Malls Hours This Christmas Season

Bday Party at CenterStage!

Me and my brothers' bday would be three weeks from now and I am sooo excited! I've been planning this since January of this year. I thought it won't push through anymore. Good thing my brother could come home this month to celebrate our bday! Its been a long time since we had our bday party together. By the way, we have same birth date, its Dec05!


The theme would be Black & White party! All guests are required to wear only black and/or white. I already booked the Presidential(biggest)room in CenterStage - Jupiter St., Makati since end of October. And my sister-in-law to be just ordered our black & white bday cupcakes this morning at Serendra, as bday gift!! Lots of thanks!! Plus there will be photobooth to serve as souvenirs for the guests!
Hope we will all have fun!

By the way, I also accept gifts! LOL! =D

Budget Hotels in Makati

I am a budget tripper, whatever they call it, so i wanted to help those who share my passion too!

I have selected few budget hotels one can stay in Makati. Cheap though still decent. Some I was able to try myself, but mostly I just heard feedback from friends. Hope this could be of help.

St. Giles Hotel - a newly opened Hotel in Makati Ave. with a sparkling facade. Nice and clean and located at the heart of Makati. The hotel is a 30 minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and close to some of Manila’s local tourist attractions. Currently they have Balikbayan package promo below:

Include:
- Return airport transfer (ex Ninoy Aquino International Apt) to hotel.
- Daily breakfast
- internet broadband access from privacy of your room
- Welcome RO bottled water
- 2 nights stay in hotel for 2 persons.
http://www.stgilesmanila.com

City Garden Hotel - a cozy hotel in Makati Ave. with rates starting from USD 67. It includes daily breakfast for two, free wifi anf unlimited city calls. The hotel provides you with luxury living in an elegant setting at an amazingly practical cost.
http://www.citygardenhotels.com/makati/index.php

Isabelle Royal - if you just wanted a place to sleep at night when you are busy scouring the city or if you want a comfortable place to stay for a week or more and you have a limited budget. The rooms have small kitchen with dinner table aside from the usual hotel amenities. Rates starts from Php 1500. It is just a few steps from the church, Avenue Mall at Makati Ave., SPA's, bars, Coffe shops and restaurants. Few minutes drive to Greenbelt, SM or Glorieta.
http://www.isabelleroyalemakati.com/room-rates/

Salcedo Suites Makati Hotel - just like Isabelle Royal when it comes to room amenities. The rate starts at USD 48.
http://www.salcedosuites-makati.com/promo.php

There are also budget yet decent Hotels near Makati like the following:

The Legend Villas - even great for a weekend family bonding. The hotel has a pool and with weekend activities for kids. Rate starts at PhP 2,970. The hotel is near Robinsons pioneer and near Boni Edsa.
http://www.legendvillas.com.ph/index.php

Go Hotel - a newly opened/renovated hotel along Edsa - Boni MRT station. A good place for an overnight stay or so. I heard the rate is really cheap, may be Php800 or less if you book few months before. Just check for their promo in the internet from time to time. Simple yet decent place to stay and located just beside Robinsons Pioner mall.
http://gohotels.ph/rooms/

New Horizon Hotel - a European inspired hotel with rates starting from USD65 inclusive of breakfast for two. Located along EDSA across Go Hotels. MRT- Boni station is just few steps away.
http://www.newhorizonhotel-manila.com/

Coco Beach - Puerto Galera Batangas

Every year at my company, we are required to take a 7 working days off from work. We call it Mandatory Time Away (MTA). We can't enter office premises, cant log on to intranet, cant access shared drives and systems. We can access only our emails offsite which I didnt practice in my 3yrs at DKS.


Its always been a pressure for me every time I need to take my MTA coz its so hard to get a nice schedule. This year, I spent few days for some personal errands, hair cut, facial, dental and went to Coco Beach at Puerto Galera!

I was hesistant at first when I heard the name of the resort because my friend once told me that the beach wasn't good because it's rocky and full of corals. But we still booked for it. We chose to go there on our own since the service would require us to get up very early in the morning. And so we took a bus from LRT Buendia going to Batangas Pier and rode on a big motorboat going to Sabang. From Sabang we took a small motorboat to Coco Beach.

