Leighnie's blog

Gong Xi Fa Cai in Singapore

2012-02-10T18:08:00.000+08:00

We booked our Singapore trip in November because of a sale and also because we wanted to watch Wicked. We did not realize that our trip would fall on the Chinese New Year.

It was a bad idea as when we got to Singapore, we found out that most of the stores are closed for the Chinese New Year for 3 days (which is exactly how long we will be staying in Singapore) We wanted to buy gadgets but couldn't because shops were mostly closed and those that remained open had higher prices.

Even our food was more expensive because restaurants that were open for the Holidays charged their consumers additional for the holiday pay that their waiters will be receiving.

And although most of the tourist attractions remained open, it was so jam packed with people who were also taking advantage of the long holiday to spend time with their friends and family. It was so crowded, specially in Sentosa.

But despite of everything, we still made the most of our trip.

Upon arriving at the Changi Budget Terminal, we made our way to Terminal 2 to ride the MRT going to the city. Mac and I still had EZ-Link cards from our last trip to Singapore so we only needed to re-load at the MRT stations. Having a card is very efficient as you do not need to line up to buy tickets every time you want to ride the MRT.

Aerial view of Singapore from the plane

Gong Xi Fa Cai at the airport

We booked at Oasia Hotel through Agoda.com because they were having a 50% off promo and the hotel boasted a 4.5 Star Rating. The hotel lived up to expectation.

We stayed at Oasia Hotel located just right beside Novena Station

Love the room!

They welcome you when you open the TV

The hotel pool is located at the 8th floor.

The view from our room at the 21st floor

Our first stop was to go to Lucky Plaza to get our money exchanged. This is when we started noticing that shops were closing early for the Chines New Year.

We went to Sentosa to watch Songs of the Sea which was unfortunately sold out so we just walked around.

Since it was Chinese New Year, we went to their Chinatown to get a taste of the CNY celebrations

This is the top of a temple in Chinatown

We wanted to try authentic Chinese Food so we sat down at this restaurant located within Chinatown's food street

Egg Pie...Yum!

Hakaw

Siomai

Eu Tong Sen Street was closed as there was a show ongoing to welcome Chinese New Year

You wouldn't believe the amount of people in Chinatown.

They had firecrackers and fireworks at 12am. Too bad we couldn't really appreciate it and take pictures as it rained really hard.

Mac and I went back to Sentosa the next day as this was one of the few places that remained open for the holiday

RIBS!

Merlion at Sentosa

They had Dinosaur topiaries

Perfect Picture for Valentine's day

After Sentosa, we headed to the Singapore Zoo for the Night Safari which opens at 7:30pm. The Night Safari was okay but most of the animals were already sleeping. I guess if you are with children, then they would enjoy the zoo.

Commuting is really easy. This is their bus terminal. You ride bus 138 to go to the zoo. (The terminal is at the Ang Mio Ko Station)

We wouldn't miss the food!

SG Business district

Lau Pa Sat could have been spectacular if only the food stalls were open. Only about a 3rd of the stalls were open we went. We still enjoyed the food though.
It was also fun to see Tapa King, Baliwag Lechon Manok and a Filipino Grocery store here. Filipinos are really everywhere

Lau Pa Sat

Mac has been craving for Hopia ever since our visit to Chinatown. He finally bought one in Lau Pa Sat

I think this is an Ice Cream place. I wonder who was first, Jollibean or our own Jollibee?

The main reason we went to Singapore was because of the musical Wicked which was being staged within Marina Bay Sands. Every structure here was beautiful and very upscale.

The shops

The Gondola

The buildings

Famous Marina Bay Sands from outside

I couldn't wait to watch Wicked

A Narnia exhibit was also ongoing

The Helix Bridge and Singapore Flyer

CNY celebrations

Too lazy to walk all the way up to the Merlion

It's Fiero!

Really enjoyed Wicked

Helix Bridge at night

Singapore although a very small country will still remain one of my favorite places to visit with its diversity of food choices, shopping malls, theme parks and of course, cheap gadgets!

