If you’re a regular of this blog, you know for sure that my husband is not fond of taking pictures so even he’s always out of town or out of the country, there are no souvenir pictures. But after his Myanmar trip, I told him to take pictures of his trip so I can share it on my blog and at least I can have a glimpse of those countries. And he did, so now I have something to share on this blog even I’m not traveling.
Anyway, two weeks ago my husband went to Indonesia. He usually stays at Hotel Mulia, which he considered one of the best hotels that he stayed so far in Asia. But during his last trip, he stayed at Shangri-la Hotel because this is nearer to his office but because of traffic, mas matagal pa naging biyahe niya compared to Hotel Mulia.
This is the well-lighted room.
Toiletries are the same, nothing special. But the bathroom has a bathtub.
When my husband was sending me the photos, I really remembered our staycation in EDSA Shangri-la because of the room, restaurant, and pool. They look the same.
They even have a wet play area which is a big advantage if you have kids. I’m not sure if they also have Cubs training.
Read: Birthday Staycation at EDSA Shangri-la
The room package includes a buffet breakfast at SATOO. The restaurant has 12 open kitchen stations that serve Asian and International cuisines. Since traffic is so bad in Jakarta, my husband just ate a la carte dinner at SATOO too.
As always, the service is good. The only thing that we did not like is we need to make a follow-up pa for the floating charge. Upon check-in, you need to make a downpayment (Number of days x 2) so my husband paid 4 nights x 2. He was advised that it would be canceled after 7 Days. But two weeks had passed and I can still see the floating charge and it is eating up our credit card limit. Good thing that 2 days after our follow-up, it was canceled.
You can also use your Golden Circle Membership to earn GC points or an Airline Loyalty Card to earn miles. My husband chose the miles and it will be reflected after 4 weeks. I told my husband, next time just choose GC points since we can exchange them for room awards, upgrade awards, food, or even spa vouchers. If we want miles, we can also convert the GC points to miles.
When we followed up on the 500 Miles, we were advised that they already credited it (February 10), it takes time to credit the miles so I think it is better to use the Golden Circle Membership.
Shangri-la Hotel Jakarta
Kota BNI JL. Jend. Sudirman Kav.
1, Jakarta, 10220, Indonesia
February 07, 2017
February 05, 2017
That Thing Called “Silent Stones”
If you are working, most of the companies offer Annual Physical Check-up for free. We all know that APE is not cheap so this is a nice employee’s benefit that you can take advantage because you can monitor your health. I stopped having this when I resigned from my work.
Anyway, since my husband is an employee, he has yearly check-up. In the year 2014, he learned that he has gallstones. The hospital staff said “Sir, lumiit po yung gallstones niyo”. My husband was surprised because he didn’t know that he has gallstones. The staff said, yes po sir, last year po ito yung result.
Imagine, year 2013 pa pala yung gallstones and hindi niya alam. So we checked his past health records and we saw the cholelithiasis. Malay ba naman namin na cholelithiasis = gallstones. Sometimes, it really pays to read and research your test result, hindi yung feeling ok kasi wala ka nararamdaman.
Cholelithiasis is the medical term for gallstone disease. Your gallbladder may have one or more gallstones inside. My husband has gallstones since 2013 which he didn’t know because he is not reading his test result. (skim and scan lang siguro) There are no signs or symptoms so we are just thankful that he has annual physical check-up so nalaman namin.
His cholelithiasis is called silent or asymptomatic gallstones. It is very common but since there are no symptoms, people have no idea that they have it. My husband has silent stones and since he doesn’t feel anything, he did not mind it. Sino ba naman ang gusto maoperahan?
But in the year 2015, after his APE, the doctor advised him to undergo Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Don’t wait for any symptoms before considering the surgery at baka magkacomplications pa. Maybe because of the nature of my husband’s job, he is always out of the country and his gallstone is so big too, more or less 2 inches in size.
According to medscape.com, here are the patients that need cholecystectomy.
Who Needs Cholecystectomy?
1. Patients with diabetes mellitus.
2. Patients who have a solitary large gallstone.
3. Patients who are going to be living or traveling for a long period of time in a location that is far from the basic medical care.
