Family Day Out at Manila Ocean Park, Philippines

  
Hotel H2O and Manila Ocean Park is just right next to each other. That’s why Kuya Angelo can’t contain his happiness upon knowing that there is underwater aquarium inside the place. He insisted that we must watch the Sea Lion show. We check the ticket price and in the end settled with the Deep Sea Rush promotion for php 580 per person. 

We also paid for Inigo’s ticket in full because his height is above 2feet na din. But if your child is below 2feet free pa sila.

Deep Sea Rush offer includes the following:

1. Oceanarium
2. Jellies exhibit
3. Sharks and Rays Dry Encounter
4. Sea Lion Show
5. Back of the Room Tour
6. Symphony Evening Show

  
Our first stop is at Oceanarium. The Oceanarium is home to 14,000 marine creatures from around 277 species, all indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Its sheer size and diversity makes it one of the world’s best public aquariums. 

 
   
   
   
 You are only allowed to enter the attraction once so might as well sulitin mo na! They will cross out kasi the attraction once you enter.   
    
 
The Oceanarium is a stunning walkthrough of the watery depths featuring seven sections and containing 1,900 cubic meters of seawater.    

    
   

At the heart of the Oceanarium is the main attraction – a 25 meter long, 220° curved walkway tunnel with a spectacular underwater view of amazing sea creatures swimming overhead.

          
 
The exit of Oceanarium will lead to the second floor where the Back of the House is located. This is the area where breeding of the sea creatures happens. You may also see the machines being used in the operation.

  
   

   
After Back of the House we went straight to Jellies Exhibit.

   
 

   

  

 We were tired of all the walkings that we did so we decided to go to the Sea Lion show and wait till 3pm to start.

This show is so awesome! Ang saya and ang galing! Super nag enjoy ang mga bata! 

  
 
  
 

Due to tiredness we skipped the Sharks and Rays Encounter while the Evening Symphoney starts at 6:30pm so we decided to go home na din.We’re planning to go back if our budget permits, we like to try the Trail of Antartica.

  

Manila Ocean Park

behind Quirino Grandstand

Luneta Manila Philippines 1000

Trunkline: 

+63 2 567 7777

Facsimile:

+63 2 567 2309

Email:

inquiry@manilaoceanpark.com

 
 

Staycation at Hotel H2O, Quirino Philippines

 
We stayed in Hotel H2O Manila for advance birthday celebration of daddy A since his actual birthdate falls on weekday,we couldn’t let this go by without a little treat so we went for a staycation.It was wonderful choice!
   

Hotel H2O, a weekend family getaway located behind the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park, noted for its iconic aquarium-themed Aqua Room, the only one of its kind in the country.

    

    
    
 Welcome drinks, nuts and cookies were given as complimentary.   

    
 The pool is located outside the hotel which is quite far and I find it too public since it is within the area of Sea Lion show. People from the show are passing by and looking on us. Minus point😞

   
 And because it was raining the attendant in Sharks and Rays are not strict so they allowed us to have a close dry encounter with the sea creatures.

   
    
    
    
 While resting the boys started to watched cartoons while I chose to pamper myself at Zenyu Spa.   

Part of our stay is a wellness treat for two, consists of cold facial treatment and half hour on the hot bed at Zenyu Eco Spa. With the kids around, it’s impossible for us to get away from them, so daddy A stayed first with the kids while I sneaked out to have my much awaited ME- time.Yahooo!!
   

I was ushered to the changing room and asked to changed into scrub suit. Then the attendant introduced me into a room fitted with antioxidant ceramic floor and wall, and supplied with high concentrations of negative ions – clean pure air molecules. The room was set at 45 degrees celsius to make us sweat, relax and gain the benefits of antioxidant absorption.  It was my first time to try this treatment and the attendant explained to me the benefits of the hot stone bed. It’s good daw for blood circulation and muscle pain. Plus one point😍

I highly recommend this treatment since it’s still easy to breath and doesn’t feel heavy unlike in a sauna.
   

After half an hour I feel rejuvenated and cleansed. Parang rosy cheeks lang!😝

Then we went to another room to have my facial done. Ay ang saya! 😛 
To complete the relaxation I was also given a complimentary Facial Cold Treatment. Super sulit!

  
H2O hotel transported us to a place that’s fun for the whole family. It’s a great place to bring kids because there’s a lot to do within the complex, and the sea creatures in the fish aquarium walls really keep the kids entertained and amazed.

