DIVIMART ~ Divisoria Prices in a Mall Setting

Welcome to DIVIMART!

This place is a real haven for budget shoppers, who doesn't have the heart to brave the terrible Manila traffic to shop in Divisoria. This is the place to shop, if you want to stretch your hard earned Pesos.

This mall seems to have everything at very low prices.

Groceries, school supplies, cosmetics and accessories, account for most of the First floor.

Cutie fashion accessories ~ perfect for your little divas (I am sure my niece's eyes will popped-out with the sight of all these pretty bows and hairclips) ~ priced at P40 and up.

Wallets and pouches made of canvas  ~ P80 and up per set.

Pretty character backpacks ~ starting at P240. 

Character loot bag set, nice for your child's next party ~ priced at P40 and up.

Or DIY with these goodie bags/drawstrings, priced at P20 and up.

These school supplies make good loot bag fillers.

These metallic balloons will complete your birthday party at P19 and up. 

School supplies ~

Housewares, appliances, toys and apparel is seen at the Second floor.

Food trays are priced at P120 and up a piece.  

Tents at only P900. 

Apparel section is only about 1/5th of the upstair's floor, but enough to choose from.

If you are shopping with kids, stay away from the toys' section.

I spent about 2-3 hours roving about and checking out all the merchandise.   They have so much stuff, packed inside DiviMart.   I was literally all over the place, but I didn't felt tired one bit.  I think it helped that the place was air-conditioned.

The only downside is the limited parking space.  Parking could be a problem if you are arriving late.

My favorite buys for the day:

 Pokémon Cap ~ P75each

Silicon ice tray ~ P45

Toothpick ~ P20

DiviMart is located behind the New Taytay Public Market; And is just a short walk from the Taytay Tiangge Market.

For more information on Taytay DiviMart please check their facebook page: Taytay DiviMart.

Microtel South Forbes (near Nuvali): Hotel Review

My sister planned a weekend get-away for both our families and our parents. It has been a while since we visited Enchanted Kingdom and thought it would be nice to rekindle lost memories together.  The last time we were there was about 11 years ago.  We were there with our brother, who now lives abroad; and my sister still single.   It was indeed a long time ago, but I can still remember the fun time aboard  Space Shuttle; And my My mom's first and last ride time ride Anchor's Away  (she almost disowned us, after that hellish ride).

We arrived at EK at 11am, and was overwhelmed with the volume of guests.   Too much for catching up with lost memories :P

We only got to ride the Bump Car (twice) and the paid 7D Theater.  The 7D was cool and my boys liked featured attraction on "Zombies".  We had lunch at the Amazon Grill (which was a bad choice, since we smelled like grilled chicken after, strolled a bit, again paid extra to play the Carnival games, bought souvenir shirts and jackets, before finally surrendering to the long lines and the full packed park.   Did we get our money's worth?  Nah!  It was way too crowded. We should have chosen a weekday to visit! 
We left the park at 3pm and headed to our humble accommodation for the night ~  MICROTEL South Forbes (near Nuvali).

Microtel South Forbes is about 25 kilometers away from Enchanted Kingdom. And took us 45 minutes to get there.

I love Microtel Rooms, they have spacious rooms and offer basic convenience to travelers at an affordable price.  

My sister handled the room booking and charged me P2600 for the room inclusive of breakfast.

Now about Microtel  South Forbes ~  check in was fast and easy. Having paid just a fraction, of a hotel cost, we already expected less than a 4-5 star hotel accommodation.

We got three deluxe rooms at ground floor.  All the rooms are spic and span.  We requested two queen beds for us.  The beds were comfortable and fits our family of 2 adults and 2 kids snuggly.

My boy testing his side of the bed :P

However, toiletries was lacking. And there are no slippers or bath robe to speak off. 

They do have a safety deposit box for your valuables and hair dryer.

There is also no in room refrigerator, instead the hotel services a mini-pantry with hot water, with coffee and tea, a vendo machine (also located at the ground floor).  They also have ice available at the 2nd floor. 

There is also no pool, which was a downer.  The kids would have loved that.  

Although very near Nuvali, where the action is, it is still about 10-15 minute drive (with traffic).  It would be an inconvenient commute if you are travelling by public transport.

Breakfast was served buffet style at the Umenoya.  Choices was limited, but surprisingly delicious.  We had our fill before our final check-out.    

Overall, we had a fine stay at the Microtel South Forbes.  It is a good halfway house, if you are heading to Tagaytay, which is just an hour away from the hotel.  

Microtel by Wyndham South Forbes
(near Nuvali Sta. Rosa) is located at
South Boulevard, South Forbes Golf City, Brgy. Inchican, Silang, Cavite

      (I got the following photos from the Microtel website).

For reservations and inquiries, you may contact them through the following:
Phone Number:+63(49) 543-4888
Fax Number: +63(49) 543-4800
Email: southforbes@microtel.ph   

Manila Sales Office
Phone Numbers: +63(2) 899-7171 | +63(917) 888-1800
Fax Number: +63(2) 870 0319
Email: sales@microtel.ph, reservations@microtel.ph

The Linden Suites ~ Christmas Holiday Season Promo

Are you looking for a quick holiday staycation ~ where you can truly relax?   Then check out The Linden Suites.

 

 

With the many hotels in the metro, The Linden Suites stands out as being one that offers business or leisure travelers world class accommodations and notable service.

