Let's go to Singapore & Malaysia

It's been ages since I last blogged. And I think the last one is so "bitin", yet here I go with another adventure...

As always, we booked piso fare from Cebu Pacific for this trip. 14,800 pesos is the total amount we paid for Manila - Singapore and Kuala Lumpur - Manila for 2 adults and 2 children with 20 kilos baggage allowance each route.

By the way, you can apply for reduced travel tax for children 11 years old and below in Tieza Office. Instead of 1620 pesos, you only need to pay for 810 plus 200 for the certification, that's 610 pesos savings that you can allot for the terminal fee, which costs 550 pesos each. Very ideal for families with 2 or more children.

We took the 5:40 am flight to Singapore, and arrived there around 10 in the morning.
We purchased 2 1-day Singapore tourist pass for 20 SGD each, pero there's refundable deposit of 10SGD each (that you need to claim within 7 days upon purchase). So, that's around 340 pesos each. You can use that for unlimited train & bus ride. As for children below 7 years old, they have this child concession card, they ride for free in buses and trains.

We first used AGODA in booking The New Happy Hotel in Geylang area, it is the only hotel that allows 2 children under 7 to stay with 2 adults in one room without extra charge for 2100 pesos. Then I saw a promo for my BPI credit card with AIRBNB, there's this coupon code that will lessen your booking fee with 2000pesos, so I searched for a room which costs around 3000 to 4000 pesos, I found one in Pacific Mansion Condominium along River Valley Close (3500-2000pesos discount), that's 1500 pesos per night, it has cooking facility (we cooked our breakfast to lessen our budget in eating out), swimming pool and gym. Great value indeed.

On our first day, we went to Chinese Garden ( no entrance fee), they have this area na may mga turtles. My children like Ninja Turtles so much that they thought of seeing them there. There's an entrance fee of 5SGD for adults and 3SGD for children. It is an educational and great experience. I've never seen such kinds of turtles in my entire life, not until then. We spent 2-3 hours there, and decided to eat lunch-merienda in the nearby train station. We ordered Nasi Lemak and Chicken Rice for 2SGD each.

We proceed to the Singapore Flyer, kaso we were so tired na we decided to try everything the next morning. We were lost kasi from Promenade train station, we went sa side ng suntec, at ang layo ng nilakad namin.

Puerto Princesa and El Nido: the super sulit trip

Tired of the busy life in the city? Stress at work? Need a break?
I am.

Early this year, I promised myself that there'll be no grand vacation for us this year. No to Piso Fare, Zero Base Fare, whatever you may call it. I need to save for my child's education, for my business, etc, etc. If you know me personally, alam mo, I'm the first to know sa SALE ng mga airlines. I am the "suki" of Cebu Pacific. Hehe. I am very fond of booking, planning and implementing TIPID but SULIT trips.

To make my story short, I broke my promise to myself. I got tempted. I bought round trip tickets (MNL-PPS-MNL) from TIGER AIRWAYS for only 678.08 pesos,  you read it right, and that's for two. That also includes Manila Domestic Airport Terminal Fee of 200/each. That's a deal one can not resist.
Booking Tips: Get a deal without fuel surcharge. It's kinda hard to find but there's always once in awhile.

Up, up and away. 

After 5 months of searching, reading and planning where to eat, shop, go, sleep. At last, Hello Palawan!

Upon arrival, we walked towards Rizal Ave., ang mahal kasi ng tricycle sa loob ng airport. We passed by KaLui, we didn't eat there. I am just allowed to choose one between KaLui and Badjao Seafront Restaurant, I chose the latter. So we bargain with the first tricycle driver na mukhang matino, 80 pesos drop off and pick up from BSR to Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral.

The Badjao Seafront Restaurant

Lunch time

The very relaxing view from our table. Not after we saw lots of black banded sea snakes. :(

Halaan Soup. 25 pesos

Tinapa Rice. 195 pesos

Butter Garlic Shrimps 190 pesos and Binagoongan Baboy 220 pesos
*there is a 10% service charge

 Total Lunch expense : 693 pesos. -this is so sulit kasi we weren't able to finish it all. Tinake out namin. These will serve as our dinner sa mga bus stop.

