Take a Break at Enchanted Kindom

     
     "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." In the military, we work 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Admittedly, in my experience, I tend to be engrossed with what I do and sometimes neglect my social life
     Since the month of May marks the end of summer, our office decided to have a break and unwind. Most often than not, when we hear of summer outing, beaches and pools are what automatically enters our minds. Well, we wanted to be different. We wanted actually to feel young again so we opted to have a visit at Enchanted Kingdom. 

Vehicle Inspection Area

     We decided to proceed to our precious destination after lunch, which was about 1:30 in the afternoon. It just took us about 30-40 minutes and voila! Here we are EK!

My 4+1 EK Ticket

     Since we are technically government employees, we were able to avail Enchanted Kingdom's (EK) promo: the 4+1 group package. With this, we were able to purchase our Sunday ticket at Php400.00 each (Php2000.00 per package).
     This was really a good deal. Using my government identification card, I was able to purchase two packages (in a day, we are allowed to purchase up to two packages). We were about 12 in the group so I got two 4+1 package and two regular Sunday pass. And take note, it is a ride-all-you-can ticket already.
     Looking back on my highschool days, when it was my first time visiting EK, I wasn't able to ride everything because of the number of people piling up for the various rides. As I remember it right, I was able to ride the carousel, the caterpillar and the  Wheel of Fate. Well, I was also able to experience Rialto and Bump Car.

     Well, same as before, I still wasn't able to ride everything for one major reason: LONG LINE! Nevertheless, I still maximized my stay at EK. Here are some of the photos taken during our Office Outing:

Getting our EK Tickets

Paying for the tickets. (just for the record, any organization may be able to EXCLUSIVELY rent the park)

My super cool mistah Conrad (right most) with his wife Czar (right beside him) and his brother-in-law and mother-in-law

My not so solo picture with the wizard ;)

My girls ^_^

My favorite (From the left: Mommy Mindz our civilian supervisor, Gladys, She, Val, Jess, Conrad and Me)

Meanwhile, here are some of the photos taken when we were already in action (rides mode..feeling young).

The picture at the left side was a scene taken while we were waiting for our turn to take a ride. It was our first ride actually and I even forgot its name.

Val (at my right) and I preparing 

From the Left: Val, Me and Gladys (who is not yet prepared)

Super smiles before reaching the peak of the tower

As we slowly went up.... @_@

Reaching the peak... (too bad we weren't able to get a video of how fast we fell down..)

At the Jungle post ^_^

Me, Gladys and Kuya Mac waiting for our turn at the Jungle Log Jam 

This was after the first splash... (Note: if you would like to ride on this, you must prepare extra clothes)

This was in preparation for our second splash..preparing to get wet!!! This actually brought goose bumps and almost cut my throat after my cymbals-like scream....

Hold Tight!!!!! AAAAhhhhh!!!!!!

A Follow-Up Review on Air Asia and Dragon Pay Services

     In all fairness, Dragon Pay did refund the money and deposited it to my friend's account. As for Air Asia, as if nothing happened. I guess this will serve as a warning to customers. Some companies are just "profit-oriented." On the other hand, since Air Asia is just on its beginning stage, it may still need some rectifications. Nevertheless, the management must check on the attitude of their personnel, taking not of quality versus quantity.

An Abrupt Review on AIR ASIA and DRAGONPAY SERVICES

    Yesterday, 13 June 2012, I tried how AIR ASIA and DRAGON PAY works. For a not so technologically inclined-creature like me, well, I think the start of the transaction was a bit fine. 

