9 Reasons Why Dumaguete is a Great Babymoon Destination!

By; Mhe-anne L. O. Isidro

We have scheduled our November 24-26 trip to Dumaguete long before that happy faint purple line showed up on the pregnancy kit last November 21. And since I didn't have (yet) the morning sickness (thanks to my Forever Baby Regimen), we went ahead with our Babymoon (the time alone hurrah with my hubby, baby daddy) trip without a guilt. Like the nine (9) sweet months of pregnancy, I have nine (9) Reasons Why I would recommend Dumaguete for those taking  Babymoon trips (which ideally should be during the second trimester for those who are nauseated much).

1. Dumaguete is only an hour - nonstop flight from Manila and served by several airlines. Cebu Pacific has a 3 o'clock flight so I prefer this so we do not have to wake up early or brave through traffic in the morning. Also the terminal of Cebu Pacific is Terminal 3 which has a covered parking area for those bringing their own car and parking for several nights.
I checked in online the night before and was able to get an aisle seat for me for those (frequent) bathroom trips and a window seat for hubby - the middle seat was not taken.

We Are Having A Baby!

By: Mhe-anne L. O. Isidro

The faint line on the pregnancy test with a confirmation from my prospective client - turned - my personal OB-GYNE Dra. Bel Miranda that I am five (5) weeks pregnant was the reason for those smiles! Yes, our Forever Baby Regimen works and we are soon having a baby! 

Paper Anniversary Gift: Some Cool Way To Give Cash Money!

By: Mhe-anne Ojeda - Isidro

Money is made of paper, the traditional material for a first wedding anniversary. But simply giving money to your spouse or to a happy couple celebrating their first year of marital bliss maybe seen as un-romantic, un-cool, effortless or sometimes even unethical. However, our recent first wedding anniversary (September 21) proved that there is definitely a way around this and you can use your ingenuity so that giving "cash money" would truly be appreciated as romantic and thoughtful, just like giving any other paper or clock gifts. Besides, Paper Money are not only valuable, but are also colorful, informative and attractive. Here are some ways to give "money" as first anniversary gift that worked for us, without feeling "awkward" or being tag as "unimaginative": 

1. Slipped some foreign currencies inside the anniversary card just like what our God parents, Doug and Janice Mc Allister did! They are based in the US and have traveled to Canada and were generous enough to think of us on our first anniversary by sending us an anniversary card with some US and Canadian Dollars (made of paper, right?) slipped inside. The card with a lovely note is in itself a thoughtful paper gift, but the US bucks are truly appreciated as we could put them to good use (bucks for Phuket, Thailand!), while the Canadian dollars are perfect addition to our paper money collection (check idea #5)! 

2. Travel to Vietnam and make your spouse feel like a millionaire. My hubby was all smiles when I gave him Vietnamese Dong (VND) while we were in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from September 17, 21-23, 2014. The word dong means Chinese bronze coins which were used as Vietnam's currency since 1978.  As 1000 Dong is equivalent to P 2.11 Philippine Peso, Red definitely was a millionaire with millions of Dongs at his disposal. And since prices in Vietnam are so cheap, Red can afford to buy me anything I want, whether a fancy dinner or a starred accommodations on the evening of our anniversary! 

3. Give Your Spouse Currency of Your Anniversary Destination and Give Him The Money Talks. Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency of Cambodia and comes in 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 denominations. The exchange rate is 4,000 Riels to a US $1. The US Dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia so the use of Cambodian Riels is limited to fractional US Dollar amount or small purchases less than a dollar, since US coins are not in circulation in this Khmer country. The Cambodian Riels are my fave paper money because they are not only colorful and vibrant but also very informative of Cambodian heritage since most denominations feature wat (or temples) or Cambodian monument - 100 Riel - Independence Commemoration Tower (Phnom Penh); 500 Riel - Angkor Wat Temple Complex; 1,000 Riel - Angkor Tom Temple;
20,000 Riels - Bayon Temple and 50,000 Riel - portrait of Cambodian King, Norodom Sihanouk Varman with Preah Vihear Temple, etc. Since I kept some Riels as souvenirs from my last travel to Phnom Penh, I gave hubby those Cambodian Riels and his first Cambodian lessons as my anniversary gift! The effort was much appreciated and it makes our visit to the Angkor Wat complex and Phnom Penh last September 18-21, 2014 more meaningful to him because of his advance lessons!

