Have you seen Jollibean?

I did a double-take when I saw this stall at Funan IT Mall in Singapore. Looks strangely familiar to the homegrown (Philippines) fastfood chain. Can you guess which one? Haha! No brainer! No other but Jollibee. With the exception of the color, spacing, and name of course, the logos look and sound very similar but what they're offering couldn't be farther apart. Jollibean offers "fresh, healthy soya products..." while Jollibee is a fast-food chain ergo processed food ergo not recommended to be eaten daily. Now I wasn't able to try any of the items on Jollibean's menu. So if you're in Funan IT mall or come across one, do let me know!

Grand Mercure Roxy, Singapore

So yes we pushed through with staying at Grand Mercure Roxy. I figured that for the price we're paying, we might as well get the most value out of our money. Coupled with Mastercard's Stay for 3 and Pay for 2 promo plus 10% discount from our Accor Advantage Plus membership, we certainly did.



The first night, we were given twin beds despite my having reserved for a superior room with a king-sized bed. We were told they had a full-house and the next best thing that they could do for us was to transfer us to a room with a king-sized bed the very next night. The woman at the desk offered us a room at the 14th floor and cot for Euna to sleep in. I accepted it despite my knowing that most likely we wouldn't be able to use it as we co-sleep with our baby. Later on, I realized that the upper floors (from 10 up) is where the deluxe rooms were located and these offered a better view (but I still requested to be transferred the next day since I preferred having all of us sleeping in one bed).

Just Dropping By

Just got back from our Singapore trip and I'm exhausted! From the walking to carrying to breastfeeding Euna in the most unlikely places and trying to squeeze in as much as we can in a day. Of course, we only covered limited ground. Singapore in 4 days (technically 5) is just not enough. We should make good on our plan to move there even for at least a year. It should be fun discovering SG. There's just so much to do! Anyway, I still have a ton of photos to go through (more than a thousand!) but I'll leave you with this:



I gotta go and rest for now. More on Singapore later!

Accor Advantage Plus Finally Here!

Oh yes! Our Accor Advantage Plus membership card has finally arrived. Hello 10% off at Grand Mercure Roxy on top of their Mastercard promo. Aside from the 10% off on room rates from participating Accor hotels and a complimentary night, one can also get as much as 50% discount when dining, cake for birthday, and discounts on beverages. It'll definitely be put to the test tomorrow when we finally get to Singapore! Hope Grand Mercure Roxy is worth it. More on the hotel in later posts. Gotta pack! ;)

Flying Domestic with an Infant

Over the holidays, my then 4-month old baby, Euna, did quite a bit of flying. She flew from MLA-CDO-DVO-MLA, a total of 3 different planes from 2 carriers in less than a month. She flew via PAL once and with Cebu Pacific twice on different planes. Her pediatrician had assured me that as long as the person who can pacify her is with her during the flight, then she should do well. Who else would that be but me? Hehe. Indeed, my baby behaved so beautifully, I'm now one proud mama. As long as she's not hungry, nor sleepy, and is kept occupied, she's one happy baby. Below are my observations/tips:

Joniel's Moist Chocolate Cake

While still on the topic of Davao desserts, have you tried Joniel's moist chocolate cake? My in-laws bought one for my daughter's 5th month birthday and I must say I'm liking it. Too bad the above picture doesn't do the cake justice (It didn't escape unscathed during the travel from Davao to Manila). I am no chocolate cake connoisseur but I found the cake to be moist with just the right spring. It's not overly sweet and slathered with just the right amount of icing. As I've said, I'm liking it. Here's a slice for you.

Desserts at Cafe Marco - Marco Polo, Davao

While in Davao, before my husband was due to return back to Manila, we decided to have a buffet lunch at Cafe Marco in Marco Polo. We arrived at past noon and there was only a number of diners scattered over the area. Since I was already ravenously hungry, I decided that I was going to take pictures of the food after I've eaten. But as it turned out, after more than an hour of being ignored, Euna started getting fussy and I ended up leaving without getting any decent pictures saved for these:

Cheap Travel from Tiger Airways

Have you seen the latest promo from Tiger Airways? Cheap travel from $0! Fine print says just add $25 - 50$ for tax. Still not a bad deal. My only issue is that the hub is in Clark. I've never flown via Tiger Airways but I could only think the commute back from Clark to Manila would kill me! Imagine a baby tired from the flight and I'd have to subject her to at least 2 hours commute. But with fares like this, I just might!

Outland Adventure in Davao

Since I wasn't able to get some adrenaline rush while I was in Dahilayan (read about it here), I was hankering for some while in Davao. It was no problem since there are actually several venues where one could have these experiences. The only problem was the schedule and we were able to squeeze it in one fine afternoon at Outland Adventure through the Xcelerator.

Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary

This time last year, I was in Bohol doing the island-hopping tour with my family. One of the islands we visited was Balicasag, a marine sanctuary where I saw corals, colorful fishes, and a school of Talakitok, lots of them, forming what looks to me like a funnel! It was simply breathtaking and I lament, yet again, the fact that I haven't taken up diving - yet. Though I must admit that I have a fear of drowning every time I snorkel without a life-vest on. I hope Camiguin Action's offer for free diving lessons is still open. Anyway, I took some underwater pics using a digital camera and here are some of them: