Holiday Fun in Taiwan - Window on China Theme Park

XIAO REN GUO Theme Park a.k.a. Window on China Theme Park was in our must-visit list while I was planning the itinerary for our holiday trip to Taiwan last December. J insisted on it. I've never heard of this until J told me about it. Childhood dream daw niya na makapunta dun, kasi he was fascinated by this miniature theme park ever since he learned about it when he was a little boy. I was reluctant at first because with all the Taiwan tour recommendations I've read, not one source have mentioned about this theme park. True enough, this Window on China (WOC) still exists and is thriving. WOC is the oldest theme park of Taiwan, located in Taoyuan City, which opened its doors in 1984.

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7 Travel Planning Tips with Tweens and Teens

It's summer time and I'm sure many of you are planning your vacations, if not planned out already. I have friends who made arrangements as early as last year pa! We don't travel often but when we do, I take a considerable amount of time and effort to plan each trip, whether it's to a local or an international destination. Iba kasi when traveling with kids -- major considerations would be the budget, interests, and comfort. But there's always a compromise when it comes to our itinerary.

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Holiday Fun in Taiwan - Part 2

We spent a relaxing holiday in Taiwan last December and I'm sharing with you the simple day tours I planned for the family. Last month, I featured part 1 here where we covered the northern coast with a private car and tour guide. For day 3 of our trip, we skipped the guide and booked a car with driver via Ownrides.com. Our day started at Chiang Kai Shek Memorial.

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Holiday Fun in Taiwan - Part 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I truly believe it is and what I always look forward to during the yuletide season is getting together with friends, relatives, and planning a family getaway, whether it's a simple staycation or a few days out of the country. Last year, we went to Tokyo. This year, we went on a 5-day vacation to Taipei, Taiwan.

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Escape to El Nido (part 3)

Monday, June 4, was our last day in El Nido and I didn't want to leave. Bitin eh, and it rained pa the first two days. We wanted to stay for four days, but Lagen island resort was fully booked before and after our three-day stay, so too bad for us. But we are still so thankful that everything went well, and the sun finally shone brightly that morning, with the bluest of skies and fluffy white clouds.

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Escape to El Nido (part 2)

Our amazing first day in El Nido has set the tone for the rest of our stay on this island paradise. Everything was booked with Lagen Island resort's activities coordinator upon our arrival, so we all know what to expect during our stay. Despite the rain showers during the island-hopping on day one, we still had a great afternoon and was looking forward to Tour 2 the next morning. The half-day tour will cover the most awaited visit to the small and big lagoons, snorkeling in Miniloc Island resort, and beach side lunch.

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Escape to El Nido (part 1)

El Nido is in my wish list of travel destinations for the longest time, and last weekend, I got my wish and was able to experience the beauty and wonders of the islands with my family. After our first day, gusto na namin agad mag plan for our next trip! It's a different world out there! While my photos don't do justice to how beautiful El Nido is, I will just let my pictures do the talking and briefly share what we did over the three glorious days in this little piece of paradise.

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Tokyo Winter Holiday, part 3: Shizuoka - Mt. Fuji and Snow Town Yeti

The closest to snow we ever got to experience was at Star City Snow World several years ago. When the kids tried ice skating, nag-collect sila ng shaved ice, formed into balls and pretended it was snow, hahaha! Since then, they kept asking when we can exerience actual snow. It was only last December that we got the chance to visit a ski resort in Tokyo, saw the snow-capped Mt. Fuji, and witnessed a (light) snow fall on our last day. Swerte! Very memorable talaga especially for the children.

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Tokyo Winter Holiday, part 2: Tsukiji - Akihabara - Ikebukuro

When we were planning our trip to Tokyo late last year, one of the must-see places I included in our itinerary is the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. My foodie brother and I really wanted to visit the market and sample the freshest seafood we can try, even if we had to drag the kids there early in the morning.

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Tokyo Winter Holiday, part 1: Shinjuku - Shibuya - Harajuku

We loved Tokyo! It was my family's first trip to Japan last December and I wished we could have stayed longer. Bitin talaga ang 5 days. My brother and his family joined us on this winter holiday vacation and one of the objectives of this trip was to visit a ski resort for the snow, as requested by the kids. Well, lahat naman kami gusto rin maka-experience ng snow =). 

