Daddy's Birthday Weekend ~ Amazing at 75

If you are born during typhoon season, you are sure to have lots of rainy (hopefully not flooded) birthday celebration.  It was hard to plan a get-away, so a nearby hot spring-pool party is deemed acceptable.  It is party, where it is actually okay, to get wet (not to mention hot spring water's therapeutic benefits). 


If you are looking for hot spring private pools in Los Banos Laguna~ check Agoda or Airbnb. There is a long list of suitable private pools to fit your budget.  

For my Father's 75th Birthday we decided on renting a 4 bedroom private pool and invite cousins to join us- "they say the more the merrier".

Daddy's Birthday Cakes :P

And tin cakes from Consuelo's.

These were delectable and yummy.  High quality and much recommended!

The place we've rented is huge and can fit 20 persons easy. It also has enough parking for 4-5 vehicles.  The venue is well lighted at night, gated and with CCTV, so there is a feeling of added security and safety.  I personally liked that the place is PWD and senior citizen accessible ~ it fits our requirements spot on!

Here are some of the pictures we've taken:

Our Chef Jeff with Bruce Li  

The pool is invitingly lukewarm ~ the children were in the pool the moment we arrived and swam again before leaving. 

Night to Day Swimming... so "sulit"!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

 

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.

Director's Club Groupie Experience for First Timers

For my 40th Birthday, I invited my girl friends to watch a movie at a Director's Club Cinema (DCC).  We were all excited as it was our first time to watch a movie via DCC.  

A DCC is truly an intimate, cinema experience.

You can relax and enjoy the movie (just don't sleep) in a La-Z-Boy Power Recline XR+ seats.

Patrons are served a complimentary bowl of freshly popped popcorn upon arrival.

Then order some more by just a push of a button (classy).

Me and my girl friends enjoying the experience.

Thumbs up for DCC.  Will definitely be back, next time with my kiddos.

For details visit www.smcinema.com, or follow SM Cinema at www.facebook.com/SMCinema.

Visiting "It's Showtime"

Are you looking for a fun-special thing to do with a visiting "balikbayan" in town?

What about a trip to a live television show?

I was racking my mind on where to bring my brother and her wife for their Manila vacation.  I turned to the ever dependable google and found myself checking out the ABS-CBN website. 

I learned that you can actually book studio tours with actual show participation with minimal fees. 

Walk-in is free but  you would have to come early to ensure you are accommodated (not guaranteed).

Price depends on the type of tour (as of writing):

Tour Only is P150 per person

Standard Tour (with guaranteed seating at It's Showtime) is P185 per person

Premium Tour (with ASAP) is P225 per person

Due to the shows popularity, reserving tour slot at least two months in advance is recommended.

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Sharing here our funny-crazy ABS-CBN Studio Tour experience.

Studio Tour starts early.  We were asked to be at the Studio Tours office at 830am, otherwise we may forfeit our slot.

Touring the Studio Compound 

Is this set familiar?

It feels surreal to be walking on the "Minute to Win It" stage.

The tour includes a visit to DZMM Radio booths.

As you can see, my mom is a fan of Mr. Ted Failon.

Hubby standing next to Dolphy Theatre marker.  We were not able to enter. We were told there is an ongoing  Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsals.

We were given a 30 minutes break to recharge and was called back at about 1030-11pm for the It's Showtime briefing.

My Dad's one minute of fame, starts here (My Dad is the one in red).

Waiting for our queues.

"Dancing in Tandem: Nagmahal, Nasaktan, Nagsayaw"

My daddy was obviously enjoying.

Serenaded by the "I Love OPM" winner Yohan Hwang.

I just became a fan :P

A wonderful upbeat number by Nyoy Volante, Eric Santos and Billy Crawford.

"Tawag ng Tanghalan - Resbak"

It's Showtime is a wonderful show.

It felt like we were watching a Stand Up Comedy Show ~ we can't seem to stop laughing (#NgalayPanga).

Next time we are definitely visiting "ASAP".

Please check out video clips from our It's Showtime experience here (See if you can spot us).

It's Showtime Video Clips

For Reservation Inquiries:

ABS-CBN Studio Tours  

GF ELJ Communications Center, Eugenio Lopez Jr. Drive corner Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon City

02-415-2272 loc 3622 and 3624