Michi Photostory

March 28, 2014

How to Get to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

After I booked Manila to Kuala Lumpur via Cebu Pacific, I visited Air Asia website to check Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru flight schedules and prices. I know that we can go to Singapore via bus but since I dislike long travel by land and the plane ticket is not that expensive, I chose the plane.

But it took me a week to decide which flight will I take and I ended up booking Kuala Lumpur to Singapore since we will just visit Legoland Malaysia for one day. I paid P2,322.42 for 3 people.

We checked out early at Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang and took a taxi to KLCCT. We ate breakfast at the airport too.

Air Asia

It was not my first time riding Air Asia because I tried this when we went to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia so I know what to expect but the “self-check-in” thing is new to me. I don’t have no idea what to do but since I don’t want to pay a service fee for manual check-in, we tried it.

Well, it is not difficult to use, as long as you can read and follow instructions, everything will be easy.

1. Scan the barcode from your printed itinerary or type in your booking number.

2. Select guests you’d like to check-in. Scan the passport.

3. Print Boarding Pass.

4. Verify the documents and drop checked baggage at the baggage drop/document check counter.

KLCCT is not that big so you will not get lost. There’s free wifi too, I guess 1-2 hours free of use. It is just enough while waiting for your boarding time.

One thing that I dislike in Air Asia is we won’t be seated together even if we check in as a group but I was happy with my seat number because I was in the front row, I love the leg room. My husband and son were at my back.

In less than an hour of travel time, we landed at Changi Aiport. Hello Singapore!

Read: Air Asia Experience
Air Asia Declined Error
6 Days in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

Ponds Pore Conditioning Toner and Cream

Ponds Toner and Cream are part of my beauty regimen. I started using the cream when I was still in college maybe because it is budget friendly for me. But when I got pregnant, I stop using any beauty products then I became lazy.

But when you reach the age of 30 and you will see yourself in the mirror, you realized that you need to do something so I started using the cream again. I recently bought this Ponds cream and it is very different from what I’m used too. I like the “Powder Finish Day Cream” as in para na ko may powder and no oily look. =)

According to packaging, Pond’s White Beauty

1. Purify skin layer by layer for a translucent pinkish white glow from within.

2. Lighten dark spots for clear even-toned skin.

3. Provide triple sun protection agents.

Time will tell if it will really lighten my skin.

I can’t remember the first time I tried the Ponds Pore Conditioning Toner but I know that I’ve been buying this for years because even my husband is using it. The pore conditioning toner cares for your pores to give you radiantly fair skin that is smooth and refined up close. It is enriched with vitamin B3, pore tightening essence and sunscreen.

March 27, 2014

Day 2: DIY Kuala Lumpur City Tour

We always travel on a shoestring so most of our trips are DIY because I know that we can save more money than availing tour packages. But when I was doing our Kuala Lumpur itinerary, I got a little bit scared because of the news and stories that I’ve been reading like motorcycle riding in tandem and not-so-good taxi driver in Kuala Lumpur.

But there are two blogs that I’ve read that they always come back to Kuala Lumpur because they feel safe so I left a comment to confirm and he said (not in exact words) “Parang Manila lang yan, kung sanay ka sa Manila parang ganun din sa KL”. I grew up in Metro Manila so it means I just need to be extra careful.

If you are on a budget, you can avail of the “KL Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour Bus” or “Free Go KL City Buses”. But I decided to avail a KL City Tour because I only have one whole day and Kuala Lumpur is the first leg of our trip so I don’t want any bad experience. I searched, inquired and haggled for lowest rate. I dislike group tour because I have a kid in tow so private tour it is. I only avail half day city tour because I like to visit Batu Caves too.

Started our tour at 8AM so by lunch time we’re already in KL Sentral Station. First stop is Petronas Twin Towers for our morning shot.

Then National Monument

Istana Negara

Out of curiosity, I still included National Mosque in our itinerary but there’s nothing to see naman. I have to wear the robe and remove my shoes. #rulesarerules. The Mosque is really clean, nakakadulas nga sa linis e.

