So, we were walking around aimlessly in Uptown Mall and the kids and I saw Baskin-Robbins along the way! The kids were so excited because they know the brand from the movie, "Ant-Man". Baskin-Robbins was where the character played by Paul Rudd, Scott Lang, used to work. In honor of Ant-Man and of course, because we love ice cream, we tried it out :)A Baskin-Robbins Sundae Treat for the kids at Uptown Mall, BGC
12 October 2016
So, we were walking around aimlessly in Uptown Mall and the kids and I saw Baskin-Robbins along the way! The kids were so excited because they know the brand from the movie, "Ant-Man". Baskin-Robbins was where the character played by Paul Rudd, Scott Lang, used to work. In honor of Ant-Man and of course, because we love ice cream, we tried it out :)
So, we were walking around aimlessly in Uptown Mall and the kids and I saw Baskin-Robbins along the way! The kids were so excited because they know the brand from the movie, "Ant-Man". Baskin-Robbins was where the character played by Paul Rudd, Scott Lang, used to work. In honor of Ant-Man and of course, because we love ice cream, we tried it out :)
A taste of Ramen Kuroda at Mezza Residences
07 October 2016
If you follow my blog, you'll know that our family loves Japanese ramen. We're always on the lookout for affordable yet delicious Japanese ramen throughout the metro. We consider it good fortune to find some that are within the vicinity of our residence too. That is why we were ecstatic when we found Ramen Kuroda at the Mezza Residences in Sta. Mesa, Quezon City.
If you follow my blog, you'll know that our family loves Japanese ramen. We're always on the lookout for affordable yet delicious Japanese ramen throughout the metro. We consider it good fortune to find some that are within the vicinity of our residence too. That is why we were ecstatic when we found Ramen Kuroda at the Mezza Residences in Sta. Mesa, Quezon City. DIY: Installing our new 2 TB Seagate internal hard drive
02 October 2016
A new, extra hard drive had been on my wish list for a long time. It was only now that I was able to buy it. I was originally intending to buy a 1 TB but Patrick convinced me to go for the 2 TB because there's only a small difference, so I did. We went to our favorite computer store, Dynamic PC in Gilmore, and bought this 2TB Seagate Barracuda in addition to 4GB RAM to upgrade our PC. So, let me tell you how installation of this Seagate hard drive went.Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant now at Robinsons Magnolia Food Court
02 October 2016
After buying our new 2 TB Seagate hard drive from our favorite computer shop, Dynamic PC in Gilmore, Patrick, Dylan and I headed to Robinsons Magnolia for lunch. It's been a while since we've been to this Robinsons and we just walked around the mall looking for a new place to eat at. When we got to the Food Court, we saw Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant and Patrick knew immediately that this is the place to eat at.
After buying our new 2 TB Seagate hard drive from our favorite computer shop, Dynamic PC in Gilmore, Patrick, Dylan and I headed to Robinsons Magnolia for lunch. It's been a while since we've been to this Robinsons and we just walked around the mall looking for a new place to eat at. When we got to the Food Court, we saw Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant and Patrick knew immediately that this is the place to eat at.Our 3-day sample itinerary during our 2016 Baguio Trip
My impressions of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Diesel Variant
29 September 2016
Driving Directions from Baguio to Manila via Marcos Highway
30 September 2016
There are three main roads in and out of Baguio: Kennon Road, Palispis Highway (also known as Marcos Highway) and Naguilian Road. If you're coming from Manila via the SCTEX and the TPLEX, Kennon Road and Marcos Highway are the routes that you can choose to pass through to get to Baguio. Naguilian Road is ideal if you're passing through the coastal MacArthur Highway.
During our Baguio trip, we drove on Kennon Road to get to Baguio but we were forced to take Marcos Highway on the return trip because Kennon Road was closed for repairs. Historically, Kennon Road gets closed down most often because of the threat of landslides especially during the rainy season. It's better to check advisories if you're planning your trip.
Dinner at Iguana's in Clark to cap off our Baguio Trip
28 September 2016
We knew that when we left Baguio around lunchtime, it would probably be dinner time when we reached Clark. That meant having the opportunity to dine at our favorite restaurant in Clark - Iguana's Authentic Mexican Food.
