A Visit to Doll Joy Factory and Museum

It’s funny to hark back on the past especially during our childhood days…those days in our lives that all we knew is to have fun playing around.

A zest feeling looking back  especially when we had a chance to see different varieties of dolls at Doll Joy Factory and Museum; We had an opportunity to visit the place as my son’s one of this year’s school learning adventure and fieldtrip was held here.

Assigned Staff will welcome you as you arrived in the area. They will serve as the tour guide while inside the factory and also they will give you an entry ID to be use while having a tour inside the gallery. This entry ID must be surrendered in exchange for Doll Joy Token after the tour and before going out to their factory.

Collection of Dolls wearing school uniforms of different schools can be seen as you enter the first building of the gallery. Doll joy made dolls to the students who came to visit the museum.

Next is the simulation area, where you can showcase the process of making dolls.

Precious Moments collection – known dolls for its teardrop-shaped eyes, can be seen also inside the gallery. Videos and picture taking in this exhibit is not allowed due to its license to manufactured dolls.

Inside this room is the precious moments collection

Various fairy tale and Disney characters are also made and seen in the gallery.

The famous frozen characters – Olaf, Elsa and Ana

One of their activity to the kids was the dressed your own doll, were they give reward to the fastest kid to finish the activity.

Community Helper Dolls and Cute Presidential Dolls are displayed too.

President Rodrigo Duterte Doll

On the second building, you can see the jungle and forest toys. They also have theatre where they film the dolly joy history in animation form with special screening also of a short film.

Christmas village, wedding dolls and dolls around the world can be also found in the gallery

Christmas Village

Potray Nativity Dolls – Mama Mary, St. Joseph and Baby Jesus

Wedding Dolls

Dolls wearing national customer of each country

Jungle and animals toys are also found inside the museum

Dolls wearing Philippine costumes also exhibits here

Souvenir shop is also available where you can buy their dolls for a lower price compare to the mall price.

We enjoy touring around the museum, great learning experience especially for the kids and to young at hearts.

Doll Joy is open from Mondays through Saturdays but as per appointment only.

 

Dolly Joy Factory and Museum
No. 31 C. Raymundo Avenue Caniogan, Pasig City, Philippines 1606
Phone: (632) 672 1939 / 8818163 /   641 2686 /
Fax No. (632) 671 0253    Mobile: 0922 839 0553 – 54
E-Mail: inquiry@dolljoygallery.com

Kids Day-Out at Rainforest Pasig City

It’s better if we able to expose our children elsewhere and beyond the four corners of their classrooms once in a while so that their minds will be Relax and able to enhance their learnings, and also to appreciate and experience new things. We always allow our son to join when there is a school outdoor activity such as field trip. It’s enjoyable thing to do and at the same time they will learn more.

My son had his educational trip a few weeks ago, and one of their destinations is at Rainforest. It is a park-life funded by the government and unexpectedly located at the middle of the Pasig City. And because it is funded by the government going to this place is very affordable and a great deal. They also give special discounts for the people living in Pasig City with proper identification.

The park offers nature, leisure and adventure that why it is also known for its name RAVE (Rainforest Adventure Experience) and a great for family, group and educational activities.

A lot of things can be seen and be done with their offered amenities such as Adventure park, Amaze Garden, Boating Lagoons, Botanical Garden, Camping area, fitness center,  flower fields, kiddie play ground, zoo, picnic grove, mini train ride, amphitheater, promenade area and water Park.

Jpeg

Dinosaur statues will welcomes you as you enter the park.  We also guided and toured by their assigned staff inside the park.

Jpeg

The place is clean and well maintained. It also allows people within the metro to enjoy without going out from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Just packed and prepare food because there are just a few stalls inside.

Our kids and also we parents enjoy our trip here at Rainforest. ❤

Rainforest (RAVE) Pasig
F.Legaspi Ave. Maybunga, Pasig City
Rainforest Admin: 02-642-5280
Rainforest Waterpark: 02-628-4291
Opens at 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
http://rave.pasigcity.gov.ph/

Food Trip at Happy tummy

with their Tag line – “eat good, feel good”

Because we love to eat and explore something new, we tried this new burger joint here in Calamba – “Happy Tummy by Kitchen Central“… The place is perfect hang-out spot because of their cute interior and individual cribs inside where you can relax because of its instagrammable and comfortable ambiance.

