REMEMBERING FANTASY WORLD

I'm doing a bit of backtrack from the previous years for some of the most memorable travels I had. May 22, 2009 was this day when our family (tatay, nanay, my 2 ates, my 4 pamangkins and I) went on a trip to enjoy being together and staying together. This is the last time we made a travel together as the following years were filled with health issues from our family. So we decided to go to Tagaytay to experience the cold weather.

Kat and Gel

Ate Rose and Gel

Me

Along the way, we dropped by Fantasy World which features a castle like structure and nice garden inside. And so we rushed out of the van and sprinted to the site and from there just took pictures after the other. It was a day filled with fun as all of us were just smiles with the wonderful scenario.

Happy Family

My sisters and pamangkins

Nanay and Tatay

This is definitely one of the memorable trips our family has ever had. Too bad, we can't repeat this anymore as my tatay has already left us since May of this year. As I look on the pictures, all I could feel was love and happiness. We, indeed were a bunch of people who are camera addicts. And for sure, we all know to value family togetherness. And one thing is also certain, we can definitely spell the word FUN!

Nanay and my Ates

My Pamangkins - Gabriel, Gianne, Gelyn, Katkat

MY ENCHANTED EXPERIENCE 2011

In the many years Enchanted Kingdom has been in the country, I actually have visited the theme park 3 times only and so this latest visit is only my fourth. Not much has changed in the place. Same level of fun though I still would like to see new rides in the future that will definitely put interest to EK once more. Last Saturday, June 18, 2011 marked the first time in over 2 years that I went to EK and experienced the magic once more.

You can't always compare EK to Disneyland or Universal Studios, but for people who can't afford going out of the country to visit those international theme parks, Enchanted Kingdom is definitely a good choice. The weather did not cooperate by much but I still enjoyed the whole day spending it with my best friend, Chris.

We did not get to ride all but we managed to experience the ones we really like. We started at the Space Shuttle and man it was truly heart-pumping experience. The twists, the turns, the rotations and all of the screams were such a great starter to a nice day. Aside from that we did try the EKstreme Tower Ride. I find going up more fearful than the actual drop which is rather short and abrupt. We also did the Up, Up and Away. And for the desire to try getting wet, we did the Jungle Log Jam. And man, that was wicked. And of course we went for the maximum wet experience and did I say I was drenched? I was wet all over when we tried Rio Grande Rapids. Brrrr...

And aside from the very wonderful rides, we also enjoyed all the games the theme park has presented, We actually won a lot of stuffed toys which are so cute, colorful and fluffy. It is funny that sometimes students and other girls ask us to play on their behalf for them to score some stuffed toys as well. I guess we did went home with a lot in our hands.

It was a wonderful and memorable experience. It's nice to finally come back to Enchanted Kingdom. I would love to get back really soon. Here are the stuffed toys we got after the trip!

SUMMER 2011 RECALL: TEAMBUILDING AT 8 WAVES

Summer is officially done and it ended with me not having a real beach experience. The closest I got this year was our teambuilding. This is my first teambuilding with Shell and the location - 8 Waves.

I am not sure what struck me but I am not in the real mood during that day for swimming. The only thing that pushed me to go is the fact that it would be my first teambuilding for Shell and that I would like to capture the experience in pictures. Well, as expected there were a lot of people in the resort and a lot of families making the place crowded as ever. Here are some of the pics me and some of my team mates took.

Till next teambuilding! :)

A LOOK ON SINGAPORE: PLACES TO ENJOY, THINGS TO EXPERIENCE

One of the countries I have visited for many times already is Singapore. A relatively small country in compared to the other Southeast Asian nations like Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia, it boasts of a lot of things to enjoy, explore and simply marvel on.

I like Singapore because of its cleanliness and the presence of the green scenery even in the city proper. This is one good combination since I love urban living so much and having the sense of nature induced into the urban living is a really wonderful thing. While most of the global community specifically Filipinos are noticing Singapore just now due to the opening of the Universal Studios, I have been a fan of this country for a long time already.
Here are the Top 10 things (places/activities) I have enjoyed in my visits to Singapore and I bet you would not want to miss these when you go there.

1. Universal Studios Singapore
- All I could say is this is really one wonderful experience. You could feel the fun and enjoyment even from the entrance itself. You should not miss a photo chance with the "Universal" globe in the entrance. And once you're in the theme park, you will just say "Wow"! Get your feel of the wonderful rides (I will do s separate feature on this). One ride I specifically enjoyed was the "Revenge of The Mummy", a dark rollercoaster ride set in the dark confines of their Ancient Egypt area. Aside from that, indulge with a lot of shopping for USS items like tshirts, keychains, magnets, mugs and a whole lot more. And who would not miss out on the colorful characters in the theme park. I had pictures with a whole bunch of them.