We knew that when we left Baguio around lunchtime, it would probably be dinner time when we reached Clark. That meant having the opportunity to dine at our favorite restaurant in Clark - Iguana's Authentic Mexican Food.
The mind-boggling night market at Harrison Road, Baguio City
27 September 2016
To say that we've had a full day today was an understatement. Our last stop was the night market along Harrison Road which is open from 9PM until 1AM. From our dinner at the Good Taste Cafe and Restaurant, we parked our car along Session Road and simply walked to get to Harrison Road. The aroma of cooking food and the buzz from the energy of the people shopping along the stretch of road were enough to get us excited!
To say that we've had a full day today was an understatement. Our last stop was the night market along Harrison Road which is open from 9PM until 1AM. From our dinner at the Good Taste Cafe and Restaurant, we parked our car along Session Road and simply walked to get to Harrison Road. The aroma of cooking food and the buzz from the energy of the people shopping along the stretch of road were enough to get us excited!Good Taste Cafe and Restaurant in Baguio lives up to its name
27 September 2016
The trick to making the most out of a trip is to make sure that when you leave your hotel, you already have a complete itinerary prepared with some leeway for adjustments and back up plans. This preparedness actually saved the night for us because in our search for the Star Cafe along Session Road, we ended up eating at a new favorite dining destination - the Good Taste Cafe and Restaurant!
The trick to making the most out of a trip is to make sure that when you leave your hotel, you already have a complete itinerary prepared with some leeway for adjustments and back up plans. This preparedness actually saved the night for us because in our search for the Star Cafe along Session Road, we ended up eating at a new favorite dining destination - the Good Taste Cafe and Restaurant!Visiting Baguio is not complete without Ube Jam from Good Shepherd
27 September 2016
The kids burned off all their energy playing at the Mini Golf and the playground next to it. On our way back to our hotel to rest before dinner, we thought of passing by the Good Shepherd Mountain Maid Training Center to check if we can buy our favorite ube jam because our trip to Baguio wouldn't be complete if we didn't get some :) With time to spare (it took us 30 minutes), we reached Good Shepherd. Enjoyable fun at the Camp John Hay Mini Golf
27 September 2016
Having just eaten at the Mile Hi Diner at the Mile Hi Center, everyone was energized and raring to go for some fun activity. Next on the agenda was to play a round of Mini Golf. The place was about 10 minutes away from the Mile Hi Center and we actually couldn't find it the first time we went around Camp John Hay. The next time we did find it, it was raining hard and though it was open, playing was out of the question. This time, the rain had subsided and a bit of sun was out :)
Having just eaten at the Mile Hi Diner at the Mile Hi Center, everyone was energized and raring to go for some fun activity. Next on the agenda was to play a round of Mini Golf. The place was about 10 minutes away from the Mile Hi Center and we actually couldn't find it the first time we went around Camp John Hay. The next time we did find it, it was raining hard and though it was open, playing was out of the question. This time, the rain had subsided and a bit of sun was out :)Dining at the Mile Hi Diner at the Mile Hi Center in Camp John Hay in Baguio
27 September 2016
After the kids had their horseback riding adventure at Shalan ni Kabadjo, we knew it was time for some grub. We passed by Mile Hi Center on the way to the Riding Center one time and we thought it would be a good idea to pick our restaurant from there. Looking around, Dana chose to eat at Mile Hi Diner, I guess to avoid Tapa King and Dencio's which were Manila-based franchises.
Horseback riding at Shalan ni Kabadjo in Camp John Hay, Baguio City
27 September 2016
After a very enjoyable boating experience in Burnham Park, the kids were in very high spirits and had more energy to spare so we decided to try the Shalan ni Kabadjo Horseback Riding now that the rain has dissipated. It's a little out of the way since we had to travel to Camp John Hay but it's got more of a nature feel to it compared to the Wright Park riding trail. Again, we were the only ones there so it was great!
After a very enjoyable boating experience in Burnham Park, the kids were in very high spirits and had more energy to spare so we decided to try the Shalan ni Kabadjo Horseback Riding now that the rain has dissipated. It's a little out of the way since we had to travel to Camp John Hay but it's got more of a nature feel to it compared to the Wright Park riding trail. Again, we were the only ones there so it was great!Boating in Burnham Park in Baguio
27 September 2016
Now we come to the place for kids and kids at heart - Burnham Park. After shopping at the Baguio Public Market and ending up with 2 kilos of freshly ground coffee, the kids were excited that the rains stopped and we could visit Burnham Park. They weren't disappointed and this was probably one of their favorite destinations on the trip.
