AMW Reports: UBE at Tagaytay

I'm back from my wonderful Singapore trip!  Thank you Lord for the chance and opportunity given to me to explore such wonderful country!

I'll stop talking about Singapore FOR THE DAY as the last day wasn't that exciting for a tourist but it was exciting for me as I was able to meet my long time blogger friend Mhean!!! Thanks Mhean for the meetup!  I appreciate it that you came all the way from "never land" to treat me lunch!  Boy am I lucky! :P

This post was written before I left for Singapore....

The year is almost over!  It was a year ago (same month) when I visited one of my "must visit" country --- Korea!  I used to watch Korean Telenovelas and hoped to experience eating authentic Korean food or stroll in one of their parks, etc...  Dreams do come true huh? 

Speaking of dreams, my co-beauty bloggers turned real-life-friends dreamed about a weekend "Ultimate Bonding Experience" which can also mean "Ultimate Barkada Experience" which we fondly call U.B.E. (yam in Tagalog).  We toyed with the idea for months and....

The weekend finally happened!  Here's the proof!

 **photo taken from Shen

Rewind.  The lovely day started with an early morning meetup.  Thanks Shen for driving us to our destination with flair! :)  We thought we needed chips to keep us all awake but funny how it all ended inside the trunk as we gabbed our way to Tagaytay!

Sophie helped us book the hotel called Hotel Dominique located at Aguinaldo Highway which wasn't hard to find. 

Check-in starts at 2:00pm and it was around 11 something in the morning when we arrived so we have decided to visit  Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm.

Ilog Maria, the brand, isn't a stranger to me as I've read about this in a magazine several years ago!  I was just a fresh graduate back then and I read that the local actress Rica Peralejo's favorite skincare product is from Ilog Maria.

I got so intrigued with the brand and this was the first "virtual" shopping I did!  

I recall purchasing their facial wash, toner and honey milk soap!  

 The work area is clean and air is fresh with all the greenery

And there is such thing called "Bee Sting Therapy".  If you want to learn more about this therapy, feel free to smile and say BEE!  Not everyone is up for this and it all depends on how your body would react, so do your research well! :)

 

We met a very cute dog and the owner!  Funny how he trained his dog inspired by Cesar Millan of Dog Whisperer!   I do the same!  

 

We rested at the huge swing that can even fit 5 of us!  

 **photo taken by Shen

 This was our lovely view!  Greenery, bee hives and a rooster!  *lol*

Then we took a shot of Shen ...

because she's crazy and fun in any way! 

Then we went back to the reason why we visited Ilog Maria Farm, 

to shop!!!

 Arrays of soaps

Did you know that I read each and every product they sell?

 Their product line definitely grew!

They are also making aromatherapy oil and candles!

I think I got almost all of their tiny soaps!  I added Propolis Ointment, as I have skin irritations on certain areas and I'd love to give this a try!  I also bought their Honey Propolis Throat Spray as highly recommended by Sophie.  I do wake up once in a while with dry throat and with 2 spritz, it helps relieve the itchiness and dryness! :)

Oh, my dogs do have something from me too!  Bought them Dog soaps!  I hope I can see them smile this time when they take a bathe....okay, lets remove the smiling, it's freaky!  *laughs*

Us, enjoying our loots!
Okay, this look like an ad photo but its all according to our will! :) 

Thanks to the busy sales lady who willingly took this shot! 

Okay, no photos on the night event, after dinner we took out all our junkies (junk foods) and there goes the unlimited drinks!  *crazy laugh*  Thanks to Dang for creating the mini game turned into ULTIMATE bonding and sharing of deep dark secrets!  *tee hee heee*  It's all recorded ladies! :P  (just joking).

Though tired, we were able to wake up for breakfast and got ready to face day 2 of UBE!  Say hello to my roommates Sophie and Phoebe!

That morning after a cold shower! 

FYI: Hotel uses Solar Energy

We had a gorgeous lunch at Buon Giorno and had a nice Mochiko Ice Cream for dessert.  It was a first for me and I had Vanilla and I loved it!

