Last 30 October, I received an email alert about the Cebu Pacific Piso Fare promo. It was supposed to start the next day, 31 October until 2 November. When I visited the website, I tried to get some bookings, and I was surprised to learn that the promo has actually started already although the website says that it will officially start on 31 October.

Unfortunately, a lot of people were also accessing the website and as a result, it was very difficult to get confirmed bookings. I tried to book for Manila-Hongkong-Manila, and got really excited because the total fare was only Php4,200 (total of 5 persons), but the system was so busy, and I kept getting an error message. I even tried to split the bookings by opening two windows, but I still got error message. I went to as far as entering the names of the passengers, and even up to payment, but then after that, nothing happened. I spent hours doing the bookings, but no luck! The next day, we had no electricity at home due to typhoon, so no chance of getting online, so when we went out, I dropped by the office and again, tried to do the booking, I even tried Manila-Macau-Manila, but I still got error message. So, I gave up! But I still couldn't forget the very low fare that I almost got.

And then suddenly, last 10 November, I got a text message from Cebu Pacific that my booking was on hold and that I need to pay at the nearest ticketing office. I got worried because I was thinking that it was for the booking that I made for December in which I already got the confirmation, so I immediately went to the ticketing office nearest to my office. I was told that my booking for December was confirmed. So, I asked them about the text message that I received, and then I suddenly thought of the bookings that I made during the Piso Fare promo. When I asked the ticketing agent to check if I have pending bookings, she saw two bookings under my name which were cancelled due to non-payment. One was for Hongkong and the other one for Macau. I asked if I can still make the payment since I got the payment reminder through text, she said I should call the Call Center Hotline to inquire about it. I was really excited about it, although I was also disappointed when I found out later that the bookings were only for me and my husband. Since I split the bookings in my last-ditch attempt to get through the system, the bookings for my kids didn't make it.

So, I called the Cebu Pacific hotline and told my story. I gave the Reservation Numbers that I got from the ticketing office, and after checking their system, I was told that I really have pending booking with them. It was for the Manila-Macau-Manila that I booked for July 2010. The other booking was for Manila-Hongkong-Manila which was cancelled due to non-payment. I explained that I didn't get confirmation email that the booking was processed so how could I make the payment --- I pay through Bank deposit and not through credit card. The agent said that he will check on it, but I can already pay for the Manila-Macau-Manila booking if I still want it, and I have 24 hours to pay through phone, or through their ticketing office. I was also told to call the next day to inquire about my other pending booking bound for Hongkong. The cost of the Macau trip was a steal, it was only Php1,886 two-way for 2 persons, it would normally cost Php16,000. I was ready to pay for it already, but then, when I went to the ticketing office in Megamall, I was told that I needed to pay for the service charge plus the Airport tax, which of course I didn't like. So, I decided to wait for the next day. But then, the next day, I was informed that my booking for Hongkong was also confirmed, and that I can also pay for it if I still decide to get it. It was again, a steal for Php2,053 two-way for 2 persons.

We decided to get the Hongkong flight and gave up the Macau flight, we could just easily go to Macau once we are in Hongkong, anyway. I'm still hoping that I can still get promo fare for my kids, who knows, I got lucky due to the Cebu Pacific's system glitch, I might get lucky again in their next promo fare.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Sesame Street, we were greeted with these Google Doodles for the past few days. The first that came out was the Big Bird doodle, and it really brought a smile to my lips, and then the next thing I knew, I was already looking forward to who will be featured in the next google logo. It really brought back childhood memories of watching these well-loved characters walking the happiest street in town.

Happy Anniversary Sesame Street!

Remember my post on Cebu Pacific's Happy Hour? Well, after patiently waiting for 4 months, it was "Davao, Here we Come!" for us last 25 September!

It was an early morning flight and we arrived in Davao exactly as scheduled. We were blessed with a good weather when we left Manila and the sun was also shining when we arrived in Davao. Little did we know that in a few hours' time, Manila will be hardly hit by Typhoon Ondoy.

It was going to be a short vacation and we wanted to maximize our time. So, when our driver cum tour guide asked us if we wanted to go to the hotel first we said no, we wanted to go to Crocodile Farm first.