Now we come to the place for kids and kids at heart - Burnham Park. After shopping at the Baguio Public Market and ending up with 2 kilos of freshly ground coffee, the kids were excited that the rains stopped and we could visit Burnham Park. They weren't disappointed and this was probably one of their favorite destinations on the trip.Garcia's Coffee at the Baguio Public Market
27 September 2016
After our trip to the Strawberry Farms in Benguet, we were debating where to go next since it was drizzling so any outdoor activities had to be postponed. Patrick and I decided to visit the Baguio Public Market instead to check if we can get the souvenir items that friends asked us to buy. We parked next to the Igorot Park along Harrison Road and walked the overpass to get to the Baguio Public Market. Our noses were tantalized by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and that led us to Garcia's Coffee where we were staggered by the affordability of freshly ground coffee beans. There were also a number of different flavors that blew our minds :)
After our trip to the Strawberry Farms in Benguet, we were debating where to go next since it was drizzling so any outdoor activities had to be postponed. Patrick and I decided to visit the Baguio Public Market instead to check if we can get the souvenir items that friends asked us to buy. We parked next to the Igorot Park along Harrison Road and walked the overpass to get to the Baguio Public Market. Our noses were tantalized by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and that led us to Garcia's Coffee where we were staggered by the affordability of freshly ground coffee beans. There were also a number of different flavors that blew our minds :)The wrong time to visit the Strawberry Farms in Benguet
27 September 2016
If you want to visit the Strawberry Farms in La, Trinidad, Benguet and participate in their strawberry picking activities, then don't go at this time :) Harvest season is between November and May. We told the kids not to expect that they'll be berry picking and they understood. We still went though because we were curious and at least the next time that we come back, we already know the way. I have included directions to get there from the City.
Dinner at the iconic 50's Diner in Baguio City
26 September 2016
While here in Baguio, Patrick and I decided that we'd only eat at local restaurants and dining haunts because what's the point in traveling and educating our kids with the local culture if we're just going to end up at fast food franchises. So, on our list of dining choices was the iconic 50's Diner at the corner of Upper Gen. Luna and Brent Roads.
While here in Baguio, Patrick and I decided that we'd only eat at local restaurants and dining haunts because what's the point in traveling and educating our kids with the local culture if we're just going to end up at fast food franchises. So, on our list of dining choices was the iconic 50's Diner at the corner of Upper Gen. Luna and Brent Roads.A rainy day with the kids at Wright Park in Baguio City
26 September 2016
Visiting The Mansion in Baguio City is a fast process. You go there, take your pictures and leave. At least, that's what we did since it's not possible to get any closer than just inside the gate. So, we crossed the street and headed to Wright Park. This was the first time we've gone to Wright Park from this direction so it was an adventure of sorts :)
Visiting The Mansion in Baguio City is a fast process. You go there, take your pictures and leave. At least, that's what we did since it's not possible to get any closer than just inside the gate. So, we crossed the street and headed to Wright Park. This was the first time we've gone to Wright Park from this direction so it was an adventure of sorts :)Visiting The Mansion in Baguio
26 September 2016
After a hearty lunch at Amare La Cucina and checking in at C Boutique Hotel, we headed straight to The Mansion as it is one of the landmarks that is close to where we were and we already knew how to get there. The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines and this is the closest that you can get inside.
After a hearty lunch at Amare La Cucina and checking in at C Boutique Hotel, we headed straight to The Mansion as it is one of the landmarks that is close to where we were and we already knew how to get there. The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines and this is the closest that you can get inside.Kids enjoyed making their own pizza at Amare La Cucina in Baguio
26 September 2016
Before we even went to Baguio, I already made a list of places that we wanted to dine at and on top of that list was the Amare La Cucina which was famous for having their own brick oven and they also let kids make the pizza they ordered. After Mines View Park, we headed straight to Amare La Cucina which was fortunately in the same vicinity, located at the EGI Alberto Hotel near Wright Park.
