Hong Kong Marathon Part 2: MACAU (3 trips back and 4 months after)

Actually had thought of writing another entry a few months back but the laziness always overpowers my eagerness to write. I only write for L, I know he is very happy whenever I have a new entry. He's my number one fan, how lucky am I to be with someone who sees everything I do as amazing? I love him with all my heart! Hihi! Now 4 months after my last entry, we have actually been to HK 3 more times! We both loved the place, the food and shopping so much it seems to have been our getaway place. 

So on my previous blog post, we just roamed around HK and went to some of the popular must see destinations. On our 3rd day however, we boarded a Ferry and went to visit Macau. The Hongkong for Dummies thread was really a big help. Going to Macau became such a breeze. From finding the terminal to knowing where to get tickets, that thread is now permanently bookmarked on my laptop. Haha!

We did not have our money changed to Macau Pataca because according to my research, HK dollar is widely used (Please be aware though that Macau Pataca, is not accepted in HK) This is really a place where tight budget travelers can go. Almost all, if not all hotels provide a FREE shuttle service from the pier to their hotel.  All one has to do is research on what hotel is nearest to the place they plan on going and catch a free ride. One DO NOT have to be a hotel guest to use the free shuttle service.

First stop, fisherman's wharf.

So pretty no? Too bad almost all shops were still closed when we arrived

I was so shocked to hear Filipino being spoken almost everywhere. Almost all the waiters and waitresses from the establishments inside were Filipino! We were told by a Filipino who was working as a Police we saw at Ruins of St. Paul that most workers there are either Filipino or Lebanese

Next stop was Senado Square and the Famous Ruins of St. Paul. We rode a shuttle to Hotel Lisboa and from there walked our way to the 2 famous landmarks.

In Macau, they have really invested on good architecture. everything looked so beautiful.

My baby, so tired from walking.

From Senado Square, one can easily walk his way to the Ruins. (Not a short walk in my opinion, add to that the flight of stairs! Extreme endurance needed)

The Ruins.

From here we went to the Venetian, Hotels here are so fabulous! I don't recommend Macau for a long duration stay though, only if you are intending to spend tons of money on Casinos (which is Everywhere!) I find that you can go and visit all the sites in just one day. L and I both agreed staying there longer will kill us both with boredom. Nothing much to do.

Day off pose. Haha!

So cool! Guess, indoor or outdoor? 

And now for the main reason we went to Macau. My L's special request. Our primary purpose was to watch the House of Dancing Waters.

We shouldn't have been seated together but thank goodness for excellent customer service!

The stage was awesome!!!!

Props of all sort just keep on emerging from underwater, I was amazed!!

Happy Happy bebi!

Took several videos but was not able to record the entire thing. Apparently it was not allowed. All the ushers had eagle eyes, even those from the front most row they can see whether they have a camera up or not. Haha! We were reprimanded around 5x but still couldn't help ourselves and kept on recording bits and pieces secretly.

I really love to travel but I don't think I would have enjoyed myself as much if I were with different company. Being with your bestfriend and soulmate rolled into one really has its perks! I am truly looking forward on seeing the whole world with my one and only :)

Hong Kong Marathon Part 1

Please bear with me as this trip deserves more than one blog post. L had been checking this blog everyday  and is always disappointed to find out I had been too lazy to update. (Here you go bebi!) So we originally booked a morning flight on May 2nd going to HK through Tiger Airways and return on May 6th. We did not mind having to go to Clark Airport since we have gotten a promo airfare (Roughly 6,800php RT for us both!). We had booked 2 months in advance and had everything set when I received an email stating that our flight had been moved from 10am arrival to 11pm! So after days of calling Tiger Airways customer service, I finally was able to talk to someone and had our flight changed from May 2 to May 1 (still arriving at night!). I was so frustrated because everything was set, this meant our supposed 1st day was already gone since we are to arrive there late. I had been working on our itinerary months in advance, I was that excited ask L! Haha! I have probably visited almost all forums and found Hong Kong for Dummies in Pinoy Exchange to be of most help. I insist all first timers who intend to do their own tour visit this site. Everything you need to know is there!