4. Wallet Surprise. When we arrived in Taipei, Taiwan, I noticed that my hubby's wallet was really old and worn out, (enough to be shy about it whenever he pulls it out. lol). So while going around Danshui Night Market, I was able to sneak out from him and bought him a new one. While hubby sleeps, I threw his old wallet to the garbage bin and put in his new wallet his IDs, driver's license, ATM cards and of course some New Taiwanese Dollars, the official currency of Taiwan since 1949. The exchange rate to Philippine Peso is 1 NT: PHP 1.48 so it is very easy to calculate our spending. Red was pleasantly surprised when he woke up and can't stopped saying that "his wallet has NTs, not empty"! (get the joke?)

5. Make A Couple Paper Money Collection Scrapbook. Since Red and I started a travel tradition to celebrate our wedding anniversary, I made our Couple World Money Collection where I saved small bills or notes we used or will be using from all the countries we visited and will be visiting for our anniversaries. The collection will be a great reminder of the good times when 'money' literally buy us happiness!

First Anniversary Travel: Finding LOVE in Taipei!

By: Mhe-anne L. Ojeda - Isidro

What better way to show LOVE than with a LOVE sign! So while touring around Taipei, Taiwan, we have bonded together in LOVE quite literally and these printed photos are part of our "paper" anniversary gifts for our firs wedding anniversary.

TAIPEI 101 - Xinyi District, Taipei Taiwan

The drizzle  and sudden blizzard couldn't stop us (and others) from snapping selfie photos at the LOVE sculpture found outside the Taipei 101. This LOVE design is by American artist Robert Indiana which was reproduced in variety of formats and languages and recreated in many places around the world. As everyone needs LOVE, we truly enjoyed taking our photos by the LOVE sign.

BItan Scenic Area - Xindian District, New Taipei City

Bitan Scenic Area is a popular attraction for couples in Taiwan because of the great view of the mountain and the lake - like Xindian river where they can ride pedal boats. The place is quite romantic not only because lovers can do an 'H-H-W-W' or holding hands while walking along the river or while crossing the 75 year old suspension bridge, but also because of the Bitan's Wall that features personalized bricks art work like "100% LOVE", "I LOVE YOU Forever", and different expressions of LOVE (of the individual donors I presumed).

Taipei Zoo - Wenshan, Taipei, Taiwan

Alright we are LOVE - ful couple that we noticed even this LOVE word on Mc Donalds drink cups while at the Taipei Zoo!

Public Art - Metro Taipei

And it's really TIME FOR LOVE in Taiwan. as even the public art in several Metro Taipei stations feature LOVE and Hearts as themes of murals and artworks.

First Anniversary Travel: Taipei Zoo

By: Mhe-anne L. Ojeda - Isidro

Taipei Zoo is the first ever zoo that we visited as a couple and I could say that it will be a "hard act to follow" since it is one of the largest and well - kept zoos I have ever seen during my own travel world wide. It is located on the far end of Taipei City, and occupied about 90 hectares of sloping land set against the backdrop of high hills and lush greenery. The entrance is only NT$ 60 (so really very cheap!).

The Taipei Zoo is divided into different zones based on their habitats and climates - Desert and Outback, Asian Tropical Rainforest, African animals, Temperate Zone, Formosan animals, Noctornal and Bird World. The crowd favorites are the Pandas, Koalas and Penguins and these are kept in glass enclosures. The Panda crowds are managed by having a ticket and you have 20 minutes to go around following a large group. All the other attractions can be enjoyed at your leisure. Our favorites are the King penguins, red pandas, and the rare species which I have seen for the first time like macaque, emu, addax, serow, moccasin, lynx, raccoons, pumas, civet.

