As the school year 2024-2025 had already ended for most of the schools, students would most likely be having the rest that they deserve - but would also mean longer screen time for them. We, as parents, would like to lessen their use of gadgets as much as possible. Thus, one thing we can consider is to let them join one of the Pandayan Bookshop Arts and Crafts Workshops. Find the nearest Pandayan Bookshop Branch near you, and check if they are offering any workshop in the coming days.
Last year, my children happen to join one of the workshops here in Pandayan Bookshop Pulilan Branch - the Clay Art Painting. The workshop is FREE, but you need to pay for the materials that they will use which, for that specific workshop, only costs P50.00.
The kids showing their art supplies
From this video, I am pretty sure my children enjoyed the workshop.
And a few more days after the workshop, my youngest always have some arts and crafts time on his own - and I am not even asking him to stop using his cellphone.
As I am not getting any younger, and the toll the pandemic has given everyone, I think I owe myself a little getting back on track, doing something healthy, doing something good for myself. So yes, I am going back to biking, with the whole family.
We started off a little bit late, but still able to witness the golden sun as it rises.
A mandatory photo in one of the transmission lines of Hermosa San Jose TL
Mandatory pit stop at 7 Eleven Sta. Peregrina
I got a little tired in this ride as we just have one yesterday; besides, the scorching heat of the sun is also giving me a hard time. Not to mention my little one who always have something to say and something to ask. Nevertheless, every moment is a memory to cherish. I know someday, they will grow up and want to explore the world with their friends than with their parents. And it is totally understandable. So, while they still wanted to be with me, I would make the most out of it.
Every once in a while, amid your busy days, you should not forget to treat yourself. This way, you won't feel burdened in everything that you are doing. Yes, I also believe in the delayed gratification. However, too much delay might cause stress, so there, just my 2 cents.
When I was still in my younger years, early 20s, I love pampering myself. But now that I have my own family, it comes last to my priorities. I know we have different prerogatives, but for me, my needs wants comes the least.
Anyhoo, last January 2018, my daughter and I pampered ourselves at Nail Files the Hand and Foot Spa at SM Center Pulilan. Originally, we were supposed to have our foot spa at Nails dot Glow; unfortunately, they won't accept us as it is an hour or so before closing. Uhm, yes, I got a bit irritated by that rejection as they don't have any cut off time posted. I just felt that they just don't want to accept any more clients as they were already getting ready to close. Fortunately, Nail Files accepted us with open hands. They, the staff, don't bother if it is already closed to closing as long as they are still open, they will still welcome you.
With my daughter
Pamper time
Ambiance and Service. It is still new at that time, though they are still developing some more rooms for their services, I can say that they have the relaxing ambiance - lights and music. And the privacy you need, I guess you can achieve it more here than the other spas. The couches were not put up too close to each other. And undoubtedly, their service is excellent too. They know how to treat customers. And I'm happy.
Value for Money. I don't know their current rates but at that time, they were a bit pricey compared to Nails dot Glow. But, if you will get the satisfactory service, it is worth the price.
My daughter
I don't have the beautiful feet to brag, my daughter has :)
white and pinkish glow
Given a chance to be pampered again, I will surely choose Nail Files over Nails dot Glow even they are much pricey. I am after the service and satisfaction anyway.
Burgoo American Bar and Restaurant is our favorite restaurant way back before we decided to tie the knot and build our own family. We had dined on a number of their branches:
Gateway Mall - our very first taste of Burgoo right after my hubby's Japan trip
The Block, SM North EDSA
Timog Avenue
SM Mall of Asia
It just shows one thing - it is really our favorite.
Burgoo has an American casual dining concept. The history of this first stew originated in Kentucky, USA. During the 17th century, Burgoo was prepared mixing different meat that includes goat, squirrel, deer or any other game caught during the day and different vegetables, herbs and spices. At that time, Burgoo took all of 20-30 hours to prepare and cook. Their version is somewhat similar except now it cooks faster than the original using top choice of beef, pork and poultry. They guarantee you to the top quality of this extra ordinary dish.
Ambiance. If you want to eat and have a good rest at the same time, this restaurant is the one for you.
My daughter busy drawing and coloring
I remember a time, my daughter and I was left at Gateway while my hubby is out to Odeon Mall to buy some raw materials for our online business. My daughter then fall asleep and I had a heavy bag to lift as well. My resort is to dine in at their branch at Burgoo - where I can eat and relax at the same time. And I was not disappointed at all.
