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January 31, 2024

Lunch at Watami Grill & Sushi Bar

I’ve been seeing a lot of posts na “Ang tagal ng January” so I guess, ako lang yata ang nabibilisan sa January. I can’t believe that tomorrow is already February and I’m not yet ready. So bago pa matapos ang January, let me share our food trip at Watami Grill and Sushi Bar last year. 


I’ve mentioned before that we got sick during Christmas break and buti na lang umaayos na pakiramdam namin so we were able to go to the mall before the year 2023 ended. We had last-minute shopping for gifts and grocery na rin. 


I can’t remember the last time that we went to Alabang Town Center so when I saw Watami Grill & Sushi Bar, mukhang bago sa paningin ko. According to my research, Watami is a Japanese casual restaurant that has 700 + branches in Japan and Asia Pacific. 


We were the first diners so we just took our time browsing the menu pero sa first page din pala kami pipili. Hehehe! We decided to try the Yakiniku Set Meal, there are four choices but Sirloin is not available so we ordered Top Blade PHP375, Chuck Roll P395, Cube Roll PHP395, and Tuna Sashimi PHP400. 


The set meal comes with rice, miso soup, and 3 kinds of side dishes. I thought we were going to cook the meat pa pero hindi pala, luto na pala siya. Among the meat, yung top blade ang hindi namin type, mas tender yung chuck roll, and cube roll. Also, they served complimentary tea din pala while waiting for our order.




January 26, 2024

Cricut Love Bingo

Cricut Philippines has another challenge and the prize is Cricut Joy + Cricut Joy Bundle Essentials. This has been on my craft wishlist for a very long time so I am trying my luck. The challenge is to finish this Cricut Love Bingo Card for one entry. 


So I am trying my best to finish these 9 projects so I can have at least one chance. The deadline is still on February 13 but I wanted to finish this as soon as possible while I am still in my crafting mode. I am not yet done but sharing some projects that I already finished. 



I already made these cards two years ago but this year, I recreated them but no more corners because I wanted to attach the backing card instead of inserting it. 

Valentine or Anniversary Gift Tag or Gift Card 


I made these cards using different elements from Cricut Design Space, I chose font and elements that are available without a subscription. This is a score, draw, and cut project. I can use these cards for Valentine’s Day or Wedding Anniversary. 

With you, I am home 
We're better together 
I choose you today and all of our tomorrow 
God knew my heart needed you 

3D Love Grows Here 


I also made this 3D Love Grows Here, this is a ready-to-make project, I just edited the size and colors. I reduced the file so I did not get a clean cut on some layers but I still assembled the project. 

Cricut Cutie Stickers 


 A few years ago, I made Cricut Cutie Stickers and I used those stickers for my Cricut Mats. Now, I decided to edit my design so I can also share my project in the Cricut community. 


This is a print-then-cut project and I used Printable Holographic Vinyl. I had my Cricut Maker for more than 3 years already but this is the first time that I put something on it. “Talk Crafty to Me” 

Heart Vinyl Stickers 


I found this “You Can Do It” reward chart on imom’s website so I downloaded, printed and laminated it. Then instead of printing heart stickers, I used my scrap Holographic Leopard Chrome Vinyl. I forgot to change my blade from deep point to fine point blade so the heart stickers became die-cut stickers instead of kiss-cut stickers. 

Heart Love Shirt and Pouch 


I recently watched Craft with Sarah’s tutorial about “How to Put Text Inside a Shape in Cricut Design Space” so I was excited to try it. Since it is Valentine’s season, I used a heart shape for this project. My design is not that perfect but I am still happy with the outcome. 

Update: 

Adding the last 3 projects to complete my card and I am so happy because I already have one entry. 

Love Magnetic Bookmark 

I’ve been seeing a lot of magnetic bookmark craft projects in the craft community but it never crossed my mind to try this because I already have a magnetic bookmark. The magnetic bookmark that I am currently using is already more than a decade old, sulit yung bili ko. 


Anyway, because of the challenge, I finally made my first magnetic bookmark. Good thing that I have a magnetic sheet at home since I am using that for my dies. I found this LOVE SVG file on Cricut Design Space and I decided to use it for my bookmark. You can use photosticker or photopaper + phototop and of course magnetic sheet to recreate this project.

Self Affirmation Mirror 


I just realized na wala pa kami gaanong mirror sa bahay so it took me a long time na gawin itong project na ito, hindi ko kasi alam kung saan ididikit. Good thing that I found this mirror, so I cut “Do What You Love” SVG file using Frosted Glitter vinyl. 

Hug in a Mug 


I don’t have a sublimation printer and mug press but I like this Cute Couple Bear so I printed it using Vinyl Sticker and added Glitter Phototop. 

January 25, 2024

3D Love Gift Tag

Since craft supplies are not cheap, I really save my scrap paper for future use. And it came to a point that I filled up two storage boxes so I spent the first week of January, decluttering my scrap. I had to let go of some of my scrap paper and I only kept the paper that I can and I will really use for my project. 

