7 Reasons Why You Should Book Your Next Vacation to Taiwan

I admit it has never crossed my mind to ever visit Taiwan. If you asked me before which places I would want to go to, I’d automatically name several countries in Europe and maybe a couple in Asia. But Taiwan? Never! That is until I went to Musafir.com’s event #TaipeiNowBoarding last month where they opened my eyes to this amazing country and made me want to book my next vacation there.

Anniversary Dinner at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, The Bvlgari Resort

Since Hubby works in the construction industry, he often proudly points out the projects he worked/is working on whenever we pass by them. I’ve only entered a couple, but most of them we just admire from afar.

For our 10th wedding anniversary this year, Hubby booked us in Il Ristorante – Niko Romito which is located at one of his past projects. I remember the countless days he had stressing over almost everything when he was working on The Bvlgari Resort. Well, he always stresses over all the projects he works on ☺ But what probably made this different was it’s a luxury property and the demands were great, so the stress level was really high. Which is also the reason why he was particularly proud of this one.

The Perfect Moist and Delicious Banana Bread

I can just picture some of you raising your eyebrows upon reading the title of this post (“Perfect?” Really?!). Well, even I’m a bit doubtful because this is the only banana bread recipe I’ve tried. But since I’d like to believe my eldest daughter and colleague when they both raved to me how great it was, I’ll keep my stand and say this recipe makes the Perfect Moist and Delicious Banana Bread ☺

A Mother-Daughter Date

From time to time, I try to take my girls on one-on-one dates; just short trips to the nearby fast food restaurant where we could sit and enjoy a meal while we talk. A few months ago, I promised my eldest that if she accomplished something in school, we would eat at a restaurant (not too fancy, but not the regular fast food or in a food court either) and I would take her shopping. Well, Caila did, and of course I gladly kept my part of the bargain.

My Colonoscopy and Endoscopy Experience

Last month, I had to undergo a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. For those of you who don’t know what these are, a colonoscopy is a procedure where a doctor (usually a Gastroenterologist) inserts a long, thin tube inside the patient’s rectum. The tube has a tiny video camera which is connected to a screen where it shows the live images, and this is used to look at the colon (aka large intestine) for any abnormalities. An endoscopy is pretty much the same thing, but this time the tube is inserted down the patient’s throat to look at his or her digestive tract.

Friday GourMed Brunch at Basilico, The Cove Rotana Resort

It's no secret that brunches are the thing to do on Fridays in Dubai.  With countless hotels and restaurants having their own tempting packages, cuisines and activities, you can practically try a different one each week and still want to see what the others have to offer.

But what if the brunch was in a different emirate?  Would you be willing to drive a long way to get there? And would it be worth it?

Staycation at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

Back in February, I received an invitation from Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek to their Family Fun Day. It was an event to celebrate their newly renovated rooms, and the day was filled with lots of singing, zumba dancing, delicious food, games, and other fun activities with prizes given out. One of them was a muffin decorating contest where kids of all ages showed their artistic skills.  Our girls eagerly joined and to our surprise, the muffins by Sophie and her partner (the two youngest participants) were the ones that caught Chef Uwe Micheel’s eye and were declared the winners. Throughout the event, people were taking pictures and actively sharing them on their social media accounts. Naturally, I joined the bandwagon, and lo and behold, my photo of the kids having fun on the bed was chosen as the Best Instagram Post. That’s 2 winnings in 1 night! Wow!

Caila's 9th Birthday with Lego, Sprinkles, Sports, and Cream

Just like all her past birthdays, Caila had to have a theme when she turned 9 this year. And since she and her little sister had been spending their free time playing with Lego sets that their Oma and Opa gave last year, it was practically a no-brainer that she would choose that to be her theme. The good thing about it was we only had to spend on the giveaways and the family dinner to celebrate because she agreed not to have a party again. Whew! ☺

Touring the Emirates Aviation College with NaWie Sisses

I’m sure you’ve all heard of Emirates Airlines. It’s the largest airline in the Middle East and has received several accolades for their amazing products and services. And who can forget Jennifer Aniston’s commercials of the Emirates A380? ☺ If I had it my way, I would only travel on Emirates flights. Their in-flight entertainment is packed, the seats are comfortable, the crew are courteous and professional, and the food is delicious!

How to Get a Papal Blessing Parchment

Years ago, I told Hubby that I wanted us to have a renewal of vows for our tenth wedding anniversary.  I wanted to have another wedding, complete with an entourage, with me wearing a beautiful wedding gown and hubby wearing a tux, and reception dinner, Unfortunately, we never set aside any budget for it nor did we actually sit down and plan anything, and since our anniversary is in three months, you can be sure that that idea won't be pushing through.

Viral Ball: The Souqpinoy Slimdown Challenge Press Launch

I admit I’m not a fit or athletic person. I don’t go to the gym and the only exercise I do is walking and jogging around the neighborhood park. And although I’ve been trying to watch what I eat lately, I’m far from what you would describe as health conscious. So imagine my surprise when I received an invitation to the press launch of The Souqpinoy Slimdown Challenge. I was sure I wouldn’t fit in (pun intended ☺), but since I honestly wanted to know more about it, my family and I headed to The Coach Academy in Al Muneera Gym last Friday.

How to Get Travel Insurance for People Visiting UAE

Back in November last year, my siblings and I made a sudden decision for Mama to have a 3-month vacation in Dubai. We applied for her visit visa through a travel agency, received it on the fifth working day, and proceeded to buy her ticket online.

Since we were running out of time, we didn’t go to the Philippine Consulate to get an Affidavit of Support & Guarantee anymore. Why? For one thing, Mama is already a senior citizen. For another, my sister would be travelling with her; she could answer any questions if they asked why she didn’t have an Affidavit. We weren’t sure if it was needed, but we just took the chance and hoped that the authorities at NAIA wouldn’t request for the document. Luckily, they passed through Immigration uneventfully and Mama happily boarded the plane.

2018 Will Be My Year to...

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!

Can you believe we’re one week into 2018 already?! Time is flying by so fast, and before we know it, another year will be over. I had meant to blog during the holidays and weekends, but as usual, I wanted to spend the free time with my family instead. You guys know how it is ☺

So, a new year. New beginnings, a fresh start, a chance to become a better person.  Did you make a list of resolutions?  Or did you name your year with a word that will guide you?