updated: Ayala Cinemas: Sure seat

It's been a long time since I last made an entry and I must say that I had become a little bit unfamiliar with blogging already. Thanks to the blocked internet access during work (sarcastic tone).

Anyway, along with the unfamiliarity of the blog which I almost forgot, I had the chance just today to make an online transaction, ticket purchase and seat reservation, to watch a movie at Abreeza Cinema. And because of the easy transaction that we did 10 minutes ago, we're going to watch Ice Age 4 today at 2:45 PM.

To do an online purchase, you can simply go to Sureseats webpage, register/login into your account, choose which cinema and do a purchase. Once you have done that, you can print your ticket, present it to the cinema and watch the show.

However, if you don't have a printer nearby, you can simply take a photo of the ticket by using your cellphone or camera and present it to the ticket counter. Make sure that the photo is clear and the characters are readable. My uncle has done this before and it's valid even without the hard copy of the ticket.

Aside from that, Sureseats has made their website cool so that you can add friends and make a status.

So if you're thinking of all the hassles when you buy a ticket where blockbuster movies are being shown, just remember that you can stay away from long queues by doing a purchase online.

By the way, here is a photo of the online confirmation after buying a movie ticket. This is also the photo that I presented to the ticket collector before entering the cinema.

Green Tambis

I just have to blog about this.

In my entire life, I had never seen a green colored tambis. That was my first and to tell you frankly, this one tasted sweeter than the red ones.

Thank you to the donor. I really appreciate the gesture!

PicLyf #154

Last night's dinner. yum!

Justice for Marjorie Kwan

Our family was also a victim of heinous crimes, kidnapping to be exact. When it happened to us 11 years ago, our family was terrified and traumatized. Sad to say, I was able to experience it first-hand, I still couldn't let go of the fear that I felt when it happened. Up to this day, when I walk the streets, I have to look at my back once in a while to look at the people who are following me.

If you're from Davao, I'm sure you have heard of Marjorie Kwan's demise. Her untimely death caused by the motorcycle riding men sent a message to Davaoeños that crimes does happen at broad daylight and even at one of the safest cities in the Philippines.

I may not know her personally yet in my heart I'm praying that she gets what we have not acquired for more than 11 years.

It's Valentine's Day!

Have you visited Google search page today? When I opened my browser, I saw this little boy holding an animated card with a play button. Click it and you'll be serenaded, as well.

Oh, by the way, Happy Valentine's Day everyone! ♥!

February Gimik

Guys, if you're not doing anything on Saturday, a colleague of mine is selling tickets to a post valentine street party concert featuring manila bands Pedicab, Taken by Cars, Gaijin, The Digeos and TeamManila at Sa'Less Bar located at Sales Street.

Ticket costs Php 250.00 per pax only with one free beer!

For information and ticker reservation, you can contact Adela Papica on her facebook account or through this mobile number: (0922) 836-8597.

I am Yours!

I love Sundays especially when the weather goes with what I like the most, gloomy and windy with a little rain. I can get too relax, shake off the tension after another work week has passed.

Anyway, I was doing some articles while listening to some songs over the radio. There's this song that actually caught my attention. I'm sure most of you have heard this already. Nevertheless, I'm putting it on my blog to remind me constantly how great God's love is for us. I hope you'll be reminded of it too.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

Free Coke Day

Today is free coke day! It's not too late yet! Line up now!

Check out the nearest location for a free coke. Simply click on the image below for a larger view.

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. 

(updated) Sendong: donations and concert for a cause

This photo is not mine and was taken from the internet.

This photo is not mine and was taken from the internet.

I'm sure majority of us heard the heartbreaking stories after the typhoon Sendong hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan last weekend.

It's now time to lend a hand and share our blessings as Filipinos.

If your goods are ready to be sent, you can send them for free through Air 21. Don't forget to mark your donations of clothes, food and water with "for CDO / Iligan victims".

Region 10 will take care in the distribution of the goods that you are willing to share. Rest assured that the victims will receive everything we send to them.

Please help. Happiness will be unimaginable when you help.

---- The same with Air 21, LBC will not charge any freight fee when you send donations for CDO / Iligan victims.

---- Also, a colleague, Adela, is inviting everyone to join them this Friday, December 23, 2011, to a concert. The concert will feature different bands and proceeds will be given to the typhoon Sendong victims. For more info click on this link ---> Sa'less Diner and Moozika

Christmas countdown: Bethlehemian Rhapsody

When I was young, I used to love puppets. I'm pretty sure majority of us went through that stage as well. The Muppets were really famous back then.

