Interesting finds at the new Miniso store in Robinsons Manila

25 June 2016

As we walked around Robinsons Manila, we naturally gravitated towards Daiso, our favorite Japanese-brand store.  Even though we didn't have anything to buy, it's comforting to be surrounded by a ton of kawaii and practical stuff :) While there, the kids needed to go to the bathroom and when we went to find one, we ended up seeing the new Miniso store at the 2nd Level of Robinsons Manila (Padre Faura wing).  At that point, Dylan, Dana and I simply couldn't resist and went to check it out =)

After-dinner desserts at Cafe Mary Grace in Robinsons Manila

25 June 2016

After a satisfying early dinner at Erra's Vest Ramen in Malate, we went back to Robinsons Manila because that was where we parked the car.  We went around the mall for a while, trying to walk off a sumptuous meal =)  We weren't aiming for anything in particular but we all came to stop when we reached the Cafe Mary Grace area.  Dylan, Patrick and I have tried their desserts when my friends and I met up one time in Makati.  Now, Dana was with us and we wanted to share the experience with her as well.

Ramen for 100 pesos or less at Erra's Vest Ramen in Malate, Manila

25 June 2016

Today, we received a treat from my cousin Joyce who asked me to take the kids somewhere nice for the day.  Patrick and I decided to go to Erra's Vest Ramen in Malate, Manila as they're known for authentic Japanese ramen for P100 or less.  Since we all love ramen and the price is a great come-on, we all trooped to Erra's Vest Ramen to explore their offerings.

Day 1 of Toy Con 2016: Part 2 #ToyConPopLifeFanXperience

10 June 2016

This post is a continuation of our experience during the First Day of Toy Con 2016.  The first part of our Day 1 adventures focused on the ToyCon itself, with the Toys and Collectibles booths and exhibits.  This time, it's the PopLife FanX side of the event.  Halls 3 and 4 were dedicated to this part of the event.  Read on to see what the Stan Lee Excelsior Exhibit is all about.  Look at the giant, life-sized Funko Pop figures.  Check out pictures from the press con with Kristian Nairn, Dean Cain and Daniel Logan.

Day 1 of ToyCon 2016: Part 1 #ToyConPH2016

10 June 2016

Today, Patrick and I attended the ToyCon 2016 + Poplife Fan Xperience event at Halls 1-4 of the SMX at the SM Mall of Asia.  The Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention, shortened to "ToyCon", is now on its 15th year and has partnered with PopLife (makers of the popular Funko Pop figures) and Salt Lake Comic Con producers Dan Farr and Bryan Brandenburg to add another dimension to the event with the highly anticipated "Poplife FanXperience".

The event showcases 3 days (June 10-12) of toys, cosplays, exhibits, performances, panels, photo ops and autograph signings.

For today, we saw the Stan Lee Excelsior Exhibit, attended the Press Con and interview panels with celebrities Kristian Nairn (Hodor of Game of Thrones), Dean Cain (Superman of Lois and Clark) and Daniel Logan (Young Boba Fett of Star Wars) and browsed the many booths and displays.

Pio's 4th Birthday Celebration at Kenny Rogers Roasters Katipunan

04 June 2016

Today, we went to Kenny Rogers Roasters in Katipunan to celebrate Pio's 4th Birthday.  We left pretty early to avoid the traffic and we made it in time to slide into the last remaining slot in the parking :)
This was the first time we've attended a birthday party at Kenny Rogers so it was interesting to see how they managed the party.

Picking up a Parcel from the Philippine Postal Office

03 June 2016

We don't normally get notices to pick up parcels at the Post Office.  Usually, any package that we receive is delivered door to door by couriers because they're faster and they don't get opened.  So, when I received a Postal Notice to pick up something at the Post Office, my first thought was, "Who could possibly have sent me something through postal services?"  My 2nd thought was, "Oh no, I don't want to be overcharged for the package!" There was a time when people were up in arms because they were being charged obscene amounts for packages that were being claimed at the Post Office.  Well, with trepidation in my heart, this is what happened at the Post Office.

Steps to Filing for Amnesty for Real Estate Taxes in Manila

31 May 2016

Today, Patrick and I went to the Manila City Hall to get our real estate taxes in order.  We've lapsed on our payments (yep, our bad!) and so we wanted to get our affairs in order.  Fortunately, as we were trying to figure out our way at the Tax Payers' Lounge, we noticed that there were "amnesty" signs around the area which prompted us to ask if we were eligible.  So, yeah, it turned out that we were and these are the steps that we took to file for Amnesty for Real Estate Taxes in Manila.  Hope it helps others even if the Amnesty is only until June 30.

Dinner at Ponte Rialto Ristorante Italiano in McKinley Hill

29 May 2016

After 2 hours of listening to great music from Bituin Escalante and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Jazz Ensemble (read about it here), we all trooped to Ponte Rialto Ristorante Italiano in McKinley Hill.  This restaurant is owned by long-time friends and it's only been recently opened so we were simply honored to be invited.  They offer authentic Italian cuisine, a varied selection of wines and drinks, and an altogether cozy and warm atmosphere perfect for dining amidst the replica of the Venice Grand Canal.

Jazz for a Summer Evening with Bituin Escalante and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Jazz Ensemble

29 May 2016

It's always a privilege to be able to watch our good friend Bito perform, whether she's on stage as an actor (she's a fine theater actor) or as a singer (one of the best vocal talents of the Philippines!). Yesterday, we saw that she was performing at the Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati together with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Jazz Ensemble and we immediately got excited and prepared to watch them.  Oh and it was free so it really was a great opportunity for us to enjoy great music in the open air! :)