Unhappy yet hopeful

Hey yo!

I know everyone still felt that the  holidays were too short and therefore each one of us hoped and wished to have an extended vacation even just for a little. But too bad, majority of us couldn't spare more holidays because it would be a bad omen to start the new year with too many absences. Such, was my case.

December wasn't really a blast for us. In the middle of it, my father in law was admitted to the hospital, stayed there for 2 weeks and sadly passed away after Christmas Day at the age of 83. Christmas for us was spent at the hospital, chasing the doctors, buying prescriptions and shelling out our cash bonuses for a greater purpose but no regrets though. I was still happy to at least have given than have done nothing at all. And, thank God for it because I now somehow know what I'm capable of and what kind of person I am.

New Year came but there was nothing special for us too. We were grieving after we sent a family member to his final resting place 2 days before New Year's eve. So, it was a quiet New Year for us. My kids and I went to light a candle at St. Jude Parish, watched some Christmas decorations displayed at the City Hall and went home, drank a little, talked to hubby about different stuff and ended up snoring 2 hours after we blew and honked horns.

So here I am, sleeping off a migraine and spending the whole day tucked in bed and somehow coping up with the throbbing pain and literally unhappy about taking a day off from work.

Yes, to be honest, I'm not happy for skipping work. I don't to hear disappointments, complaints, etc. So much for working in a company owned by a relative. *sigh*

Oh well, maybe it's a sign for something. I just have to absorb it somehow and whatever it may be, I think, I have to think further ahead.

Good luck to our 2014! Let's hope this year will go more smoothly than last year and probably end it with something very good! God bless us!

It's 34 days before Christmas!

In the Philippines, Christmas is the most celebrated event of the year.

And, since I'm living in a Christian country, the Philippines, one of the values that was instilled in our minds was to give importance to family. After all, the family is the one you go back to when everyone turn their backs on you.

So, no matter what the distance is, no matter what the hurdles you had and had not conquered, it doesn't give anyone an excuse to say no to family reunion celebrations during the Christmas season.

To everyone in the world, here are the station IDs of the local TV networks in the Philippines:

And since I can't find the newest Christmas Station ID of TV5, I had put their old one instead.

So, Merry 34 days before Christmas!

Vacation Destinations: D' Leonor Inland Resort

Last January 28, we had the chance of enjoying an overnight stay at D' Leonor Inland Resort which is located at Communal, Buhangin, Davao City.

It was an abrupt decision and we had to gate crash my sister-in-law's neighbor's birthday party. Luckily, my generous sister-in-law was sport enough to reserve and pay for our room to which we enjoyed totally.

Anyway, without further ado, here are a few photos that I am super willing to share to give you an idea of how much beauty the 29 hectare resort is and how much relaxation it can give you.

The entrance to the pool. The front desk is located here also. Inquiries to room rates, reservations, function hall packages and others are available at the front desk.

This is another entrance to the wave pool but apparently, it was not available for our use.

This is the entire pool that will greet you when you enter the wave pool area.
Swimming fees are Php 150.00 for kids and Php 250.00 for adults.

Surrounding the pool area is a foot dip. Slippers are not allowed at the pool area.

This is a closer look of the slide. The slide area is especially made for the kids.
The mechanical waves does not reach the kiddie pool area and is perfectly safe for the children.

These are the cottages that are located before the main pool area.
Day rent would cost Php 500.00 for single and Php 800.00 for the double.

Swimmers can make use of these when swimming.
Salbabida or the rubber tube is at Php 75.00 while the paddle boat is at Php 150.00.
Life vests are free for everyone to use and comes in different sizes.
Plus, 'D Leonor makes sure that they have a lifeguard on duty during swimming time.

The right portion of the front desk is designed with jars. I was too shy to take a picture of the front desk as the attendants were too busy talking to their clients. 

Also at the front desk for the guests to utilize while waiting for their room keys, gate passes and other stuff to be attended. My kids most likely enjoyed them while we paid for the wave pool fee.

Another set for guests to enjoy at the waiting area.

This is the room of the cottage that we stayed in. Overnight stay is at Php 2,400  a night.

The living room of our cottage. 

