Enchanted Kingdom

Enchanted Kingdom is located at Santa Rosa City, Laguna. Since we came from Tagaytay, it was about one-hour drive from Olivares Terminal via V-Hire.

We were all very excited to visit EK. We hurriedly went to the statue of Merlin and waited for our turn to take pictures. There were many Merlin enthusiast who wanted to take some pictures with his statue. After our turn, we then fall in line to buy our ticket.

We opted for the Ride-All-You can ticket. They place a pink paper like wrist band in our wrist to signify the kind of ticket that we bought.

We were still carrying our baggages and we felt very relieved to know that unlike Manila Ocean Park, there was a baggage counter and all you have to do is pay P40 for each locker and you can leave your baggage for the whole day.

We made our way inside at about 12noon but due to excitement, we decided not to take lunch and just took a snack(Hotdog Sandwich and a drink) so that we can start enjoying the rides. The lines for each ride were already very long.

After eating, we searched for a ride that has a short line but we found none. While walking around, we saw this EKstreme ride where the line was shorter compared to the rest. We decided to take this ride first. We found out that the line was short because there was an extra payment for this aside from the Ride-All-You can ticket that we bought.

Oh Well, we can't miss this one since it looked so extremely fantastic. We paid for the extra entrance which was Php80 (if I remember it right). We got inside and waited for our turn.

It was only me, Cena and Wilson because Pat was so afraid of any ride in EK. Funny it seems since he has a big body(peace man.. :D) but he was too afraid to take any of the ride. But anyway, he already visited this place during his college days and he wouldn't want to try out some more especially on the rides that he had already tried. (Actually, he is just too afraid of almost anything dangerous.. hahahahah)

So there we waited inside, we chose for a seat that will be facing Pat so that he can took pictures of us while enjoying the ride. We were very excited indeed. The EK crew fastened our seat belts and there were about 3 crews taking turns to double check the seat belt. (I like the procedure to ensure our safety). 

Then it started moving up slowly. We were amazed by how EK looked on top and we were talking and pointing at the rides below on what we are gonna try out next. Without us knowing, we already reached the top. BOOM!! The equipment that pulled us up just release the thing where we were seated and we just had a free fall.

I don't know what to think, it was a really an unexplainable feeling in there but honestly I felt that the ride must have been destroyed and that they lost us and I was dead(LOL). I didn't know what to do for quite a couple of seconds. I lost track of whether I was holding on to anything because I can really feel that I was not seated anymore due to the gravity pulling us up. If it wasn't for the seat belt in front of us, we were all flying.

Suddenly, near the bottom of the ride an equipment held a grip of our seats and moved us down slowly.

WOW, I felt some adrenaline rushing in there. This ride is super awesome I can say. We then got up on our feet and meet Pat outside. =)

Next, we lined up for the Wheel of Fate, the line was not that long. We convinced Pat to take this ride since it was not at all too scary. We waited for our turn just about 25minutes. It was just a Ferris Wheel actually, only that the usual thing we saw here in Cebu are the ones that looked like a cage. In EK, it was like a cup-like figure with a pole at the center where you can hold on to. It was very big since there were about 48 cups making up the Wheel of Fate.


Then it started turning. Oh well, I felt that it was like any ordinary Ferris wheel I have tried but Cena and Pat have a different reaction with this ride. They were afraid.. :)) They couldn't even look up when we were on the top. Not to be rude but the two of them looked very funny. bwahahah.. I was enjoying the ride at the same time enjoying their faces and positions.(LOL) Wilson, who was not afraid at all took a picture of how terrified the two were. :P After around 6-7turns, it was our time to exit.


Flying Fiesta. This is our third ride. This time our convincing powers didn't work on Pat anymore. I guess he was too afraid of the Wheel of Fate a while ago that he refused to go rode on this one.:)) We fall in line again and waited for our turn. It took us about I think 30minutes before it was our turn.

Cena and I planned to go for a two seater so that we could sit beside each other but unlucky all two-seater seats were taken when we reach the gate so we just chose another individual seat. Here we go, flying fiesta...

In a way it was like a carousel that will turn around an axis. But the seat will go much higher and more elevated than that of a carousel and the seat was more open than the one in carousel.It was just a fun ride I can say.

After, we decided to go for some snacks. I bet the hotdog snack that we have for lunch wasn't enough since we felt a desire to eat some more. We go for a very big sweet corn while chosing for our next ride. The sweet corn stall was facing the Roller Skater, a mini roller coaster ride so we opted for this one.

Again, we convinced Pat to go ride with us and well he just said Yes. So we lined up again waited for our turn. Mmmm... I think our waiting time on this ride was almost an hour. We just entertained ourselves by watching the reaction of people in EKstreme ride just across our line.

