KidZania Manila Invasion: For First Timers

My children have been asking for a trip to KIDZANIA since it opened in Manila a few months back. 

We finally gave it a go and bought tickets online via TicketWorld.  The boys were just so thrilled.

MamaSpeaks, welcomes you  to KidZania!

What is KidZania?

KidZania is an indoor role play city where kids can be anybody they want to be. It is it's own nation, where kids actually rule! And my boys are ready for some action.

Our timing was perfect. There were fewer crowd than KidZania's normal full house.   Waiting time was under 10 minutes (well except for the blockbuster Fire Station) ~ Lucky us. 

My 7 year old finished 11 activities (excluding lunch break, bus tour, opening an account and getting a passport) in his 9am-4pm shift. Not bad at all!

First stop ~ the Bank

At entry, the kids were handed KidZanian checks worth 50 kidZos.  Kids (yes parents wait outside, as for all of the other activities) must cash-in their check in the bank. 

  They can then open a bank account, to get an ATM card.  It is real fast and easy.  

Next Stop ~ Immigration

Before role playing, the boys applied for KidZanian passport. Applying for a passport requires parental consent and costs P250. I pre-applied the kids on-line, so the Immigration officer needed simply to retrieve their application from the database.

A passport gives your children a citiZen  status.  CitiZens get special benefits such as discounts and higher pay.  

Naturalized CitiZens for instance gets:

• 5 kidZos discount on redemption items at the Department Store
• 5% discount on National Store and Photography and
• earns extra 2 kidZos per activity

A passport is a good investment, especially if you plan of coming back for more of KidZania.

Third Stop ~ City Tour Bus

A ride on board the tour bus cost 1 kidZo each. Taking the tour bus before doing any activity was a good call, as it gave us a good vista of the town for easier navigation afterwards.

 Parents wanting a break, would appreciate the Parents' Lounge located at the Mezzanine level. Here adults can charge their gadgets, or have coffee.

The boys had a blast playing make believe.  Here are pictures from from the activities they did.

As a radio talent at the DZMM/MOR Radio Station 

As a baker at the Goldilocks Bakeshop 

As construction workers

 Developing treats at the Oishi Creative Hub

 Flying a plane as a Pilot at the Cebu Pacific Hub

 As a patrol police officer at the KidZania Police Department (KZPD)

There are dozens of activities kids can try, a shift is not enough to finish them all. 

Here are the other activities we would come back for:

As a dentist  ~ just look at the make believe child seated on the dental chair. She looks life like.

As a fireman at the Fire Station ~ would definitely do this on our next visit.

As a court observer in the court house

Things to remember when visiting KidZania:

1. Activities may either earn your kids kidZos or cost them. Work activities earns, while activities that teaches cost kidZos.

 Use the map you receive upon entry as guide to check if the activity earns or costs kidZos.

2. Check the census plaques (like the one below), which are helpful guides to learning about the town's different activities. It contains information on age requirement, length of activity, number of visitors who may join the activity and whether the activity will earn or require spending of kidZos. 

Note: CitiZens pay 2 kidZos less or earns 2 kidZos more than published rates.

3. A visit to the KidZania website will  help you choose activities pre-hand.  Prioritize your child's personal interests, but try to encourage him on other activities outside these interests as well.

4. Get your tickets online to avoid disappointments.  You don't want to go there learning there are no more tickets left. When getting your tickets via TicketWorld you would notice that there is a ticket availability indicator (green means light crowd, while red means full house) ~ if you are not particular on the date, I suggest you delay your trip to a less crowded day.

5. Bring your camera and take lots of pictures.  Have fun and enjoy an educational bonding day with your kids.

6.  Most of the activities are for children ages 4-14 years old, however, I noticed that my older child (age 12) was not so keen on joining most of the activities. I think he has already outgrown role playing. It was however, perfect for my 7 year old, who was all over town.

Thumbs Up for KidZania Manila ~ Perfect place for Kids is a perfect place to dream and play!

We had a wonderful day at KidZania ~ we would surely be back for more.

 KidZania Manila is located  at the Park Triangle, North 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Tel No: +632 711-KidZ

For inquiries check KidZania's media pages:

facebook: www.facebook.com/KidZaniaManilaKid

instagram: @KidZaniaManila

twitter: @KidZaniaManila

Magnum Manila Review ~ Heaven Sent Dessert

What do you say to a Magnum Bar, with three (3) of your choice toppings, on a super hot afternoon? 

 

It was obviously a big YES (with a huge GRIN) for me and my boys. 

 

I have been wanting to try Magnum Manila's "make-your-own" ice cream bar, but the long queues is such a turn-off.  

 

We were back at SM Aura last week, and the queues were not as long ~ Yipee!

 

 

 A DIY Magnum Bar cost P100. 

 

 

 

After paying, a crew takes in your choices of three (3) toppings...

 

(Tip: There are so many toppings to choose from, if you are not certain, get the toppings labelled "best seller")

 

 

 

 You  would be asked, whether you want a vanilla or a chocolate bar; and preference of chocolate coating: dark chocolate, white chocolate or milk chocolate.  

 

 

The ice cream bar is dipped into the chocolate coating and the toppings are then sprinkled to the ice cream bar, and "tada", the bestEST Magnum Bar ever!!!

 

 

 

 My choice: vanilla ice cream, dipped in dark chocolate with almonds, marsh mallow and choco dots for toppings. 

 

 

My boy is so proud of his own ice cream creation. 

 

I guess we will be back again soon (hopefully without queues)!

 

 

 

Magnum Manila is located at the 5F Skypark, SM Aura

Check out their facebook page for details: Magnum Manila

 

 

Thank Goodness for Mary Grace Cafe' and Bakery

My guilty pleasure: luscious desserts taken with perfectly brewed coffee after a pleasant meal. 

