Staycation: Thistle Hotel- Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru (Malaysia) has been the usual destination for working people in Singapore for a quick get-away either for pleasure or to take advantage of cheaper rates (since denomination used is Malaysian Ringgit) or just to experience new environment without spending too much time and money. Travelling to JB from Singapore is just around 20-30 minutes, including the time spent on Immigration checking.

For the past years, we have sampled few hotel accommodations at Johor Bahru. Its way cheaper compared to staying in hotels in Singapore (additional passport stamp as a bonus). 

3D2N Superstar Virgo Cruise

It has been a year but it still thrill me reminiscing the luxury of our 3D2N free Superstar Virgo cruise experience, one of the perks being Mrs Querubin as I was able to tag along in celebration of Gil company’s 10^th year anniversary. Aside from the dinners onboard and 2-hour company group games on day 2, everything was free-and-easy, indeed a treat for honeymooning couple like us! 

Hong Kong- A Travelogue Day 1

Travelling from Macau to Hong Kong is just an easy-breezy 1-hour ferry ride. No reservations needed as you just need to queue up at Macau Ferry Terminal and choose your preferred ferry company. We availed Turbo Jet being the most blogged ferry choice bound to Tsim Sha Tsui where our hostel is located. Economy seat was at HK$154 each (around Sgd$25 or Pph820). Aside from Economy class, they also offer VIP Cabin and Super Class at a higher rate. Check Turbo Jet website here.

Gil and the queuing counters at the back

MAC-KLN (Kowloon)? All this time I thought we bought MAC-Tsim Sha Tsui! Tsk

Hong Kong Accommodation

USA HOSTEL

We were surprised to learn that Hong Kong offers a reasonable range of accommodation from cheap hostels to 5-star hotels located both in prime and rural areas of Hong Kong. Of our 5D4N stay in Hong Kong, the first three nights were spent in a cheap hostel at Mirador Mansion named USA Hostel. I'd admit it was the tiniest room we've gotten into, but the fact that it has two large windows, on the side and right in front of the beds, the room became a little bit larger and pleasant to the eyes. The chandelier is quite big for the room but  it gives the room warmth and a little cozy feel.

the i-Square Mall right in front of our window

travel plans for 2013

It's very unusual  for me to blog about upcoming activity or travel since I tend to feel and savor the excitement first before I spill it out to public. I don't even post status on fb about our future plans, not unless we were so overwhelmed of the trip--like the first time we experienced (free) Superstar Virgo Cruise. This time, I wanted to remind myself that we have a lot of future expenses and that we must be very serious in cost-savings beginning today! Lol 

For my supposedly birthday celeb, we've booked 2D1N Nirwana Resort Hotel stay in Bintan, Indonesia with breakfast and 60-minute massage plus ferry and land transfer. All these for $318 ($129/pax+$60 surcharge). But since my work conflicts with the scheduled date, we decided to move it to June for our 2nd year wedding anniversary.

photo credit: http://resort.nirwanagardens.com/view-album/10554

Right now, we're planning to extend our stay there for at least 3D2N so we could lounge and rest and enjoy for a little bit longer. 2D1N isn't relaxing enough to hear, right? A night extension with buffet breakfast would cost us a hefty $160 ($80/pax) but still a good deal compared to similar 4-star hotels in Singapore.

Comes August, we will be flying back to Philippines for a 4D3N Puerto Princesa trip with family. We've booked the airtickets already except for our Sg-Mla flight on Aug7. And yes, I haven't booked yet the hotel and tours for the trip. I guess I should be starting reading by now of the best (and affordable) accommodation in Puerto Prinsesa. It's gonna be nay, mama, papa and bebe's first ever flight so we must make sure that everything's perfect! :)

Too much of being ambitious, I'm still thinking of another trip by year-end...in time for Christmas and New Year since we'll not be going home to Philippines by then. Knowing the fact that homesickness strikes the most during this season, we should be planning for something that will occupy our mind for the season. I'm actually planning of Indochina trip covering two-three countries the most. I'm thrilled and already excited for this.

Calling all the good vibes to favor on our side so we could push-through all our travel plans this year. This means praying and hoping that all our family members are safe and in good condition so we could have a guilt-free vacation Gil and I believe we so deserve.

Cheers to more travels for us all! :)

Update: Gil's now processing his visa to Taiwan for three weeks work assignment (2nd to last week of June), sponsored by his company. Of all places (Philippines and Taiwan are not in good terms these days due to some disputes) and of all available dates (hello?! It's our 2nd wedding anniversary!)  And yes, I guess our 3D2N Bintan Indonesia booking will be forfeited. Sigh! 

MACAU- A Travelogue Part 2

I knew I have to finish this entry before I can proceed to the second leg of this trip. Ok, let's start..

