for 14Feb14

In a few minutes it's 14Feb14!  Happy Valentine's Day or Happy Heart's Day everyone! There is no hype about it in here unlike in my country where flowers, chocolates, bear, balloons and etc will be selling like pancakes despite the skyrocketed prices.  There are a lot of Valentine promotions (hotel & dining) and schemes for this day of the lovers. 

Last year was the most unique Valentine's Day ever for me and I'm sure for my sister too.  She gave birth to Kynan (her 2nd child)  and I was her driver, nanny, accountant, receptionist, press release, private nurse and all hehe.  Sigh!  Time flies too fast that what happened last year is now a hashtag TBT!

Hahahaha how I wish but nah!  My hubby is not into this Valentine fever!  It's just like any ordinary day for him but I look forward to tomorrow not for the HVD but for another Lake Garden visit.  

This week has been a tight one with my household chores and gosh!  It's getting too hot in here everyday too!  We are so into summer! It's been a long time since we had rain, it drizzled yesterday but we need more than drizzle you know.  

#love

Have a funny valentine!

Wishing you all a sensible and practical weekend!! 

Long weekend that was.

It was a 5 days weekend last week and my feet itched to be somewhere else days prior.  As it was a holiday (CNY) most common irritating words are booked up, peak season, and crowded.  Ding dong!  If I don't want to be ripped off right in front my eyes forget the itch, settle down, think more, and take the most logical path.  So here's a recount of those days and I hope it was the most logical path hehe.

Jan 31 - We are not Chinese but we are so in one with the celebration.  We waited for midnight and see how it's going to be in here.  I expected for ows! and wows! coming out from my mouth but I can only hear questions after questions.  The fireworks were not what I had expected and it was only a random kabooms here and there.  Or is it only well celebrated in the other parts of Malaysia?  Maybe!  The mood was saved with something sweet.  We had Akachan no hoppe (baby cheeks) a Japanese delicacy pastries, mochi for that matter.  For us it's masi, only of different filling and needs no refrigeration.  Stay at home was our theme of the day on that CNY.  Z finished his sand art, Jack with his e-book, and me with my TV shows. 

Zs' sand art

                                           ang pao for Z and the akachan

Feb 1 - As the rightful heir to the throne of 2014 took its post our journey began too.  We've taken the reins and saddled our way to a touristy, educational, regal, sweaty, historical, and wallet-friendly Saturday.  We went to museums, the new national palace, and park.  Because I don't want to bore you with a lengthy update I will have a separate details of each, okay?!

1.  After many attempts we finally made our way to the old Istana Negara or the old palace of the King of Malaysia which is now called Muzium Diraza The Royal Museum.  This is very near to our place but I don't know why after all these years it was only last week that we were able to visit hehe.  No regrets, it's now a museum so we can get in!  Visit cost:  RM20 for the 3 of us.  Z and I were given a discounted rate for being Jack's dependent but Jack paid the foreigner's rate hehe.   

our family picture at The Royal Museum

2.  Next is Muzium Negara.  It's near to KL Sentral you can even walk from there but if you doesn't like to sweat it out take the taxi or the hop on - hop off bus which can also take you to other KL attractions (with a fee, of course!).  The museum is in a two-storey building which for me is having more of a house feeling ambiance rather than a building.  It's partitioned into 4 galleries:

          Gallery A - Early History

          Gallery B - The Malay kingdoms

          Gallery C - The Colonial Era

          Gallery D - Malaysia Today

Entrance to the museum

There are 2 mini museums outside the main museum, these are:

·         Muzium Seni Kraf Orang Asli (Orang Asli Craft Museum)  - like us they also have native tribes and even has a tribe called Semang or Negrito.  Orang Asli means original people.  

·         Museum of Malay-World Ethnology showcases the traditional Malay house, activities, games, and stuff which we Filipinos are also familiar with.

No entrance fee for the mini museums.  Visit Cost: RM12 for the 3 of us.  It was the most well spent RM 12 because aside from the 3 museums we entered there was an exhibit hall and an array of kiosks of various product offerings.   

