Gummybear's Birthday @ Mind Museum and Vikings Buffet

"MAY 1, 2012"

Butterfinger: It took awhile, but now, the planets have aligned and I was able to be with the one I LOVE the most on her special day. Yup! You heard that right. I have never been able to be with Gummybear on her birthday, year after year. Sad, but regrettably true. As we've been through a lot, there were many things that transpired through the years that became the reason why I could not attend. Believe me it was a great sacrifice from both of us, and I think most especially for Gummybear. Gummybear. 

But as they say, good things come to those who wait. The time has come to honor and give great thanks to the one who showed me how beautiful life is.

My Gummybear, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Gummybear: This was one of the best birthdays I ever had! A lot of reasons to tell but one of them was  Butterfinger being here. Since it will be his first time celebrating my birthday, he made sure that it will not be an ordinary day. I was indeed pampered! :)

He started with a tribute video which he posted early in the morning. No one ever made me a tribute video, not that I demanded anyone to, but its something that tells you, you're special. In addition to that, it was made by a special person in my life. But this was just the starter.

He already told me that we were going somewhere, but it would be a surprise. It tickled my adventure rash. I love surprises. I love guessing what is in-store. He picked me up at around 9am. When we were already on the road, he asked me to cover my eyes using his hankie. What? Seriously?! Excitement is on! However, I was kinda bothered by what might people might think of me blind folded inside his car. Hmm.

Butterfinger: I was hesitant to do the blind fold thing at first, but then I just thought that it would turn out as a good laugh, and in old Gummybear fashion, it did! hahaha... She was talking, trying to be all knowing about the "feel of the road" and everything. :D

Gummybear: Anyway, I somehow managed to know where we heading for. I told him that I felt we didn't hit the expressway. Therefore, we headed on the road to The Fort, Bonifacio City. Still was not sure where in The Fort though.

Then, the car suddenly stopped. He told me to remove the blind fold. And there it was, one of my most wished for places to visit. The Mind Museum! I'm a huge fan of the place even before it was built. When I heard that there will be a cool museum be built in The Fort, I tried to update myself about the status of the place till they became open to the public last March.

Butterfinger: There were 2 ticket options available. You could opt for the one that costs 600 Php, which gives you 3 hours in total to discover everything you can, after which you have to leave because the next group will be coming in. The Mind Museum theme song would play at the end of your 3 hours to inform you that your time is up.  Also, there is a designated time slot for each group, meaning that the 3 hours will start at a pre-determined time. The earliest is 9:00AM - 12:00PM, the next group slot is on 12:00PM - 3:00PM, and so on. I believe, although I am not that sure, that they limit the number of people per time slot by a maximum of 50 or so people. This system is for the museum not to get crowded and to make sure everyone enjoys that interactive exhibits.

The other one costs 750 Php, this is what they call the "All Day Pass" which entitles you to an unlimited time inside the museum. That means you decide when to go, explore all you want!  I personally would suggest buying in advance, just to be sure you won't get surprised that there are no tickets on site.

Also, take note that there are free shows inside the museum. These shows include:

• Planetarium
• 3D Video Screening

These have their own designated show times and they each have their own "slot number card". This means that you have to have a "slot number card" to be able to enter the show, they hand these number cards out after you enter the museum. Grab one immediately, as these go out fast. Not everyone who entered will have a number card. BUMMER indeed. We learned this the hard way.

I tried to acquire the 750 Php tickets but sadly they were already sold out. (By the way, you can buy your tickets online and in advance HERE).

GummyBear: The entrance fee kinda costed us an arm and a leg. Geez, it was a sigh. Being positive. I'm still psyched because I'll be stepping inside The Mind Museum. Put the thinking caps on.

We availed the 600 php, our scheduled time was 12nn - 3pm. So we decided that we still got time to roam around Serendra. We went around, and bought one of the Krispy Kreme Baked Creations. I bought the Cinnamon Pull Apart while Butterfinger had Chocolate Chip Kruffin. We loved the Cinnamon Pull Apart. The creamy filling with a cinnamon taste and soft texture bread made it a stand out.