Wicked in Singapore

2012-01-30T10:53:00.001+08:00

It has been a week but I am still LSS'ing on songs from the musical "Wicked".

We flew to Singapore just to be able to watch this spectacular musical and it did not dissapoint.

The set was incredible as well as the performers. Every penny we spent was worth it!

It is still not too late to catch Wicked as the run was extended until February. Just go here to book your tickets.

Food Review: Mad Mark's

2012-01-30T10:48:00.000+08:00

Mad Mark's is a sandwich and ice cream place in the developing Kapitolyo area in Pasig City (Same street as the more famous Charlie's burgers)

For fans of sandwiches, I recommend the Happy Camper with a side of their Cajun fries (yum) and Iced Tea.

Top it off with their homemade half-baked madagascar ice cream.

Yum.

This is their manwich. Look at the size of that. The Iphone was included in the picture for perspective

Their full sandwich compared to the half sandwiches that are also available

The happy camper is a chicken sandwich

Price ranges for P160-P300 for each meal.

They also have buffalo wings in their menu but I suggest you go for the sandwiches rather than this. There are better places for wings than Mad Mark's

Mamma Mia: Review

2012-01-30T10:40:00.001+08:00

I grew up listening to the Dancing Queen and other ABBA songs.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie when it was shown here.

And I was fortunate to be able to get tickets to see the Mamma Mia musical currently being staged at the CCP.

The singing was awesome but the acoustics in the theater needs to improve. There were some parts where there were feedback and the singers couldn't be heard but otherwise the musical was superb.

I look forward to more musicals being staged here.

You can still buy tickets here. Ticket prices are as follows:

Saturday & Sunday
P7,000, 6,000, 5,000, 3,500, 2,000, 1,000

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday
P6,000, 5,000, 4,000, 3,000, 1,500, 750

Food Trippin California!

2012-01-18T16:00:00.000+08:00

One of the best parts of any trip that Mac and I do is the food. And since we love American food, we were really looking forward to the food!

Here's a compilation of some of the most memorable food we had.

We had happy hour in Elephant Bar

The spinach dip is really good

Chowking!

They sell Taho. How come our local chowkings here don't?

In and Out Burger

IHOP for breakfast.

This was the thanksgiving feast so this was also mostly Filipino food. But the ham! Describing it won't do justice to how it tasted.

Cute little cupcakes

One serving is good for 3 Pinoys!

Their Starbucks sells fruits. I hope ours do too.

Sizzler's steak and unlimited shrimp

Ihop's ham and cheese sandwich

I still love Pancake House though

Red Robbin Nachos

Red Robin Burger

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Dream come true for Mac. Have a picture with an actual Hooters calendar girl

Road Trippin California: Disneyland!

2012-01-18T15:28:00.002+08:00

Of course we wouldn't miss going to the happiest place in the world. The Original Disneyland resort where it all began.

We took a 2 day park hopper pass which was good for both the Disney California Adventure Park (which had more mature rides) and Disneyland . We thought we would be able to visit both resorts in 2 days and have enough time to repeat going in the rides that we enjoyed since we went on a Monday.

Apparently there are no weekend/weekday difference in Disneyland. Lines are long everyday! But we still had the time of our lives.

I loved the Ferris Wheel. It swings back and forth!

Our faces after the roller coaster. Notice the grandma sitting just behind us. Brave one!

This was my most favorite ride of all.

Our cabin inside the Hollywood Hotel ride. This was our second ride already so we kinda knew what to expect. But notice the guy 3 rows behind me scared as hell!

It's a bug's life

Hindi kami takot!

Mr. Disney

Too bad due to the very windy weather, they didn't do the fireworks. But it still snowed in Maine street. :)

Disneyland never fails to make me feel like a kid again.

Road Trippin California: San Francisco & Lake Tahoe

2012-01-18T15:06:00.003+08:00

We drove 6 hours from Los Angeles to San Francisco to see the famous Golden Gate Bridge and "The Rock". (I love Nicolas Cage in that movie, by the way)

We rode these ships to go to Alcatraz

The Rock

San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge from afar

And we're here

The inmates closet

I still say that the American inmates are better off than ours, at least they get their own bunks

One reason I was so excited to go to the US was because I wanted to see snow. And since it was still November, and we were in California, it really doesn't snow so we went and looked for snow.

