How Airasia Accomodated Change of Seat Request

Hi mommies and bffs!  What airfare company do you choose for your international or local flight?  Mommiesdayoff and Lakwatserang Payat here sharing ours!

Last July, my bff, Rhaine and I booked Air Asia for our Taiwan trip.  It was MNL - Taipei(Taoyuan) Flight Z2 124/ 7:45 AM to 10 AM - our first bff international trip together for our Lakwatserang Payat Travel & Tours.  We booked it as a PROMO fare.

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Make sure your seat-belt is on

As you know with promo fare, food, seat allocation, baggage and insurance are things you choose not to include to keep the fare as is. We only added 20 kgs baggage going home since we anticipate additional baggages. We did not have the seat allocation going to Taipei.

Upon check-in of the baggage,  the Air Asia staff assigned us to a seat ALTERED to each other.  Lorena thought if we could change it just to be able to sit next to other.  Not necessarily the best row.  Thus, we tried our luck.  

HOW TO POSSIBLY REQUEST A CHANGE OF SEAT ALLOCATION 

1. We approached an Air Asia staff stationed by the entrance (not at the check-in bay).  Her name was Vicky.

2.  State your request politely.  Try this:

"We booked a promo fare.  We're just wondering if there's a way to change the seat allocation at least next to each other."

3.  Air Asia crew will check some things first.  Give it 5 minutes or so.

4.  If it allows, he/she MAY.  

5.  Adhere to the guidelines.

She said it would be in the emergency exits.  So she advised us in cases of emergency, we have to open the door and always be alert.  

Note:  This was our first-hand experience.  Request granted is under Air Asia discretion.  Not 100% guaranteed change.

Touch-down Taiwan

How We Checked-In Best Western Plus Hotel Using Agoda Voucher

The Gang from the elevator ready for the day's adventure

Best Western Plus Hotel was selected by the readers of Business Travel News (BTN) as the No. 1 Upper Mid-price Hotel Company in their 2017 Hotel Brand Survey.

Located at 38 Des Vouex Road, western District of Hong Kong Island. A real area undergoing rapid changes where the east meets west.  It is a 5-minute walk to the nearest MTR stations.  There is also a stop of the hundred-year-old tram service in front of the hotel.  

All 307 hotel rooms and suites offer unbeatable comfort, security and wi-fi connection. 

The regular rate posted in Agoda is 2,000++ a night.  

Go to the side bar, and BOOK Now!  You don't need to open another browser.  But be sure to download the app once done with booking so your confirmation would be easy to show upon checking-in.  

Or simply CLICK HERE!

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Chesca and mom eating breakfast @ BWH like this

Next to the promo air fare booking was the hotel.  What kind of hotel do you prefer mommies?  If it was just mom, me and Chesca, we could have opted for 2-star hotels.  Here are the Top 5 practical reasons:

1.  We would be gone all day.  Only need to rest at night.
2.  For reference reviews are there to help.
3.  Bed and comfort room are a must.
4.  Price-wise - it is affordable.
5.  Location-wise most 2-stars are situated along transportations and sites.

Anyhow, our Hong Kong trip accommodation was shouldered by my elder brother Andrei.  So, he opted for his family and us - Best Western Plus Hotel (a 4-star hotel) via Agoda. Our rooms were both superior twin rooms. Our stay was from July 24-28.

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How We Checked-in using Agoda Voucher

1.  I presented the printed Agoda Voucher to Nancy, the hotel receptionist for our group (Mom, me and Chesca).
2.  Checking the computer took her about 5 minutes.
3.  Waited for acknowledgement.
4.  Room Key (Key Card) will be given. Our room was 1702.
5.  Take the elevator up to your room.
6.  Same process when Vanessa and the kids arrived.

Andrei also presented the printed Agoda Voucher for their family.  However, she seemed not to have understood him or Vanessa has to be there.  Anyway, we got in our room first.

Prepare the following:
1. Printed Voucher
2. Photocopy of the card used and valid ID.
3. Make sure the booking was paid and confirmed.
4. Arrived at the right check-in time. Refer to booking info.