Hotel H20

Luneta, Manila, Philippines 1000

(Behind the Quirino Grandstand)

Phone: +63 2 238 6100

Fax: +63 2 238 6188

Reservation : reservation@hotelh2o.com

Hotel Inquiry : inquiry@hotelh2o.com

Guest Feedback : feedback@hotelh2o.com

Web: https://www.hotelh2o.com

The Magic Lives on at Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa Laguna, Philippines

I reserve weekends for family. Even when we were in Dubai this is the sacred time of my week. It’s been real fun so far. The kids and I are even more excited to our weekends because they know that we will do something enjoyable and magical.

  
  
August has been very good to us. So many holidays and long weekends. My family along with my siblings’ took our kids to have enchanting experience”, away from the day-to-day realities of life.  

 Enchanted Kingdom opened to the public on October 19, 1995. It was and still is the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines. The theme park boasts of rides and attractions unique to the country and in size and magnitude. These rides and attractions are located within seven meticulously theme zones interspersed with food and merchandise outlets and kiosks as well as various game stands.  Weekend/Holiday entrance fee is priced at php 600 but to celebrate the Ninoy Aquino Day they have a promotion of php 200 off for ride -all – you – can if you’ll wear yellow upon entering the vicinity.  

Our visit is just perfect because of the fewer visitors. We have enough time to see the place and the kids had a great time riding all the rides and trying all the games despite the rain.  

      

 

   
   
      

      

  
It was a tiring day but seeing the smile on their faces is such a reward. 

Thank you Gonzales Family for hosting the staycation at your house and thank you Nanay Celda for cooking delightful dishes. 

  
 
 

Food Review – The Ultimate DADS World Buffet..

There are a few things some of us take seriously in this country.
Basketball. Boxing. The weather. Politics. Showbiz. Pancake. Maple Syrup. Adobo recipe(Filipinos love this dish!). 

And Food buffet..

Last August 26, 2015 DADS Kamayan Saisaki Restaurant offers a A SPECIAL 50% DISCOUNT  to all the guests on ALL DADS BRANCHES.

  

 
This promotion marked their milestones, memories, and merrymaking throughout 38 years in the food and hospitality business.The offer is valid for one day only and a GROUP OF 6 is all you need. 

This Half Price Treat is Strictly Pre-booked and Pre-paid.

  
  

  

 We booked the 5-7pm dinner schedule. Dad’s Ultimate Buffet has been there for the longest time. I remember their branch in Megamall way back college days.   

Until now, a lot of people still go there to sample dishes from 3 renowned restaurants. 

   
You can enjoy the dishes from 3 restaurants namely:

• Dad’s – Continental
• Kamayan – Filipino
• Saisaki – Japanese

    

 
   

With over 200++ food choices, why settle for anything less, or more perhaps? If there is anything that I really like about eating here is not just the food, but the entire ‘experience’ in dining.      

       

I loved the varieties of the desserts. Too many to choose from and all of them are truly rich in flavours.   

  

My boys enjoyed the on the spot crepe making.   

The verdict- Over all I can say that the staff are very friendly that they give a warm, welcoming presence to the entire venue. 

I think this is one of their strengths on why they still made it all these years and why a lot of their customers just keep coming back. Kudos to the company for having such great people working for you guys.

   
   

Beauty Review – Posh Nails at SM San Lazaro

It’s not often that I get to have my nails done by professionals due to my busy schedule. Taking care of my three kids demands all my time. As much as I wish I could do it regularly but my hectic load doesn’t really permit me to do so.   
Thankfully, I had an unplanned grocery shopping last week when daddy A and I agreed to meet in SM San Lazaro.

Since it will take time fetching Kuya Angelo and I have Isabelle with me I decided to had my nail done na lang.When I entered the branch, the receptionist welcomed me with a smile. 

Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa’s is located at the ground floor of the mall. I love the place’s ambiance! It was so pretty. The interiors were simple yet fabulous. There were white sofas with pink and purple pillows that were very comfortable and inviting, and the staff are very friendly.  

  

I checked out their service menu and went for POSH Spoiling for my feet.After paying the receptionist  ushered me inside where Amy the attendant is patiently prepping everything.

  
My feet were first soaked in warm water before the foot spa. Next, Amy used Citrus Scrub to remove some dead skin. 

While I am having my me- time, Isabelle naman is also enjoying talking to the other clients and staff. She’s so bubbly!

