on credit cards

We've been planning for our trip to Australia since end of January. For this trip, all of our bookings for hotels and airlines both international and domestic were made online. DH and I were talking about how convenient it is to plan trips nowadays especially since the internet and credit cards have made it possible.

A couple friend we have, who's planning a honeymoon trip to Europe lamented on how big the difference in exchange rate a particular bank charges and is contemplating on getting another credit card just for the trip. I mentioned that they should check and compare credit card services at DealsForCreditCards.com to get a general idea of what credit card would best suit their needs. Quite popularly, there are now more choices of credit cards for specific purposes. Take for example, Rustan's and Shell gas credit cards that give certain percentage of rebate for purchases made.

Admittedly, credit cards have been part of everyone's lifestyle. We'll just be buying a minimum amount of Aussie dollars for the trip and charge most of the expenses on our credit card.

I wish I could get married again...

...if only to have amazing wedding videos created by Jason Magbanua. (sigh) I know I might come across as a stalker after this confession but, I've just spent an hour watching wedding videos of couples I do not know at Jason's site!

As evidenced from his works, Jason Magbanua has a knack for capturing those moments that are specially meaningful and memorable in a milestone event such as a wedding. His videos are full of emotions and very real. You can just feel the love :-)

As a bride over 14 years ago, I was never fussy or meticulous about the details in our wedding. I was not very hands-on with the wedding preparations, so to speak. My wedding gown is nothing like the ones that are in fashion nowadays. Imagine a gown with long sleeves, sweetheart neckline with an overlay of sheer material above it, fully beaded with petticoat and all. I had a train that was very exquisitely beaded but also very heavy it was quite difficult to move. During that time, it was considered quite a beautiful gown since I received several compliments for it. Today, I don't think you will find any bride who will choose a gown of this kind.

I couldn't care less about the cake either. Since a relative of DH offered to supply the cake, I didn't have to sit down and talk to her about the design. I had no idea what our souvenirs or giveaways were until the wedding day itself as they were made by DH's aunt as a gift to us. Generally speaking, I'm fine about how the wedding came out, but today, while watching those wedding videos, I can't help but wish that I got married in the digital age for photos and videos so I can have ours made by Jason. Haay!

Yeah, I know...I can't turn back the clock. Anyway, there's a saying that what's more important is not the wedding itself but the marriage after that really matters. Enough said. :-)

Wham!

DH and Nico had been raving about WHAM since last year. One time, DH brought home (take-out) some Wham burgers but I didn't feel it was really special. The chicken burger wasn't crispy as he described it, and the buns from the beef burger were soggy.

Yesterday, we decided to have dinner at Wham in Robinson's Place Ermita. Left the camera at home so I just took these pictures using my iPhone. Might not have done justice to the burgers but they're really good. Even Julia, who wasn't particularly fond of burgers really appreciated the Crispy chicken burger. (P103) I had the Wham burger with single patty (P93) and DH had the Bronco burger (P138), which had a generous portion of bacon and barbeque sauce. Nico, who normally eats very slow, finished his chicken burger faster than me!

Since Wham burgers are grilled upon order, they're best eaten fresh or right away they are served. Not a good idea for take-out as the juicy burgers will make the buns soggy. The chikcen burger, when wrapped will loose its being crispy. Defintely recommend this to burger lovers. Yummy!!!

Letters

Its been a while since DH and I went on a trip-just the 2 of us. Mostly, our trips the past years have been with family and friends. Last month, we decided to take a trip to HK/Macau, with the Venetian as our main point of interest.

The night before our flight, Julia hugged us really tight as if to make up for the few days we won't be with her at home. She was hiding her teary eyes and was fighting to keep them from flowing. I instantly became guilty that we were leaving. Its not that I haven't anticipated this reaction from her. I knew she would really be sad despite the fact that I have tried to prepare her with the idea of our trip weeks ago. I felt very uneasy, so I decided to write her letters for the days we won't be around.

In the first letter I wrote...

Dear Julia,

You always surprise me when you come home from school, so I decided to surprise you today. I bet you didn't expect to receive a letter from me. By the time you read this, daddy and mommy will already be in Hongkong.

I remember you told me yesterday that you wanted to answer crossword puzzles. I found some easy crosswords for you last night so you can answer them this afternoon. If you are having a hard time, you can check out the answer key for some clues.

Don't forget to sharp your pencils later after doing your homework. Try not to miss daddy and mommy too much. We'll call you up tonight.

love,
Mommy

Jeanny's birthday giveaway

Jeanny of "Startin' A New Life" is giving away a Moleskin notebook on her birthday. To join, just write a comment on her entry here. Contest will end 11.59 pm of February 15, 2009.

Birthday wish list

I don't have a habit of coming up with wishlists, but since Kaye sent me this birthday wish award, I don't see why I shouldn't.

So the rules say that:

1. Make a list of what you want on your birthday...
2. The list should be 15 numbers
3. Post the image of this award in your posting
4. Give it to 10 friends of yours.