We took a road trip back to Manila but did not forget our loved ones back in Manila.  We stopped by Rowena's and took home some goodies!  

The trip doesn't end inside the car, there's dancing (yes dancing!), singing and belting of songs from MY decade!  *laughs*

**photo grabbed from Phoebe

**photo grabbed from Dang

I want to thank the girls not only for the fun but the friendship that has blossomed!  Our friendship definitely has turned into a whole new level and I believe each of us has touched each others' lives one way or the other. 

Beauty blogging is just skin deep, the real friendship starts when we opened up and talked not only about beauty, but about life in general..our thoughts, our dreams, our issues in life...

Thank you Lord for blogging, thank you Lord for introducing me to wonderful people!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Travel Report: Touring The Rest of the City via MRT

Good morning everyone!  I am going back to Manila today and I'm already missing Singapore.. a  lot!  The city has so much to offer!  Yesterday was the last "full day" I have in the city and I was contemplating to go for Night Safari or tour the rest of the city.  I've decided to choose the latter because I want to know the city  more!  The animals can wait, who knows?  I can always come back!

I had a very good sleep as I'm really loving Hotel Innotel not only for its service but because the bed and pillows are perfect!  Not too soft nor too hard and I don't have problems sleeping!  (Can I bring home the bed???)

Back to the topic, because of the good sleep, I was energized and ready to spend the whole day of walking!

With Day 3 (last day) of our unlimited MRT Powers, we hopped on the train from Dhoby Ghaut Station and transferred to Green Line to visit Bugis.  

We got off Victoria Street where we saw Bugis Junction, the first glass covered shopping street in Singapore!  There you can also find the gorgeous Intercontinental Singapore Hotel themed just like the rest of the buildings nearby --- unique.

What to see at Bugis Junction?  Surprisingly, Korean cosmetics brand like...

Tony Moly

Etude House

My favorite Sasa store 
(carries various brands worldwide)

There are more like MAC, and other brands I'm not that familiar with.  If you ask me, due to conversion rates, I did not purchase much cosmetics as everything turned out a bit pricier here!

Aside from cosmetics, there are various shops for clothing and li'l knick knacks!  There are also some coffee shops and restaurants where most people meetup for business and pleasure.

After a couple of minutes of walking around the Bugis Junction, we exited the place and walked towards the Iluma.  Iluma is a snazzy mall with multimedia facade, we did not go in as I've read there are various dining options but I'm not yet hungry at that time....I don't want to be tempted that's why. :P

Then I saw Manila Street....

Too random!  *lol*

There were people looking at me when I did this pose..but who cares?  I'm proud!!! hahahha

The reason why we're not leaving Bugis is because of one spot that I'd love to see.  Obviously, I can't seem to find it yet as I ended up at Bugis Village!  I love getting into tourist spots when I am actually lost!  *laughs* 

Bugis Village is a shop that sells clothing, mobile phone accessories and food!  Reminded me of "Divisoria" back home.  I'm lucky as it's not as crowded..... yet.

Food stall!

It was lunch time but since we had late breakfast, we've decided not to go for lunch but enjoy street food!  We tried egg tart (which was surprisingly good), Cha Ye Egg and had a dollar worth of Sugarcane juice!  All AMW and Mr. AMW approved!

If you travel with me, you won't get lost as I also use my infamous power of asking directions!  Rather than walking far and getting lost, I'd rather ask first the moment I have a bit of uncertainty!  All the  people I asked help from are super friendly and helpful so I'm lucky enough to always find my way!

Nikki = BEST Travel Partner!  *lol*

Finally....found Kampong Glam!  This is the place I've been looking for!  Can I just say...EUREKA????

Kampong Glam is named after a type of eucalyptus tree, it started out as a village occupied by the Malay upper-class and it was assigned to the Malay and Arab communities in 1822 and part of it was set aside for the Sultan of Johor.  

