February 10, 2020

Filipino Voter’s Registration, Transfer and Reactivation

As a Filipino citizen, we have the right to vote unless you are disqualified by the law. Growing up, I had no idea that I can exercise this right as early as 15 years old where I can join Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. I was a fresh college graduate when I decided to register, my aunt just informed me about the voter’s registration schedule.

I can never forget my first voter’s registration experience. I was falling in line as early as 2AM and was able to submit my form around lunchtime. Imagine the long wait just to submit the application form. Hindi pa siya naprocess agad, I was advised to go back at 7PM and wait for my number to be called. I finished my registration past 10PM.

I was really tired and I almost gave up waiting for my turn. That was my unforgettable experience in Valenzuela so when I moved to Malabon, Laguna and now Cavite, I never dare to fall in line again to transfer my precinct because I’m afraid that I will undergo the same process again.


Voter’s Registration 

If you are planning to register, check the following process.

Qualifications to Register 

Any Filipino citizen who is not yet a registered voter may apply for registration, provided he/she possesses the following qualifications:

* At least fifteen (15) but not more than thirty (30) years of age and residing in the barangay for at least six (6) months on or before Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
* At least eighteen (18) years of age on or before Barangay, Local and National elections;
* A resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year and in the place wherein he/ she proposes to vote, for at least six (6) months before Elections;
* Not otherwise disqualified by law.

Voter’s Registration Requirement 

Valid ID Employee's identification card (ID) (with the signature of the employer or authorized representative)
Postal ID
PWD ID
Student's ID or library card, signed by the school authority
Senior Citizen's ID
Driver's license
NBI clearance
Passport
SSS/GSIS ID
Integrated Bar of the Philippine (IBP) ID
License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC)
Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in case of members of ICCs or IPs

If I remember it right, I also brought my Birth Certificate to prove my age and I am qualified to register.

Voter’s Registration Procedures 

1. Go to local COMELEC office. Click here to check the list of COMELEC office.
2. Bring your valid ID to verify your identity and residence.
3.Fill-out the Voter’s Registration Application Form. To save time, you can download and print the form here.
4. Biometrics
5. You will receive an Acknowledgement Receipt and the staff will ask you to sign on their logbook.

Voter’s Change of Name and Transfer of Precinct 

I got married and I no longer live in Valenzuela but because of my voter’s registration experience, I don’t want to go to COMELEC again. So every election, I go to Valenzuela and my husband travels to Pangasinan just to vote. That was our scenario every election, nakakapagod din and magastos so when I found out that there is a special registration in our subdivision for 2 days (9-4PM) hindi na naming pinalagpas.

We were there before 9AM, I just gave my valid ID and precinct name. In my case, change of status and transfer of precinct, the staff gave me

Voter’s Registration Application Form
Application Form for Change of Name
Application Form for Transfer due to Change of Residence.

I think, I also brought my marriage certificate just in case they ask for it. I was really happy because we finished everything in 1 hour. A far cry from my first voter’s registration experience.

Voter’s Reactivation of Registration Record 

My husband and I transferred precinct 8 years ago; my husband received his new voter’s ID card in year 2013 but I haven’t received mine. I don’t understand nga kung bakit wala ako, sabay naman kami nagpachange ng precinct. So from the time na nagparegister and transferred ako, never ako nabigyan ng Voter’s ID card.

Since 2013, I always dropped by at the COMELEC office after paying our Real Property tax. Pero every year naman akong sawi not available lagi. My husband told me na hindi na ko mabibigyan ng voter’s ID kasi nga may proposal na magkaroon ng National ID system so last year hindi na ko dumaan ng COMELEC.

Then few weeks ago, my friend informed me na dumaan siya COMELEC and natanung niya yung Voter’s ID ko and sabi daw, deactivated na daw ako. Waah! I was surprised because as far as I know, last May 2019 election lang naman ako hindi nakaboto. Deactivated na agad? I’m thankful that my friend asked for my Voter’s ID availability kung hindi wala ko idea na hindi na pala ko registered voter. Magugulat na lang pala ko sa next election na wala na ko sa listahan.

