Michi Photostory

October 05, 2011

Ark Avilon Zoo + Fun Ranch

A few weeks ago I researched places where we could spend our son’s 3^rd birthday, his birthday falls on Tuesday so we only have one day to celebrate. If you’ve been reading my blog for quite some time now, you know that we are not into big birthday parties; a simple birthday celebration is enough.

I narrowed down my list to three choices.

1. Enchanted Kingdom

2. Ocean Adventure + Zoobic Safari

3. Island Cove Resort

But none of these choices materialize because the weather is so unpredictable. I woke up early just to check the weather updates and there was no storm signal but there will be ITCZ so we just went to Ark Avilon Zoo. It is the only interactive indoor zoo in the country so rain or shine we can spend our son’s birthday, “Celebrating Wild Life”. Ark Avilon Zoo is the sister zoo of the country’s largest wildlife which is Avilon Zoo.

Ark Avilon Zoo is really small compared to Avilon Zoo; it took us almost two hours just to reach Ark Avilon Zoo but less than an hour to tour the place. Good thing that the place was not crowded, no field trips and birthday parties. But the downside is we were not able to meet other animal residents such as Brutus (miniature horse), Golem (donkey), and Selina (controversial Albino python). I am not sure if there are only days that you can see them so it is better to call the zoo to ask which animals are present for interaction. Anyway, Jenny (orangutan), Puti (eagle), and Narda (cockatoo) were there. Picture taking with the animal residents is free unlike in Avilon Zoo.

There are feeding stations and this is the best part of the trip, you can feed some animals but you have to buy food. I am aware that there is a price increase of some commodities because of Typhoon Pedring and Quiel but I was still shocked when I learned that 1 piece of carrot is P20 and 1 string of sitaw is P10. But because my son enjoyed feeding the rabbits and sheep, I did not mind the price.

There is a mini playground and art-making corner on the second floor where you can spend most of your time.

Foot spa is also free; do not ask me if it is hygienic, they just tried it for the sake of experience. But be sure that you have alcohol and hand towels to wipe your feet. I’ve tried this once at Manila Ocean Park and there is a fee of P100.

ARK AVILON ZOO
Frontera Verde Ortigas Avenue corner C-5
Pasig City, Philippines
Telephone No. 706-2992
Fax No. 706-2993
Email Address: arkavilonzoo@gmail.com

Entrance FeeRegular Rate: Php 300.00/ head
Kiddie Rate *: Php 200.00/ head
Children below 1-year-old
is FREE OF CHARGE

ZOO SCHEDULEWeekdays:
9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Weekends and Holidays:
10:00 am to 7:30 pm

Read: Trip to the Zoo

After visiting the park you can also explore Fun Ranch, there is no entrance fee but if you want to enjoy the rides, P50 per ride ticket, or P295 for a ride all you can.

God is so good for giving us good weather because it did not rain when we were at Ark Avilon Zoo and Fun Ranch. Happy 3^rd Birthday Ethan!

Update: As per ABS-CBN article last June 4, 2020, Fun Ranch has decided that it will not reopen its doors after shutting its branches due to the Covid19 pandemic. Fun Ranch branches in Ortigas, Alabang, and Pampanga already confirmed their permanent closure.

September 20, 2011

Favorite Meals at Max’s

Max’s is one of our favorite restaurants because we always love their food and service that is why I chose this restaurant for my son’s christening. We’re always satisfied with their food even their combo meals are affordable. My favorite combo meals are Platter Meal and Chopsuey Meal.

So, I ordered Platter Meal, Pancit Canton, Fiesta Plate with Fresh Lumpiang Ubod and Max’s dessert Sampler. Every time we eat here, we always order their dessert sampler; my son can finish half of this after eating his favorite pancit canton.

Update: February 11, 2013

Max’s is one of our favorite Filipino restaurants because we’re satisfied with the food and the price is very reasonable. That is why I chose Max’s for my son's christening four years ago. Last Saturday, I went all the way to Max’s EDSA Caloocan to book another event. My mom would be coming home next month and will be celebrating her birthday here in the Philippines. It’s been decades already since she celebrated her birthday with us so she decided to have a party.

