Manila to Ilocos Trip (Day 1)

• Destination: Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur (travel time: 10 hours) 

We woke up at 5 a.m., ate our breakfast, loaded our belongings and headed north on a 2-car convoy.  At 7 a.m., we reached the (North Luzon Expressway or NLEX).  Even at an early hour, the highways were crowded.   As we passed by Pampanga at around 9:00 a.m., we saw individuals or groups of people who re-enacted the crucifixion of Christ.  When lunch time came, we stopped over at "Isdaan Fresh Catch Restaurant" in Gerona Tarlac (see separate entry). At around 1 p.m., we were back on the road again.  When we reached San Fernando, La Union at 3:30 p.m., we knew we were near.  We finally arrived at our house in Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur by 5:30 p.m. 

• Native Products of Ilocos

Upon arrival, we immediately recognized the familiar scent of tobacco from the dried tobacco leaves that filled the house.  Tobacco leaves which were harvested by the farmers were brought to our place to be hanged and dried, sorted by quality, sacked together and then delivered to the cigarette manufacturers.  There were also peanut pods being separated from the harvest peanut plants.  

• Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur 

After a short rest, we looked out the window overlooking the town plaza and decided that we wanted to visit the church.  After visiting the church, we saw market-like stalls selling different kinds of fruits, vegetables, toys and snacks.  We bought empanadas (worth 20 php) it was delicious! crunchy like a tortilla and tasty as it was filled with fresh egg and vegetables.  Just across the street there were puto sellers.  We decided to buy and taste them as well.  The puto (worth 6 php) in Sta. Lucia was different from other putos.  It was round and flat and it was filled with shredded coconut and topped with black sesame. 

                      

• Home-cooked dinner

At 8:00 p.m., our other relatives also arrived.  We then ate dinner.  All the dishes served were fresh and flavorful.  I liked the malaga or samaral with black beans the best.  My uncle said it is the gold in Ilocos.  It was very tender and it had a clear fresh and sweet taste.  I also loved the pinakbet.  After dinner, we went to my uncle's  place in Candon City to sleep because the house in Sta. Lucia cannot accomodate us all.   Upon arrival, we unpacked our luggage and had our well deserved rest. 

Battle of the Splash Island deals: Which deal suits you more?

After being closed for quite some time, Splash Island recently opened with new attractions.    

Zipline

Splash Trax

Kayak

Wall Climbing

Waterball

For those who are intending to go like us, there are 2 good deals you can choose from if you decide to visit Splash Island this summer.

Company: Splash Island

Address: Southwoods Ecocentrum Binan 4024 Laguna

How To Get There

Option 1: CHER, JAM, PACITA LINER, DELA ROSA BUS LINE (along EDSA) with sign board San Pedro / Pacita Complex.Alight at Jollibee Pacita, then take tricycle going to Splash Island.

Option 2: CHER BUS LINE (Park & Square Terminal Lawton) With sign board Pacita Southwoods.
Alight at Sto. Nino Church, then take tricycle going to Splash Island.

Option 3: Jeepney going to Binan (Starmall Alabang)
Go down to Tubigan, ride a pedicab going to Brgy. Soro Soro. From Brgy. SoroSoro, Splash Island is walking distance.

Option 4: With vehicle: Take southwoods exit and follow the map below.

Coupon Deal 1:  

P500 instead of P1000 for 2 entrance tickets + half off on wall climbing, zip line and mini golf + 20% off on photo booth at Splash Island

Coupon offer is until: April 20, 2011

Voucher Validity Period: until May 12, 2011 Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm (except during holidays)

Terms:

• Groupon is good for 2 people
• Children below 3 feet tall may get in for free
• Groupon Valid from Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm (except during holidays)
• For inquiries and reservations. call +632.382.4711 one or two days in advance

Highlights:

• Half off on activites like zipline (P300), wall climbing (P150), or mini-golf (P200)
• Free hotdogs for kids under 4 feet tall
• Biggest water park in Metro Manila
• Free use on all water rides - 12 giant rides, lazy river, shower pool and daytime disco
• Free inflatable rental

Deal Description: 

Splash Island is an aqueous playland that encourages guests to cascade down the Big Bam Boo or Magellan's Drop, frolic in the frothy spumes of the Agos Grandes, take a tumble with friends through the  Rio Montañosa, squeal through the twists and turns of The Dos Supremos, King Pilipit and The Twisted Palms, and lounge in a rubber donut through the lazy Bannakita or Balsa rivers.

