World War Z at the Newport Cinemas

World War Z is yet another zombie movie. But I definitely enjoyed it. And that's coming from someone who doesn't particularly like gory, creepy zombies. I actually found it more exciting and interesting than Man of Steel which had dragging scenes especially at the beginning of the movie. Watching World War Z, my eyes were glued on the screen and I didn't have time to go to the rest room. It's a big movie with even bigger, really amazing scenes.

The story may be a prelude to I am Legend... LOL... if Brad Pitt did not find a way for people to camouflage from the undead. In this movie, it was really highlighted that Brad Pitt's character is the hero. After all that happened to him, he came out unscathed and even found the solution that saved human kind!

All in all, it's a movie worth spending your time and money. Go ahead and watch it!

How to Have Your Document Authenticated by DFA

There are different types of documents that can be authenticated by DFA - birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, NBI clearance, etc.

The process for authentification of birth certificate and marriage certificate is just easy. You just have to follow these very simple steps:

1. Go to any DFA office. In my case I went to DFA satellite office in Megamall.

Canyon Cove Resort

To celebrate hubby's birthday this year, we went to Canyon Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas. A residential beach resort, it is a 4-5-hour drive from Manila. It was actually our first time to drive there since we only took the bus the last time. It's pretty much accessible. We only followed the iphone map app and we were able to arrive as planned. ;)

When we first went there, it wasn't too crowded with people yet. It was like we had the place on our own.

It was also more affordable back then. Well that was about 4 years ago and it's not like the price increase is too much. If my memory serves me right, day tour was only at Php500.00/person before. Now it costs Php 800.00/ person inclusive of Php 300.00 consumable for food and drinks. What's nicer before was that customers can just use the cabanas for free or at least for a lower price. Now you have to pay an additional Php1000.00 for it.

What Kuya Did Last Summer

My first-born isn't the athletic type. Like his dad, he prefers playing with his toys or computer games by himself. So when I heard him say he's interested in playing football, I readily enrolled him in a summer football camp. This was what kept him busy last summer.

He attended 10 sessions with 2 hours per session at The Turf, BGC, Taguig on Tuesdays and Thursdays of April and May.

Wordless Wednesday

DSWD Travel Clearance

Since the kiddo will be travelling with his Ninong Erik to visit me abroad, I had to request for his travel clearance from DSWD.

Armed with complete documentary requirements, we went down to the regional office of DSWD in Legarda. See the complete address below:

389 San Rafael St. Cor. Legarda,

Sampaloc, Manila

Luck was on our side that day as there weren't a lot of people. As instructed by the social worker, we registered and waited to be called. We were also given a form which had to be filled out. After about 15 minutes of waiting time, it was our turn to submit the requirements, which are as follows:

1. Birth certificate of minor

2. Marriage certificate of parents

3. Affidavit of consent of parents

4. Valid ID of parents

5. Photocopy of passport of travelling companion

6. Minor's ID picture, 2 pcs.

The social worker asked a few questions especially about the travelling companion among other things.

After finding out I would be working abroad, she also asked for a copy of my employment contract. Good thing that I have it in my email. I just had it printed and voila! We're given the claim stub and was instructed to come back for the travel clearance on Monday.

When we returned, the place was actually more packed with requestors. We also waited longer which was ironic since we're just supposed to pick up the travel clearance. After maybe 30 minutes, I was told that I have to pay to the cashier downstairs. Great! When I got hold of the clearance I noticed it had a typo error which had to be pointed out. They have all the documents but they can't just verify the spelling before typing it down. Anyway after the spelling was corrected and countersigned, I finally got the clearance.

When it's your turn to get a travel clearance, make sure to bring all documents to avoid hassles. Also, make sure to check the travel clearance before leaving DSWD.

The Mind Museum

The Mind Museum is a sure fun way to bond with kids and make them interested in science if they're not yet.

The husband and the kid definitely enjoyed exploring the wonders of science at The Mind Museum! We had an all-day pass which allowed us to go around the museum without time limit.

Some of kiddo's favorites are the Shadow Box, static ball, tornado, Stan the t-rex and the two short science films among other things.

Atom Gallery

Life Gallery

Earth Gallery

Universe Gallery

Technology Gallery

Unfortunately, the Science Park was closed for renovation until end of June. We'll be back before our ticket expires in August. 

Learning is fun! Go to The Mind Museum.

The Mind Museum
JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City
909 –MIND (6463)

inquiry@themindmuseum.org

Man of Steel at the Newport Cinemas

Given only a few days before I leave, I try to make the most of it by spending more time with my boys and baby girl.

Last Saturday started early. Husband and I went to watch "Man of Steel" at the Newport Cinemas, Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila. Newport Mall has fancy cinemas with recliners and unlimited supply of popcorn and soda to be personally delivered to you by their staff. It is definitely an awesomely relaxing experience. All you gotta do is sit back, relax and enjoy the movie.

This is our second time to watch there. First time was about three to four weeks ago when we saw Fast and Furious 6.

Going back to the movie, Man of Steel used a different approach on how Superman's story was told aside from the fact that it's a reboot. It is more dramatic and emo than all previous Superman movies. Clark's struggles to fit in, his journey to find himself and learn life lessons from his two dads were shown, which I appreciate too as a viewer. It showed how he became more human than alien except that he has super powers. I even enjoyed the exciting fight scenes and the effects especially on the part where Zod and his cohorts were trying to morph Earth into Krypton. Plus Henry Cavill as Superman is a hottie. LOL

We had a long Saturday which included our visit to The Mind Museum. And so the next entry is dedicated just for that.

New Beginnings

In the next few weeks, I shall start a new chapter in my life. It is a leap of faith as I travel thousands and thousands away from home to work as an expat. Something I never imagined I will ever do. It is, cliché as it may sound, an opportunity that just knocked on my door when I was least expecting it.

I actually feel a whole gamut of emotions in varying degrees now that I am about to embark on a new journey. I am doubtful yet hopeful, content yet anxious, scared yet confident, happy and blessed yet sad about leaving my family behind for a few months.

Despite all the fear and anxiety that I have, my gut still tells me it is a blessing for me and my family.

Having been presented with an opportunity such as this, I just pray for courage, strength, fortitude, patience and resilience to be able to endure a life away from my husband and kids and achieve a better quality of life through it all.