Thank God because the date and time were available so I immediately made a reservation. You have to pay 50% of the package amount in order to reserve the date. If you are planning to celebrate your milestone in Max’s, here is the package.

We also took advantage of the Max’s merienda mixes for P95 only. I also ordered Max’s dessert sampler for my son; he loves the brownie ala mode.

September 18, 2011

Play-Doh Cars 2 Mold N Go

Yesterday, I was scouting for bike and tri-scooter for my son but it seems that he is not interested so I just went to Play-Doh section. I want to buy Play- Doh to enhance his imagination and creativity. I was choosing among these three but my husband did not agree. He said my son might eat this. Well, he has a point though Play-Doh is non toxic it is still not edible.

photo source

Then we saw Play – Doh Cars 2 Mold N Go, this is perfect for my son because he loves McQueen. This will make him busy.

photo source

September 16, 2011

Jump, Bounce N Play

While waiting for my niece and nephew, we stayed in Jump, Bounce N Play at SM Valenzuela, P200 for unlimited play. They have 2 big inflatable slide and 1 big inflatable basketball ring. You need to buy a ball for P30 if you want to use the basketball ring. The staff required us to stay inside because according to her, “maliit pa yung mga bata”, true enough for my son because I need to assists him in this inflatable slide, he can’t get in at nadudulas”. Hihihi!

The kids really enjoyed the place; they jump, bounce, play and slide in different positions.

After two hours and thirty minutes, I do not hear any more noise and I cannot see my son in the slides. So when I checked on them, here’s what I saw.

They no longer want to play so we had a quick snack at Jollibee before watching Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World.

September 12, 2011

Water + Floater + Sun = Fun

Since July, I’ve been looking for arm band floaters for my son, and I’ve been to seven different malls, but unfortunately, there were no arm band floaters available. No arm band floaters on our Cebu trip, but lucky for me, I was able to pass this store on our way to Victoria, Laguna.

There are several stores that sell floaters in Pansol, Laguna, and I am very familiar with this place. I just wondered why it did not cross my mind. Anyway, it was not too late because my son was able to use the arm band floaters in our Villa Escudero trip and Blue Coral Resort outing. I bought it for P50 only. Hehe!

My son loves water, even though he doesn’t know how to swim yet, but with the help of the arm band floaters, he can go anywhere. In fact, he is very confident with his swimming skills, and sometimes he removes his floaters and jumps into the water. He is not scared, but we are scared for him. He is so independent that he feels that he no longer needs guidance. He even pushed us, and we will hold him.

And now he enjoys the slides. He never gets tired of it. Whenever he slides, these are all his landing positions.

There are always crying moments and tantrums when it is time to get off the water. After swimming for several hours, we know that he really enjoyed it because he can sleep while watching TV and eating a slice of bread.

September 06, 2011

Staycation at Blue Coral Resort

We went to San Juan, Batangas last weekend without any reservation because we’re thinking that it’s lean season so we do not need a reservation. But unfortunately, La Luz Resort is already fully booked, then we moved to Taramindu Resort and we have the same fate.

Good thing that I have a list of resorts and draft of expected expenses so we’re prepared just in case the resort could not accommodate us. Out third stop is Blue Coral Resort and finally, they still have available room for us though penthouse is no longer available so we ended up with family deluxe and suite room. Each room is good for 12 persons which are perfect for us, 10 persons per room.

Actually, I made my reservation at La Luz Resort last month but I did not pay the 50% down payment because my mom was worried about the weather and down payment is non-refundable. I made my last minute booking but received no reply so lesson learned, peak or lean season we should make a reservation.

But we have no regrets because we think that Blue Coral Resort has better facilities and amenities. Their staffs are all approachable and friendly. When they told me that there are still available rooms, I immediately said ‘ok, I’ll get those rooms” but the staff said “ma’m baka gusto niyo po muna makita yung room”. I really appreciate the effort because they want me to check the room first before reserving it. I still checked the room though I already have an idea because I’ve seen it on the internet.

