Birthday Preps

Last month we (Mabe', Zoei, Aiza and I) flew back to Philippines for a short vacation. I wouldn't call it vacation, though. 'Coz everyday we had to go somewhere. My idea of vacation is just to layback, relax and basically do nothing except eat and sleep. The only time that we were able to relax was when we all got sick and had to stay home for 3 days.

Our schedule was fully booked from the moment we got there until the day we left. We picked up Zoei's and Mabe's dresses, met with the organizer at Portofino Clubhouse (where my Zoei had her birthday celebration) and the organizer at Palms Country Club (where my mother-in-law, Elinor, celebrated her birthday), attended cousin Jacq's wedding, attended Ehds' (my sister's fiance') 'pamamanhikan', hosted Zoei and Elinor's birthday celebrations and had a house blessing. On top of these, I was creating an AVP for Zoei which took me three days to finish. I also did a pictorial for Mama Elinor and an on-site AVP (with the help of my brother, Remil) to show on her birthday.

Well enough of that... for now. I'm here to show you what we were busy with the night before Zoei's second 1st birthday celebration. We were lucky to have Mama Elinor, Melody and Roselle, who all helped us prepare the give-aways and prizes. 

The crew. Melody, Elinor, Roselle and Mabe'.

The goody bags which Melody graciously picked-up from the supplier.
They were filled with candies and snacks.

Customized boxes made out of acetate paper. 

Big thanks to Melody for picking up the bags and Roselle for buying the prizes. And also for staying up late helping us create the boxes and arrange all the give-aways with Mama Elinor. Like Dora would always say.... "We couldn't have done it without you. Thanks for helping!"

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HK (Part 2)

Last November Mabe', Zoei and I went for a little business/holiday trip to Hong Kong. After Mabe's 5 day training course we decided to go to Disneyland and Ocean Park during the weekend.

Our tickets to Disneyland and Ocean Park. I bought these at a travel agency. It's cheaper than buying them at the gate.

Coming from our hotel we took a train (MTR) ride from Jordan station to Lai King station then transferred to another train going to Sunny Bay station. From Sunny Bay station we then transferred to a Disneyland themed train that took us to Disneyland Resort.

People waiting to board the 'Mickey Mouse' train in Sunny Bay station.

First thing we did when we got there was of course take a family photo. Ryan lent me his gorillapod. But I think my camera was too heavy that I couldn't make it stand the way I wanted it.

When we got inside the park, we saw Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. We wanted to have our photos taken with them, but the queue was too long. We settled with Chip and Dale. 

A bubble blowing Stitch toy.

After checking out the gift shops, we saw Buzz Lightyear. Zoei was still asleep...

It wasn't as cold as we had expected so Mabe' decided to change Zoei's clothes. That gave me time to ride the Space Mountain, an indoor roller coaster. It was awesome! I know it's just a roller coaster, but what sets it apart from the other roller coasters is that you don't know which way you are going. The place is pitch black. You don't get to see the tracks. So every twist and turn is a surprise.

Inside Space Mountain.

Zoei finally woke up after Mabe' changed her clothes. 

She really love those boots!

Most rides were baby friendly so we were able to ride together with Zoei. There's a trolley parking area on most of the rides. You just have to pray all your stuff are still there when you get back. =)  Zoei's first ride... the Orbitron.

Then, the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster...

Zoei was also with us to watch the 3-D attraction in Mickey's PhilharMagic. I think she enjoyed it too, though she didn't wanna wear the 3-D glasses.

Inside Mickey's PhilharMagic theater wearing 3D glasses.

We met other characters that day...

Us with the very tall Woody.

Mabe' and Zoei with Alice.

Zoei with her Minnie Mouse hairband.

Inside the Banquet Hall.

Disneyland Train Station.

Fountain outside the park.

I would love to go back to Disneyland when Zoei's big enough to really enjoy it. Another reason why I wanna come back is because we missed the fireworks display! (One person was too busy buying stuff at the gift shop...)

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Getting to Ocean Park requires a train and then a bus ride. Good thing Ate Liza was free to accompany us. 

First thing of course, take a family photo...

When we got inside, we were welcomed with a circus show.

Zoei enjoying the show.

Here I am enjoying myself until the chinese guy told me I'm not allowed to do a flip.

After the show, we headed off to the Giant Panda Habitat.

Giant panda looking over by the entrance.

You see the black and white thing? That's the lazy panda. 

We then went to the Summit area of the park via Ocean Express which was a short train ride through a mountain.

The revolving Ocean Park Tower which malfunctioned when we were about to ride it. Darn it!

The view from Pacific Pier. I was able to ride all of those rides except for the Ferris Wheel.

The seals inside the Pacific Pier.

We then rode the cable car to go to the Waterfront area then back again to the Summit area.

That's me on the right side with both arms up, enjoying the 'Abyss'!

We ended our day watching the dolphins and sea lions show at the Ocean Theatre.

Ocean Park is huge! A whole day is not enough to see and ride all the attractions inside the park. And by the looks of the ongoing constructions when we visited there, they'll be adding more attractions. So next time we go back to Hong Kong, I'll definitely come back at Ocean Park and try out the other rides that I missed.

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