Happy New Year!!!

Tonight is a time for reflection as well as celebration.  As I look back on the past year and all that has taken place in my life, I remember each experience for the good that has come of it and for the knowledge I have gained.  I remember the efforts made and the goals reached.  I remember the love shared and the happiness.  I remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.  And as I reflect on the past year, I'm also thinking of the new one to come.  Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of life.

2014 was wonderful and I'm looking forward to the abundant blessings of 2015.

Happy New Year, friends! Hope you're surrounded by your loved ones tonight.  Cheers!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

From our family to yours - Merry Christmas!!!  May your heart and home be filled with all of the joys the season brings. 

Take Your Pic

I love getting our family portrait done every Christmas and Q's birthday.  We usually go to The Picture Company but I recently stumbled upon this brand new mini studio in ATC mall called Take Your Pic.

The place is really small so be warned.  It's not ideal for a big group but for our small family of 3, it was perfect.

Love how our pictures turned out!  Have a look:

And we couldn't resist having Q's solos because the props were just too cute!

We chose the Chalkboard background and they photoshopped the christmas decors.  I got Package C which had 4 5R prints, 1 photostrip and digital files - all for PhP 499.  Can't beat that price!

We had the photoshoot last Sunday and by Monday afternoon, they emailed me our digital files and the prints were ready for pick-up by Tuesday.

So you get cool & fun backgrounds, fast service and great value for money!  I highly recommend them!  Like them on Facebook for promo updates.

Pasko Na Naman

Can you believe there are only 44 days left until Christmas?  Ang bilis talaga ng panahon!

We put up our decors last weekend, take a look:

I've used the same Christmas decors for 3 years and I just add a piece here and there. Quino still loves our toy theme so I'm milking it until he's too old for it. 

All the stuffed toys I bought (per kilo!) from Uniwide and the same stuffed toys are sold at SM, Rustan's and True Value for hundreds per piece. For the whole tree I probably only spent about PhP1000!  

My son has requested we put a star at the top of the tree. If you know where I can find a nice one, let me know. Of course this weekend I might swing by Uniwide to check if they have any good tree toppers. 

The colored balls and snow man I got from S&R. Madami na din nabasag because Quino likes to help decorate the tree and of course accidents happen. But I don't mind, I just pray he won't tire putting up the decors with me anytime soon. This has become our tradition. We put on Christmas music while we work. And enjoy and enjoy ang bagets gusto kagad mag photo op!

And the best part is we are almost done shopping for gifts, save for 2 (well done to me!). 

Feel na feel ko na talaga ang pasko!  And another Christmas tradition is happening soon - Meet Santa at Rustan's. We've done this for the past two years and (mas) bumabait ang anak ko after having a heart to heart talk with Santa:

It's a fun experience so bring your kids! Here's the schedule:

Anniversary Dinner at Kessaku

We love Japanese food.  Our go-to place is Omakase but we wanted to try something different.  I read rave reviews about Kessaku so we decided to have our anniversary dinner here. 

Dinner service starts at 5:30 p.m. just so you know.  We arrived at 5pm (yes, we are early birds) because the little one came with us and he was starving!

They were kind enough to offer us the menu so we can browse.  We decided on the following:

Dynamite Roll PhP 240.00

Tantanmen Ramen PhP 340.00

Gyoza PhP 165.00

8 pieces Ebi Tempura PhP 650.00

Unlimited Lychee Martini PhP 299.00

The Good:

1. The Happy Hour is a really good deal (paging my alcoholic friends!).  I got the Lychee Martini & my husband ordered the Classic Mojito.
2. The tempura was big and flavorful.
3. The waiters are really attentive and friendly.

The Not-so-good:

1. The gyoza was too greasy. 
2. The ramen was a disappointment to my husband.  He had requested for it to be really spicy but there was absolutely no hint of spice. But Quino loved it! 
3. The Dynamite Roll was so-so. 
4. The service was a bit slow (maybe because we had arrived too early & they were not set up yet?)

Overall, it was a good experience.   If you live in the south, this restaurant is worth checking out.

My Eyelash Extension Experience

In preparation for our 8th anniversary, I decided to do something I've never tried before - get eyelash extensions.  The nail salon that I go to (Get Polished) offers this service and I decided to give it a go.