 Anyway, I searched on how to reactivate my voter’s registration and according to COMELEC site “During the next scheduled registration record, a voter with a deactivated registration record may file for the reactivation of his (or her) registration record with the local COMELEC office of the city/municipality where he (or she) is registered.” So I checked the registration schedule

January 20, 2020 to September 30, 2021 
Monday to Saturday including holidays except April 9 & 10, 2020 (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday); December 25, 2020, Friday (Christmas Day); April 1 and 2, 2021 Maundy Thursday and Good Friday)
8AM to 5PM

Just this morning, I went to the COMELEC office and I asked them about my concern. The staff informed me na 2 elections ang namissed ko, may Barangay Election pa. “Failed to vote in two (2) successive preceding regular elections”

To reactivate my voter’s registration, they asked for a valid ID + photocopy of the valid ID and they asked me to fill out the 3 pages of Voter’s Registration form + Supplementary form since I have PWD ID. No more biometrics, nag thumb mark lang ko sa form. The staff gave my acknowledgement receipt and write some details on his logbook.

Read: How to Apply for PWD ID

That's it! Wala rin pila so saglit lang ang process. Pwede na ulit ako makaboto.

February 07, 2020

Breakfast Buffet at Balay Dako

We always go to Tagaytay for a food trip but until now I still have a long list of restaurants that I want to try. I feel happy whenever I ticked something off on my list and finally last December, we were able to visit Balay Dako. I wanted to try this restaurant but the problem is they only offer buffet breakfast every weekend and holidays so we grabbed the opportunity when I saw that they are open few days before Christmas.

Read: Food Trip in Tagaytay


Balay Dako does not accept reservations, it is a first-come-first-serve so we left the house as early as 5AM because we will fetch my grandmother-in-law in Laguna. We arrived in Tagaytay past 6:30AM. From the parking lot you can already see the wooden house, it lives up to its name because Balay Dako is a Negrense word which means “big house”.


My husband registered and the staff gave us a number, pang #18 na kami. They started calling the number at 7AM and the staff ushered us to our table. We have a breathtaking view of Taal Lake and who ever think na after few weeks, magkaka-ashfall.



It’s funny because I don’t like to visit during weekends and holidays kasi for sure marami tao. Pero marami pa rin pala tao kahit weekday and hindi pa holiday so I guess lagi sila puno kahit mahal ang rate. According to their site “Antonio’s is much more than a restaurant. It is an experience”, so charge it to experience na lang kahit lugi ko sa 11-years old son ko na mahina kumain. Hindi ko pa rin maaccept na adult rate na siya. Hehehe!

Balay Dako Buffet Breakfast Rate 2019

P700 - adults
P450 - children below 4 feet
FREE - toddlers and below
Prices are subject to a 10% service charge.


Antonios’ Group of Restaurant has 5 restaurants in Tagaytay, the first restaurant that we tried is Breakfast at Antonio’s, and this time buffet breakfast at Balay Dako. This restaurant serves Filipino cuisine so if you love Filipino food or if you have balikbayan, this is a good choice. PHP700 + service charge is not cheap but if you check the buffet spread mukhang sulit naman sa dami.

Read: Christmas at Breakfast at Antonio’s 





They offer mixed green salad with 4 types of dressing, fresh fruits, bread, assorted jams and spread, hot and cold drinks, dessert, cereals, granola, soup, and a main course. For main course, they have assorted tuyo, homemade longganisa, bacon, daing na bangus, ginisang gulay, chicken and pork adobo, tapa, corned beef, atchara and ensaladang mangga.