The entrance fee was Php100.00 each. The Farm was not so big, and yes, there were lots of crocodiles, too bad, the Incubation area was closed, so we were not able to see crocodile eggs, though we were able to touch and even carry a baby crocodile. I was hesitant at first because I didn't know how it would feel to touch its scales, and though its mouth was wrapped with tape, it was still scary because, hey, it's still a crocodile --- it didn't 't matter that it was small! There was a photo op with the baby crocodile, and when it was my turn, the Farm staff suddenly put the crocodile on my hands which freaked me out, I asked him to give it to me slowly and then I'll decide if I still wanted to carry it or even touch it! But then, it felt OK, its skin felt incredibly soft! Maybe because it was still a baby --- aren't all babies soft to the touch? Well, I guess this also holds true for baby crocs!

We also saw Pangil --- the famous crocodile which is about 18 feet long and about 65 years old. He had the cage all by himself and he really looked scary, it was like he can easily swallow anybody who makes a mistake of entering his cage.

Crocodiles were placed in different sections according to their age, and seeing so many baby crocodiles in one cage gave me creeps. The others were simply lounging around the swamp, and they weren't moving at all. Going around the Farm, we saw several animals aside from the crocodiles. There were ostrich, goat, birds, eagle, and iguana -- which was freely walking in an area all by itself.

Next stop: we were starving so we decided to eat our lunch first. Lunch was simply amazing because it was an eat-all-you-can for only Php99.00. If only we have a buffet like that in Manila! And though it was already almost 2:00pm by the time we got to the restaurant, the food choices were still good, and they were even replenished by the staff.

Since it was Durian season, the fruits were all over the city. What we couldn't get over was the way the locals eat the fruit. There was a vendor who sells Durian and who also provided tables and chairs for those who wanted to eat the fruit right after buying it, and boy! Yeah, they really ate the fruit with relish, and we were told that they can last the day by just eating Durian as their meal. What was interesting was they eat the fruit with a bottle of Coke, probably to remove the after taste which the fruit leaves in your mouth. We bought one piece, and tried eating it, but we didn't even consume that one piece. We liked Durian candies better! What did we do with that one piece that we bought? Well, we brought it to the hotel and it was like we had a Durian freshener in our room --- we had to put it inside the bathroom, tightly packed --- and we had no choice but to just throw it away the next day.

In the afternoon, we had a nice walk around the city, then we went to People's Park. It was very nice, well-maintained and relaxing. We were told that there were lots of people there even late at night. It was even drizzling, then it rained, so we had to take cover in one of the covered benches. It was a luxury for us because we didn't have this opportunity back home, of walking in the park, just strolling, no stress, no worries, just plainly relaxing.

We had free dinner in the hotel but we still went out and tried the chicken barbecue in the nearby restaurant, they even had unlimited rice, unfortunately we didn't get to enjoy it since we were already full when we went there.

Food was good, but it was the Durian shake that was unforgettable! It was heaven! I really loved it! And a steal at Php35 per glass. Although the taste was so strong... I was burping its taste until the next day... it was all worth it!

The night was conducive for a walk, so after 2 bottles of beer for my husband and a glass of durian shake for me, we took off and explored the city. It was safe enough to walk, we just avoided the dark alleys and stayed where there were people around. While walking, we just couldn't help but notice the locals who still flock the durian stand even late at night, it was just simply amazing!

Saturday was raining, but we still managed to enjoy the morning. We went to the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Baguio District where we saw the famous "Pag-Asa" -- the very first eagle to be bred and hatched in captivity. The eagles were awesome, and the place was well-maintained, thanks to the various multinational corporations who sponsor the eagles and the various birds and animals that were there, as well as for the maintenance and the upkeep of the place.

I was able to take nice shots of one eagle which was in the open area. Although I wasn't able to capture its wing span when it opened its wings, but I still love the shots, anyway, don't you?

This is getting to be a long post, that's why I have put off posting this, actually, it's been in my draft folder for 3 weeks now.

I'll post the rest of the details later, and more pictures coming.

The devastation caused by typhoon Ondoy last weekend was something that will be recorded in history as the worst flood in the Philippines in 50 years. It was unimaginable and so unexpected. A great number of people who experienced flash floods for the first time in their lives and those who survived were one in saying that it felt like the end of the world.

We were doubly thankful that my family was spared from the typhoon's fury because my husband and I were out of town when it happened, our kids were left at home with my parents.