Off we went to Lake Tahoe.

I was already getting disappointed here because there were no snow in the mountains. It was too early, they said.

But I was persistent so we rode the cable car up the mountain to see the snow

And finally!

When we got there, it was sooo cold! I wasn't prepared. :)

I still had a lot of fun though

San Francisco is another beautiful city that If only we had more time, I would really want to stay longer. But the long drive was worth it.

The Juju Cleanse Challenge

2012-01-17T20:26:00.001+08:00

Finally found a diet/detox that I can do without getting cranky.

This is a purely liquid diet and although some of the drinks are a bit hard to get down, you can do it and not feel hungry the entire day.Just as long as you take lots of water or tea.

If only it were not so expensive. A day's worth of juice costs P2,500.I did this with some officemates so we got the barkada package with a pack worth P2,200.00

Ordering is a breeze and they deliver your Juju Cleanse kit the day before you plan to do it

Here's all the juices in line. I loved the Spicy limonada but hated that red drink, i think it was made of beets

It comes in a nice bag with an ice pack to keep your juices cold throughout the day

So to those interested to do the Juju. You can visit their official website for more details. www.jujucleanse.com

You can make your loved ones feel special by giving them unique experiences & memorable gifts #DealGrocer

2012-01-10T14:30:00.000+08:00

You can make your loved ones feel special by giving them unique experiences & memorable gifts #DealGrocer

Road Trippin California: Pebble Beach, Monterey

2011-12-21T17:35:00.002+08:00

I heard that Monterey is a famous place in California where even ex-president GMA used to play Golf so we stopped by Pebble Beach on our way to San Francisco.

I just love the view.

Road Trippin California:Universal Studios, Hollywood

2011-12-21T16:54:00.002+08:00

Mac and I love theme parks.

First stop is the Universal Studios Hollywood.

We've been to Universal Studios Singapore and most of the rides in Hollywood are also already there. What's different is the Studio tour where you ride a tram and the staff takes you around the back lot of Universal Studios and you get to see studio locations where they shot scenes from some of our favorite movies and tv series.

They also have the Waterwold show but actors performing here are real Hollywood actors, albeit just extras and supporting cast.

The theme park closes at around 8pm but the City Walk stays open until 12mn

Get to meet your favorite movie and cartoon characters

Like Shre

Get wet in the Jurassic Park ride

Don't miss the animal show to see celebrity animals who've performed in movies like Beverly Hills Chihuahua...

Don't forget to take a picture with Jaws

Road Trippin California: Las Vegas

2011-12-19T18:02:00.000+08:00

If I had stayed longer in the city that never sleeps, I would be bankrupt!

What are the things that you must do in Vegas?

Watch free shows at Circus Circus. They have shows every half an hour featuring different circus acts (most of which has performed for America's Got Talent)

Visit all the hotels at the strip

Like the Venetian

To admire the ceiling

And take a picture with the street performers

You will find a lot of interesting characters just walking around. Just leave a tip.

Don't miss the Eiffel Tower in 'Paris'

What do you do in Vegas? Gamble!

Be a big winner...Like Seth here with his dollar rings and necklace. :)

Consume a lot of sugar to give you energy

Visit the MGM grand and look at their snakes, fishes and lions

Stay at the Excalibur

Watch the fountain dance at the Bellagio

Eat in at least one buffet

What did I say about the sugar?

Most of all, have fun!

Road Trippin California: Hollywood Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive

2011-12-19T16:47:00.000+08:00

First stop on our adventure is Hollywood Boulevard where you will find the Kodak Theatre, Pantages Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum to name a few.

Photo Blog:

You will arrive just beside the Kodak Theatre (If you are coming from the train)

George Eastman's star is found just outside Kodak Theatre.

Shopping Galore!

