, how she and K/S take care of each other.

I guess this trip was not for different places to visit, or tourist spots to go to. But it was for the sharing of stories of different people we knew, and sharing of experiences that isn’t only read thru emails or chats. This trip was for the endless talks and laughs on the MRT train that would almost make you miss your station. Or the long serious conversations on the bus that would make you wonder if you’re passed your stop already. It was for watching TFC teleseryes together even if you don’t really watch it back home. It was for old Tagalog movies that you wouldn’t mind watching again just to share with her, the feeling of being home.

When it was time to go, I asked her if she wanted to accompany us to the airport, she said she didn’t want to because she might cry. It was sad having to leave her and I know it breaks her heart as well. But what’s left is to cherish the last five days. After all, she exceeded half of the two years. A few months more and she’ll be back home. And we will look forward to that day.

Universal Studios Singapore

Even though they were only on soft opening and the Battlestar Gallactica had to stop operations, we still decided that after all the trips here, Universal Studios was new so we had to go and see.

For SGD66, it had a 10 dollar meal voucher and a 5 dollar souvenir voucher because of the soft opening. Nice shows: Lights Camera Action Hosted by Steven Spielberg where you get to be in a major hurricane hit movie set. Waterworld, based on the movie, was a different live water show which I found amusing. Also Shrek 4-D Adventure. I had a chance to meet Alex and the gang and took some pictures.

My favorite rides were Revenge of the Mummy, indoor roller coaster like Hongkong Disneyland’s Space Mountain, but better. And Adventure Rapids, like Enchanted Kingdom’s Rio Grande Rapids, but so much better.

Food was affordable, which was unexpected. The 10 dollar voucher could be good for lunch already. Overall, it was a soft opening, there were many people but not too much to cause a queue of more than 50 minutes, at most. The one whole day was almost enough. I thought I’d just want to see it once, but then, we’ll see in the future...

Subic Getaway

We promised Ikoy we’d let him see tigers and dolphins so the holiday was the best chance for us. We were able to convince Papa Chime to join us through Ikoy’s power. Papa Rene, Kuya Sheng-sheng and Desy tagged along and so did Tita Bebe, Ate Beeday and Migs. This was the third time I went to Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure, but this was a different experience because of Ikoy.

What’s to see on Zoobic Safari:
1. A mini-zoo of exotic animals. Shashing afraid of birds. Ikoy was happy to see the lion.
2. Serpentarium. Ikoy afraid of snakes, he had his eyes closed the whole time.
3. Rodent world.
4. Aeta’s trail with a short show of the natives.
5. Savannah. Nuni scared of ostriches.
6. Croco loco. A close encounter with crocodiles.
7. Tiger Close encounter. Tigers inside cages.
8. Tiger safari. All were amazed with the different experience, feeding the tiger. Especially Ikoy and Migs.
What’s to see in Ocean Adventure:
1. Aquarium. Ikoy was happy to see Nemo.
2. Sea lion show. Funny and cute sea lion.
3. Walk on the Wild side. Entertaining show that features wild life of the forest. Papa Rene found a bag under his seat—with a snake inside.
4. Rap, jump and roll. Migs liked the mascots. We enjoyed the acrobats dressed as dolphins.
5. Dolphin show. Still spectacular the third time around! For me, this is better than HK’s Ocean Park dolphin show. Mamalilub agreed.

Cebu Adventure

Day1
1. Ferry boat to Cebu - Cost 425 + 20 terminal fee and insurance.
2. Lunch at Bernadette’s – We ran out of Lechon at CNT.
3. Taoist Temple - Located at Beverly Hills. Just right for the Kung Fu Panda pictures.
4. Sto. Nino Chruch
5. Magellan’s Cross
6. Sto. Nino Museum – Entrance, 20. Very informative and educational.
7. Fort San Pedro – Entrance 25. A historical place turned into a lover's park in Cebu.
8. Sampaguita Suites – 1400/room for 4 people.




Day2
1.STK Lunch – Yummy!
2. Lapu-Lapu Shrine – or is this Mactan Shrine?
3. Plantation bay – Friendly staff. A good family getaway.
4. Spa Massage - Cost 350. For an hour and half massage.
5. Larsian’s Dinner - A different taste of Cebu that reminded me of UP Aristocart days.
6. Bo’s Coffee
7. Plane to Manila – Tired and sleepy to work. But had we the most wonderful time.

Bohol Adventure

1. Plane to Cebu
2. Ferry boat to Bohol – Cost 425 + 25 terminal fee.
3. Lunch at Loboc River – Cost 300. Food ok, Small waterfall view at the end. Kids diving from a tree to the river. Entertaining people. River cruise- FUN!4. Chocolate Hills – Cost 25. Really one of the wonders of the world.
5. Butterfly Garden – Cost 25. Not just butterflies, but with some facts and educational stories from a friendly tour guide.
6. Manmade Forest – Just stop by the sidewalk, take pictures and enjoy the site.
7. Hanging Bridge – Free. You just need courage to cross to the other side, then go back.
8. Tarsier Encounter – Voluntary donation.
9. Baclayon Church – Was closed already so we just took pictures outside. I learned that it was one of the oldest chruches in the Philippines. You could see traces of corals on the structure.
10. Pasalubong Shop
11. Blood Compact Site
12. Hinagdanan Cave – Cost 25. A different view at night time. But breathtaking.
13. Dumaluan Beach – Cost 1800/room for 4. Good food. Love the fine, white sand and clear water.