                                                  kiosks --- herbal stuff?

carving and popsicle

I love the beads exhibit.  One word to describe the workmanship or craftsmanship -- exquisite!

3.  Moving forward, we visited the new Istana Negara or national palace.  Yey!  We once passed by it and actually, we can see it from our place but a closer look is a different experience (hmmm excuses, excuses! ☺).  It's a massive palace sitting on a hilltop.  It's not as accessible from the old palace but it is where a palace should be.  There were 2 gate guards that resembles to that of the Buckingham palace and I saw 3 policemen sitting in a corner behind the guard's wall.  I don't know if there were policemen on the other side because I didn't visit the other guard☺.  You can take pictures of the guards or with the guards.  From the parking lot to the gate the gap is huge, super spacious!  From what I read the new palace has an area of 100,000 square metre with a total cost of $US261.37M!  Wow! 

from gate to the palace. 

photo bombers at the back :).  gate of the new Istana Negara.

We were there around 4PM and yikes!  Sunscreen, umbrella, and cold water with more ice please!  The heat was draining :(.   Since you can't go beyond the gates and we don't know the time for the changing of guards (they might have a ceremony like that in Seoul and Buckingham) so we said goodbye and off to the last pit stop. 

4.  As usual, it's at Lake Gardens.  What made the visit something new?  We played Badminton, yehey!  Not the ideal venue because of the wind but I miss the fun part of the game and there were other families playing the game too.  We call it a day by 7:00PM.  The sun just started to set so it was best to start hitting the road back home. 

Dinner was chicken, pizza, and pasta!  My comfort food, our comfort food! It was a very busy day but very new and edutaining!  Lunch was at RM21.50 but dinner was at RM94.76 ☺☺.  Still!  It was the cheapest tour ever hehehe.

Feb 2 - Only the boys made it to church because my best friend migraine pinned me down to bed.  Argh!  It could be from yesterday's heat and delayed meal times that caused my BFF to spring forth.  I had to borrow Jack's shades and wear it indoors.  The more sunny it is for my eyes the more painful it becomes.  So, lunch was a take away. Dinner was sandwich and uneaten cake slices, alright!

                                 

                                        war of the bacons -- beef VS pork

                   the sandwich.  secret recipe cakes -- red velvet and absolute choc

Feb 3 - Last day of the long weekend.  Sewing stuff is not easy to find in here.  It's not readily available in most malls.  I searched the net and at last bumped into a blog that speaks of sewing stuff.  It was not an easy search btw.  Z and I went to the place last Jan. 30 but we missed it as they closed early.  So last Monday's visit was a seamless one.  No more wrong turns and no more "excuse me blah blah blah is?".  The store is called Syarikat Bunga Reben.  I got the hook and eye I needed and other stuff to make the trip a bit worth it.  When I received the plastic bag I was wandering why it became heavy when I only bought weightless stuff.  Tada!  They gave us 2 ponkan oranges and a small lychee juice .. yehey! post CNY gift!  Terimah Kasih! 

From Bandaraya we went to KLCC and we stayed there until dinner hehe.  Jack worked OT and Z doesn't want to go home yet .. actually, me too!  Had lunch and hang out at Kinokuniya bookstore.  Z read Adventure Time and country books and me?  As usual, looking around for cute stuff and browsed books.  Gladly, 2 chairs were vacated so legs were put to rest.  Whew!  Since I was just waiting for Z might as well read a book!  I saw a very familiar book and read The Little Prince again. Tick-tock-tick-tock!  Jack returned and so we did a little trip to the grocery.  I connived with Z to gang up with Jack and have dinner at Chili's.  Hehehehe.  Do you know what is my favourite there?  Aside from Z eating for free from an ordered main course, it's the Skillet Queso and Tostada Chips!  Why?  Because the chips are bottomless.  Yes! Chips! ☺ ☺☺.   It is a feast of chips hehehe and after the refill, "take away please!". 