Nancy, the receptionist biting her lip...don't know why?  :)

Enjoying the waiting time for the rooms to be ready at the lobby

Finally, entering the room to check-in...Andrei keying-in the card

By 5 pm, mom and Andrei left for the airport to pick up his family.  Chesca and I were left in the hotel.  I took a nap and she was busy watching tv. 

They arrived after an hour.  They checked-in at 1902.  They visited us but mom was already sleeping.  Their family went outside for dinner.  I changed our bag and prepared the things especially the Disneyland voucher for the first adventure tomorrow.  Then the three of us slept ahead.  Such a check-in day one in Hong Kong.

Finally checked-in room 1902

who would not want to rest early with the cozy and comfy BWH

There you go mommies, hope this helps your check-in process using Agoda Voucher.

How We Commuted From Hong Kong International Airport to Best Western Hotel

happily seated at Citiflyer Bus with Octopus Card

Guess what country happened to be the world's largest highest rate of daily journeys made on public transport (more than 90%) and that's where our first international trip is!

I call our group - "El Tres Viajeras" (mom, me and Chesca).  Being a mom traveling with my 8-year old and 59 yo mom would be exciting.  Thus, I prepared some things to remember but it wasn't enough.  As you know you'll learn what you're missing till you get there.  So, I don't want you to feel lost when you happen to visit Hong Kong. 

As a budget-traveler, either you travel here or abroad, no matter how much you drive at home, it's best to become a Commuter.

Here's a motherly course when you come from Hong Kong International Airport going to Best Western Hotel located at Des Voeux Road West.  Took us 40 minutes and paid $28.

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Smart Points to Consider

1.  Take the Citiflyer bus.

Buses are the cheapest way to get to major areas in Hong Kong.  The bus stop (Ground Transportation Centre) on specified routes is situated outside the Arrival Hall on the right side.  Just follow the signs. You will also see the bus routes and timetables.

A. ROUTES.

There are six Citiflyer routes - A10, A11, A12, A21, A22, A29.  The first 3 serves Hong Kong islands. The following three serve Kowloon. Routes A11 and A21 are the most popular for tourists. 

These buses have:

a).  Double-decked with air-conditioning.

b).  The buses have announcement system.

c).  Larger racks allow you to store your luggages.

d).  Free wi-fi internet access on buses.

B.  PAYMENT METHODS

a). By an octopus card.
It's a rechargeable card  at convenience stalls, fast food stalls and supermarkets that can be used on all modes of public transportation except taxi.  Regular rate is HK$150 (HK$100 of credit and HK450 refundable deposit).  Children and seniors rate is HK$70 ($9 refundable deposit).

This is 4% - 8% less on fares compared to regular fares on the MTR.

b).  Cash.
The citiflyer bus accepts cash too but it wouldn't give change.  My brother didn't have his card yet so he paid HK$50. The driver said no change. He just said, keep it!

Be ready with exact cash in case.

OUR ROUTE

1. We took Citiflyer A12 at bus stop #5. Mom, Chesca and I used our octopus card for HK$28. My brother Andrei had no exact fare so he dropped-in the HK$50 and the driver told him, no change. So he said, "keep the change"

2. We dropped-off at Kaon Street.

Andrei and mom united at last after he found us

3. Taxi to hotel.

The driver's seat is on the right side.  Taxi color is yellow.  Drivers were all dressed-up and smelling good.  Also speaks very good English.

For the first 2 kilometers or any part thereof is HK$22. 

For every subsequent 200 meters or part thereof or every period of 1 minute waiting time.
- Until the chargeable amount reaches HK$78 - HK$1.60 
- After the chargeable amount has reached HK$78 - HK$1.
- Every baggage - HK$5
- Every animal or bird - HK$5
- Wheelchair and crutches - FREE
- Every hiring thru booking or telephone - HK$5

What I love about it is the openness to receive feedback or complaints from passengers.  Such a customer-service oriented kind of transportation.

"Since we were tired, my brother decided we took a taxi. Andrei told the driver to wait a bit because he had to fasten his seat belt.  It took us just 5 minutes. We realized that the taxi just detoured.  Maybe one-way for taxis.  My brother and I were just laughing.  What a first-day experience.