Let's offer prayers for those who are still unable to return to their homes and most especially for those who lost their loved ones.

It's never too early to get your holiday cards. With the Christmas season fast approaching, it's time to grab your personalized Christmas cards that you can send to your family and friends. Despite the advent of e-cards, I still believe that there is no better way of sending greetings to our loved ones than the traditional cards with our very own handwritten notes. I would also appreciate receiving those kinds of cards from my loved ones, so, I am sure they will also feel the same. How can we make it more personal? By putting our photos on them of course! Friends will surely be happy receiving cards with your latest family photos at the front because aside from seeing how your kids have grown, they will feel important and touched that you spent time having those cards printed and thought of giving it to them. Again, it's never too early to do this, and would also help in avoiding the rush the of the Season.

I've been busy these past few weeks with my new venture, Handmade Cards. And since Christmas is just around the corner, I'm concentrating on Christmas Tags. I've introduced it to my friends and officemates already and I got positive response, and pre-orders. Hopefully, i'll be able to go into Christmas bazaars. Actually I got inquiries already from those who saw my ads in various websites, so, I'm just waiting for them to materialize. My samples are also available in my Multiply Site.

I'm sure most of us will still frown at the idea of sending our love ones to nursing homes or other retirement facilities. It's still not acceptable in some parts of the world, although sometimes, for various reasons, some people have no option but to look for somebody to take care of their love ones, especially if they themselves are not available to care for them. In these situations, the best solution would be to look for people who can do this for you, and yet, you're still assured that your parents or grandparents are still loved and cared for in the comforts of their own homes.

Senior care in Houston has come a long way in providing in-house services, and i'm sure you would agree with me when I tell you that Texas retirement home is one of the best in providing caregivers that are reliable, trustworthy and of course well-trained. Texas senior care can help in easing the worries that go with caring for an old parent.

Having my own business is my long-time dream, and right now, I'm simply into doing small business that I can manage even while still having a full-time work. I have big dreams and of course, with it, comes the needed working capital which as well know is very important if you are considering the idea of setting up your own business. In getting a company to finance your business, you need to do your homework, because not all financial institutions offer good services. A good track record is very important, and it's one of the things that you should consider. Nowadays, it's not easy to get loans from banks especially if you will just start a small business, all the paperworks needed don't seem to be worth it, especially when in the need you only get half of the amount that you applied for. It's important to talk to a financial institution that will have your needs in mind, and which can provide you your needed working capital without too much hassle.

Although having your own business could prove to be difficult in some areas, it's still the feeling of accomplishment that's important. It's the thought that you were able to establish a business on your own, through your own effort, and although it has its ups and downs, if you will just learn to focus and to give yourself to it, for sure, your business will prosper.

Christmas is just around the corner, so, of course, with it comes the anticipation of the preparations that we need to do in a few months, or weeks, if you're a really very organized person who wants everything to be in order just to avoid the rush. A big part of the preparation would be the gifts that we plan to give to the people that we love, our relatives, friends and colleagues. And in these trying times, when everything is getting expensive, it would no longer be practical to buy expensive gifts, in fact, the more personalized the gift is, the more the recipient will appreciate it. Giving out photo christmas cards will surely be special because they're personalized and sending them to people close to you, I think, more specifically to grandparents, would be truly appreciated.

Caring for our parents when they are old is considered to be a part of our responsibility as their children. The belief is that they took care of us when we were young, so, when the time comes that they wouldn’t be able to take care of themselves anymore, it is now our turn to do so. It’s important that they don’t lose their identity just because they got old, they should also still feel important and useful. Although of course sometimes, the quality of their lives is diminished due to the limited social interaction that they would have as they get older. I realized that they also need to take up hobbies which could divert their attention away from loneliness which sometimes creep up and affect their everyday lives.

With these thoughts in mind, I found it interesting to know about Arizona senior living which promises to create places full of love, life, warmth, care safety and peace of mind for the residents and their families. It’s like a second home for senior people that comes with complete facilities and amenities which make life easier for its residents. Assisted living in Scottsdale makes life easier because of the services that they offer and of course, the facilities and the amenities that its residents get to enjoy. Their choices of homes look so cozy, and it appears like the staff that handles the senior care in az are really very caring and warm.

Making decisions regarding this matter would not be easy, but I’m sure most people would decide on getting second homes that offer love, warmth and security for their love ones.