Excited! Our flight was 7:20pm but we were wide awake! Well, up until the plane took off atleast. We dozed off immediately after. Haha!

We arrived at around 9:00pm and purchased our octopus cards and discounted tickets at the CTS counter before riding a bus going to our hotel. We had some money changed into hkd here prior because Forex at the airport usually is too low! It was both L and I's first time at HK and was really looking forward to this trip as we have been planning to go here often for our business. We were so hungry and decided to take a walk around to find a place to eat after settling in.

We found this restaurant while roaming around, Dimsum Hotspot was packed that night that's why we chose to give it a try. We were not disappointed! Food was good. We had always thought it was nice to eat authentic chinese food made the way they should be! Haha! After eating, we decided to head back to the hotel and call it a night. We were exhausted!

The following day, thanks to my very strict itinerary (hahaha!) We woke up at around 8am to look for a good breakfast place. We should have known establishments open late since most were open up until Midnight! We ended up in... you guessed it! Mc Donalds because this was the only establishment open that early in the Morning. L and I vowed to try Mc Donalds in every Country we visit, they always have something in their menu that is completely their own.

L's choice - Sausage in chicken curly noodle soup with Milk Tea for breakfast ! Milk tea was everywhere. I on the other hand chose to stick with my favorite, sausage mcmuffin!

After breakfast, came back to the hotel to freshen up and off we went to Diamond hill to visit Nanlian Garden

One of the thing we miss most is HK's MTR. Signs were always bilingual which makes the life of tourists so much easier. Signs and directions were everywhere it is almost impossible to get lost. MTR will take you everywhere! Heck it will even take you to another island! Haha! This is something we wish Philippines would work on. President Noynoy, please make our MRTs as nice as HK's, pleaseee.

Upon exiting the subway, we were immediately greeted by a Mall, Plaza Hollywood. I couldn't help but deviate ever so slightly from my itinerary and take a look around first. Haha!

We arrived at HK a day after iPad 2's official release at local distributors, this is what greeted us at one of their most popular electronics store, Fortress. We actually had lined up too because we were  hoping to get one in 3G but to no avail.. We were told that Fortress only releases limited quantity per day. If you want to get your hands on one, better be there super early!

L with his favorite. Happy Lemon! We wonder why we only saw one branch. 

Finally after roaming around, went to Nanlian Garden. Entrance was free (yes, we are cheap like that. Haha!) I now know why they say it is best to come  early morning because it was hotttttt. We arrived around 11am and the sun was killing us!

Old and New. This might have been what old buildings look like. Against the modern skyscrapers behind, i love it!

We roamed around an hour or so and before we knew it we were already at Chi Lin Nunnery. Photos were not allowed but in there we saw the most beautiful, intricately made Buddhas. I tell you, they were beautiful!

After walking some more,  we went back to Mongkok and visited the Ladies Market and Electronics street. We didn't like it, would probably not go there again. The place was like divisoria, even the stuff sold were ones I see at 168! Other than that and the fact that there were a lot of people everywhere made us leave there earlier than planned. The place was chaotic. So we headed to harbour city to catch the Symphony of lights later that evening.

At the viewing deck, while waiting for the show. We got there early and yet a lot of people stood in front of us!so we had no choice but to stand up and stick ourselves in front of the crowd too. 

The beuatiful, beautiful view!

After the Symphony of Lights which in fairness to Bank of China ha, effortful participation, and to HSBC for the "tiny" specks of light on top the show was okay. Roamed around Harbour City and ate at Food Central (our favorite foodcourt, haha!) in Silvercord. Headed back to our hotel at around 11pm and called it a night. 

This was how our first and second day went, more posts to follow!

The Sandwich Guy

This was a deal we got for free! Because L kept on using different email addresses to gain us "referral points", we didn't have to pay a single cent to avail this coupon. The deal was from cashcashpinoy and it was "199 for 1 Big Time Sandwich, 1 order of Any Pasta, Baked Potato and 2 Drinks at The Sandwich Guy (valued at P400)". We actually had forgotten we had this coupon but luckily we were able to remember and redeem one fine afternoon after L and I hit the gym.

