Ford Finance Summer Outing 2008

Venue : Canyon Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas

Date : April 11, 2008 ( 8am to 5pm )

Travel plans

Since we got back from our Hong Kong trip, hubby would always open the discussion of our plans of going back to Hong Kong. He really enjoyed the trip that he can't wait for our next trip. We're planning of going back there same time of the year next year or maybe December next year so that it'll be a different season but will still be cool as our recent trip. The weather was a major factor why hubby would really like to go back in HK.

Yesterday, both hubby and I were on leave since we had to bring Kaila to the doctor. In the afternoon, while having our afternoon nap I took out our maps, guides, programs and other stuffs from Hong Kong. Believe it or not, we're already discussing our itinerary for the next trip. We were laughing out sometimes because there were some areas which we think we could have just walked but we're riding the MTR all the time.

Hopefully we can find a cheap flight like the P888 promo of Cebu Pacific but the Piso fare promo is much better. That would give us a lot of savings that can be used for shopping instead. For hotel bookings and other possible packages, I came across the site lowfares.com. With this site, every travel needs can be booked online that makes travel planning very easy and efficient.

Thoughts on Travelling . . .

Our recent travel in Hong Kong would be one of my fondest memories so far with my family. It was a blessing in disguise that my yaya could not come along with us. Our five days vacation was really a family bonding time. Me, hubby, Kaila and JM. Technically, we have one child each though there were instances that each of us would take care of the two kids at the same time. It was really a challenge for us but I can say that all the difficulties we had are all worth it. I have seen the "real" dad in Philip. He was so caring for the two kids. He was JM's buddy come bath time. I don't understand why JM doesn't want to take a bath in HK. Is it because of the unfamiliarity of the place or the cool weather? I really don't know. That's why hubby has to bathe him and I'll be the one to dress him up after the bath. Then Kaila and I would take a bath together as well and daddy will be the one to dress her up. This was our daily routine during the entire trip. Btw, Philip and JM had their time in the bath tub during our stay in Disney Hollywood Hotel. I took them pictures but I didn't post it in webshots. Hubby will kill me if I did. Imagine a daddy giving birth aka water birthing. Parang ganun itsura nila. He he he . . .

Travelling is really educational and fun at the same time. During our flight in going to HK, the kids were afraid to sit on their own. But they have to especially during take off. Since the plane has only 3 seats per row, I was seated on the right row away from them. I was holding JM all through out the take off stage. But on our flight back to Manila, both kids were seated on their respective seats. Kaila was seated on the window seat so she could clearly see the view from the outside. I told her she has to sit because she's a big girl already. I immediately buckled up her seat belt and she went through the pages of the magazine. JM on the other hand was on my left side and is seated as well. During the take off Kaila was even saying out loud, "lipad na kami!". The other passengers can't help but smile when they heard her. Kaila has fallen asleep just after the take off. She was asleep during the entire trip. JM on the other hand pooped just before we landed in Manila so I still have to change his diapers in the airport. It took quite a while again because he doesn't even want to go down on the comfort room.

Another milestone for Kaila is that she was able to conquer her fear in riding the elevator. We don't know how it happened. Normally she would already ask me to carry her if she knows we'll be taking the elevator even if she's seated in the stroller. We just noticed one day that she'd go straight in the hotel elevator and she would even push the buttons. I just hope that it's still the same even here. We haven't gone out yet so I still have to find it out.

Hubby and I both have fear for heights. So prior to the trip, I was already telling him about the cable car in Ocean Park. "Sisiw lang daw yun". Come Ocean Park day, the first thing you'll have to do pala is to ride an escalator which is about 100 or 200 meters long each four times! Dun pa lang is parang nalulula na ko every time I would try to look the view at the back. Then, there was a ride wherein it was just rotating slowly so that you'll have a view of the entire area. I asked hubby if he wants to try and he willingly agreed. So the four of us aboard the ride and we got to enjoy the view. This sort of prepared us for the cable car ride already. He he he . . . Then, the awaited moment – the cable car ride! We just went straight to the area and headed for the ride. It was just the four of us. We know that it's safe but it's still nerve wracking to see the views below. I was not even able to take pictures during the ride! Ha ha ha . . . You can't help but think what if something happens? Hubby and I were holding the handle tightly all throughout as the kids were just so so enjoying the site. How we wish the ride would be over soon. It was a relief when we reached the other end. As a parent, you really have to conquer your own fear for the sake of your children. You can't let them see that you're afraid of something when you're teaching them to be brave and be not afraid of anything. So, live what you teach.

During those five days, there were instances when the children would have tantrums and your patience is tested. For us, at least one should give way. If daddy is already pissed off, mommy should be patient enough to handle the situation. It's only the four of us so you can't expect somebody else to take care of the children. I guess it's ok to be away from yayas or grandparents sometimes so that you'll appreciate more the time you have with each other. I'm sure if yaya was with us things would be different. The children would turn their attention to yaya when either mommy or daddy is mad already.