     Until here comes the payment. In the payment option, there were three icons available (that was when I had no mishaps experienced yet): Credit Card/Debit Card; E-Voucher; and, Direct Debit. And so I clicked Direct Debit and eventually clicked "Dragon Pay" after since its the third party account that accepts payment. Air Asia's website flashed on the other hand that I must be able to pay the ticket within 30 minutes, which I also did thru the help of a friend who has an online account with Banco De Oro (BDO).
     The result? A big HASSLE. How?
     --First, My friend and I paid the amount of Php 4,160.00 thru DRAGON PAY on time to be able to confirm my booking with Air Asia, which unfortunately resulted to NONE CONFIRMATION/VALIDATION.
   --Second, the above incident eventually caused HASSLE and WITHDRAWAL OF MONEY WITHOUT ANY PRODUCTIVE RESULT.
     --Third, the CALL CENTER AGENT OF AIR ASIA (ENGLISH VERSION) has the worst grammar ever! Try it for yourself. With DRAGON PAY, well, in fairness, since it is their offense, it is just proper that they have a longer patience listening to my sermon.
     Dragon Pay informed me that they will refund the money by Friday, 15 June 2012....Well, let's see if they really will.

The Tale of a Mommy Circle

     If I remember it right, last 2010, the Philips Avent Philippines , introduced a Discussion Board (DB), which catered all mothers, may you be a first-time mom, not so new mommy or even an expecting mom. It is where all mothers from all walks of life met virtually. This cyber meeting place did not only foster a support group for the mommies nor promote Philips Avent products but this discussion board made newbie mothers like me learn a lot from other experienced mothers and even meet new friends. In my case, the DB also made me feel at home since I was away from my family during the whole time that I was pregnant.

     But as they say, there is nothing permanent in this world but change especially when it comes to technology.  As Facebook continues to "enhance" its features, the Philips Avent Philippines Discussion Board was scrapped out and was eventually put to history. Prior this, a very close friend Mommy Glaiza Tominio (who actually introduced me to the DB) formulated a bright idea and that is to form a group composed of mommies whom we have been "talking" with at the discussion board. 

AMO Official Seal

     This is the birth of the "AVENT MARIAS" which was eventually renamed to OFFICIAL AVENT MARIAS or AMO. From then on, the mommies who shared their respective knowledges, ideas, queries, fears and other concerns in the DB found a new home. But since there are some mommies who also want to share their concerns but were not able to join the DB, we then opened the doors of AMO for other mommies. As of now, the family continues to grow as the mommies and their kids also build a stronger bond. For me, AMO keeps me sane as it gives balance to busy work.

AMO Summer EB Official Invitation

   AMO conducted their first meet-up or eye-ball (EB) as we fondly call it with various activities and games initiated. Too bad I wasn't able to join the first EB. Well, since I am already in the Metro, attending  AMO EBs is listed as one of my top priorities. Just last May 6, 2012, the AMO once again organized a meet-up, a summer outing in particular. Thanks to my very good friend and AMO co-member, Mommy Mary Pauline Danga Obias that she was generous enough to let the AMO family invade her private space at the Tivoli Gardens Residences Mandaluyong. 

photo c/o Mommy Edna, AMO member

      More or less, thirty people arrived and about 20 babies were also present. We had our swimming spree first. I think it took us about two hours in the pool (we literally maximized our stay at Tivoli Gardens).

      At about six in the evening, we then proceeded at the pent house where we had our sumptuous dinner. The dinner served was really rejuvenating. 

     Lessons learned on the other hand, when attending AMO EB, you must bring your baby/kid or you will be the admin, finance and auditing officer assigned for the event! That is based from personal experience. LOL. Nevertheless, it was really fun and I really did enjoy the swimming party of my mommy circle. Though we just met on cyberspace, this is a living proof that net and facebooking can produce fruitful contribution depending on the person utilizing the various networking sites available. I am really looking forward to our next EB. Meanwhile, hereunder are some of the photos I took during the EB. 