So after few months, my husband finally decided to undergo Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at St Lukes BGC. We went to the hospital last February 4, my husband underwent surgery on February 5, and we went home February 6. He was back to work on February 9, 2016. The doctor did not give him any sick leave, good thing that February 8 was holiday so at least nakapahings pa siya. (CNY)
I was so nervous that time because I was informed that it will only take 2 hours but more than 4 hours na sa operating room husband ko, so imagine my stress. I’ve kept on calling kung nakalabas na ba sa OR asawa ko. When the doctor visited my husband, we learned na natagalan lang kasi hindi mailabas yung stone. As I mentioned before, malaki yung gallstones niya and hindi mailusot sa pusod.
Well, I don’t know how they did it but one big gallstone turned into several pieces. Do you have gallstones?
Read: St Lukes BGC Experience
St Lukes BGC restaurant
Anyway, since my husband is an employee, he has yearly check-up. In the year 2014, he learned that he has gallstones. The hospital staff said “Sir, lumiit po yung gallstones niyo”. My husband was surprised because he didn’t know that he has gallstones. The staff said, yes po sir, last year po ito yung result.
Imagine, year 2013 pa pala yung gallstones and hindi niya alam. So we checked his past health records and we saw the cholelithiasis. Malay ba naman namin na cholelithiasis = gallstones. Sometimes, it really pays to read and research your test result, hindi yung feeling ok kasi wala ka nararamdaman.
Cholelithiasis is the medical term for gallstone disease. Your gallbladder may have one or more gallstones inside. My husband has gallstones since 2013 which he didn’t know because he is not reading his test result. (skim and scan lang siguro) There are no signs or symptoms so we are just thankful that he has annual physical check-up so nalaman namin.
His cholelithiasis is called silent or asymptomatic gallstones. It is very common but since there are no symptoms, people have no idea that they have it. My husband has silent stones and since he doesn’t feel anything, he did not mind it. Sino ba naman ang gusto maoperahan?
But in the year 2015, after his APE, the doctor advised him to undergo Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Don’t wait for any symptoms before considering the surgery at baka magkacomplications pa. Maybe because of the nature of my husband’s job, he is always out of the country and his gallstone is so big too, more or less 2 inches in size.
According to medscape.com, here are the patients that need cholecystectomy.
Who Needs Cholecystectomy?
1. Patients with diabetes mellitus.
2. Patients who have a solitary large gallstone.
3. Patients who are going to be living or traveling for a long period of time in a location that is far from the basic medical care.
So after few months, my husband finally decided to undergo Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at St Lukes BGC. We went to the hospital last February 4, my husband underwent surgery on February 5, and we went home February 6. He was back to work on February 9, 2016. The doctor did not give him any sick leave, good thing that February 8 was holiday so at least nakapahings pa siya. (CNY)
I was so nervous that time because I was informed that it will only take 2 hours but more than 4 hours na sa operating room husband ko, so imagine my stress. I’ve kept on calling kung nakalabas na ba sa OR asawa ko. When the doctor visited my husband, we learned na natagalan lang kasi hindi mailabas yung stone. As I mentioned before, malaki yung gallstones niya and hindi mailusot sa pusod.
Well, I don’t know how they did it but one big gallstone turned into several pieces. Do you have gallstones?
Read: St Lukes BGC Experience
St Lukes BGC restaurant
February 04, 2017
Decluttering Our Home
Being a stay at home mom without a helper is not easy because you have no choice but to do household chores. I won’t deny that there are chores that I don’t enjoy doing like cleaning the bathroom and ironing clothes. But if there is one thing that I like to do is decluttering.
I mentioned before that I like to practice minimalist living so every month, I declutter one closet. I always weed out our closets and remove those stuff that we no longer need, I try to sort them into three, “to keep”, “to give away” and “to reuse”.
We always give our stuff to our relatives, those who are willing to accept hand me down clothes and stuff. A few years ago, we donated my husband’s clothes in Tahanan ni Maria, it is a home for the aged near our place. I didn’t donate my clothes because I’m not sure if grandmothers will wear my clothes. Sometimes, we just put clothes in a clean plastic bag and give it away to the trash collector. Those clothes that have holes or stains, I upcycle it so I seldom buy a rug.