When we arrived, we were offered Buco juice in a coconut shell & a garland made of small seashells which I took home for my daughter. We originally booked for 3 days, but we cant get enough of the place, so we extended for another day.

The resort has 1 big pool with restaurant at the middle and the native cottages are all over the place. Each cottage has veranda where you can relax while enjoying the cool sea breeze and of course the view of the beach. I soo love the feeling. They also have a revolving restaurant though we were not able to try it coz we are always late for lunch or dinner. Lol!


The resort has activities everyday and you can book yourself for all of them if you want. You can even borrow DVD dics from the reception area or watch movie at their mini theatre every night. You can also go diving,snorkling, pool/beach swimming during the day,or play basketball, table tennis, badminton, billiards etc. And during dinner time, they will serenade you with music.


I so love the place that I still dont want to go home. It is soo quiet and relaxing. I spent every afternoon at the "duyan" in front of the beach doing nothing. It is also my first time to swim at an 8ft pool, huh! coz before I am soo afraid even only in a 5ft pool. Maybe because I feel safe with my companions who are good swimmers.

I remember the first time I am trying to jump into the pool. I was hesitating when a 10 yr old dutch boy pushed me to the pool! I didnt drown myself though I gulped some water. His name is Victor. We spent the whole afternoon playing/tricking with him. And it was alot of fun! Before we left the pool, Victor invited me to play billiards with him after dinner. He thought I am just a 15 yrd old girl haha... we were laughing so hard!

In our entire vacation, all we did was swim, eat, watch dvd, "duyan", drink, snorkle and eat some more. And so after that, I gained 8 pounds! grrr I already look fat on my swimsuit on the 3rd day! But overall, we were so happy, well rested and satisfied. For sure I'd want to go back to that resort. =)

Resignation Letter

Two weeks ago, I was googling for samples of resignation letter when I bumped into this funny RL, lol.

Well, it does not only take an effort to decide on resigning but also it takes an effort to prepare a not too short, direct to the point RL. Just thankful that after several months/days of sleepless nights, I was able to make a firm decision. It was really tough. A lot of what if's. I feel excited and tensed knowing that I have to take a lot of risk in looking for a new job. But I am hoping for the best. After all, its better to have taken risk and follow my hearts' desire, than doing nothing at all and regretting at the end. Wish me lots of luck!!! =)

Gift Check from Citi!

I just got a P200 GC from Citibank today, wooohooo!! This is in connection with Mercury drug citicard promo, where you can avail PHP 200 off the price of Wyeth's Progress Pre-school GOLD. All you need to do is swipe your card and show the GC! I love CITI more!! You should get one! =)

Naphil Thought for the Day- Oct. 22, 2010

THOSE WHO CAN’T TAKE DIRECTIONS GRACIOUSLY HAVE NO BUSINESS GIVING THEM.

If you are an irresponsible or argumentative worker who cannot accept instructions from others, you are destined to remain at the bottom of the workforce. Before you can ever hope to manage other people, you must learn to manage yourself and your relationships with others effectively, particularly with those in higher positions in the organization. Unless you can learn how to manage your relationship with your own boss or bosses, you will never be able to manage a relationship with your subordinates.

Napoleon Hill Foundation - Thought for the Day

Citibank Perks!

I've been using CITIbank credit card for 2 years now and all I can say is that, its so worth it!! I soooo love citibank because of its fabulous perks! Plus my annual fees are waived the entire time. Maybe my good credit standing helps to availing its free annual fees. I made sure I pay all my bills on time so I wont have trouble. I was able to avail more than 20 movies passes and several half dozen Krispy Kreme donuts! I also bought 3 Wimpy kid books half the price by using my Citi points. I just love CITI card that I want to share it with you!

Bag of Beans - Tagaytay Philippines

My cousin has been telling me about this place long before. She would sometimes go to this place if she wants some time alone. At last, I was able to make it last March after our retreat. We went straight to Bag of Beans and spent the whole afternoon there. The place is like a small garden, simple, quiet and cool. Good thing we were able to get the nicest table with somewhat a sofa bed. There,we shared life's stories, took pictures and indulge ourselves with banana floats, house coffee, maincourse and bread. I'd love to go back to this place in case I need a day off from the busy life at the city. A coffee and a book would surely make my day! =)

Island Hopping in Zambales

The first time I saw the picture of my friend in Anawangin beach-Zambales a few years ago, I was mesmerized! The place was very serene and looks like a place in China/Japan that I've seen in some movies. At last I was able to experience it myself March this year.