They have a station where you can create your own omelet and fried rice. Just choose from the available ingredients and the chef will cook it for you. They also have balut, penoy and taho. Of course, I was not able to try everything but my favorite foods are puto bumbong, taho, champorado, ginataang halo-halo, ensaymada, daing na bangus and since Christmas season may Ham.

Watch the video here



Update: January 2023 

My mom visited us last year and I planned to bring her to Balay Dako because I’m sure she will enjoy Filipino Cuisine but when I inquired, napaisip ako kung worth it pa ba pumunta because of the price increase. My family ate at Balay Dako last December 2019 and the rate is only PHP700 + Service Charge so I was really shocked that after three years, PHP1,200 + Service Charge na yung rate nila. Konti na lang kasi buffet breakfast na rin sa hotel so we just ate at Taza Fresh Table pero mahal din pala. Parang nagbuffet na rin pala kami sa presyo. Waah! 

December came and we were looking for a restaurant where we could have an early Christmas get-together and Despedida na rin because my family will go to Vietnam and my mom, niece, and nephew will go to Norway; so yun na rin yung last meeting namin sa year 2022. We’ve been inquiring to different resorts and buffet restaurants pero fully booked na rin so I suggested Balay Dako. 



Balay Dako does not take any reservations and they have a first come first served policy so we just need to go early to get a slot. The breakfast buffet is from 7AM to 11 AM every weekend and on selected holidays. 

Balay Dako Buffet Breakfast Rate 2022 

PHP1,200 - Adult 
PHP900 - children below 4ft 
FREE - toddlers and below 
Prices are subject to a 10% service charge. 

On the day of our trip, we left early and arrived at the restaurant at 6:20AM, the guard gave us a small piece of paper where we need to scan the QR code and fill out the Guest Queuing Form. Yung paper, #173 nakalagay pero hindi namin alam kung what number nagstart. Past 7AM, they started calling the numbers na and as far as I can remember, pang #20 kami sa natawag but we were seated at 7:15AM so mabilis naman magpapasok ng guests. 


We are a group of 10 people pero wala ng available table for 10 people so 2 separate tables na lang kami. Anyway, the Balay Dako menu is still the same and this was our second time so I only have limited pictures.




What’s new? Balay Dako has store na pala so while waiting or before leaving the restaurant you can drop by their Deli store.



Balay Dako Opening Hours 
Saturday, Sunday and on selected holidays
7-11AM

Balay Dako
Tagaytay - Nasugbu Hwy,
Tagaytay, 4120 Cavite

February 06, 2020

Lunch at Zubuchon

Zubuchon is famous because Anthony Bourdain said it is “the best pig ever” so whenever my husband goes to Cebu, he always buys lechon for pasalubong. Good thing that Zubuchon has a store at Cebu International Airport so buying lechon is not a problem. It was year 2013 when I first tried Zubuchon and now I’m glad that we don’t need to go to Cebu anymore if we are craving Cebu’s Lechon because there is Zubuchon at SM Southmall.

Read: Zubuchon 
Cebu’s Lechon 
Where to Eat in Cebu
Pasalubong from Cebu  


Actually huli na pala ko sa balita kasi ang dami na pala Zubuchon branches sa Metro Manila but it was only last December when we saw Zubuchon restaurant at SM Southmall. I was hesitant to eat here because of my braces, baka hindi ko maenjoy ang crispy skin but good thing that Zubuchon restaurant is more than just lechon. I was really surprised when I saw their menu, ang dami choices, nahirapan tuloy ako mamili. #morethanjustlechon


They have appetizers, soups, meat, seafood, vegetables, rice, noodles, fast meals, desserts, and drinks. I think yung fast meals ang inoorder ni hubby sa Cebu airport, the meal includes monggo, lechon, rice and achara for P290. We ordered Zubuchon Medium Platter P650 (good for 4 people), Ginataang Langka P200, Plain Rice P40 per cup, Halo Halo P170 and Leche Flan P70.