The little kitchen just beside the sofa. When we arrived, everything was prepared already on the table.

A microwave oven and small refrigerator is provided to their guests.

This is located at the back of our cottage.

Just near our cottage is a chapel. I'm not too sure if there's a priest who officiates Sunday masses though.

House rules.

Of course, hotel freebies are included!

Morning view across the cottage.

This duplex styled cottages cost Php 2,400.00 a night.

'D Leonor is constructing more houses for their guests.

We stayed in one of the duplex styled cottage. 

The restaurant area where we enjoyed breakfast for 2 pax. 

This is the hanging bridge and it's located just right in front of the wave pool.

The wall climb, also across the wave pool. I'm not sure if they charge any for their guests.

If you want to try out the zip line, they also have a booth right across the wave pool. It will cost Php 250.00 per pax for 2 rides.

Cottages that costs Php 5,000.00 a night. Inside are 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

Open cottages at the wave pool area.

These are some of the cottages that will cost the guests Php 5,000.00 a night.

Too bad I wasn't able to take a few photos of the zoo, the mechanical surfing area and the entrance. If you opt to go for day tour, they will charge you an entrance fee. Overnight stays need not pay their entrance fee anymore.

The children had so much fun when we went there. Well, if you wish to relax, this might just be the place for you. 

Christmas Countdown: 2012 Holidays

Now that most of us are counting down days until Christmas, bonuses, 13th month and parties, let me take you back to a post I had shared with you earlier.

I'm pretty sure that there will be plenty of surprise airfare ticket price discounts for the year 2012 and because of that, you have to plan ahead. By the time that airlines post their ticket price slash off, you are more than ready to book your own flight anytime and anywhere.

There will be plenty of long weekends, if the government is willing to move their holidays to the nearest Monday.

Check out this site for the list of Philippines holidays.

Don't forget to mark your calendars.

Christmas Countdown: Max's Food Delivery

Christmas is near! I'm pretty sure everyone is excited and doing their own countdowns.

So, what is in store for Christmas this year?

A friend of mine who's running "The Frugal Pinoy" website for different deals worldwide, is having another one of her most awaited contest for those who are based in US and Philippines. Yey!

If you happen to have dropped by her website, you'll certainly know that she's giving away Max's Chicken Food Delivery to 5 lucky winners!

http://www.thefrugalpinoy.com/2011/12/usphl-max-food-delivery-giveaway/

I had already made an entry. You should too!

Visit "The Frugal Pinoy" website (link which will lead you directly to the contest is posted below the photo as caption), follow the steps to join the contest!

What are you waiting for?

Christmas Station IDs

We hate to admit it but the youth today are rather different. They grew up side by side with technology. TV is their companion before sleeping and after waking up. Computer games are their hobbies, especially online games. Even then, it's still a good thing that there are responsible programming found on TV networks. Even with how major technology gives an impact to our children's lives, it's a relief that they can learn something even from TV.

To be honest, I had always been fond of ABS CBN's programs because of the family values and the moral lessons it shares to the youth. Just like this program which is about to end, my sons watch with me before we start reviewing their lesson. And, through that, even with a busy career, I can share with them and teach them values that they need to learn.

Before I head off to another direction, the recent Christmas station ID that they made for this year tells us of family. That distance is never a hindrance to share it with them, especially now that we have a lot of means to be with them virtually.

True to what it shows us, Christmas spent with family and Filipinos are one of a kind. :)

Oh, before I end this entry, here are GMA's station IDs also. (I think the official station ID is shown on the first video below.)

Christmas season

The end of All Soul's Day marks the start of the Christmas season!

Thank God for long weekends, we finally finished setting up our tree! Another good thing is that instead of buying a new set of Christmas decorations, we settled for the old ones which were used last year. However, I still have to add a little more for areas that are quite bare.

My youngest son was super excited when we finished setting up the tree that he has to plug in the lights at 3 in the afternoon. Well, we gave him the pleasure of enjoying the twinkling lights yesterday since it was cloudy and the skies were dark.

Anyhow, we finally get to enjoy our first official day into the Christmas season.

And, I must say that we're finally ready for Christmas!