Kids' first visit to Mines View Park
26 September 2016
When we reached Baguio City, we first headed to our hotel, C Boutique Hotel Baguio near Mines View Park to check-in. But our room wasn't ready yet so we headed to the nearest tourist attraction which was, of course, Mines View Park. It was the first time for the kids to visit this destination and they were pretty excited.
When we reached Baguio City, we first headed to our hotel, C Boutique Hotel Baguio near Mines View Park to check-in. But our room wasn't ready yet so we headed to the nearest tourist attraction which was, of course, Mines View Park. It was the first time for the kids to visit this destination and they were pretty excited. Visiting Cafe in the Sky in Benguet
26 September 2016
When we reached Baguio, we didn't immediately go to our hotel because it was too early to check in. Instead, Patrick drove us quite a ways to the location called Cafe in the Sky in Sto. Tomas, Benguet. He said that it was a popular destination because of the stunning views from atop the mountain. We didn't anticipate what we would find when we got there.
First Stop on the way to Baguio: Petron Lakeshore, NLEX Northbound, Mexico, Pampanga
26 September 2016
Leaving as early as 6AM, it's expected that somewhere along the long NLEX route, the kids are bound to get hungry. We avoided the crowded gas station/service facilities most proximate to the Balintawak Toll Gate and instead went straight to the Petron Lakeshore facility which was closer to the SCTEX.
Leaving as early as 6AM, it's expected that somewhere along the long NLEX route, the kids are bound to get hungry. We avoided the crowded gas station/service facilities most proximate to the Balintawak Toll Gate and instead went straight to the Petron Lakeshore facility which was closer to the SCTEX. Review: Exceptional stay at C Boutique Hotel Baguio
26 - 28 September 2016
I discovered C Boutique Hotel from the Deal Grocer site when they had a Getaway Deal (Cozy Baguio Stay for 3 in a Deluxe Suite with Breakfast) which I subsequently purchased. All I can say is that I don't regret my purchase because our stay was exceptionally satisfying. The location, the room, the breakfast and most importantly, the service, all contributed to an enjoyable stay.
I discovered C Boutique Hotel from the Deal Grocer site when they had a Getaway Deal (Cozy Baguio Stay for 3 in a Deluxe Suite with Breakfast) which I subsequently purchased. All I can say is that I don't regret my purchase because our stay was exceptionally satisfying. The location, the room, the breakfast and most importantly, the service, all contributed to an enjoyable stay.Driving Directions to Baguio via TPLEX and Kennon Road
26 September 2016
If you're coming from Manila, the ideal way to start your journey to Baguio is via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) with Balintawak as your entry point. We paid P55 at the Toll Gate since we were driving a Class 1 vehicle. From here to Baguio, you will drive more than 230 kilometers for about 4 hours. There are many gasoline stations with restaurants, shops and restrooms along the way should you feel the need to refuel, dine, shop or use the restrooms.
Update: Via Marcos Highway with 2018 Toll Fees
If you're coming from Manila, the ideal way to start your journey to Baguio is via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) with Balintawak as your entry point. We paid P55 at the Toll Gate since we were driving a Class 1 vehicle. From here to Baguio, you will drive more than 230 kilometers for about 4 hours. There are many gasoline stations with restaurants, shops and restrooms along the way should you feel the need to refuel, dine, shop or use the restrooms.
Update: Via Marcos Highway with 2018 Toll Fees
Daniel's 2nd birthday at Philamlife Village Clubhouse, Las Pinas
25 September 2016
We went to Philamlife Village Clubhouse in Las Pinas to celebrate Daniel's 2nd birthday. We've always considered our family lucky for being invited to Brian and Donna's celebratory milestones with Daniel, their child. So, the venue may be far and it may have been a long drive but the journey was definitely worth it. Thanks Brian and Donna for always inviting us to your celebrations :) Happy birthday Daniel! :D
Tokyo Tokyo's new Makirrito is a Delight!