Travelling alone can really bring out the best or worst in you. In our case, we've seen the best in each one of us and we appreciate more the other person. We are really looking forward to our next trip to have our bonding moments again. So for those parents who have worries on bringing along their children on their trips I would strongly advise that you give it a try. It's a wonderful experience to travel along with the kids. Kids will be kids and they'll have their tantrums and pasaway moments but they won't be kids forever. I'm sure it'll be moments to cherish forever.

Cebu Pacific is on SALE again! ! !

Cebu Pacific is on sale once again. They are offering their Asian destinations at P888. This is so tempting! ! ! But we still need to recover our expenses with our recent HK trip. Maybe on the next promo we could book our trip once again. he he he . . .

More Hong Kong Pictures . . .

Hay, I've just finished uploading our Hong Kong pictures in webshots. It took me over an hour to upload all the pictures. I haven't edited it yet so there might be pictures that are blurred or some non-sense pictures. he he he . . . Anyway, here's the link :

http://community.webshots.com/user/espedido_familytrips_2

Still need to do the detailed story of our Hong Kong adventure.

Hotel Reservations

After our Hong Kong trip last week, hubby and I are already planning of our next trip. Hubby enjoyed the weather in Hong Kong so he wants to go back there probably the same time of the year. Maybe we could include Macau and Shenzhen on our itinerary in our next trip. For our Hong Kong trip, I almost booked everything online from our flight to our hotel reservations. Booking online is very efficient and I highly recommend it. Browsing through the net, I chanced upon this site which offers great deals for travellers like me. Hotel Reservations.com is like a travel agent who'll deal with all your travelling needs. You can book your flights through them and choose from a wide variety of hotels and resorts. They even have car rentals and vacation packages available. This is really helpful on planning our next trip. Better start saving up for the next trip!

A Journal of our Hong Kong Trip

It was a week after our Hong Kong trip. Here's a journal of our itinerary and a few pictures.

February 20 ( Wednesday )


- Departure from Manila via Cebu Pacific flight 5J 110.
- Arrived in Hong Kong before 10AM
- Checked-in at Shamrock Hotel at around 12:30pm
- Late lunch ( past 2pm ) at Mc Donald's along Nathan Road
- Malling in Miramar Centre and Parklane
- Bought some clothes for the kids in BOSSINI
- Went to Citygate Outlet at around 5pm
- Ate Dinner in the Citygate food court
- Back at the hotel at around 9:30pm

February 21 ( Thursday )

- Ocean Park Day
- Left the hotel at around 10:30AM
- Went to a 7-11 store to check the Octopus Card of hubby
- Had an early lunch in Yoshinoya
- Arrived in Ocean Park at around 12 noon
- Stayed in Ocean Park until the closing at 6pm
- Ate dinner in Café de Coral at the Admiralty Centre

- Went to the night market in Mongkok
- Bought some stuffs in ESPRIT outlet store and BOSSINI
- Back at the hotel at around 10pm

February 22 ( Friday )

- The Peak Day
- Left the hotel at around 10:00AM
- Had a brunch in Mc Donald's
- Arrived at the Peak at around 12 noon
- Went around for picture taking
- Went to Madame Tussaud's

- Left the Peak at around 3pm
- Went to Tsim Sha Tsui area
- Ate our late lunch in Pizza Hut
- Went to Marco Polo Gateway where the Toys R Us is
- Went to the Avenue of Stars for the Symphony of Lights
- Went to the night market in Mongkok
- Hubby bought his stuffs in BOSSINI and GIORDANO
- Back at the hotel at around 11:30pm

February 23 ( Saturday )

- The "D" Day
- Everybody woke up late including JM

- Checked out at Shamrock at around 11:30AM
- Had lunch in Café de Coral within the Nathan road area
- Went back to Shamrock to get our luggage and headed to DISNEYLAND
- Arrived in Disneyland around 2pm
- Went to the park at around 3pm just in time for the parade
- Ate dinner in Starliner Adventure
- Went back to the hotel at around 9pm
- The kids played in the Malibu Toy Shop before we went to the room just before 10pm
- Hubby and I were thinking if we would extend or not ( he he he . . . )
- Hubby wants to go back to Citygate to buy some stuffs

February 24 ( Sunday )

- We woke up early for the breakfast at Enchanted Garden in Disneyland Hotel
- Arrived in Enchanted at past 8am already
- Ate breakfast while waiting for the Disney characters for the picture taking
- Went around the Disneyland hotel after breakfast
- Went back to Disney Hollywood Hotel to pack up our things
- Checked out at around 12noon and went to the park for the other attractions
- Ate lunch / snacks in Starliner Adventure
- Went back to the hotel at around 5pm to get our luggage and headed to the airport

- Our flight is at 7:25pm via Cebu Pacific flight 5J 119. The flight was delayed by about 35 minutes
- Arrived at the NAIA at around 9:45pm
- We're home at almost midnight

I'll just post a more detailed kwento and the rest of the pictures. I haven't uploaded it yet in webshots.