Here goes... (not in any particular order)

1. a ring binding machine - I saw this Carl double loop ring binder last year at Times Trading in downtown. I was justifying whether to buy it and almost did for Julia's scrap and salon party. But when I asked DH if I should buy it, he said it wasn't practical. I was looking for someone to affirm me that it will be a good buy, but even my friends didn't agree. So, I took their advise not to buy it but that doesn't mean I don't want it anymore :-).

2. my own domain - I've just began to actively blog again so I don't think its the best time to get my own domain, but it is on my list and I hope to have my own someday.

3. South Sea pearl earrings - Actually, I already have the pearls. DH gave them to me for our anniversary a year or 2 ago but I haven't decided what setting I want for it so they've just been in the safe. I'm planning to see a jeweler soon to have it set.

4. Mediterranean cruise - This is on my list of "must do things". I'm hoping DH and I get to experience this before our 40's!

5. photography lessons - Steph's been planning to take some photography lessons and invited me to join but since I've already earmarked myself for some digital arts sessions, I had to pass. Maybe next time.

6. a masters degree - I've sort of thrown in the towel for my thesis-its just too demanding of my time as of the moment but if I could ask for a wish, I wish I'd get my degree without having to go through thesis work.

7. a set of pilot frixion pens - I've always loved pens but these Pilot frixion pens give me more reason to love them. When subjected to friction or heat, the ink becomes transparent so you can actually erase them. If you're not convinced, try viewing this short video of how it works. I got 2 in black and blue as they are the only colors available at Cosmos. I hope to get it in all 8 colors.


8. a new bathing suit - A few months more and its summer. When we hit the beach, I hope to be in this Victoria Secret tankini looking sexy :-) Too bad I missed the sale on the bathing suit I was eyeing a few days ago. :-(

9. leather checkbook holder - I was just writing checks to pay the bills a while ago and noticed that the zipper on the checkbook case I'm using is broken. I could use a really nice leather checkbook case, I think I found some at Fino.

10. bluetooth headsets - When I'm on the computer and chatting away with my girlfriend, it would be more comfortable if I were talking to her with my hands free. Problem is, I'm not sure if there's something like this available for landline phones. A friend of mine from a call center says, the one they use is attached to an amplifier and that its quire expensive. :-(

11. omega constellation watch - I've been eyeing this watch for some time now. But I find the diamond bezel too flashy. I prefer to have it mother of pearl with the semi-precious stones inside but the ones without a diamond bezel, do not have it in that design. I also find the 'mini'/quartz size appealing but for the price, DH says I should consider the automatic which i find a bit big on my wrist. I'm still waiting for the right one for me. I've waited this long so I can wait longer.

12. quality time with the family - Its never easy to balance work and family. I'm pretty fortunate I am able to work flexible hours and spend more time with the kids. I wish DH and I can also have more opportunities to bond together.

13. good health for everyone in my family - A cliche, but its really true - Health is wealth. None of the above will matter without good health.

14. adventure - our trip last year to Sagada/Batad was one of the most adventurous travels I've had. I'm not much of an adventurer, not even when I was in my twenties. But as midlife inevitably comes closer, you just feel like you have to take more action in making the most out of life. Trying out more unique experiences, tasting different food, looking at another perspective, all these I wish for 2009.

15. giving back - I'm grateful for all the blessings that I have and I wish to pay it forward in my own way. I wasn't able to concretize my plan last year but I wish I have the time and effort to be able to complete this for 2009.

Am passing on the bithday wish award to the sweet life, jhari, jenny and belle, sassy mom's corner, Franny, Wanda, Arlene, Misty signs, Debbie and For Thoughts.

I had a great time coming up and sharing this wish list to everyone. Maybe you can share yours too. :-)

Manila Oceanarium

It must be the age, but as years pass, DH and I feel more and more averse to crowds. That's why, when we saw this big crowd at Manila Oceanarium last December '08, we decided not to push through despite being there already. Fortunately, we were tipped by the guard that the crowds usually have cleared up by night time. And since the park was open till midnight, we decided to go back after dinner. Turned out, it was a good decision. We didn't have to push and elbow people while appreciating the marine life, plus, there was enough time to take all the pictures we want- sans the flash photography as it was prohibited.

I've always been fascinated by the sea horse - the way the swim and coil their tails with each other. I particularly asked DH to take photos of it.

Nico, me and Julia on those luminous blocks while watching the fishes swim.

The blue spotted ribbon tail ray Nico and me at the "Fish Spa"

For some reason, the "doctor fish" didn't want to nibble at Nico's feet. Even when he switched places where there were more fish, they just ignored his feet. This irked him a lot. Julia on the other hand, got scared when the fish started to nibble. She put her feet up the whole time, refusing to dip them back into the water.

Our guide on the glass bottom boat ride told us that more attractions are being built for the park. Coming soon are dolphin shows and a hotel connecting to the Manila Oceanarium. Next time...