                           cheese and beef dip and tomato based dipping sauce

Ow gad! Sorry, I try hard not to make this a lengthy one hehehe unfortunately, I got so carried away.  The end!  Have another great bonding moment this weekend with your family guys! 

note: pictures are taken from my phones except for the family pictures.

3 days school week ... and thank you

This month has ingressed with the New Year's Day and shall egress with a Chinese New Year's Day.  Awesome!  It's the last week for this month and if I have a word for January it is --- holiday!  It's only a 3 days school week because in lieu of yesterday's celebration the 65th Republic Day of India, it's a no class for Zs' school today and then on Friday is the CNY.  Whew!  It's 2 days off for me too hehehe from waking up too early.  At least I have company today ☺.  

I'm about to finish sorting out previous receipts, has checked/updated my planner and before I'll tidy

up this working table let me enjoy this first ...

  



hot silver moon tea and Titay's Rosquillos☺. 










They don't have Rosquillo's here☺, this is one of my luxuries now☺.  

Before I'll be derailed more and more, period has come.  But not so fast! hehehe.  Let me just say THANK YOU:

  - everyone who has been reading my posts.  
  - Thank you lady friends for letting me know that you are still reading my updates and I do appreciate it the most.  
  - Thank you to those those who e-mailed me and said "I miss you."  
  - Thank you to those are keeping in touch not often but still who remembered.

Every message received or information you share is my booster, my vitamin to keep me going.  Finally, wishing everyone a jolly week ahead!  

We're not missing the beat! Viva! Pit Senyor!

Thanks to www.phnoy.com for the live stream of Sinulog 2014 because of it we are not missing the beat! Viva! Pit Senyor!  The streaming is not seamless or not perfect but at least for sometime it cured the homesick feeling.  As I heard the famous Sinulog drum beats it lighten up my mood.  I can't join with the merry making but the joy of the Sinulog rhythms were enough to help me finish preparing our lunch and dinner meals. Hehehe.

Among all other festivities back home it is this Feast of Snr. Santo Niño that is the one closest to my heart.  As the feast approaches, a lot of fond memories from the past were slowly played back to life in my mind.  I am too grateful that Mama made me experience the festivity year after year, rain or shine because I have memories to go back to. I made it a point last year that the whole family will get to participate in the traditional day-before procession and enjoy watching the crowded street parade though we missed the fluvial not that bad enough.

Thank you Snr. Sto. Niño for the protection and miracles you have showered Cebu. Thank you for cradling the world in your tiny palm.  Thank you for giving everyone the reason to be festive and honor you today.  Pit Senyor!

between holidays coleslaw

Yum and yum.  Tuesday was regarded to be Prophet Muhammad's Birthday so it was a holiday.  Relax, stay at home and watch all you can anime was our theme then.  

Tomorrow is Thaipusam Day.  It's a Hindu religious festivity and another holiday for us.  Batu Cave will be super swarmed with devotees and tourists tomorrow.  Jack is suggesting if we want to go see the celebration for a change.  Ahmmm ... thinking ... thinking ... no decision is reached :).

There is only one thing that has been decided and it's to make something :).  I just finished mixing the ingredients of my very own version for coleslaw.  

Nice color, isn't it? As it is my own version, so it looks and tastes different too.  I'm using purple cabbage, carrot, pineapple, raisins, salt and low fat asli yoghurt.  I call this creation as between holidays coleslaw! hehehe.  I still have to wake up early later but not as early as 5AM because Sir Jack needs to work half-day on a holiday ... committed :) and I have to face my laundry, dusts and overdue to-do household chores.  

The night is not getting any younger but my tummy is still full :).  Good night friends and may you have a Funny Friday!

Around KL ... KidZania

KidZania Kuala Lumpur is an indoor educational playground for children.  It's like a community where children ages 4-14 years old can play pretend or participate in the role-play depending on what establishment the child is in.  You can easily spot KidZania because it's the only building where a head of an Air Asia airplane comes out. 

We bought our tickets online to avoid temper flare on date of visit that might be due to fully booked slots and long ticket queue.  So we were there last August 30, 2013, a Friday and a day before a National Day.  There are 2 schedules per day which are the 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  We chose the first schedule.