“One man's trash is another man's treasure”
Giving away is much easier than selling but sometimes, we sell preloved clothes and stuff online. A little amount that we earn from old stuff is still an extra income.
This year, my goal is to declutter and organize our home. We have so many stuff but few storages. One of our projects at home is to build or buy cabinets and shelves. A few years ago, we hire a carpenter to build a cabinet and it took him more than a week just to finish one cabinet. Waah!
After that project, we’re contemplating whether to hire a carpenter or just buy ready made cabinets and shelves. I’ve been meaning to buy Kallax cabinets for my son’s room but I just don’t know if I can bring it to the Philippines without paying any tax. If may tax din, di rin nakatipid so during my past two visits in IKEA, hanggang tingin na lang ko.
Since I am determined to declutter our home, I asked my husband if we can buy Kallax at Furniture Source Philippines. They have ongoing New Year Sale so we took advantage of it. We went to their store last week and ordered the 2x4 and 2x2 Kallax Cabinet. I thought we can already bring it home but I was wrong, all stocks are in their warehouse so it is either we pick it up or pay for delivery. Showroom lang pala siya.
We chose pick-up. When my husband went there, he was advised that the 2x2 pink Kallax Cabinet is no longer available. They can deliver the 2x2 white Kallax cabinet for free or they will refund the money. I told my husband to choose refund because 2x2 white Kallax is not included in their sale items and I don’t want to pay for the excess. He can buy the Kallax Cabinet in his next business trip naman.
Read: Buying Furniture at Furniture Source Philippines: Yay or Nay?
My husband assembled it and I was so glad that I was able to use our black Drona Boxes. If you remember, I asked my husband to buy these black boxes when he went to Thailand. So after 8 months, nagamit ko na rin. My decluttering is not yet over but hopefully in the near future, mabawasan na rin ng kalat sa house.
Furniture Source Philippines
38 Granada St. Villa IOrtigas II
Brgy. Valencia, Quezon City
I mentioned before that I like to practice minimalist living so every month, I declutter one closet. I always weed out our closets and remove those stuff that we no longer need, I try to sort them into three, “to keep”, “to give away” and “to reuse”.
We always give our stuff to our relatives, those who are willing to accept hand me down clothes and stuff. A few years ago, we donated my husband’s clothes in Tahanan ni Maria, it is a home for the aged near our place. I didn’t donate my clothes because I’m not sure if grandmothers will wear my clothes. Sometimes, we just put clothes in a clean plastic bag and give it away to the trash collector. Those clothes that have holes or stains, I upcycle it so I seldom buy a rug.
“One man's trash is another man's treasure”
Giving away is much easier than selling but sometimes, we sell preloved clothes and stuff online. A little amount that we earn from old stuff is still an extra income.
This year, my goal is to declutter and organize our home. We have so many stuff but few storages. One of our projects at home is to build or buy cabinets and shelves. A few years ago, we hire a carpenter to build a cabinet and it took him more than a week just to finish one cabinet. Waah!
After that project, we’re contemplating whether to hire a carpenter or just buy ready made cabinets and shelves. I’ve been meaning to buy Kallax cabinets for my son’s room but I just don’t know if I can bring it to the Philippines without paying any tax. If may tax din, di rin nakatipid so during my past two visits in IKEA, hanggang tingin na lang ko.
Since I am determined to declutter our home, I asked my husband if we can buy Kallax at Furniture Source Philippines. They have ongoing New Year Sale so we took advantage of it. We went to their store last week and ordered the 2x4 and 2x2 Kallax Cabinet. I thought we can already bring it home but I was wrong, all stocks are in their warehouse so it is either we pick it up or pay for delivery. Showroom lang pala siya.
We chose pick-up. When my husband went there, he was advised that the 2x2 pink Kallax Cabinet is no longer available. They can deliver the 2x2 white Kallax cabinet for free or they will refund the money. I told my husband to choose refund because 2x2 white Kallax is not included in their sale items and I don’t want to pay for the excess. He can buy the Kallax Cabinet in his next business trip naman.