Now, I only keep one clear plastic container where I dump all my scrap and if I have extra time, I will sort those scraps into my file folders so I can arrange per color or shades. One of my goals this year is to limit my scrap so for the past few weeks, I have been trying my best to use my leftovers.

This week, I joined “Bee Happy Weeklies Week 4: Save that Scrap” so since Valentine’s Day is near, I decided to make a gift tag using my scraps. I used pink, red, and white cardstock for this project. Remember my Heart Shape Treat Box, I also used that paper so no more leftovers. 


I love making layered paper craft so it is not surprising that I made 3D Love Gift Tag. I found this 3D Love Shadow Box on Cricut Design Space but I reduced the size to 2.5 inches so it can fit to my scrap paper. 



I cut the design, assembled and attached it to my gift tag base. At first, I wanted to use an eyelet but in the end, I used a Hole Reinforcer Puncher so I could still use my scrap paper.


January 24, 2024

Valentine’s Craft Projects

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching so I started making Valentine's craft projects as early as the second week of January. I joined Cricut Philippines Design Space Thursday Giveaway and the theme is Valentine. There are so many craft projects that I can do but I challenged myself to create craft projects that are not part of Cricut Access Subscription. There are free images, fonts, and craft projects that are available on Cricut Design Space and we just need the patience to search for them.


My first project is the I Heart U card, This is an insert card but I tweaked the design a little bit so I can make 3 different cards. 


For the first card, I just cut the original design and added an insert card. 

The second card is the I Heart U Shaker Card; using contour, I removed the corners and attached it to a 4.25 x 5.25 inches rectangle. I cut the design and embossed it using die cutting machine. Add acetate 4.25 x 5.25 inches, foam tape, and heart elements. Attached to the card base which is 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches and scored at 4.25 inches. 

And for the third card; I cut "I Heart U" in red color and attached to the white "I Heart U" of the first two cards for dimension. I die-cut 4.25x5.25 inches of white cardstock for the heart design. Attached to the card base and glued the "I Heart U". 



My second craft project is the Heart Shape Treat Box, this project is part of the community project that I just recreated. I already shared this project on this post



My last craft project is the "I'm Crazy aBAO You" couple shirt. This is an easy project because I just cut, weed, and iron the design on our t-shirts. This is the first project that I did using the Cricut Easy Press 3 prize that I got last year. I am just not sure if my husband will wear this. hehehe!

January 23, 2024

Philippine Passport Renewal for Minors

My son and I renewed our passports before the pandemic happened and this year, his passport is nearing its expiration date na. Ang bilis lang talaga ng panahon, we were supposed to renew his passport last Christmas break pero nagkasakit nga kami so hindi natuloy. 

So this month, I searched about Passport Renewal for Minors kasi every time naman na nagrerenew kami, lagi may bago. Like this year, nasa Festival Mall na pala yung DFA NCR South, wala ng Saturday appointment and I can pay online na rin, before kasi nagBayad Center pa kami. 

I want to renew his passport as soon as possible because I know na mahirap makakuha ng appointment and ayaw ko naman maabutan pa ng expiration, what if need namin umalis. So I’ve been checking my son’s class schedule and DFA schedule so I can book an appointment. 

I checked the different DFA sites and I narrowed down my choices to these sites. 

DFA NCR South - Festival Mall, Muntinlupa City 
Dasmariňas - SM City Dasmariňas 
San Pedro Laguna - Temporary Off-Site Passport Service 

But after checking their calendars, San Pedro Laguna site ang marami available na dates. Yung DFA NCR South, February na ang earliest pero sa San Pedro Laguna, I can book for the second week of January. My son has two days offline classes kaso si hubby naman ang hindi pwede mag Vacation Leave. Good thing half day lang sila kapag exam so tinapat ko doon yung appointment niya. 


How to Schedule and Pay for Your DFA Passport Appointment Online 

2. Check the box “I have read and understood the instructions and information on this page…”
3. Choose an Individual Appointment or Group Appointment 
4. Choose your Preferred Site 
5. Check the box “I have read, understood, and agree to the above conditions”
6. Choose the date and time 
7. Fill out Personal Information, Family Information, Application Information, and Contact Information
8. Choose the Processing Type. Wala naman ibang option kundi Special Processing 

Special Processing PHP1,200 

9. Choose payment method 

EPayment - pay via Maya 
Debit/Credit Card 
Over the Counter Payment - via Bayad Center Accredited Merchant 

10. Choose Pick-up or Courier 

PHP150 - for courier service 

I chose pick-up and the designated passport pick-up location is at DFA NCR South at Festival Mall. 

I chose a debit/credit card and the amount I paid is PHP1,250. The passport processing fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. 

Passport Fee is PHP950 
PRF Fee is PHP250 
Convenience Fee PHP50 

11. Check email and print the attached application forms and email confirmations. (A4-size paper)

Requirements Needed for Passport Renewal of Minor 

1. Confirmed Online Appointment 
2. Accomplished Application Form 
3. Personal Appearance of minor applicant and either parent or authorized adult companion 
4. Current ePassport with a photocopy of the data page 
5. A Marriage Certificate is required if only one parent is accompanying the child. 