The procedure took an hour.  It stung a little but went away.  I came home with beautiful, thick, curly lashes.  After a few hours, I noticed my right eye was slightly swollen so I took an anti-histamine before bed.  I woke up the following morning and my right eye was completely red and swollen!!!  I panicked!  I googled "eyelash extension allergy" and the search results scared me!

I don't have a picture of myself (I'd rather not scare you) but I looked like this (thankfully my left eye was spared):

I immediately phoned the owner of the salon (at 8 am no less) to inform her of what happened and she assured me her staff will take care of me as soon as they open at 10 am.  So I got there even before 10 am and the staff were already aware of my situation and were expecting me.  They also gave me a full refund.

The technician who did the procedure took care of it.  But my nightmare was just beginning.  It took her 3 hours to remove everything!!! It was excruciatingly painful!  I would imagine it as a form of torture inflicted by the FBI (sort of like having your nails plucked).  And no, I am not exaggerating. 

I've been told this is the first time this has ever happened.  But while it gives me some relief to know that this is not a regular occurrence, I believe this could have been avoided if:

1. They do a quick survey to check if you have allergies (ex. mascara, eyeliner or any cosmetic product).
2. They do a patch test of the glue (I suspect this is what caused the reaction).  A friend who manages a salon that they do this step before every eyelash extension procedure.

It's now day 3 and the swelling has subsided but it's still noticeable.  I'm sharing this experience so that people are aware that you could get an allergic reaction from a seemingly simple procedure.  I might be part of a small statistic but it's a possibility.  You should be more proactive about getting a sensitivity test done even if it's not part of their protocol.  Looking back, I should've researched more about it instead of just jumping in.  I'm just glad that the salon owner was easy to talk to.

This post does not aim to discredit the salon.  I've been patronizing their services since 2007 and will continue to do so even after this experience. I want to put this out there so they can improve their service.  Because if it happened to me, it could happen to someone else. 

8 Years and Counting

Sorry for the lack of posts.  Life happened but I'm back for now.

Today marks our 8th wedding anniversary.  And as cliche as it sounds, it feels like yesterday and yet it feels like forever at the same time.

8 years married to the love of my life, my best friend & the best father to Quino (and BamBam).  We have lived through infertility treatments, 2 miscarriages, a difficult pregnancy plagued by 5 months of morning sickness & monthly intravenous immunoglobulin infusion, premature delivery via emergency CS, Quino's hernia operation and years of sleepless nights.

There is a myth that love should be this over-the-top extravaganza.  It's become a production number (just look at all those youtube videos of grand proposals and wedding flash mobs).  But our love has never been like that.  We took our vows in front of (literally) our immediate family.  Because really, after the wedding, it is just the two of you.  Each day is filled with the mundane - work, raising a family, bills, etc.  But that's where real love lives.

Real love is never leaving my side in the hospital before & after I gave birth.  It is taking the night shift for the first two months of having a newborn because I was too sick to do it.  It is giving the dog a bath every week, cleaning BamBam's pee and poop, doing the dishes when the help is off, foregoing nights out to stay in, spending hours on end in Fun Ranch so Quino can enjoy unlimited play, teaching him to ride a bike with two wheels, helping Quino with his homework... the list goes on and on. 

Real, deep love is loving me beyond how I look and showing your love through actions.  It is steadfast and true.  And that is why I love you so much more now than I ever did before.

Happy 8th anniversary, Tum! :) Thank you for all that you do. 

Thank God It's Monday

Welcoming the week with a grateful heart after the challenging week we had. 

Like the rest of Metro Manila, we had no power for days. We thought the power would be restored quickly so we went to SM Southmall to pass the time. 

Dave's Fun House

I got 4 gutter balls he (hubby) got 3 strikes

Nag give up din ang generator ng SM probably beause people were charging their gadgets in every available outlet. 

The next day we went around different malls to find a generator but it was out of stock everywhere. 

Then my sister's boyfriend told us about this store in sucat that sells generators. Even though it was overpriced, pinatulan na din namin. Then nagkaron ng kuryente that afternoon. Talaga naman! Anyway I shouldn't complain I'm sure we will use that again in the future (what with 20 storms passing through the Philippines each year). 

Anyway, I remembered last Saturday that had gift certificates for free buffet in Intercon and it's only valid until July. So  that's where we spent our Sunday. 

