Free Make-over for Passport Appointment

Hi mommies and bff's!  Have you gotten your passport already?  If not, schedule yours soon.  Don't wait for that first international trip to happen before getting one. Just get one for that trip! Have faith.

Today, I will share with you a penniless or FREE make-over before you take that photo in your passport appointment.

Remember that the new passport's validity is 10 years for adults and 5 years for kids. You don't want to look ugly in it.

GET A FREE MAKE-OVER

Not all mommies and bff's are confident in applying make-up.  I'm one of them.  I guess, make-ups didn't happen to be one of my favorites.  But for some, it's an easy thing.  Thus, mom and I decided to have someone do it for us.

1.  Go to any mall and look for a cosmetic stall.  Best to find one in SM.

"We drove to SM Cubao, since our appointment was just across - Ali Mall, DFA.  We arrived Ali Mall a bit early so we couldn't park yet.  We parked at SM and then walked towards the main mall."

2.  There are stationed trained staff there to assist you.  You can ask them to do your make-over for FREE, as long as you buy one or two from them.

"We like the FS brand. After seeing the staff, Aiza do a make-over to a customer, we decided to let her do ours.  She did mom's.  I loved it.  And then she did my eyebrows.  Her hands are so light.  I think she nailed it.  Thank you Aiza!

The make-over took about 30 minutes for both of us.  Just be early to make it on your passport appointment.

3.  Pay for the cosmetic or beauty kit after the make-over.

"Mom bought me the power ball brush and waterproof eyeliner."  

Note:  Chesca was doing her own tests.  But erased them before the photo session.  

There you go mommies and bff's!  Sharing with you a fit-in-your-budget make-up over.  No need to pay for professional fee.  You can also do this before you attend a party or anything important.  For a 100 eye pencil, it's definitely is worth it!

How We Commuted From Hotel Oxley 88 to Universal Studios, Singapore

Hi mommies and bff's!  Ever planned of visiting one of the most amazing countries in Asia?  Book via Jetstar now and get everyday discount flights from Manila to Changgi.  Yes, that's the airline we took going to Singapore last 2018.

Today, I will share SMART TIPS how "EL TRES VIAJERAS" commuted from our Agoda booked hotel Oxley 88 going to the famous Universal Studios.

First thing first as always:  Prepare your itinerary in advance.

Going to Universal Studios, Singapore was on our second day, September 19th (Isaiah's birthday, my first nephew).

Mom, Chesca and I woke up 6 am to prepare ourselves.  Had a little breakfast where we enjoyed their one of a kind "MILO" which we bought from Expo Mall, one stop from Changgi Interational Airport MRT Station and some bread.  After the prep, we prayed for guidance, protection and had a photo on the bed.

COMMUTE FROM GEYLANG TO 

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, SINGAPORE

1. We walked like 3 minutes from the hotel (151 meters) to the main street across  Opp Mohd Salleh Mque.  

2. Stood at the bus stop for 5 minutes to wait for our Bus Line 80 going to Vivo City.  The bus travel time was 34 minutes.  Fare around 35-110 Php.  The Bus Stand is anywhere in Singapore.  You won't miss it because that's usually where the passengers are flocked together.  People there are so discipline to follow this.

3. From Vivo City (after we redeemed our Universal Studios voucher and Sentosa Express voucher), we took the Sentosa Express at  Sentosa Vivo Station Train, just walking distance from the booth where we got the Sentosa Pass.  Tram arrives every 5 minutes.  It takes 7 minutes by tram going to Universal Studios. Tram stops at Waterfront Resorts World. Sentosa Express Train ticket from Klook is 471 Php.

CLICK TO GET DISCOUNT NOW

4. Approximately 23 meters, you will arrive Universal Studios.

SMART TIPS

1.  Buy the wifi sim at Klook for 473 Php.  Choose the one that's good for 7 days.  You'll need this to use google map.  I bought  4G SIM Card (SG Pick Up) for Singapore. 