22 September 2016
When we do our grocery shopping at Robinsons Otis, most of the time we end up eating at Tokyo Tokyo because we love their dishes. First, we love Japanese food. Second, they're delicious! and Third, they're affordable. Also, they're convenient because they're just right there :)
On our usual jaunt for dinner after grocery shopping, we spotted something new on the menu - MAKIRRITO! It's a maki upsized into a burrito! :) There were two flavors - Samurai Karaage and California Tempura. See how the kids liked them :)
On our usual jaunt for dinner after grocery shopping, we spotted something new on the menu - MAKIRRITO! It's a maki upsized into a burrito! :) There were two flavors - Samurai Karaage and California Tempura. See how the kids liked them :)
Purchased "Cozy Baguio Stay for 3 in a Deluxe Suite with Breakfast" coupons from Deal Grocer
19 September 2016
Just today, I purchased two Deal Grocer coupons for the following Getaway Deal. It's for a "Cozy Baguio Stay for 3 in a Deluxe Suite with Breakfast" at the C Boutique Hotel. Each coupon was worth P3,490 per night. I bought them because I've always wanted to bring the kids to Baguio and with this deal, I could make this wish into a reality.
Just today, I purchased two Deal Grocer coupons for the following Getaway Deal. It's for a "Cozy Baguio Stay for 3 in a Deluxe Suite with Breakfast" at the C Boutique Hotel. Each coupon was worth P3,490 per night. I bought them because I've always wanted to bring the kids to Baguio and with this deal, I could make this wish into a reality. Purchased two Philips Jelly LED Table Lamp from Lazada
20 September 2016
I recently bought 2 Philips Jelly LED Table Lamps from Lazada. I found the process efficient, easy, professional and hassle-free. I took a couple of days to test the lamps before I wrote this post so at least I could actually say that it works. I'll describe the process for those of you who are a bit leery of online shopping (yeah, I was one of you) and describe how it went when I plugged in our two Philips Jelly LED Table Lamp.
I recently bought 2 Philips Jelly LED Table Lamps from Lazada. I found the process efficient, easy, professional and hassle-free. I took a couple of days to test the lamps before I wrote this post so at least I could actually say that it works. I'll describe the process for those of you who are a bit leery of online shopping (yeah, I was one of you) and describe how it went when I plugged in our two Philips Jelly LED Table Lamp.Crazy, Frantic Day at the 2016 Manila International Book Fair #MIBF2016
16 September 2016
The Manila International Book Fair is among the many annual events that we look forward to as a family. This year's MIBF is held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia from Sept 14-18, 2016, from 10AM - 8PM. Admission Fees are P20 (Adults) and P15 for Seniors, PWD, and kids below 4 feet. I think Students also get a discount :)
We were able to bring home several books for the kids and possibly early Christmas gifts for close friends ;)
Check out what we saw at the Book Fair!
The Manila International Book Fair is among the many annual events that we look forward to as a family. This year's MIBF is held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia from Sept 14-18, 2016, from 10AM - 8PM. Admission Fees are P20 (Adults) and P15 for Seniors, PWD, and kids below 4 feet. I think Students also get a discount :)We were able to bring home several books for the kids and possibly early Christmas gifts for close friends ;)
Check out what we saw at the Book Fair!
Lessons I learned from our recent experience with fire in Manila
02 September 2016
It has been about 2 weeks since a huge fire hit our family compound and neighbor's houses in Manila. That wasn't our first scary experience with fire but it was our first fire that really caused harm and damage to our own house. Here are some lessons I learned from that experience, hoping that people will understand and learn from it as well.
1. Fire spreads fast
From the moment I saw the orange glow from our window to the time we got out of the house and into the street, the fire had already raged and was burning my aunt's house which was right across ours, like our windows were a meter apart, I think. It took all of 2 minutes. You have to judge immediately how much time you have. At a crucial juncture, you may not be able to save anything at all but yourselves.
2. A raging fire is scary
A raging fire is scary so you have to have your wits about you. No matter how prepared you think you are, your first instinct is to run but you have to look out for your family, particularly if you have kids and older family members. So, it's important to keep the panic down to keep others calm too. I was fearful and my heart was hammering in my chest but I had to stay focused and calm. If you show your kids that you're afraid, they'll be afraid too and may become hard to control and at this critical time, they may effectively delay your efforts to leave as quick as possible. Give orders that are precise so they'll be able to follow immediately. That is what I did, just instructed them on what to do and we all left the house immediately.