After lunch, we went around Glorietta and the stores were on sale.  There were lots of good buys in Zara and Forever 21 but I had to control myself.

My favorite Rockstar cropped skinny jeans from Old Navy (seen here) were on sale.  It's probably a good thing they didn't have any other colors in stock or I wouldn't have been able to stop myself from buying.  I literally live in these jeans.

I ended up buying sandals for myself and shorts and shirt for Q. 

Sandals: PhP445 T-shirt: PhP495 Khaki shorts: PhP295

So that's how our week went.  How was yours?

Have a good week ahead!

Chicken Salpicao Recipe

In service to all busy & tired moms, I'm sharing another easy peasy recipe that's sure to be a hit with your husbands and kids.

You'll need:

500g chicken fillet cut into small cubes

3T all purpose liquid seasoning (we use Bragg)

3T worcestershire sauce

1T butter (we use Canola Oil butter)

minced garlic (divided)

1. Marinate the chicken in the seasoning & worcestershire sauce for 15 minutes.
2. Melt butter in a shallow pan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.  Add chicken (drain the marinade first). 
3. Once chicken is cooked, add the marinade and simmer for a few minutes.
4. Remove from heat.
5. In a separate pan, heat oil and toast remaining minced garlic. Top chicken with toasted garlic.

TIP:  If you like spicy food, you can add 2 T hot sauce to the marinade.

To Quino

It's one of those days when the screaming starts at 8am and I'm at my wit's end by 10am.  This is the life with a preschooler.

The work of disciplining a child never ends.  I know deep within my red-faced screaming boy, is a pure heart and a good soul.  And I just need to be more patient in guiding him in his ways.

So...to my forever baby Quino...

Do you see the heart he made for me?

By: Sally Meyer

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.

It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.

Chicken Hamonado Recipe

I love quick and easy recipes.  I swear this is so easy you can even teach your husbands and kids to do it! 

Ingredients:

4 pieces chicken leg quarter
530ml sweetened pineapple juice
1 t whole peppercorns
2 bay leaves
4 garlic cloves crushed
2 T brown sugar

No oil needed.  Just put all the ingredients in one pot and wait for it to cook.  Should take about 40 minutes or so.

How easy was that?  Enjoy!

Home Workout: Extreme Leg & Butt Workout

The title doesn't lie.  I did this workout yesterday and thought I'd share it. 

If you're looking for a home workout that will (literally) kick your butt, this is it!  Try it and let me know how you feel after.

Before you begin the circuit, do the warm up first:

Strength Circuit 1:

1. Squat with butt kick (2 minutes)
2. Single leg squat with towel (1 minute each leg)
3. Single leg squat with lunge (1 minute each leg)

Strength Circuit 2:

1. X-Jumps (2 minutes)
2. Wall squat on stability ball (2 minutes)

Strength Circuit 3:

1. 3 Kick jumping lunges (2 minutes)
2. Single-leg calf raise (1 minute each leg)
3. Inner thigh squeeze with stability ball (2 minutes)
4. Fire Hydrant (1 minute each leg)

GAME OVER! 

New Anti-aging Arsenal

I am obsessed with skin care. I don't mind splurging on anti-aging products because I don't spend much on other areas. I color my own hair at home (I buy the ammonia free DIY hair color), I never get hair treatments (I do them at home) so basically I only go to the parlor for a haircut and to get my hair rebonded which is once or twice a year if I'm lucky. And even then I buy a voucher from coupon sites so I can save money.

So anyway, I have been a loyal Paula's Choice fan ever since it became available in the Philippines.  I've also been using a Vitamin A serum for years but recently I wanted to change things up a bit and I read really good reviews about Hyaluronic Acid so I decided to give that a try.  Here are my latest purchases:

If you're not familiar, Paula's Choice is the skincare line of Paula Begoun.  Paula aka Cosmetics Cop is behind Beautypedia where you can find make up and skincare reviews. 

I've tried her other products - cleansers, toners & exfoliator - and all have worked wonders for me. I will post separate reviews on each. 