There's so much to explore in Tokyo alone, so ang hirap gumawa ng itinerary that will accommodate the different interests of the adults, teens, tweens and toddler. I've asked some friends who've been to Tokyo for their recommendations and travel tips. Lots of research too from online resources, some of which I included at the end of this post. Eventually, I was able to come up with a feasible list of activities and places to visit for our group. I would have wanted more sight-seeing though.

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Tokyo Eats, Good Eats

Ah, Japan... So many good food, so little time! 
That's how I feel to this day. I was a bit frustrated that I wasn't able to visit some of the recommended dining places in Tokyo, like Nabezo shabu-shabu, rotating sushi restos, and some wagyu beef eateries that abound. Buti nga nakapag-Ichiran kami! =) There was just not enough time and we have five kids with us who have different food preferences. Thank goodness there's the familiar Mc Donald's, 7-11, and Yoshinoya for their quick take-out meals.

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A Year of Many Firsts -- Thank You, 2017!

"It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful."

2017, you were awesome! I think this is one of the best years for my family, and for myself. I have so much to be thankful for and I honestly don't know where to start.

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It's iQUSHION Ergonomic Flip Flops for Me

When it comes to footwear, comfort and style are my main priority. With my current on-the-go laid back lifestyle, you'll often find me wearing sandals, flats or sneakers. I only wear flip flops to the beach, by the pool, or when going to pilates studio. I don't wear them for long walks coz they're straight flat and no foot support whatsoever. My perception of flip flops changed when I was introduced to iQushion by FitFlop. 

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Japan's ROOTOTE Bags Now in the Philippines

Our favorite styles of bags are tote and backpack. These styles are the most functional and practical styles for my family's everyday use, like for work and school, and even of travel. While we already own a few that we use and abuse, I an continuously on the look-out for bags that would serve the different needs and functionalities that will our busy and active lifestyle, especially for the kids. My latest discovery is this Japanese bag brand that carries both styles w love, and they are finally available here! From Tokyo to Manila, let's welcome ROOTOTE!

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Shop, Dine, Travel and Get Instant Rebates

Shopping, dining, traveling... just a few of my favorite activities, which I'm sure many of you would love to be doing too! Ahh... living the good life. Sarap diba? If only we get rewarded by doing the things we love, no? Well, wish granted... HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back Credit Card is here!

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7 Things to Love About Hotel H2O

Who doesn't love a staycation? It's a mini vacation without going too far away from home and we're so fortunate to have experienced different accommodations from top hotels in and out of the metro. One such memorable weekend for us was spent at Hotel H2O in Luneta, Manila and that was four years ago. While we've stayed in other hotels since then, Hotel H2O remains to be unforgettable especially for the kids, and let me share with you again why. Some weeks ago, we were invited to revisit this unique establishment. Perfect timing, kasi it was the last weekend before school starts for the girl, so one last hurrah to close the summer break.

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Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Resort in Bataan

Third Friday of the month: Fun Friday / Travel / Recreation

Take a peek into a bygone era -- 18th century Philippines, reconstructed on a 400-hectare property development in Bagac, Bataan. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a "heritage resort by the sea", a living museum with over twenty colonial houses and buildings from different parts of the country that were transported and rebuilt to recreate old towns back in the day.  When I learned about Las Casas a few years ago, I was already intrigued and wanted to bring the family there. We finally got to stay for two nights last weekend and the sights left me in awe.

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Our Preview Stay at Okada Manila

I first learned about Okada Manila late last year as they prepared to welcome delegates from the Miss Universe pageant. What really made me took notice was how they described their rooms and amenities. Touted as the biggest integrated resort development in Manila, each luxurious room and suite in Okada features a Jacuzzi and advanced in-room technology. They also house the world's largest dancing water fountain and soon, an indoor beach club with white sand!

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Okada Manila Unveils Grand Dancing Water Fountain

Dubbed as Manila’s biggest and most lavish integrated resort development, Okada Manila is set to unveil the world’s largest multicolor dancing water fountain, plus many of its key amenities and facilities on March 31 with live musical performances.

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Off-Road Birthday Adventure in Jungle Base, Tanay

Third Friday of the month: Recreation / Leisure / Celebration 

A day spent outdoors, in the mountains of Sierra Madre, communing with nature and merry-making with friends, unplugged...welcome break from the usual weekends in the city. This was one memorable birthday celebration for M's classmates two weeks ago and we're thankful that we got to tag along on this awesome adventure.

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