Inclusive Of:

• M1 Tourist SIM card (regular/micro/nano size)
• Free local data: 100GB
• Local calls: 500 mins
• Local SMS: 100
• International calls: 20 mins
• Card is valid for 7 days

HOW TO USE

• You can present either a printed or a mobile voucher for this activity
• This voucher is valid for 1 month from date selected
• Please bring along your passport for registration

Airport Pick Up Locations:

Terminal 2 Departure Hall - Level 2

• Cheers Convenience Store, Unit #026-039-01
• Near Check-In rows 11 and 12
• Redemption Hours: 9:00am-9:00pm, daily

• 2.  Buy 3 pcs of Nets Flashpay Card at Klook for 433.  This is the same as the Hongkong Octopus Card.  Reloadable and easy to use.  Just make sure you won't load a lot in it so it happens to get lost, it will not be a waste.

3. Always bring a bottle of water to quench from thirst.

4. Fully-charge your phone and gopro's for more photo and video captures.


There you go mommies and bff's.  I hope this simple first-hand experience "El Tres Viajeras" had would help you in your Universal Studios adventure!

Why Choose CJ Gomez Resort This Summer

Look at Cia!  So regal and calm like the clear summer sky.  It's almost SUMMER TIME once again mommies and bff's.  I know it's still the love month but two months from now, summer is on a high once again.  To help you with your preparation where to spend and cool-down the heat, here's a 2 hours drive from the heart of city to Rizal, known for swimming pools and nature adventure.  

CLICK LINK TO GET HOTEL REBATES 

WHY CHOOSE CJ RESORT?

1.  Location is easy to find and well-situated.

2. The place's pride is how the location was built on an elevated land, just perfect to see the clear and beautiful mountain ranges of Rizal. By the entrance, a buddha statue greets you. 

3. The landscape of trees and plants perfected situated by the side and middle of the venue providing shade and fresh air to everyone.  

4. The tall coconut trees provide another shade to the umbrella tables outside. They look so stalwartly guarding the place.  

5. It also has a huge club house where a group can have the party and program.  

6. At the right side from entrance were two rectangular large pools (adult & kids). On the far left end, are two pools - one large and the other for kids.  Plus the water in the pool was clean.

7. Their comfort and shower rooms are clean.  

8. The customer counter actually was the sari-sari store.  

9. The ground is mostly dirt although it's really dry during summer time.  

10. The parking area is huge. There are also tricycle available to take you for commuters.

the view at the parking

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. To foster people interaction, the place doesn't have wifi. Others think it's a "oh -no" but for me, it was an "oh yeah!"   Why go to a party when you're on your phone, right?!

2.  Unlike any other swimming pool venues, you have to drive a very short distance on dirt road. 

3.  When it's summer expect the heat so bring ur fan, hat and a lot of water.  

For a package of 8,500 Php, a group of 50-60 people can enjoy the 10-hour access to this private resort with: 

1.  Time is 7 am to 5 pm or 6 am to 6 am)
2.  Big club house

3.  2 (AC, ordinary) big rooms

4.  1 Adult pool

5.  1 Kiddie pool

6.  3 big tables

7. Videoke

ENTRANCE FEE

Adult - 100 php

Kids - 50 php

pathway from parking

Straight from work at night, mom, Chesca and I drove to CJ Resort. This was where we had our Stake Relief Society "Mother's Day" Aloha party. There were 7 wards in Montalban Stake. Our attendance roughly was less than 100. Almost everyone were dressed in Hawaiian outfit.  How refreshing to see a lot of flowers on cloth.  Plus some even wore grass skirts and had leis on their head and necks.  

"dalagang Filipina, yeah..."

We had fun with our Luau-themed party from 8 am to 5 pm. The program and games like coconut relay, pineapple peeling and others were well-executed. I love the aloha dance tutorial.  Although it was really hot, we all enjoyed especially the kids and mommies who swam or just dipped-in the pool. Mom and Chesca swam too. I didn't because I lacked sleep.  