In the Philippines, you can buy her products online on Lazada. And I'll let you in on my saving tip: Mastercard Mondays. If you buy on a Monday and use your Mastercard, you get a 10% discount & free shipping for orders over PhP1,000.  This cleanser is PhP 1,330 but I only paid PhP1,197 for a 473 ml bottle that will last me (and my husband because he's gaya-gaya) months.  I love buying from them because they deliver the next day!  Perfect sa mga atat like me :)

As for the hyaluronic acid, I bought this online at Kallony.  I paid PhP 1,210.  You only to put about 4 drops of this on your face so the bottle will lost a long time I'm sure.  Some Paula's Choice products have hyaluronic acid in it but I opted to go with a pure serum to replace the Vitamin A serum I've been using for years.  Did some research on Amazon (because I'm OC like that) and this product got 4 stars with lots of rave reviews such as:

I am in love with this serum. I've been using it everyday, and it is my dermatologist in a bottle. My skin is glowing, oil is under control, and my skin tone has dramatically improved since I started using this hyaluronic acid. It's excellent for moisture. I even mix it with my lotion for dry skin and it works magic. I use in in my hair moisturizer as well. My hair has never been so soft and manageable. I am in love with this stuff. It's definitely part of my everyday beauty regimen. One more thing...I got this serum because I was starting to see little lines in my face and wrinkles in my forehead. They are practically invisible now. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

Winner diba? So go ako!  The seller was easy to transact with and I got my product the following day.

I will post more detailed reviews once I've used the products extensively so watch this space.

Sharing is caring so please pass on to other beauty-loving mamas, titas and friends!

 

Sunday Slowdown: Pamper Ritual

Hubby's off to a MTB race in Batangas. The house is quiet (well relatively since there is only one noisemaker in the house) so I am locking myself in the bathroom for my much-needed pamper time.

As a busy mom, I rush from one thing to the next during weekdays. So I make sure I carve out some me time before the next work week starts to slow down and take care of myself. I don't like going to spas because I feel guilty spending that much money when I can do it myself at home for a fraction of the cost. 

This is my usual (well atleast at the moment) routine:

The first thing I do is put on the Crest Whitening Strips (bought mine here if you'd like to give it a try) as these need to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes. I'm not impressed with this.  It didn't work for me so now I'm trying oil pulling with coconut oil.  I only started 3 days ago so I will reserve the verdict on that until I've been doing it religiously for 2 weeks.  I will blog about that experience separately.

After that I get in the shower and shampoo and condition my hair.  I currently use Schwarzkopf Extra Care Ultimate Repair which you can buy at any grocery store. When that's done, I massage the L'Oreal Mythic Oil Nourishing Masque (bought on sale from my friend who works at Salon Privat Manila - follow them on Instagram for sale updates) on my hair and leave that in while I soap my body. I rinse the soap and hair mask off. Then I lather the Ivory body wash (bought mine on sale at S&R) on a loofah and generously scrub that all over. Rinse and pat dry. 

I wash my face with Paula's Choice cleanser (not pictured but worth a separate worship post) then I apply the Skin Laboratory Salicylic Acid Peel (bought mine from Amazon but you can find similar here).  I use a regular cotton pad and just swipe that on my face. This is super quick & only needs to be kept on for 8 minutes.  I have been exposed to professional peeling for years.  I went to a certified dermatologist for many years and her peels cost PhP 3,000/session.  The result I get from this peel is comparable to a professional peeling but 10x more inexpensive.  I forgot how much I paid for this bottle but I've had it for more than a year and it's still 1/3 full.  This is like magic in a bottle I tell you.  I am convinced that this keeps my hormonal cystic acne at bay.  However, if you're new to peeling, I would suggest working your way up to 8 minutes.  When I first used this, I left it on for a minute because it was that strong.  Then I slowly built up my tolerance.  So definitely PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

The last step is the face mask.  ALWAYS apply the mask AFTER you've done your peeling.  I bought the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask in Healthy Options.  If I remember correctly this was less than PhP400.  Because you only need a small amount mixed with apple cider vinegar (I prefer to use water), this tub could last years.  Truthfully, it's more labor-intensive than other masks because you have to mix it first with your liquid of choice before you can apply it (see how-to video here).  I've tried the Mario Badescu Drying Mask (so-so) and the Murad Clarifying Acne Mask (this I like) and honestly, I feel the Aztec Clay Mask is similar to the latter but more troublesome to apply.  It's also a hassle to remove because you can't wash it down your sink or it could clog your drains.  What I like though is that it's all natural.  Reviews say that this works wonders for blackheads but I can't really vouch for that since thankfully my skin is under control.  Once I finish this tub, I will probably go back to the Murad Clarifying Acne Mask or try the Queen Mint Julep Mask which is also available at Healthy Options.