In this generation, although The Muppets had long been out of the circulation, off from TV shows, new characters had emerged.

For Christmas countdown, let me share this video (saw this on a friend's fb page) from youtube of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, the Bethlehemian Rhapsody.

Countdown is 19 days before Christmas. An advance Merry Christmas everyone!

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?

Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

I miss you.

I can still remember how you were when you were still with us. You were never much of a disciplinarian. You were a funny dad. You crack jokes, you tease us until we can take no more and cry. You share your dreams with us. When you get mad, we were scared of you.

They told me I'm a brat when it comes to you. Even the things that I didn't ask for, you gave them to me. You were a good provider dad.

I always tell my kids about you. It's just sad that they weren't able to see you. They weren't able to see how funny and doting you were to us.

Dad, I can still remember every single detail of how it happened. We were on our way home when they took you. That will haunt me until I get old.

I miss you terribly dad.

When can I see you again?

Social Media: You Amaze Me

Majority of the people existing in this generation rely too much on social media networks. I, for one, have a few accounts on the internet that would link and update me of long lost friends and relatives. In one way or the other, social media network has become a tool in building bridges even with distance.

It never ceases to amaze me what social media network can do for all of us. With the modern technology, traditional diaries which were kept in a safe place for privacy is exchanged with online blogs where people from all walks of life will be able to read it. Aside from blogs, social media networks has given the people of today a techie way of releasing emotions, be it extreme joy, obtrusive opinions or just plain boredom.

Quite frankly, status posts from friends never fail to put a smile on my face and somehow make me feel updated. Thank God as social media network has its own advantages too.

A few days back, someone from Twitter posted a photo of an old lady, Lola Aurelia, poster photos of her missing husband. If you happen to be updated, which I know most of you are, the photo that was shared on Twitter and Facebook helped Lola Aurelia find her husband.

Facebook photo posted by Reddie JS

After the photo was posted on Facebook, it was eventually shared by millions of Filipinos on Twitter which even became a trending topic. A few days after, Lolo Luis was found.

Twitter photo posted by Julius Babao

Social media network, you definitely amaze me.

The Hunger Games

Yes, I had already read the Hunger Games trilogy (thanks to my college friend Herbert Bergancia) and I'm so looking forward to this. I hope the directors had not ruined a good book.

Here's the official trailer of The Hunger Games which was released on August, 2011.

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.)

Delayed Opinion: Pacquiao vs Marquez

I'm sure majority of the people all over the world were glued to their TV set, be it pay per view or the regular telecast loaded with a hundred advertisement. We were one of the lucky few since we were able to watch pay per view for free, thanks to my sister in law!

Honestly, I'm not too much of a boxing fan but as I was watching the entire 12 rounds without a blink, I certainly felt that Pacquiao never did gave Marquez a solid punch. Okay, well, let's just say, I was multi-tasking between watching Pacquiao and Marquez exchange jabs and tweeting / facebook-ing when I noticed Pacquiao's performance. *grins*

Anyway, at the end of round 10, I had already concluded that Pacquiao stood no chance in defeating Marquez and that he had finally lost his touch. I hate to say this but his performance deteriorated big time. While the boxing analysts thought him to be having too much priorities (boxer, tv host and congressman) and unfocused, his coaches blamed it to over training.

Although, Filipinos weren't disappointed, at all, when he retained his title as the featherweight champion, I still think that Marquez deserved that game. No, I'm no hater of Pacquiao even with the constant news headlines of his allegedly womanizing abilities.

With the different reactions that are being publicized to different newspapers, blogs and tv interviews, a video of an apparent "coincidental (?)" foot stop was being circulated to prove Pacquiao's winning (aside from the annoying statistics that was displayed all over facebook and twitter for a thousand times).

Anyway, here's a video of the said "foot stop" where a lot of my friends shared it to prove that Pacquiao was the rightful winner of that match.

So what do you think? Did Pacquiao really won or did he sack the victory because of this?

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! 

How All Soul's Day was spent

We spent ours visiting loved ones who had departed from this world. We woke up at 6am, prepped up and left our home at 8am.

First stop was Buhangin Cemetery. The kids cleaned their grandmother's (hubby's mom) grave, lighted their candles, placed flowers and said a short prayer.

Second and last stop was Chinese Cemetery. The kids had fun eating loads of ice cream while doing what they do best, laptop games.

How did you spend yours?

Oh by the way, I just couldn't resist buying these shoes for my nephew.. it's ultra cute..