Afterwards, went to Happy Lemon. It was my first time to try their rock salt drinks selection. Butterfinger's treat. He urged me to try Rock Salt and Cheese. So, I chose Cocoa with Rock Salt and Cheese while Butterfinger had Cocoa Pudding. Verdict? The salty taste blend was okay. Good try however not really my kind of taste. Still, I'll be trying some selection probably didn't pass my first taste. :)

Butterfinger: Are you sure Gummybear?! Rock Salt and Cheese was like heaven for me. The contrasting saltiness and sweetness was great. Even the foam itself was good enough for me. The Pudding however, was not that good. I didn't enjoy it. Good thing you didn't like yours, more for me!

Gummybear: After waiting and walking aroung, finally, off to the Mind Museum! Definitely excited and wondering what discovery we might explore. To start off, we were ushered by the Mind Movers to Aedi an interactive robot who pointed out the policy of the museum. Cool!

We were like kids, eyes wide open, don't know where to start. I indeed loved this birthday gift! Thank you Butterfinger! I want to post all of it but its just too many to mention all of them. I'll just post my favorite sections of the museum.

*These are only part of a great whole experience. You should see these face to face! It'll definitely bring out the child in you!

The Story Of Technology

• Old School Video Games - I love vintage and miss playing Pac-Man. Such fond memories.

•  Xray Upclose - Never had the experience to check what's inside your bag in an xray point of view. 

• Toilet trivia - Already know why crap is called "crap" 

• Video Time Capsule - Funny how it started. Due to my curiosity, I pressed the button on the screen. Never realized that it will proceed to recording a video. So, as a result, I was captured with a surprised "I don't know what's happening" face. We then just rerecord a video with a ready face and concise words. :)

• Johannes Gutenberg Printing Press - very interactive technology that we printed our own. Unfortunately, we forgot to keep the paper. :(

The Story Of The Universe

• 9 Cycles of Moon - I love how they made it more interactive in which you'll just press the button that corresponds to which cycle you wanted to see. 

 The Story Of The Earth

• Tornado in your face - We did enjoy this Tornado Maker. National Geographic in your face. Amazing how it showed how tornadoes are formed.

•  Life-size replica of T-Rex - Cool! Imagine if its alive. Scary! 

The Story Of Life

•  Guess which animal? - I'm not a fan of this kind of game. Its scary because you don't have a clue what you're touching.

  The Story Of The Atom

•  Big Periodic Table - Its amazing how they include examples per element. Of course the harmful elements weren't there, still you'll be wowed. 

• Hair-raising static ball - I suddenly have my hair styled mohawk. I also remembered when I brushed my hair several times using a plastic comb, it also rise.

Gummybear: There were a lot of things to discover in the museum, our allotted 3 hours stay wasn't  helpful. I really recommend to purchase the 750 php pass to make most of it. And be sure to reserve in advance so that slots will be available. 

I really enjoyed visiting The Mind Museum. Spectacular displays and interactive models that let you experience science.  I became more aware of how science played a significant role in our daily lives. I'm not sure what we're going to do, without science. Thank you Butterfinger for this awesome gift! I love it! I LOVE YOU!

Gummybear: My birthday adventure was not yet finished because next up. Viking's Buffet @ Seaside Blvd.! We availed the birthday promo in which the celebrant has an opportunity to dine for FREE! Yes, for FREEEE! Of course, there's a catch, you need to bring at least ONE FULL PAYING ADULT. That's okay its lonely to eat in a buffet alone right?!

Butterfinger: Buffet time! Weee!! We've been meaning to eat here for the longest time. I'm sure most people had already dined here a couple of times already. Seeing all those photos with the Viking's Buffer sign  outside made us more exited to eat here. It seemed  like everyone in facebook had one. So, without further adieu, our take!

Gummybear: We arrived there around 4pm. Too early for the dinner schedule which was 5:30pm. We decided to stroll a bit at the bay side. We fooled around doing some angle shots and did a little dance number to match the  music in the background. Fun times! One of the highlights that day.

Butterfinger: Nothing compares to spending the day with the one you love. It was especially fun goofing around and simply enjoying each other's company. It's times like these that makes every bit of effort worthwhile. Speaking of time, I think they're opening the doors! Hurry Gummybear!

Getting to the door, we were surprised by the mass of people already outside the restaurant! I mean, you have to see it to believe it. Do you remember how each person was called during graduation? The announcer for the reservations was actually doing the same thing while ushering the people in. Hahaha... I could even hear the graduation march theme song while she called us one by one, and I felt the same way as when I got my diploma as she called our names, euphoria!!