2. Sentosa Island
- Excluding Universal Studios, Sentosa Island is still one of the more fun areas in Singapore. In here, you get to experience beach within the city. Also, I enjoyed the luge ride which was so fun now that it has 2 trackes already. The skyride was also nice as you get to see the full view of the island. And one would enjoy the Sentosa trains as well as it will get you back and forth of the island. More stuff are in there like the Tiger Sky Tower, Mega Zip Adventure Park and the very huge Merlion statue towering over the entire island.

3. Merlion/Esplanade
- The proof that you have been in Singapore is and will always be the merlion. Half-lion and half-merman, this statue that is situated in the heart of Singapore has been a long time symbol of the country. And while you're in the vicinity, don't fail to take pics of the picturesque Esplanade, Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands which are all within shooting distance.

4. Marina Bay Sands
- Singapore's newest attraction and one heck of a structure it is. Designed like a boat on top of three towers of buildings, Marina Bay Sands is house to several hotels and a bunch of shopping establishments like Vertu, Bvlgari, Fendi and YSL to name a few. A wonderful structure indeed and one that is worth the drop.

5. Singapore Zoo/Night Safari
- Kids and even adults will enjoy a date with nature in Singapore as well. Singapore Zoo boasts of a number of animals from which you would see and a different feel is injected by the Night Safari. If you want animals in the city, then don't forget to visit these.

6. Shopping
- Outside of Hongkong, one wonderful location to shop is Singapore. If you are into branded stuffs fo sure you'll have a mouth watering time in the locale. Wonderful shopping center to visit include Marina Bay Sands, Vivo City, ION Orchard, Takashimaya, Marina Square, Tangs and Paragon to name a few. From clothes, shoes, apparel, accessories and gadgets. You name it they have it.

7. Clarke Quay
- Your night is not complete without a doze of music and booze. And one place to go is Clarke Quay area. A lot of bars, cafes and discos are abound and you will surely have a good night to cap your day. Some days also have shows by the river like magic spectacles and fireworks display. Aside from it, within the area is the exhilirating Reverse Bungy which I tried but I think won't try again. That was nerve wracking.

8. Singapore Flyer
- A bit expensive by Filipino standards but I still think the flyer is such a wonderful experience. The towering ferris wheel as most people would relate, the experience in it is such a nice one. Luxurious dining and drinking is also there. For those who have money to spare try this one and see the city to the fullest. Recommended to try on evenings.

9. Changi International Airport
- When I first landed in Singapore in 2007 I was put in awe with its airport. I told myself that even If I don't get out and just stary at the airport I won't be bored. Boasting of 3 big terminals and a budget terminal, each area is packed with a lot of stuff to do. Shop till you drop with the endless selection of items. Dine and binge with several food choices. Once tired, try to relax and go to their sports zone or the TV zone. If you are the tekkie type, play on with Playstation or Xbox in their game area or simply connect to the internet with their numerous computers everywhere.

10. Chinatown
- For budget shopping one must go here. Pasalubongs can be easily bought here at the mimimal prices from keychains, shirts, bells, magnets or ornaments. Also, a must try in here are their choices of street food, particularly noodles everywhere. In here you can have your noodles, stir-fried, crispy or down right saucy.

I will never tire visiting Singapore as it has brought in me a whole lot of wonderful and fun memories.

MY BAGUIO ADVENTURE

In terms of local destinations, Baguio remains one of the sought after tourist spots in the Philippines. Regarded as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio is frequently visited by people due to its good weather. I myself enjoyed it by much. You can walk with your jacket on around the city even during noontime. Bet you can't do that it Metro Manila.

What are the things I won't forget in Baguio. Aside from the weather, I really liked a lot of stuff in Baguio. The intricate architecture of the Baguio Cathedral is a wonder to marvel. It can be seen that the church is maintained really well. There's also the Burnham Park. Despite it losing some of its beauty, it still remains as one of the landmarks of the city. In here, you can rent a boat and take a breather of the nice cool breeze. Lourdes Grotto is also one of the tourist spots here and is a must see for Catholics. More parks to explore includes Mines View Park and Wright Park. If you are into flowers and plants, then the Botanical Gardens is also a must visit. While on the way, don't forget to take a brief break and take a picture or two of The Mansion.

And who could forget food when travelling? I don't. You can get a taste of the best strawberries in town here. Plus get to taste the strawberry flavored taho which really bodes well to my sweet tongue. Also don't fail to grab some ube and delicacies at The Good Shepherd Convent. They are very tasty and at the same time you are helping out to their cause. And while you are at it, better snuggle some vegetables and bring them all the way back to the metro. They have the best cauliflowers, lettuce and brocollis i've ever seen. For good food specially for dinners, try visiting Cafe by the Ruins and you'll be treated with a sumptuous meal you'll surely enjoy.

And just when you thought, Baguio is nothing close to urbanization, then you got it wrong. One should never miss SM Baguio. Its unique structure which was built on a cliff is a one of a kind structure. Plus who needs aircon when your weather is that cold? SM Baguio boasts of an open air concept to allow the natural coldness cover the entire facility.

Baguio is truly a wonder. I'll never tire out visiting such a wonderful place. My most recent visit was my 7th already. Can't wait for my return to Baguio. Till we meet again.