We actually went to 3 different islands:

Capones - where we had trekking and reached the top of an old light house. The view was breath taking. But trekking was not really my thing. I had a heavy leg going back to the shore where we had our snacks.

Nagsasa - We stayed here overnight. If I was mesmirized with Anawangin, I fell inlove with Nagsasa that I want to go here whenever I want. Though going there wasn't easy. We traveled by land for at least 4hrs and an hour boat ride. The boat ride was a bit exciting for me though. The boat was small and would accommodate only 4 passengers including the boatman. The waves were so big! It feels like we are having some rides in an amusement park! But I feel safe with my life vest and I trust the boatman, unlike my cousin who is with me in the boat. She was so afraid and later on been silent while praying. Good thing though.=)

We had an overnight camping and tequila night at the shore under the moon while playing "who is guilty". I guess in the female group, I am the most guilty of all haha.. so I kinda get tipsy at the end of the game.
The following day, I was the last one to get up from the Tent. It was my first time to go camping, espcially by the beach. The experience was over nice! =) After breakfast, we went swimming ang took a lot of pictures. Then we headed to the next island.

Nagsasa was the best island of the three, by the way. It has pine trees grown in the sand and the place was so relaxing. The view was spectacular! I soooo love Nagsasa!!!


Anawangin - the place was below my expectations. It was jam packed by beach goers. But over all, the view was still nice. I love the lagoon though. There we had the conventional halo-halo. Then, we went home full of experiences and new friends.

Naphill Thought for the Day - Oct. 21, 2010

FRIENDLY COOPERATION ALWAYS PAYS OFF BECAUSE THIS SORT OF TEAMWORK CREATES A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, WHICH DOES NOT RECOGNIZE OBSTACLES.

In any organized endeavor, obstacles are going to occur. Sometimes they appear in the form of technical problems; sometimes they are disputes between members of the team over which course is best to follow. If you have set an example of initiative and open communication, you will find that your team has the mental and spiritual resources to overcome these kinds of struggles. A group of people who trust their leader and one another don’t waste energy jockeying for prestige. They know that they will all benefit from a solution, and they are motivated to find it by sharing the knowledge and ideas. From these many parts a skilled leader can create the necessary solution, but only if a spirit of friendliness and honesty prevails.

Napoleon Hill Foundation - Thought for the Day

Hong Kong & Macau Trip - June 25-28, 2010

Originally, I booked 10 persons for this trip, but only 5 of us were able to make it coz the rest wasn't able to prepare their passport. I dont know but we booked it since January, but still they didn't make it, sigh! Their tickets were forfeited.

It was my second trip to Hongkong. The last time was with my officemates back in Sept2008. I remember having leg cramps and muscle pain starting day 1 of our trip because of the long walks since we wanted to maximize our stay.So this time, I made sure to bring manzanilla (for the muscle & varicose veins pain haha). It helps alot that I didnt feel a bit pain the entire trip. I also brought some other medicines in case of emergency and my antihistamine. I don't travel without it coz i am very much sensitive to dust & pollens which is very irritating grrr. Wish I could get rid of it.

In this trip, we went to the following places:

Day#1

Ocean Park - we arrived in the Hostel around 11am. We rested, ate and took a bath. Then went to Ocean Park. My daughter had tamtrums that day and it was so disgusting. Maybe because she is so excited to visit Disneyland which we scheduled during day 1. But then it was raining that day so we had to change our schedule. We ride in the Ocean Park tower and some other rides. Of course we took some pictures. We were so tired and sleepy at the end of the day so we returned to our room. At around 9PM, me and Jona went to the night market where she had an unforgettable experience with a sales lady.

Day#2
Disneyland - It was raining again that day. We bought raincoats at the main entrance and we took pictures with the raincoats on. It was really a bad day to visit disneyland. The rides were not fully operating and outdoor rides are all wet.
As usual, I always loved the disney 3D show. Its alot different from the usual 3D shows in the cinemas coz aside from the eye glasses that you wear, your chair is also moving and you also get wet (not much though). It feels like you are really part of the show.