Eastwood Ward Relief Society sisters. pic c/o Santa Molina

Eastwood ward sisters prepared plenty of food. Now that's a party, right?!  We brought our respective utensils for eating.  There were some flies but manageable.  If you wanted soda like we did, you can buy one from the store affront. 

The last part of the program was just videoke singing.  While others just killed time by swimming.  The three of us left around 4 pm.

Marissa, RS President peeling off pineapple contest, photo c/o Santa Molina

HOW TO GO THERE

Address :  E. Manuel St. Sabah San Jose Montalban, 1860 Rodriguez, Rizal

Their Phone #  :  0919 358 8505

From Quezon City (via private car)

1.  Drive out from QC Circle to Commonwealth

2.  Drive straight along commonwealth avenue.

3.  Turn Right to Litex.

4.  Turn Left to Payatas road.

5.  Drive straight until you reach zigzag road.

6.  Enter Montalban by going right at crossing area.

7.  Drive straight. You'll pass by Robinsons Town Center.

8.  Turn left.  Drive slow here.

9.  When you reach the busy middle area (City Hall), turn left to E. Manuel Street.

10.  Road is cemented.  Near the venue is dirt road. Drive slow.

stalwart tall coconut trees

spacious clubhouse for the party

How I Planned My Daughter's Beach & Pool Birthday Party

Hi mommies and bff's!  Anticipating your child's birthday?  Like every mom out there, I want what's best for my only child on her birthday.  Planning for her birthday took a month for me.  How many days does it take you? Here's how my month-long plan came to be.

6 EASY GUIDE  TO PLAN A CHILD'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

1.  Do a SURVEY. Every year, your child's interest changes.  That is why it's called childhood.  So, since it's her/his birthday, make sure the THEME is for his/her.

There are 2 General themes:

1. Dry kind of Party such as parties in hotel, club house, theme parks and restos.
2. Wet kind of Party such beach, swimming pool and water theme-parks.

My Chesca wanted the wet kind of party.  No special theme but just swimming.

a. Pool Swimming

b. Beach Swimming 

c. Favorite Resto 

d. Beach & Pool Swimming

For my Chesca, she liked letter D.  Who wouldn't want a swimming party, right?

Other THEME options are disney princesses, toy story, barbie, general's game, ben10, etc.  Just make sure, it will make him/her happy.

2.  After the theme, it's time to CANVASS the two WHERE's:

WHERE 1 (LOCATION) :  Our options were:

a. Subic
b. Batangas

Our Venue:  AQUARIA WATER PARK

WHERE 2 (Travel Packages):  Our options were:

a. Metrodeal vouchers.

For group get-away, I always go to Metrodeal.  I definitely recommend this website for mommies too.  "I bought 6 adults and 2 kids vouchers. from Aquaria Water Park, Calatagan, Batangas. The adult voucher was 399 php while the kid voucher was 150 php." 

• First, I just searched the key word 'get away' and I got options.  
• Next, I searched the beach and pool availability.  
• Third, I checked the price. 
• Last is the location.

b.  FB Travel Groups.  There are many FB travel group that offers ALL-IN packages for a hassle-free trip.  You may want to browse pages.

3.  Explore FOOD.  Our options were:

a. Mixed-prep.  Some cooked. Some bought.

• I asked her what she wants to eat while swimming
• I jotted the other food adults like to eat.
• I budgeted the main food, fruits, bread and drinks for 8 pax

Since I know what she wants and found the best location for it, I then started planning the food and paper utensils.  I like cooking for her so I took half of the preparation and Malou, my elder brother's house helper did the other half.

• COOKED BY ME
• Rice - 3 kilos - 45 /kilo x 3 = 135 php
• Adobong Chicken - 400 Php
• Fried Hotdog - 230 Php
• COOKED BY MALOU
• Chopsuey - 250 Php
• Pansit - 400 Php
• READY TO EAT
• Birthday Chocolate Cake - 350 Php
• Watermelon (whole) - 200 Php
• DRINKS & UTENSILS
• Large mineral water - 150 Php
• Paper plates, cups, spoon and fork - 200 php
• 3 1.5 L softdrinks - 190 Php
• TOTAL - 2,425 Php

b.  All bought ready to eat.