3. Bring only important, irreplaceable stuff with you
I only had a few minutes to spare as the fire was very close so I only had time to pick up my file folder containing receipts for house and other payments and my bag that had my phone, money, identification and some toiletries (I'm a mom, my bag has my home or so they say!) I also stuffed Patrick's mobile into my bag as I was grabbing it. On hindsight, I should've taken my folder with our birth documents too which was right beside the other folder that I took but that slipped my mind.
4. Take your portable gadgets with you
Yes, I know I said bring only important, irreplaceable stuff but gadgets contain vital information too and cost a lot to replace if gone. But I say it because it was unfortunate that our tablet was lost, not from the fire but because of someone's sticky fingers. Now, I don't necessarily blame the firefighters because I would think that they'd be too busy fighting the fire to even actually take anything from the people that they're saving. It may be that there are some strangers who take advantage of the opportunity to get into other people's houses during the commotion. Portable gadgets are easily taken and concealed, you see, compared to other valuable bulky items like the television set or dvd player.
5. Watching your house and belongings burn is agonizing
You are watching everything you've worked hard for dissolve in flames. You wonder how much of your home is left. You worry about how to rebuild. You worry where you'll spend the night and the next few nights after. You worry about how to even get to your job the next day. We were relieved when we were finally able to get into our house to find that we only had water problems to deal with. My aunt wasn't as fortunate.
6. Cleanup is a painstaking process
You just don't deal with the aftermath of the burn. You have to deal with waterlogged furniture, appliances and floors. It's like being hit by two of nature's greatest destroyers. Nothing was burned in our home but bedrooms and the living room were flooded. Firefighters doused everything with water to prevent the fire from spreading to our home. So, curtains, upholstered furniture and the beds were drenched.
The smoky air also lingers. It was already a week but the burnt smell continued to waft from my aunt's burned house, especially when they started clearing up the debris. Ashes also float in the air and the dirt around the house is black. Those with asthma will have it bad and I suggest wearing masks ( I should've). The atmosphere was choking.
Washing of clothes and other belongings (those that can still be used) will take days to finish. My aunt was using two washing machines at a time to deal with everything and she was at it for about a week before it tapered off. We also had to rewash some of our clothes that were left hanging in our laundry room at the roofdeck level. They were stinky from smoke. Of course, our beddings and curtains also had to be washed too.
7. Keeping a stash of clothes for donation is ideal
I usually keep a collection of clothes in my closet. These are clothes. mostly T-shirts, that Patrick gets from car events and some that we don't use anymore but aren't shabby. We keep them in case of a situation like this where someone needs clothes. I simply took this pile of clothes and gave it to my aunt. They come in handy because people who suffered in fires, usually have nothing to change into and that's one of the priorities. Towels, slippers and shoes are also helpful. My cousins needed office clothes too because they have jobs to go to. So, reorganizing closets regularly can help collect clothes that are rarely used and can be used for situations like these.
8. The community should come together to help
In the Philippines, our family orientation is such that nuclear and extended families live together and most times, within a neighborhood. Family reaching out to help during a calamity is a no-brainer. But, it's not common for the community to help. There is no volunteerism which is sad because cleanup and repairs can be done fast and quick if there are more people to help, and it's a big weight off the victims' shoulders if they don't have to pay for other people to help them.
It has been about 2 weeks since a huge fire hit our family compound and neighbor's houses in Manila. That wasn't our first scary experience with fire but it was our first fire that really caused harm and damage to our own house. Here are some lessons I learned from that experience, hoping that people will understand and learn from it as well.
1. Fire spreads fast
From the moment I saw the orange glow from our window to the time we got out of the house and into the street, the fire had already raged and was burning my aunt's house which was right across ours, like our windows were a meter apart, I think. It took all of 2 minutes. You have to judge immediately how much time you have. At a crucial juncture, you may not be able to save anything at all but yourselves.
2. A raging fire is scary
A raging fire is scary so you have to have your wits about you. No matter how prepared you think you are, your first instinct is to run but you have to look out for your family, particularly if you have kids and older family members. So, it's important to keep the panic down to keep others calm too. I was fearful and my heart was hammering in my chest but I had to stay focused and calm. If you show your kids that you're afraid, they'll be afraid too and may become hard to control and at this critical time, they may effectively delay your efforts to leave as quick as possible. Give orders that are precise so they'll be able to follow immediately. That is what I did, just instructed them on what to do and we all left the house immediately.