L with his signature pose while waiting for our food

Upon ordering, we were suprised at the amount of food that this coupon comes with. To be honest, depending on one's appetite, the food might be able to feed three. We had a big sandwich, pasta, baked potato and drinks of our choice. L opted for Fit and Right while I chose Minute Maid. I have always thought they will just give us a a drink in a regular sized cup.

Food didn't look like much from this photo but I tell you, L and I weren't able to finish them all. Talk about CARB OVERLOAD!

We chose the Creamy Carbonara and I, personally was disappointed. The sauce was almost non-existent! We had to add the "falling meat" from our sandwich for this to taste better. We wonder if Spaghetti with Red Sauce would have been a better choice. Anyhow, the lack of taste in their pasta was very well compensated with the Baked Potato. We chose bacon and cheese, this was soooo good! L and I loved it the most. We will try their chili con carne and cheese variant next time.

TSG Big Time Sandwich (130php)

TSG Big Time sandwich is a double decker with 3 choices of delis (although I don't recall them asking us which we would like), 2 slices of cheese, tomato and lettuce. This was good and would definitely be enough for Lunch.

Everything was prepared here in their open kitchen

Overall, we will definitely come back for their baked potato, maybe for their sandwich and definitely not for their creamy carbonara pasta. Haha!

The Sandwich Guy

SM North Edsa - The Block

Cybergate Tower 1 

McKinley Hill 

Total Corporate Center 

Sun Plaza Building 

Pacific Star Building

Robinsons Summit Center 

Eastwood City 

Net Plaza Building 

One E-com Center - Mall of Asia 

Strata 2000

White Beauty: Ventoza + Massage

After hitting the gym, L and I decided to avail the coupon we have bought a few weeks back at Ensogo, P300 on Ventoza plus Body Massage choices of Enhanced Swedish, Chinese Reflexology or European Massage at White Beauty Face and Body Center (valued at P750). We called earlier to have a reservation but no one picked up so we went there without reservations and had an earful with the front desk ladies telling us that we should have called first. We explained we tried calling but no one picked up, we called around 1pm and they told us that during Wednesdays they open at 1pm which could have been the reason they missed the call. If you ask me, I really think they are just making up excuses.

This was the "waiting lounge" in front of the two locker rooms side by side, one for male and one for female. Take note, locker room. It is as big as the massage cubicles and this is where you will change clothes as well. They also have 1 comfort room/shower room, talk about space saver!

The hallway. At the right side are the cubicles. I was informed they do not charge extra for using the couples room.

At first, we felt kind of bad because the voucher clearly stated that the coupon we purchased was valued at 750php. Their 1 hr. massage is 350php while 1.5hrs is 450php and 15min ventoza is 300. They told us that what we will be having is a massage and ventoza (all in 1 hour!) Do the math, its not worth 750php as the voucher claimed it to be. When we asked about this, they told us there must have been an error on Ensogo's system. Next, we actually had no choice on which type of massage they will be doing, they did not even ask so the "choices of Enhanced Swedish, Chinese Reflexology or European Massage" was missing yet again. We felt like the deal was misleading and would not be what you expected. The only consolation we has was that our masseuse were both really good! 

White Beauty Face and Body Center

West Ave. Branch, 82-B. West Avenue, Quezon City 

Contact Nos.: +632 492-8049 or +63922-8488463

Upper Ground 19 Cityland Shaw Tower, Mandaluyong 

Contact No.: +632 914-5063

Chelsea Market and Cafe

L and I joined a Bazaar last December which turned out to be an Ultimate Fail (Read: ZERO foot traffic). Organizers seem to have lacked advertising and were to arrogant to admit it. We were traumatized, we vowed not to join a bazaar again. Hahaha! We were lucky that we didn't have to pay for the entire booth's rent since we had the booth split into two. Chaos inevitably happened as all concessionaires had lost patience. They were trying to buy us off with gift certificates as everyone were asking for a refund. I knew they would not give refunds so I had my hands on all gift certificates I could get. Bwahaha! I got 2,000php worth of gift certificates from Ardere Skin and Body Clinic in Ortigas, that were to expire on April 15,2011 so we availed whatever service we can. 