It was our turn so I asked the crew to take us some pictures since many of the riders ask him to take their pictures too. So, we posed for the camera.. =)

At first, we were just like riding on a train, then it moved rapidly passing on a tilted pass way. I felt like we will throw out if we don't hold on to the bars surrounding us. I had so much fun with this one since we were sitting on the front row and I can anticipate when to shout and when to hold on to the bars plus I was really laughing imagining how Pat felt in this ride. :D

After that, we went directly to Anchor's Away ride. So far, this ride has the longest line of all the rides we chose. It took us about 1 and a half hour.There were 3 reasons why it took this long. First, even if the ride is not full yet, they will start it already. Second, most of the people lining up are in groups and they wanted to go with their companions and finally the place that they wanted to be seated into is already taken even though they can still took other seats. Observing the process like this, we agreed that we will raise our hands if the seats is not full yet so that the waiting time for us will become shorter. Indeed that is what we did so we passed through other people in front of us and took our turn to the ride.

My Gosh! This ride is killing me. It was really an exciting and amazing ride but every time our side went up, I felt something tickling my stomach and digging it to the bottom. (LOL). I couldn't help but shout to minimize the indescribable feeling every time we went up. I guess it swinged for around 10times and I just can't take it anymore. If it will swing a bit more, I guess I'm gonna threw up and luckily it stopped. I was really happy I rode on this one but my body is not responding well with my happiness and excitement. We got out of the ride and met Pat outside who didn't join us again.

Next on the list is the Space Shuttle Max which we all agreed that we will not missed out. I really wanted to go and ride but my body stopped me. I felt like vomiting. I told Wilson and Cena to go and line up while I go vomit. I told them that maybe I will just pass on this one because I didn't feel good anymore. I did not want to spoil their excitement that's why I did not want them to wait until I felt better. So off they went to Space Shuttle and off I went to the CR to throw up. I vomit a lot even if I haven't eaten much so to make me feel better I looked for some soup to heat up my stomach. While I was in the CR, I asked Pat to buy me some soup. When I came back to where I left Pat, he already has the soup. So I did eat.

Lucky enough, it did made me feel a bit better so Pat and I strolled around EK and looked for someone we can ask for directions in going to Manila. Along the way, we bought this newly cooked donuts which smelled so good and definitely tasted good for me. (Or maybe I was just hungry.. :D)

Not long enough, Wilson called me informing that they were finished with Space Shuttle so we met up. We wanted to try some more rides before closing time.

We went and go for Rio Grande Rapids, a sort of river rafting ride. It was not long before our turn. (Line became short fast). The cup-like vehicle that they used was good for 8-seater. There were only four of us so we shared it with a father and his 3 children. We were already prepared to get wet as we hide our cameras inside our bags and placed it under the shirts of the boys. Whoops, started the ride. It traveled through a pathway full of water. It moved in an alternate pattern- slow then fast.

Every time it moved fast, the splash of water gets into our vehicle and makes most of us wet. Surprisingly, I didn't get very wet. I only had my hair and sleeve a bit wet but Cena was like having another bath. I was so amused looking at her. I laughed at her actually since she got almost all the splash of water. (Peace.. [grin])

Outside we took pictures and decided to eat dinner. We chose Stir Fried Rice so that it will be easier to eat since we can just walk while eating until we saw an empty table with seat and we sat there. After a short time, we saw a ride with a very short line so we hurriedly got inside and waited for our turn. It was Jungle Log Jam.

Short enough, we were already in our corresponding seat, it was more like the Rio Grande Rapids only that the seat was not a cup-like one but a tube like one where the 4 of us just exactly fitted. Since Cena was already very wet, we put her on the front liner. After this ride, Cena was even wetter than ever. (LMAO). Again, i didn't get too wet with this one.

It was already closing time and we couldn't go for another ride anymore. We walked towards the exit and got our baggage. Cena has to change since she was wet all over and Pat also changed his shirt. Wilson and I waited outside and took a look around one last time.

It was a very memorable day for all of us. Time to go back to Manila. :)

Tagaytay

Tagaytay is about 2-3hour drive from Manila depending on the traffic. A place good for relaxation and recreation that is why we decided to include this place on our itinerary.

From Manila Ocean Park, we rode a taxi to Baclaran. From there, we waited for a bus and luckily we were able to ride on an air-conditioned bus. The weather that day was so hot. We didn't really know how to get to 5R Tagaytay(the place we reserved for us to stay). We were thinking that it will be easy once we get reach Tagaytay.