Read: Buying Furniture at Furniture Source Philippines: Yay or Nay?
My husband assembled it and I was so glad that I was able to use our black Drona Boxes. If you remember, I asked my husband to buy these black boxes when he went to Thailand. So after 8 months, nagamit ko na rin. My decluttering is not yet over but hopefully in the near future, mabawasan na rin ng kalat sa house.
Furniture Source Philippines
38 Granada St. Villa IOrtigas II
Brgy. Valencia, Quezon City
February 03, 2017
4 Days Trip in Vigan, Laoag and Pagudgpud with Kids
Five years ago, we were able to visit Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. It was my long-time dream to visit Ilocos but it was so far. At that time, my husband doesn’t like long driving and he said if I wanted to visit Ilocos mag-eroplano daw kami. So when I saw the P12 seat sale of Cebu Pacific, I immediately bought tickets.
To make our life easier, I rented a van for this trip. At first, I was not sure if we can tour Laoag, Vigan, and Pagudpud in three days but surprisingly, we were able to do Laoag, Vigan and Pagudpud in two days though it is like an amazing race trip. We had three kids in tow but no one complained.
Sharing with you our 4 Days Trip in Vigan, Laoag and Pagudgpud with Kids
Day 1: Off to Laoag
We stayed in UKL Ever Hotel for three nights, its a small hotel which is near in the market and walking distance to some tourist spots. They fetched us at the airport for free. Since we had an evening flight, we just slept after check-in.
Day 2: Laoag and Vigan Tour
Laoag
We started our tour as early as 7:30AM; we visited La Paz Sand Dunes, Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino, Malacanang Ti Amianan, Marcos Mauseleum, Batac Photo Gallery, St Augustine Church (Paoay Church), and Juan Luna Shrine.
Vigan
We ate lunch at Cafe Uno in Vigan. After our hearty lunch we went to Pagburnayan Jar Making, Crisologo Museum, Syquia Mansion, Vigan Loam Weaving, Baluarte, Bantay Church and Bell Tower and Calle Crisologo.
Baluarte is the only zoo that we have visited that has no entrance fee. So if you have kids, don’t forget to include this in your itinerary.
Day 3: Laoag and Pagudpud Tour
Laoag to Pagudpud
We started our tour at 8AM, we went to Sinking Bell Tower, Marcos Museum, Salt Making House, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Bangui Windmill.
We enjoyed our stay in Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurwan Rock Formation, and Bangui Windmill.
Pagudpud
Of course, we will not miss the opportunity to see the Patapat Viaduct.
We just took a photo at Agua Grande then we went to the Blue Lagoon. You will see these tourist spots on your way to the beach, Timmangtang Rock, Bantay Abot Cave and Dos Hermanos Island. We did not stay long in Pagudpud beach because it would take more or less 2 hours to get back to our hotel.
Day 4: Laoag Walking Tour
On our fourth day, we bought pasalubong in the market then we started our walking tour. We visited the tourist spots near UKL Ever Hotel while waiting for our flight. St. William Cathedral, Tobacco Monopoly Monument and Provincial Capitol. We ate lunch at La Preciosa then we rode tricycle to Museo Ilocos Norte.
Do not leave Ilocos without buying their famous pasalubong such as chichacorn, longganisa ilocos, bagnet, shirt, salt, garlic, onion, bangui windmill magnet, keychain, and display.
We enjoyed our Vigan, Laoag and Pagupud trip even though we experienced some mishaps after the trip.
Read: Food Trip in Laoag-Vigan
P.S. Regarding the rented van, check the details below.
Contact Glenn
To make our life easier, I rented a van for this trip. At first, I was not sure if we can tour Laoag, Vigan, and Pagudpud in three days but surprisingly, we were able to do Laoag, Vigan and Pagudpud in two days though it is like an amazing race trip. We had three kids in tow but no one complained.
Sharing with you our 4 Days Trip in Vigan, Laoag and Pagudgpud with Kids
Day 1: Off to Laoag
We stayed in UKL Ever Hotel for three nights, its a small hotel which is near in the market and walking distance to some tourist spots. They fetched us at the airport for free. Since we had an evening flight, we just slept after check-in.