Although, we could have really just walked since it was only 2 minutes from where we dropped-off."

Andrei seated in front of the taxi...driver's at the right hand.  

Meter for reference

Top 5's of Hongkong International Airport

Fast bullet train in the airport lobby

Hong Kong International Airport (IATA: HKG, ICAO: VHHH) is the commercial airport serving Hong Kong, built on reclaimed land on the island of Chek Lap Kok. The airport is also known as Chek Lap Kok Airport. Named as 8th BUSIEST passenger terminal buildings worldwide by passenger traffic.  Managed by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), established in December 1, 1995.

Replacing Kai Tak Airpot, it has been commerically operating since 1998, 24 hours a day.  It's a regional trans-shipment center, passenger hub and gateway for destinations in Mainland China (with 45 destinations) and the rest of Asia.  Cathay Pacific (the flag carrier of Hong Kong) uses it as the primary hub.  It is a focus city for many airlines including China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Air India.

Imagine the adrenalin rush we had after we touched-down Hongkong.  Mom, Chesca and I, El Tres Viajeras (I call our group) were really excited. Finally, my mom's stories about Hongkong will soon be our (Chesca and I) first-hand experience.  Mommies Day Off beginning the journey, sharing with you best parts of it.  (wikipedia)

TOP 5 about Hongkong International Airport

1.  SPACE & AREA.  

It's huge like literally so spacious for everyone to walk without jostling someone else by the side.  It is said it accommodates 74,700 passengers almost everyday. 

2.  CLEANLINESS & STRUCTURE.

The tiles, walls, train, windows, chairs and everything is sparkling clean.  I didn't spot a chair or any area with trash or litter.  The litter bins were placed conscientiously and easy for people to go and throw garbages.  In fact, the bin itself is clean too.  

The comfort rooms too were so clean.  From floor to tiles to lavatory.  Awesome maintenance!

You would be amazed of the structure and interior design.  It's so modern and futuristic. See for yourself.

3.  STAFF.  

Know to have provided employment to 65,000 people.  From immigration officer, lobby attendants to store crews, everyone seemed to be cordial.  Not smiling a lot but with a timid, professional smile.  The crew in the store where we got our octopus card was a Filipina.  You know Filipinas.  

4.  SYSTEM & DISCIPLINE.  

It was easy to find where to go because of the large signs (in Chinese and English) and lobby attendants leading or showing the way.  Their computers, elevators, walkalators, escalators and system worked superbly.  Not only that, there was internet as soon as got in the lobby.  

It also has stores, resto, bank atms, money changers, internet cafes, and clinic.  The maps of the city was easy enough to study. Looking for Kaon St was easy for Andrei. I didn't. hahaha.  

During the interview, my mom went in first. She was asked her name.  Then it was our (Chesca's and I)'s turn.  He just looked at our passport pictures and asked Chesca's name.  I carried her a bit so he could see her.  Then he processed our travel document permit and gave it to me.  In that was the permit to remain until August 7, 2016.   

Hongkong International Airport walkalator

5.  TRANSPORTATION. 

Since the airport is too huge, moving to another terminal is assisted by their trains.  First time for us to experience taking a train inside an airport.  

We took the escalator and took the train going to E1.  A fellow Filipina was left behind because the train was timed. Once it closes, it won't reopen.  You gotta act fast.  It was like a 5-10 mins ride.  We were all brought to another area, where on the right side, stood in line that was moving fast with all other foreigners for the immigration interview.  

The three of us walked through looking for terminal A13 for our octopus card I bought at klook app.  Finding it was easy because of the friendly HK nationals speaking good English.  

Andrei met us there. He was looking regal and professional in blue polo.  Meeting him in the huge airport was easy because of the signs.  So good to see him flying from Qatar.  He's going to surpise meet his family there for vacation.  Am sure the 3 kids will be.  

The buses (city flyer) and taxis were parked accordingly. Standing in line for your turn was easy. People are respectful.  One stands after the other. No inserts.  Plus senior citizens are given priority.

