What's New York without Broadway???

Yay! In August 2012, I was informed by my beloved boss that I will be going to the sweetest place on Earth, Hershey Pennsylvania.  And of course, part of the business trip is the side trip! 

Well, well, Hershey is 3 hours away from New York, and I decided to enter US via JFKennedy Airport, the international Airport of New York.  I intend to cover my NY trip on a separate blog.  This one only covers my ultimate dream!  That is to watch Broadway, of course in Broadway.

I know broadway ticket cost too much...  I have been reading on other blogs that there is a booth in Timesquare where you can buy cheap/ discounted tickets, same day showing.  Well of course, I would grab every opportunity to avail of this discounted tickets.

I checked in The New Yorker Hotel on the 8th Avenue.  I am all alone on this trip, and of course the independent me will be exploring New York.  Alone & First time in NYC that is....

I immediately look for the TKTS patron booth.  As per blogs it is found under the "red steps" in Father Duffy Square in Time Square and 47th...  Sooo this is the start of my adventure. Walking from 8th to 47th!  Go Girl Power!

And so I was succesful on my first adventure.  I managed to buy tickets for Phantom of the Opera at $ 84.  That is 40% off from its original price.  A very good deal.

Phantom starts at 8 PM at the Majestic Theatre on the 24th.  And the story of long walking starts again! hahaha....Somebody told me that if I will be watching Broadway, I should be wearing something formal.  Unfortunately, I didnt have enough time to go back to the hotel, to change clothes... Good thing, I was wearing a black trench coat and black Jeans!...  Ola! It looks a little acceptable!

Broadway in NYC and Theatre shows elsewhere have something in common.... That is queing... well, I expect Phantom to have long lines.  Phantom is the longest running show in Broadway, that is as of October 2012. With this, higher expectation is set as I watch it.

I didn't have that much picture in broadway, as it is not allowed.  I just took one before it started, and another one during break.  And of course, no one else will take picture of me!

To summarize, Phantom is good.  Props are majestic.  And the story makes me in love.... :) 

Villa Alfredo Resort, Pampanga

I am half Kapampangan and half Ilokano by Blood, and grew up in Pampanga.  I moved to Manila to work, and that is where my life is to date. I'm proud to say that I've been to various tourist spots, but shameful to admit that I dont know of any tourist spot in Pampanga.  Question till now is- is there any????

We were having a vacation in my hometown, and my little kid surprisingly requested for a family getaway.  I don't wanna go anywhere far, as I believe in observing the sacredness of the holy week.  I decided to look through the available resorts in Pampanga.

I made a reservation at Villa Alfredo.  It's a resort, far away from San Fernando Town Proper, and much nearer to Angeles City.  My sister have been there for a couple of times, but the rest of us- it's our first time.

The price for their overnight package was very reasonable.  We got their "trina villa", fully aircoditioned, having 2 queen size bed, ref, table & Chairs , and restroom.  To top it all, there were available bbq grill, free of charge.  The villa cost Php 2K.  Fair enough, for a family of 4 and a little kid.

Surprisingly for me, the resort has a lot of ammenities.  It has an aviary, 6 (?) swimming pools, 24 hrs grocery and a good overnight accomodation.  They were strict as to compliance of the "Videoke time".  That would mean that visitors will really have a peaceful time to sleep.

Their kiddie pools were beatifully lanscaped, and indeed there were life guards (another surprise for me!).  It made me comfortable to leave my kid on the waist high kiddie pool. 

It was an overnight get away for us.  On the background was Mom's usual Feeding program (she normally thinks that we are still kid that needs to be reminded to eat!) , and of course spoiling and over protecting my unico hijo.

In the morning, my dad said that there were mosquitos, but not sure if I'll believe because I did not have any bite! :)

Above all, it was a sweet but quick get away.  I'll definitely include it on my "to go back" list.

For Further information, you can go to Villa Alfredo's Website: 

Official Website 

Villa Escudero

I've been a Supervisor for more than 5 years, and I would say part of the Job Description is to show the expat visitors around the Philippines.  I have mastered the phrase "we have 7,107 islands during hightide, and 7,108 islands on low tide". My US counterparts were very fascinated on how rich our culture is, and how blessed our country was on tourist destination. 

Famous Tourist spots we've been are mostly on the south.  It gives us convenience to take small trips as we they are very close from the Metro.  With all these years that I've been to, Tagaytay and Laguna, its very interesting that Villa Escudero was not on my "been to" list.

I just transferred work this year, and for our first team building, our top pick location was- VILLA ESCUDERO.

I never thought that I will go to place like this without an expat with me.  As I expected, it is more fun, talking in tagalog.  LOL....No nosebleeding moments from me.

My Team and I have reached the Villa around 10 PM.  Fascinated with how rural the place is.  We had carabao rides, from one point to the other. Cultural show was definitely a hit.  It showed how rich our culture and tradition is.  Unfortunately we went to the show around 2 PM.  The time is an afternoon siesta moment.  It was a yawning show for all of us!  We decided not to complete it.

The Escudero's Museum was really amazing.  I wonder how they were able to collect all things.  From Barong of the former Presidents, to Butterfly and Insect colletion, from deer, tiger, and lion preserves, to Saint Images Collection.  It was indeed Magnificent.

Of course, the old time favorite Falls, and lunch on the falls was done.  It was a good buffet.  We had native food like kare-kare, pansit, kaldereta, and native fruits.  Surprisingly our native buko is much much more expensive than Coke.  But of course, alot of visitors ordered Buko.  I decided to order coke, not because I do not have extra cash, but because the buko que is too long.

The villa has new attraction.  They have swimming pools.  We had a quick dip on their pool.  It's not too clean. I wonder how the maintenance is being done.  I just opted to have a halo-halo, than to swim (this is unusual as I am an aqua lover!)

I also hope that it in the future, they will be able to have a zipline.  It will definitely be a good attraction!

Above all, the trip was indeed enjoyable and maximize.  But I think, I won't be back soon, except if duty calls.  :)

Further info on their official website:  http://www.villaescudero.com/