It is a quiet place with a relaxing ambiance where the kids and the kids at heart can doodle on a large sheet of paper placed on top of your table using the crayons they provided. They also sometimes provide coloring pages for children.
Food vs Price. My prerogative is, when it comes to food, I should not deprive myself. So yes, although it may seem a bit pricey - I would still have to reward myself with their good food once in a while. Their best seller, indeed, is a must try - Seafood Jambalaya. Some of those that we had tried and passed our taste buds are:
Seafood Ceasar Supreme Salad
Seafood Linguini - I believe my to-go pasta here is Seafood Marinara, not sure why it is not in their Menu List
Seafood Jambalaya
Shrimp and Ribs Platter
We also avail sometimes their bottomless soda; and seldom, their watermelon shake.
In the last few dine-in that we had, we order Seafood Jambalaya (with Chicken), and it is already sufficient - we even have some leftovers our next meal.
They normally have promo with their partner credit cards, so before you order, make sure to ask for the current promos. Also, they usually give coupons for your next visit, might as well take advantage of it.
Service. I had no problem with their service, no matter which branch we dine in. I guess they do invest as well with their staff to provide excellent service to customers.
Definitely, one of the things we would love to visit after this pandemic is all over.
To celebrate my brother's birthday last December 2017, we dine in at Buffet 101 at Robinsons Magnolia. At the same time, we check-in at Summit Hotel Magnolia to spend the night there.
At Buffet 101
As the third hotel property under the Summit Hotels collection, Summit Hotel Magnolia is a unique boutique hotel that showcase functional design starting from its elegant lobby, common areas to its stylish rooms and themed suites. It is conveniently located within the Robinsons Magnolia mall complex.
Each of the 82 rooms are wonderfully spacious, designed to be relaxing and outfitted with stylish interiors, luxe furniture and vibrant artworks. Rooms feature upscale amenities like a 42-inch flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi access, premium bath products and high-quality linens.
Location. Its location is really a big plus for us. It is at the center of among our top suppliers of our online business. I remember we were able to even book a lalamove delivery from Cavite to Summit Hotel Magnolia on that day. It is located at Doña Hemady Street corner Aurora Boulevard, New Manila, Quezon City, 1111 Metro Manila.
How to get there:
Via Aurora Blvd.: Stay on the westward bound lane of Aurora Blvd. heading towards the general direction of Malacañang. Hotel will be situated inside Robinsons Magnolia Mall complex along the corner of Aurora Blvd. and Hemady Street.
Via Greenhills, Ortigas: On the northbound lane of Ortigas Ave. Extension towards the general direction of Quezon City, turn right at N. Domingo St. and an immediate left at Dona Hemady Street.
Parking. Parking is not a problem since it shares parking for the mall. Although there are designated slots for hotel guests, I think if ever these slots are already full, they can allow you to park on any open slots of the mall's parking. Accommodation. We stayed at their Deluxe Twin Room that has the following features:
Rooms are 30.09 sqm in size, each with twin-sized beds
Room capacity: 2 adults and 2 kids
High quality bed linens and duvet covers
Ultra-soft, non-allergenic pillows
Premium bath toiletries
Hot and cold super shower
Coffee and tea making facility
Hairdryer
Vanity mirror
Complimentary bottled water
Personal refrigerator
42-inch flat screen TV (with HDMI and USD ports and premium cable channels)
Executive work desk
Desk-level electrical outlet
RFID proximity card and lock system
In-room safe
In-room telephone for room to room calls only - You can actually make an outside call (within Manila only), but you have to course it through the operator.
Wireless internet access
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Hanging closet
Iron and ironing board**
PWD friendly room and bath**
Free use of baby crib**
**Available upon request
Indeed, it was a comfortable stay. We have their plated breakfast, but would rather have it sliced off from our accommodation.
Plated Breakfast
Since it has access to the mall, you can purchase freshly cooked Filipino food at their food court as early as 9:00 AM.
Rates. As for the rates, I think they have partnership with Citibank, hence you can have at most 50% discounted rate on specific months of the year. Also, make sure to use your Robinsons Rewards Card to get the reward points. Just make sure that the registered name is same as the cardholder to make the points count.
Amenities. As for their amenities, it was a plus that they have access to Robinsons Magnolia. Unfortunately, they do not have swimming pool. It is really for staycation.