Day 2: Laoag and Vigan Tour
Laoag
We started our tour as early as 7:30AM; we visited La Paz Sand Dunes, Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino, Malacanang Ti Amianan, Marcos Mauseleum, Batac Photo Gallery, St Augustine Church (Paoay Church), and Juan Luna Shrine.
Vigan
We ate lunch at Cafe Uno in Vigan. After our hearty lunch we went to Pagburnayan Jar Making, Crisologo Museum, Syquia Mansion, Vigan Loam Weaving, Baluarte, Bantay Church and Bell Tower and Calle Crisologo.
Baluarte is the only zoo that we have visited that has no entrance fee. So if you have kids, don’t forget to include this in your itinerary.
Day 3: Laoag and Pagudpud Tour
Laoag to Pagudpud
We started our tour at 8AM, we went to Sinking Bell Tower, Marcos Museum, Salt Making House, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Bangui Windmill.
We enjoyed our stay in Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurwan Rock Formation, and Bangui Windmill.
Pagudpud
Of course, we will not miss the opportunity to see the Patapat Viaduct.
We just took a photo at Agua Grande then we went to the Blue Lagoon. You will see these tourist spots on your way to the beach, Timmangtang Rock, Bantay Abot Cave and Dos Hermanos Island. We did not stay long in Pagudpud beach because it would take more or less 2 hours to get back to our hotel.
Day 4: Laoag Walking Tour
On our fourth day, we bought pasalubong in the market then we started our walking tour. We visited the tourist spots near UKL Ever Hotel while waiting for our flight. St. William Cathedral, Tobacco Monopoly Monument and Provincial Capitol. We ate lunch at La Preciosa then we rode tricycle to Museo Ilocos Norte.
Do not leave Ilocos without buying their famous pasalubong such as chichacorn, longganisa ilocos, bagnet, shirt, salt, garlic, onion, bangui windmill magnet, keychain, and display.
We enjoyed our Vigan, Laoag and Pagupud trip even though we experienced some mishaps after the trip.
Read: Food Trip in Laoag-Vigan
P.S. Regarding the rented van, check the details below.
Contact Glenn
Mobile numbers: Globe: 09163343432 Smart: 09395356959 09202749259
Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/luckyguyjoo
Labels:
Badoc,
Bangui,
Batac,
Burgos,
Ilocos Norte,
Ilocos Sur,
itinerary,
Laoag,
Pagudpud,
Paoay,
Philippines,
travel,
Vigan
February 02, 2017
How to Claim Parcel in PHLPost
Read my updated post here. How to Track Parcel in PHLPost
Care to share your experience with the Philippine Postal Corporation.
Online shopping is very common nowadays, it allows us to buy things that we want without leaving the comfort of our home. From time to time, I also shop online but I haven’t tried shopping overseas because I’m afraid that my package will get lost or I will pay more for taxes.
Read: My Shopping Experience at Althea Korea
Last month, I asked my mom to send me some documents that I need. She sent it to me last January 17 and I asked for the tracking number. She advised me that I might receive it after a week. So I searched online on how can I track the package. I checked the tracking site of Norway which is POSTEN, I just entered the tracking number and I saw the following details.
Details Package Number: RRXXXXXXX
Shipment number: XXXXXXXX
Number of Packages: 1
Product Name: REGISTERED LETTER
Weight: -
Measurements: -
The package was being scanned every transport so I was able to track it on time.
Jan 18 Oslo Norway
Jan 19 Arrived in Copenhagen Denmark
Jan 20 Shipment is forwarded to transit country
Jan 24 Shipment arrived in Manila
Then I searched for PHLPost tracking site so I can track my package here in the Philippines. I just entered the tracking number and I saw a note that the package was sent to delivery office last January 26.
Since January 27, I was waiting for my parcel, as I mentioned it was my first time to receive a package overseas so I was hoping that it will be delivered to our house since it is just a letter. But I did not receive anything, I have NO NOTICE CARD from the post office so I printed the tracking information from the PhilPost site and went to our post office last January 31. I was praying that my parcel was already there.