  
 The Citrus mask was slathered and left on my feet and legs for several minutes before my skin got moisturized with the lotion that smells delicious! 

  
 Later, I fully got to appreciate the whole treatment when I felt how soft and smooth the skin on my feet and legs are.

  
The verdict – great staff , reasonable prices and nails look fabulous!

POSH NAILS

Lower Ground Floor SM San Lazaro, Manila 

poshnailssmsanlazaro@yahoo.com

02- 4938228 / 0916-4432288 

0943-5781488

Family Fun Trip at Manila Zoo

Before we arrived here in the Philippines Manila Zoo is already in my list to visit. Aside from the fact that it is near our place we also have kids who are fascinated with the animals.

Inigo is familiar with the animals and it’s sounds so I guess this is perfect timing for him to see the animals up close and personal.

Manila Zoo is located along Adriatico St., corner Quirino St., Manila, the main entrance of the zoo is fronting the Playground for Manila youth. It has a land area of 5.5 hectares.

  

For those who love taking selfie or have a snake around them then you must visitthe Jungle Adventure, just pay php 100 and they will capture  your braveness.

  Compare to the zoo in Dubai animals in Manila Zoo are just few. But the kids still enjoyed their time roaming, running and watching the animals.

   

  

  

  

  

  

 The highlight of our trip is the fun of trying the horse back riding.

   

Are you familiar with Vice Ganda’s launching movie?. Well, luckily Kuya Angelo rode to the famous Petrang Kabayo..

Priced at php 100 per pax, if accompnied by parent then she must pay as well.

   
    
    
   
Manila Zoo Entrance Fee for 2015:

For Non Residents – Php100

Manila residents – Php60 (Just present valid ID like village ID, Driver’s License, TIN ID, School ID, SSS ID)

Timings:

It is open Mondays to Sundays including holidays from 8am to 6pm. For inquiries call (632) 525-8157

Landmark ofManila Zoo:

The Zoo is near Manila Hospital and Harrison Plaza.

Food Review – Bon Appetit at The French Baker, Philippines

It’s been a two decades when French Baker opened its doors with their first branch at SM North Edsa. The company has single-handedly revitalized the breadmaking business, turning it into a booming industry.    
    
 

The French Baker has built its success out of its Founder and President Johnlu G. Koa’s vision for innovation: to take the idea of the neighborhood bakery to the next level, allowing every Filipino to enjoy freshly-baked, high-quality, and affordable breads.

And because The French Baker has a special place in my heart. (Dito kami madalas mag date ni daddy A). We ate our lunch here yesterday to reminisced the past. Hahaha..

  
The order- For starter they gave us complimentary Mushroom soup.  

  

For mains daddy A tried our favorite HICKORY SPARERIBS it’s juicy pork spareribs topped with Hickory BBQ sauce and sided with pan-roasted seasonal vegetables and rice.
  

While I ordered the PORK CHOP AU POIVRE it’s 2pcs herb marinated pork chop, grilled ala carte in brown peppercorn sauce and sided with pan-roasted seasonal vegetables and rice 

  For refreshment we sampled the  BREWED CITRUS ICED TEA with min leaves.

Naturally, temptation got the better of us and we ordered Oreo Cheesecake which is an epic fail. It’s so bland and complete waste of money.

    

The verdict – Delectable French cuisine that can be tailored to meet every filipinos desires.

The French Baker:

ug/f SM City Conception cor. San Marcelino, Manila; tel: 528-1624

Robinson Otis – Robinsons Supermarket Otis P.M. Guazon Street, Paco, Manila; tel: 559-07-31

Robinsons Supermarket – Robinsons Place M. Adriatico St. Malate Manila

Tel no. 536-78-01
.

Food Review – Yakimix Sushi Smokeless Grill Restaurant.

Craving for sushi lately? Enjoy a wide array of fresh, yummy and mouth watering sushi at Yakimix.

The month of July is the busiest month in our family so many birthdays to celebrate.

Like my advance birthday celebration last Saturday at Yakimix Sushi Smokeless Grill Restaurant.

  

The menu – Just like other buffet restaurants, Yakimix serves a wide range of food and drinks. You can have a taste of Japanese dishes, Korean dishes and Chinese cuisine. Fan of sushi? They have a wide variety of different sushi here at Yakimix. Enjoy different kinds of korean soups, noodles, and also desserts. 