If parents are unmarried, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) executed by the Mother will be required if she is not accompanying the child 
If a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is executed abroad, it must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate Original and photocopy of proof of filiation and/or guardianship 

6. Passport or Valid Government-issued ID of either parent with one (1) photocopy  
7. School ID (if applicable) 

The PSA Birth Certificate was not on the list pero sinama ko kasi yung last na renewal namin, hinanap pa e. I photocopied the PSA certificates and sinama ko pa rin yung original PSA certificates. Kinuha nila both photocopy of birth and marriage certificates, pero yung photocopy ng school ID ng anak ko hindi. 



Also, niremind ko si hubby na huwag pabutasan yung passport, kapag claim na lang namin ng passport saka butasan. Valid pa yung passport so we can still use it habang wala pa yung new passport. We can claim his passport after 2 weeks. 

January 22, 2024

Glimpse of Mabuhay Lounge at NAIA 1

Philippine Airlines moved their international flight to NAIA 1 last June 2023 and because of that, passengers with Mabuhay Lounge access go to different airport lounges in NAIA 1. My husband experienced going to the Marhaba Lounge and PAGSS Lounge but last December, he was fortunate to experience the new Mabuhay Lounge in NAIA. 




When he sent me the photos, nagandahan din ako, malayo siya sa experience ko in NAIA 2 and Cebu Airport. This lounge can accommodate 294 people, it offers a dining area, buffet bar, shower room, restroom, massage corner, nursing area, quiet area and they even have exclusive room for million milers.





The most important thing is, they have more food and drinks.





Mabuhay Lounge Terminal 1
Level 4, adjacent to Gate 9

January 19, 2024

Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam Indonesia

It’s Flashback Friday so let us have a glimpse of Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam. My husband went to Batam Indonesia before Christmas break and we were supposed to join his trip since family is allowed to come, just like our Da Nang, Vietnam Trip. But after I computed our airfare, ferry trip, and hotel accommodation, I changed my mind. Hehehe! 

This is only a 3-day trip including travel so there is no time to explore Batam Indonesia. We had the option to extend our stay so we could tour Batam Indonesia and Singapore but the airfare from Singapore to Manila was so expensive because it was approaching Christmas, so I decided to let go of our chance to visit Indonesia for the nth time. 

How to Get to Batam Indonesia from Manila Philippines 

Batam is located in Indonesia but the easiest way to reach Batam from Manila is to fly to Singapore, then travel to HarbourFront Ferry Terminal at Level 2 and ride the ferry to Batam. The ferry trip is more or less one hour. 

Ferry from Singapore to Batam

My husband and his colleagues have their own private transportation but I’m sharing this information if you are commuting. 

* Take a taxi/Grab/GoJek to VivoCity Level 2 or HarbourFront Center Lobby C 
* By train, take North East Line MRT (purple line) or Circle Line MRT (yellow line) and get off at HarbourFront MRT Station Exit B. 
* Go to HarbourFront Ferry Terminal at Level 2 (near Toast Box) and follow the signs to the ferry terminal. 

Ferry from Batam to Singapore 

* Take GoJek to Batam Centre Point Ferry Terminal, Level 1 
* From Radisson Batam Hotel - 20 minutes by car 

Keep in mind that you need to be at the terminal 90 minutes before departure. 
Print your boarding pass and bring all valid travel documents. 
All travelers are required to fill up SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration before arriving in Singapore 

My husband and I were surprised when we learned that there is a maximum weight for check-in luggage (20 kg) and hand carry (10kg) per person. We’ve experienced traveling by ferry here in the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Norway so this is something new to us. Good thing that this is only a 3-day trip so there is no reason to overpack. 

Since my husband and his colleagues are staying at Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam, the hotel has a complimentary ferry shuttle service so traveling from and to the ferry is no longer a problem. 

Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam 


Radisson Golf & Convention Center is the largest convention center hotel on the island. It offers 239 rooms, restaurants, a bar, a spa, and a ferry shuttle service to one of the nearby shopping centers, beaches, and a ferry terminal. 

Places to Visit in Batam Indonesia 

Jabel Arafah Mosque 
Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple 
For shopping, visit BCS Mall, Grand Mall, or Mega Mall Batam Center 

This hotel is only 12 kilometers away from Hang Nadim International Airport and 5 kilometers away from Batam Center Ferry Station. 

Deluxe Room 

My husband stayed in one of the Deluxe rooms and this room has a balcony and a view of the hotel’s pool and Padang Golf Sukajadi. When my husband sent me the photos, I was surprised because the room looked nice and big. It is bigger compared to Trondheim, Oslo, and Brunei’s rooms  





Breakfast Buffet 

The breakfast buffet is part of the room package and the buffet spread is good compared to other Radisson hotels that we have tried. 






Radisson Golf & Convention Center 
Batam Bukit Indah, Sukajadi, 
Residential Area, Batam, Indonesia