The staff checked her notebook and she said “Wala pa, san ka ba nakatira?" I said my address and she double-checked again her notebook and finally, she saw it. My parcel was there since January 27. Then, she started checking the packages and asked, “Ano ba yung package na yun?” I said, documents po, nasa envelope lang. I waited for a few minutes then she found the envelope.
I showed her my valid ID to verify. She said I need to pay P112. I was surprised when she asked for payment but I did not ask any questions. I gave the payment and she gave me an official receipt. On my way home, I’m still thinking about the P112 payment. Pati ba sulat may tax na rin? How much more if I will shop online, magkano kaya tax nun. Anyway, I’m happy that I received the documents.
If you are waiting for a package, just track your package on PHLPost site, when you see the ”Enroute to Delivery Office” status, print it and visit your local post office after 2 or 3 days. Bring a valid ID and money just in case you need to pay.
HOW TO CLAIM PARCEL IN PHLPOST
1. Search for the tracking site of the origin country. In my case, Norway.
2. Track your package and when you see this status "Shipment arrived in Manila"
3. Go to the PHLPost tracking site and track your package. https://tracking.phlpost.gov.ph/
4. If you see this status "Enroute to Delivery Office".
You can
- wait for the notification card from PHLPost or
- print the tracking result and go to your local PHLPost office after 2 or 3 days.
5. Bring a Valid ID and pay for the Handling Fee or Customs Tax
Local PHLPost Office = Saan naka-address yung package?
* Don't forget to bring a Valid ID and money for payment. With regards to payment, I have no idea about the rates. I only received documents that I need for my visa application and I was advised to pay P112.
* Delivery time will depend on the Customs Office and Local Post Office.
Read: How to Apply for Schengen Visa via VFS Global Norway
Update: February 2020
My mom sent the same documents for my brother's Schengen visa application and the parcel delivered straight to their house and no PHP112 payment. (Valenzuela). Waah! Bakit kaya dito sa post office namin, lagi ako pinagbabayad ng PHP112 at ako pa nagpick-up lagi ng parcel.
Read: My Shopping Experience at Althea Korea
Last month, I asked my mom to send me some documents that I need. She sent it to me last January 17 and I asked for the tracking number. She advised me that I might receive it after a week. So I searched online on how can I track the package. I checked the tracking site of Norway which is POSTEN, I just entered the tracking number and I saw the following details.
Details Package Number: RRXXXXXXX
Shipment number: XXXXXXXX
Number of Packages: 1
Product Name: REGISTERED LETTER
Weight: -
Measurements: -
The package was being scanned every transport so I was able to track it on time.
Jan 18 Oslo Norway
Jan 19 Arrived in Copenhagen Denmark
Jan 20 Shipment is forwarded to transit country
Jan 24 Shipment arrived in Manila
Then I searched for PHLPost tracking site so I can track my package here in the Philippines. I just entered the tracking number and I saw a note that the package was sent to delivery office last January 26.
Since January 27, I was waiting for my parcel, as I mentioned it was my first time to receive a package overseas so I was hoping that it will be delivered to our house since it is just a letter. But I did not receive anything, I have NO NOTICE CARD from the post office so I printed the tracking information from the PhilPost site and went to our post office last January 31. I was praying that my parcel was already there.
The staff checked her notebook and she said “Wala pa, san ka ba nakatira?" I said my address and she double-checked again her notebook and finally, she saw it. My parcel was there since January 27. Then, she started checking the packages and asked, “Ano ba yung package na yun?” I said, documents po, nasa envelope lang. I waited for a few minutes then she found the envelope.
I showed her my valid ID to verify. She said I need to pay P112. I was surprised when she asked for payment but I did not ask any questions. I gave the payment and she gave me an official receipt. On my way home, I’m still thinking about the P112 payment. Pati ba sulat may tax na rin? How much more if I will shop online, magkano kaya tax nun. Anyway, I’m happy that I received the documents.
If you are waiting for a package, just track your package on PHLPost site, when you see the ”Enroute to Delivery Office” status, print it and visit your local post office after 2 or 3 days. Bring a valid ID and money just in case you need to pay.