Red and I totally enjoyed all the attractions inside the zoo! Also, we collected another first wedding anniversary gift - pictures with the animal - themed music clock. The animals on the clock are the twelve (12) Formosan Animals like the (12) Water buffalo, (11) Formosan wild boar, (10) Formosan serow, (9) Formosan mountain dog, (8) Fomosan rock macaque, (7) Chinese leopard cat, (6) Formosan hare, (5) Mikado pheasant, (4) Red - bellied tree squirrel, (3) Chinese moccasin, (2) Formosan stripe dace, and (1) Elegant Five - lined skink.

There are two (2) strategy to be able to visit the whole zoo in 3 to 4 hours. Our group took the Maokong Gondola to the top of the hills, then took the tram to see the Giant Panda enclosure and checked all the other areas at leisure. The other way is the reverse - enter at the main Taipei Zoo entrance then take the tram to the Penguin house first, and walk up to the African, Australian, Asian Rainforest and then the Pandas and reserve the Maokong Gondola ride to enjoy the sunset on the mountain.

First Anniversary Travel: Taiwan's "Firsts"

By: Mhe-anne O. Isidro

Since our trip to Taipei, Taiwan last October 6-11, 2014 is part of our first wedding anniversary (and my forty - first birthday celebration!), we visited sights that are "firsts" in Taiwan. Here's  what we've got:

Visited / Seen on October 6, 8, & 10, 2014

With 101 floors and a structure height of 508 meters, TAIPEI 101 is the world-renowned, quintessential Taipei landmark and the "first tallest modern architecture" in Taiwan since its construction in 2004 up to the present. Two (2) of its fifty (50) elevators ascend at a speed of 1,010 meters per minute (which is another reason why it's called Taipei 101), making it the Guinness World record's fastest elevator. It takes only 37 seconds from the 5th floor to the 89th Indoor Observatory, which offers visitors a commanding view of the city and Taipei basin in all directions. The corridor connecting 89th to 88th has a panoramic 270 - degree view of well - known scenic spots in Taiwan and the Taipei 101 Fireworks and a wind damper area which is world's biggest. For a feel of the strong winds and an expansive view of the city, take the flight of stairs to the 91st Floor Outdoor Observatory. In 2011, Taipei 101 is the world's tallest and largest green building in the world according to the U.S. Green Building Council. The TAIPEI 101 MALL is the "first international shopping complex" in Taiwan. 

Visited on October 8, 2014

WINDOW ON CHINA THEME PARK is the "first spot" to visit of all attractions in Taiwan since it is located 30 minutes from the Taoyuan International Airport. It is an amusement park with variety of indoor and outdoor amusement facilities especially designed for all ages, enchanting shows and entertainment, thrilling rides and the "first in Asia to feature majestic displays of miniature world famous architecture" as its main theme.  You can go to Taiwan, China, Asia, Europe and America in just one (1) day!

Visited on October 8, 2014

DANSHUI OLD STREETS is the "first international port" opened in Northern Taiwan in 1858. Danshui is an intensely historic town located on the mouth of Danshui River so visitors come to enjoy mountain and river scenery as well as savor local delicacies  as seafood balls, "iron" eggs, and sour plum drink. The mouth of the harbor is spanned by a white "Lover's Bridge", offering a new place to enjoy the famous sunset of Danshui.

RAINBOW BRIDGE is Taiwan's "first pedestrian large pier - less S-shaped bridge over water" which is a must - see for couples who want to leave sweet footsteps behind. At night, the bridge is a beautiful spot for couples and sweethearts since both sides of the bridge contain a series of romance - themed decorative murals featuring the words "I Love You" in twelve (12) different languages, a three - dimensional sculpture of the word "LOVE", love locks and so on.

October 9, 2014

LONGSHAN (Lungshan) TEMPLE of Manka is a Buddhist temple constructed in 1738 (and rebuilt in the 1919) by master temple builder, Mr. Wang Yi - shun, making it a masterpiece and landmark of traditional Chinese architecture of its time in Taiwan. They are two-storied buildings with a conic roof in hexagonal shape like a helmet. Each sector of this hexagonal roof in double eaves forms a slope in converse  "S" curve which is the "first example of an "S" curve roof design" introduced into Taiwan. This temple has become a center of people's religious life  and a heritage of local culture. For this reason, Taiwan's government assigned it a second class historical site and will be preserved for future generations.