I know this whole process sounds like a lot but I finish in under an hour.  I'm a firm believer that a happy wife/mama = a happy life (for everyone).  I think it's a good investment to make on yourself because when you look good outside, you feel good inside.

Mamas, please share your pamper rituals and favorite beauty products.  I would love to hear your comments and suggestions.

Juice Jab Immunity Jolt Review

I have dabbled in juicing before. I tried Dr. Oz's 3-day detox and failed miserably. Read my experience here.

When I came across the Juice Jab Jolt Kit promo in Dealgrocer, I decided to give juicing another shot. 

I paid PhP950 for the Juice Jolt package that originally costs 1100. Small difference but still a 10% discount isn't bad. 

The kit consists of 6 juices to be consumed in 2 days so that's 3 bottles a day with every meal. It's not meant to replace your meals so it's a very gentle regimen.

Since I had been sick for 2 weeks, I decided to avail the Immunity Jolt.  According to their website, it's designed to give your body an extra layer of defense to avoid or recover from being under the weather.  Here are the juices:

From L-R: Pearl Drive, Emerald Punch, Coral Burst

Truth be told, hindi ko kaya ang all liquid diet.  Sumasakit at umiinit ang ulo ko at nag-iiba ako ng anyo hahaha!

Verdict: Achieve! This level of detoxing/juicing is more my style.  I really liked the Pearl Drive & Coral Burst.  Pearl Drive is cinnamon and cashews and it has a very light taste, parang milk with cinnamon lang.  Coral Burst is so refreshing!  It's a mix of carrots and pineapples.  Medyo effort sa Emerald Punch because the celery taste is really strong.  But could be just me because I really don't like my greens that much.

All in all, it was a good experience and I would definitely do it again.  Not so much for losing weight, but just overall good health coz these juices are packed with lots of vitamins and minerals and it's an easy way to pump your body with anti-oxidants.

Family Saturdate in Star City

Weekends are sacred to us. We always try to schedule a fun family activity whether it to be a movie, lunch at our favorite restaurant, biking or a playdate. This weekend it was a trip to good old Star City.

I haven't been to this place in decades. Can you believe I didn't even know the place was still open until we went to a bazaar in World Trade Center last month and I saw the ferris wheel. I asked my husband, "Ano yan?" "Ano ka ba Star City yan!" Hahaha!

Of course my son got atat agad to go there. So I immediately bought vouchers in Metrodeal. I got the ride-all-you-can ticket for PhP280 (original price is PhP420). 

Sulit na sulit! We stayed for 5 hours. Sapilitan pa umuwi kasi my son was having so much fun! We promised him we will go back in October when the Snow World re-opens (it was closed for renovation). 

Here's a simple collage of our visit:

At the end of the day, my husband and I were so tired. But it was all worth it because Quino had a blast! Definitely coming back here for more family fun!👍👍👍

Mexican Fiesta

Last Saturday was our yaya's day off. And since I can't cook to save myself, we went out for lunch. Coincidentally, I had a voucher for 1,000 pesos worth of food in Hermanos. Since my husband has been bugging me to try this place it was perfect timing.

We ordered nachos, burrito, rolled tacos, cheese quesadillas (not pictured) and churros.

The quesadillas and churros were a hit with my son.  Look at that silly face!

The burrito was nothing great according to my husband. We both loved the rolled tacos (chicken & beef). He liked the nachos but I personally prefer our homemade nachos. Must share that recipe soon. 

Overall it was good value since I bought the voucher for only PhP599.  And more importantly, it's Quino-approved!

Hermanos Alabang

Unit 9B, Molito Complex (at Madrigal Ave & Commerce Ave), Muntinlupa City

Telephone: 519-1062

GNO

Spent Friday night with my good friend Banana. We attended a free make-up class in Rustan's (like their Facebook page here to get updates on free events) featuring Nars and TLC. 

I learned so much! I realized I've been putting blush on wrong all these years! And I realized after the session that the "no make-up" look takes so much time and effort!  You actually end up having layers and layers of make-up. So I guess I will just just stick to my powder and lipstick routine - tunay na no make-up look.  However, if you like the products, you get 10% discount on the products. 