We we're surprised to wake up the next day wearing the same pants and shirts we wore the first day.  The planned casino hopping for last night failed and besides, I don't sleep with pants! I'm a certified slumber addict (and can sleep the whole day non-stop!) and so a comfy cotton attire is a must, except for some so-tiring-I-forgot-the-whole-world situation like last night. *Yawn* 

First, we packed our things up. It's customary for us to prepare our things first so we could enjoy the remaining time in the hotel before check-out. After packing and doing the usual stuffs, we went down to the restaurant located at the 2nd floor for the buffet breakfast.

Gil and I fancy buffet breakfast. It's one of the hotel thingy that we're always looking forward to. Given that Sintra Hotel is a 3-star hotel, buffet servings are limited but quite reasonable. I've tried to make a porridge similar to that I've had in our Superstar Virgo cruise, but failed! Food was a soso... just glad to have made great black coffee! :)

Nice read

I've been reading a lot of business travel stories of a Singaporean blogger lately and I cannot help but realize that I exactly wanted to do the same thing, work+travel+leisure, all at the same time. She's been assigned mostly in South East Asia particularly India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand etc including Manila, Philippines and her honest opinion about these places really transported me there, as if I was with her right at that very moment. I particularly loved her Manila and India entries! :)

I admire her the fact that she tackled about the usual scenes and happenings around the area, and not mostly about the grand and luxury of the trip. As mentioned, those were business trips and so vacation trips would somehow speak of another language. But given the chance, I won't mind mixing work with pleasure (and getting paid at that), lol. I was already setting my mind into it in the future! :) 

I was all smiles when I finished her Manila experience entry way back 2007. Check this out:

https://orionstar.wordpress.com/2007/08/21/kumusta-ka-from-manila/

KL trip in a day

Our friend booked the last coach trip from Singapore- Kuala Kumpur, Malaysia. The trip started around 10pm and I was expecting we’ll just doze off the travel and will reach KL in time for sunrise. Failed! Gil and I were awakened by the driver’s noise shouting like speaker that we’re already in front of Berjaya Hotel, the last destination for this trip…at 2:38 in the morning!

With Singapore Dollars on hand and nowhere to stay, we braved the dimly lit highway of Berjaya area looking for open Money Changer shop at this wee time.  But aside from ‘Teksi’ drivers chit-chatting awaiting passengers and few beggars feasting on garbages, all we got was a 7-11 store whose staff instructed us to try the nearby Berjaya Hotel. Luckily, we were able to exchange Malaysian Ringgit (at a very low rate) since it’s actually the hotel’s staff personal money. Not bad though.

MACAU- A Travelogue Part 1

For our first year wedding anniversary, we decided to have Hong Kong- Macau trip not because I’m dying to visit these two countries but honestly speaking, this is just like hitting two birds with one stone. Macau is just an hour away by ferry from Hong Kong, and vice versa. In addition, you can conveniently use Hong Kong dollars in both countries (but don't be confused, Macau's Pattaca is not yet acceptable in Hong Kong).

Welcome to Macau!

Macau is the first leg of our 6D5N Anniv trip. We arrived in Macau Friday, 22nd of June and stayed overnight until the following day. Based on some readings, you can roam around Macau and visit most of the tourist attractions merely by availing free shuttles of big (and small) hotels of Macau. Public buses are available for cheap fares as well plus taxis will always be of help (but beware of non-English speaking drivers, we experienced two drivers and it was horrible).

Still

We’ve travelled far enough already as Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore and experienced 3D2N cruise in a luxurious 5-star Super Star Virgo, but I still keep on reading back my entries about our Baguio, Bohol and Tagaytay travels.  I must admit I still miss the feeling of being totally relaxed and worry-free during these times. I wonder if anybody feels the same thing as mine, but given the chance…I would still prefer discovering Philippines and its living wonders.

At this very moment, I’m actually thinking of Sagada, Pagudpod, Vigan and more of Tagaytay bed and breakfasts that I would want to visit with Gil in the future. I’m imagining waves of beaches of Panglao Island again with its fine-powdery white sands beneath my feet, the excitement for breakfast at Bohol Bee Farm, the experience of being lost again at Camp John Hay in Baguio…

I never been to the whole world yet, in time I hope, but I knew and I’m sure that my heart will always be longing for my home, the Philippines.

Update

Inasmuch as I wanted to update this online journal regularly, I just couldn't find the best word to start, not because I don’t have anything to discuss but because I don’t know where to start since a lot had happened since I’ve been in hiatus for some time now.