In front of the Pantages Theatre, you will see the foot and hand prints of your favorite stars

The latest additions were the prints of the Twilight Saga stars

We availed of the StarLine Hollywood Fun Tour. Each pass comes with a free entrance to the Wax Museum

Where the rich and famous live

Where the rich and famous shop

Part of the Starline tour is to show you the Hollywood sign. If you squint your eyes and look closely, you will see it at the very back... (lol)

Adam Sandler's house and boat in Beverly Hills (according to the tour guide)

This one is Jeniffer Aniston's

The famous street representing Hollywood in most movies because of the palm trees lined on both sides of the street

Owned by Fashion Designer Bijan (who loves pots), this is the fastest car in the world (accdg. to our guide again)

The occupy movement is also in Rodeo. Occupy Rodeo!

Wax Musemu fun

I love Nic!

and Will Smith

I would like to commend the Los Angeles Metro System. Everything was so organized, their buses and trains follow a schedule and have designated stops that makes it a lot easier for tourists (like us) to go around the city. Of course, one can just rent a car and not get lost because of the GPS systems available. But riding the Metro is also a fun experience. :) Fare is only $1.50 flat rate anywhere in LA.

Photo grabbed from Los Angeles Times

Road Trippin California: Korean Air Flight

2011-12-19T15:39:00.002+08:00

Mac and I have looked forward to one trip this entire year, our 3-week long vacation in the US.

To be able to save on airfare, we made sure to book months in advance. As per our relatives' suggestions, we decided to fly with Korean Air.

It was a good choice as Korean Air offers a host of entertainment choices that will keep you occupied during the long 16 hour flight from the Philippines to the US. Plus points for them since they serve Korean Food and I love Korean food. :)

Though there were flight delays, boarding was delayed for 40 minutes only, we still managed to arrive at the US almost on time (I guess, the pilot flew a little faster to make up for the delay).

The check-in terminal at the NAIA International Airport. I can't wait until this airport gets renovated

You always get to choose between an international dish (for non-koreans) and a korean dish. This is their chicken rice

I always get the Korean food - Bulgogi!

For breakfast, we also get a choice of rice porridge or omelet. I got the Omelet.

Beef for Dinner

Layover in Korea.

In-flight entertainment. I love the USB power source, I had no problems charging my electronics

Our tickets cost around P40,000.00 each (mla-seoul-lax).

Bob Marlin Restaurant - Naga, Camarines Sur

2011-11-19T21:26:00.001+08:00

It was my first time in Naga to attend the 22nd Advertising Congress with my officemates. We ate at Blue Marlin Restaurant to eat the famous local dishes.

I loved everything with gata!

Milk Tea is Love

2011-10-28T10:57:00.002+08:00

Out of all the milk teas available today, only 2 remains to be my favorite, Chatime and Serenitea!

Black Eyed Peas: Live in Manila Concert

2011-10-28T10:31:00.001+08:00

It is not everyday that we get to see one of the world's top bands perform live in Manila. And what makes us prouder as Filipinos is that one of its members is also Pinoy.

Lots of people drove to the Mall of Asia Concert grounds (including me and my office mates) last October 25 to witness a great concert/party by the Black Eyed Peas.

Even the policemen couldn't resist but watch...

Event: Better Dog Games at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa

2011-10-28T10:15:00.001+08:00

The Better Dog Games held last Oct. 22-23 at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna was a free dog show featuring trained dogs from different parts of the country and even as far away as Malaysia.

We brought Kira so she can interact with other dogs.

Kira meets her first friend...

Attempting to train her

Malaysian dog. Forgot the exact breed

I wish we can train Kira to do this.

Pampered dogs

I want a Sheltie next.

Lunch in Chinatown: President's Restaurant

2011-10-16T22:43:00.005+08:00

Not really a fan of Chinese food but surprisingly found myself enjoying the food in President's.

Started with Egg Drop Soup

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Squid

Spare Ribs

The Sunday Crowd

The menu

And of course, no visit to Chinatown will be complete without bringing home food from their famous stores.

Me, Aiya and Bert with the food bought from Chinatown.