HOW TO CLAIM PARCEL IN PHLPOST
1. Search for the tracking site of the origin country. In my case, Norway.
2. Track your package and when you see this status "Shipment arrived in Manila"
3. Go to the PHLPost tracking site and track your package. https://tracking.phlpost.gov.ph/
4. If you see this status "Enroute to Delivery Office".
You can
- wait for the notification card from PHLPost or
- print the tracking result and go to your local PHLPost office after 2 or 3 days.
5. Bring a Valid ID and pay for the Handling Fee or Customs Tax
Local PHLPost Office = Saan naka-address yung package?
* Don't forget to bring a Valid ID and money for payment. With regards to payment, I have no idea about the rates. I only received documents that I need for my visa application and I was advised to pay P112.
* Delivery time will depend on the Customs Office and Local Post Office.
Read: How to Apply for Schengen Visa via VFS Global Norway
Update: February 2020
My mom sent the same documents for my brother's Schengen visa application and the parcel delivered straight to their house and no PHP112 payment. (Valenzuela). Waah! Bakit kaya dito sa post office namin, lagi ako pinagbabayad ng PHP112 at ako pa nagpick-up lagi ng parcel.
Update: February 2022
I asked my mom to send me the documents for my Schengen visa application and I was worried that it will be delayed because of the COVID19 pandemic but I was glad that I received the package immediately. My mom sent regular mail only and my aunt sent express mail pero sabay lang kami ng pinsan ko na nakatanggap ng mail so sayang yung bayad sa express kasi hindi naman naging express delivery.
January 25 - The shipment has been handed in to Bring
January 26 - The shipment has been sent from the origin country
January 31 - The shipment has arrived in the destination country
February 3 - Enroute to the delivery office
February 4 - Claimed the parcel.
When I saw the Enroute to the Delivery Office status, I did not wait for any notification card from PHLPost. The following day, I told my husband to check my parcel at our local post office and fortunately, it was already available and he paid PHP112 again. This was fast compared to my experience in year 2019.
My mom sent the documents to my brother too and the mailman tried to deliver the package to their house (thrice) but the guard refused daw kasi masyado daw malaki yung envelope for the mailbox so Valenzuela Post Office sent a notification card instead. My brother picked up the parcel at Valenzuela Post Office and did not pay any fee, unlike sa amin sa province lagi ako sinisingil ng PHP112 (postal handling fee). The registered mail arrived in Valenzuela, six days after my mom sent it.
May note doon sa card "An unclaimed Registered Mail or Parcel will be returned to the sender or disposed of in accordance with postal regulations after 30 days counting from the date of issue of this notice. A parcel may be retained beyond 30 days upon request provided the storage fee is deposited before the 30-days period expire"
Care to share your experience with the Philippine Postal Corporation.
January 31, 2017
Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel in Thailand
Thailand is the first country that I had a chance to visit but I have never set foot in because I have no idea about transit visa. I was still in high school during my first out of the country trip so my siblings and I just stayed at Bangkok airport for 11 hours. That was long hours of waiting, imagine di pa uso wifi nun. Hehehe! Moving on, I hope I can still visit Thailand.
Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kids
Two weeks ago my husband went to Thailand, he usually stays at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit but during his trip, the hotel was fully booked because of the conference. He was booked in Westin Grande Sukhumvit which is a sister company of Sheraton Grande.
The hotel is also located on Sukhumvit road, which is a good location because it is just a few steps away from the shopping malls, BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway. Traveling to the hotel is not a problem because there are so many options, yes, maraming pwede daanan if ever traffic.
This is the room.
The room, facilities, and amenities are good, I think the only difference is the swimming pool. My husband prefers their swimming pool compared to Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. The breakfast buffet has few options if you will compare it to Sheraton.
The service is also good. Since 12NN is the standard check-out time, my husband always check-out after his breakfast before going to work then straight to the airport. But at Westin, they advised my husband that he could check-out at 2PM for FREE. So my husband did not bring his luggage to his morning meeting anymore and he was able to rest for few hours before he went back to the Philippines.
He had a problem with his baggage and the airline said that they could no longer repair it before his flight. He can’t go back to the Philippines with damaged baggage so he asked the hotel staff if they have sewing kit so he can repair his luggage which they gladly provided.