After our lunch, we went to the Puerto Princesa Cathedral. We then asked our tricycle driver, if he would drop us at San Jose Terminal, how much should we add for the fare? 200 na lang daw lahat lahat na. Yehey! :) We prayed sa church, then libot ng konti infront of Plaza Cuartel, bought some water and we went na to the bus terminal.

Next thing, we were bound to El Nido. There is no RORO Bus that time, na suspend daw. So we rode Cherry Bus instead. 8 hours of Bumpy Ride. We left Puerto Princesa at 3 pm, we arrived in El Nido at 11 pm. Gee, that really hurts my butt. There's 2 stop over. On the first stop, we ordered rice lang for dinner (may ulam pa kami from BSR) and some snacks. On the second stop, we were sleeping na.

part 2 of this Palawan escapade will be published within this week...

sorry bitin...

the beauty of Loboc Church then...

I was saddened by the news that Loboc church was devastated by 7.2 magnitude earthquake early today, October 15, 2013. I personally liked that church, because it has kept its beauty for almost 300 years, it has an adjacent museum that has relics dating back 16th century, and its location --- perfect, just across the Loboc river.

THE AFTERMATH...

\

photo courtesy of Dwight Enad Legaspi

The famous Bell Tower. 

***the Loboc church's bell tower is not exactly beside the church, they are a street-apart..

photos courtesy of Robert Michael Poole

***as you can see there is an unfinished bridge on the left, based on our tour guide, it remain uncompleted because the people didn't support the destruction of the church***

2 years ago, Me and my partner-in-life, went to a vacation in Bohol. Aside from the charm Panglao island has, we also visited amazing churches near Tagbilaran. 

And one of them is the Loboc church.

Front of the church.


Side of the church.


The Museo de Loboc.




Inside the church.


The Loboc River.

I am still glad that I get to visit the church before it was ruined.

We will visit Bohol again this December, too bad my children wont be able to witness the then-beauty of the Loboc Church. :(

STPC Summer Activities

Summer is fast approaching.

It's the time of the year when our kids are just at home, watching TV  playing computer games or  simply waiting for another family vacation.

We need to keep our children busy during these days.

You might want to check out Shining Time Play Center's Summer Activities.

(I am not connected with STPC, I just like to share their programs)

• ARTS & CRAFTS - for 4 to 6 years old

          Every Tuesdays and Thursdays    8:30 am to 10:00 am

          8 Sessions for P 2,500.00

• READING CAMP - for 6 to 8 years old

          Every Tuesdays and Thursdays    10:30 am to 12:00 nn

          8 Sessions for P 2,500.00

• PAINTING WORKSHOP - for 7 years old and above

          Every Tuesdays and Thursdays    2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

          6 Sessions for P 2,500.00

          *materials not included

• SWIMMING LESSON - for 4 years old and above

         Everyday 7:00 am to 8:00 am

                       8:10 am to 9:10 am

                       9:20 am to 10:20 am

                       2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

                       3:10 pm to 4:10 pm

                       4:20 pm to 5:20 pm

        10 Sessions for P 3,000.00 - Beginner

                               P 2,800.00 - Advance or Competitive

                               P 2,500.00 - Refresher

*Riverside Village (beside Ever Gotesco Pasig)

**Requirements: Swimming cap, goggles and trunks (boys) / suit (girls)

• SUMMER CLASS

        Every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays          8:30 am to 11:30 am

        12 Sessions for P 3,895.00

• SUMMER TUTORIALS

        Every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays          9:30 am to 11:00 am

        12 Sessions for P 2,895.00

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please call 09278691215.

Preschool in Cainta Area

My eldest is turning 5 on August, hence he is going to school this June. 

I know kids nowadays are brought to the school as early as 2, and yes, we're kind of late, but I don't regret a thing. 

I let my child play,explore and learn things with me. 

I still believe that We,parents,are the best teachers! 

For almost 2 months, I searched in the internet about preschools in Cainta/Taytay. 

But I didn't find enough information. 

