Essential Finds From The Manila International Bookfair

2 weeks ago, we attended the Manila International Bookfair. Aside from the reason that my dad is part of the affair, my husband and I went to check on some music books on sale. Personally, I was just there to see my dad and to accompany my husband. But it turned the other way, I was the one who took home some readings and my husband ended up ordering his music books and went home empty handed.

Last time we attended this book fair was 3 years ago. It was different back then with less to think about. I'm busier now with 2 kids and more tasks needed to be accomplished.

I have been very busy for the past months. The reason... I have been occupied studying. I have been busy spending "me time" acquiring knowledge on basic cooking, baking and all the facts needed for a functional restaurant. It feels like I'm back in school again, refreshing my mind of what I learned 10 years ago in college. The readings I "accidentally" came across with are considered as essential finds.

1. Larousse Gastronomique- "The World's Greatest Cookery Encyclopedia"

I've studied and read several books on food and cooking, but this has got to be one of the most informative, precise and well- balanced. Not only it's an encyclopedia, but it also contains recipes based on international standards. More on my food blog soon...

2. The Best of Archie Comics Book 1&3

I stopped purchasing regular Archie Comics since it's pages turned modern. I lost touch of the classic Archie Comic I grew up with that's why instead of buying the new prints, I thought it's best to invest on the classics. As of the moment, our purchase of the first and 3rd book completed our set. There's more to collect. My Archie Comics are now part of parents' library in my hometown. That reminds me to fix them again and post about it on this blog.

3. Food & Society

One of the readings I found within the pile of books from my dad's booth. An interesting book fit for the modern take of society on food and restaurants. It's benefits and not so pleasant outcome. If you're into food adventures, this book will come in as a good guide when it comes to food and the pressure coming from society.

Taking some time to visit the recent book fair was relieving. I was able to take a break and the books were... I must say, "meant for me". I'm not a bookworm, but if I find something of my interest, I will surely spend and find time for it and receive it's purpose of making me knowledgeable.

Thank God For A Blessed Week

Not only for the tasks I have accomplished for the past days, but also for the life that I enjoy with my family and for the days, weeks, months and years to come. I am thankful for those who love to share such inspiring words like this sweet prayer, it boosts us in becoming better Beings.

-source-

Make each day count, make your dreams happen, push forward, live at the moment and learn to take risks.

Happy weekend everyone!

Mirror Maze

Seri Fantasy World was developed out of curiosity on the science of 3D technology and the ambition to bring to the Philippines the attractions of SEOGWIPO SERI WORLD theme park in Jeju Island, South Korea. -source-

  
Entrance: Php100
Location: Seri Fantasy World (Seriland), 2F Manila Ocean Park

Mirror Maze is just one of the artistic attractions at Seriland's Trick Art Museum. It was a last minute decision to check the museum. For our first visit, we only tried the Mirror Maze.

The challenge at Mirror Maze is to be able to find your way to the exit passing through multiple glass panes. Upon checking-in, the guide on duty will hand out white gloves so that no finger prints will be left on the mirrors. 

Once inside, you should put both arms forward as a precautionary measure, to prevent guests from hitting/ bumping the mirrors. There are people inside who will serve as guides through the maze of mirrors if you get lost and (I hope not), in case of emergency.

For first timers like us, yes, we were amazed and amused by the mirror tricks. My son was really into it. Too bad that we didn't have a regular camera with us. We could have taken clearer images. Picture taking is allowed by the way.

Definitely, we will return to Seriland to experience the whole Trick Art Museum. It's a place for learning. Perfect for the children to have an extraordinary experience, wander, explore the other side of artistry and wonder with their imaginations.

For more information, visit: www.serifantasyworld.com

Revisiting Manila Ocean Park

Our first visit at the Manila Ocean Park was way back in 2009. That time, there wasn't much to see except for the Oceanarium. It was still a memorable visit because for me and my son, it was our first time to be in an oceanarium. 4 years later, we're back and with a new addition in the family. For my son's 9th birthday, instead of having a celebration in school with his classmates, my husband and I with our son's approval plan to take Frankie with his cousins to Manila Ocean Park for his birthday celebration. It just so happen that my husband took some visitors at the Manila Ocean Park last month. It was then when he found out that this tourist spot has improved and has added sights to see.