Next stop is KL City Gallery, include this in your itinerary if you want to know more about Kuala Lumpur heritage, culture and history. You will be amazed with all the architecture models. Don’t worry admission is free.

Merdeka Square, pole is too high.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building, this building is so huge that I can’t take picture of the entire building.

We went to KL Tower but did not go in because the rate is too expensive for me.

Then we went to National Palace, do not forget to include this in your itinerary even there’s a fee of RM10 because it is rare opportunity for us to see a palace and have a glimpse of the life of royalties. No photos because taking picture is prohibited.

We’re supposed to go to Thean Hou Temple and Sri Marriaman Temple but my son was already in tears when we went back to the car, he’s so bored with our tour so we told the driver to drop us off in Mid Valley Mall and that will be the end of our tour.

We ate lunch and decided to go back to Sky Hotel because my son was not in the mood. Well, I can’t blame him so we have to let go the Batu Caves tour also.

If you’re thinking that you can only see Petronas Twin Towers in KL, then you are definitely wrong because there’s more and you can do it even if you have limited time, yes you can tour KL in one day.

Anyway, I booked our tour here

Raymond Estrella

kl.tourist@yahoo.com

www.facebook.com/klpinoytravel

http://kltraveldealsonline.webs.com/

Mobile No. Malaysia -+6017322-85-35

Mobile No Roaming (Sun Cellular) SMS only - +63943-4766-127

and our driver is Mr. Suhaimi, he is so nice and I learned few things about KL because of him.

March 26, 2014

Malaysia: Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang

When I booked our plane ticket to Kuala Lumpur, I immediately searched for possible accommodation that is near to Petronas Twin Towers and found Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang. I checked the website and I was sold but I did not book immediately. A month before our trip, I reserved a room on their website and paid the 10% downpayment.

I printed the confirmation voucher and hotel map just in case I need it. I mentioned in my previous post that I availed the coupon taxi at the airport and the driver was not familiar with our hotel so I gave him the map but when we reached the city center, he asked if I had a contact number and he called the hotel for directions. Well, Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang is quite new and it is tucked away in the city.

Upon arrival, I gave my passport and paid for the remaining 90% balance + RM50 key deposit fee.

Like

1. Room and toilet are clean. (looks new)

2. Rate is affordable.

3. Free Wi-Fi.

4. Located in the heart of the city where a shopping mall, public transportation, and entertainment district are within reach.

5. Blower is available.

Dislike

1. No free breakfast.

2. Information is very limited. I saw airport transfer on their website so I emailed them asking how much is the airport transfer and they answered “I have no idea.” Waah!

Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang

No 1A, Jalan Bintang,

55100 Kuala Lumpur,

Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

March 25, 2014

Day 1: Petronas Twin Towers

August last year, I asked my husband if I could book a flight to Singapore for our 8^th wedding anniversary which is February 2014. We had a travel ban last 2013 so I was so happy when he said yes. At that time, Cebu Pacific was having a seat sale so I booked Manila to Kuala Lumpur. One-way trip for P3,625.50 for 3 persons.

I thought we could not pursue this trip because I had severe psoriasis last September and was spending so much money on my check-up, lab test, and phototherapy. But God is so good because we were able to make it.

Fast forward to February 2014, we went to NAIA 3 for our much-awaited trip, I exchanged some Philippines Pesos for Malaysian Ringgit, P14.70 = RM1 so if you have time try not to buy at the airport because the exchange rate is not so good.

As usual, we were so early so I spent my time reading “I Wish They Taught Money in High School” book while my husband and son played games on the iPad. The travel time was about four hours and I was expecting a dark sky but was shocked because the sky looked like 5PM but it was almost 7PM when we got out of the airport.

We avail the coupon taxi for RM102.10 from the airport to Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang. The airport is almost an hour of travel to the city. We checked in and rested for a while.