3. Bring only important, irreplaceable stuff with you
I only had a few minutes to spare as the fire was very close so I only had time to pick up my file folder containing receipts for house and other payments and my bag that had my phone, money, identification and some toiletries (I'm a mom, my bag has my home or so they say!) I also stuffed Patrick's mobile into my bag as I was grabbing it. On hindsight, I should've taken my folder with our birth documents too which was right beside the other folder that I took but that slipped my mind.
4. Take your portable gadgets with you
Yes, I know I said bring only important, irreplaceable stuff but gadgets contain vital information too and cost a lot to replace if gone. But I say it because it was unfortunate that our tablet was lost, not from the fire but because of someone's sticky fingers. Now, I don't necessarily blame the firefighters because I would think that they'd be too busy fighting the fire to even actually take anything from the people that they're saving. It may be that there are some strangers who take advantage of the opportunity to get into other people's houses during the commotion. Portable gadgets are easily taken and concealed, you see, compared to other valuable bulky items like the television set or dvd player.
5. Watching your house and belongings burn is agonizing
You are watching everything you've worked hard for dissolve in flames. You wonder how much of your home is left. You worry about how to rebuild. You worry where you'll spend the night and the next few nights after. You worry about how to even get to your job the next day. We were relieved when we were finally able to get into our house to find that we only had water problems to deal with. My aunt wasn't as fortunate.
6. Cleanup is a painstaking process
You just don't deal with the aftermath of the burn. You have to deal with waterlogged furniture, appliances and floors. It's like being hit by two of nature's greatest destroyers. Nothing was burned in our home but bedrooms and the living room were flooded. Firefighters doused everything with water to prevent the fire from spreading to our home. So, curtains, upholstered furniture and the beds were drenched.
The smoky air also lingers. It was already a week but the burnt smell continued to waft from my aunt's burned house, especially when they started clearing up the debris. Ashes also float in the air and the dirt around the house is black. Those with asthma will have it bad and I suggest wearing masks ( I should've). The atmosphere was choking.
Washing of clothes and other belongings (those that can still be used) will take days to finish. My aunt was using two washing machines at a time to deal with everything and she was at it for about a week before it tapered off. We also had to rewash some of our clothes that were left hanging in our laundry room at the roofdeck level. They were stinky from smoke. Of course, our beddings and curtains also had to be washed too.
7. Keeping a stash of clothes for donation is ideal
I usually keep a collection of clothes in my closet. These are clothes. mostly T-shirts, that Patrick gets from car events and some that we don't use anymore but aren't shabby. We keep them in case of a situation like this where someone needs clothes. I simply took this pile of clothes and gave it to my aunt. They come in handy because people who suffered in fires, usually have nothing to change into and that's one of the priorities. Towels, slippers and shoes are also helpful. My cousins needed office clothes too because they have jobs to go to. So, reorganizing closets regularly can help collect clothes that are rarely used and can be used for situations like these.
8. The community should come together to help
In the Philippines, our family orientation is such that nuclear and extended families live together and most times, within a neighborhood. Family reaching out to help during a calamity is a no-brainer. But, it's not common for the community to help. There is no volunteerism which is sad because cleanup and repairs can be done fast and quick if there are more people to help, and it's a big weight off the victims' shoulders if they don't have to pay for other people to help them.
Daiso Japan's Dehumidifiers are Effective! :) #DaisoJapanPH
02 September 2016
Daiso Japan's dehumidifiers are effective and it took me a while to test them. We bought our dehumidifiers from Daiso Japan in Robinsons Manila about a month ago. I told Patrick that we needed to buy one to put inside Stanley (our car) because there was one time when the car seats were covered in mold/mildew spots after continuous rains! We were happy to find that they were offering a "Buy 2 Take 1 Free" promo on them. We immediately chose 1 Lavender scent, 1 Citrus scent and 1 Unscented to test all three out :)
After a tornado, it's a fire...