 

The elegance and functionality of one of the top hotels in Pasig City is known for having spacious guestrooms.

They have 12 types of suites:

Deluxe Room

One Bedroom Suites

Two Bedroom Suites

Three Bedroom Suites and

Penthouse Suites

 

They have recreation areas, dining and health facilities for a well rounded and relaxing stay.

• The hotel offers buffet breakfast; all day dining and room service, function spaces that can accommodate small and medium size groups (available for business meetings and social events).
• They have recently refurbished their suites, complete with kitchen facilities, posh lobby, indoor heated swimming pool and more.
• Their in house dine establishment, Mesclun Restaurant And Café offers world-class international cuisine. Ideal for business breakfasts, lunch meetings, work dinners and family gatherings.
• Guests can unwind at The Linden Suites Health Club which has a fully equipped gym, temperature-controlled indoor pool, jacuzzi hot tub, and a sauna and spa massage.

The Linden Suites location is perfect for families wanting to have fun and enjoy. It is located right in the heart of  Ortigas, near major shopping malls and other leisure establishments.

This holiday season The Linden Suites is offering you the Suite-est Holiday with these special rates.

 

 

 

For more information on The Linden Suites, you may visit their website and facebook page:

 

Website: http://lindensuites.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LindenSuites/

Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-g298453-d1199124-Reviews-The_Linden_Suites-Pasig_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html

 

 

The Linden Suites
37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center,
Pasig City 1600, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: (63 2) 638 7878
Fax: (63 2) 638 7877 | (63 2) 631 6547

Sales@Lindensuites.Com
Reservations@Lindensuites.Com
 

Review of Catalan Restaurant and Grill

 

 

Catalan Restaurant and Grill in Taytay is nothing close to a Catalonian (a region in Spain) food and cooking (Catalans are  famous for their cheese, mushroom and spices rich pizza, seafood and tapas),  surprisingly this restaurant is very Filipino, specializing on all time favorite Filipino dishes, such as bulalo, adobo, inasal and more. 

 

 

The restaurant is artsy with wall murals, mosaic decorated tables and floors ~ the decoration kept me occupied, imagining how adorable these tables would look in my kitchen :P

 

 

 

 

There is also a corner dedicated to acoustic nights, perfect for an after dusk “barkada hang-out” and an "unwind night" with your special someone.

 

 

 

We ordered one of locales favorites, "budbod (a local version of fried rice toppings)" and Catalan fruit drinks.

(Shanghai Budbod ~ P69)  - Ang Sarap!  Hefty servings, but we cleaned our plates real good (hahah!)

 

(Mango and Strawberry-banana fruit drinks P75 each) 

 

Catalan offers very affordable meals, yet prepared fresh as you order. Their "Kumpleto Meals" starts at P110 and "Budbod Specials" at P69. 

 

 

Catalan is a true gem waiting to be discovered.  Visit them now or call for a delivery.

Catalan Restaurant and Grill is open daily:

SUNDAY TO THURSDAY 9:00am until 11:00pm
FRIDAY and SATURDAY 9:00am to 1:00am

(Acoustic Nights is every Saturday starting 7pm)

ADDRESS
#48 AMJC Bldg. Ground Floor, National Road (Manila East Road), Brgy. San Juan Sitio Ilog Pugad, Taytay, Rizal

(Near PUREGOLD Taytay, Beside BPI El-Monteverde Branch
Infront of WESTERN UNION)

CONTACT NUMBERS
Landline Number: (02)2345927

Mobile Number: (SMART)09999998777, (SUN)09328778053

  

 

Jibril's Toy Story Themed 3rd Birthday Party

My son is such a Toy Story fanatic. He loves Woody, Jessie and simply adores Buzz!
I was therefore not surprised that he insisted on a Toy Story themed birthday party for his 3rd birthday celebration.

We had our party at the Mc Donald's ValleyGolf (Ortigas Extension) and availed of their Toy Story Birthday Package. They have a play area which I thought was perfect for the children guests, however the parking is a little limited and could be a problem.

The P3000 party fee includes:

- a gift for the celebrant

- 30 invitation cards

- 30 party name hats

- 30 traymats

- 30 balloons

- 30 giveaways

- game prizes

- a character appearance (we had two - Grimace and Birdy)

Unfortunately the cake McDonald's includes in the package is not Toy Story themed and since I wanted to stay true to my theme, I did a little internet research. I found this cool Woody cake from the web and asked my favorite bakeshop to customize a Buzz for me.

Iko's Bakeshop never fails to impress! Iko's Bakeshop have branches in Caniogan, Pasig / SM Megamall Supermarket (contact number 409-1197/468-9583/628-4383).

For my son's Buzz Lightyear costume (which he loves so much and insisted in wearing to bed since we got it), I got on line though Sulit.com.

It was supposed to be a hassle free partying, however, celebrating in a newly opened branch wasn't exactly a good idea. They were obviously undermanned and there seems to be nobody orchestrating the whole thing. To make it worst this branch held two parties together. It was a real riot. I could see the other party's guests unattended without a place to seat. The mother was looking for staff assistance, but there were none in sight. Service was real slow and to think I placed the right number of orders.

My consolation is that my party host was nice and while I was ranting about the poor service, she was simply apologetic and tried her best to appease this monster mother!

Oh well, at least my son had a real blast, playing Buzz!!!