Ride On Toy
Our youngest is really fascinated with ride on toys. During one of our mall outings we passed by the toy store. He immediately rode on of these ride on toys on display.
New SLEX Toll Rates
On our recent trip to Tagaytay, we were shocked to see the new SLEX Toll rates. It made me glad we’re not using this road often. With the high cost of gasoline plus parking, I really don’t know how people can still afford to take their cars everyday. I’m just glad we live in the heart of the metro and not in Binan like we used to or else I’m sure this new toll rate increase would make us bankrupt.
So sorry for the picture if the angle’s not perfect and you can’t read the prices. This was taken on our way to Tagaytay. I asked my hubby to stop so I can take a clearer picture but at that time the car before us moved on so we have to move forward too or get honked at by the vehicles after.
Anyway, if you have passed by the Sta. Rosa Exit which is on the way to Tagaytay you might have passed by what looks like a steel drum from the makers of Coca Cola. 
Tagaytay
Tagaytay has been a common destination for our family. When looking for a weekend get a way – aside from parks and malls – Tagaytay always comes up as an option. It is only a few kilometers away from Manila but it certainly is worlds apart in terms of view and temperature. There are so many things families can do here. From picture taking at Palace in the sky, to eating and zip lining at Picnic Grove and finally there is the very famous “Bulalo” that is available at virtually all the restaurants here. The rich also find time enjoying games at the PAGCOR Casino, when they are not online. They do visit pokerstars.com, when they don’t have time to go to the real thing, though.
We were there for the birthday celebration of my BIL. After all the sight seeing we settled down to eat the famous bulalo in one of the restaurants at Picnic Grove. The experience was worth it because the meat tasted so good and so fresh. For dessert, we ate some fruits like pineapple, mango, and watermelon. We never got enough of the fruits that’s why on the way home we had to stop to buy and bring home. Of course, we also brought home some of the famous buko pie. Tagaytay is really one of the places we can enjoy going whenever we have time. It’s a nice breathe of fresh air and ideal bonding place for the whole family.
Read MoreReunion After 20 years
Okay, so for those who were asking we weren’t able to ride the PNR train because come Saturday Z and I were too tired to go out. I heard though that the trains are okay and some are even airconditioned now. My brother-in-law who is studying at UST is even using it as his main transport to school everyday. I’ll post some pictures once we actually get to ride one hopefully, next Saturday.
Anyway, we still got to visit our relatives on Sunday thanks again to my hubby who was kind enough to drive us even though he has been busy at church from 7 am to 1 pm. By the time he arrived home at 1:30 we decided we really had to get my camera which my mom borrowed. Unfortunately, just as we were about to go hubby’s lola (his mom’s mother) arrived to spend the night with us. We were at loss at what to do because that meant Bam was supposed to come with us and no one is going to be at home with lola. Then we had a brilliant idea to visit hubby’s other lola (his Dad’s mom) who was just a town away from where we’re going. It turned out Lola Rosing knew Lola Puring (of course they knew each other they’re “balaes” after all. tama ba?) and was quite wondering what happened to her old friend whom she lost contact with after her son and his wife (hubby’s dad and mom) separated.
So to make the long story short there were a lot of tight hugs and stories that afternoon. Hubby’s Dad’s sister told us they used to be close as they lived just next door to each other. Lola Rosing used to be a good cook and would share her food with Lola Puring and her children and they would even accompany each other when they go out.
Here’s a picture of them together. It turned out they’re the same age. Can you guess how old are they?
Finally, we can’t help but make Z pose a picture with them. After all his two Lolas are the reason why he’s here on earth. hehe
Picnic and Kalesa Ride
We decided to go on a whim to Luneta Park. Since we’re going to Caloocan to visit my Dad we figured we might as well take Z to Luneta because it’s on the way.
I didn’t want to eat out in the usual fastfood chains that we frequent so I hurriedly ask Bam to prepare a packed lunch for us before we went. Yes, we were going to have a picnic!
Our plans changed when we arrived there. Upon the instructions of my FIL, hubby parked the car at the Quirino Grandstand which is just in front of Luneta. We were so famished that once we saw there were tables and chairs there we decided to just eat right there and then. Hubby couldn’t believe his eyes when I took out our baon. We had a lot of leftovers from the day before so we feasted on lechon manok and pancit canton. I even brought apples for dessert. Next time I’ll be more prepared and would prepare a real treat for dessert! For our drinks I bought a pitcher full of ice tea which was still cold. Z was so happy just eating outside and I so was I. Hubby asked me if I like eating out like that and my response was, “Absolutely!” It’s really different when eating you’re outside. So note to self, we would have picnics more often!
Our original plan was to go to Luneta after we satisfy our stomach’s cravings but one look at the kalesa and I knew Z would have to have to ride one. He can’t take his eyes off the horse I tell you! I asked the kutsero how much and he said P100 around the grandstand but if we want a 30-minute ride he can take us to Intramuros for P250. We opted for the longer ride and went around Intramuros in style. I would have to upload the pictures later. Mamang Kutsero acted as a tour guide and pointed out the historical places. We had a long ride and after 30 minutes the driver deposited us back at the grandstand. When it was time to pay it turned out we had a little misunderstanding. The price the driver quoted me was per person! I thought, “Oh no, we’re going to pay P750!” but manong said it’s free for Z so we only paid P500. It’s still too expensive for hubby but I knew Z would dream about the kalesa in his sleep if we didn’t ride one that day. Back home just before he slept he was asking me if we could ride again next time. Good thing his Daddy didn’t hear him because I know he’ll have a heart attack if he did! haha
We were just an hour over there but it was an hour well spent. I promise we’re going to be doing this more often and much longer next time. It’s definitely better than going to the mall every Sunday. I am already making a list of all the places we’ll be going around the metro. We can’t have an out-of-town vacation but that doesn’t mean we would have to sulk all year long. There are so many places to see here in the capital after all.
Looking for a Children’s Bible
Daddy and Z have exhausted all the Bible stories in Z’s children’s Bible so last weekend they went to hunt for a new Bible with more stories that they could use in their nightly Bible study ritual.
Our first stop was National Bookstore. They have three shelves full of Bible for the kids but none satisfied both Dad and Z. It’s either the illustrations are awful or the stories are too short and too few for my 5 year old.
We were about to leave when there beyond my reach at the top most shelf was a big and thick children’s Bible – thicker and bigger than netbooks I tell you – but with nice illustrations to boot. Aside from it having lots and lots of stories it has interesting facts about the persons and places in the Bible. It was love at first sight for me. I really love books and this Bible was no exception. I didn’t care that it was a bit tattered on the edges plus there were no saleslady nearby to ask if there was a new stock – what’s wrong with National I can’t seem to find the salesladies anywhere the last few times I’ve been there – so hubby put it back in the shelf.
We decided to go to Powerbooks to check on their stocks but if they’re customer service was better than the former their choices are even more limited.
So we went home empty handed that day but I hope we can find a good Bible fit for our growing boy soon.
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