Prelude to the Great Cebu-Bohol Trip

Here are the cast of characters. Names are based on how Ikoy called us.
1.Nuni – That's me. Ikoy couldn’t pronounce an “s” yet. So, he invented "nuni" himself.
2.Denden – This, we thought for him. And he adapted easily, sounding Bisaya. ("Dindin")
3.Mama Ke– The bunso who turned turned out to be a mommy. Still sweet and caring.
4.Bamba – Don’t know how Ikoy came up with this. But imagine being angry at someone who’s called Bamba. Very pogi, especially when he’s smiling.

5.Jaji – Lij became a photographer. But she's still the prettiest and sexiest of all. But not allowed to work in Cebu.
6.Panda – Favorite tourguide. Thank you Chawo.
7.Mother Goose – Mommy of Moxy. With an odd-smile for a picture pose. Keeps on taking out dead hair from her head. But had the most cash for libre.
8.Cow – Moxy. The baby cow who had the most wonderful time. Properly documented with the pictures.
9.Madcow – Tita, you put this onto yourself.

When you wish upon a star…

It is really my childhood dream to be able to go to Disneyland. This day, my dream came true.

As we enter, there is the magical welcome in the atmosphere. It’s as if your fairytale storybook begins. All the familiar Disney songs are played in the background; you’d feel like you are a child, once more.

The Water Works parade, with the all Disney characters, the creative rides, the shows; Lion King and Philharmagic, the boat ride with the song It’s a Small World, in different languages. The doll displays where so colorful and beautiful. By nightfall, Neeky had an empty battery. But it was okay, because both of us watched the amazing fireworks in the Cinderella castle together.

Unlike Ocean Park, Disneyland is theme park that didn’t have real live animals or the marine or an astounding view of nature. But it is Disneyland. Every child’s wish come true.

Charlie Brown Café

Almost July 11

e says: May surprise ka ba sakin sa birthday ko? Magiging happy ba ang birthday ko? Happy naman talaga ako kasi punta tayo HK. Pero may plano ka ba para mapasaya ako? Wala naman e.

d says: Meron sana. Hahanapin natin sa HK ang Charlie Brown Café. Nabasa ko sa net masarap daw desert dun. Kaya dadalin kita dun sa birthday mo.

e says : Hmp. Asa pang makikita mo yon.

July 11 Gabi na, pagod at pabalik na sa hotel. Habang naglalakad sa mga kalye ng Mongkok, bigla siyang may nakita.


d says: Charlie Brown Café. Tara!

Nakangiti siyang tumingin sakin. At Happy birthday ko nga ito.

Baby Panda

The half day that we spent at Ocean Park was too short. We weren’t able to try the rides that looked both fun and exciting. We had to take really long escalators to transfer from one area to another. Plus, the cable car was really lengthy, and high.


But there were two things that made the trip worth it amidst that. Atoll Reef. First level was like the shore. The turtle raised his head from the water, as if saying “Hi!.” This made Kebs very happy. Going down was the mid-level of the reef; we could see how huge the sea creatures were, up close. Then the last was the bottom of the reef, where most of the little fishes and corals reside. It was a beauty.


The second was the Giant Panda Habitat. There were two sleeping Pandas that were just lying by the tree branch, upside down. What was an awe was when the baby Panda woke up and entertained us. Grabbed a leaf to eat, showed off in front of his visitors. What I noticed is that they had a comfortable home, air-conditioned and maintained. I had teddy bears, seen bears at the zoo, even a Polar bear. But the Panda was my favorite, so cute and cuddly. (Charo, you were there with us.)

A day at Malaysia

When the plane landed, we had to take the bus to finally reach Kuala Lumpur. It was almost night time when we got to the hotel and our tummies are grumbling already. Surprisingly, cab fare was cheap compared to taxi fares in Manila. And the sight of the Petronas Towers at night, was definitely an amazing view. The trip was worth it.

We decided to try on a different cuisine for dinner and ended up on a restaurant that is totally unknown to us, Indian/Malaysian food. I noticed that the servers are very accommodating and polite. Our experiment food was a success. After eating, we took a stroll around. Inside the mall, the out on the streets, bars, restaurants and had dessert.


The following day, was a rush. Too bad we weren’t able to go up the skybridge. When we reached the Pasarakyat bus terminal, tickets for the day were sold out! We were transferred to Pudarayat bus terminal, which was more crowded and a little scary, to avail of tickets. Travel time took almost nine hours, which was supposed to be just five. A lot of people coming back on a Sunday because classes were starting already.

It was a series of not-so-good events but we didn't argue or anything. It was an adventure for both of us. Scary but fun. And we had a wonderful, quality time.

Countdowns

Things I wanted to write about have been piling up because it's been a while since I've posted. And honestly, I haven't composed anything yet. Just needed to share the things that I am excited about.

First:

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Second:

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Third:

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Cousins' Bonding

The last beach outing with the Marcials was way back when we were still kids. This year, the plans were finally realized at a beach ni Catalagan, Batangas.
And for the first time, all the Marcial siblings were complete, almost. With Tita and Papa and a bonus of two babies, Mavee and Ikoy.

Thanks to Ate who planned it all. Lij for the sponsored transpo. Thanks to Miro, for the very well cooked liempo, and fish, for dinner. Swimming in the beach felt like we were all kids again. Playing with the sand, making Marlon a mermaid. And of course, the picture taking where we all should be caught in mid-air, jumping. Twenty-one people fit into the family room with 9 single beds. Some bonding and drinking session during the night, then we’re all asleep.

The next day, a Max’s-sponsored lunch at Tagaytay. Then we headed home. Wasn’t able to rest much during the weekend, but it sure was a fun and memorable one.