Baby Nastja, our half Russian and half Filipino angel

Baby Nastja with her pretty Mommy Edel

Mommy Edel and Nastja and our host, Mommy Mary Pauline and Baby Ruthie

Sexy Mommy Liv with her son Baby Jabe and her sister Jalysa

Mommy Edna and his good looking son Vince

Mommy Pau and Baby Ruthie

Arroco Family: Mommy Lolly, Baby L.A. and Daddy Ariel

Mommy Lau and Baby Nadine

Tivoli Gardens Pool Area

Tivoli Gardens Pent House Bar Counter

D-Nee I Love!

     Last 26 April 2012, a very good friend and blogger Mommy Glaiza, (Moomy Musings) posted her very first blog give-away contest entitled: "D-Nee All-Natural Baby Care Products Give-Away". Like what I have been doing since I got pregnant, I joined the contest and tried my luck. Well, not only because I wanted to have the freebie/give-away but I also got intrigued with the review that Mommy Glaiza have posted. 

     As a mother, we share a lot in common like reading a lot of books that may give us hints on handling our growing babies, finding out new products in the market fhat will benefit our baby and of course our pockets as well and scrutinizing the details of the products we buy for our babies may it be food, clothing stuff, feeding accessories etc. As I have understood from her article, D-Nee is still a newbie in the market but comparing it with the established products that were released earlier, D-Nee's quality equates the performance of its competitors but with a lower price.

Mother's Day 2012

     2010 was a very special year for me as the year opened its doors with a wedding blast last January 28, 2010. It was also the first year when my ex-boyfriend (now my husband) celebrated our birthdays as married couple. November 2010 turned out to be the one of the happiest days for us after learning that I was pregnant. This was subsequently followed by our garden wedding last December 2010. Alongside, it was also our first holidays as husband and wife.

   I think 2011 was even happier when our son Marco Quintin "Echo" Fernandez was born last July 2011. As my husband has said, having Echo with us made our lives complete and more meaningful. 2011 was my first birthday year to have Echo with me. This is the same for my husband.

Eating Your Heart Out at YAKIMIX

      The second week of May 2012 was like a “hell week” at the office. T-O-X-I-C as I may spell it out. So my office-mates and I agreed to eat our heart out and distress through the most convenient way: EAT ALL YOU CAN escapade. We first had our reservation since we know that YAKIMIX (Hobbies of Asia) has a lot of patronizers.

        On the D-day, we went at the venue on time and as expected, we were one of the first groups to arrive. We entered the restaurant at exactly 11 in the morning, just in time for the start of the lunch buffet. As per experience, early birds catch the early worms. We were given the best table location (which was directly beside the buffet table). Oh by the way, our group was composed of eleven (11) people. I think I must multiply it by two since our group has a big appetite. LOL. Here are some photos taken at the YAKIMIX (Hobbies of Asia).

Our group went at YAKIMIX Friday Lunch, that is Php 520.00 per head

We got a table good for 12 people.

My paper table mat.

My "first" plate. I got a lot of refill. LOL.

Our table's griller.

Long line of choices to grill...W-O-W!

A complete set of sushi rolls. I wasn't able to taste everything!

Salad Bar 

Halo-halo and ice cream dressing corner

Ice cream freezer

Pastries and Dessert Corner

"Green" area. (more on veggies)

first batch ^_^

Our table filled with individual choices of food

my officemates while enjoying their food 

My choice of veggies while I had a break with the grilled stuff. Kimchi helps!

My choice of dessert: Leche Flan, blueberry cheescake, fruit tart and personalized ice cream

Rating:
Venue - 10/10
Cleanliness - 9/10
Space - 8/10
Taste of Food - 10/10
Over-all - 10/10

     I will surely come back to this place. Just a piece of advice, be sure that you have a big appetite and that you will not have any left-overs because this equates to extra payment. Hope this helps!

Simple Lessons in Life

     Most of the time, when we celebrate our birthday, we tend to expect or even ask gifts from our husband, parents, sisters, brothers, friends, etc. Some are used to throwing big parties, travel around the world, or host game events in celebration of their natal day. Oh well I have no question about it since every person has their own way and perception on how to celebrate their big day...how to celebrate the gift of life. 