I was lucky enough that I sat next to an MMDA personnel in the bus so I asked him where will we drop off in Tagaytay to get to 5R. He gladly told me to drop off at Olivares Terminal and rode a tricycle from there which would bring us directly to 5R. We did what he instructed us.

Upon arriving at 5R, we were taken to a room with two queen size bed good for the 4 of us. There was a CR, small table, aircon and TV inside the room. Just enough since we will only be sleeping and staying in the place for one night.

It was already 6PM when we arrived there. We fixed ourselves, arranged our things and rested for awhile before proceeding with dinner.

After 1hour, we decided that it was time to go and get some food.

Since I have been reading blogs for the last 2 weeks before we got in Manila, I had the idea of visiting the famous "Mushroom Burger" in Tagaytay. I read that it is one of the must go places in visiting Tagaytay so I told them that maybe we'll go try a bite.

I didn't realized that Mushroom Burger is very far from the place we stayed in. We rode a tricycle(mode of transportation in Tagaytay) which only fits 4 persons well. It moved too fast yet it took us quite a while to arrive at our designated destination. About 20minutes have passed and we didn't arrive at Mushroom Burger yet so I decided to call the attention of the driver because maybe there was a misunderstanding between our conversation, only to find out that we already arrived(really, this place is very far from 5R).

We got inside the place, ordered for the much famous 'burger', sat down and ate.
Cena and I grabbed the regular burger while the 2 boys got a special burger which I think is the biggest burger they offerred. Since we were all very hungry, were done eating in a couple of minutes.

As for the burger, the taste is just like any other burger I tasted but the ingredients are more of mushroom than the beef. It was just okay for me but not something that really should be craved for. The price is very affordable. (I was thinking that maybe, I must have read the wrong info about this burger). But anyway, at least we tried it since it is one of the attractions Tagaytay is bragging about.

We weren't super satisfied with the burger so we agreed to eat a real meal(rice and viand). We didn't know what restaurant to go for so we purposely walked, hoping that we could find a good restaurant along the way but I guess the restaurant are still too far. We saw a jeepney coming and so we rode on it. The jeepneys in Tagaytay usually moves very fast(very few vehicles in the road) so we haven't really made up our mind on where exactly to eat even if we passed by a lot of restaurant already until we came to rotunda and the jeepney passed on a different route from the place that we stayed in so we got off the jeepney before we lose our way.

Nobody made a decision so I suggested that we just go eat at RSM, a restaurant we passed by which has a very nice ambiance. Miscalculating the distance of RSM from Rotunda, we decided to just take a walk. We passed by the church(Lourdes Church). We got inside the church and learned that it was the fiesta.

Mmmm... Too peaceful and too few people for a fiesta. I believed people in Tagaytay don't celebrate fiesta the way we do here in Cebu. Oh, well anyway, RSM was very far from Rotunda and we had a very long walk just to arrive there.

The place was good, the ambiance was really nice indeed. It was a restaurant overlooking Taal Lake but since it was already dark, we couldn't see the beauty of the volcano. We took a look at the menu and was a bit shocked because their food are really costly but because we have already took our seats, we just then chose for our order.

We only ordered for a very few dishes and beverage. Just really enough for the four of us but we paid really
high than what we expected. Prior to going to RSM, we made an agreement to have some drinks before going to sleep but as a result of the long walk that we took in going to RSM, our bodies made a decision for us,we easily fell asleep and did not have the few drinks as planned.

As I was already expecting, I was the last one to wake up. While I was still sleeping, they were all amazed by the fog which covered the whole of the place. So my boyfriend woke me up to witness the fog. Even without taking a bath, we decided to go down and feel the fogs in our skin. Wooohhh,, it was really cold.

We came back to our room and took a bath. We were already behind schedule so instead of eating breakfast at Bag of Beans(as planned), we just went directly to Peoples Park and looked for a place to eat. Luckily, we found a carenderia where fried chicken are at its best(hahah.. exag description but super tasty fried chicken).

After eating,we were very much happy and excited to see the fog(we don't usually see this at the city). We felt that we were in other countries like the US and Japan ( LOL). We took a 'lot' of pictures while the fog is still there. We really enjoyed the chilly impression the fog is bringing.

We roamed around the People's Park for awhile, took pictures(pose here and there.. :D) and went to this stall and bought our souvenir items and shirts for ourselves. The four of us has the same black shirt from Tagaytay but of course the size differed.. :))

When we went out of the stall (was located in the inner part of the area), the fog was already gone. We can see clearly the Tagaytay Highlands and the Taal Volcano. Again, we took some pictures and rest for awhile before we left for Picnic Grove.