We checked-in and received our boarding passes.

   You need to wear the tag at all times and it will be collected upon exit.  Up we went and passed through an Immigration counter before finally entering the KidZania world. 

A check worth 50 KidZos was given to Z.  There is a CIMB bank where children can exchange the check into KidZos money bills.  Below is a sample of the bills and 50 Kidzos is their initial pocket money.

Because I was overwhelmed with what I saw inside I got too excited for Z.  I hurried him up to go inside the Police Station, tried on the police uniform, got him inside the jail to experience and get the feel, and nyaiks! good thing we were not thrown into the jail.  I thought a child can just zoom in and do stuff.  No wonder the entrance was still dark because hello!  the place was still not officially opened hehehe.  Behind Z were the crew doing their welcome performance and only then KidZania world is ready for everyone.  

There are so many establishments to choose from and categorized accordingly -- Media, Private and Public Services, Construction, Food and Beverage and a lot more.  There are rules and pre-requisites before a child can participate in the role play. Examples:

1.  Z wanted to drive immediately but he wasn't allowed because he has to obtain a Driver's License.  The requirements were minimum height, pass eye test, purchase vehicle insurance and pay 10 Kidzos fee.

Z paid for the Eye Check-up then purchased an Insurance at Allianz.  

A temporary card was issued.  He got inside Honda, presented the Insurance, paid and took the driving test.  The test was a simulation, isn't it cool!  He passed and Driver's License was issued.

2. Each establishment has this Federal Information Bureau posted outside the room.  Each activity is a + or - meaning either the child pays or get paid.  

Okay, for the 1st board, Top squares:  

Capacity -- number of Kids required for the activity to commence

Duration -- how many minutes the activity lasts

Bottom squares:

Age suggested -- indicates the age of a child who can participate.  The first board says +4 years so below 4 years old is a no, no.

Economy -- pertains to wage he will be paid or the amount a child has to pay

Z chose to be a Pilot and another simulation.  To be a Pilot and First Officer Z earned 15 KidZos since he rendered his service.  If he chose to be a Flight Attendant he could earn 8 KidZos and earn nothing if he chose to be a passenger. 

As Zs' money depleted he had to work in order to earn and enjoy what he loves to do.  Isn't this what Adults do ☺? 

There are Zupervisors to guide the children.  Z became a Gasoline Station crew and a Mechanic.

Children can be Carpenters and Window Glass Cleaners and they earned afterwards.

Z went to Ayam brand's Cooking school.  He paid, took the lesson and brought home the prepared pizza and canned tuna below.

At Sushi King kids learn how to make simple sushi and bring home the finished products.  Want some actions then be a Secret Agent. 

Z experienced being a Researcher at Lifebouy's Health Institute and Pharmaniaga Citrex Vitamin Research Institute. They were taught the proper ways of hand washing and create liquid hand soap at Lifebuoy.  They used the machine for the Vitamin C and got to take home a bottle too.

He became a Cashier and such an impressive Cashier's Booth only the database was not updated.  There were items not listed causing failed transactions upon scan.  The Purchasers were so hyper!  They were running around with their pushcarts, screaming and disregarded their grocery lists ☺.  Of course, they just want to play inside the grocery shop.  Inside the shop were lots of real food products .. drooling ☺.

At Dell Notebook Factory.  Here kids become Junior Notebook Engineers.  They will install the RAM, Hard Disk, Optical Drive and Battery.  They then will encode their names for their Certificate of Achievement.  How's that?

As a Poslaju National Courier worker, either they will deliver packages or pick up packages from other companies.  It's a team effort because if not they will not receive their wage.  They can also be an Electrical Engineer or installer at Tenaga Nasional.

How your child wants to be for a day KidZania is the best place for him to experience them -- be a Doctor, Dentist, Banker, Fireman, Media personnel, Factory worker, Engineer, Mechanic, Judge, Investigator and etc and etc.  There is a hotel and when the needed number of kids are completed the hotel is set on fire.  Waaah!  The place becomes a lot noisy because of the firetruck's wailing siren.  It adds up to the noise created by everyone inside the place and an irritant sound as it recurs.  whew!

