BPI - Jollibee Promo, Dec. 2011 to Jan. 2012

After more than a month of waiting, BPI Express Credit had just released their Shop Anywhere Feast of Free Treats. Your charge slips/transaction receipts dated 01 December 2011 to 31 January 2012 are qualified to join. Redemption of your free Jollibee Treats starts on 14 December 2011 until 31 March 2012.

Required minimum single receipt transaction and corresponding Jollibee Treats are as follows:

Climbing Mt. Palay Palay in Cavite

Last Saturday, my climbing buddies and I embarked on our third day hike together at Mt. Pico de Loro in Maragondon, Cavite. After paying Php 20 each in DENR's Ternate office at around 7:30 am, we started our relaxed 4-hour ascent to the famous mountain summit of Cavite.

Compared to our 2 recent climbs (Maculot Rockies and Mt. Batulao), Pico de Loro is no easy feat. Although the trail is mostly covered by trees, the trail is long like in Batulao, plus it has its own version of assault areas. The intimidating parrot's beak, its signature rocky plateau near the summit, provides a challenge to rock climbers. Below are its technical specs from Pinoy Mountaineer website:

Trek to Taal Volcano in Batangas

Last Sunday, I took my family for a day trek of Taal volcano. This was triggered by the wish of my two sons to climb up to the summit of a volcano, after they have seen Mt. Mayon a few months ago. It also served as a preparation climb for them, since they are planning to climb Mt. Manalmon with me the following month.

We left early from Binan, Laguna, arriving in Tagaytay at around 7:00 am. In search of restaurant with the view of Taal lake, we ended up in Kaye Ryan Grill. We tried their breakfast set menus priced at Php 165 each. 

Manila Heritage Tour Thru Postage Stamps

I've been wanting to join the free Postal Heritage Tour offered by the Filipinas Stamp Collectors' Club (FSCC), represented by their passionate Vice-President Lawrence Chan. So when an opportunity arose to join their free tours every third Sunday of the month, I sent an email to Lawrence (l_rence_2003@yahoo.com) to sign up for his tour on 20 Nov. 2011.

I arrived at the fountain area of Liwasang Bonifacio by 12:15 pm, quite early from the scheduled 12:30-1:00 pm assembly time. Still tired from participating in the 10k run for Pasig River at MOA earlier that day, I wondered if I made the right decision to continue with the tour.

Emperor Spa in Binondo, Manila

With a full stomach yet tired and aching legs from previous day’s mountain climb, I continued on my walking tour of Binondo. This time, I was in the hunt for an inexpensive yet good massage. A helpful pedicab driver referred me to Emperor Spa along Soler Street, not far from 168 mall where Wife is doing some Christmas shopping.

Arriving at past 11:00 am in the spa, I was able to avail their early bird 20% discount from their regular Php 500 massage fee. If getting the services of their foreign expert (Chinese masseuse), I think the massage fee is Php 650. The lady at the counter gave me a key for my assigned locker, and instructed a staff to show me their locker and communal shower room at the second floor.