Picnic Grove, unlike People's Park was just near the main street. It wasn't at all hard to find. There were some men offering horseback riding but we weren't at all interested. We just wanted to take a glimpse of how this 'Picnic Grove' looks like.

It was a place good for picnic. There were many small nipa huts for rent at the sides of the place and a big space at the center where some people were lying down, flying kites and some taking pictures.
The Taal Volcano is very visible at this area(i guess that's what people are really after in here). The view was very cool. Well, as what we went here for, we took a picture with the Taal Volcano at the background.

We didn't have a lot of time to enjoy the scenery, we had to leave so that we can get to 5R before 12noon to check out. (we were afraid that we could pay extra if we lapse 12noon.. <grin>). At 5R, we arranged our things in our bags, made sure that nothing was left and went to Olivares Terminal where we could find a van for our next destination.


Enchanted Kingdom, here we come.. !!!!... =)

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park is one of the reasons why we decided to come to Manila. One of the things that we will never miss in this visit.

From Rizal Park, we crossed the street towards the Quirino Grandstand and at the back of it was already the Ocean Park. Around 5minute walk perhaps from Rizal Park.

The line towards the ticket booth was short so it just took us a couple of minutes before it was our turn in buying the ticket. There were a lot of promo that Ocean Park has to offer during the time that we visited there.

We chose the Sun Up Saver worth Php600 which already includes 4 attractions.
The reason we chose this promo is that we need to be out of Manila Ocean Park before night since we need to travel to Tagaytay and we wouldn't want to reach there late at night especially that we don't know how to get there and we are not familiar with the place.

So the 4 attractions are the following :

1. Jellyfish(Dancing Sea Fairies)

     This is the first attraction that we visited. Upon entering the room, you can see this one immediately.

     Inside the room was sort of an aquarium attached to the walls. There were lots of jellyfishes of different kinds, different sizes and different colors(you might just think that the colors are because of the lighting effects but really, they are of different colors if you pay close attention) but the lighting effects make it ever more colorful and attractive.

     Anyways, let me show you some of the pictures we took of the jellyfishes. =)

Different Kinds of Jellyfish

Different Colors of Jellyfish

After taking pictures, Cena and Pat were gone. As Wilson and I were looking for them, we found out that there was still another room which have a lot of tube like glasses which contains a lot of jellyfishes. The room was very dark as to give emphasis to the lighting effects to the jellyfishes. It really looked amazing.

This room did captured most of my attention. When the light under the tube like glasses changed its color, the jellyfishes seems to camouflage with the color changes. We stayed here a bit longer than expected.

2. Oceanarium

     It was already 12noon but we decided that before we ate our lunch, we will first go for this one.

Good thing that there was a baggage counter in this area since the bags that we are carrying are very heavy and is already very annoying. (Good for me since I was only bringing my shoulder bag because my ever loving boyfriend carried my baggage for me.. "thank u much.. mwah" :P ). We left our bags and proceeded inside.

We were welcomed by fishes of different kinds and sizes. There were also turtles, crocodiles, sting ray, snakes and a lot more. This was really a very exciting adventure. Most of the fishes we haven't even seen and we haven't even known. There were some fishes that looked like a worm, a snake, a bird. All with distinct behavior and attributes.

    Here are some more....

I was really looking forward to the tunnel like aquarium and it was found at almost the end of the course. Well, as they say save the best for last. This I can say is really the best part of the venture on oceanarium.

Take a look at some of the pictures we took here.

Upon reaching the end of the trail, we came back one more time to take another look at the different sea creatures but this time from the back to the front. Upon reaching the front area, we got our bag and got out from there.

3. Fish Spa

    After we ate our lunch, we proceeded with the fish spa. It was located on the 2nd floor of Manila Ocean Park. On the way, there were construction of something going on. Mmm, something to look after months from now. 

    When we arrived at the Fish Spa Area, we were one of the first to arrived on that afternoon. I guess they came from a lunch break. We were given a hand towel upon entering the area. There were 2 areas for the fish spa. One with large fishes and the other one with the small ones.

    At first, we went to the area with the big fishes. Once you dip your feet into the water, the fishes would come running to your feet and sort of 'eat' you feet. Actually, they are getting the dead skin cells on your feet.
It really has a tingling effect on your feet and I just can't bear it. I didn't submerse my feet into the water. Only Wilson was able to submerse his feet fully into the water.

See how big the fishes are??

   So, we decided to move to the area with small fishes. Well, it still tickled our feet a bit. We can already bear it so we stayed there. The three of them already managed to put their feet under water while I just dipped my feet for a while then I pulled it up again. I just can't bear the tingling effect it has to my feet. When I was already able to managed the tingling effect, it was already our time to get out. The fish spa by the way is only good for 20mins.