This is the Suite Room. The room is located at the beach front so you can relax at the balcony looking at the beach. It has living room area, three beds and big bathroom with bathtub.

This is the Family De Luxe Room. I don't have pictures of the room because I did not stay there. My brother's family and sister's family stayed at the second floor of the building.

They have a policy of early check in and early check out, standard check-in is 3PM to 1PM. They allowed us to check in as early as 11AM and check out time is also 11AM the following day.

For an overnight stay, we availed their food package of P1,100 per person which includes buffet lunch, dinner and breakfast. Foods are just ok.

We were all happy and satisfied with our stay at Blue Coral Resort; it was really an escape from urban life. Check here the other resorts that we have tried in Batangas.

Blue Coral Beach Resort

Laiya, San Juan Batangas Philippines

The Effect of Having a Blog

I’ve been blogging since last week of February but yesterday I received a comment on one of my post “Cebu’s Lechon”. Somehow it affects me because as far as I know, I’ve been honest to all my posts, I will say if the food is good, so-so or not because I do not want to lie to my readers. I am also one of the people who also rely on some reviews, testimonies and comments. That is the power of blogging.

I do believe that we have our own preferences, tastes and likes, there are things that we may not like but there are people who will appreciate it. I also believe on “freedom of speech” but I know that there are limitations. But I keep on reading my post yesterday if I really said something that really affects the commenter, I even asked my husband about it and he said, I should not give any negative comments.

ME: Do I need to lie? Both lechon na kinain ko are pasalubong, what do they expect sabihin ko na crispy siya, e nilagay na siya sa plastic at box at nagtravel from Cebu to Manila. Pareho natin kinain and same ang reaction natin, makunat talaga yung sa Ayer’s while sa CnT malambot yung balat so nakain natin. Do I have to buy another kilo just to taste it again and replace my first post?

Hubby is just laughing at me because I’m so affected.

Me: Wala naman ko sinabi na di masarap yung lechon, naubos ko pa nga and I even said that it is yummy.

Hubby and Mom: forget about it, just be careful next time baka owner pa yun kaya ganun makareact.
These are the comments.

TRISHIA PADILLA wrote:

“I have read this blog and honestly it loses the morale of being a good critic. We don't need to judge the product of the competitor by an identifiable statement in which fact we're not aware of. CNT's lechon and Ayer's lechon have different taste as i have tasted it. And to whoever the one sending the blog, you can't judge that Ayer's Lechon is a rubber...stealing such taste. Please taste it again and you can clearly identify the difference. As you have said, it took you three days to eat CNT but less than a day for Ayer. Isn'y it because Ayer's Lechon tasted really good. Good beyond expectation???!u Come to think of it?”

TRISHIA PADILLA wrote:
“Indeed, we have our own preferences but be careful with your statement because it might affect the business itself. As I notice you tasted Ayer's Lechon once, is it enough to conclude such statement?”

Please do enlighten me if I really did something wrong and if I should refrain from saying negative comments. Now, I am thinking if I will only post those foods that I’ve really enjoyed without a single flaw.

You can read the post and comments here. I want to reply back but I know that the discussions will not end. She must understand the nature of blogging and if she is affiliated with Ayer’s lechon, they should listen to all customer’s feedback whether good or bad because it will help them in improving their product or business so, in the end, they will benefit from it.

The Effects of Having a Blog

1. You cannot please all people. Whether we like it or not, some people won't agree to us, some people won't like our post, some will take extra effort to post nagative post.
2. Yes, you have your own blog and have freedom of expression but we should also be responsible in what we post. I've learned from this experience that I need to choose me words, I think I should use the word "makunat" instead of rubbery. Huwag ng i-English kasi baka maiba pa pagkakaintindi.

For business owners, blogs, forums and social media are there to inform us the good and bad sides. If we read something negative, we should take it lightly. Accept and check if there are really things that you need to improve.

September 05, 2011

Santa Rosa Plaza

On our way to my grandmother’s house, we saw this monument. We want to stop by to take some pictures but Rizal statue was too crowded. We passed this monument four times within a week and finally we had our chance yesterday.