Chesca and I seated in the City Flyer bus 

Andrei and mom seated together in the City Flyer bus

There you go mommies.  Some things to ponder and expect when you arrive Hong Kong International Airport.  Drop me your comments if you find something more.  Happy to share!  Too bad my huawei phone was corrupted. Most of my photos of the airport were there.

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Do's & Dont's During Hongkong Immigration Interview

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Photo by CNN

One of the things one has to prepare with international flights is the "Immigration Interview" process.  My mom had visited Hongkong twice already so she rehearsed me with some immigration do's and don'ts. Even if Hongkong is a visa-free country, it's best to properly respond with their immigration process professionally. I was traveling with my 8 year-old daughter then.  This was how our "Mom & Daughter" immigration experience.

DO's

1.  Stand on the line.  Wait for your turn.
2.  Let your child stand in line the same. It's a great start to teach them.
3.  Take off your hat/cap if you are wearing one.
4.  Ready your passport, ticket and card.
5.  Look at the immigration officer eye-to-eye.
6.  Answer briefly yet concise.
7.  Use right choice of words.
8.  Be polite and courteous. It goes a long way.
9.  Look at the camera straight, with face front.
10.  Just keep a professional look.

DONT's

1.  Over-answer.
2.  Stutter. Remain calm.
3.  Roll eyes as if looking somewhere.
4.  Over-step on another's space.
5.  Noisy. Avoid loud conversation.
6.  Keep it short and simple. Less talk, less mistake.

TOP 5  Usual Questions During Immigration Interview

and How to Respond

1.  Where do you work? 
In my case, I was even asked to show our company ID.  I told the officer, the company doesn't have one, rather we used 'toot' card.  That I showed him.  So, be ready with your company ID (if working).

2.  Who are you traveling with?
That time, my mom was interviewed ahead of me.  I responded, my mom and daughter (who was just beside me then).

3.  What's your complete name? 
I don't know why the officer, asked my mom to say her name.  But she was.  That was why, she was also surprised.  So if this might happen to you, don't be alarmed.  This is also their question with kids.  Most often, no questions at all for kids.

4.  How long will you stay in Hongkong?
My sister-in-law was asked of this.  That was her only question.  I guess it was obvious her 3 kids were standing beside her.

Some are asked to show proof of stay in Hongkong.  Just be ready with your booking confirmation.

5. For kids

As a mommy, I was beside my daughter as the immigration officer asked her to look at the camera.  Just be there for your child since they can't be on their own yet.

There you go mommies. Hope this helps with your travel planing with kids. I didn't get to have pictures with this since it was not allowed. Message me below if you have questions. Glad to help.

Ocean Express Train, Ocean Park, Hongkong: Travel Guide

Boarding the Ocean Express was an awesome made-to-feel-like-underwater trip.  The engineering was well-imitated of that submarine/train from side to front mirror, and the silverish shiny polished exterior.  Moreover, the ride was so smooth, no bulges along the trails. So fluid. 
You shouldn't miss this especially if you're traveling from Ocean Park Waterfront to Summit.  It's just 4 minutes trip that can accommodate 5,000 people per hour. 

HOW TO GET THERE

There are 8 main sections in Ocean Park, whose demographic was separated by color in the Map.  The Ocean Express Train is located at the Rainforest Grid nearby Polar Adventure.  In this Rainforest grid, are the Summit Plaza, Rainforest Why Zone, Expedition Trail, and The Rapids.  

It is best after going to the Polar Adventure, to hike there.  Depending on your pace and company, may take like 15-30 minutes.

The line may be cramped sometimes especially during peak seasons.  But it moves fast.  Just make sure to ask if you're not sure from any personnel in uniform not to lose your way.  The signs would also help a lot.  Besides you won't get lost there. This is the place where the line is pretty long.  That would be your clue.

When the train arrives, wait for it to gradually open.  No need to panic to take seats.  It is spacious enough.

waiting for the Ocean Express Train

invading the Ocean Express

DO'S 

Smile and be happy.
Enjoy and relax the ambience.
Take photos. 
Make memories in 4 minutes.
Have public etiquette to share seats for elderly or those with kids.

DON'TS

No food nor drink is allowed inside.  
No littering.
No cramping inside.