October 10, 2014

MAOKONG GONDOLA is  Taipei's "first tourist gondola" for a bird's - eye view of the tea fields area and magnificent scenery of Maokong. There are 30- crystal cabins which can provide service every 2 to 4 minutes to four (4) stations - Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhinan Temple, and Maokong. By the Zhinan Temple, there is a "Valentines' Sacred Ground" for sweetheart couples and "marriage line" timber boardwalk with a lover's platform in the shape of a double heart to warm the passions of couples' sweet love.

Visited on October 10, 2014

The RED HOUSE is Taiwan's "first government - constructed public market" and the most well preserved class three historical site located in the Ximen area. It is a Western - style red - brick octagonal structure built in 1908 which includes a theater, tea shop, a boutique area, and an exhibition area. Its northern square feature a holiday arts fair, while its southern square includes an open air cafe. To date, it has established itself as a major location for the development of cultural and creative industry which continued to breath fresh air into the historic architecture.

Taiwan's Tourist Offices (with the yellow colored small letter "i" icon)  in airports, train stations or Metro stations is a "must" visit for tourist as Taiwan has become the first place in the world to offer free wifi access to tourists. Show your passport to staff at tourist offices and you will then be given an account number, which will allow you to access the free basic WiFi. With a speed of around 1 Mbps bandwidth per second, you are always connected with your family and friends even on travel. 

First Anniversary Travel: Ben Thanh Market, HCMC ( Vietnam)

By: Mhe-anne L. Ojeda - Isidro

Modern 1st Anniversary Gift: CLOCK 

(4) Picture by the Ben Thanh Market's clock at the entrance.

On our first night in Saigon, we walked around Cho Ben Thanh (or Ben Thanh Market), a large market area in the central tourist district of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and a very popular symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. In fact, it is said that you have not been to Ho Chi Minh City if you haven't been to Ben Thanh Market and have not taken pictures by the belfry and the clock at the entrance. At night, the market is at its liveliest, with all kinds of colorful food stall parasols, fruits, shirts, bags and other souvenir items being sold there. It also turns into a giant food court with all tourists converging there to try Vietnamese local cuisines. 

Traditional 1st Anniversary Gift: PAPER

(5) Origami / Kirigami Art Pop - Up Greeting Cards 

Abounding at the Ben Thanh Market are unique and interesting handmade three - dimensional pop up greeting cards made by Vietnamese by combining the techniques of Origami (Japanese traditional art of paper folding) and Kirigami (paper cut-outs in English, or the art of folding a sheet of paper a few times and then cutting a pattern to reveal its silhouette). There are several creations which are made of stark white paper which emphasizes the shadowing effects of the cuts and folds. Most of the designs involve Vietnamese architecture such as Saigon Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Vietnamese in bicycle, occasions such as weddings and holiday seasons like Christmas, Valentines, etc. I bought the Wedding Day and Ben Thanh Market design 3D - greeting cards for $5 as symbols of our First Wedding Anniversary.

Wondering what our First Wedding Anniversary Gifts 1 - 3 ? Please click Airline Tickets, Travel Insurance and Boarding Passes.

First Anniversary Travel: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam & Paper Gifts!

By: Mhe-anne L. Ojeda - Isidro

Our Exotic Holiday Coin Bank, Passports and PAL Boarding Passes 

As a travel buff married to my hubby who hasn't been anywhere out of the country, we agreed that we would always celebrate our wedding anniversaries (September 21) by taking a trip together at anniversary time. Early on, we drew up our vision board and save up every P5 and P10 coins in our exotic holiday coin bank. We know that the money we save up there, would not be enough to cover the cost of our annual trip. But seeing the coin bank gives us a daily reminder of the romantic getaway ahead of us and that builds up the excitement!