 

I have always been a fan of Mary Grace's desserts, especially their brownies.  So I was happy to learn, that they have now ventured into a full café, offering tummy-filling, comfort dishes.

 

We ordered crispy cassava chips with onion dip for starters, 2 sets Vigan longganisa and classic carbonara (for my cream base pasta-addict kids) each for my boys, with a pitcher of iced tea Sangria as refreshments ~ for 4 pax (2 adults and 2 kids).

 

 

The highlight of the meal was ofcourse the famous Mary Grace mouthwatering desserts. We finished with a mango bene and strawberry shortcake with coffee.  

Saying we enjoyed our food is an understatement.

My kids literally devoured the cakes and we just had to order an additional cake to go.

 

VERDICT

• We visited the SM Aura branch. There is another branch at  Podium Mall, but have not actually eaten there.  The space at SM Aura is bigger and seating more relaxed.  
• It is a bit costly for a normal Juan's, but food really is delicious and worth trying, at least for special occasions.
• Service is very good.  Staff attentive and warm.
• Thumbs up for the food! We would definitely be back for more.

 

Click here to view Mary Grace Cafe' Menu.

Pedro Calungsod Chapel at SM Aura, BGC Taguig

We were on our way back home from a weekend staycation at Microtel Hotel near SM MOA. We were looking for church along to way and remembered SM Aura has a chapel.

  

Parking was a breeze. There were plenty of parking slots available, considering it was a weekend.  After parking we rushed towards the mall entrance and asked our way to the chapel.

 

The chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is located at SM Aura's top level (level 7).  We took a lift from the B2 parking to Level 5 and changed lift to reach the chapel.  We reached the chapel just in time for the 12nn mass.

  

 

 

It was a long way up, but worth it.  The chapel is beautifully designed and view outside breath-taking  (with fresh air to spare - although every now and then, we can smell grilled food, which I am guessing coming from the food court area).

 

The chapel can fill up to 300 people. Unfortunately, with the number of mall goers wanting to catch mass before shopping - expect SRO, especially if  you come it late. 

 

Mass-goers easily spill outside towards the deck and with people coming in / passing by it was quite difficult to concentrate (the cons of mall masses).

 

The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is located at the 7th level of SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway Taguig City.
Mass schedules:
Mondays to Saturdays at 12nn and 5pm Sundays at 10am and 5pm.
 

 
 
 
 
 

Orale' - my first real Mexican restaurant!

 This restaurant made me into a burritos addict and I never liked Mexican food to begin with!

Mexican slang word: Orale' literal English translation is "what's up"!  So what's up with this restaurant?

  

ATMOSPHERE: Relaxed and casual during 11am early lunch time.  Not sure how busy they get at night, when yuppies roam and rule BGC..., to enjoy your lunch try to come in early or make reservations.

Restaurant design is contemporary and laid back.   

FOOD:  Sorry I forgot to take pictures.  I was too busy munching, I forgot to take proofs...

For our group of three (2 ladies and a gentleman, ehem) we ordered burritos, quesadillas and arroz platillos - carnitas (since lunch is not lunch without rice for our male collegue) with soda.

Servings (especially the burritos) was huge and very filling (burp, burp, burp...)!

I am not a Mexican food fan, so I would not really know if they serve the best burritos. I enjoyed Orale's and was satisfied!!!
PRICE: P300-400 per person.  I think it was reasonable for the size servings.

VERDICTS: I would recommend this restaurant for Mexican dish first timers.  I would definitely be back and bring my family to try their other dishes.

TIPS:
Must try their burritos.  If you are not sure, of what to order ask for recommendations from one of the friendly and super nice attendants.

If you don't like spices, tell the waiters in advance and have the spices placed on the side.  They are more than happy to oblige.

ORALE' has a branch at the G/F, The Fort Strip,
7th & 28th Street, BGC Taguig City, Metro Manila.  It
is open daily from 11AM to 11PM Daily
Phone: (02) 552-2660

F1 Hotel Pool

 

 

For a small hotel, BEST WESTERN PREMIER F1 Hotel happens to have three swimming pools: a kiddie pool, wading pool and an infinity lap pool - which was perfect for family fun time.

 

A staycation is not complete for my kids, without a dip into the pool right after breakfast. 

My hubby and my youngest son, playing while waiting for kuya to finish his laps.

F1 Hotel at the Fort Taguig

 

 

The first hotel in Global City Taguig, hence its name F1 Hotel is located along the 32nd street BGC across St. Lukes Hospital.

 

My family and I stayed in one of F1 hotel's deluxe room for New Year's Eve 2012. 

 

The hotel was fairly new. The room size was adequate with just enough space for my kids to run around.  The room was also equiped with 32 inch LCD TV and ipod dock, that kept my boys entertained and busy as they wait for Santa to show up.

 

The matress were heavenly.  Good night sleep indeed!

My youngest putting the matress to the sleep test!  I guess this one wont be able to wait for Santa afterall.

 

 

 

The Bath was immaculately clean.

 

 

The room also has a sitting area, my boys tried this one as well.

Comfy,  perfect sitting for some choco and chocolate cake.

 

Would have easily given this hotel a 9, if not for an unattended request. 

Before leaving the hotel for some last Christmas shopping, we requested for tone down and room cleaning service through housekeeping.  However, when we got back we were dismayed to see the room as we left it.  Raised my brows a bit since I was expecting better service from a Best Western Premier hotel.  Oh well canb't have it all.

Location - 8
Food - 9
Room - 9
Service - should improve

Best Western Hotel F1 is located at 32nd Street Bonifacio Global City
Telephone: (63.2) 928.9888
Fax: (63.2) 928.1888
Email: inquiry@bwpf1hotel.com