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.

Car: Renewing our Car Registration

It's January again and it's time for Stanley's annual car registration.   Normally, we'd cringe from the thought of having to process such a tedious requirement because of the notorious lines at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).  But it's thanks to the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) of which we're a member, that we just breeze through Stanley's annual car registration.

Here are the things that we needed to prepare before we went to the AAP Office at 682 Aurora Boulevard, San Juan, Metro Manila.

1.  The Smoke Emission Test with passing result and Original Receipt of Payment.  We went through our Smoke Emission Test at one of the smoke emission testing centers near the LTO along Aurora Boulevard.  As an AAP member, we got a discount of 15% since we went to an authorized testing center.  I think we paid only less than P400 for the test.

2.  Photocopy of Certificate of Registration


3.  Original Copy of the Previous Year's Official Receipt of the LTO Registration (we got this from AAP too)


4.  Original and Photocopy of the Certificate of Cover


So since we had all these documents before hand, the only thing we needed to do was get the Smoke Emission Test results (which only took about 5 minutes) and then proceeded to the AAP which was about 15 minutes away.

There was no one else in the office so the process took less than 15 minutes.  We just submitted the documents and paid our annual car registration fee, which amounted to almost P6000 (we have a Subaru Legacy station wagon), including the insurance.  We had to wait for about 5 days to get our new Official Receipt of Registration and the registration sticker.

*** UPDATE:

We got our registration stickers on January 28th.  It was available about a week after we registered Stanley but it was the only time Patrick was able to go on leave.

If you want to know more about LTO Car registration services of AAP, check out their page:  http://www.aaphilippines.org/products.aspx?pages=lto-registration-assistance

Movie: Ghost Protocol

Mission Impossible:  Ghost Protocol is the fourth installment in the Mission Impossible series starring Tom Cruise (Ethan Hunt), Jeremy Renner (William Brandt), Simon Pegg (Benji Dunn), Paula Patton (Jane Carter),  Michael Nyqvist (Kurt Hendricks), Lea Seydoux (Sabine Moreau) and Josh Holloway (Trevor Hanaway).

Here's the synopsis as taken from the IMDB website.

"The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name."

Honestly, I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise but Patrick's got a man-crush on him that's why we watched this movie.  However, we have watched, repeatedly too,  all the earlier Mission Impossible movies and I think this is the best of the bunch.

Of course, in any Mission Impossible movie, you can expect awesome action scenes and eye-popping special effects.  There are also a bunch of high-tech gadgets to rival those of James Bond :)  With all this in mind, Ghost Protocol doesn't disappoint.  As I write this, I keep hearing Dora the Explorer saying "What's your favorite part of the trip?" hahaha and for me, for this movie, I enjoyed watching Tom Cruise climbing the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.  It's just astounding climbing the tallest building in the world with just gloves (yeah, yeah of course he's got cables, he's not crazy!) but he didn't have stunt doubles for the scene so that's a definite plus! :)


Oh and there's a scene in the Kremlin with Simon Pegg and Tom Cruise and a really cool "gadget" for lack of a better word.  It's like creating a mirage with mirrors hehehe For those who have seen the movie, you probably know what I'm talking about, right? ;)

The script, too is great.  It's got a lot of humor without sounding too forced.  I guess you can say that Simon Pegg is the comic relief here but he pulls it off well.  :)

Before, I forget, there's also that scene with the multi-level parking garage in India that's really something else! :)

Ghost Protocol really went and delivered what we all want in a good movie - a good enough plot, great locations, hard and fast action scenes (not the kind that everything's a blur - I hate those!), and just the right amount of tension to keep you gripping the arm rests and making you tense in your seat :) I really enjoyed this movie! :D

Book: Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

Inheritance is the 4th and Final book in the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini.  This is the synopsis taken from the Inheritance site.

"Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances."

I first started with the series when my mom included the book "Eragon" in a package she sent us.  I'm a sucker for fantasy books and dragons so it wasn't hard for me to get into it.  I really got hooked and just ate up both Eldest and Brisingr when they became available.  I really thought it would end with Brisingr and I was so frustrated when it didn't.  I'm just glad that I didn't have to wait that long for Inheritance to come out.

It's been a while between books.  That was my fear - that I would have forgotten some of the details in the books that would be important when it came to reading Inheritance.  It's a good thing that a summary was included in the book to at least help you get caught up with the story even if you haven't read the first three books.

Before I started to read, I tried to recall all that I could from the first three books.  Personally, I wasn't satisfied with the summary but then I'm a stickler for details and I knew I would have to read the books again from the start to really immerse myself in the world of Alagaesia.  But, since I had the book already I needed to know what happened next and so I began reading.  Naturally, the book will have the same cast of characters - Eragon, Sapphira, Arya, Roran, Nasuada, Murtagh and Thorn.  Other characters that we've heard of in the previous books will now play a pivotal role in this one - Queen Islanzadi (Leader of the Elves), Angela (the herbalist), Solembum (the Werecat) and of course, Galbatorix himself.  