Read: How to Deal with Damaged Luggage
Westin Grande Sukhumvit
259 Sukhumvit Road,
Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
Read: 6 Days in Bangkok with Kids
Two weeks ago my husband went to Thailand, he usually stays at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit but during his trip, the hotel was fully booked because of the conference. He was booked in Westin Grande Sukhumvit which is a sister company of Sheraton Grande.
The hotel is also located on Sukhumvit road, which is a good location because it is just a few steps away from the shopping malls, BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway. Traveling to the hotel is not a problem because there are so many options, yes, maraming pwede daanan if ever traffic.
This is the room.
The room, facilities, and amenities are good, I think the only difference is the swimming pool. My husband prefers their swimming pool compared to Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. The breakfast buffet has few options if you will compare it to Sheraton.
The service is also good. Since 12NN is the standard check-out time, my husband always check-out after his breakfast before going to work then straight to the airport. But at Westin, they advised my husband that he could check-out at 2PM for FREE. So my husband did not bring his luggage to his morning meeting anymore and he was able to rest for few hours before he went back to the Philippines.
He had a problem with his baggage and the airline said that they could no longer repair it before his flight. He can’t go back to the Philippines with damaged baggage so he asked the hotel staff if they have sewing kit so he can repair his luggage which they gladly provided.
Read: How to Deal with Damaged Luggage
Westin Grande Sukhumvit
259 Sukhumvit Road,
Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
January 30, 2017
Sun & Moon Urban Hotel in Cambodia
Whenever I hear Cambodia, the first thing that comes to my mind is Angkor Wat so when my husband told me that he will go to Cambodia, I initially thought that he would have a chance to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site. But I was wrong because he went to Phnom Penh Cambodia and Angkor Wat is in Siem Reap province.
There is no direct flight to Phnom Penh Cambodia from Manila Philippines. It was a long travel for my husband including the several hours of layover in Bangkok.
Manila to Bangkok via PAL
Bangkok to Phnom Penh via Bangkok Airways
He stayed in Sun & Moon Urban Hotel which is located in the heart of Phnom Penh. The hotel has a good location because it is near the tourist spots such as Wat Phnom, Royal Palace, National Museum and Independence Monument. You can either walk, ride tuk tuk or ride a car to reach those tourist spots that are less than 2km away.
Sun and Moon Urban Hotel is a modern hotel that offers gym, spa, steam, sauna, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and roof top bar. At the infinity pool, you can already see the tourist spot and river.
This is the room. The lighting of the room is unique because you can change it, if you want bright or dim, hence the name of Sun & Moon Urban Hotel.
Breakfast is at Salt n’ Pepper - Gastropub.
Sun & Moon Urban Hotel
No.68, 136 St,
Phnom Penh 12206,
Cambodia
There is no direct flight to Phnom Penh Cambodia from Manila Philippines. It was a long travel for my husband including the several hours of layover in Bangkok.
Manila to Bangkok via PAL
Bangkok to Phnom Penh via Bangkok Airways
He stayed in Sun & Moon Urban Hotel which is located in the heart of Phnom Penh. The hotel has a good location because it is near the tourist spots such as Wat Phnom, Royal Palace, National Museum and Independence Monument. You can either walk, ride tuk tuk or ride a car to reach those tourist spots that are less than 2km away.
Sun and Moon Urban Hotel is a modern hotel that offers gym, spa, steam, sauna, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and roof top bar. At the infinity pool, you can already see the tourist spot and river.
This is the room. The lighting of the room is unique because you can change it, if you want bright or dim, hence the name of Sun & Moon Urban Hotel.
Breakfast is at Salt n’ Pepper - Gastropub.
Sun & Moon Urban Hotel
No.68, 136 St,
Phnom Penh 12206,
Cambodia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
What I Write About
Airlines
airport
airport lounge
books
Countryside Tour
Cricut Project
diy and craft
food review
freebies
good to know
health
home
hostel
hotel and resort
IKEA
itinerary
kid's activity
money
museum
ocean park
Outlet
Park
pasalubong
personal
Planner
press release
printable
product review
promo
psoriasis
recipe
Road Trip
shopping
Sizzix Project
tips
travel
workshop and class
zoo