   
    
   
What i loved about Yakimix is that you can have your favorite food grilled at your own table. Staffs will set up the built-in grill at your table. Choose from different food that you wish to grill – seafood, fish cuts, bacon, different food on sticks, and so much more. It’s so much fun grilling them and eat them hot and fresh.

  
    
    
    
    
 Not a fan of grilling? Then you may also enjoyed the buffet with different kind of dishes from pizza, dimsum to lechon kawali.   

    
Let’s proceed to sweets.Desserts are plenty so you can actually have a try of each food and choose which one you prefer the most.  Their desserts are actually really good – especially their leche flan.

 
 
 Yakimix also served Halo-Halo, Ice Cream, Gummies, Candies,Nestle Popsicles and Fresh fruits.   

   
 The verdict – I highly recommend Yakimix. I actually cannot wait to go back there again. The price is pretty affordable too. For around P600 per head for lunch or diner buffet, I’d say it’s affordable. 

   
 

 

 
  
 

Ultimate Barkada Greenwich Overload…

When you are abroad and you visit your home country very often there are some restaurants/food chains that your palate wanted to taste.

While the temperature in Dubai rises from 45-50 degree here in the Philippines July and August are the rainy season. That’s our major reason why we seldom leave the house. Until one day I craved for pizza and all I ever wanted was to try Greenwich Pizza. 

Greenwich Pizza is one true Filipino pizza chain – a small entrepreneurship that made an extraordinary leap to the big league. What started out as a small over-the-counter pizza store in the Greenhills Commercial Center in 1971, is now the Philippines biggest pizza chain.

The menu – is filled with a wide variety of mouth-watering selections from pizzas, pastas, chicken, rice dishes to desserts that will make any meal a delightful shared experience.

   
 The order – We choose to sample their Ultimate Barkada Feast. We ordered Pizza Feast B which is good for 4 pax for only php 599. 

The barkada pack includes 4pcs of chicken, 2 order of pasta, 4 cups of rice, one medium size ultimate overload pizza and a pitcher of cold softdrinks. We changed the Coke to Nestea Iced Tea with additional cost of php 80.    

    

 The food attendant suggested to try their Coolers so I ordered for Buco Pandan Pearl Cooler and this is a great choice!  

The verdict – Now I know the reasons why Greenwich is the Favorite ng Barkada.It is prepared for the comfort of the filipino taste.Scrumptious blend of exciting pizza and pasta innovations.  

   
 You may visit their website for promos http://www.greenwich.com.ph or dial 5-55-55 for delivery.

  

Dubai Dining – More Life Happens Here at Chili’s – Deira City Centre

I didn’t know that Toy’s R Us shop was already closed in Deira City Centre. Supposedly we’ll buy the present of Kuya Angelo for his 6th birthday. I don’t know why he’s excited for his upcoming birthday.Kaya I tagged along Tita Raquiza para she can buy na. Tita is the spoiler di ba..😛

Raquiza arrived earlier than our meeting time and when I saw her she’s already carrying a big shopping bag from Bath and Bodyworks. I was about to check the shop also when I saw the signage that Victoria’s Secret is on 25-70 % promo. I went inside and saw most of the filipinas in lotion and lingerie sections. Why not thong panties for only aed 15 while lotions are aed 20 only. Steal! 😜

There are lots of cute stuff pero I need to buy lang for my sisters and hipag. Kaya control! 

After a quick shopping we settled to dine-in at Chili’s Restaurant located at the second level of the mall.

 The restaurant Is known for traditional Southwestern flair, serving delectable Mexican food and chilled margaritas in a casual, friendly environment.   

    The orders – For starter we had Triple Dipper which includes Wings over Buffalo, Honey- Chipotle Chicken Crispers and the new Big Mouth Burger Bites. Daddy A wants steak so he opted for 12 oz Flamed Grilled Rib Eye with two side dish such as Fries and Shredded Corn. We also add Grilled Shrimp Alfredo Penne Pasta.    

    

 The verdict – The selection of food is impressive. I loved the pasta but I find the steak too dry. We asked for mushroom sauce but they failed to put it on. The Strawsicle Ice Cream Smoothie is a bomb! 

Money wise I still consider it worth the penny.   

Chili’s Restaurant Deira City Centre

PHONE NUMBER

04 2959559, 04 3440088

LOCATION

Deira City Centre Area › Level 2, Deira City Centre, Deira City Centre Area, Dubai

***Restaurant timings and services may change during the Holy month of Ramadan. Please directly confirm with the restaurant for operations during this month.