By this time, you know that they're headed to face Galbatorix and you know it's not going to be a walk in the park.  There are several battles and a lot of interesting discoveries.  You can also understand how hard it is for them, how seemingly hopeless things appear in the face of Galbatorix' strength.  Without divulging too much, you know that there will be something that happens to give them the hope and strength that they need to defeat Galbatorix ;)

I am still ambivalent about this book.. I need more time to read it again maybe after I've read the other three books too.  That will give me the depth that was missing from my initial read.  I'll let you know as soon as I finish :D those books are really thick you know hehehe

Movie Marathon: The Underworld Series

There are just days when you're bored of Facebook (yes, it happens!) and you're not in the mood to read (good gracious!) but you have the time to spare so you search in your DVD Collection until you find a suitable boredom buster.  This time, I was surprised to find myself drawn to the Underworld Series, starring Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy and Michael Sheen.  

I have to admit that in our family we all have a proclivity for supernatural themes - vampires, werewolves, zombies, witches and warlocks.  So, it's only natural that we would like the themes of the Underworld series.  I enjoyed the first one when it was first shown.  The concept about a hybrid (played by Scott Speedman) was refreshing.  The fight scenes were worth watching although you may have to tone down your volume level hehehehe  

I didn't fancy the dark and gloomy color, although I understand that it adds drama and sets the mood.  I have busted vision making it hard for me to see much when it's dark.  

Underworld Evolution is the continuation of the climactic scene from the first movie with Elder Vampire, Viktor, played by Bill Nighy.  It was easy to follow the storyline although I don't understand why Marcus (played by Tony Curran) was referred to as the original hybrid.. hmm.. must watch it again, me thinks.. 

   

As they say, the plot thickens, in this movie, with more background story on Selene and her part in the battle between vampires and werewolves.




Undeworld:  Rise of the Lycans, is the third installment in the series, released in 2009.  You may say that it's the prequel to the series (I actually hate prequels).  It tells the story of the origins of the centuries-old feud between Vampires and Lycans and the parts the central characters had to play - Viktor, Lucian, Sonja (Rhona Mitra).  It's a nice background story for Lucian and Sonja.  Its nice to see Raze there too :)

Now, there has been a 4th installment, called Underworld: Awakening which will be shown in theaters in the coming weeks.  I hope I get to see it and what timing that I just recently watched the series in order :)

College friends get-together

 I ended my 2011 with a get together with my high school buddies.  I thought it was also a great idea to start the new year with a get together with my college buddies hahaha It's not often that we get around to just having dinner and drinks and enjoy each other's company because, let's face it, work gets in the way and we all lead busy lives.  But when a friend or two comes home for the holidays, you really do need to make a point to have a reunion for old times' sake.

This year, Marlon was home and that was the reason why we all met at Congo Grille in El, Pueblo, Ortigas. If I remember correctly, the last time we met like this was when Marlon also came home in 2004??  Who has pictures of those?? hmm.. must remember to ask :)

Anyway, the first to arrive at Congo Grille was George, here sporting his very long hair (although I guess you can't see from the picture haha).  

Marlon, Cathy and I met up at the SM Megamall and just walked to the venue where we met up with George.

Pepe arrived soon after, obviously coming from work too.  :)  Idy arrived a little later because he came from Shopwise after a round of grocery shopping.  He said he can't miss the double points rewards every Wednesdays! haha spoken like a true family man! LOL

There was a lot of reminiscing from college days about classmates, professors, crushes, embarrassing moments and catching up with what we've basically been doing after college :) We ordered crispy pata, sisig and grilled squid.  The boys had beer, of course!

 

It's too bad that some of our classmates weren't able to make it because of prior engagements but I'm hoping that there'll be more get-togethers in the coming months :)

New Year at the Mall

Happy New Year!! It's 2012 and I'm not going to be the first one to say that time really flies... When I look back at 2011, I hope that it isn't going to be the same for 2012 hahaha So here's me hoping that 2012 brings better tidings for my family :)

We didn't go anywhere for the first day of New Year.  The smog was just too thick and so "chokingly" bad that you'd risk your health just to go out.  We did head for the mall on January 2 just to get out of the house :)

There was a Christmas set in the atrium of SM San Lazaro where these pictures where taken.

Dana's shirt caption fits her to a tee!

Would've been a great shot
if the "extra" hadn't gotten in and messed it up

All three sporting new shoes for the new year ;)