Other attractions include the Water Wahoo, the random inflatables strewn around the pool areas, and a slew of shade sustaining cabanas at Isla Pawikan. While adults get their gills wet at the water park, have the children dry off while playing in the Boon Docks, Camp Carambola or get very knotty at Twin Coco Knots. Push your little one out to sea with the Curl-of-the-Orient to experience how loopy and hoopy the real world can be, or anchor yourself for a lot of spiking a volleying with resident sand witches at The Harbor. For the water monkeys who would want to expreience a state of dryness, they can try out Splash Island's non-aquatic attractions, like the zipline (P300), wall climbing (P150), or mini-golf (P200).

Rack up a pirate's appetite and celebrate good food at the Fiesta Sa Pulo, where children under 4 feet tall can commandeer the hotdogs they find hidden in treasure chests and under plant pots. Before heading back home, drop a few Galleons by dropping by the Gift Galleon and purchase souvenirs for their relatives who couldn't make it to join in the fun, and take pictures at the resident photobooth to commemorate the water-fledged experience.

Where to purchase the deal:  

Remarks: Can be used only from Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm (except during holidays). This deal is good for 2 persons (P250/person).  You can save up to 50% on each attraction.  If you decide to try out all 3 attractions, you can save up to P325/person.  If by chance you have a kid under 4 feet tall, you also get free hotdogs.

Coupon Deal 2:  

P660 Boracay night party entrance, dinner and use of other attractions at Spalsh Island (Save 990)

Coupon offer is until: May 12, 2011

Voucher Validity Period: valid on FRIDAYS ONLY from April 29- June 3, 2011  from  1 pm- 12 mn 

Terms:

• Will accept unlimited number of e-vouchers
• Price is inclusive of VAT and Service Charge
• E-vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any discount card or promotion
• Need to present the printed e-voucher and VALID ID during redemption
• For inquiries, please call (02) 727-5325; 577-0189; 577-3353 or text 09175804728; 09175804478
• Not valid with other offers.

Highlights:

• All-Day Pass, use of all water rides, and delicious dinner at Splash Island
• Free use of inflatable
• Use of two of any of the following attractions: Kayaking,Wall Climbing,Zip-line, and Mini Golf
• Affordable.
• Exciting activities.
• Safe getaway for the whole family.
• Perfect for company outing and team building, barkada, gimiks and birthday parties.
• Well-trained life guards on post.
• Near Metro Manila for that instant summer getaway.

Deal Description: 

Summer had arrived and there is no great way to enjoy the heat but to spend it in wet and fun adventure with your barkada. Splash in excitement with the latest DealSpot Philippines deal: P 660 instead of P 1650 for All-day unlimited pass, choice of two: kayaking, mini-golf, wall climb, zip-line, and dinner at Splash Island. Definitely a big saving for a fun weekend getaway with the whole barkada!

The water park’s layout is set up with 17 thrilling attractions that include Magellan’s Drop, which is possibly among the tallest, farthest and longest slide one could ever take in their lifetime. The Agos Grandes, a machine generated wave pool for that natural, beach-like experience. The Rio Montanosa, the park's new breathtaking mountain-high river rafting ride that surely delivers that ultimate thrill. The Big Bam Boo, a covered tunnel ride that slides straight into pure excitement. We may also try for a more relaxing feel their Balsa Ride a lazy river which drifts gently along the flowing river as a raft. You can also use for FREE the inflatables located in their pools.

For the water monkeys who would want to experience a state of dryness, they can try two of Splash Island's other attractions, like the zipline, wall climbing, mini-golf or kayaking.

Afterwhich, enjoy an awesome serving of their either pork Barbecue or Chicken Inasal, both with rice and drinks.

Later, enjoy fire dancers, live bands, and enjoy the Boracay themed luau party called “Boracay Nights", which invite you and your friends to experience night swimming at Splash Island. 

So if you’re looking for a fun summer vacation, we’ve got what you’re looking for. C’mon just click that BUY button.

Where to purchase the deal:  

Remarks: Deal can only be used during FRIDAYS ONLY from April 29- June 3, 2011  from  1 pm - 12 mn.  The deal is P660/person but this includes a free dinner, either pork Barbecue or Chicken Inasal, with rice and drinks and 2 attractions (worth up to P500)

Overall: Both deals offers almost the same amount of savings.  It just depends on your schedule, your preference for attractions and dinner.

