Latest Buy: Melissa Shoes via Zalora

I seldom buy online items and I am a notorious cheapskate especially when I became a mom. But when I received a P400 discount voucher from Zalora (PH), I immediately grabbed the chance to buy the Melissa Shoe that I am eyeing for the longest time. I am so happy with this purchase because aside from the discounted price, this flats is super cute, feminine, comfy and goes well with almost any outfit.

Original Price: P1999.00 (discounted price: P1599.00)

Summer 2013 Staycation: Edsa Shangrila

This is our second time to stay in this hotel. As always, checking-in is a breeze and we get to have a nice room with pool view without us requesting for it. They also offer free wifi connection. It is also nice that they are located near shopping malls (Shangrila Mall and Megamall). The only problem we  got is getting a parking slot but that's because they are currently having renovations so some of the slots were occupied by their construction suppliers/contractors. The staff are friendly and helpful and they are always mindful to your needs. What we noticed however is that their breakfast buffet had lesser menu choices as compared to our previous stay (that was 2 years ago, btw) and the complimentary fruit basket in the room is now limited to 2 pieces of oranges only. I also appreciate that the lifeguards in their pool area is now more visible and attentive so it's additional peace of mind especially if you have your kids with you. I also love their frozen margarita, too bad I didn't get to take a picture but I swear it's one of the best margarita I tasted.  =)

Additional Info:
·    Complimentary Buffet breakfast for two (2) at the Heat. Children 7 to 12 years old are entitled to 50% off, while children 6 years old and below are free of charge. Breakfast Buffet rate  is PHP 1,464 nett per person.
·    In-room wired internet access and Wi-Fi access.
·    Daily local newspaper in the guest room.
·    Free shoe shine service.
·    Free access and use of the Health Club facilities such as the gymnasium, sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi and swimming pool.
·    Complimentary use of the coffee and tea making facility where coffee and tea sachets are provided and replenished daily.
·    Complimentary bottles (2) of mineral water in the guestrooms, replenished daily.
·    Complimentary parking. 

the bathroom

the toiletries

the view from our room

Weekday Lunch at Gilligans MegaStrip, Ortigas

When my officemates and I wants to have an affordable lunchout, we usually opt to go to Gilligans. Aside from the fact that it is not that crowded during lunch hours unlike other restaurants in Ortigas area, they also offer affordable group meals that you and your colleagues can enjoy. They offer the usual grilled and pinoy dishes. They are famous for their crispy pork sisig.

typical weekday lunch hour

For our lunch today, we ordered their F5 meal which consists of sinigang na bangus belly, fried chicken, inihaw na liempo, a bowl of rice, and 4 glasses of iced tea. This is good for 4 pax and costs only P481. If you are on tight budget, they also have P99 meal (just add P21 for a glass of iced tea).

F5 Meal for only P481

iced tea

 

3 for P120

Casa Astillero (Caisip Compound), Calatagan Batangas

the view from our tent

My 1st summer outing for the year 2013...uhmm..make it my 1st ever out-of-town trip for this year so I was really excited on this one. Checking their website and reviews from other netizens, I somehow already have an idea on what to expect from this trip. Anyway, I had reserved a Kabana with veranda which is good for 5-7 persons worth P1500. Although we really intend to sleep on a tent, I still opted to reserved a kabana since we are bringing our kids with us and I thought this would be a good shelter for them in case the summer heat might get unbearable. Since we will be bring our own tent, they only charged us P200/tent for the tent fitching (NOTE: Guests may also opt to rent a tent for P500). Finding the place is quite a challenge because unlike other beach resort that posts directions/markers along the way, this one doesn't have any so we just have to rely on the map and instructions that they provide to us thru their email. When we reached the place, it is almost crowded because there is a company teambuilding reserved on that day. Mang Romy, the caretaker, accomodated us easily. Though I am a bit disappointed with the location of the cabana because it is quite far from the beach, it did not spoiled our trip because we were able to get a nice spot for our tents. We got a nice view of the sea and it is quite secluded from the crowd. In short, we were not able to use the cabana (there goes our P1500..hehe..). Do note also that the cabana does not have its own toilet/bathroom so you would have to use the common t&b (2 shower room, 2 toilet only). I wish they would add more shower rooms & toilet because it is not enough especially during peak season.

The beach is nice and ideal if you have kids with you because the water is calm so it would not post much danger to your kids. They would surely love exploring the beach area and playing in the sand. You'll be disappointed however if you love swimming and snorkeling because you wouldn't get to do this here because the water is too shallow. Also, make sure to bring enough food and drinks because there is no restaurant or store in the resort.

CONTACT DETAILS

CASA ASTILLERO BEACH RESORT

Pamela C. Astillero - Buenaventura
Reservations Officer
http://www.casaastillero.com

Tel Fax: 632.776-3145

Tel No: 632.986-4487

Mobile: 63.9155777160

YM: pamastillero
Skype: Pamela_b97

DETAILED DIRECTIONS 

From Tagaytay go straight going to nasugbu. When u see caltex, turn right at the instersection going to nasugbu/lian. Turn left at shell, going to Lian. Go straight. Go pass Matabungkay, Balibago, Quilitisan, Blitok, Baluarte Estate You wil see the arch of calatagan. Keep going straight until you find the church of Calatagan (Sto Domingo Church). Turn right at the church. Turn left the intersection after Chooks to go, going to Playa Calatagan. Go pass Barangay Sta Ana Arch  and Playa calatagan. Aftr 2km, turn right at Caisip compound.