A short trip to Philippines.

Last July 19, we went back to Philippines to attend my (our) Bestfriend's wedding, Raymond to his long time girlfriend, Katrina. 

It's a simple wedding that only few people are invited, those who are really special in their life.

Anyway, we arrived about 6ish in the morning and for the first time we took the airport taxi, which i think they have a reasonable fix price for the fare. (MORE SAFE, NEW FX, and they even RECORD THE PLATE NUMBER of each cab are the reason why i think it's reasonable price) when we reached home we just had a very quick breakfast, took a nap and woke up around lunch time to pick up Aisle. 

Well, we didn't go to MAKATI, which is part of our original plan because Aisle got bitten by her hamsters (she is taking care of Hamster!!!) as a very concern sister and brother, we asked mom to bring aisle to the hospital first then we will just all meet at the Hotel. The whole incident destroy our plans.

We checked in to the ORACLE HOTEL AND RESIDENCE along the Katipunan Avenue. We rent a van with a very grumpy driver to bring us there (and also to drop my mom and sister at the hospital first). Well, the room is quite spacious though for me it's a bit small for a 2 bedroom suite room with a price of XXXXX, I think it's not worth it. Though it's quite easy to find the location cos it's just infront of the Ateneo University. we stayed their for 2 nights and my sister enjoyed it so much. There's a restaurants and convenient stores nearby so i think it's not bad and also we didn't had a hard time getting a cab since it's along the highway. 

On our first night, our good friend Arvin came to visit us and of course bond! Dwijin likes him because he's helpful and nice, so he bought Baileys for Arvin. Anyway, we went to Eastwood to chill out. we went to this first bar who have this game called "beer pong" which i think very funny and disgusting game but then again, when you are drunk or with the spirit of alcohol in your mind you don't mind drinking that beer with some dirt from the pingpong ball, right? I mean when you are drunk you do alot of crazy stuff. Anyway, i like this bar because i think we had a very nice servings. I've been trying to remember the name of this place but i only remember the name of the very friendly server, Emman. 

After we finished our bucket we went to another bar, wherein we order a bottle of Bacardi Black. The service is bad and the promoters as well, as they are not so knowledgeable about the product that they are selling. Anyway, i taught Arvin this famous "Hokkien" phrase / style of drinking. Well i am not so sure with the spelling but it's about something that you need to straigh-up or else you have no BALLS. Well, Arvin and I did that and my gastric attacked me. It's quite embarrassing as i asked them to come back to the hotel as my gastric so painful. I think Dwijin didnt enjoyed much. Anyway when we came back to the hotel, I didn't join the two guys of finishing the whole bottle. they had their bonding time over the bottle of Bacardi.Arvin slept over and both of them threw up in the morning. 

Anyway, The following day is my bestfriend's wedding. When we are preparing, i wore my brand new long dress and realized it doesn't match with my wedge. (and my sister told me it's ugly) so i decided to fold up the long skirt and turned it into short dress. 

Well, Dwijin became the on the spot Bestman so he seated away from me. He even proud telling me he ate the holy host. 

After the wedding reception, we went back to the hotel as we are supposedly meeting The girls, but last minute they cancelled it so we just sleep and eat at the hotel as we are going to Quezon Province early morning.

SUNDAY. We pick up Tita Veron and Tito Omeng with my cousin and nephew before we head to our main destination. we stop over at Max's restaurant at San Pablo for Lunch as I am craving for Kare Kare while Dwijin is for Crispy Pata. after the heavy lunch wherein we had a lot of leftover we continue our journey to my grandmother's grave. (I promised my grandma that i am going to bring dwijin next time we are in Philippines). we cleaned her grave, lit a candle offer a flower and prayer and shared stories to her just like she's alive. Before we went back home, we stop over at our Relatives place just to get some green mangoes. The green mangoes from my Grandpa's backyard is heavenly sweet. My Grandpa is so sweet he took the mangoes for me. Then we went to my grandma's bestfriend who took care of me since i was a baby (Note, she's the one who bring me out of the hospital) to introduced Dwijin. we saw a Santol on the floors so we picked them and bring it home. and for our last stop over, we went to my another granpa's house to get Fresh Banana. He got a lot of banana tree on his backyard. Nanay and Tita are dying for it. 

It's a long journey and stressful for me as well as the kids bring home a "Salagubang" (Beatles) imagined to have a joyride with a salagubang? anyway, we bought Buko Pie at the Famous El Mare. I bought 2 for my family as aisle can finish one box. 

Well, we reached home about 9ish. We wanted to have a body massage to this newly open spa just across the basketball court but we couldn't because they are fully booked. 

Well, one thing i learned from this short getaway is very tiring! you know you got a lot of things you want to do but there's only a limited time. But good thing we are still here in Singapore which is very easy for us to travel back to Phil. i wonder how will be the situation if we moved to another country?

well, until next blog. follow me in instagram, andichat. (if you just want, i am not forcing you) i am not declining/rejecting anyone in my instagram unlike in my facebook :)

Bye!