After dinner, we went to Petronas Twin Towers, it was a long walk from the hotel but that was fine because it is still better than to be stuck in the traffic.

“From Sky Hotel just go to Lot 10 then walk straight to Pavillion Mall. Turn left and you can see coffee shops and other restaurants, at the end, you will see the walkway to Petronas Twin Towers and just follow the sign.”

Finally, we reached the Petronas Twin Towers and were just in time for the fountain show. As expected, there were so many tourists so diskarte na lang so you can take your picture. The tower is really beautiful, iba pa rin sa personal kaysa sa picture.

A few days before our trip napanood pa namin yung movie ni Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd na “Miss You Like Crazy” and I was telling my son that we would go to Petronas Twin Tower and he said, “No, panget yan e” but when we saw the Tower up close, my son said “Ganda building” hehehe!

March 24, 2014

Moving Up

Just like that, another school year had passed, and my son is now ready to move up again to the last level of preschool. I can still remember his first day of school, new friends, new experiences, and new adventures. But last Thursday was also the last day that he would see his classmates because most of them will transfer to the new school, and some of his classmates chose to skip the Preparatory level and will be in Grade 1 already. Time will tell what will happen to these kids in the future.

As a parent, we will just be here to love and support you because it is you who will create your own future.

I got teary-eyed again when the kids sang “Glowing Inside”. After that, my son went to me, hugged me, kissed me, and said: “I love you, mommy”.

Glowing Inside

Happy, to let you know

You make me glow I feel so good, it's true

So glad that I have you

You love me so

Now all is bright

I'll always thank you for the glow

And thank you for the joy

Thank you for the love you give to me

I'm glowing, glowing inside

With your love shining through

Thank you for everything you do

I'm glowing inside because of you

Remember, my growing years

They're filled with joy

Because you're there for me

You kiss my fears away

You wipe those tears

You gave me strength each day

I thank you for the glow

And thank you for the joy

Thank you for the love you give to me

I'm glowing, glowing inside

With your love shining through

Thank you for everything you do

I'm glowing inside because of you

Who knows what tomorrow brings

My glowing wings can make me fly

I'll reach and I will touch the sky

Because of you,

I'll soar up high

So I must

Thank you for the glow

And thank you for the joy

Thank you for the love you give to me

I'm glowing, glowing inside

With your love shining through

Thank you for everything you do

I'm glowing inside because of you

Well, to my one and only son, one day you will discover that I have a blog, and one day you will be able to read this. I just want you to know that I’m proud of you, I’ve seen your improvement from the first day of school and I’m happy that you are always excited to go to school. I want that passion more than the award. Always remember that “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish” and I hope that you will not stop learning, you will not stop dreaming and you will not stop believing in yourself.

“Develop a passion for learning, if you do, you will never cease to grow – Anthony D’Angelo”

Just do your best and study, not for an award, study not for your parents, but study because you have a dream. I don’t want you to follow in our footsteps, but take the path next to us and go farther than we ever reach and dream.

March 21, 2014

Must have Things when Travelling

Just like that summer is already here and I’m pretty sure that most of you are excited to plan for your summer getaways. Summer is the best time to hit the beach, pool or visit cold places like Baguio and Tagaytay, well it depends on your preferences.

We started our summer getaways after my son Moving Up, we immediately visited Mind Museum as my son’s reward for finishing his Kinder Level. But of course summer is not complete without family outing, so our family will have a day trip in Stilts Calatagan and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. I’m so excited to visit these places. How about you what are your summer plans?

Our family loves to travel when time and budget permits and whenever I pack, I tend to bring the whole house but for ordinary day, whether short or long trip, I always bring this small pouch with me. It includes my must-have things when going out.

