Crocolandia

I have been so busy lately and wasn't able to update  this blog, there's so much I want to share with you guys. There's Sophia's UNO and Trick or treat Experience... But for today, I want to start with our trip to Crocolandia.

w/ the kiddos

It's a mini- zoo here in Cebu. Hubby and I thought it would be a nice experience for Sophia and Kuya Icee to get in touch with nature and be more familiar with animals.

It was a sunny and lovely day to go on our mini family field trip...

We saw varieties of mammals, birds and reptiles.

And got upclose with the most popular crocodile in Crocolandia, the mighty and very huge 6 meter crocodile "Lapu-lapu" . Although we were standing quite far from it, we were still scared, who would blame us. reptiles especially crocodiles are not really very friendly looking. Stressing on NOT...

Except for this one...

Inside the museum

It's a fun family trip. We got to bond and learned a few things about nature together.... The one that's not painful in the pocket. 

Entrance fees:

Adults - 100 php
Children 11 yrs below - 50 php
2 yrs and below - free

You can give them a visit at:

Crocolandia

Biasong Talisay City

Contact No. 273-1842

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

***

You can read more of our family adventures here:

FAMILY FUN

***

Spring Park Mountain Resort

Before the rainy season began we made a last hirit trip to Springpark Mountain Resort to have a last hurrrah for summer. Truth be told, I guess this was the only summer fun we had with Mr Sun. Life caught with all the summer planning, we were crazy busy. I was busy with two weddings, coordinating those events is tedious plus the fact that I work full time, whatever extra time I have I squeeze in the wedding planning, so yeah, it was crazy hectic for me.

We traveled 1 1/2 hours from Lapu Lapu City to Toledo, but from Cebu City I think it will just take you 45 minutes to get there.

It has a serene ambiance, it's nature all the way. The Mountain,The tall trees and the humming birds, makes it conducive for meditation, soul searching that type but for our family who's into family bonding we like to just chill, eat, talk and laugh till our tummy aches, well we can still do that here.

There's  No restriction with carrying in on foods and drinks so webrought a lot of food that day but most importantly we had 1 whole lechon for ourselves, this family loves good food, and our healthy beautiful bodies can't deny it. LOL.

It was pretty hot that day prolly 37 deg C, dipping in their very cold pool was such a good idea. Their pools were fed from a mountain spring the Meposas.

The first person who swam there was Sophia and she was the last one to get out too...  Ah, my little Mermaid

Ah.... what a wonderful short trip we had. So Nice to reminisce espcially on rainy days like this. Makes me miss the sun. 

Springpark Mountain Resort, Cantabago, Toledo City, Tel 325 2044, 
Cel 0920 365 5909.




PhoebeCarla

***

Family Fun

***

Mother's Day Special 2012

Here's the funny thing, I really didn't know the weekend we went to Manila was Mother's day pala until we arrived at MOA where our convention was held, somebody gave me a rose, I was like "Wow how nice of them naman to give out Flowers, Ganito ba talaga sa MOA?" Pasensya, first timer po. LOL

My friend told me, yun nga it was MOTHER's DAY.... Hooow mygood! I didn't know about it and I didn't even leave my mom a present for Mother's Day. Anyway, yun Mother's day instantly became so exciting for the three of us.

Hence, the Mother's Day Special. :)

May 12. Our flight from Cebu to Manila was at 4:30 am, I bathe Sophia before she slept, so what we did was just grabbed her and went straight to the airport the following day. 

Yes as soon as we got to the airport she woke up and didn't go back to sleep until 10 am. At least Sophia was so behaved the entire trip. No Tantrums. She didn't get scared with the turbulence, I instructed her to drink milk if her ears pop due to pressure and she obliged without any hassle. I let her sit down near the window and she can't stop saying WOW to the light. Haaaay, it's so fun to be a kid.

So our first day was we went to Manila Ocean Park, where I blogged about it here.

The second day I attended the NADTI Convention and I brought Maury and Sophie along with me. 

@ NADTI Convention

Lunch date at Burgoo

Of course we dined out after and hang out at Resorts World where we waited until 9 pm to go to NAIA for our 10:45 pm flight.

It was indeed fun and memorable. Imagine we celebrated Mother's day away from home just the three of us. Next year out of the country naman. Choz. Lol

Special shoutout to Nina who has a big heart. Lovs you Ninanins.... Thank you for driving us around and for letting us stay at your condo as in thanks so so much. Parang gusto na namin bumalik for another short escape. lol.

PhoebeCarla

Sharing this to:

Manila Ocean Park

Last month Hubby and I went to Dakak together with my Bffs who came home for a vacation after her 2 years contract in Saudi Arabia. We left Sophia behind with my mother's care because we thought it might be hard bringing her along riding a boat with just me and Maury, because yes we are still yayaless.

We had a wonderful time in Dakak but I was feeling guilty the whole time because Sophie wasn't with us. When I called her, she felt so bad that she won't even talk to us on the phone. I cried, literally. Awang awa ako with Little S.

