Michi Photostory

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 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 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.

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

March 04, 2014

Book Review: I Wish They Taught Money in High School

I didn’t grow up in a rich family, we also live from paycheck to paycheck. The salary is enough to provide for the needs but not the wants. If you want something like new toys and new clothes, you have to wait for your birthday or Christmas. We don’t have a family date every weekend, no summer outing or summer classes.

If there’s no school, I don’t have money so even when I was a kid I learn to save my allowance. Nobody taught me about money, I just realized that I need to save if I want to buy something. I had my first savings account when I was in college, I know it’s already late because others have it since they were kids. I feel so rich when I had my first ATM. lol.

I was able to buy my first cellphone, I joined out-of-town trips, and was able to buy my wants because of my savings. It is my dream to save more so I was very eager to graduate and have my own work so I can save and save.

As I mentioned, nobody taught me how to handle money, how to save, and how to invest but through watching TV and reading magazines and books I’ve gained knowledge. One of the books that opened my mind is “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”.

Last month I received this book “I Wish They Taught Money in High School So I’m not dependent on my paycheck/So I Can Start My Own Business Right Away”

I was reading this book while waiting for our Kuala Lumpur flight and I finished the book before we reach Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I like the book because it so easy to understand and even the financial terms were simplified. You will be inspired and motivated because the authors are sharing their own experiences and you will realize that you can do it too.

So I’m not Dependent on my Paycheck

I’m pretty sure that most of us wanted to gain financial freedom or at least we won’t be dependent on our paycheck. When I was still working, I just wanted to save and from what I’ve read you need to save at least 6 months of your income so I followed it, even I reached my 6 months income I did not stop until I resigned from work.

I’m proud to say that my savings helped me to finish paying my insurance and postpaid bill. At least hindi ko inasa sa aking hubby because I have my own savings. So what if hindi ako nagsave, sayang ang aking insurance kung materminate lang. Saving is really a must for everyone, especially for emergency needs.

Well, of course, saving is not the sole solution to gain financial freedom. The book will challenge and show you how to achieve your dream. You will learn that money is not taboo, debt is not bad and credit cards are not evil. I must agree because I posted before my savings tips regarding cards.

I want to share the 5 tips from the book so you can transform your regular income into passive income.

S - Start Small
M - Make a Habit (and stick to it)
A- Acquire More Knowledge
R- Raise the Bar of Creativity
T- Think Outside Your Salary

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune - Jim Rohn”

So I Can Start My Own Business Right Away

I resigned from my work because I need bed rest, having no work = no salary. Of course, I’m not used to it and I don’t want to spend my savings on my wants and needs. I tried selling house and lot, I opened my online business and recently I resell generic home products like detergent powder, dishwashing liquid, and fabric conditioner but it wasn’t successful. I earn from those sidelines but I think it is not the business that will make me achieve my dream. Well, I’m not giving up yet, I’m still hoping that I will have my own business someday.

Reading this book will make you realize that you can start your own business with little or no capital. It will teach you how to multiply your income and how to overcome challenges and finding solutions.

One thing that caught my attention is Eker’s Sophisticated Analysis because this is something new to me. According to Eker’s analysis whenever you have any extra money, you should practice apportioning it into 6 different jars. (after tax)

10% Financial Freedom Account
55% Long Term Savings for Spending
10% Contingency Fund/Necessities
10% Education
10% Play
5% Give

I do encourage you to buy this book P500 if you want to learn how to save, invest, or start your own business. Check here

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago; the second-best time is now - Proverb”

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

February 27, 2014

Zoobic Safari

Honestly, when I was still single, I had no interest in visiting zoos, but when I had my son, I became interested. I feel that kids enjoy seeing animals, and even more if they can interact with them.

So far, we have visited different zoos in the Philippines and you can check the list here. One of the zoos that we haven’t visited is Zoobic Safari. I’ve been meaning to visit this zoo, but living in Southern Luzon always hinders me.

But finally, a couple of weeks ago, we were able to visit this zoo as part of our family outing. Our itinerary is Zoobic Safari + Camayan Beach Resort + Ocean Adventure, but for now, I will share our Zoobic Safari experience.