For lechon, you can order whole lechon or platter. For platter, they offer small, medium or large and you can choose Classic Zubuchon or Boneless Zubuchon. Cebu's lechon is famous kasi kahit walang lechon sauce, masarap na but if want some dipping sauce, they have Zubu vinegar dip. They even have instructions on how to make Zubu “sawsawan” or you can personalize your own dipping sauce.


I ordered Ginataang Langka because I don’t cook this at home, hindi man lang ako nakapagpaturo sa lola ko kung paano magluto. I like this dish so if ever I’ll go back I will order this again.


The Halo-Halo serving is good for sharing but my husband can finish this serving but I can’t so share na lang kami. Hehehe! As expected, my son finished his leche flan in less than 60 seconds. Nagutom ako bigla while writing this blog, parang gusto ko magZubuchon ulit.



Overall, we enjoyed our food trip at Zubuchon and the service is really good. The waitstaffs serve with smile and you don’t need to call their attention, nirerefill agad ang water namin. You can feel that they love their job.

Update: September 30, 2022

It’s been two years since the last time we went to SM Southmall, we don’t usually go here because it is too far from our place but since we need to buy something and feeling namin wala naman sa mga malls na malapit sa amin, napadayo kami sa SM Southmall. And we wanted to use our Reward Points so dapat sa SM talaga para tipid. 

I noticed that there are closed and new restaurants at Southmall, wala na yung ibang nakainan namin pero may mga bagong restaurant. We were supposed to eat in a Japanese restaurant but I changed my mind, gusto ko maglechon. Hehehe! 


So we went to Zubuchon, there are few changes on their menu na, you can choose small, medium or large serving. We ordered Small Ginataang Langka PHP180, Large Lechon Sampler PHP1240 and Medium Rice Platter PHP140. 




Zubuchon Lechon Sampler (3 Ways) Zubuchon, Boneless Zubuchon and Lechon Flakes

I wanted to order Zubuchon Dessert Sampler after our main course pero nabusog na kami, ang dami nung rice kahit medium lang and we did not finish the lechon so next time, medium size lang order namin. Of course, pwede namin itake-out ang leftover.

February 05, 2020

Lunch at Romantic Baboy: Unlimited Korean Grill at Southwoods Mall

When it comes to Korean BBQ, I always see Romantic Baboy and ito na yata ang pinakamaming branches na nakita ko. It was only last year when I saw Romantic Baboy branches that is near to our place. We have Romantic Baboy in Binan, Laguna, Southwoods Mall, and Festival Mall.

Read: Lunch at Romantic Baboy 2022

Last August, when we ate at TGI Friday’s. I saw the Romantic Baboy restaurant. It wasn’t open yet so we are waiting for the September opening but it did not happen, na-late sila ng bukas. I think December na sila nag-open so after my son’s Christmas Party we went to Southwoods Mall to eat at Romantic Baboy.

It was lunchtime so madami na rin tao but good thing there were still available tables. The staff pointed out the table where we are going to sit. May appetizers na agad sa table and I don’t know kung gaano na katagal yung appetizers doon.


We were there for several minutes pero wala na nag-assist pag kaupo namin. We asked for the menu and when we order na, the staff told us na hindi pala available lahat sa menu. I was a little bit disappointed kasi hindi man lang kami ininform ng staff bago kami pumasok. Of course, first time namin so siyempre mas okay sana complete yung menu so we can try each meat.