Our visit over the weekend was perfect. I was able to see the packages, the facilities and prices in preparation of my son's birthday. From our recent trip, we took the Deep Sea Rush Package at Php550 each, children 2 ft. below are free of charge and is inclusive with the ff:

Oceanarium

Birds of Prey Kingdom

Sea Lion Show/ Marine Life Habitat or Boat Ride (inside the Oceanarium) 

Jellies Exhibit

Please take note that the Deep Sea Rush set originally includes the Sea Lion Show and Marine Life Habitat not the Boat Ride. Since we came in after lunch, we missed the Sea Lion Show that's why the management replaced it with the Boat Ride. I suggest a visit first thing in the morning so you can avail the original Deep Sea Rush package with the Sea Lion Show.

The Birds of Prey Kingdom was our first stop. It is located near the Oceanarium entrance, right side.

It's an opportunity to see upclose one of the most stunning coastal raptors in the country, the  Lawin or Banog in the Visayas region. Have a close encounter with these winged wonders within a unique bird sanctuary as they perched in a hanging bridge along the coast of Manila Bay. -source-

After our Lawin experience, we proceeded at the Oceanarium. I must say, there were less fishes on display compared to our first visit in 2009. Anyway, it was still worth it. My kids enjoyed it so much. My eldest son is more attentive and observant now. My youngest, was in awe of the fishes in big "containers". And yes, he blurted another word... Phish... well that's FISH coming from a 1 year and 8 month old baby. 

At the Oceanarium you will also find the Boat Ride. It's basically a boat with a glass bottom so you can see the fishes below. The only comment I have is-- I didn't enjoy it. They filled our boat with so much people, exactly the opposite of what I saw on their website. We weren't able to take pictures, because the boat was too crowded. They fitted 3 families and a couple in a small boat. It would be nicer if they do it 1 boat per family or  at least 2 families per boat.

After our boat ride, we had some snacks. At the Manila Ocean Park, you will find a lot of food stalls and restaurants. In case you get tired in the middle of your tour or you get hungry, it is not going to be a problem. 

To end our tour, we visited the Jellies Exhibit. It was our first time see the jelly fishes. We missed this part in our 2009 visit. It's my favorite. Watching the jelly fishes relaxes me. It would have been better if there's a relaxing music playing at this particular area of Ocean Park. It's clear that these colorful creatures can gracefully move and be considered as "dancing sea fairies".

Aside from the main attractions, Manila Ocean Park being an "ocean park" offers places within the park itself where one can have a cool view of the Manila Bay.

Along the way, you will find nice backgrounds for picture taking. This recent visit of ours is more fun than our trip in 2009. Even if we're already familiar with some attractions, Manila Ocean Park built as a nature friendly environment gave us the feel of the natural habitats of the species on display.

We Love FAMILY Selfies

Selfie: Is a net lingo pertaining to an image of yourself taken by you and often meant to be shared online.

A selfie is often found on Instagram, Facebook... actually, as long as there's room for sharing, anybody can post and find self portraits anywhere online.  It's nothing new, the only thing that made each photo experience different is the camera/ gadget being used.

Before, we take chances fitting our faces using a digital camera. Now it's easier. With the use of cellphones/ smartphones, mostly iPhones, the 4th to the 5th gen in particular, and for sure, the next iPhone will produce picture- perfect materials. The new iPod Touch has developed and can be used as a good photo instrument too and of course, tablets for some. Using any of these, you can see yourself and have time to adjust accordingly for a nice- looking self portrait.

There's still room for our digital cameras by the way, but most of the time, it's being used to capture moments from special occasions. And even with a DSLR around, I still make backups using a smartphone or any from our other gadgets.

There were times when I would take a picture of myself and share them on my IG account, especially when it was new. I think I came to a point when I've outgrown it. Now, I prefer posting pictures of my family instead of myself.

Compiling "Family Selfies" is on a different level. It is as fun as taking the usual selfie, but it's more carefree compared to a self portrait when one becomes too conscious and serious trying to nail a good angle.

Also, with less load, when traveling within the city, more pictures are taken anytime we want to. We make it a point to take a lot of family selfies, it's an easy way to document our memories as a family. With the release of smaller gadgets producing clear pictures, I have to say,  it's heaven sent.