No, I do  not have a tour guide with me at that time and no, I am not a smarty pants!  I got to read those details from the Tour Guide and I think the information is worth sharing!

I was right at Arab Street and got to be face to face with Sultan Mosque.  Amazing!  I haven't been "thisclose" to a mosque even back home! 

Sultan Mosque was originally built around 1826 by Sultan Hussein Sha of Johor, this building that I took a picture with was actually completed around 1928, still considered as Singapore's oldest and most important mosque.

It was around 2pm so the nearby eateries are quiet.  There are also shops selling handicrafts and ethnic products which are worth having a look at!  I am also impressed with how they restore old buildings by drawing graffiti to liven it up!

By this time, my tummy goes "growl growl grooowwwll...."

Late lunch time!  This time, I do not want to eat just anything as my days in Singapore are counted and I want to make the most of it!

Then I remembered reading about Hawker Hotspots and the nearest to Bugis Station would be the one located at Raffles Place.  I overheard an old lady asking direction for this Hawker place called "Lau Pa Sat" and according to tourist guide, you can't say you've been to Singapore unless you've been to Lau Pa Sat (also known as Ayer Market).  I got a bit challenged with the said statement so off we went to Raffles Place station again and went out again!  With just the use of instinct and my questioning skills, my heart almost burst when I saw the sign.... *Ace of Base "I saw the sign" song playing inside my head....*

I have never seen a food court this big!  They even separate the areas with street number.  (Street 1, street 2 and so on).   What I've decided to do is act like a manager! :P  Went for ocular inspection on all the stalls and took a mental note on the food I'd like to try.  That tactic works! :P

It's open air by the way so be ready to perspire while you eat!  The place is well ventilated with ceiling fans but humidity wins! *perspires*

We saw a nice Shanghai Xiao Long Bao place which of course, won Mr. AMW's heart!

 

Oooohh, something looks familiar!
Tapa King!

 

After the late lunch, we went out and continued walking around the Raffles Place.  

There we got a different view of the Marina Bay Sands during day time.  I never get tired looking at it!

The Esplanade and Merlion using zoom lens.

Still very pretty!

Then we went back to Orchard Road to have a look!  We haven't been out of ION Orchard Mall since our arrival so it's time to visit the "most visited spot" in Singapore.

Man, so crowded!!!

 Malls after malls after malls

High end shops and brands you can think of is right in this place!
We walked the whole Orchard Road strip, got tired and had Ben & Jerry's ice cream to save our day!

We headed back to the station nearest to our hotel not to go back but to have last minute shopping at Carrefour at Plaza Singapura.          

After 9:30pm, our legs gave up and we went back to the hotel!  

A lot of people wonder where I got my energy?  Well, I do get tired, seriously, I do have weak legs and walking used to give cramps and pains (I actually have them now).  But let me share to you a secret during travel to make most of my time.

Random seating!!!  And I mean ANYWHERE that's okay to sit!  It helps relaxes you even a bit and put you back on track!

 AMW randomly sitting at a huge place 

in "I don't know land" LOL

Have a wonderful day everyone!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Travel Report: Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island Day!

We planned to wake up early today to take a trip to Sentosa Island, as usual, Mr. AMW and myself are both owls so we prefer to sleep late and wake up late! 

We arrived Vivo City late morning (around 10am)....

And the smart girl in me went straight to a bread shop called Prima Deli and we purchased bread for "safety".  I don't want to get hungry inside the Universal Studios premise while lining up, well those are just crappy excuses, I just want food inside my bag!  Period! :P

Tip: The Smoked Sausage Sandwich tastes really good!  Go for that one!

We were both contemplating on taking the  cable car or monorail when a Filipino guy overheard us talk and asked if we're planning to go to Sentosa Island.  We said yes and he was super kind to advise us another way to go to Sentosa Island which not a lot of visitors knew about as it was just opened last month?  Or a couple of months ago.

He led us to the right direction and there we go standing at the exit of Vivo City and I can oversee Sentosa Island on the opposite side.  The walkway wasn't that long and they are covered so I don't mind taking a nice stroll as we're not in a hurry anyways.