Hobbes and Landes Pet Club: “TRIP TO THE VET”

As pet lovers, we usually attend Hobbes and Landes Pet Club Activities whenever we can.  It is  a free activity open to anyone who wants to listen to experts who share their knowledge about various topics.   There are freebies and games where you can win prizes for your pets.  It is also a good opportunity to socialize our dogs with both humans and other dogs.  

If you are free this Easter Sunday,  you can use this chance to celebrate with your pets.  (Tip: You could also attend the 6 p.m. Sunday mass at Bonifacio Highstreet along with your pets) The topic "Trip to the Vet" is interesting and essential to any pet owner.  Here are the details taken from the Hobbes and Landes Website: 

When: April 24, 2011 (Sunday)

Where: Tent beside Hobbes and Landes, Bonifacio High Street

Time: 3:00-5:00pm (Registration starts at 2:30 pm)

What to Expect:

-What’s Hot and New at Hobbes and Landes’ Petropolis section

-Pet Games (Ice Breaker)

-Get to know your Pet Veterinarian(s)

-Common ailments and first-aid remedies that pet owners can do at home

-Let’s talk about vaccination

-Free vet consultations from invited Vet Clinics

-Take home freebies and get to know other pet owners

Update:  We arrived at the venue around 4 p.m. but the event was already over...T_T so until the next Hobbes and Landes Pet Club

Bloggers Fest Thunderbird Resort April 16, 2011

• Bus Pick-up point at Makati City to Thunderbirds Resort.

          We arrived at the pick-up location at 9:20 a.m.  By that time the first bus was already packed and ready to leave.  We waited together with other bloggers for the other buses and vans.  After 20 minutes, a tourist van arrived and we were asked to ride there.  After a couple of hours and a few curvy roads, we arrived at Thunderbirds Resort in Binangonan Rizal.  

• Arrival at Event Center Thunderbirds Resort (11:00 a.m)

          Upon arrival, we registered at the front desk.  We were each given 100-php worth of Casino Tickets and an environment bag with a freebies.  We entered the elegant event center with chandeliers and color changing crystal lightings and left our belongings at our chosen seats.  We had our photos taken for free at the Baicapture photobooth just outside the room.  At around 1 p.m. the program started by giving away free Thunderbirds Resort T-shirts and Kurt was one of the raffle winners.  Then we were shown an introductory video of Thunderbirds Resort.  To our surprise, the place looks big and nice but we never had the opportunity to roam around and actually see its beauty.  Afterwards, the hotel manager Mr. Williams gave the opening speech and declared the lunch buffet open.

• Lunch Buffet

Kurt's Lunch

           The long buffet offered fresh salads with 2 dressings, pasta with white sauce, cream of vegetable soup with broccoli and carrot bits, fish fillet, boiled mix vegetables, roast chicken and rice. At the end of the table, there were fresh fruits and and leche flan.  Waiters roamed around serving ice tea and water.  They were also quick and attentive that they collected our plates as soon as we finished.  

• Awarding of the Extra Ordinary Online Video Contest 

          We were shown 7 videos: 1 Favorite Video Award, 1 Grand Winner and 5 Consolation for Most-liked Video.  We really liked the inspirational idea of the Grand Winner and also commend the winner for the favorite video award.  But we only liked 2 out of 5 most-liked videos.  

• Speakers and Short Seminars (We missed some because we went to the Casino...)

1. Blogging 101 by Azreal Coladilla and Sharing your story through personal blogging by Mica

         We used to think that a blog should only have one topic and we could never decide on which to pick.  But seeing Azreal's and Mica's examples, we were convinced that if others could do it so could we.

          

      2.  Blogging and writing with SEO in mind by Jonel Uy and How to Write Awesome Blog Posts by Fitz

          When we saw Jonel on stage, we thought he looked familiar.  (Coincidentally, we rode the same jeep to the meet-up location with him)  Although his topic sounded the most intriguing among all topics, the talk was merely introductory.  Since both of us are not writers, we found Fitz tips on writing really useful.  

      3.  Domain and DNS Management for your blogs by JP and How to Secure your Blog from Hacking 

           Both talks made us aware of two areas we never cared about before.  We should allocate some of our spare time in learning more about them. 

Stacy's Losing Entry for the Food Blog Workshop

• Break Time with Dunkin Donuts and Workshop 

           During break time a variety of Dunkin Donuts were served.  Stacy mistakenly took a chocolate filled donut thinking it was mocha just like in Country Style.  Kurt picked his favorite: Strawberry-filled donut.  Then Stacy joined the Food blogging workshop while Kurt chose Photography.  Kurt tells Stacy that the problem with her entry photo is that it was too far to be enticing.  What do you think?