So when I found out I was going to Manila for a convention, I booked 3 tickets one for me, Sophia and Maury.

Last weekend, we went to Manila Ocean Park, as our way of making bawi to Little S. And I'm sure bawing bawi na kami noh. Imagine, she made us chase her in the vicinty. Chasing her in a very crowded and super mainit place is no joke, plus I was bringing a big and heavy bag with all her essential pa. I was very loud shouting her name to stop running but still she was running faster while giggling. I was already getting hyperacidity especially because I saw the news few nights ago about men kidnapping children in Manila. I don't care if I sounded praning shouting at the top of my lungs but the thought of losing my child scares me to death.

Finally when Maury got hold of her, I told her to stay close to us because strangers might snatch her away. Suprisingly after that talk she behaved. WOW! that was all I needed lang pala, a Pet talk.

Anyhoo, here is our Manila Ocean Park Adventure.

I'm glad I got the ticket for a very nice price. I only paid 499 for the Oceanaruim, Jelly Fish, Penguin Show and Musical Fountain show that would have cost me 1,050 each. O diba Bongga the deal? I only added 300 the sea lion show because it wasn't part of the Metro Deal package. And I'm glad I purchased that ticket because Sophia loved it so much.

The Oceanarium

Another fave of ours, is the Jellies exhibit.

We also loved the musical fountain show. Too bad Sophie was very tired already, she had fallen asleep in the middle of the show.

Overall I'd say we had a good time. It was entertaining and educational. But no offense, we didn't like the penguin show. It scared Sophia and a few kids who were there because the penguin is just an animation and the voice sounds like a clown, which for us wasn't so entertaining. But then again it's just my opinion.

I'm glad I had a good deal with the tickets because if I paid the original amount, I would be slightly disappointed, what I'm saying is the original price isn't worth the money. The line was ridiculously long, there were no tour guides to guide us, we were just left wandering the place. Some of the air cons weren't functioning well, maybe that's the reason why the oceanaruim was packed with people because it was cool there. 

But then again thanks to Metro Deal, the money I paid was worth it. We had a good time bonding with Sophia and Sophia had a great time with the sea lion, fishes, jelly fish so it's all good because whats really important is that Sophia had a wonderful time :)

How about you guys? how was your weekend?

PhoebeCarla

Dong Juan

I've been away the blogsphere  for so long,  Boy, it's so nice to be back making a real post. :)

I mentioned last time that Lappy died on me right? And that's the reason I wasn't around. Well, She is not going to resurrect anymore as much as I want too. She's been with me for 4 long years and it's hard not to be emotionally attached to her. It feels so sad not to have her anymore. Anyways, before you think I'm weird I'll skip the whole drama and give you a delicious post for my come back. Weeeeeeeew!!! too many posts waiting to be published.

Have you been to Dong Juan?

The first time I tasted their Chorizo Pasta, I got hooked. The following weeks I can't stop craving for it. Seriously. Unlike me hubby is not a pasta person, good thing, Dong Juan serves super tasty burgers. And Hubby is a big fan of burgers. That gave me the reason to drag hubby to Dong Juan. I tell you he got hooked too...

So... we drag the two kids along. My nephew, Kuya I and our princess Little S. We went to the newly opened branch at the new mall Insular Square Mandaue City.

Their food is worth your money. As in sulit. A delicious meal that wont hurt our wallets.

As usual, I ordered Chorizo Pasta. I just can't get much of it. I'm super addicted to it. Even Maury, loved it.

Chorizo Pasta P99.

And of course, Mr burger ordered double Cheese burger.

Kuya I, had Cheese Burger. Yesterday , he just told me we have to go back. According to him "That's the best burger I have ever tasted"

Cheeseburger 119

 Little S munched on their fries...

We all had the famous lemon Ice tea in their unique bottles. It looks so cute, I wanna bring the bottle home heheheh....

Boy the food was so good, I'm thinking of going back there today already. This is another personal fave food joint of mine. 

I'm giving it two thumbs up.... But don't just take my word for it... Go and try it out for yourself.

Phoebe Carla

Dong Juan Branches:

Dong Juan Guadalupe (Main Branch)
Dong Juan Persimmon MaboloDong Juan One Mango Avenue

Dong Juan A.S Fortuna

Dong Juan Insular Square

Dong Juan Crossroads

***

You can read more of our family adventures here:

FAMILY FUN

FOOD TRIPS

* * *

*** 

Sharing this to :

Rainforest Park Cebu: Oceanarium Restaurant

"Family always comes first, second to God of course, And every week, I'll save a day to share about our week. I know someday Little S will thank me for this one.And I know someday I will love myself for making this one. You are always welcome to come and visit. And maybe drop some love along the way"  :) 

Maury has been busy with work for the past few weeks and he kind of want to spend and make up for the times he didn't come home or if he does come home, me and Sophie are already asleep. Sophia misses her so much, if you remember I posted it here. I also miss hubby, I miss the little talks... We barely have 10 minutes of talk last few days. In one of our conversation he said,

"I wish money grows on trees."