As you enter, the crew will give you order slip where you can write your order based on their menu list. You will be made as you order so you need to wait for 20 minutes or more for your order to be served.

Their specialties – burgers and milkshakes, they serve gourmet burgers on their premium and colorful buns. Each patty is in quarter pound sizes made from pure and juicy beef. Burger Price starts at 89Php

Happy Tummy Burger – single quarter pound beef patty, vegies, cheese and sauce with flavored fries

Double HappyTummy Burger – two quarter pound beef, cheese and special sauce with vegies and fries

Superman’s Tummy Burger – single quarter pound beef patty, vegies, pineapple, egg, cheesy onion rings with their special sauce and fries

Their freak milkshakes are tastes good and insanely indulgent. Toppings are decorated and whipped up with cookies, chocolates, marshmallows and creamy sauces piled into mason jars. Milkshake Price starts at 59Php.

Kitkat Craze

They also have nachos, flavored and gourmet fries and rice meals such as tapa, pork sliced BBQ and Longgalog. All rice meals are topped with egg and can be serve as Ala carte or with flavored juices such as iced tea, blue lemonade or cranberry.

Their signature  “Thebesttapaever”

Great food and experience… Happy eating!!!! 🙂

Food ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Value for Money ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Place ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Service ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Overall ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Location: 2^nd floor fronting Building, National Highway Halang, Calamba City
Operating Hours: 12:00NN – 12:00MN; Monday to Sunday
Contact Nos: 049-306-1875
Facebook: happytummyhalang

Disclosure:  I wrote this article with my own biases, opinions, and insights.

Staycation at St. Giles Makati

It’s a great feeling to relax and have a vacation once in a while especially when it’s made out of town and be able to refresh yourself from stress, whereas not everyone had that chance to take a vacation especially busy working people like me.

But, is it possible to relax while working?

I would say YES! And if you have the opportunity why not?! There are instances in your life that you can do both relaxing and working at the same time. And as the saying goes: “when opportunity knocks, don’t let fear hold you back. Open the door and embrace the opportunity that has come forth”.

I had the opportunity to relax while working, I attended a 2 days live-in training/ seminar sponsored by the government. Of course it feels good because at first it’s free, different ambiance from your ordinary surroundings and finally far and free from stress.

Our training/ seminar venue was held in St. Giles Hotel and it’s situated at the heart of Makati, the central business and financial district of the Philippines. The location was excellent and very accessible to anywhere you go – near restaurants, spa and massage clinics, bars, shopping centre and mall.

Pleasant and very accommodating staffs welcome you as you enter the hotel lobby. Hotel staffs are also nice and friendly with their guests.

Front Desk – Hotel Lobby

A great place for seminar and other events for its big and great Function rooms, we able to do our training workshop and group exercises well…

Kalayaan 3 Function room located at the 3rd floor

Check-in is fast and we stayed at the 30^th floor – twin sharing bed deluxe room). The higher floor is better, less noise compared to the lower floors. The rooms were good, clean and comfortable, just right size to accommodate number of person to use the room and it’s nice that all necessities were provided; strong wi-fi connection, mini-safe for valuables, toiletries, hair blower, LCD flat screen TV, mini ref, iron and iron board. There was also a room complimentary tea and coffee.

Evening view of Makati City from my room on the 30th floor

Morning view of the busiest city

Hotel Security feature is appropriately okay. Need to use door card as key to function the lift and be able to access the upper floors.

The pool on rooftop (exactly located at the 35^th floor) was refreshing. Gym location is very ideal – glass panes above the pool with panoramic view of the city.

Breath taking view of the City from the 35th floor

The buffet at the Bay Leaf Restaurant located at the 2^nd floor is good. Great food selection, serving different food variants for breakfast, lunch and dinner that will surely make you really full. Buffet Price for adult is 595 and for children 6 yrs old to 12 yrs old id 297.50. Opens Mondays to Sundays for Breakfast Buffet and Mondays to Fridays for Lunch Buffet.

Overall, it was a lovely stay and represents value for money. When there’s another chance I will surely back here.