San Miguel Oktoberfest 2011: Manila Kick-off

2011-10-06T15:23:00.001+08:00

It was the grandest and biggest San Miguel Oktoberfest that I have ever seen for several reasons:

The venue was so big that it was able to accommodate almost 25,000 people
San Miguel Oktoberfest brought back the highlight to its different beers available and not just focused on big bands and performers on stage
It was the first time that different tents were placed that housed the different beer brands and showcased each brand's personality
Tickets were very affordable at only P50,00 each with 3 free cups of the limited edition San Miguel Oktoberfest beer already
And the best part of it is that they sold the beer at P10.00 per cup only.

Props to the team that made Oktoberfest happen. But the partying is not over as the provincial legs will still be implemented on the following dates:

October 14 - Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro
October 15 - Nepo Complex, Angeles Pampanga
October 28 - Paseo De Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Pictures after the jump:

San Miguel Flavored Beer Tent - my new favorite beers

Start of the San Miguel Oktoberfest Beer Festival

Vacant chairs waiting to be filled

And indeed it was filled by 25,000 strong

Love this team!

San Mig Strong Ice tent where the impromptu dance battles happened

Selling of the Oktoberfest Beer Gift Pack - this is a must-have for collectors and beer lovers in general

San Miguel Lifestyle Brews tent

San Mig Light tent

Red Horse Beer Tent

San Miguel Pale Pilsen Tent

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Bossing was there!

and Sam Pinto

And the Azkals

And Moymoy Palaboy

And San Miguel executives

Back to the beer being the highlight for Oktoberfest

It's a giant beer pyramid!

Bossing being interviewed by Gretchen Fulido

It's Sam Pinto's turn

Inside the San Mig Strong Ice tent

Another celebrity spotted, the stars of the San Miguel Alcoholic Malt Beverage video. Visit this site to see the video - http://apps.facebook.com/flavored-beer

Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2011

2011-10-06T14:56:00.000+08:00

I have never seen so many shirtless men in my life.

The Cosmo Bachelor Bash held at World Trade Center last Sept. 14 was a feast of hunks and celebrities.

I will let the pictures do the talking...

Jake Cuenca Hotness

Thank you San Mig Light!

LZM Restaurant offers the Best Bulalo

2011-10-06T14:40:00.002+08:00

What is a sure sign that you liked the food in a restaurant? Driving to Tagaytay 2 consecutive weekends and deciding to eat in the same place.

This is what Mac and I actually did.We loved LZM's bulalo and boneless bangus so much that we ate dinner there 2 consecutive Saturdays.

The first trip was with my officemates.


Serving the very yummy bulalo. Perfect for the cold and rainy weather in Tagaytay

Can't get over the Bulalo

The Boneless Bangus was also one of the Best Sellers


Satisfied faces: (L-R) Yoshi Tanaka, Mac, Me, Miles, Aids, Dapor and Migz (Gab was behind the camera)

We stayed in Canyon Woods, Tagaytay where two of our officemates were members.

Facade to the reception area

Casita

Casitas from Outside

Lake

Activities in Canyon Woods

We also had Razon's Halo Halo for merienda

Bag of Beans for lunch. They have a brunch buffet available up to 11am. Too bad we didn't make it to the brunch

Bag of Beans menu. The bacon looks so tempting

Having fun in the playground

Kowloon West Liempo

2011-09-12T17:51:00.000+08:00

Black Gulaman

Liempo!

Kowloon West Liempo and Black Gulaman is the best cure to sober up after a night of partying.

Kira the Pom is not a puppy anymore

2011-09-12T17:48:00.000+08:00

She love her tummy tickled

She's growing up, really fast

Best Date Places: Marcia Adams Tuscany

2011-09-12T17:46:00.000+08:00

A secret restaurant located in Tagaytay is Marcia Adams Tuscany.

Food is great. The place is also cozy and quaint which is perfect for a romantic date.

Directions on hoe to get there

Interiors

Decor

A set meal starts with either a soup or salad. I opted to go for the soup. It doesn't look too appetizing but this was really good.

We ordered a salad

My main course - pork chops

For dessert, I had the banana fritters dipped in chocolate

Decor outside

Food ranges from P700.00 - 1,500.00 per person.