So, I visited some of the schools, and here's the list:

(The rates are for Kinder SY 2013-14. Please contact school for more information)

• MORNING DEW MONTESSORI

269 Sunset Drive, Brookside Hills Subdivision, Cainta

             655-1557 / 655-1558 / 655-3133

              Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

   

PLAN A- CASH = 49,499.00 (upon registration)

PLAN B- SEMESTRAL = 32,361.00 (upon registration) / 17,620.00 (November)

PLAN C- QUARTERLY = 27,200.00 (upon registration) / 7,640.00 (august, November, February)

PLAN D- MONTHLY = 22,195.00 (upon registration) / 3,500.00 (July-February)

***FREE ONE WEEK TRIAL***

Admission Requirements:

1. Birth Certificate (photocopy)
2. Baptismal Certificate (photocopy)
3. Evaluation Fee of P350.00
4. 1 pc. 1x1 ID

• QUEEN MARY LEARNING CENTER

1607 Birmingham Street, Brookside Hills Subdivision, Cainta

                        655-2647 / 570-0167

                       http://www.qmlc.edu.ph

PLAN A- CASH = 31,185.00 (upon enrollment)

PLAN B- SEMESTRAL = 17,000.00 (upon enrollment) / 14,685.00 (October 1)

PLAN C- QUARTERLY = 15,685.00 (upon enrollment) / 5,500.00 (August 1, October 1, December 1)

PLAN D- MONTHLY = 13,185.00 (upon enrollment) / 2,500.00 (July-February)

***Books not included***

Admission Requirements:

1. Birth Certificate (photocopy)
2. 3 pcs. 1x1 ID 
3. Entrance Exam (on April) 

• J. CHRISTMONT SCHOOL

448 San Francisco Street, Brookside Hills Subdivision, Cainta

                                      656-9416

PLAN A- CASH = 20,000.00 (upon enrollment)

PLAN B- SEMESTRAL = 13,100.00 (upon enrollment) / 8,100.00 (October)

PLAN C- QUARTERLY = 9,200.00 (upon enrollment) / 4,200.00 (August, October, December)

Admission Requirements:

1. Birth Certificate (photocopy)
2. Evaluation Fee of P300.00

• MARIA-N SCHOOL

1416 Belmont Street, Brookside Hills Subdivision, Cainta

                               655-1367

PLAN A- MONTHLY = 4,800.00 (upon enrollment) / 800.00 (July-March)

Admission Requirements:

1. Birth Certificate (photocopy)

• SHINING TIME PLAY CENTER

25 Narra Street, Saint Anthony Subdivision, Taytay

            +639278691215

PLAN A- MONTHLY = 16,008.10 (upon enrollment) / 2,100.00 (July-March)

***Inclusive of books/ materials***

• GODLY KIDS

Ipil Street, Saint Anthony Subdivision, Cainta
                668-4860

PLAN A- CASH = 15,100.00 (upon enrollment)

PLAN B- SEMESTRAL = 10,965.00 (upon enrollment) / 5,335.00 (October 1)

PLAN C- QUARTERLY = 8,302.00 (upon enrollment) / 3,999.00 (September 1, December 1)

PLAN D- MONTHLY = 5,636.00 (upon enrollment) / 1,333.00 (July-February)

Aircon Fee = 120.00 / month or 1,200.00 annually

***Inclusive of Books***

School Uniform = ranges from 500-600 per set depending on size
PE Uniform = ranges from 500-600 per set depending on size

• ST. FRANCIS MONTESSORI

45 Golf Street, New Saint Francis Village, Cainta

                 656-5238

   http://www.stfranciscainta.com/

PLAN A- CASH = 26,744.75 (upon enrollment)

PLAN B- SEMESTRAL =  15,193.58 (upon enrollment) / pls. contact school for dues on October

PLAN C- QUARTERLY = 8,917.33 (upon enrollment) / pls. contact school for quarterly dues

PLAN D- MONTHLY = 5,370.61 (upon enrollment) / pls. contact school for monthly dues

***Books, notebooks, bag, and other school materials are inclusive***

• GREENLAND ACADEMY

222 Mayfair St. Monte Vista Park,  Cainta
          655 2591

www.greenlandacademy.com

2weeks play and learn in preparation for school-2800

nursery = 24, 900+1400 subjects are reading,math & computer

kinder = 25, 996+1700 subjects are reading, language, math, filipino & computer

• SIENNA COLLEGE

E. Rodriguez Ave., Brgy. San Isidro, Taytay

                6588765

          www.sct.edu.ph

nursery tuition fee -35, 416.81 (exclusive of books)

kinder tuition fee - 35, 337.33 (exclusive of books)