February Story: Birthday Vacay in Manila

BIRTHDAY MONTH — Time flies so fast and February is finally over.

When the calendar hits February, people are excited about planning for Valentine’s Day. But for me, February is a very special month because it’s my birth month. Grateful for another year of experiencing life and enjoy living in this world.

The older I become, the more I realize life is not about having but being. Being present in the moment, being grateful, being patient, being kind, being humble, being there for others, and being with your loved ones.

Normally, I spend my time feasting and celebrating with my family and friends at home.  But this year I decided not to be with them (well partly… I mean not all of them). I decided to do what I never did on my birthday — TRAVEL!

Last August 2017, I got lucky and was able to book a flight to the Capital City of the Philippines for only Php 2,000. How cool was that? 😀  Thanks to Cebu Pacific Air’s peso fair promo.

I decided to go to Manila for three main reasons:

1. To experience traveling on my birthday.
2. To visit my older sister that I’ve never seen for 2 years. (but we do video chat :))
3. To meet my first niece (older sister’s daughter) for the very first time.

January I visited the Queen City of the South, Cebu City. February I wandered the Capital City of the Philippines, Manila. I’m glad I was able to keep up with my goal — to travel at least once a month. 🙂

Here are the places I visited:

Bacoor, Cavite

Of course, first on my list is where my sister stay. I’ve been to Cavite before but never been in Bacoor. I didn’t wander around because I spent most of my time hugging and kissing my niece. Can’t help it…she’s so adorable.

FACTS: Cavite is a province in the Philippines located on the southern shores of Manila Bay in the Calabarzon region on Luzon island.

SM Southmall

The second day spent shopping for my little missy and some outfits for tomorrow. Spoiling my niece felt so good. Buying cute outfits and a stroller for her to enjoy.

FACTS: There are two SM malls near my sister’s place Bacoor, Cavite. The SM Bacoor and SM Southmall.

Batangas

My sister and her husband’s birthday gift was a weekend getaway to Batangas. Long road trip and beach is the perfect combination and just what I love. Such a delight to spend it with them. Woke up so early to prepare our foods. We rented a car going there (sorry I didn’t ask how much it cost). Going Batangas, we made sure to check out the famous Kaybiang Tunnel.

FACTS: Kaybiang Tunnel is the Philippines’ longest subterranean road tunnel that links the towns of Ternate, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas through a hole under Mount Palay-Palay, also known as Mt. Pico de Loro. It’s a very popular landmark for cyclists and riders based in Manila for weekend rides.

It took us 3 hours to make it to our destination. We went to Matabungkay, Batangas. It’s far from the main City of Batangas but the closest part to Cavite. It was very crowded because (i forgot to mention) it’s a holiday — EDSA revolution. with their brownish-grayish sand, clear water, and floating cottages are what makes this place popular especially to the locals. But what makes this place beautiful extra special is their beautiful sunset..just like in Boracay. That moment when the sun touches the sea…magical!

Heading home we took a different route. Instead of going back to the Tunnel, we went to Tagaytay. Why? Because they have the most beautiful view of the city even at night…and it’s closer. haha! We made sure to stop by the famous Sky Ranch. Best gift I got!

Makati

This is my 5th time to visit Manila and I’ve been in Makati twice. This will be my third time but my sister’s first. From province to the big City. Going to Makati from Bacoor, we ride a Van near Jollibee Molino to SM Mall of Asia. Then, we ride a taxi going to Makati. We stayed at Prince Plaza II condotel. I’ve stayed here before and I’m loving this location. Why? It’s walking distance to Greenbelt 5 and 3, Ayala Triangle, and church.

FACTS: Makati is a city in Metro Manila region and the country’s financial hub.

Wandering Makati for 3 days with my sister and niece brings back so many memories while making new. This is how I spend my birthday: shopping at Landmark, explore and dine in Greenbelt, walk around Ayala triangle, visit Ayala Museum, and attend a mass at Sto Nino de Paz Chapel. A relaxing and happy way of celebrating my day.

SM Mall of Asia

6 years passed and I’m back in SM Mall of Asia (aka SM MoA). On my first trip to Manila, we made sure to visit the famous SM MoA. Aside from the mall itself, you would definitely enjoy the SM by the Bay (just outside SM MoA). Chill at the park and try some rides while waiting for the beautiful sunset. I wish I can stay longer but for now, I can’t.

FACTS: SM Mall of Asia is a shopping mall in Bay City, Pasay, Philippines, near the SM Central Business Park, the Manila Bay, and the southern end of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).

If you prefer to stay near SM MOA, you can find a hotel, inn, and apartment in Pasay that will cater to your needs.

Tips when visiting Manila:

• Be careful with Taxi Drivers – For the first time I ride a taxi on my own from the Airport. There are two ways in getting a cab. You can pick either the regular taxi or the Airport taxi (yellow taxi). For the airport taxi, the sign states its a metered taxi that will cost you Php 70 + Php 4 (per 3 km). It’s more pricey than a regular cab. Since it’s my first time and I will be traveling on my own I decided to take what I think is safer which is the airport taxi. When I reached the lady that releases receipts, I told her my destination which is SM Bacoor. Then she said, “we do fix rate for provinces and you have to negotiate with the driver”. Sounds odd coz the sign says its a metered taxi. The taxi driver asked me Php 740 not including the two toll fees which is another Php 45 and Php 25. Now that is very expensive! But since it’s my first time going there I agreed to it.  On our way there, I was texting my sister and her husband. I told them everything and they’re complaining because it’s too much. Normally it will cost you 350. Yes, he tricked me! Arriving at my destination, my sister’s husband complained on my behalf and he ends up paying Php 500. Their excuse was that the one who’s making the charges is the airport. Wow! He forgot we are the ones who made the negotiation…not the airport personnel! Honestly, on this entire trip, all the taxi except for one asked us to pay a fixed rate. They don’t use their meter. They will negotiate so they can charge you more. It’s very disappointing. So for everyone going to Manila, make sure you tell the driver to use their meter. If they don’t, get another one.

Overall

All in all, my trip was memorable. I didn’t wander a lot but it was exciting and relaxing. Loving every single moment with the two people that I cared and loved. Though I wasn’t able to spend it with the rest of the family, they made sure they never forget. Early phone calls and video calls mean a lot. I’m grateful for the people who remembered and greeted me on my birthday — friends, family, my boss, and even our clients. Best birthday ever!

Sitting, thinking and thanking MYSELF for everything I have achieved and everything I wish to do in the next year of my life. Grateful for all the wonderful people that I have on this journey.

Thank you, February! You’re filled with wonderful memories. 🙂