1. Toothbrush and toothpaste

2. Swish Mouthwash

3. Lip balm, lip gloss and lipstick

We know that brushing our teeth is not enough so don’t forget to bring Swish Mouthwash or Swish Breath Spray. Good thing that Swish Mouthwash is available in different sizes, there’s 250ml, 120ml, 60ml and 35ml. Honestly, I prefer Swish Breath Spray because you don’t need a sink but if there’s no available at home, 35ml will do.

Swish is a quality product of Unilab.

1) With Swish, they have assured fresh breath all day! Swish Mouthwash--used at home / inside the bathroom and Swish Breath Spray--for on the go!

2) Powered by Surefresh Technology that kills bad breath causing bacteria, plaque and gingivitis

3) Alcohol Free-- safe to use every day! and assures an enjoyable gargling experience

How about you, what are your must-have things when traveling?

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

Cash Advances Give You Money When You Need It

Cash advance services get a bad rep oftentimes, but in some instances they can prove invaluable. Times might arise when you can’t or don’t want to ask friends or family members for a loan. You also might not be able to get one from the bank because you don’t have good enough credit, enough credit or for some other reason. You also might not have the time that it takes to get a traditional loan application approved. Whatever, the reason, there are plenty of cash advance services available that can allow you to get the cash that you need when you need it.

Thanks to modern technology, it is now easier than ever to get the cash that you need when you need it. A plethora of cash advance companies offer their services online and allow you to even apply for loans from them online from the comfort of your own home. An example of just one website that does this is USACashServices.com. These types of websites can be extremely advantageous for people who don’t live close to any physical cash advance locations, but still need fast cash now.

The way that most of these types of websites work is by requiring applicants to fill out and submit an application form online. Then, they might be required to call a toll free number and speak to a representative. In most cases, all you have to have is a job to get approved for a cash advance loan, which is simply designed to tide you over until your next payday when you can pay back the money.

Once your application is approved, the funds that you were approved for are usually deposited directly into your bank account with no hassle. Then, they are usually available for you to use the next day. Some online cash advance services even offer their customers debit cards that they can use to access their cash, which means people who are returning customers to the cash advance company can have access to their funds even earlier, sometimes within as little as an hour of their application approvals.

While cash advance services can come with high interest rates, they can also be lifesavers in emergency situations in which you simply don’t have the cash that you need when you need it and have no other way to get it. Plus, it is easier than ever to apply for cash advances thanks to the Internet.

March 17, 2014

Homemade Pizza

I can’t remember the last time that we’ve made homemade pizza but I know it’s been a while. When I say homemade, I did not make the dough from scratch, it’s either I used sliced bread or ready-made pizza dough. But I hope one day, I can make everything from scratch.

Two weeks ago, my son and I made homemade pizza using sliced bread, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce and ham.

We’re so happy with the result so few days after I bought pizza dough and made my own version of supreme pizza ala pizza hut. Ham and cheese for my son since he doesn’t like bell pepper and onion.

Making pizza is a nice family bonding.

March 14, 2014

Air Asia Declined Error

Whenever I book a seat sale I don’t normally include baggage allowance because the trip is usually several months before the flight. What if there’s an emergency or valid reason that we need to let go of the trip, as far as I know, I could no longer refund it.

So I usually purchase baggage allowance once our trip is 90-100% sure. August last year, I booked Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flight via Air Asia because I dislike long land travel and of course to save time so I took advantage of the low fare. I paid P2322.42 for 3 persons, less than 1-hour trip.

January this year, I purchased a baggage allowance but I was getting a declined error message. I tried it again and the credit card transaction was still declined. I don’t know why because I just purchased a baggage allowance via Cebu Pacific for our Manila to Kuala Lumpur flight and I had a smooth transaction. I checked my credit card online account and there’s already a floating charge of RM44. I was really nervous because I felt that the payment went through. I did not do anything and I planned to pay my baggage at the airport even though it is triple the price.

After few weeks, I checked my credit card online account again and no more floating charge and no RM44 charge so I tried my luck again and hoping that my payment will go through. Fortunately, no more declined error and I was able to purchase our baggage allowance for RM44 or P580 (cheaper compared to my first try).