 There were still a lot of professions Z could have role played but as the clock ticks the number of kids inside KidZania grows a lot too.  It was a Friday but the place was very crowded and just imagine if it's a holiday and a Sat-Sun.  KidZania is also used by schools as a venue for Educational Tour.  There are food outlets but the choices are not that wide but enough to fill a hungry stomach.  There is  a plaza you can hang out.  There is a souvenir shop if you want to buy souvenir items like shirt, bag, mug, key chain and more.  Every company your child enters, an official photographer is there to do his job but not that consistent and not all kids too.  We had a hard time for Zs' case ouch!  If you want a souvenir print just visit the Sony Photo Lab, choose the picture you like, choose how you want it displayed (jigsaw, key chain, plain picture etc) and pay.  If payment is done, you'll be given an access code and you can download a soft copy.  

KidZania for me is a good place for Z.  It's pricey but it's worth his time, the experience and lesson(s) learned (did he learn? ☺ I hope so!).  The place is interactive, so many choices, impressive and so close to reality. Before we went home what's left is 70 KidZos.  He needs at least a 100 KidZos if he wants it exchanged with something at the Department Store.  We encouraged him to open a bank account at CIMB and deposit the 70 KidZos which he can withdraw on his next visit.  

Of course, along the way on those hours that we were with him waiting and following, we never fail to advise him (nag for me hehehe).  We explained to him that this is like the real world.  You work, you earn, you spend but you can't keep on spending because you also need to save.  He enjoyed driving and this is where he spent most of his money. We also coached him to get jobs with high paying rate but sometimes it was his interest that brought him to a job no matter what the pay was ☺.  Well, what is his brain for and at least he gets to practise "decision making" and learn his own way.  

KidZania is a franchise company and here's a Good news!  KidZania is coming to Manila this year!  It will be at Bonifacio Global City at least, it's not that far from Cebu unlike here or Tokyo.  For more information just visit www.kidzania.com.my or www.kidzania.com.

The carrier we flew in.

This is just based from an experience which I felt I want to share.  I'm not paid to do this for ones gain or for another's loss.  Again, plain and simple just from an experience.  And here's the story ☺.....

• Air Asia Zest as I've previously mentioned in "My First Post in 2014" was the carrier we flew in last January 3, 2014.  Web Check-In is still not available so no choice but to come in earlier.  We arrived earlier than the Check-In counter staff good thing it was not a long wait.  After a few minutes, they arrived. 
• The attendant at the counter was nice.  She was so careful and detailed during the check-in process to the point of a little bit annoying but it's not her fault, it's just my patience ☺.  

Terminal Fee - a

Immigration - a

Last X-ray machine - a

• Our designated Waiting Lounge is Number 6 so we need to go down.  The lounge was dark.  Okay!  We were there first and we enjoyed the solitude and the darkness of the space.  As in no turned on lights except at the Toilet and we didn't bother to look for the light switch.  Because it was dark a lot of the other passengers hesitated to go down but we heard them☺. 
  
  After so, so minutes one by one the passengers came down then there was this woman behind me and asked, "Is this the correct lounge?"  I just mumbled uninterestingly and half-asleep, "This is gate 6."  Then she asked again to the one behind her.  I wasn't so interested in replying because I was not even sure if it was me whom she asked because she was behind me besides I didn't like the tone of her voice worst, I was too sleepy and I don't want to use up my remaining energy talking to strangers.  The boarding pass says Waiting Lounge 6!  Then I only knew, when Jack told me after few hours that the woman behind me was bound for Hong Kong and she has the wrong gate!  "Mao na! Dili mag-basa!" 
• Our boarding as well as our flight time got delayed because of "still awaiting for passengers ....".  We walked all the way to the plane and it was quite a walk.  Hmmm early morning exercise huh but a bus ride would have been very much appreciated ☺.  Then I reminded myself, "Economy promo darling so shut up and just walk". 
• I forgot now if it was an Airbus 330 but for sure it was an Airbus!  Hmmm, leather seats -- okay! 
  