This is the tallest monument of Jose Rizal in the Philippines.

September 02, 2011

Kinder Surprise

When I was a kid, my mom used to give us Kinder Surprise every time she goes home and now that I’m old; my kinder surprise belongs to my son. =) I love the taste of this chocolate and it always excites me every time I open it.

I helped my son in opening and eating the chocolates. Hehe! Here’s what we’ve got.

September 01, 2011

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

My original plan is Lake Pandin but my family preferred Villa Escudero so I’m back again in Villa Escudero last Monday. Typhoon Mina did not stop us from enjoying our long weekend. I only paid P1250 per person last year but now, the day tour rate is P1400 for adults and P700 for kids.

Last year we were not able to try bamboo rafting because my son is not yet allowed so this time we had our chance because someone will take care of my son. It looks so easy but it is hard to maneuver the bamboo raft unlike in a kayak.

You can also try fishing for P100, but this is not worth it. Wala kasi mahuli.

In spite of the weather, there were so many visitors who came to Villa Escudero so it took us more time in getting our food and no more second round.

My family spent the remaining hours in the swimming pool and Jacuzzi because they are not interested in the museum and cultural show.

Souvenir shops are also available.

See my previous post of Villa Escudero here.

Klook.com

August 31, 2011

Bananalicious Pie

I promised to my mom that I will bring her to Nuvali so we went there last Sunday before going to my Aunt’s house in Victoria, Laguna. As expected, it was crowded and we had a hard time looking for a good spot where we could feed the fish.

After feeding the fish, we went to Contis to buy Tiramisu P295 and Bananalicious Pie P625. My son loves tiramisu so I’m not surprised if he finished half of it on our way to Victoria.

Bananalicious pie is like banoffee pie that has banana, cream and caramel. Everybody enjoyed their slice.

August 28, 2011

Day in Paradise at Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa

Last Monday, we availed the day tour package of Shangri-la and it was indeed a Day in Paradise. We all enjoyed our stay in Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa and P2,500 per head is very worth it. Kudos to all their staff because they are all approachable, friendly, helpful and they never fail to smile at you.

After our Mactan City Tour, we went to Shangri-la Mactan to spend our last day in Cebu. Day tour package is from 8-9PM so it was perfect for our 10:40PM flight. The resort is just 20 minutes away from the airport.

There are so many tourists inside the resort and we can’t find any vacant beach chairs where we could stay so we just roam around the resort and look for a place where we could wait. We decided to take our lunch first before we plunged into their pool and beach.

Finally, 12NN came and we went inside the Tides Restaurant. I zeroed in on expensive dishes, tried the lamb chop and still did not like it. I don't really like lamb chop, ok na ko sa beef steak. My son enjoyed his dinner roll and butter; he really liked the crème brulee and finished two cups. Drinks are not included in their free buffet lunch; the cheapest drink is softdrink in a can which is P184.

After our meal, it is time to enjoy their amenities.

After swimming, we took advantage of the free use of their Health Club Amenities where complimentary drinks are available. Hehe! You can use the gym, sauna, steam bath, and Jacuzzi for free.

Overall, I do not have regrets in choosing Shangri-la Mactan and this is one of my memorable experiences and fabulous birthday celebrations. I hope we can go back here.

Day in Paradise Package includes

Lunch Buffet at Tides Restaurant (drinks not included)
Free use of beach, pool, towel
Free use of Gym and Health Club facilities (sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi)
10% discount on Health Club and Salon Services for adults
Complimentary 2 hours use of Kid’s Adventure Zone for kids (kids must wear long sleeves and socks)
25% discount on Dinner Buffet at Tides Restaurant

Be sure to contact them first before going there because a day tour is not available if their hotel is full.

Update: April 2016

When we went back to Cebu, I inquired about the Day Trip package but I was advised that they don't offer day trip packages at that time. So we just went to Crimson Mactan instead.

Read: Makati Shangri la Hotel
Shangri la Hotel in Jakarta Indonesia
EDSA Shangri la Hotel