Anyway, since nakaupo na kami, nag-order na rin kami and we were advised na 2 types of meat lang daw ang pag-order. When they served the meats, hindi pala complete ang utensils. It was funny because may appetizers agad pero kulang-kulang sa utensils so we have to ask for spoon, fork, plates, and tongs. Binigay naman pero basa lahat, bagong hugas so kami pa magpunas? lol

Romantic Baboy Rate is P499, I’m not sure about the kid’s rate because we paid P499 for my 11-years old son. The rate includes unlimited pork and beef, unlimited rice and vegetables, 6 kinds of side dishes, and Gochujang jjigae. But they did not serve the gochujang jjigae or any soup. There are 8 different types of meat that you can choose from, you can order

Herb Samgyupsal - herb-flavored belly
Woo Samgyup - thinly sliced of beef brisket
Moksal - seasoned pork neck
Daepae Samgyupsal - thinly sliced of pork belly
Yangyum Galbi - marinated pork ribs
Romantic Bulgogi - sweet marinated Korean style beef
Spicy Beef - thinly sliced beef dip in spicy sauce
Curry Beef - thinly sliced beef dip in curry sauce





We were not able to try all the meat since it is not available. The grilling pan has space for an egg, cheese, and kimchi. We have to ask for the egg since they did not serve it yet. They also have noodles, rice meals, stew, and drinks which you can order for an additional fees.

What I don’t like is maliit ang space, as in magkakatabi lang yung table so kahit hindi mo gusto makinig, rinig na rinig ko ang usapan sa katabing table. Tapos ang ingay pa ng music so siyempre nilalaksan naman ng katabi ko boses niya. Napabilib tuloy ko sa appetite ng highschool students, ang dami kasi ng order nila. Sulit sa kanila. Hehehe!


We did not stay that long, we’re done after one hour and natagalan lang kami sa billing. The staff even gave us a single rose. So kaya ba Romantic Baboy dahil may rose after kumain? For payment, they only accept cash payment, parang wala pa yata ko nakainan na Korean BBQ restaurant na pwede credit card payment.

Read: List of Buffet Restaurant in the Philippines 

Watch the video here
 

January 29, 2020

The Warehouse Hotel in Singapore

For the past two years, my husband always stays at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview if he has a business trip in Singapore but last week, he stayed at The Warehouse Hotel. Their company has a big event before the Chinese New Year so Four Points by Sheraton was already fully booked so his company booked them to the next nearest hotel.

Read: Four Points by Sheraton Singapore Riverview Hotel Review


The Warehouse Hotel

According to my research, The Warehouse Hotel is already an old hub in Singapore River that was built in 1895. During those times, the area was a breeding ground of liquor distilleries, underground activity, and secret societies but of course, the notorious past has disappeared. Now, Singapore River is one of the favorite neighborhoods where you can do food trips and sightseeing tours.



The Warehouse Hotel is a modern boutique hotel that has been restored and opened last January 2017. The hotel is not that big, it only has 37 rooms, one restaurant, one bar, and a swimming pool. If you want to do some workout, you have to walk several minutes to reach their partner gym.


The Warehouse Hotel Room 

The room has a modern and industrial design, it quite unique compared to other hotels that he tried in the past. All rooms have FREE wifi, Ashely & Co Bath Amenities, Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth Speakers, Minibar and Artisanal Tea & Coffee.



My husband loves the bed and pillows. There were complimentary bottled water, dessert and a personal note on my husband’s room to welcome him.


The bathroom is small and no bathtub.


His room is located on the second floor and facing the busy street so he doesn’t open his window curtain at kitang-kita siya kapag may dumaan na double-decker bus. Hehehe!

Breakfast at Po 

The room package includes breakfast at Po, it is not the usual type of hotel buffet breakfast because the choices are limited but my husband loves their breakfast because the foods are delicious. The breakfast spread offers cereals, baked viennoiseries, seasonal fruits, salad, cold cuts, and cheese. Fresh Milk and cold-pressed juices are available.




Aside from the buffet spread, you can also order classic Singaporean specialty foods from the kitchen like Herbal Pork Bone Broth, Classic Singaporean Congee, Colonial Chicken Curry, Hearty English Breakfast or Classic Buttermilk Pancakes. For drinks, you can order Mimosa or Bloody Mary.


One more thing, kids 12 years old and below can dine for FREE.