Old Hongkong @ Ocean Park, Hongkong: Travel Guide

mom and Chesca checking out Old Hongkong

What I love about Ocean Park was the Old Hongkong Attraction.  It's like a replica to give tribute to the Hong Kong of the 50's, 60's and 70's.  When you walk in the city, the architecture brings back the old feeling too.  Such a rich cultural heritage of the old days.  

It is located at Ocean Park's Water front, tucked right behind the Cable Car Terminal.  The busy street scenes showcases how the fashion, food, transportation and entertainment was before.  Such an interactive way of learning about the old customs that shaped the territory of Hongkong.

Achilles waiting for customers

You can step aboard the Heritage Tram, savour sounds and tastes from the past local eateries and street stalls. There is a wide range of offerings, over 70 types of snacks and cakes, like siomai, egg tarts and almond cookies.  It has showcases the feast of "Nine Big Bowls", which was traditionally served during the main festival. There are also souvenirs to keep the memory alive.  

Noelle acting as a vegetable vendor

Achilles acting as a fruit vendor

It brought back that "old" feeling. Though we weren't present, it sure did make us imagine how Hongkong was before.  It has evolved so much.  And the changes were GRAND.  

Chinese Giant Salamander @ Ocean Park, HK: Now Endangered

Chinese Giant Salamander, the largest amphibian in the world

What do you think this is?  Would you have guessed it at first glance?  I didn't either.  I thought it was just some sort of rock.  But this one guys is the largest salamander and amphibian in the world.  Whoa!  So, we took a closer look and watched it move.  

Ocean Park had this initiative to help inform visitors of the extinction of this amphibian.  Since the 1950's, 80% of its population decreased.  Chinese use them for traditional medicinal use.  It is also considered a delicacy. 

Andrias Davidianus, this largest amphibian reaches a length of 180 cm (5.9 ft), although rarely reaches the size today.  It is fully aquatic and endemic to rocky mountain streams and lakes in China.  It has become endangered due to habitat loss, pollution and over collection.

APPEARANCE

It has a large head, small eyes, dark, wrinkly skin. Its flat, broad head has a wide mouth, round lidless eyes, and a line of pair tubercles that run around its head and throat.  Its color is typically dark brown with a mottled or speckled pattern, but it can also be brownish tones, dark reddish or black.  Albinos, which are white or orange, have been recorded.  All species of giant salamander produce a sticky white skin secretion that repels predators.

The average adult salamander weighs 25-30 kg (55-66 lb) and is 115 cm (3.77 ft) in length.  It can reach up to 50 kg (110 lb) in weight and 180 cm (5.9 ft) in length, making it the largest amphibian species.  The largest documented, kept at a farm in Zhangjiajie, was 180 cm (5.9 ft) in 2007.  

WHAT IT DOES

The giant salamander is known to vocalize, making barking, whining, hissing, or crying sounds.  Some of these vocalizations bear a striking resemblance of the crying of a young human child, and as such it is known in the Chinese language as the "infant fish."

Red Panda @ Ocean Park, Hongkong: Now Endangered

Red Panda resting so very cuddly

As planet earth evolves, this "red panda or the so called lesser panda (Ailurus Fulgens)" is becoming extinct. This red bear-cat and the red cat-bear is a mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. Their habitat has been increasingly threatened.  Poor panda.  Ocean Park, has made this initiative to take care of them to help them breed and live.  Thru the park, visitors all over the world are taught about their protection and the value of all flora and fauna in their fragile ecosystem.

The male red panda weighs 3.7 - 6.2 kg while the female weighs 3 - 6 kg. It has a reddish-brown fur, a long shaggy tail, and a waddling gait due to its shorter front legs; it is roughly the size of a domestic cat, though with a longer body and somewhat heavier.

It is arboreal, feeds mainly on bamboos but also eats eggs, birds, high fiber biscuits, vegetables and insects.  It is a solitary animal mainly active from dusk to dawn and is sedentary during the day.