   We stood up and wiped our feet with the towel that they have provided. Before going out, of course, I have to take pictures around. 

3. Sea Lion Show and Viewing

    This is the only attraction which has a schedule.The show schedules are 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 2:00PM and 4:30PM.(As far as I could remember, these are the schedules.)

    At around 1:30PM, we were already done with the Fish Spa so we went out to wait for the sea lion show. There was actually sea lion viewing which we didn't know.(It was part of our ticket by the way). So, we went there, take a look at the 2 sea lions while sitting down at the halls.

After a while, the sea lion show area is now ready so we proceeded there right away so that we can chose a good place where we can view the show well.

 

After a short while, the show have started. It took around 30mins for the show. The show was just okay. I bet small children would be very fun of this kind of show where the sea lions have to show off what they got.:)

After this one, we went out took a picture at the Manila Ocean Park logo. Then, took a taxi and prepare for another destination : Tagaytay.

Intramuros and Luneta

As this is the first time that we will be visiting Manila, we were all very excited.
By the way, there were four of us traveling(me, Wilson, Cena and Pat).

Upon arriving at the Mactan International Airport, we were disappointed to learn that we have to check in the tripod that we brought and pay Php400 for it since we are on a Go Lite Promo of Cebu Pacific so we can't have any baggage.

We sort of made fun of it since Cena bought it at only Php250 and we have to pay Php400 just to bring it to Manila.. LOL

For me, Wilson and Cena, this is the first time that we are to board a plane so we didn't know we have to pay Php200 as the Terminal Fee. Again, we were all laughing our ass off because we haven't even reach the plane and we have to pay a lot already like the tripod and the terminal fee. =)

So off we board the plane, we were wishing to be seated near the window to take a view of the city up there(first timers, u know! hahah ) but since we haven't arrived that early and we didn't avail of the sure seat, we haven't got a seat that is near the window.

Lucky for me that the one situated near the window arrived late so he asked me if it's just okay for me to move near the window. (Of course, it's super okay.. LOL). I couldn't thank him more.
I got to take a view of the city light because it was still dark at 5:40AM. We arrived at NAIA a bit earlier than expected.

After unboarding the plane, of course we have to take pictures. :))

Cena and Me at NAIA
w/ the plane that we boarded
at the back.





We went out of the terminal and looked for Cebu Pacific Customer Service so that we can change Cena's Go Lite ticket in going back to Cebu to a ticket with baggage wherein we only have to pay Php100 for the 15kg baggage instead of the Php400 for the tripod alone.

Cena and I were kind of confused of the directions pointed out by people we asked in 'Tagalog'(weLL, i guess we are good at that.. ahahha ) on where we can actually change our ticket so it took us awhile to locate it. Finally, we were done changing it.

After which, we decided that we will now take our breakfast in Intramuros Jollibee so we were finding our way out of the NAIA to ride a taxi outside so that we can saved a bit for the fair. We lost our way again in NAIA because it is far way bigger that the Mactan Airport in Cebu.

When we were outside already we saw a taxi coming and rode it towards Intramuros.
He asked us to pay Php350 until Intramuros w/o meter. I was kind of shocked and reacted violently but my boyfriend wanted me to calm down and paid for the Php350 anyway.
We were kind of hook by his bait since if there was a meter it was only around Php150.

We ate at Jolibee Intramuros, the surroundings were more of the earlier era.
Due to excitement, we finished eating earlier than our set time so we roamed around Intramuros.
We started with the Manila cathedral. I was amazed to see that the church seemed to be untouched.
The walls were old and the structure really looked like the older times.

At the side of the Manila Cathedral is the Palacio del Gobernador. There were many policemen at the entrance and a sniffing dog roaming around so we concluded that really important people were inside.
We didn't actually know who are having office inside the building. And again, we took pictures of it.

That at my background is the Palacio del Gobernador. We stayed there for a while to view the surroundings one more time. Then, we proceeded to Fort Santiago. We didn't get inside because the 2 boys are kind of in a hurry to get to Luneta Park so we walked a loooong mile from Intramuros to Luneta Park.

Upon arriving at Luneta Park, we were all very tired from walking but still decided to take picture of Rizal monument with the famous guards who are not having any movement at all. Then we took a short rest and cleaned our already very dirty feet.

Resting for awhile under
the shade of the trees

Chinese Garden inside
Rizal Park










Our day just started with these 2 famous places in Manila. We explored Manila more later that day.
Check out my next post.. :D