This is one famous prepare now.  Mommies don't want to worry.  I agree.  Just choose what best for you.

4.  Map TRANSPORTATION.  I consulted with my sister-in-law, Vanessa:

• Buy gas for the car or we have to take the bus going to Calatagan, Batangas.  
• We read blogs and checked google map of the distance.  She said it's ok she drives and we just buy gas.
• Gas Expense - 1,000 Php

5.  Prepare other swimming NEEDS. I bought her.

• Minnie Mouse floating vest - 200 Php
• Tinker Bell round floater - 150 Php
• goggles - 120 Php

6.  Bring Extra Cash for other payments and expenses that may arise at the party.

At Aquaria Water Park, we also paid for:

a. Cabana - 2,400 Php

b. Environmental Fee - Adults 60/ Kids 30 Php

There you go mommies. The 6 basics of mommiesdayoff firsthand.  Let me know how your child's birthday planning came to be. 

8 Smart Ways For Everyone To Enjoy Ocean Park Cable Car

Riding the Ocean Park's world famous Cable Car is the ideal way to get between the Waterfront and the Summit.  Apart from unhindered views of the sea, sky and surrounding hills, all of which make a great backdrop for a family shot, this soothing journey provides an excellent opportunity to see where you would like to visit next in the Par below. - Ocean Park website

Hi mommies and bffs!  Here's one of the best experiences we had at Ocean Park - The Cable Car. This is NOT available yet in the Philippines so trying it was exciting.  When you visit Ocean Park, go straight here to maximize your visit.

What is Cable Car?  

It is the world's 13th Most Visited Theme Park. It is separated by large mountains into two areas - The Summit (Headland) and The Waterfront (Lowland). These areas can be reached by a 1.5 km cable car system or Ocean Express Funicular railway. 

Hanging like huge balloons in different colors through a large cable rope seamlessly gliding through the line held by tall and sturdy posts.  Each cable car can carry a total passenger of 5.  

You can choose from regular cable car or the one with glass floor, where you can see through down below.

Stand in line for your turn. Wait for the cable car to stop in front of you.  The crew will be there to assist and check especially the lock of the car.

Book your Ocean Park adventure via Klook now and get discounts.  

Our group of two families were definitely hyped with this experience.  A must-visit for you too.  Don't worry, mommies, here are tips for you as you prepare your Hong Kong itinerary.

What a feeling!!! Awesome Ride of the Year 2016

My brave lil girl so happy with the ride!

8 Smart Ways For Everyone To Enjoy

1. By nature, kids are amazed of it.  The floating balloon-like cable car fascinates them.  Let them!  This kills the fright away.

2.  Keep calm and smile.  Not all adults are fun of heights.  I love heights.  But it still gets scary at some point.  Hide it.  Don't show how scared you are.  It can affect them too.  

3.  Travel in groups like we did kept them busy with entertainment. 

4. Sit beside them to hold their hands or wrap their shoulders.  It definitely reassures them of safety.

5.  Make the ride fun by looking at the view up and down with them.  I told my daughter that the people on the ground looked like ants.  She said, "oh yeah they do."

6. Don't ride when your tummy is full especially if you fear of heights.  This might lead you to vomit.

7.  Already take your pee break before you take the ride.  

8.  Just breathe in and out to relax and enjoy the ride.

Note:  Always obey the rules of safety.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK & GET REBATES

Cable Cars hanging like balloons

WHAT WE CAN SAY ABOUT IT

While we were in the ride, my mom and I talked about how great and magnificent the engineering was.  The posts and cables were built with excellent skill.  I cannot have a faulty because accidents can happen.  So Hongkong was once governed by the Great Britain.  I guess that's why, the buildings, structure and architecture were beyond excellent.

When the air passed by and I heard the cable clunking, I couldn't stop thinking what might have happened. hahaha.  As it went up, my heart beat went faster, as it went down, it was twice much faster.  Anyway, it was a safe ride.  I love it when the air touched my cheek.  It was so fresh.  The ride lasted like half an hour.  It was heavenly!