Since we are already in Ortigas, we have decided to avail yet another voucher we availed from cashcashpinoy. This was for a 53% off (470php for 1000php) worth of food and Drinks at Chelsea Market and Cafe in Podium.

Chelsea Market and Cafe in Podium, Ortigas

The place is really really nice. L actually thought it wasn't a restaurant because at first glance, all he saw was the "market" part of the restaurant. The servers had cute outfits, they were like modern marketers (if there were such a word. haha!) I especially liked their Pluie-like boots.  

We were sitting near the bar and the different alcohol bottles caught my eye. Spot the glass container near L's beautiful head. :) That's a huge glass filled with choc-nut! I kind of wished they give those away to customers for free, but that did not happen so I guess they are a part of their menu somewhere.

Focaccia Bread with whole clove of Roasted Garlic (I thought it was a corn!) (Php 0.00)

Oven Roasted Seafood and Tomato Pasta (Php 495)

This was super delicious! Everything was perfect. Even the shrimps were so fresh! Any pasta lover cannot leave Chelsea without tasting this!

Hickory Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribswith braised Asparagus and wild rice Pilaf (Half Slab - Php 695, Full Slab - Php 1100)

Even this was awesome! The meat was so tasty and the wild rice pilaf adds texture and flavor all the more. 

We were really very happy with the food and their service. One thing I hate most is always having  to ask for water refill when I am so thirsty! Most of the time, servers even take so long to respond. Haha. This didn't happen at Chelsea at all, half empty glasses are refilled automatically. Service was excellent, Food was excellent. We recommend everyone to try them out.

 Chelsea Market and Cafe

The Podium, Ortigas

Serendra, Fort Bonfiacio

Puerto Galera

L and I decided to go on a weekend getaway as soon as it hits April and because we both love the beach, Puerto Galera seem to be a clever choice since it is only hours away from Manila. We rode Jam Liner (+/-3hrs) and got off at Batangas Pier, from there we rode a Ferry (+/-1.5hrs) going to Puerto Galera. We opted to ride Galerian Lines and we don't know if all Ferries are like this but it took forever for us to depart. They kept on waiting for passengers to the point that even though we were booked for 9:30am, we left at around 10:30am already. We have already purchased roundtrip tickets prior to this incident and sadly, even our return trip from Puerto to Batangas Port took so long to depart. We vow not to ride Galerian Lines the next time we visit, we hope other ferries stick to their schedule. Sabang and White Beach were our choices but have chosen to go to the White Beach instead since this was the place frequented by locals. Sabang on the other hand were flocked by tourists.

Upon arrival, there were still a lot of vacancies because it was still a weekday (we arrived Friday). Prices were almost same for all 1,300-1,500php/night. They insisted that come the following day (Saturday) there would be a lot of people already that is why they cannot give the rooms at a lower price. We initially planned to stay where L have stayed before but they can only give us one night. Since we are staying for two, we have decided to stay on Orchid's Lodge, a place nearby.

Sign was so and hidden one can easily miss it

Our room had a queen sized bed, TV, and A/C. Just the basics but was good enough for 1,300/night.

What we liked best was it's location. See the steps of stairs on the lower left? That's our room. Literally a stone's throw away from the beach. I think it's almost impossible to get a room beach front due to the number of restaurants and bars occupying the area.

Puerto Galera is the place for budget travelers. Everything is very reasonable. Rooms as I've heard are way cheaper during off peak season. The price we had was their peak rates already. 

What's for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Ihaw-Ihaw. You will see a lot of this when you visit.

Want to try something different? Turon with cheese (15php). This was okay, more cheese would have been wonderful!

The water was clearer than I expected, I have heard not so good feedbacks about the beach. I was very pleased when I saw the place, it was like a mini Boracay. Residents there, surely know the flow of people because come Saturday, the amount of people seem to have doubled. Not excessively much though, just noticeably fuller.