We also ride is the disney tram that goes around the entire park and had our most unforgettable experience in Hongkong. It was in the space mountain ride. It is an indoor ride and we didn't expect it to be an indoor roller coaster, LOL! At first, the feeling was so nice when we were slowly going up. I even said wooooowwww!!! when I saw the ceiling, it feels like you are in the outerspace. There are stars, planets and moon. But suddenly, the ride becomes faster ang going up and down. It was a roller coaster!!! We were tricked! We thought it was just a feel good indoor rride, but it wasn't! It was nightmare for us coz I really dont ride things like that. I was even more concerned about my mother and daughter who are in the front seat, while I was alone in the back seat. My friend and her cousin felt the same way. And we were laughing teary eyed after the ride, especially when we saw our pictures inside. We look very terrified haha!


What I love most in disneyland is the fireworks display in the disney castle. It was so magical and enchanting. My friend confessed she had teary eyes while watching the fireworks and listening to the music- a Whole New World. If you get here, make sure to experience this. The feeling was really wonderful.

Day#3
Macau - we only had a 2 hour or more tour here since all we know is that the last trip going back to Hongkong is at 5PM. We have trouble finding a ride going to Macau proper from the Pier station. There were only free shuttle to the Hotels. We went to Senado Square & St. Paul Ruins, the only place we visited in Macau as we dont have enough time. There I bought some beef jerky mixed nuts and the famous egg tart. I soo love their food that I want to go back to that place. We felt sad that we were not able to go to the Grand Venetian Hotel and experience the Skywalk at Macau Tower. This makes us plan for another trip in Macau.
After we got back from Macau, we went to the Factory outlets mall (forgot name of the mall) coz I've been planning to buy a Nike shoes and a branded bag. But I was not able to buy any of those, my shoe size is not available for one thing, etc. Instead, we went to grocery and bought some food, my favorite Andes Mint chocolate, Pistacio nuts, grapes and big long-stemmed strawberries. I sooo love them that I want to go back to Hongkong hehe.

By the way, that was my mother's birthday. My plan of buying her a cake did not push through as we were on the go the whole day. We ended our day at the baywalk to take some pictures.

NapHill Thought for the day - Oct. 20, 2010

FRIENDLY COOPERATION IS NEVER ANY PART OF THE DEVIL’S WORK. HE IS WORKING ON THE OTHER SIDE.

The most noble human relationships are those that have been formed in a spirit of cooperation and harmony. Cooperation, in many ways, is the physical manifestation of your care and concern for your fellow man. When you work with others in a spirit of friendly cooperation, you are conducting yourself according to the founding principles of most religions and all successful societies. Everyone occasionally feels pangs of jealousy or envy, usually accompanied by the urge to cause problems or difficulty for those we dislike. Truly successful people have learned to restrain such urges. They know that if they concentrate upon their own objectives and help others along the way, they will eventually reach their goals. It isn’t easy to always be a friendly, cooperative person, but in the end you will find that it is worth the effort.

Napoleon Hill Foundation - Thought for the Day

NapHill Thought for the Day - Oct 19, 2010

COOPERATION MUST START AT THE HEAD OF A DEPARTMENT IF IT IS EXPECTED AT THE OTHER END. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR EFFICIENCY.
In most large organizations, the amount of time and energy that is squandered in interdepartmental rivalry is enormous. Managers who compete with others inside the company waste valuable resources that should be directed at fulfilling the company’s mission to serve its customers better. Worse, a negative, internal focus can cause the company to miss opportunities, the full effect of which may not be realized for months or even years. Whether you are the head of the department or the newest worker on the staff, you can help your company immeasurably by refusing to become embroiled in internal strife. Compete with yourself to do the best job you can do instead of competing with others.

Napoleon Hill Foundation - Thought for the Day

NapHill Thought for the Day - Oct 18, 2010

NO ONE CAN SUCCEED AND REMAIN SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT THE FRIENDLY COOPERATION OF OTHERS.
In today’s interdependent society, it is virtually impossible in any business, profession, or occupation for an individual to achieve great heights of success without the help of others. The best way to get friendly cooperation is to give it. When you make it a practice to encourage others and to help them advance in their careers whenever possible, most will reciprocate when you need their help. Give generously, and you will benefit in kind.

Napoleon Hill Foundation - Thought for the Day