After the class, we went to Draft for dinner and drinks.  I had the Fish and Frites. It was good I finished everything so fast!  And I had my favorite Amaretto Sour.  

It's so nice to have time away from my boys. I really should do this more often.  To more girls night out!!!

Mac Convert

I've had an Acer laptop forever and recently got a Macbook Air. I am now a convert!

We have an iPad 2 and I use an iPhone 5s but the laptop is just crazy! It's so sleek and stylish and just overall a beauty👍

But there's a learning curve. Thank God for YouTube or else I would have never figured out how to sync that damn Magic Mouse it's so high tech!

If you have tips and tricks let me know. I'm still learning how to operate it.  

Back to School

May all your fears be fleeting,

And all your joys profound. 

May God hold you in His hand,

And keep you safe and sound. 

May wonder fill your mind,

At the beauty of the world,

At new friends who are kind,

All precious as a pearl. 

You are my heart, my child,

Know that this ia true. 

Wherever your path takes you,

There I shall go too. 

On this journey we go together,

Though by day you are alone. 

Until you're home I'll think of you,

More than you can know. 

Tell me all that you discover,

Each and every day. 

Share with me the highs and lows,

As you learn and play. 

At day's end in your soft bed,

With our hands entwined as one,

Before you sleep I'll pray for you,

In thanks for a day that'a done. 

Happy Father's Day!

To my wonderful husband and the best dad for Quino, thank you for being my partner in raising our son. From taking the night shift when he was a newborn (due to medical reason I was unable to stay up at night), to teaching Quino to ride a bike and disciplining him when he gets out of line. A big thank you for all that you do!!! We love you!

I hope you enjoyed your day because the rest of the year is Mother's Day!😝

Boracay Birthday Getaway

We are back from our huling hirit sa tag-init in Boracay to celebrate Quino's birthday.

We took the 530 am flight to Caticlan via Cebu Pacific. Check in was a breeze (thanks to web check-in). The little boy was so excited to ride the airplane. He took the window seat and he was just looking out the window the whole flight. He didn't get scared or fussy at all!  

When we arrived, the staff of Sea Wind Resort was already waiting to take us to the port. They had a dedicated bangka waiting for us. Again, the birthday boy was so excited to ride a boat (he is obsessed with airplanes, boats, trucks, etc). 

When we got to the resort, we left our luggage at the lobby and proceeded to McDonald's at station 2 for breakfast. After that we went back to the resort and changed into our swimsuits. Our room was still not ready but they had clean restrooms in the lobby. At 11, we were informed our room was ready (regular check-in is at 1pm) so big thank you to management for accommodating our early check in request. 

The room was perfect for us. It had a queen bed and a single bed. It was very spacious and clean. It had the usual amenities - tv, ref, safety deposit box. The bathroom was clean and well stocked with toiletries. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture. There's no bathtub or bedet (only native coconut husk tabo) but the water heater worked fine during our stay. Although on our last day, there was poor water pressure. 

We got a promo rate of PhP6,000/night for 2 persons with breakast and transfers. We just had to pay additional 500 for the child's transfers.  This is a good deal because the resort is right beside Pearl of the Pacific, White House, Sur and Two Seasons where rates are much higher. 

We personally prefer staying in station 1 because it is perfect for families with small children. It's located on the quiet side of Boracay away from the party places. 

Also the stretch of beach here has finer sand and cleaner water. We noticed in station 2 malumot na. 

Thankfully, the weather was perfect during our 3 day stay. 

It was a great vacation! Lots of lounging under the coconut trees, sunbathing, playing in the sand, swimming (we alternated between the ocean and the swimming pool) and of course, eating.  

The free breakfast was a winner for us. Even my picky 5 year old had plenty of options. 

It was our first family vacation without our yaya. And it was a success!  Quino's at the age where he doesn't need a lot of supervision so we were all able to relax. 

Here are some photos from our short but sweet trip:

The birthday boy had a blast! He even thought we had arranged for fireworks (there was a wedding in Discovery Shores) and fire dancers (in Astoria) for his birthday. Ssshhh...don't tell him it wasn't us. We are officially the coolest parents in his eyes!

This trip wouldn't be complete without a picture of Quino sitting on this small bench at D'Mall. Here's a collage of him on the same bench at 1,2 & 4 years old. How time flies!  Sana lang hindi nila to tanggalin ever!

Happy Birthday Quino! We love you!!!