       But just recently, a friend's (Mary Pauline Danga-Obias) post in a networking site caught my attention. Why? Check out my friend's post:

I have just been to Negros Occidental and I have learned a couple of things. I want to share what I learned.

1. You do not need to be a politician or a public servant or a trust fund baby to help others. The slippers we distributed only cost P25.00 a pair but the smile I saw on the lips of those children are priceless.

2. The more you give the more blessings you will receive. If you give more, the flood gates of heaven will open and the Lord will shower you with more blessings.

3. I learned to appreciate my husband.  ______________, you made my 34th birthday very memorable. You may not be the perfect husband or the perfect father but who cares?! Even the care bears do not care.

4. I learned to appreciate the efforts of the soldiers. I am very thankful to the Officers' and men of Charlie Company, 11th IB for making my birthday very memorable. Gotta love the Army.

5. I learned to pray and be thankful to the Almighty for giving me a wonderful husband, a pretty daughter and good health.

6. I learned to be more patient and understanding.

7. I learned to speak less and to listen more.

8. I learned that good things come to those who wait.

9. I learned that good things come in small packages.

10. I learned that having sex and lots of it may be good for your health but having sex, in the middle of the night and shouting out in pure ecstasy inside a small hut with nothing but "sawali" as walls, will certainly wake up the whole camp.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.

(Note: I copied the original document as is.)

    What I learned on this post:

     On Helping Others.  I think many will agree that every time we do help others or become influential in changing the lives of people even in a small way, at the end of the day, it is us who also become fulfilled and happy. 

     On Appreciating Our Partner/Husband/Wife. In every relationship, we must learn to appreciate even the smallest effort of our better-half. As they say, if you as a husband wants to be treated like a king, you must treat your wife as a queen vice versa.

      On Keeping a Closer Relationship with God. A relationship guided by God equates to a blissful life.

     On Learning How to Wait. When I was in high school, I learned that God answers to our prayers in three ways: Yes. No. Wait. 

     If God answers YES, what you are asking for is really meant for you.

     If God answers NO, He is preparing better things for you because you deserve only the best.
    If God answers WAIT, He wants you to learn that not all things are catered for free. We must also learn to act right to reach our goals. At the end of the day, we get what we deserve.

     On Keeping the "Fire" Burning. As my friend has said, sex and lots of it is healthy. In keeping a good marriage, this must not be taken for granted. (Take note mommies!)

     

"Get a 2012 Starbucks Planner the Easy Way"

     For those who weren't able to avail the 2012 Starbucks planner, here's the easiest way to have one! Join the Trips and Travel latest giveaway contest, the "Get a 2012 Starbucks Planner the Easy Way".

Photo courtesy of Tips and Travel

"The Power of a Praying Wife"

          Since I was a kid, I was already a bookworm. In line with this, I decided to have a "Book Review" included in my labels, so I may share the books I have been reading. I may not be able to remember all the books that I have already read since I was a kid, but I may share the latest books I have in my shelf.

     Before I got married with my ex-boyfriend (now my husband), my mother has been constantly reminding me that as a wife (whether we like it or not), we will be the main actor that will keep our marriage (I actually disagree with this). My mom also emphasized that as a couple, we should build a closer relationship with God, for as we draw closer to God, our relationship also strengthens.

In my perception, no relationship or marriage in particular that is made in heaven. Every couple experiences various problems. For a wife like me, maybe one way or another, we already have several questions and experiences that we try to answer and find remedies all by ourselves especially that as an army wife, my husband and I barely see each other. If you have the same sentiments or almost similar feelings like mine, the book "The Power of a Praying Wife" is a good buy for you then (it is for me).