  As we approached our seats, Eeeewww! What's that smell?!  Z did you fart?!  Nope he didn't.  Just a musty smell from the floor? Or from the leather seats?  What the! 
• Me: "Z be careful, look at your armchair."
  
• When we were seated and more passengers took their places, eeewww!  What a puking scent!  This time it was from a homo sapien!  Didn't he take a shower? Has he not changed his clothes?  Or he just badly needs a deo!  Duh!
• Maybe because of the lack of sleep and we left home at 3AM that I wasn't feeling well so my cardigan and jacket were my real comfort or the plane's aircon was just really working well.  It was cold and we didn't even open the individual ducts.  At least, the jacket was used ☺.
• Finally, the plane started for the runway and took off though delayed nevertheless, it was a good take off.  When Z opened the seat pocket toink! it was torn and the tray table was .... 
  
• I like the in-flight magazine because it focuses on Malaysia, it is a good guide for newbie tourists and a good source of information even to me. And oh! btw if you don't want a bruised arse better take heed of the note below☺ .
  
  Yey!  I'm so excited to go back to Legoland!  But I don't know when hehehe. 
  

• So, these were our pre-ordered meals. 
  
  Mine (left pic) was Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice same with Zs' and Jack (right pic) had Beef Caldereta.  Per meal is Php 168.00 and it comes with a Nature Spring bottled water.  Yes, it's really expensive when you eat at sky high ☺.  It tasted good but I find the portion small but if you're on a diet or small eater it will just be enough.  The chicken rice was good but I like the Beef Caldereta more as it's spicy but tolerable enough.  I definitely do not like the meals on board of CebPac because I find it too salty, never again!  We stick to noodles ☺.  Okay below the food pics, is a coat hook!  Haven't seen that before in any flights! Or as usual, I was too cocooned to my own world?! ☺. 
• Of course, turbulence is unavoidable.  And I really reacted with a laugh when the stewardess made an announcement.  I can't fully remember the lines but somewhat like "The fasten seat belt sign is on blah blah blah, if you wish to go to the lavatory it is at your own risk blah blah blah."  Have you heard that before?  I know it was just a reminder but I haven't heard such lines before from any airline even from previous Air Asia or Zest Air flights. 

·          They also discourage passengers bringing in outside food it's one of their announcements but I ate cookies and I saw others eating their own food☺ too. 

• The lavatory was not so maintained but it's not far from other low cost airlines.
• They have no fun games but no worry because it's only CebPac who do fun games on board.
•  I appreciated the way they collect trash for disposables because they do it 4 times and the stewardess were courteous too.  The stewards need more experience and they need be more energetic to be at par with the ladies. 

Okay, I'm quite disappointed with some stuff I saw and the inexcusable musty smell inside the aircraft because from the last time I rode an international bound Zest Air flight I never had those experiences or maybe I was just lucky then to flew in a better aircraft?  The in-flight food though snacks were free and they tasted good too. 

Shall I ride Air Asia Zest again?  Yes on these terms:

1.  As long as it continues its Cebu-KL-Cebu route.  It is such a blessing to have a direct flight.  I hate passing through Manila because:

        - Once KL-Manila flight gets delayed or cancelled, it messes up the next Manila-Cebu flight too.

        - No more extended hours of waiting.

        - It saves me Php 600.00 / head round trip for the Terminal fees.  The Php 1800.00 is more than enough to cover the meals on board and taxi fare☺.

2.  As long as it comes out the cheapest fare☺.

It is also a blessing to have these low cost airlines because they give us the power to maximize our money, the opportunity to visit other countries and the convenience to fly to more than 1 country a year or come home often as long as we're financially capable.

Well, there is always room for improvement. Until the next flight! 

Another friend is celebrating her birthday today.  Happy Birthday Lorena ☺.  You are a blessing to anybody.  Thanks for being a dear friend.  All the best to you DL ☺!