Dana's Day Out

Today is Chinese New Year and it's a holiday! yahoo!

Funny enough when we asked the kids if they wanted to come with us to go out, it was only Dana who wanted to come.  Dylan wanted to remain at home to "use the computer" hahaha He doesn't get to use it once we're all home so since he knew that 3 of us will be gone, he has more time to use it hahahaha

Anyway, so this started a new tradition of sorts.  We will take one child on a Day Out so that all the attention will be focused on him/her.  In this case, Dana got first dibs :)  She had already asked me before, you know, for just the two of us to go out and have fun together.  Well, she's getting both parents this time so that's even better.  The original point of going out was for me to look for a pair of shoes for my friend's upcoming wedding.    We ended up having the first "Dana's Day Out" outing.

For starters, we went to Cubao where I knew there were a lot of shoe stores aside from the usual stuff they sell in the department stores.  So, we went to Farmer's Plaza, where I was fortunate to find a pair that was just right for me.  And it only cost P250!!  I also bought Dana her own pair :) Love shopping with her :)

After all that walking around and looking for the right pair of shoes, naturally, we got tired.  We ate some quesadilla, tacos, nachos and churros at Taco Bell.  Dana had fun refilling his Dad's cup of coke :)  Simple joys for a simple girl hahaha

Next, we went to Shopwise to buy some necessary groceries.  What we didn't know was that they had an ongoing promo in line with Chinese New Year!  People who are wearing red will automatically get a fortune cookie!  Imagine that! And Dana was wearing an all-red outfit courtesy of her Tita Shawie LOL

She got one fortune cookie as we entered the grocery.  But then we had to go out for a bathroom break.  When we came back, through a different entrance this time, she got another fortune cookie! hahahaha It was great because then she had one and Dylan will have one too !!

After depositing our grocery items in the car, we went to Gateway for dinner.  Dana wanted to eat at Teriyaki Boy because she loves Japanese food and she loves their Yogato dessert :)


So here they are, Daddy and Dana enjoying a cup of Yogato!

And here we are having a few moments together.. but the last picture looks a little creepy hehehe

Trip to UP Diliman and Rodic's

One facet of Patrick's job as a writer for Top Gear Philippines is having his weekends devoted to car events and photo shoots.  Well, during this weekend, the kids and I tagged along just to have the chance to breathe some fresh air among the trees and the gardens of UP Diliman.

The first order of the day was eating taho!













Then walking along the path and finding a creek and a log to sit on.  There were plenty of butterflies - yellow, white and black - that were flitting around.  Such a pretty sight.  Too bad I only had a camera phone - too slow to catch one.









After much running around, we found a log to sit on.  Dana had her thermos and they shared a cup or two to refresh themselves.

Dylan became very invigorated as you can see!

So while Patrick was busy working, we were busy playing and we weren't getting into each other's way.  We ended our trip with tapsilog at Rodic's Diner. Yummy!!  That was a good day out :)

Car: Renewing Patrick's Driver's License

Along with the annual registration of our car, we also processed Patrick's renewal of driver's license on the same day just to optimize his leave.  Although, technically, he is supposed to renew his driver's license on his birth month, we just decided to deal with it to save time.

Here are the steps that we followed when we processed Patrick's renewal of driver's license.  I just need to point out that we went to the LTO Robinson's Galleria branch to apply for the renewal of his driver's license.  The LTO Driver's License Renewal Office (DLRC) was located at the basement level of Robinson's Galleria.  If you're at the Food Court Level, just head to your left until you reach the stairs or the escalator and go down one level.  The NBI Branch Office is also on the same level.

We arrived there around 12 noon.  We first headed to the Drug Test and Medical Clinic right beside the LTO DLRC Office because we knew that a drug test is necessary prior to the actual renewal  of the driver's license.

Here are the steps as posted on the wall of the Clinic as soon as you enter through the door.

At this point, I left Patrick to roam around the mall because there were around 10 people lined up along the wall of the clinic.  Patrick, of course, filled out the required forms, paid the Cashier P400 and waited to be called for Urine Collection.  Pay attention to the phrase in red, "Proceed to the small table".  I found that rather funny because for a second there I thought that they will be collecting the urine at the small table.  When I got closer to where Patrick was sitting, I found that there really was a small table with a nurse manning it.  It couldn't be any bigger than 3 feet across hehehe Behind it were two bathrooms, one for males and one for females, with the note that you have to keep the doors open while urinating ;) I guess it's easier for guys ;)

After the urine collection, Patrick skipped Step 4 because the doctor was still out and to save time, they did the picture and finger scanning first.  It wasn't such a long wait when Patrick's number was called for the Medical Doctor portion.  He got his results and then we just moved next door to file for his driver's license renewal.  The drug testing process was completed in roughly 40 minutes.

There were about 7 people waiting for their turn by the time we went into the LTO Office.  THis is what it looked like.  There were bench seats for waiting and it was cool and comfortable.  The picture taking area was to the right, and you can see where the blue screen was set up and where you'll have to sit in front of.

To make it easier for other applicants, here is a picture of what you should expect to do when you get there.

Step 1:  Accomplish and submit Application for Driver's License and supporting documents at Window 2.
Step 2:  Proceed to photo taking/signature area when your name is called.
Step 3:  Proceed to Cashier at Window 1 to pay for the corresponding fees (License Fee - P350, Computer Fee - P67.63 = P417.63).  You may have to pay more if your license has expired.
Step 4:  Wait for your name to be called to claim your OR and the card type driver's license at Window 3.  (Window 3 is at the corner of the picture)

It took about 10 minutes for the whole process to be completed.  We were fortunate that there weren't that many people applying.

If you need further information, LTO has a Facebook page dedicated to Driver's License Renewal Centers. You can find it here.  The LTO DLRC Robinsons Galleria branch is open from Monday to Friday, 9AM-6PM.