 

Babies and Marriage

This year, 2 of my best buddies will be a father soon. Yaaaay! And that’s one of the reason why me and dwi coming back to Philippines next month just to attend our friend’s wedding. Though it’s only a 3 or 4 days trip only.

Babies are such a blessings, it will bind families together, I guess that’s one of the reasons why babies are often called sent from heaven 

It’s just that I find wedding and marriages nowadays are forced or obligation or a compulsion, Sigh! Can’t find the exact word to describe it but I know, you know what I am talking about.

I don’t know I just feel that marriage should be a mutual decision and mutual feelings because you are really so in-love with one another and you want to start a family because aside from you are financially ready you are also a emotional ready. Basta! You must be ready and you think about it many times.

Sadly, most of the couples nowadays are just getting married because the girl’s pregnant. That’s why people thought I am pregnant when I got married. I know those couple who got married with “blessings” is truly in love with one another but I often wonder if the girl is not pregnant will they still get married? Will they still last longer? Or are they really the perfect match for one another? Well, nobody can predict the future. It’s just that I find it more sad sad sad situation, if the guy is not financially prepared, well of course with this modern days ladies should contribute as well, how they will survive? Of course! With the help of our loving parents, but how long you will depend your family that you created to your Family that you grew up with? Well, I think that it’s a good time to force yourself to be more matured I guess?

I hope whoever read this will never get me wrong. It’s just my thoughts. I am nothing against with anyone. It’s just my opinion!

In fact, I wanted to have my own baby soon. But since we are in a FAMILY PLANNING, let’s wait until 2015 – 2016 for a hopefully good news! So, Nanay there is nothing wrong with me or with Dwij, just relaxed. HAHAHA.

We are just preparing ourselves for more financial, more emotional and more more more things that we will need once we’ll have our babies. 

My First Time in Philippine Airlines a.k.a PAL :)

     Everyone has their own first time experience into new things, Whoever you are, How old you are, there's always a first time, World has a lot of incredible things, so first time is always present in everyone's life.

     In my case, my first time experience that i am going to share is my first time travelling using the Philippine Airlines. Adventure by travelling alone and taking the Business Class section is a Bonus points :)

<3

Let me start this at Home, Singapore. It was raining heavily that day that's why i can't book a cab going to the airport, Dwij advised me to take the MRT instead, since it will stop at the TERMINAL 2. I agree with him, so we did take the MRT. he just also accompany me up to the station as we are taking different ways. It's another first time for me, taking MRT going to the airport (we always call/book a cab). 

I reached the T2, without knowing where is the counter of PAL. i am few minutes late since the counter opened. I am a first timer in T2 as we always take another airline going back to Philippines and that Airline is at T1. I checked the monitor for the counter number and found out that it's near at the other end of the Terminal. When i reached there's already a long queue, I am not surprised because it's Summer in my country. Good thing, there's no queue in the Business Class section so i managed to check-in easily and hassle free. I didn't feel any stress (i usually get so stress and frustrated during check-in, i hate messy place) I am so happy. Now, I understand how it feels to be prioritized. 

After the Immigration, I faster bought the Cigarette of my Dad trying to save more time so i will have more time at the lounge area. I kinda get lost finding out where's the Lounge Area, so it takes quite a lot of time of mine, I didn't noticed that there's a map behind the ticket. (so stupid of me) 

The moment i step in the Lounge, the "WOW" word is keep on repeating in my mind. The ambiance is so nice, it's so quiet like a library. you will really feel relaxed while waiting for your flight. There's no announcement inside the Lounge so you need to keep track on time and also to their monitor showing all the Flights schedule. 

I love the Sofa, it's so comfortable, I love the smell and the lights. They got a massage chair that i didn't try. There's even buffet and a wide section of newspaper. I love the Buffet, it's like a hotel style. Good thing i researched about Airports Lounge that's why i know it's FREE.

Here are some photos taken by me at the Changi Airport, Lounge

 Here's the special invitation!

 This is how it looks like, so cozy.

 This is how their set-up is. so presentable

 I so love their seats and lampshade 

 My Duck Congee that taste nice

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After my enjoyable moment at the Lounge i head up to the Gate, waiting to board. Again, I felt the importance of the Business Class when they asked us to board in first. I was the first and thought the only one in Business Class Section. (we are only three in Business Class, The Two are late to board) I am so happy when i saw my seats.

 A BIG SPACE FOR LITTLE LEGS

 Look! How far my legs from the seats in front of me

 Thought there was nobody! But this is how it looks like :)

 This chair can be a bed. That is Fantastic! 

I asked the very friendly Flight Attendant of PAL to help me take a photo :)

I super love the service! The Chair that turns into a Bed is one of the amazing things. Usually i can't sleep in the plane, but this time, i fell asleep comfortably, I can't even feel that i am in a plane, thought i'm just in my bed. 