We left the house around 4AM because we wanted to reach the zoo by 8AM and we made it. Actually, the ticket counter was still closed when we arrived. There are different packages that you can avail which you cannot see on their website. If I remember it right, we availed the White Safari Package for P645/4ft above, P545/4ft below, and 3ft below is free of charge.

Inclusions:

11 attractions (Zoobic Park, Rodent World, Serpentarium, Forbidden/Zoobic Cave, Tiger Safari Ride, Close Encounter, Savannah, Animal MuZOOeum, Aetas' Trail, Hip-Hop-Bay-a-Wak, Croco Loco) for approximately 2 1/2 hours

White Jeep
White Tram
Cold Towel

White Lion Safari Ride (New Attractions)

Zoo Guide

But unfortunately, there was no tour guide, so we were on our own. They just gave us a map and no flyers. #boo If you want more informatio,n check the website. Anyway, Zoobic Safari is the first and only tiger safari in the Philippines. It is a 25-hectare amusement park where you can have close interaction with animals.

Klook.com

We started our tour in Bird Walk, Zoobic Park, Rodent World, and Serpentarium. We tried goat milk feeding for P30 per bottle. This is a unique experience for the kids, scary at firs,t but fun.

Then we rode the tram to visit the Forbidden and Zoobic Cave.

After that, we went to the Tiger Safari Ride and White Lion Safari Ride, a few minutes walk from Zoobic Cave. I bought Chicken for P200.

Next stop is Close Encounter, Savannah, Animal MuZooeum, Aeta’s Trail, Hip-Hop-Bay-a-Walk and Croco Loco. I bought chicken for P50 for crocodile feeding.

We finished the tour just in time for the Amazing Bird Show, which is at 10:30AM. Since we’re all tired and hungry, we did not wait for the Animal Show at 1:30PM and the Animal Parade at 3PM. We went to Camayan Beach Resort, hoping that we could check in early.

Click here for the video

Read: Revisited Zoobic Safari

Day Tour Entrance Rate

Php 495 - Adult

Php 395 - Kids 4 ft. and below

Free - Kids 3 ft. and below

Open daily, including Holidays

Park Hours: 8 am - 4 pm (last admission of guests)

Zoobic Safari

Group I Ilanin Forest

Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines

Telefax: (+6347) 252-2272; (+63) 929-7072222

February 25, 2014

Rose & Grace

I’m not yet done with my backlogs and as of this writing my mom was already back in Norway and I’m still going to share our experience in Rose & Grace restaurant.

As I mentioned in my previous post, we ate here after our bonding in Festival Mall. Rose & Grace restaurant is near Paseo de Sta Rosa and Nuvali, it was not my first time pero sa tagal di ko na tanda yung kinain ko dati. Lol

It was weekday so the place was not crowded, unlike my first experience. It is like an improved carinderia where you have to point your choice of viand (turo-turo). We ordered BBQ, Laing, Bopis and Tawilis, they gave us complimentary bulalo soup which we really like.

The serving is good for two to three persons so we took home our leftover. I can’t remember the price but each viand is P100+ and our total bill is less than P1000. #budgetfriendly

Update: August 2015

After this visit last February 2014, we've been a frequent diner of Rose & Grace if ever we are in Nuvali area and if we are looking for an affordable restaurant. I even recommended it to my friends so we ate dinner here after our day trip at Stilts Calatagan.

But during our last visit, it took them so long to serve our food and when they served our food, mukha and lasang sunog na. Overcooked ang liempo, so dry pa siya. We're so disappointed with our food.

February 13, 2014

Everything is Awesome

My mom stayed in our home for three days last week, it was a short stay so my son did not go to school last Thursday so we could have a bonding. #badmommy. We went first to Asian Hospital for my check-up but unfortunately, the doctor was out for Convention so we went straight to Festival Mall to accompany my mother in buying her stuff. #masmurasapinas

We ate our lunch at Max’s since my mom wanted Filipino food, and as usual, my son ordered Max’s dessert sampler.

Then we watched “The Lego Movie”, kung ako lang “Bride for Rent” ang pipiliin ko but to reward my son for being behave habang namimili mom ko, sige Lego na lang. #everythingisawesome. While waiting for my husband to pick us up, we went to Kiddy’s Art Town to kill time. My mom bought these ensaymaditas at Must be Mom’s.

Then we went straight to Rose and Grace for our dinner. #filipinofoodagain

Michi Photostory

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