First time ever to experience a tornado in Manila
14 August 2016
So we in Manila have had monsoon rains for the past 5 days (and counting). It was just a regular Sunday, everyone was doing their own thing at home when the power went out. Okay, that's fine, it'll come back in a second. While waiting, it didn't come back on, and then I heard this whistling sound and I braced myself for some strong winds. Never in my life did I expect a tornado to literally pass over our house. I only found out that it was what it was when I went up to our roofdeck and saw the destruction.
Visiting the PAF Aerospace Museum Aircraft Park
06 August 2016
When the birthday celebration of Grayson Lucas ended at around 2PM, we took the chance to visit the PAF Aerospace Museum Aircraft Park, right on the grounds of the PAF Aerospace Museum. It was a great chance to be up close and personal with different historic aircraft used by the Philippine Air Force. This was the first time for me and the kids. Patrick visited the place when he chaperoned my niece Den during her field trip in school.
When the birthday celebration of Grayson Lucas ended at around 2PM, we took the chance to visit the PAF Aerospace Museum Aircraft Park, right on the grounds of the PAF Aerospace Museum. It was a great chance to be up close and personal with different historic aircraft used by the Philippine Air Force. This was the first time for me and the kids. Patrick visited the place when he chaperoned my niece Den during her field trip in school. The 1st birthday of Grayson Lucas at the PAF Aerospace Museum
06 August 2016
Yesterday, we went to the PAF Aerospace Museum to celebrate Grayson Lucas' 1st birthday. We were all excited because the kids and I haven't been to the PAF Aerospace Museum before. So, this was a birthday party, a reunion and an educational field trip rolled into one!
Thanks Jops and Gabs for inviting us!! :) Happy birthday Grayson Lucas! :)
Yesterday, we went to the PAF Aerospace Museum to celebrate Grayson Lucas' 1st birthday. We were all excited because the kids and I haven't been to the PAF Aerospace Museum before. So, this was a birthday party, a reunion and an educational field trip rolled into one!Thanks Jops and Gabs for inviting us!! :) Happy birthday Grayson Lucas! :)
Attended a free ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) Seminar that taught the basics of teaching ESL in Japan
27 July 2016
Last July 23 and 24, my High School friend Erlinda (who represents companies looking for prospective Filipino employees/workers) held a two-day seminar/orientation for people who want to work in Japan. She presented opportunities on the first day and offered a tutorial for ALTs on the 2nd day. She actually regularly does this now since the demand is becoming great but this is the first time I've been fortunate to attend. It gave us a chance to catch up too, during the break and afterwards :)
Tasting Bo's Coffee's "Sablan Reserve" Premium Washed Bourbon #boscoffee
02 July 2016
I love coffee and it's always a joy discovering new coffee products and tastes. We received this 200g can of Sablan Reserve as a gift and it has been sitting in our pantry for a while now since it had to be ground before we could actually brew it. It was worth the wait! :)
1-Day Sale at The Reading Room in Cubao X
02 July 2016
It's always nice to discover new shopping haunts, particularly if they're entrepreneurial boutiques that offer unique and interesting products. Today, we found one when we went to The Reading Room, Shop #39 in Cubao X (formerly the Marikina Shoe Expo). I saw their 1-day sale announcement on Facebook yesterday and as Dana and I browsed their products, we squealed when we stumbled on their Totoro Luminous stickers and then and there we decided to visit their shop :) This was also the first time for the kids to visit the former Marikina Shoe Expo.
It's always nice to discover new shopping haunts, particularly if they're entrepreneurial boutiques that offer unique and interesting products. Today, we found one when we went to The Reading Room, Shop #39 in Cubao X (formerly the Marikina Shoe Expo). I saw their 1-day sale announcement on Facebook yesterday and as Dana and I browsed their products, we squealed when we stumbled on their Totoro Luminous stickers and then and there we decided to visit their shop :) This was also the first time for the kids to visit the former Marikina Shoe Expo. Admission to the National Museum (and its other museums nationwide) is Permanently FREE!
01 July 2016
Our family so enjoyed our visit to the National Museum and the Museum of the Filipino people last May that we follow the National Museum of the Philippines' Facebook page for announcements on FREE admission schedules. Just yesterday, I was so surprised and exhilarated to learn that the National Museum, through its Board of Trustees, has established that admission to the National Museum and its other sister museums nationwide will be PERMANENTLY FREE starting July 1st 2016!
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