It was drizzling the whole time...

To those who are scared of walking,do not worry as they have walkalator even a group of older people were walking along with us!

The walk  takes approximately 15 minutes with "photo-op" stopovers! :)  If you walk just right ahead, this may probably take around 10 minutes!

You get the see the Sentosa entrance and ticket booth and  for this lovely walk, you only get to pay SGD1.00 (approx Php34.00).

There you go Sentosa and Resorts World sign...still raining but who cares?  I'm not letting the rain ruin my day!

I'm glad I purchased our Universal Studios tickets early, though there are ticket booths everywhere, it was still nice just to go straight to the entrance and start the fun!

What I love about Universal Studios Singapore....covered walks!  It helps...a lot!!! Imagine how rain can ruin your fun day without an umbrella?  (We have umbrella with us but I don't like my umbrella wet) LOL!!!!  Just joking!

It was wonderful that we get to tour Universal Studios during the weekday, aside from cheaper tickets, the place isn't crowded! 

Look who I found!!!!  I love Gingerbread man!

I also met Frankenstein who strangled me but I ain't a weakling!  I have my "poking of the nose" strategy and he backed off a bit!  The guy who took our photos said: "Don't be too harsh on Frankie!" Hello??? He started it??? :P

So happy I met Kung Fu Panda's Po!  He's super charming!  He shakes his booty too!!!!

We hopped in a boat for Madagascar experience called "Madagascar Crate Adventure".  

Wonderful timing as we get the see the Shrek 4D Adventure right after.  This got to be one of my favorite adventure!  The crawling spiders on my legs felt real and icky!!! (Okay, I'm giving away too much info!) *zips mouth*

Fashion alert:  Plastic poncho is IN! :P

Still raining :(

The little adventurous girl in me wants to try "all the rides" and I started with the Enchanted Air Ways!  It's a smaller version of roller coaster and I originally thought it's a kiddie ride, during the ride, I went: "Why am I scared?  Whyyyyyyyy?" lol. 

I hopped on Canopy Flyer ride right after, it was super fun but I felt the ride could go longer?? Maybe 2 rounds or 3 rounds more??? hehehe

 

The best ride for me of all, Revenge of The Mummy.  You have to keep all your stuff inside a locker!  You get to put your things inside a nearby locker for free within 30 minutes.  And the good news?  The rain finally stopped.

With hungry stomach and just bread inside my stomach, I went "Let's do this now before we eat!".  We saved the best for last and went for the "Battle Star Gallactica" ride. 

I found myself screaming: "AAaahhhhhh!!!!" then screamed again: "Why...ammmm I the only one screaaaammmiinnggg?"  *laughs*  In fairness to us, we were seated right in front ok?? Its always scarier to be at the front and back side!

The ride was too short for me!  I want more!!!!  Though I got a bit dizzy after, it was all worth it!  I can finally eat! :P

We finished walking around the rest of the areas after a good late lunch at 4:00pm.  We took the monorail to explore the rest of Sentosa Island.

At Merlion, Imbiah Station, I was up for a  Megazip Adventure bit they are closed for renovation! *so sad*

 Saw 2 cute birds kissing!  

Both of you, are you even adults????? Let  me talk to your parents! tsk

We also stopped and relaxed at Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach :)  Didn't do much after as I was  starting to feel the earth's gravity...I'm finally feeling tired! :P

Well, I tried defying gravity by going to Orchard Road after to have dinner, but it was crazy crowded so we backed off and went back to Dhoby Ghaut to have dinner at the Plaza Singapura.  Walked around the area and saw the cutest character Kimmidoll!  Look, quite similar with my nail art!!! :)

I'll share to you guys my nail art tutorial once I get back! :)

The day was well spend I must say!  What's for tomorrow?  I am actually clueless! But will definitely make the most of it as I'm leaving Singapore soon! :(

Thanks for reading!  I'm glad you are enjoying this!  Thanks for being my diary!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!