MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan

Dreaming of A Summer Vacation

December 2, 2011 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

Over the past few nights, I’ve been tirelessly browsing the internet in search for a good deal on a nice place where the boys and I can go for a vacation this summer. It will be the kiddo’s first summer break now that he’s in big school, and this gives us the perfect excuse to go on our first big vacation as a family. Personally, I’m itching to go on a nice relaxing 3-day, 2-night trip anywhere. I’d like to think that Mr C, the kiddo and I all deserve it for working so hard this past year.

So far, I’m dreaming about a stay at Discovery Shores or Two Seasons in Boracay, a visit to Bellarocca, a trip to Panglao, or a nice weekend in Cebu. I need to make sure that we find a place that’s kid-friendly, and won’t completely wipe out our savings. The food MUST be good, and there has to be a lot of nice activities that we can do together. And yes, I’ve got my sights set on going to the beach. My pale skin is screaming for some sun.

Suggestions are welcome for a good place to stay, and nice things to do at any of these places. Or maybe there’s a nice destination that I’ve not thought of that fulfills my requirements? Do share. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions. Event more excited still about the prospect of finally, FINALLY going on vacation!

Tomorrow is December 1st

November 30, 2011 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

Tomorrow is December 1st, which means I will be saying goodbye to my beat-up brown Starbucks 2011 planner and moving on to my new one! Just like in previous years, I managed to complete my promo card in roughly two weeks, so I get to use the new planner even before the year ends. Yay!

I hope I actually get to use the coupons that come with the 2012 planner, coz in the past years I just forgot about them.

My old reliable 2011 brown planner will now join the rest of my planners from the past on the book shelf.

Southbound! vol.2 – A Visit To The Zoo

November 28, 2011 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

The second stop on our Southbound family day trip last November 1 was Residence Inn, Tagaytay. This wasn’t the kiddo’s first time to come here, but the last time we were at this zoo, he was only around 3 years old. He probably has no recollection of his first visit, so this particular trip felt like a fun and exciting first time for the little one. I, on the other hand, get all nervy and squeamish at zoos because I’m not really fond of wildlife, or the great outdoors. I’d even go as far as to say that I’m perfectly content seeing them all on National Geographic. But of course, in the interest of giving my 5-year old an memorable experience, I’m proud to say that I managed to get through most of the afternoon with a smile.

Just finished their photo op with a giant snake

Apart from some pretty birds, the rest of the animals at the zoo actually looked frail and skinny. I really felt bad for them, and I wonder if they are being given enough food and water. A few months back, I had the chance to visit the Ark Avilon Zoo, and the animals there were much livelier than the ones at Residence Inn. I was particularly bothered by the monkeys, tigers and lions, as they looked rather grim.

This bird has better eye makeup than I do!

In my honest opinion, the entrance fees At Residence Inn are ridiculously high. If I remember correctly, we were charged around 250 Pesos per person. Considering the amount of money one needs to shell out to enter, you would think that the animals would look a little more healthy and filled with life.

Anyway, here are a few more photos from our afternoon visit:

We finished looking around just in time for the Animal Encounter and Cultural Show. The Encounter was a lot of fun for the kids who got to experience holding some of the zoo animals. When it was time to call mommy volunteers, one of the ladies tried convincing me to go onstage. I’m glad that I forcefully declined because the mommies were made to carry a giant snake! I would have completely freaked out. Meanwhile, the little guy willingly joined the animal handlers in front when he was called to volunteer. I’m glad that he enjoys learning about animals, and he’s not afraid to get close to them and touch them.

The Kiddo being interviewed during the Animal Experience show

The program culminated with a cultural dance presentation, and you could try to dance the tinikling at the very end. As always, I chose to sit that one out. Yes, I can be boring like that.

These dances originated from the northern part of the Philippines

Residence Inn has other activities too, like zip lining, a restaurant and souvenir shop. So, when was the last time you visited the zoo?

Residence Inn Tagaytay
Km. 65 Barrio Neogan, Tagaytay City
(02) 899- 9828
http://zoomanity.com.ph/2011/03/residence-inn/

Honeymooners For A Day

November 26, 2011 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 4 Comments

My parents-in-law treated Mr C and I to an overnight stay at Sofitel as a wedding gift. Lucky for us, this was about a week before the big storm that sank Spiral, and we were able to enjoy a nice peaceful mini honeymoon, all smiley and happy as newlyweds should be. Sofitel has always been one of my favorite hotels in Manila with it’s lovely view, super soft pillows, fluffy blankets and yummy food.

We came prepared with some leftover wine from the reception and a basket of goodies given to us by my lovely friends at Smart.

My new favorite budget-friendly red wine

I personally love hotels, and a staycation was exactly what we needed after our busy year of planning. We basically ate a lot, slept a lot, swam a little, ate some more and had quite a few drinks during our stay. It was such a fun getaway, although short and pretty bitin. It’s been almost three months since the wedding, and I really hope we get to do something like this again soon.

Judging from the photos, it looks like Mr C enjoyed hotel living as much as I did!

It was a bit rainy that weekend, but we managed to catch some sun in the afternoon right before checking out.

One of my favorite parts of Sofitel – the gardens overlooking Manila Bay

Two rings + my wedding nail art. I am OFFICIALLY MrsC!

Random Thoughts

November 24, 2011 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

At the end of the day, your happiness really depends on yourself. You find your own reasons to get up in the morning. You find your reasons to smile. You find your reasons to keep going. It’s all you. Nobody else.

Others may play a part in your happiness, but the choice to be happy is no one else’s but your own.

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Getting Back On Track, Slowly But Surely

November 21, 2011 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan Leave a Comment

Today was my first day of Zumba Fitness at Gold’s Gym Alabang. Like I mentioned a few blog posts ago, I just signed on for a year at Gold’s Gym, following the expiration of my six-month membership at Slimmer’s World Alabang. In all honesty, Slimmer’s was a total waste of money for me. I didn’t like it there, and so I wasn’t motivated to go. I think I only went four or five times during my membership, and now I regret not signing on for a shorter period instead. But anyway, that’s over and done with, and I’m now back at Gold’s, the first gym I ever went to, and I am so happy to be back. When I first enrolled in 2009, my schedule didn’t allow me to make it to any of the classes. This time around, I can take all the evening classes I want! So tonight I started with my first Zumba experience.

I have a feeling I will wake up all stiff, with limbs that feel like lead, and muscles that are too sore to function. I honestly miss that feeling. I have been out of shape for so long that my body is now actually looking for the exercise. One thing I realized in class today was how much heavier I am now. It took a lot of effort for me to maintain my balance, to stay on my toes and not find myself flat-footed in the middle of dancing. I lost my footing a number of times, and I realized how difficult it is for me now to bend, turn, twist, pivot, and shake my booty like there’s no tomorrow. It makes me a little sad because I used to dance when I was still in school, and feeling myself struggle to keep up makes me feel a wee bit defeated. The good news is I’m, excited to try again tomorrow. My mother-in-law, a certified Zumbaholic, told me not to feel discouraged if I can’t follow all the steps at first. Now I totally get what she means, and I look forward to the day when I can do at least one of the dances without a misstep.

So tomorrow is another day, and I’m looking forward to spending time at the gym again. I’m happy to be getting back on track, slowly but surely. In my showbiz statement to Mr C over dinner I said, ‘I’m looking forward to all my gym visits because I want to be healthy. Losing weight will just be one of the perks.’

Don’t you just love it?