The red panda is the only living species of the genus Ailurus and the family Ailuridae.  It has been previously placed in the racoon and bear families, but the results of phylogenetic analysis provide strong support for its taxonomic classification in its own family, Ailuridae, which part of the superfamily "Musteloidea" alongside with the weasel, racoon and skunk families.  Two subspecies are recognized.  It is not closely related to the giant panda, which is a basal ursid.

"I did not insist on taking more of this red panda's picture because I realized that same with people, they need privacy. This one looked so tired or just asking for "my space" please.  

Ocean Park's Sea Jelly: Travel Guide

One of the most interesting attraction was the Sea Jelly, whose featured more than 1,000 different sizes and kinds of colorful jelly fish beautifully swimming in the aquarium. As the colored backlights reflect, they're beauty were magnified. The special music, effects and dynamic beats multi-dimensional space, making you feel closer as if touching them.  

FUN FACTS TO KNOW

Sea Jellies are said to appear before dinosaurs age. They are living the earth for over 650 million years.  

Some species can exceed 200 g. The largest specie, Lion's Mane Jellyfish can have tentacles reaching about 36 meters. The tiniest are less than 2 cm long. 

The tentacles of sea jellies are used for feeding  and defense. 

They have cells containing barbs and venoms used for stinging and killing their prey.  

One of the most venomous specifies are called sea wasps which we can kill in few minutes.

It took eight scenes of cylindrical jellyfish tanks, textured floor finish, themed ceiling and illuminated graphics to build this attraction. "Sea atmosphere" was the goal of its theme.  The goal was also to involve and inform visitors and raise awareness of environmental concerns.

What makes it so unique and entertaining was how the LCD monitors on black wall, laser zone and mirror focus get the attention of everyone.  Visitors get the feel of "touch and go".  An interactive zone to play with jellyfish, which float away when the screen is touched.

The exhibit shows a collection of more than 1,000 sea jellies from over ten distinct species collected worldwide. It's a challenge how to handle with care, create a proper living environment since they are fragile creatures.

According to the Ocean Park Annual Report, "Using new interactive technologies, this magnificent attraction is a departure from the normal aquarium experience and was incredibly popular. It helped increase year-to-year attendance more than 15,000 in its first three weeks of operation."

Sea jellies are vital in the marine food web. They act as predators and preys. Once you pass thru hundreds of jellies and you're being pursued by sharks, they would be scared because of the jellies' tentacles.  

"After enjoying the interactive sea jellies, we had a little fun time by peeping thru a hole and your face will appear on the screen as if you're a human jelly fish. It was so fun!"

Drex as the floating human jellyfish 

here's a view of them floating so aimlessly

The Adventures in Australia: So Outback!

the fuzzy male Koala Bear of Australia "DOUGIE"/ pic by Ness See

The adventure inside will definitely take you to the outback of South Australia for a moment. Here's why.

To give guests the realistic experience, the exhibit is climate-controlled to match the temperature and humidity during different seasons in South Australia.  It also has an illuminated combination of natural and LED lights to simulate the hours of the day.  The attraction features extensive use of recycled timber and wide range of environmentally friendly materials, equipments and designs.

Most of all, SILENCE is appreciated. No loud talking is allowed so not to disturb the Aussie animals.

passing thru the film-corridor 

As soon as you walk in, the eucalyptus smell will relax your mind.  The den was full of it because koalas eat it. The koalas looked so cute.  It was so still. It was so clingy on the tree. I think it observes people too.

The three famous fuzzy koalas were Yani (female) who has a heart-shaped face, grey-spotted nose and white fur below her right eye, Dougie (male) with a darker coat and Merinda (female) with round face and white spot under her left eye. 

Walking on, you will notice the hopping red-necked wallabies. They have reddish fur on their napes and shoulders. They are the marsupial cousins of kangaroo.

This one is a white wallabie.  It looked like a huge rodent for me. hahaha. But we enjoyed seeing it hopping.

Then you can also enjoy the humanlike chuckle-sound done the kookaburras. They can be seen flying freely throughout the exhibit.  

Before we exited the attraction, we had the opportunity to learn about the common environmental challenges faced by Hongkong and South Australia.  We also explored the eco-tourism destinations in South Australia set-up on the backdrops of a panoramic view of Adelaide's beautiful skyline.

enjoy this!