• The Fiesta Casino and After-Effect

Our Free Fiesta Cash Ticket

           We extended our break time by going to the Fiesta Casino just beside the event center.  It was surprisingly crowded.  Stacy chose a slot machine and lost her entire 100-php worth Casino in about 3 minutes.  On the other hand, Kurt was able to cash out 900 php.  But he felt this urge to go back and bet again because he feels that he could earn around thousands more.  So he came back entered his 100 php encashed bill and lost it in just a few clicks.  As soon as we came back to the event center, Kurt was still talking about the Casino and how he could still win more money.  He kept on talking about it even while we were in the bus.  He says I should never let him go to the casino again.

• Unlucky Raffle and Departure

           We could have sworn that there were nearly a hundred raffle prizes given during the last part of the event but unfortunately we never got picked.  At the Casino or even at the raffle, Stacy didn't win anything.  We noticed there were only a few of us who didn't win anything while others won more than 3 times.  At around 7 p.m., all the raffle prizes were disposed of and we all took a group picture.  We quickly went out, rode the bus to Makati City. 

• Remarks

          Overall, the event was a success.  Everything was well-organized despite it being free.  We scheduled a lot to be able to attend and it was worth it.  This event also marks the beginning of our blog.  

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Frozen Swirl Open House

Although I'm used to waking up late due to night law and MBA classes, I specially woke up early just to make it in time for "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Frozen Swirl Open House" at Robinson's Midtown. As a fan of Fro- Yos, I surely can't let this pass. I always claim open house at Robinson's Midtown since the DLSU Library Branch where I frequent does not participate in open houses.  Also the crew at Robinson's Midtown branch are very friendly and accomodating. They even exert the extra effort to inform every customer that they have an open house so they could avail of it.  Unlike the Ayala Town Center Branch where a couple of my friends visited last open house and they where told that it was already out of stock even though only an hour has passed after the mentioned starting time.

I, my sister and my boyfriend didn't know what else would go well with our Frozen Swirls so we just ordered those and nothing else. (with a receipt issued for an amount of 0.00) I ordered Matcha Green Tea while my companions ordered Affogato and Caramel Affogato.

My Matcha Green Tea Frozen swirl was made to look like an inward swirl. It tasted similar to Green Tea ice creams. It perfectly hid the sour taste of the yogurt. Every spoonful was a taste of cool flavorful green tea.

The Afforgato was plain frozen swirl topped with coffee similar to the way chocolate syrups are topped in ice cream. Every spoonful was sensational as you can feel the icy crisp of coffee and the tingly tangy taste of yogurt combined. My boyfriend ate every spoon with delight until only the concentrated coffee was left at the bottom of the cup. The Caramel Affogato was similar to the Affogato but with an additional caramel syrup for additional sweetness.

My mom and my other siblings came to fetch us. We got my mom her favorite Biscotti and a Classic Vanilla Frozen Swirl. It was a plain frozen yogurt that was made to taste like vanilla ice cream. For the rest we ordered Lemoncello, Berry'd Treasure and Pomegrate Frozen Swirls.

The Lemoncello was a combination of sour Lemonaide and plain yogurt. The sourness of the Lemonaide overpowers the tangy taste of the yogurt. It tasted similar to a lemon sherbet.

The Berry'd Treasure was a perfect mixture of blueberries and more. It tasted berrylicious. I could taste the hint of blueberry the most.

The Pomegrate was lightly sweetened and a bit tangy. It was naturally refreshing.

Compared to the other brands I've tried such as Red Mango, Califronia Berry, White Hat, White Berry, Fro-Yo, "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Frozen Swirl" is a bit pricey but they compensate this by offering unique flavors from the rest.

If you want to try them out for free check out the upcoming schedule for open houses at other areas.

Japanese Drama Review: Mei-Chan to Megane-Chan

Have just recently started watching Mei-Chan to Megane-Chan Japanese Drama. It is about a seemingly nerdy girl named Adachi-Hana striving hard to be a good student. While a yankee stubborn boy Shinagawa Daichi does the exact opposite. So Adachi-Hana, being the Class President, always bothers Daichi to participate in class. Overall, it looks promising. It's not the usual Japanese Drama even though it's in an ordinary High School setting. The characters,as they face their own struggles, are worth watching.