Border Land Crossing Map showing
Vietnam - Phnom Pen & Siem Reap (Cambodia) 

So for our first anniversary trip, we decided to travel to Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, the second most important city of Vietnam, from September 17-23, 2014. I have been there before but we found a qualified company engaged in the manufacture of Virgin Coconut Oil and made arrangements to visit their plant. But aside from being able to combine business and pleasure, Saigon also has a overland border crossing thru Moc Bai / Bavet to Siem Reap, Cambodia, a place that I had always dreamed of visiting. 

Traditional 1st Wedding Anniversary Gift: Paper
Anniversary Trip Gift: (1) Philippine Airlines Round Tickets MNL-SAIGON- MNL and 
(2) PAL Travel Insurance

PAL In-Flight Meals & Beverage from MNL-Saigon & Saigon-MNL

Although we booked our plane tickets only two (2) weeks to go before our date of travel, we were still able to score a pretty good deal with Philippine Airlines  All - In- Round Trip fare. For only $250 each, our ticket comes with a Complimentary In-flight Hot Meal and Beverage and a Twenty (20) Kilo Free Baggage Allowance both ways. This assures my hubby a good meal while on flight! 

We also availed of "PAL Travel Insurance", especially designed for Philippine Airlines passengers departing from the Philippines and underwritten by Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. For only $23, the PAL Travel Insurance is one paper gift that allows us to have a complete peace of mind when unexpected things happen at unexpected times during our travel. The PAL Travel Insurance gives us: 

• Coverage for medical expenses due to accident or sickness during your trip
• 24-Hour Emergency Medical and Travel Assistance
• Protection for non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is cancelled
• Payment for delayed flights and for lost or damaged baggage
• Travel accident protection

Indeed, we can Worry Less, and Travel More!

Traditional 1st Wedding Anniversary Gift: Paper
Anniversary Trip Gift:  (3) Philippine Airlines Online Boarding Pass

At the PAL Web Check - In Counter in Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon 

My hubby was all smiles when I told him that we can check in on our own and print our own boarding passes at home (or at our hotel when in Saigon), at least 24 hours to 2 hours before our flight. Philippine Airlines has a web check-in facility that allows us to check in our luggage and select our own seats long before we head to the airport. It is very easy to use, and assure us that we are seated together, which is the only way for love birds to fly! 

For more First Anniversary Travel, you may click Ben Thanh Market in Saigon, Vietnam.

Breakfast Cereals on Ice Cream: Another Similarity in Differences!

by: Mhe-anne Ojeda - Isidro

As a newly married couple with completely different taste buds, I am very enthralled at finding another way Red and I could enjoy the same food together. Cereals on Ice Cream!

Cereal is a food made from processed grains usually eaten for breakfast with milk and fruits. My hubby Red loves this American bedrock breakfast meal and regularly buys the Kellogs Frosted Flakes or Frosties! On the contrary, I haven't eaten cereal since I was young because I am lactose intolerant and can't have milk. But since our "cereal" differences isn't so conflictual, we haven't really paid much attention to it for almost a year since we got married. 

But a few days before we hit our first "adjustment" year wedding anniversary, I am happy that we have a chance discovery on how we can enjoy cereals together. For dessert the other night, Red sprinkled the cereals over our favorite rocky road and double dutch ice cream (and topped with marshmallows). I initially thought it was odd to have those "cereals" on my fave frozen delight, but after tasting it, I scream "Yummy"! The cereals are crispy perfect for ice cream!  Now, I don't see anymore eyebrow raising when Red includes the Kellogs Frosties in our weekly grocery list because "They're GR-R-Reat!" 