I wish it too.... Don't you too? So we could spend more time with our love ones.

Anyways on the happy lighter note, Last Sunday night we went on a road trip to find a place to bond and eat. We ended up going to Rainforest Park Cebu because Sophia saw the Lion in their signage. She's obsessed with lions and she can't stop roaring.

Rainforest is a nice place for families to bond, it offers a different mix of entertainment. It has cafes, an Oceanarium Restaurant, Jungle adventure, and salon. I love the ambiance of the place, it's relaxing but what I love most is that it promotes nature and animals. 

We didn't have the chance to really explore the place since it was already late and we were all hungry so we went straight to the Oceanarium Restaurant.

Yes. She was dancing while waiting for us to go in

Inside. Love love their aquarium walls

Finally our food was served. But it was disappointing. The food taste OK/ so so BUT the price was ridiculously high for a so so food. We paid almost 1K for this. Not worth it.

My recommendation: go there to view the oceanarium,  you Just pay 50 pesos entrance fee. But go somewhere else to eat.

LOCATION: Ayala Access Road, Mabolo Cebu City
WEBSITE: http://www.rainforestparkcebu.com/

We didn't enjoy the meal but at least we enjoyed the hammock and kids enjoyed the place.

Daddy, Little S, Me and my nephew Kuya I

My Nephew Kuya I

In effect of not enjoying the food, we ended up buying shaved ice and icecream after. 

All in all, we had a wonderful night. Kuya I and Little S got to see the fishes and other animals up close. Daddy wasn't feeling so guilty for working so hard anymore now that we got to have a quality time. Me, I'm happy to see my family happy. I value experience more than any material possession and I want Little S to grow up remembering these happy and fun moments together. That lasts forever...

PhoebeCarla 

***

You can read more of our family adventures here:

FAMILY FUN

FOOD TRIPS

* * *

*** 

Sharing this to :

Sophia's First Candyland Birthday

Sophia is turning 2 next month, and I'm just about to do the party planning for her 2nd birthday, when I realized I haven't posted about her first birthday here in my blog. It was such a wonderful birthday party and it deserves a spot here at Party of Three.

This is going to be a very long post with pictures overload, so brace yourself and enjoy. I'm sure you guys will love it.

Sophia's Candyland Birthday Party

 Colorful and sweet party, fitting for our sweet little cupcake.

Cupcake and Lollies Invitation

I wanted a simple yet delicious invites for Sophia, so I designed the cupcakes and Lollies and just inserted sweet pics of her for more personal touch. I glued Popsicle sticks for a more effective lollipop invites. I think it did the trick and everybody loved it.

Welcome to Candyland

We held the party at Bella Vista Hotel, the place was decorated with lots and lots of balloons and the ceiling was decorated with swags. I told Giggle Waggle, owned by my highschool classmate, about the concept I want for the party, and they delivered beyond my expectation.

I did the photoshoot for Sophia's standees

Candy Buffet

What's a candyland party without a candy buffet, right? So I also set up sweet station for all the sweet tooth guests young and old alike. The cupcakes were baked by my Aunt, the candies were given by my good friend Ate Wilvette. I added Sophia's frame and ladybug picture to add cuteness.

I availed a package party from Ballooney which includes a party host, 30 pcs give aways, slide tikes, food cart (cotton candy and Softee Icecream). 

Cake. Candle Blowing.

Candy girl was shocked to see her other self  (standees) hehehehe. She had two party dress, this tutu and a beautiful red gown. She also wore this tutu dress last halloween here.

Giveaways

Aside from the package I got from Ballooney, I also gave out kiddie toothbrushes to ease my guilt of setting up such a sweet party and I also prepared adult toothbrushes as well. 

I also made  cupcake towels and towel candies and 3 lollipop topiaries. Hopefully when I have extra time, I'd show you how I did all three. They are easy and fun to do :)

Cupcake towels, Lollipop towels and candy towels

Candy Towels

DIY thank you tags

Lollipop topiaries

I have lots of photos to share but I think it's a long post already so if you want to see more click here to see more photos of the birthday preparation, on the day preparation, Party Part 1 and Party Part 2. I know I know.... I told you pictures overload. heheheh

The party turned out just the way I planned it. So happy to see happy children running, singing and dancing

during the party. And even happier to see the Moms and dads, titos and titas, lolos and lolas Partying like 

children, playing w/ the balloons, getting in line for the cotton candy and icecream. Smiles, Laugh... Happy 

faces everywhere. :)

Twas truly memorable, fun first sweet birthday for our little cupcake

Now back to party planning Sophia's 2nd Birthday party. 

 To Sophia, Please don't grow up too fast anak. mommy might not catch up...

PhoebeCarla

***

If you love children’s party, I've got a few collections here

Children’s Party

***

SHARING THIS TO:

MOMMY MOMENTS, COLOR CONNECTION and PINK FRIDAYS

***