Christmas Lunch at Johnny Rockets

Last Christmas, we planned to watch a movie.  But since it was not being shown at the Resorts World Manila and we didn't like the idea of watching at SM Bicutan, we decided to go to the Alabang Town Center (ATC) for a change. It's been a long time since we went there. In fact, I think this is the first time our daughter will be going there.

Also, I missed the spaghetti being served at the Makati Supermarket. Unfortunately, the grocery was closed for the holiday.

We found out later that most of the people were at the theaters lining up to buy tickets. The movie we were supposed to watch is already full and it hasn't started yet. We didn't want to wait for the next screening since the following day is a work day and we didn't want to stay out late. We strolled around and looked for a place to have late lunch instead.

Isdaan sa Calauan

Everytime we go home to Pangil, Laguna, we always see this big floating restaurant along the highway in Calauan, Laguna, just between the towns of Bay (pronounced Ba-ee) and Victoria. In fact, we witnessed how it slowly grew while the big concrete statues of the restaurant were being constructed. We wondered then if this will click among patrons. We realized later that their open parking lot seemed to be always full when we pass by it.

We asked ourselves when will be able to eat there. The opportunity came last Saturday, 22 December 2012, on our way to Pangil, Laguna. It was already past 1 pm and so we decided to try it out.

SG-Melaka-KL Trip Day 6 (Last Day of Our Trip)

December 4, 2012 (Tuesday)

On our last day, my wife and daughter didn't want to get up early. In fact, they finished a movie showing on TV before they finally got up and took their shower. I guess because this will be the last time they will be able to relax as we will have to check out since we plan to leave our things in the hotel and go back for it in the evening before we go to Melaka Sentral to catch a bus going to the KLIA Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).

We had one last photo in the hotel lobby before we went out for a whole day of sightseeing and shopping(?).

We found out that the free bus service, the GO KL bus stops in front of the KLCC Suria Mall, so we walked towards the Petronas Twin Towers to catch the bus.

SG-Melaka-KL Trip Day 5 (Finally, Kuala Lumpur)

December 2, 2012 (Sunday)

We were supposed to leave early for KL since we wanted to maximize our time  there, but the two girls didn't want to get up early. Since, this was a vacation, we decided to get up a little bit late. Besides, 6 AM in Malaysia is still dark, unlike in Manila.

After taking our shower and getting dressed, we brought our luggage downstairs and left it there while we had breakfast somewhere.

About a block or two away, we found an open restaurant and decided to have our breakfast there.

SG-Melaka-KL Trip Day 4 (Overnight in Melaka)

December 2, 2012 (Sunday)

Since Melaka was along the way to KL from SG  and it has been on my bucket list,  we decided to include it in our itinerary. I had earlier booked our seats online for the trip to Melaka.

We got up early and checked out of our hotel at past 6 AM to catch our bus going to Melaka which was scheduled to leave at 7:30 AM. The bus is located at the Golden Mile Complex (taxi fare: about S$ 11). It was good that we arrived early because we were not sure where the office of the bus was and we were supposed to get our tickets there. The bus was located in another area. Although it was just walking distance, if you are not familiar with the place and you happen to arrive at the last minute, you might not be able to board on time.

There were only about 10 passengers on the bus which included us and there are only 3 seats in a row with a super wide leg space that you can recline your seat that you are almost lying down since there are no passengers behind you.

SG-Melaka-KL Trip Day 3 (Around Singapore)

December 1, 2012 (Saturday)

Today, we woke up late since we've been waking up early the last 2 days. Since we were going to Chinatown, we decided to have breakfast there. Walking along Orchard Road, we took a bus at a stop near the Orchard Hotel. As we didn't know the fare, we had to ask the driver and fumble with our coin purse to have the exact change as the drivers do not give change.

We got off at a bus stop which is one more stop farther from Chinatown. As we walked towards Pagoda Street, we passed by a Bakkwa store and decided to buy some as gifts when we get home.

Further on, we passed by a Chinese pharmacy and again we went inside to buy some medicine which were requested by my wife's office mates.

SG-Melaka-KL Trip Day 2 (Universal Studios and Orchard Hotel)

November 30, 2012 (Friday)

We had to wake up a little early because we were to transfer to another hotel a few blocks from Marriott. 

We decided to check-in early at the Orchard Hotel because the complimentary shuttle bus going to Universal Studio Singapore (USS) stops there to pick up foreign tourists. Take note that you should have your passport as well as embarcation card ready to show the bus driver or you he won't let you in. Also, since this is the last stop along the route, it's almost full when it gets there so be early. The first trip is at 9:35 and every 30 minutes thereafter.

We got to bus station in Sentosa Island, where we were to take the escalator going up to the USS. We had a photo taken first at the revolving  globe infront of USS.

When we got to the entrance, I realized that I did not bring my pre-printed voucher. I was advised by the attendant to go to the guest relations office. There I just presented my credit card, which I used to purchase my vouchers, and they printed our tickets which we then presented at the entrance.

The theme park was not that big. In fact, where it not for the long lines, where you have to wait between 15 to 45 minutes, it would not take the whole day to finish all the rides in the park. I will just let the pictures talk about the park.

Dining at Domino's

After a long while, we finally had another taste of Domino's. I actually found out that they're back in the Philippines late last year when I saw one of their stores in Alabang. The opportunity came when we were on our way to Laguna. Since the road from Marriott to SLEX via Villamor Air Base was slow moving, we decided to take the Sucat road via NAIA 1. It's on the way to SLEX that we found that a new branch of Domino's has just opened in the new SM Hypermarket in Sucat.

What I like about Domino's is that their pizzas are less greasy and their chewy crust. They come if four sizes: 7", 10", 12" and 14" and with a promo of buy 1-take 1.

SG-Melaka-KL Trip Day 1 (Bound for SG)

November 29, 2012 (Thursday)

Our trip to Singapore and Malaysia had finally ended as quicky as it had started. What took about a year to plan was through after a 6 day tour of Singapore, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur. Our first day started with us waking up early even though our flight was still at around 12 noon. Since it was our first time to use the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Pampanga, we decided to leave Manila early.

We took a bus at the Victory Liner bus terminal in Pasay and was told to take the Dagupan bound bus as this will pass by the Dau Terminal. From there, one has to walk out of the terminal and turn left. There is a queue of air-conditioned jeepneys waiting for passengers bound for the airport. I think it costs P100 each for 25 minute trip.

Upon arrival at the airport and x-ray of the luggages, we went to a counter and paid for our travel tax. It's P1,620 per adults and slightly lower for kids. Since the check-in counter was still closed, we get copies of the immigration cards and filled it up while waiting. 

Upon checking-in, we proceeded to the gate and paid for the terminal fee and then queued to have our passport and immigration card checked by the immigration officer. If you are a government employee, make sure you have a travel authority to avoid the hassle of explaining to the officer. Upon stamping of the passport, we were at last free to go inside and wait for our boarding call.