Gummybear: When  it was already time for the dinner, we were ushered to our reserved table and we were so eager to start our ultimate food challenge. I tried to capture pictures of each plate I had, however, in the midst of our food battle, I became too tired. Tired of eating. Haha! I was definitely starting to feel full. I loved the atmosphere. The place really helps me digest the food. The unlimited drinks and beer really wowed me. Yes, BEER! We tried to filled half of our mugs with beer just to be a Viking for one night. The selection of foods were impressive. From all kinds of beef, roast turkey, dimsum, sushis, salads, entrees, fresh grilled seafoods, pasta, deserts and  too many  more to mention.

Butterfinger:  The food was great! Even the service was one of the best we had. Believe me when I tell you that they almost have every cuisine covered. Anyone who has a picky appetite will surely find their own corner here. They even have fish ball! Roast beef to sushi, to pasta, to dim-sum. We'll definitely come back, maybe on my birthday, who doesn't want to eat free? :D

All throughout the feast, Gummybear gave me suspicious looks. She told me that she felt something was coming up, and was trying to figure out what. I tried to look innocent, but to tell you the truth, I had to have the celebratory singing of "Happy Birthday". I mean, how can I not make this happen?! Hahaha... 1.. 2... 3... Hey everyone! It's Gummybear's Birthday! Tantanan tan tan!!

"MAY 1, 2012"

Gummybear, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

Butterfinger:

Life + Reality hits hard. 

There will always be a time when you think you got it all figured out, planned everything by the most minute detail. Thinking everything will fall into place, then it slaps you hard with reality. Yes, nothing is permanent. As they say, the only constant thing in the world is change. Time waits for no one. I can enumerate more and more words of wisdom, and one can say these are cliches, but the truth behind these words are as real as the air we breathe.

This past year has been a roller-coaster ride for us. A lot of surprises and challenges that has befallen both of us really shook our foundations as individuals and as life partners. For one, I had to go to the US for quite some time, that eventually led to the "frozen in time" state of our great blog. Yes, it was very saddening for us not to be able to go on  our usual adventures, or our usual food indulgences. And more than anything, we missed each other dearly.

But everything has a purpose. 

Now that the dust has settled, for now at least, we are back, bigger, better, stronger. Oh how we missed everything! There was so much more to see and experience here in our beautiful country. And now, more than ever, we want you to take this journey again with us, to see the sights, sounds, feel, and tastes the country has to offer. 

Life + Reality hits hard, but Butterfinger + GummyBear hits back harder...

It's a 1 and 6th Monthsary Surprise: Photowalk with D5Klub

An entry during FEB. 27, 2011:

Gummybear: A Photowalk has been one of the things that ranked high on our "things-to-do-list". So when Butterfinger found out that the D5Klub will be having a photo-walk in Quiapo and Binondo, he didn't hesitate to sign-up. Great timing too! Because on that same day, was also the day of our 1 and 6th Monthsary. Another extraordinary experience for both of us. :)

It was amazing because we met a lot of photography hobbyist, and wow, they were awesome. One good thing that I loved about it, is that we were equal. Just do photography that's it. You're not an executive or a student there. You're a photographer.

Gummybear's best shots:

Butterfinger: It was a great learning experience for both of us. It was the first time that we got to meet other enthusiasts like us, who love photography. Our dear members of the D5Klub were all very accommodating, and great people. That, for me, was the one of the key elements to the success of the photowalk that day. Everyone was trying to help each other, and no one was bossy or trying to stand out. It was also our first time doing street photography, which was the theme that day. 

We learned a lot that day, and met great new friends. We had a blast with everyone and hope that we can go on another photowalk soon!

Butterfinger's best shots:

There are a few things that we would like to remind you if ever your would decide on joining a photowalk:

1.) Be SAFE.

-Not everyone is kind and courteous. Take caution and be aware of your environment, especially because you are carrying your hard earned gears and camera. Being in a group helps a lot.

2.) Wear something COMFORTABLE and APPROPRIATE.

-Some photographers make the mistake of over dressing. Remember, your going to walk for hours, carrying a pretty heavy camera, and maybe even under direct sunlight, so save yourself the trouble of fumbling with your clothes, it shouldn't take you away from experience.