Read: Air Asia Experience
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Singapore via Air Asia

March 13, 2014

Escaping to the Perfect Retreat

If you are looking to vacation in a quiet and beautiful retreat away from your hometown, work, family, and just your busy life, search for a resort online like RustyParrot.com to gather the information that is necessary to start your relaxing escape from your hectic routine.

Quiet and Free

It is always nice to travel somewhere to relax and to surround yourself with pure bliss. If you are traveling to wooded and mountainous towns or cities, a resort that can provide you with a timeout is just what the doctor ordered. Choose your resort based on what you want to do and how you want to relax. There are particular ones that will cater to your every need and will allow you to unwind and rest in a peaceful atmosphere. Most resorts will have spa services on-site to provide you with a heavenly massage or a restful body soak in a mud bath or bubbly hot waters. You can even request to have a facial and a manicure and pedicure to wrap up your relaxing beauty session. After your time at the spa, you will be saying that it was definitely worth the trip. You can also complete your relaxing day by swimming or lounging around a hot tub or heated pool. Don’t forget to grab lunch out by the water during your day full of swimming and serene book reading.

Dine and Enjoy

Resorts are known for their scrumptious meals and food service options that they can provide. Most resorts will serve you local fare and can accommodate your needs if you have an allergy or aversion to specific foods. Your room will be one of the highlights of your stay and include a comfortable bed that will allow you to sleep like a baby. If you like to take your time getting ready, your large bathroom will ensure that you have all the amenities that are needed to wash, dry, and style your hair. You can also take a long shower or soak in your jetted tub. This will help you to relax and enjoy the rest of your night.

A Lovely Resort

Taking a quiet and restful trip is just what you need to unwind and catch a break. Sites like RustyParrot.com can give you the information that is needed to choose a room and book your visit. Jackson, Wyoming, hotels are there to provide you with all of your hotel needs and accommodations that will make this trip an unforgettable one. ‘

March 10, 2014

Dinner at Bulgogi Brothers

The day before Valentine’s Day we went to Healthway Clinic to see an Orthopedic doctor because my son couldn’t walk properly after he tripped on the floor. Well, I don’t know what really happened because I was not there. My husband told me na natapilok nga.

I was worried so I wanted peace of mind. The doctor said. “It looks fine but just to be sure, pa x-ray namin”. And we did but unfortunately, the result is after two days so we were not able to get it because we will be going to Kuala Lumpur on that day.

After the checkup, we went to Bulgogi Brothers for dinner and at the same time early celebration of Valentine’s Day. The restaurant opened its first branch in the year 2011 but it was only last month that I was able to try their dish.

According to their website, “Bulgogi Brothers specializes in authentic Korean cuisine and bulgogi marinated barbecued meat, the best representative form of Korean barbecue. The word "bul" means fire and "gogi" means meat.”

We ordered Premium Beef Combinations at P995, good for two persons. Let me borrow this picture from Bulgogi Brothers website to give you an idea.

The meal includes different side dishes, corn tea, and one rice. Yes, one rice only so we have to order extra rice but the side dishes are unlimited.

I was expecting that we will grill our own food but I was wrong, the staff will be the one to cook the food for you.

We’re happy with the food and service, medyo bitin lang food. Lol.

P.S. After our Kuala Lumpur-Singapore Trip, we went back to Healthway to get the result. Negative for fracture. And on the same day, my son can walk properly na.

March 07, 2014

Ocean Adventure

Ocean Adventure is just a few minutes walk from Camayan Beach Resort and if you are a hotel guest you will have unlimited access to Ocean Adventure + an additional 20% discount on your entrance ticket. Do not forget to get a form when you check in at the resort so you can avail the discount.

After swimming/resting in the resort, we went to Ocean Adventure.

From the website the entrance fee is

P550 - adults
P440 - 12 years old below

I was not expecting that my 2-year-old niece is not free of charge. She has no entrance fee in Zoobic Safari but in Ocean Adventure meron na. #lugi Good thing we have a 20% discount.