Copyright 1997

     "The Power of a Praying Wife" was written by the best-selling author Stormie Omartian, who primarily wrote The Power of Praying Series. I’m just not sure when the first copyright was published but what I am sure of is that, this book stayed to be in the best-selling years for nine (9) years (quite long huh?). The book originally costs about $15.00 (Php 660.00). Luckily I was able to purchase a second hand copy (which is still in very good condition) of the book for only Php 115.00. The book was not as fancy as I thought but upon browsing its contents/pages, I already knew that this book will be one of my favorites.

          The book is composed of 30 chapters filled up with meaty insights and lessons that Omartian herself experienced. I believe the author focused on what a typical wife does when being battled by various marriage difficulties. She managed to emphasize the question, what do we have to do when having problems with our husband, his work, his health, his attitude, finances, priorities, sexuality, affection, temptations, mind, fears, choices, fatherhood etc. The author also admitted that she is just but human that she first tried arguing, pleading, ignoring, confronting and the ever womanly attitude of being silent in facing these problems. Omartian stated that it also took her sometime to realize that by praying first, these dreadful moments may be avoided. In this book, Omartian shared how her own marriage grew strong as she started lifting her concerns about her husband to God.

        This 203-pager book is a must-read for all wives. As an army wife, this continuously helps me in reminding me how to help, understand and support my husband in his profession. This already serve like a lifetime reference. This is also highly recommended for all the wives experiencing marital problems and even those who are already on the brink of divorce, annulment or separation. Aside from this, it is an enlightening book for the newlyweds and women who are already on planning stage of marriage. A must-read and must-keep book, “The Power of a Praying Wife.”

  

Sweet and Spicy Crabs

     Here is my Good Friday treat for my family last 06 April 2012.

prepared ingredients

Ingredients:
6 crabs medium sized
1 tsp cayenne pepper powder
1 whole native garlic minced
1 whole native red onions minced
1 thumb-sized ginger minced
1 tbsp salt
1 cup of water
1/3 butter
3 tbsp spoon olive oil

4 tbsp brown sugar
onion leaves
7-8 pieces of almond nuts crushed

Procedure:
1. Wash crabs. Half cook then set aside.
2. Heat up olive oil and butter in a pan. Saute garlic, ginger and native onions until golden brown.
3. Add cayenne pepper powder, salt, sugar and water. Wait until it simmers.
4. Put crabs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Set aside the crabs if the sauce is still watery. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
6. Mix the onion leaves with the sauce.
7. Place the crabs on a serving dish, pour the sauce then the onion leaves.
8. Top the crabs with crushed almond nuts. Serve.

Almost done...

My finished product.

     This recipe costs about Php 400.00 to Php 450.00 and this is good for 3-4 persons. Happy eating!!!

Sinigang na Ulo ng Maya-Maya

  My family do not actually commemorate Holy Week since it is not a part of our religious belief. But since my parents belong to Roman Catholic Church, my husband and I opted to just cook seafood dishes over the long weekend. Here is  my recipe for Thursday (05 April 2012):

Ingredients:

1 1/4 kilo of Maya-Maya Head

Bunch of Kamote Tops

3 pieces of medium sized eggplant (sliced)

1 radish (sliced)

1 whole native red onions (chopped)

1 whole native garlic (minced)

2 pieces of medium sized tomatoes (sliced)

thumb sized ginger (sliced)

5 cups of water

2 tbsp of rock salt

1/4 sampaloc

2 tbsp palm oil

Procedure:

1. Heat up the cooking oil.

2. Saute garlic, onions and ginger.

3. Add the fish head and tomatoes then pour water. Simmer for about 5-8 minutes.

4. Add salt and sampaloc. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes.

5. When the fish is already soft, place the eggplant, radish and the kamote tops.

6. Serve.

     You may also add okra and may also use kangkong instead of kamote tops depending on your taste. This recipe costs about One Hundred Pesos (Php 100.00) only. Have a happy eating!

waiting to simmer

finish product

my number 1 patronizer (my husband ^_^)