3.) CHARGE your batteries and EMPTY your memory cards

-I know, I know, everyone know that! Yeah, but everybody mostly forgets of this detail, and that means no more photowalk for you! Don't let a suddenly low battery or a suddenly full card ruin your photowalk, plan accordingly.

4.) Bring WATER.

-Trust us, you'll need it. You wouldn't want to become dehydrated and faint in the middle of the shoot.

5.) Have an OPEN MIND

-You'll be with a variety of photographers if its a group photowalk. With different people comes different personalities, and different personalities sometimes clash. So don't be that person who hogs a spot, and is more interested in belittling your fellow photographers with your self proclaimed fame. Learn from each other, you'll be surprise how much you get in sharing. 

6.) Remember ETHICS and PROPER MANNERS.

-If you consider yourself as a photographer, you should also have the proper attitude and manners of one. Be polite and courteous to the people you meet. If someone is talking, listen. If the subject is in an extreme state of being, don't just stand there and take photos like he/she is modelling, if you feel the need to, just take a shot and move on, remember #1.

 7.) Don't "Spray and pray"

-Try not to "Spray and pray" as Jared Polin of Froknowsphoto.com said. This is when you burst shot everything, then just looking for the best one after. Try to feel the moment, practice composing your shots, think and feel before you pull the trigger. 

8.) Have FUN!

-Why are you doing this in the first place? To have fun! To be happy! Because photography, like any other passion or hobby, brings happiness to ones life.

Celebrate Valentine's Day in Clark, Pampanga

Gummybear: Ever since it started, Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark, Pampang was something I really wanted to go to. Before, I was trying to inquire how much will be the expenses to go there so somewhat I might able to pull it through. Well, I never got the time and chance to be there until now. :)

Gummybear: This cute prince of mine, had this BIG surprise for me and that was to bring me to the festival. But he had some difficulties making it happen, that's why he already spilled it to me beforehand, and so I could also ask my Dad's permission to go there. He honestly told me that he can't afford it if we're the only ones to go and he really want us to go. So, he told me his plans in order to make it work and it's to invite people to fill in the car so the gas expenses and toll will be more affordable. It's a win-win situation eventually.

Butterfinger: Yes, it was really hard trying to pull things through. Like  roller-coaster ride, it also came to a point that I wasn't sure it was going to happen, but God is on our side and I knew the Big Guy up there won't leave us hanging. He sent 4 more angels to help!

Gummybear: Paulo and I together with his sister Tinay and our dear friend Ruth with her co-workers, Marvs and Elaine, had our awesome road trip to Clark, Pampanga. Wow, I tell you it was my farthest road trip with him and friends and I knew it was destined to be FUN!

Gummybear: We arrived at Clark around 7am and we had a hard time going to the parking lot. We noticed that a lot of people already parked their cars beside the highway so we also decided to park it there even thought it's a 15 minutes walk to the entrance gate. Exercise is goood in the morning, ayt?

Butterfinger: TTRRRRAAAAFFFIIIICCCCCC!! But who can I blame? We knew there would be traffic, but not like this. We even saw the balloons floating away from afar as we waited in traffic for an hour or so. It was torturous to watch them fly, while we were stuck there with the other hundreds of people waiting. Grrrrr... And once we got there, no more parking! So a "leisurely" walk was in order.

Gummybear: Once we're near the gates, airplanes we're already doing their tumbling in the skies and wow! hot air balloons were soo adorable. We paid 150 php for the entrance tickets. They were 3 hot air balloons used for free rides but I doubt that you can ride it within the day because a lot of people surely will try it. I really wanted to try the hot air balloon but we might never make it that day because of the long line. It's sad but I know there were a lot of things to do and our schedule was also tight because aside from the event, we're going to some places in Clark. So, we decided to just roam around the field and we saw a lot of picture spots. "Syempre, pa-picture naman kmi.."  There were lots and lots of booths but we didn't visit each of them because of the intense HEAT! Thank God, we had umbrellas but we really couldn't enjoy with the umbrellas on because we wanted to run like kids there. :) The food there was so expensive, I remember asking how much the mountain dew bottle was, and it costs 35 php, double of the normal price so my advice is to bring packed foods and drinks if you're on a tight budget.