Another great things at PAL and "MUST TRY" is the Mango smoothie! It's heavenly! It's really delicious. you guys must try it.

This Blanket and Pillow helped me to have a comfortable sleep and flight.

And this Hot Towel that they are giving is just nice specially when you feel so cold. It will really make you warm.

Too Bad, I didn't managed to take a photo of the foods they served. They served me my favorite sashimi! A roasted assorted nuts, a full course lunch, and a dessert. I was so busy eating while watching the movie. It is a great flight! That i didn't even noticed the flight was DELAYED for i think 30 minutes or more, i never had the chance to keep track on time as i am enjoying my self. 

As i reached the Philippine Airport, The terminal is better looking than the Terminal 1. It looks fairly new. Annisette, Didi's Sister who is working their waited for me. Thanks Set!

I really enjoyed the flight, that's why i decided to take PAL, Business Class again coming back here in SG.

NOTE: I don't have much pictures because i was completely pissed off.

It's my second time at Terminal 2, first is the Domestic Flight going to Davao but i can't remember how's the experience back then. then the second is yesterday at International (My first time in International). Outside, The Terminal looks way better than the Terminal 1. It really looks new. 

After my Family send me off, i walk through the door where in i need to queue up to scan my bag, The queue is quite long, I am not sure whether there's a special door / entrance for Business Class. I just queue. so if there is, It's my fault!

The weather is so warm. I am carrying 25 kg luggage plus another 3 bags. The luggage is damn heavy because of the dried mangoes and my books. There was a Guy standing there helping a foreigner with their bag to carry and place it at this scanner machine. (dunno how it's actually called). After the foreigner, we are all Filipinos left in line. He just disappeared, like a bubble! so nobody is helping us. I was trying to carry my luggage, it's damn heavy i forced myself until the wheel broke, one of the wheel dropped. It's kinda irritating because the Filipinos behind me keep pushing me and my luggage. I am not yet ready to pushed my Luggage! They never give me a time to pick up the broken pieces of my luggage. 

Another thing that pissed me off is paying the Travel Tax. I went to a queue and waiting for my turn. The Guy called me telling me it's my turn, and this Filipina who is not part of the queue and she even from the other end (exit) just cut the queue and steal my turn. Oh my gosh! So when it's already my turn and she's blocking my way i said "excuse me" in a semi high pitch and irritated tone. She stare at me and i also stare at her, she took her things and blocked my way again. she's totally infront of me, i think she wants to be first in the queue upon checking in. Too bad for her, I have my Business Class.

I don't like how the Terminal 2 looks like, It looks so messy not an airport type for me. I rather the old Terminal 1 even though it looks really old, still it looks an airport. The Terminal 2 is like a market. sorry but that is my opinion. it looks small and crowded. 

But, after the Immigration it looks better. it's spacious but the boarding gate is still quite messy. I still got two hours before my flight so i am so excited to spend my time at the Mabuhay Lounge and try that Congee. 

The Lounge is okay type only. It's not cozy, it's looks like a cafeteria with a sofa. 

 This how their buffet looks like. I can't stand up and take photo close because i am afraid to leave my things. It's not safe.

This is the congee that the Reprado Sister wants me to try. It's delicious, is nice. 

I only have three photos. The experience at their lounge is so-so. i can't even pronounce the word WOW. It's okay. a place to sit down not to relax. it's a bit noisy. some are shouting and laughing. One of the staff shoes is so irritating. you know when you are too tired to walk with heels and you just anyhow hit the heels on the floor. That's the kind of noise of her shoe. 

Maybe i'm like this because i saw better. so i already had a standard in my mind. I can't wait for my flight!

The Boarding time is 2:40 pm. there is 3 or more flights in the same gate. I leaved the Lounger 2:45, wondering why until now they haven't called (they allowed to page the flight inside the Lounge) According to the monitor, the Boarding gate will closed at 3:25. But guess what, our flight calledl later than that. People are all irritated, Both Foreigners and Locals. There is no proper boarding gate waiting area. It is damn irritating. It's not organize, it's messy. The flight is delayed!

When they finally called the flight. I understand they will let the two old ladies who's in the wheelchair board first. What i don't understand is why they will let the Business Class board last? is it the protocol? anyway, i managed to get board early because i noticed the lady who's responsible in controlling the crowd and take the boarding pass is not in the mood and she don't even check the pass she just anyhow tear it. 

As usual, The flight attendant service saves the day, Food also saves the day. I am not  comfortable with the chair, cos it can't be a bed. It's a bit smaller than the first one. But service wise is very good.

Again, flight is delayed of 30 minutes. I am not happy with the delayed, it will just ruined the Good Service of the attendant. 

Anyway, That is my observation. if you are not happy with it, i can't do anything. 

I would like to thank my Hubby, for giving me this chance to experience the Business Class. (It's his idea!) Also, for giving me a 2 weeks vacation in Philippines. I love you Hubby!