There you go mommies and bffs!  Hope this helps.  

Why Take the Tramways in Hong Kong

photo by theculturetrip.com

Have you ridden the famous "1920's style Tram (Ding-Ding) of Hong Kong?  This is a 3 ft 6 inches (1,067 mm) narrow-gauge heritage tram.  It runs on Hong Kong Island between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan, with a branch circulating through Happy Valley.  It is owned and operated by RATP Dev Transdev Asia.  Known as the earliest forms of public transport in metropolis, opened in 1904 under the British rule.

It owns the world's largest operational double-decker tram fleet.  It is only known to be environmental friendly.  Last 2004, it celebrated its 110 years of service. On 2017, it rebranded with a new logo, new livery and new map.  Since the opening of MTR in 2015, the daily tramway ridership dropped to 10%. 

Click HERE to Book & Get Rebates

It operates 5:30 am to 12:30 am.  Minimum fare was HK$2.60 for adults; HK$1.20 senior citizens; HK$1.30 children. Passengers pay alighting by either depositing the exact fare in the fare box or by octopus card.  Total length - 13 kilometers (8.1 mi).  Maximum capacity is 115 people.  The speed is 40 km per hour.  

Currently Hongkong Tram has 120 stops including seven termini. From west to east is the Kennedy Town, Shek Tong Tsui, Western Market, Happy Valley, Causeway Bay, North Point and Shay Kei Wan. - wikipedia

Andrei and I at the tram to Central to buy dinner at Jollibee

My brother, Andrei and I had our firsthand experience when we opted to buy food for us after we checked-in Best Western Hotel Plus. Our respective flights were tiring and exhausting.  Mom and Chesca stayed at the hotel while the two of us decided to go out.  

Hong Kong transportation is something I am proud of to experience.  There are a lot of people but it never gets traffic because the system is synchronized.  One of Hong Kong's pride is the TRAM.

photo by en.wikipedia

HOW TO TAKE THE TRAMWAYS

From Best Western Hotel Plus Hotel, De Voeux Rd (Vice-Versa)

1. Walk towards the middle land called Hong Kong Tramways Termini.  You won't miss it because people stand in line there. This was just in front of the hotel.
"We met Mar, a Filipino guy, who was kind enough to walk with us through the tram Central termini. We kinda chatted with him a little.  He’s been working there for 4 years already. He told us what to ride back (Kennedy)"

2. Tram arrives on time so be early.  
3. Ready your exact coins or octopus card.
4. Alight the tram thru the entrance door.
5. Exit the tram thru the exit door.

"We finally bought meals from Jollibee, Worldwide Central. The crew was speaking in Filipino. So weird yet made us happy. Drop off at Central (Causeway Bay).
We got lost finding our way back to the hotel.  Instead of walking down to Des Vouex Rd., we walked up even reached Mo Tsam temple which I forgot to take picture of. We sought direction from a stranger and asked first "kabayan"  If that person looks back at us, that means he/she is a Filipino too.    

We were sweating hard but still found our way back to the hotel.  

It was a good sibling travel experience.  We worked as a team.  When we came to the hotel, mom and Chesca were not around.  Mom got worried of us coming back really late. She called Andrei via messenger.  They went downstairs at the front desk to seek assistance. One thing’s that’s good in HK is their wifi.  It’s almost everywhere. Fantastic! 

Too bad, we arrived the hotel late, Jucy, who's working in HK, my friend who came to fetch her green mangoes and her friend decided to leave."  

WHAT WE CAN SAY ABOUT TRAM

1.  Although the built looks good, its study, clean and open.
2.  It runs in the middle of the city, so you can enjoy sight-seeing right and left.
3.  It does not emit black smoke.
4.  The driver is well-dressed. Although not in speaking term.
5.  Arrives and leaves on time. Very professional.

There you go mommies!  Hope this helps when you choose to do sight-seeing tour in Hong Kong via Tram.  You can book this via Klook.