Since this is a boutique hotel, the rate is not cheap but if you are looking for a quiet place and privacy, this is a good choice. The hospitality of the staff is very good.

Read: Where to Stay in Singapore

The Warehouse Hotel 
320 Havelock Road Robertson Quay,
Singapore 169628

January 27, 2020

60th Birthday Celebration at Yakimix SM Sta Rosa

I’m swamped with backlogs and I don’t know where will I start or do I need to blog it pa ba? 2020 na pero hindi pa rin ako tapos sa 2019 backlogs, the struggle is real. Anyway, let us start with the food blog series to remind me of all the calories that I took for the last 3 months.


Last November, we celebrated my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday at Yakimix. The initial plan of my MIL is magcelebrate na lang sa bahay but my husband and BIL decided to celebrate it at the restaurant. The nearest buffet restaurant in their place is Yakimix SM Sta Rosa. We don’t have any reservation and it was a holiday so we were there as early as 10AM para magpalista.


It’s been six years since the last time I ate at Yakimix because my experience was just okay. So when we ate at Yakimix SM Sta Rosa, I managed my expectations. We are a group of 13 persons, 9 adults, 3 kids, and 1 baby but because the kids are over 4ft, adult rate na rin sila. Waah! This is one thing na ayaw ko sa mga restaurant na based sa height ang buffet rate. Six years ago, the drinks are not yet included sa buffet rate so I’m glad na may kasama na drinks sa rate nila ngayon.

Read: Dinner at Yakimix

The Yakimix SM Sta Rosa branch is small and the majority of the tables are good for 4 persons. They have limited tables for bigger groups so in our case, we squeezed ourselves in 2 tables. Ang sikip sa table and share pa kami sa isang grilling pan.


When it comes to food choices, since the restaurant is small, konti din ang food choices. The food that I like are pork belly, mushroom, salmon, bangus, shrimp and leche flan. I’ve been waiting for the ebi tempura pero wala ko maabutan, the serving plate is always empty.








We stayed at the restaurant for almost two hours pero wala man lang pabirthday greetings ang Yakimix. Alam ko meron sa ibang branch so I was surprised na wala man lang sa SM Sta Rosa or umalis kami agad? Kung alam lang namin na wala pabirthday greetings, December 1 na kami nagpunta para 2 FREE birthday celebrants ang FREE instead of 1. hehehe!

Overall, our buffet experience is just okay. As I've said before, ang sikip sa table and ang tagal nila kumuha ng used plate. When we asked kung may butter for grilling, wala daw but they will give us olive oil daw pero nakaalis na lang kami, walang olive oil na dumating.

Read: List of Buffet Restaurants in the Philippines
Watch the video

Yakimix SM Sta Rosa Buffet Rate 

Lunch Buffet 

Monday to Friday (Public Holiday not Included) P568
Saturday P699
Sunday and Holiday P699

Dinner Buffet 

Monday to Friday (Public Holiday not Included) P678
Saturday, Sunday and Holiday P699

Children below 3ft FREE
Children below 4ft P318
Additional leftover charge P400

Opening Hours 

Monday to Friday
Lunch 11:30AM to 3PM
Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM

Saturday, Sunday and Holiday
Lunch 11AM to 3PM
Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM

Birthday Promo 

1. Birthday celebrant can avail the Birthday Promo for 1 whole month as long as it is within the month of his/her birthday.
2. Birthday celebrant may eat for (1) free buffet at Yakimix SM City Sta Rosa.
3. To avail the birthday promo, the celebrant must be accompanied by a minimum of 3 full paying adult rates without any discount/s. Rate is (1) celebrant with (3) regular rate to avail the promo.
4. Celebrant must fill out the information sheet.
5. Celebrant must bring an original ID and valid government-issued picture ID with the birthdate imprinted on it, both local and foreign ID for proof.
6. This promo can’t be used in conjunction with any in-house existing promotions. Mandated 20% off for senior citizens may either avail whichever is higher.
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