Butterfinger: Another though, bring water! If you also want to save up on beverages, bring your own canister. It was really hot out there on the field, and though there were many stalls selling food and drinks, bringing your own makes it more convenient than falling in line and waiting for more than 15mins. Also, put on sun screen, you'll be scorched if you don't. If we could have changed something that morning, we could have gone earlier that morning, so that we could have seen more of the balloons up close, and to avoid the horrid traffic.

Gummybear: Butterfinger and I brought our kite, lovingly named "Clark" after the the venue, so that we could try and fly it there. Our teamwork helped a lot in order for "Clark" the kite to fly as high as we can. We used all the string it had and so, it was an awesome feeling. I love flying kites. Everyone took turns flying "clark", our friends felt the excitement. :) "Saya noh?"

Butterfinger: "Clark" was originally a surprise from Gummybear last year, and lets just say that we had good times flying it before, and now more than ever, this is the place to let it soar. And to tell you the truth, I honestly think that we were the highest flying kite on the field, not to mention the most unique. =P

Gummybear: Around 10pm to 11pm we decided to go because we're going to eat our lunch in Aling Lucing's Sisig. Ya, that's right the famously known sisig house. My advice to everyone is you better reserve early at their restaurant so that you'll not experienced the fate we had waiting almost two hours for our order to be done. "Grabe tlga!" My Butterfinger was pale already because he hadn't taken his breakfast. The moment we heard the sizzling sisig coming near at our place our jaws just dropped. Eventually, the moment we're waiting for came, the sisig was AWESOME! It tasted somewhat mix kinilaw and sizzling sisig. I love kinilaw, that's why I love this magnificent creation. I didn't notice that I ate a plate of sisig. I was just munching on it all. We ordered 4 plates of sisig (175 each) and 9 cups of rice and it cost us 700+ php. I rated it 5/5.

Gummybear: After that, we proceeded to Paradise Ranch. We were surprised that there's a farm existing in that place because we thought it was already a dead end or another barrio but not a farm. It was somewhat a Nayong Filipino kind of farm because aside from the awesome animals, they also have a miniature section of Baguio etc. We paid 100 php for the entrance, it already include the 30 minutes tour around the place with a guide. I forgot the name of our tour guide but he was the best tour guide ever! He actually accommodated us for almost 1 and half hour. It should be 30 minutes right? He's so passionate with his job. Eventhough, we always asked him to take pictures for us, he did it willingly. It was a refreshing experience! The place was perfectly made and definitely great if you want to just unwind for a while, not thinking about work stress etc. :) I definitely recommend this place. 

Butterfinger: One thing to watch out for if you want to go here, rough roads lead you up a moderately steep climb up the mountains, sedans might have a hard time plowing through, but I think there was a shuttle that could take you there from the Clark area. And even though I was really beat, the fresh air, the great view, and the most amazing companions gave me the strength to go through, and a kiss or two from Gummybear always gives me hope. Paradise Ranch lives up to its namesake. By the way, there are cottages for rent here, just inquire with them. I believe the have bargain prices if I'm not mistaken.

Gummybear: We've done fun things that I never could've imagine doing, like feeding fish while riding on a bamboo raft. We also fed the ostrich too which happen to be Butterfinger's worst daymare. He didn't actually knew that his afraid of Ostriches until that time. We couldn't stop laughing at the same time supporting him. It was so memorable. :) There were also famous celebri-birds like Hedwig and Ibong Adarna that wowed us too! Hoped that they could give us some autographs. ;)

Butterfinger: We thought that Paradise Ranch would be like other "zoo" places,   but this place definitely is in the upper ranks of great places to visit. They have a butterfly sanctuary that is vibrant and full of beautiful, yes you guessed it, butterflies! They even have an area were in you could literally see the different stages of a Butterfly's life.  Gummybear and I found the places very serene and romantic, if your the nature walk kind of person, this place is heaven, aahh, I mean paradise.

 
 

Gummybear: It's really hard for me to go but we needed to go home. Before we went home, we stopped by Oriental duty free to buy somethings then went home. Butterfinger thank you soo much for this wonderful experience you gave me. Without your idea, this will never be possible. I LOVE YOU SOO MUCH! Just wait for my 1 and 7th Monthsary surprise. :)

Butterfinger & Gummybear