Klook.com

The entrance fee includes features shows and aquariums.

1. Dolphin Friends
2. Sea Lion Marine Patrol
3. Walk on the Wild Side
4. Balancing Act with the African Acrobats
5. Ocean Discovery Aquarium
6. Seatrek

We arrived just in time for Dolphin Friends Show but unfortunately, no more seats for us so para-paraan na lang.

The next show is Sea Lion Marine Patrol. We loved this show, and this is my favorite among the four shows. Click here for the video

After the show, we returned to the resort to rest before dinner.

The following day, we watched the first show which is Walk on the Wild Side.

Then Balancing Act with the African Acrobats.

Serious sa pagvideo. :)

The last stop is Ocean Discovery Aquarium, this is only a small room, parang ilang tumbling lang nasa exit ka na. Lol.

If we still have time I wanted to stay for a few hours for Dolphin/Sea Lion Photo Encounter but we have to go back to the resort for our checkout.

March 05, 2014

Staycation at Camayan Beach Resort

Most people stay in Camayan Beach Resort if they go to Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure because of the proximity.

I was actually hearing and reading mixed reviews and I’ve even read about the jellyfish issue but most of my friends and even my husband recommended Camayan.

I suggested this resort to my mom and she approved it so I booked 3 rooms for our family outing through their website but after one week, I did not get any reply so I emailed them. So if you want you can also book Camayan Beach Resort in Subic, Zambales with Traveloka.

Unlike other resorts, you have to make full payment to reserve the room. If you check the rate, it is not budget friendly because the rates are only good for two persons and any additional person is charged even kids + rates are not inclusive of tax and service charges.

As I mentioned in my other post, we tried if we could check in early but no early check in. They are very strict with 2PM check in time. So we had our lunch first in “The Reef Bar and Restaurant”. Since we are in a group, we ordered the family set meal. For our lunch, we ordered Barkada Chow P1650 and Pinoy Favorites P1650.

Barkada Chow includes Calamares Fritters, Bihon Guisado, Pakbet Ilokano, Beef Caldereta, Grilled Chicken Fillet and Grilled Pork Belly. Pinoy Favorites includes Chicken and Pork Adobo, Nilagang Baka, Grilled Tilapia, Talong-gong, Camayan Chopsuey, Canton Guisado.

Finally, at 2PM we were able to check-in.

Kids were so excited to swim. Pero nabitin kasi we have to go to Ocean Adventure.

Dinner at “The Reef” again and we ordered the Meat Lovers P1950 and Seafood Delight P1950 but there is no seafood so Pinoy Favorites na lang.

Meat Lovers includes Lumapiang Shanghai, Pork Sisig, Beef Kare Kare, Mixed Grilled Meat Plate, Crispy Pata

The following day, we had an early breakfast so we could swim first before going to Ocean Adventure

Check-out at 12NN, actually we could stay if we wanted to swim but we wanted to go home early.

Like

1. The resort is walking distance from Ocean Adventure and 10 10-minute drive from Zoobic Safari.
2. If you stay here you get unlimited access to Ocean Adventure and 20% discount on the entrance ticket.
3. The room and service are ok.

Dislike

1. Our room was ok but my brother’s room was not, there’s no fridge and there’s power interruption, bigla na lang namamatay yung electricity. Feeling namin may problem talaga sa electricity but they said, now lang nangyari. E nakausap ng SIL ko yung housekeeper, sabi inalis daw yung fridge kasi may pumutok. They requested for other room but fully booked daw. Wala man lang offer na discount for inconvenience.

2. A week after I made the payment, I did not get any confirmation voucher, I had to call the office to ask for that and they said, ma’m nasend ko na po, check niyo po by lunch. I checked my email and there’s no confirmation voucher. The following day. I emailed them again to follow up.

Camayan Beach Resort Day Pass Klook.com