One of the perks of owning a small business is, you get to expand your network and discover new places. Being one of our clients, we were able to know about the newly opened resort nearby, the Hacienda Galea Resort and Events Place last March 2018 - where we celebrate my daughter's birthday.
Hacienda Galea Resort and Events is a small nice family owned and family operated resort located in Brgy Pinagbarilan Baliuag Bulacan. It is located 1 km away from SM City Baliuag. St. Augustine Parish & Baliuag Town Proper are also within 3km.
Hacienda Galea Resort is complimented by a fully air-conditioned Function Hall that can accommodate up to a large group of 200 persons perfect for any parties and events. Our Hotel also has the capacity of 17 rooms from Superior Suite to Family Rooms. To complete your experience, three spectacular swimming pools sit in our gorgeously landscaped gardens with pristine waters are ready to be disturbed to sweep away your stress and to bring comfort to your stay and adjacent to these are our well-groomed cottages for your shelter nearby. Our Pool Grounds can hold a maximum number of 500 persons boasting its 1.5 meter deep adult swimming pool and kiddie pool with water playground for kids to enjoy. We also have facilities and amenities more than the basic such as Restaurant, Cafe & Beverage Bar, Grilling Stations, Videoke, and spacious parking area. Finally, it is also the best time to experience a tour to our famous replica of Netherlands Windmill surrounded with landscape of flowers, designed gently enough to enjoy your stay.
Location. Though it is near our place, the road going to the resort is a bit narrow. But, the travel is worth it once you reach the place.
Resort. Since it is newly (soft) opened, there are still some rooms for improvement. Since the place is near the field (farm), a lot of insects can be seen afloat the pool at a certain time (specially at night).
Hotel. The very thing that we really want to comment on this is their bathroom floor which is of the same level as the room. Given this, the water from the bathroom comes out toward the bedroom. Also, the room does not have TV.
Service. As far as service is concerned, I can say that they are of quality service. They tell you honestly what can and cannot be done in their place. We even have our Jollibee ordered via delivery by them. And yes, their staff would also not hesitate to take photo for you.
Maintenance. Despite the insects, at least their staff tediously clean the pool. And you can see that their staff would attend to any maintenance work that should be done to keep their place clean.
Rates. They almost always have a promo, so for the latest rates, visit their Facebook Page.
When SM Center Pulilan opened last December 2017, we were so glad as it is very close to our place - a15-minute ride without the traffic. Knowing that SM Center also has National Bookstore is an added pleasure as it is one of our main source of raw materials for our online business. On top of that, a new children's indoor playground is now available - the Ambika Kid'z Fun Box.
While it - the Ambika - is still fresh, we took the chance to explore it.
Rates. Unfortunately, I am unable to recall the rates - and I can't find it anywhere in the internet too. I can't even find their website; and, their Facebook Fan Page is not updated. But I know that it is worth it. They have the unlimited rate where you can play all day. The shortest I believe is 30 minutes. I bet it ain't enough as children are only starting to have fun after this time. For us, one to two hours is already sufficient.
Requirements. Unlike other indoor playground, a companion is required for every kid. I think this one is better, as you have to create as much bonding memories with your child as possible. But why not? There is a kid in everyone of us. I'd bet you'll enjoy the ball pit and the slide. Socks is also required; hence, it is better to bring one as the ones they are selling is an extra charge for you. Of course, to maintain the cleanliness of the playground, food and drinks are not allowed.
Service. When it is already your time, their attendant will call out the name of the kid and will ask if you will extend or not. I think this is a kind gesture as the rate will not be per hour but will be the same as the discounted rate depending on your chosen time upon registration. Practically, you would want to register for the shortest allowable time, and just extend based on your kid - whether you can make him go or not :)
Ambiance. Since it is newly opened when we go there, it is still well-maintained and clean. At the same time, we refuse to go there if a lot of children are already playing.
Available Toys. There are a lot of available toys your kids (and adults) can enjoy. I dreamed of having this kind of playground in our house - maybe someday, if God permits.
Indeed, my kids enjoyed the playground. I had promised my daughter that we'll be back there some other time. However, due to COVID-19, I am quite skeptical that, if we are back to normal, will these indoor playgrounds be the same again? I mean, we, parents, might be afraid that the toys were contaminated and might bring virus to our children. I don't know. We may not be back to normal, but will be on a NEW normal. But I am still hopeful, that, no matter what, the kids can still enjoy their childhood.