 

St. Giles Hotel Makati
Makati Ave Corner Kalayaan Ave. Makati City
(02) 988 – 9888

Tiny Garden Creature

Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain – Henry David Thoreau

And my aster has a visitor, Tiny creature easily attracts to the open range of the flower petals, and it can help in the process of pollination.

A little creature that makes a big difference. 

Flower and Garden Show at UPLB

Twice a year, flower and garden show is being held at UPLB. The show was headed by the Los Baños Horticulture Society.

Last October 7, 2016 the mid-year flower and garden show where been opened to the public. Landscapes from different gardens exhibitors were been displayed. Varieties of plants and flowers were being showcased in the event such as ornamental, herbal, fruit bearing, aerial, cactus and succulents. There are also several booths installed in the event wherein you can buy the plants you want. Ranges of the plants are from 35php and up depending on the type of plants you wanna buy. Aside from plants, there are also food stalls and some handmade water hyacinth products available.

There is only a minimal entrance fee as you enter on the show, price range from 5php for kids, 15php for students and senior citizen and 20php for adults.

The flower and garden show will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and it will run until Oct 16, 2016.

Landscape 3rd Place Exhibit

Landscape 2nd Place Exhibit

Landscape 1st Place Exhibit

Special Prize Exhibit

Cactus and succulent mini landscape

Malaysian Mumps

Pink and Yellow Moon Cactus

Yellow Moon Cactus

Bonsai

Bonsai

Bonsai

Violet Dendrobium

Tillandsia or so called “Cotton candy Plant”

Bromeliad

Bromeliad

Bromeliad

 

A Visit to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church

I went to Lipa City, Batangas yesterday for my follow-up medical check-up. But when I got to the hospital, my doctor had an emergency so I have to wait for some time to reschedule my consultation.  Hospital is far too away from my house so I decided to think place where I can go while waiting for my doctor.

At first I went to the mall, but because I feel so bad I quickly got tired, suddenly I thought to go to Mt. Carmel also known as Our Lady Mt. Carmel Church (Our Lady of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace) It was my first time to visit the place and I don’t know the exact spot all I knew it was located near the Lipa Cathedral; I reached the place by inquiring and asking to people passing by.

I heard Mt. Carmel with my former colleagues (It is a Church and a monastery) They said that it is a miraculous and one of religious well known place in Lipa City Batangas because of the held apparition of Blessed Virgin Mary to a nun, Sister Teresa Castillo in 1948 and followed by the rose petals with Jesus Christ, Mama Mary and other religious images that fell in the sky decades after the famous apparition. It was also featured in some television shows, so I said to myself that if I have opportunity and free time I’m going to this place.

Novena and Prayer Devotion Area

I was amazed as I entered the place because of its simple modern design and architecture with a beautiful landscape. The main highlight of the area is the monastery garden where the apparition was held. It was so clean, quiet and solemn, a great site to reflect and pray. For sure I will be back here together with my family.

viewing deck at the prayer hall to look closely with Our Lady of Mary Mediatrix of all Grace and with the monastery garden. This is also the place where the apparition during 1948 happened.

View from the second floor of the prayer hall

How to get to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

1. From Turbina/Manila/ Cubao/ North Area via Star toll way: Ride a bus with “Batangas Pier/ Tambo Exit” Signage and alight to Tambo exit. Ride a Jeepney with “Lipa Palengke” Signage and ask driver to drop you off to Mercury Drug Store (jeepney fare is 7php). Get on a tricyle tell to driver you go to Carmel Monastery (Tricycle fare is 20php).
2. From Tanauan/ Calamba: You can ride a jeepney drop off to Lipa Cathedral and ride a tricycle going to Carmel Monastery
3. From Batangas City: Board on Bus with “Lipa/Tanauan Signage”. Alight to Mc Donald’s Bus stop and take a jeepney ride going to “Lipa Palengke” ask driver to drop you off to Mercury Drug Store. Get on a tricyle tell to driver you go to Carmel Monastery.

Carmel Monastery is at the left side of the road in-front of Miraculous Village.