Friday

Saturday. See how much more people there is? There are more people by the shore than those on the water probably because the water is so so so cold! 

L and I trying to fight the cold. It was like swimming in a bucket of ice!

Overall, Puerto Galera is a nice place to relax and unwind. When you visit, do not forget to try their own island mix called Mindoro Sling. Tastes like four seasons but with a super strong kick!

For more information on Puerto Galera and accomodations visit http://www.puertogalera.org/

Paradise is not Lost. Phuket, Thailand

L and I graduated last April 15, 2010 and the following day we immediately flew to Phuket, Thailand for a long awaited vacation. With us is his NY based sister who came back to Manila just to see him graduate. Achi's husband together with his brother will follow in a few days. Their cousin together with her friend will also be flying in from SG where they were based.

We opted for Tiger Airways since they offer very reasonable fares (more or less 13,000php RT) We headed to Clark DMIA early morning to catch our flight to SG then  from there, transfer flights for Phuket. At the Changi airport, Achi was questioned since her PH passport will be expiring in less than 6mos. She explained that when she comes back to the US, she will be getting her US passport that's why she didn't see the need to renew. They let us through after about an hour of phone calls.

For our first night, we chose to dine in an in-the-hole Korean restaurant (sorry wasn't able to get the name) on the way from the airport to our hotel that as we have observed, Koreans frequent. There were about 2 groups of Koreans drinking there that night.

Our DIY food

We asked the man who greeted us coming in, which he can recommend and he pointed out to a set menu. We went with his suggestion and this was what came. The proper way to eat this as they say is to cook the meat, put toppings and roll with the lettuce.

We were in awe when we saw the resort Achi got for us to stay in. Marriott Beach Club was stunningly beautiful! No doubt, the best resort I have been to so far. There were 3 huge pools to choose from which were all fronting the beach. We statyed in a villa with 2 huge bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen, pantry, balcony and a sofa. It was like home, the beds were made everyday and the beddings were so so soft! 

One of the 3 infinity pools

Achi and L

Beyond the sun beds is the beach. Waves are huge!

L and I on another one of the pools

L have always wanted to go scuba diving and though hesitant at first, I finally gave in. Although achi has gone diving before, we opted to avail the introductory program since it was both L and I's first time. We were to dive at Racha Noi and Racha Yai. These two islands were 18km south of Phuket and were known to the locals as Raya Islands. "Yai" in Thai means big and "Noi" means small.

First time divers. We promise to avail an open water course soon!

Getting into the suits was no easy task. It was so hard! A lot of tugging, pulling and stretching after, we were finally all set for our very first dive.

Some weird fish we saw. My sister said we must have blinded him due to the flash. Haha!

Those spikes must be sharp! We have no idea what this was. 

This one looked like an underwater caterpillar. We had no idea there were so much creatures underwater we haven't even heard of.

One of the most popular beaches in Phuket is Patong. This was where the night life is! There were also a lot of tourists in the area. The beach was okay, still prefer Boracay's white sand Patong's. 

See those 2 girls from a distance? They were both topless!

The Ph Phi island tour was definitely the highlight of this trip. Snorkeling on open water was amazing! You can see a lot of fishes even before you go underwater. Phi Phi was the island's superstar. It has been on movies, the go to place for travelers and for some, may be the only reason to visit Phuket.

On the way to different islands, we keep on seeing these man-made stilts. 

First stop was this island where in we swam for less than an hour

More fishes

Maya Bay. The most beautiful beach I've been to, hands down.

Maya Bay the  is surrounded by 100m high cliffs on all 3 sides. Several beaches inside the bay exist but only on low tide, the main one is 200m long and has a powdery, silky white sand. If this looks familiar, it is because this is the setting for Leonardo Di Caprio's Movie, The Beach back in 1999.

Paradise is not lost. Maya Bay, and Phuket for that matter has resurrected from the devastating effects of the Tsunami back in 2004. Locals have moved on and everything seems to be back to how they were before

For more infromation on Marriott Phuket Beach Club you may visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hktpb-marriotts-phuket-beach-club/