Just last Saturday, we moved out of Sembawang and transferred to a more convenient, nearer and cheaper room along Jurong West. It’s located three bus stops away from Boon Lay MRT which is two stations away from Joo Koon where Gil works and three stations away from mine. Luckily, my office arranged taxi service for me every morning, free! The taxi will be waiting for me at the car park, right behind the HDB’s elevator… no rush and definitely no reason to be late anymore. For Gil who previously needs to leave the house at 6:40 in the morning, is just starting the day that same time! Lol 

the efficient MRT system of Singapore

...and yes, we're located at the end most part of Singapore already! :)

Pura Vida Villas: Tagaytay's Perfect home-away-from-home

The first time we went back to Philippines after more than six months in Singapore was a blast! I’ve tried to squeeze-in overnight out-of-town trip for both our families. And where else is the best spot nearest to Manila in terms of climate, foods and views? Definitely Tagaytay!

Gil and I had been to Tagaytay for several weekend escapades during our bf-gf stage. Gil’s family actually has their small ‘bahay-bakasyunan’ in Tagaytay, but we preferred sampling the bed-and-breakfasts around the area. This time, we wanted them to experience the comfort of Tagaytay accommodation and to sample some of the best places and delicacies of Tagaytay.

Tita Ninang Lally in front of Pura Vida- Villa Mar

 Want to take a dip?

Singapore for First- Timers

It’s been more than a year already since we first set foot in Singapore, finally after several invitations by Gil’s best friend Dhel. Thanks to Air Philippine’s irresistible P888 promo, we were able to book RT air tickets for two for only P5,434.00. Glad to have booked AirPhil as well because unlike other budget airlines, AirPhil’s terminal (and PAL) is in Changi Terminal 2- the more upscale airport in Sg. Quite a warm welcome for first timers like us! J

Gil at PH Terminal 2 while waiting for boarding

2011 Recap

We consider 2011 as our year as blessings pour down on our way continuously since the year began. Gil officially asked me to marry him January during our 3^rd year Anniv  trip at Kinabuhayan Café. The wedding was supposedly December of this year, or the same January 18^th but seemed like God has a better plan for us, as always.

February was a busy month spent with work and preparation for our 1^st time out of the country trip, Singapore-Malaysia second week of March. Good thing we were sponsored by Gil’s best friend Dhel and so we had free accommodation along with unlimited treats and freebies (Yey!). I only stayed for 5 days because of work while Gil stayed for two weeks, the first week to accompany me strolling around and the last week to apply for work. He started sending out applications after I left Singapore and during that one week, he got the job! He went back to Pinas to resign from his almost 10 years job at Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. and went back to Singapore 2^nd week of April, after we have completed all our wedding requirements.

happy deepavali!

Diwali: The Festival of Light

Deepavali (Diwali), also known as "Row of Lights", marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year based on Lunar Calendar. The name itself derive from Sanskrit; Dipa means lamp, and Awali means row. -source here.

As Singapore participates with India's Deepavali festival, the working people including me and Gil rejoice as this day was declared holiday. The past few weeks been so stressful that a day-off would favor our much awaited us time--rest and shopping-on-a-budget at that. And yes, more movie time at home.

...and new look to my blog as well! ^^

too close...real close

We flew to Singapore 2 days after our wedding, June 20, 2011. I was not actually into looking for a job but since our NSO marriage contract is not yet available until now, the supposedly Dependant’s Pass is not possible. The first week was spent for mere vacation, rest and food trip. Tuesday the following week, I decided to update my resume and started sending out applications via email. I had few interviews within the 1^st month, but seem they’re not really for me as one could only apply for my pass on September while my Social Visit pass will already expire August 19. The other one asked me to relocate to Jurong East area as the work may need me to report in no time.

I’ve been the family’s bread winner since then being the eldest and being a total bum and dependent is not me. Those two months had been the most challenging months for me, as I found myself depressed at times, crying and talking with myself about how my life would go now. I could never be this dependent to my husband the whole time. I only have barely two weeks when another company called up, the day when I was really sick with colds, tonsillitis and severe cough and phlegm. Susan, the HR called up lunch time asking me to report for an interview that same day at 5pm. “Today?” I asked. “I was sick today!” I heard Susan chuckled. But yes, I still went to the interview which turned out to be the best Sg interview I had which somehow made me feel confident and important.

The following day was a holiday, Singapore’s National Day. Gil and I were surprised to receive a call from Susan asking me to start work the following day, Wednesday. The pass will be filed that same day as well. Mixed emotions it was! I cried! I never lose hope and faith in Him that I believe in His every will and plans for me…for us. 

My first day at work was not the usual first day of an employee. It was my busiest first day ever! It helped that I was with a construction company before, very similar with my Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. role- as an Accounting Assistant, this time assistant to the Singaporean Accounts Manager. 

Having my pass approved was not as easy as I thought it would be. The first apply was rejected—as they were already thinking of just paying me for the days I’ve worked. But thanks to my manager who believes in me and asked HR to re-apply again, this time with a higher salary rate than the previous rate applied. She said it could be with the salary rate and the position as well. So they re-applied from an Accountant position down to Accounting Assistant but from an okay salary rate to a higher, more favorable rate. :)

The 2^nd application was done Friday, and I only have 1 week left to stay. Comes Thursday the following week (2 days before my stay expires), my pass was approved! To my surprise, I had the Medical Exam that same day. Truth is, if there’s one thing I’m so not confident about, it’s the X-ray. I have Fibrotic Infiltrates- medical term for lung scarring brought about by previous lung issues. Though it’s only minimal and I’ve already undergone medications, it has always been an issue since I always need medical certificate with me or films to show lung stability during my Philippine employment. How much more in a foreign land as Singapore?

I don’t know if it was the medical certificate from Makati Med, or the radiologist being a Filipino, or God’s will and faith that my X-Ray was clear! No traces of scars, whatsoever! But personally, I consider that as miracle, testimony of God’s unspeakable love and graces.

My pass was issued August 18, exactly a day before my Short term visa expires. We only got few days left but we never visited any airlines’ websites for flight bookings. Gil and I were tensed, yes, but we firmly believed I would come up with the job God has prepared for me that will allow me to stay legally in Singapore with my husband. It has been a challenging journey, but we knew we’re safe and heading on the right track since He’s with us, always.

Matthew 7:7-8

⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” 

Bon Appetit at Kinabuhayan Cafe

From a relaxing Lake Pandin cruise, we rode on a jeep bound to San Pablo city proper. Little did we know that then was the town’s fiesta so we were greeted by side by side traffics and flea markets on the streets. Few streets from the church are the jeeps bound to Candelaria Quezon, the trip that will pass by Tiaong Quezon. From Tiaong is another ride going to our destination, Dolores Quezon.

We failed to catch the last trip from Tiaong New Market to Dolores thus our last option of a special tric ride for P150 (plus P50 tip). Landmark of Kinabuhayan Café is Dolores Central School, few walks along Dejarme St and you’ll find the quaint café.

To be honest, we were not impressed with the place at first. On the center of the restaurant is a billiard table, on both corners are two tables (one of which I think is the only one being used—the one we actually used in our 2 days stay). Dry cat’s coating was hanging on the wall, candelabras with melted candles, pictures of an ermitanyo looking man on the old big mirror.

Then the same person appeared from the kitchen who welcomed us with his unbelievable perfect English accent. He was Jay Herrera--the person of character, the owner and the chef. Don’t get me wrong, I already saw him on some videos and blogs, but meeting him in person is something. But since we were too tired from commuting, we asked for our ‘room’ first for some rest. Good thing we never expected too much on this trip…and glad to be surprised all along…

sneak peak of our humble 'room' for the night

Soothing Lake Pandin Cruise + lunch

I’m back…I’m so back!!! I won’t get into details anymore of how busy I’ve been lately for that’s obvious. Our thank you to those people who’ve visited and made us feel special and loved despite of my ‘absence.’ *Huggs* And though I’ve been itching to post my new entry for 2011, I wanted to save the seat for our 3^rd year Anniv trip…thus this post.

We’re always looking forward for January not only because of the new hopes for New Year…but another year for Gil and I as a couple. Apart from our usual itinerary-based getaway, we wanted this time to just relax, to inhale some fresh air from urban settings and simply to commune with nature. Our first destination: Lake Pandin.

Lake Pandin is one of the seven lakes (pitong lawa) located at Sto. Angel San Pablo Laguna, around 3 hours travel from Manila.
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MOP: Jellyfishing + Sea Lion show & Habitat

JELLIES MUSEUM- The Dancing Sea Fairies

 Coming from an enjoyable Oceanarium tour, we were expecting a lot in this jellyfish meet-up. It's located at the ground floor, left wing coming from the main entrance (but since we came from the Oceanarium, we were led to 2^nd floor exit passing along fish spa, restaurants and souvenir shops. Down the escalator is the Jellies museum.

Manila Ocean Park: The Oceanarium

A lot of things have poured down my way lately (one of the reasons why I actually been in hiatus stage for sometime now). I never knew 3 out of my 5 major goals this year will materialize, one of which was to find a greener pasture (I hope to make another entry for that soon).

As I received my first ever pay in my new company, I took my siblings and my cutest nephew out to Manila Ocean Park last weekend, the bonding I long been wanting to do. It’s also a chance for Bebe (my nephew—Gene Gabriel) to finally meet Nemo in person as he is a certified fan (I lost count already of how many times he watched that movie—as in all day and all night bago matulog!) Exagge!