Address: P.Torres St. Poblacion Lipa City Batangas

Telephone Nos: (043) – 756- 2232

Mass Schedule: Monday to Friday – 6:00 am / Saturday – 6:00 am and 8:00 am / Sunday – 6:00 am, 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am / 1st Saturday of the month – 5:00 am procession from Lipa Cathedral to Mt. Carmel, Mass starts at 6:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 4:00 pm / Every 12th day of the Month – 3:00 pm procession from Lipa Cathedral to Mt. Carmel, Mass starts at 4:00 pm

Website: http://marymediatrixofallgrace.com

 

Woman’s Quest to be called a “MOTHER”

“Let your Hope keep you joyful, be Patient in your troubles and Pray all times – Romans 12:12”

All of us women are dreaming and longing to have our own baby someday so that we can be called “MOM”…

Some women are so lucky that they are easily get pregnant, others like me need to go through a lot of test and patience just to conceive and few were not granted.

Today I am sharing my Quest, hopefully it can inspire to others….

I remember, 13 years ago (way back 2003 during my college years) when my menstruation started to be irregular; 1 month, 2 months, 3 months without monthly period but at first I just ignored it, I knew that I was going to have it, I’m confident that I’m not pregnant during that time so it’s ok… maybe it’s only just delayed. I had no worry then since I’m young but it reached to the point that 5 to 6 months had passed that I’m delayed and I knew to myself that there is something wrong inside my body, and that’s the triggering time that I decided to consult an Ob-Gynecologist.

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS for short) in which women’s ovaries grows many small cysts (those cysts which are not harmful) that lead to hormonal imbalance. As per doctor said, those are the reasons why I had irregular periods and can be a big factor to fertility problem and trouble getting pregnant.

“God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will. – Psalm 37:5”

A lot of questions and what ifs came into my mind during that time… What if I can’t be pregnant anymore? What if my future husband didn’t accept my health situation? How can I build my own family? What if I just grow old alone? What will happen to me in the future? ….

My Obgyne prescribed me an oral medication to normalize and regulate my monthly period and it became effective to me until my cycle continuously doing well without taking medicines.

Before me and my husband got married I already told to him about my health condition (Having PCOS and lower chances of getting pregnant). I know that it is the best thing to do – to be open and honest, to let him know early and also to prepare him to be less expected if he will still embrace me and I’m glad that he accepted me wholeheartedly knowing my situation, but of course we still not losing hope to have our Li’l One in God’s time.

“Be Patient. God isn’t finished with you yet. – Philippians 1:6”

Almost 3 years after we got married (way back 2009) but still we didn’t granted to have a baby in a natural way. We know that it’s because of my PCOS situation but we still tried it in a natural way. My menstruation started again to be irregular, but this time I also suffered heart palpitations. So we decided again to consult to Obgyne (referred and highly recommended by our officemate) and at the same time to Endocrinologist.

I’ve gone through several test and ultrasounds after consultation and as findings as before, still I have PCOS with retroverted uterus. (Retroverted uterus means that the uterus is tilted backward inside the pelvis) and Hypothyroidism. (Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone and slow metabolism). I feel lost during that time; I thought the whole world turned upside down, of all the people why me? All I wanted is to have a baby to complete us as a family.

I also began to envy my sister-in-laws every time they made a pregnancy announcement; I feel down that it wasn’t me knowing we are the first to get married. Adaption also came in my mind, but my husband disagrees and said that it is not the answer to our hopes and wishes.

“Therefore I tell you whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you received it, and it will be yours – Mark 11:24”

I started to lose hope but Thanks to God that I have my supportive husband during the time of my turning point, He said that we should not be despair, just focus and keep praying.  We also went through intense devotion and novena to St. Clare and Black Nazarene to grant our petition to have baby.

I continue the prescribed medications and treatment given by my Obgyne and Endo – oral medications for ovulation and hormonal balancing, ultrasounds and almost weekly consultations.

“The pain that you’ve been feeling, can’t compare to the joy that’s coming – Romans 8:18”

And yesssssss, exactly seven months have passed under continuous treatment, our much awaited wish was granted! Finally I’m pregnant and soon to be Mom. We are so blessed, God has not forsaken us!

Miracles do really come true! I conceived and gave birth to a healthy baby boy in December 2010. Nevertheless, it wasn’t an easy journey but we made it!

A visit to Pepe’s House

My five years old son starting to wonder, “Who is Dr. Jose Rizal? And why He has a monument/statue?”  So I answered: “He is our National Hero and serve our country a long time ago, when we have free time we will drop by to his house…” He’s so like me when I was at the same age, but during my time my grandmother gave me children’s book about Jose Rizal’s childhood life written in Filipino….

So last Sunday right after we attended the holy mass I told to my son that we will visit Jose Rizal’s House since it’s a walking distance from St. John the Baptist Parish Church. (The house is right across the town church where He was baptized)

Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal also called Pepe as his nickname which derived in Latin, were they always followed “P.P” letters in San Jose’s name that stands for Pater Putativus (St. Joseph is the putative or commonly accepted Father of Christ) in which Spaniards pronounce “P as Peh”, giving Jose’s nickname as Pepe.

Dr. Jose Rizal was born at Calamba City Laguna, where their ancestral house was built. Unfortunately, the original house was destroyed during World War II; thereafter exact replica of the original house was rebuilt using the same materials from the original structure.

Now, Rizal’s shrine is one of the tourist spots here in Calamba aside from hot spring resorts. It serves as a museum of the memorabilia’s of Rizal childhood.

No entrance fee but donations are welcome. Opens Tuesday to Sunday 8:00 AM to  4:00PM

 

How to go to Jose Rizal Shrine:

1. From Manila: ride a bus with Sta. Cruz Signage, ask conductor to drop you off to Waltermart Calamba, from there, ride a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you off to Jose Rizal Shrine. You can also ride a bus with Mayapa/ Calamba Signage, tell the conductor to drop you off to the Crossing Terminal beside Calamba Medical Center, then ride a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you off to Jose Rizal Shrine.(Regular Fare is 10Php but if you want a special trip it cost 40Php)
2. From Alabang: ride a bus at Alabang South Station, look for a bus with Mayapa/Calamba or Sta. Cruz Signage Tell the conductor to drop you off to Waltermart (for Sta. Cruz Signage) or to Crossing Terminal (for Mayapa/Calamba Signage) from there ride a tricyle and ask the the drive to drop you off to Jose Rizal Shrine
3. From Batangas: Ride a bus going to Alabang/ Cubao/ LRT (make sure the bus will not pass-by to Star tollway) ask conductor to drop you off to Turbina. From Turbina, ride a jeepney with Crossing/SM Calamba Signage, From there ride a tricycle going to Jose Rizal Shrine.

One Fun Day at Isdaan Resto – Fun Park

I’d like to come back here and repeat Zyke’s Funny Post… We had been here years ago, as I remember we celebrated here our anniversary; how time flies: Today’s moments can be tomorrow’s memory! And we didn’t realize that we are making memories, all we just know is we were enjoying and having Fun!!

This is a place that you shouldn’t be missed when you go to Laguna. Delicious food, good service and a relaxing ambiance awaits you here at Isdaan Resto-Fun Park!

Isdaan is a Floating Restaurant serving Filipino dishes and it is located along National Highway Calauan, Laguna.  This restaurant is famous their huge size displays, and its beautiful architecture that you will feel that you are in another country because of its Thailand Theme.

Aside from their delicious food, there are also other activities that you can while inside Isdaan such as: Free Boat ride (just give 20Php Tip to the bangkero,) Buy Souvenirs, Face Painting for Kids, watch performance of acrobats, Play Tacsiyapo (Shame on You in English) to release negativity and burdens, all have to do is to smash and break the plate on the wordings found on the wall…

Soon we’ll be back here 🙂

How to go to Isdaan Floating Resto – Fun Park:

1. From Manila or Cubao Area: Ride a Bus with Sta. Cruz signboard and ask conductor to drop you off to Isdaan at Calauan or Ride a Bus with Alabang signboard and drop off to Alabang South Station Terminal, From there ride again a bus with with Sta. Cruz signboard and ask conductor to drop you off to Isdaan at Calauan
2. From Crossing, Calamba: Ride a Jeepney or Bus with a Sta. Cruz signboard and tell to driver/ conductor to drop you off to Isdaan
3. From Batangas Area: Ride a Bus going to Manila and ask conductor to drop you off to Turbina, From Turbina ride a jeepney going to Walter Mart and wait for a bus with Sta.Cruz signboard and ask conductor to drop you off to Isdaan at Calauan.

Have Fun and Enjoy!