Eleventh Monthsary As A Couple: Steel

by: Mhe-anne L. Ojeda - Isidro

Steel is the traditional symbol of an eleventh wedding anniversary because of its of strength and durability. So for our eleven months of marriage, I was reminded of the Stainless Steel 4 Heart Shaped Measuring Spoons that we carry during our travel, as a fitting symbol for the last month-sary that we will be celebrating! (yea, next month  is already our first anniversary! yippee!!). Each Spoon has a heart - felt quote:

1 Tablespoon "A HEAP OF LOVE",

1 Teaspoon "A SPOONFUL OF AFFECTION",

1/2 Teaspoon "A DASH OF TENDERNESS", &

1/4 Teaspoon "A PINCH OF JOY"

Since our eleventh month-sary (August 21) fell on a national holiday, the Ninoy Aquino Day, which means traffic and more traffic for us here in Manila, we decided to have a two - fold celebration. 

On Thursday, we just stayed home for a Just Married movie marathon that Won't Last A Day Without You (some movie titles!). We have all we need - a bunch of CDs we bought from the Video City branch that is closing down, a pack of Happy peanuts that Red loves and a bottle of Chamdor, an alcohol free sparkling grape juice that we bought days back. Except for the cork flying out -of - the - bottle –too- soon incident that hits Red's forehead and left us laughing to our heart’s content, I can say that it was the best date ever that didn't break the bank and didn't require us to drive or dress up! 

Then on Saturday, we went out on a date wearing our identical Hawaian tees. We attended a food tasting event hosted by Executive Gourmet (a catering company that I am considering to get for our organization's event), so it means we had a free lunch date!  After that we went to Caloocan, a haven for motorcycles. Red loves motorcycles and we are planning to buy one so we do not have to use the Volkswagen for small errands. We are considering either getting a Duke 390 (a big bike that can be used for SLEX and NLEX), a Madass Bike from Germany or a Visar (cheapest small motorcycle). While Red was doing a drive test, he brought me to Brillantes Spa salon for a haircut (with bangs!) and a pedicure. We ended the day with me shopping for more clothes and taking home four pieces!

These two celebrations look very simple and cheap to celebrate our eleventh (11th) month-sary. But to me, both times allowed us to be together outside of work and let us exhibits to each other a heap of love, a dash of tenderness, a spoonful of affection and a pinch of joy! 

Tenth Month-sary As A Couple: Diamond Jewelry!

By: Mhe-anne L. Ojeda -Isidro

Tin, Aluminum and Diamond jewelry are associated with tenth wedding anniversary since a marriage that lasted for ten (10) years is said to be flexible and durable (like tin & aluminum) and beautiful like diamonds. So on our one-oh month-sary as a couple (and trying to make - up for missing my husband's birthday yesterday), I decided to fulfill the condition for the cash gift given by a very dear friend, and got ourselves a custom-made matching rings, 14 karat yellow gold adorned with titus diamonds! 

our wedding rings 

My dear friend gave us a generous cash gift on our wedding day and indicated that it should be used for a purchase of a 40 - inches LED TV and wedding rings, two gifts that will always remind us of her. But since we still have our respective old and simple television sets and our simple wedding rings, we held off with the purchase until now. Glad our tenth month-sary is a timely excuse to get those shiny sparkling gem as a gift! 

To complete the tenth month-sary celebration, we wrapped up the day with a visit to the newly opened Fairview Terraces Mall in Maligaya, Fairview, Quezon City. The mall is the biggest integrated medium to upscale shopping development of Ayala corporation unveiled last February 28, 2014. It was our first time there and really impressed with its artful, creative, spacious, lush green looks. From the various dining options, we chose Recipes and ordered Tofu with Garlic Sauce (P135), Chicken Curry (P190), Plain Rice (P38 each), Mango shake (P85) and Dessert of the Day /Buko Pandan with Ice cream (P90). Oh my! The food is really tasty and did not cost us a ton! We love it and were filled! 

Just like the food served by RECIPES which are based from tested recipes, there is also a RECIPE for a Happy Marriage so that we will not only last till our tenth wedding anniversary but until eternity. I found this poem - 

"Recipe for a Happy Marriage"

Combine two caring hearts Melt into one Add alot of love Mix well with respect, and trust Add gentleness, laughter, faith, hope, and joy. Pour in much understanding (Don't forget patience) Sprinkle with kisses and, a dash of hugs Bake for a life time Yield: One Happy Couple

 Author: Unknown