Macau - Day 3 of HK-Macau Trip

Another exciting day for me and my sister, today's destination is MACAU! The reason we want to visit this country is because of the Korean Drama "Boys Over Flowers" which one of my favorite kdrama. We want to see The Venetian and Ruins of St. Paul wherein some scenes of the drama took place.

We woke up and prepare early, from my research the travel time from Hong Kong to Macau is about 75minutes. Thanks to sis bebeloo (FN) who posted the HK groupon deal for the Macao Dragon Ferry, I bought 4 tickets which only cost 252hkd. (63hkd per ticket)

From Golden Crown we take the MTR to Sheung Wan Station and head towards exit D for Shun Tak Center wherein the Hong Kong Macau Ferry terminal is located. We arrived around 8am and redeemed the 4 groupons. 

Our departure time is 9am, as expected lines were long already in the immigration. There are lots of people going to Macau. 

There is free wifi at the waiting hall of the Macao Dragon Ferry, we boarded around 8:50am. The ferry is good as new, I've read that their operation starts last year only and that it's the cheapest ferry going to Macau.

Arriving at Taipa Terminal in Macau, you should expect again the long line from the Macau Immigration. I think it's already 11:30am when we finish. At the arriving area there are Filipinos offering Macau Trip service, they will approach you or even follow you at the restroom just like this one woman who keep on insisting to take her service. Well I told her that we already know the place to go, and will only be staying for a short time :)

Now we are ready for our first destination "The Venetian", we headed to the free shuttle bus terminal.

The Venetian

The shuttle will stop at the entrance of The Venetian, feels like I'm Geum Jandi from Boys Over Flowers (Korean Drama). This place was crowded of tourist and guest of the hotel. We were amazed of the structures and paintings of this building, it was very beautiful!

We headed to the Venetian Gondola. 

We were excited to see and experience riding the gondola, but opted not to ride on it because we only have few hours to tour the other parts of Macau. I really enjoyed touring The Venetian, what an amazing place! 

After touring The Venetian, we ride again the free shuttle bus (The Venetian) going to Macau Ferry Terminal. Then ride the Lisboa free shuttle bus, from there we walked to reach Senado Square, it was easy going there you just have to follow some tourist ^^

Senado Square

This place was very pleasing, though there are lots of people here, it was very clean! It looks like we were warped to another place. I love Senado Square! 

lunch at McDonald's Senado Square

Ruins of St. Paul

Our last stop for Macau Tour is the Ruins of St. Paul, it is just a walking distance from Senado Square. 

As you can see there are lots of people again, that's why it is called a "tourist spot" ^_^  We really like to visit this place because of "Boys Over Flowers" Korean drama, a shot was taken here too. 

Anyeong! BOF addiction!

^_^

On our way back, we bought some "pasalubongs".

Going back to Taipa Ferry Terminal, we ride again to Lisboa free shuttle bus to Macau Ferry Terminal and transfer to The Venetian free shuttle bus. From The Venetian we take again the free shuttle bus to Taipa Ferry Terminal. 

We arrived early and catch the 4pm sailing time instead of 5pm which is good, so we can go back early to Hong Kong to visit the night market and buy some pasalubongs.

There you go, Day 3 of HK-Macau Tour! I'm so pressured with the time, we did not experience Macau at night. I've read a lot in forums that Macau is beautiful at night because of those luxury hotels, so now I have a reason to go back in Macau! ^^ 

WESTLIFE Live in Manila 2011

The Gravity Tour
Smart Araneta Coliseum
September 29, 2011


Westlife the Irish pop group is coming again to Manila. Well actually I'm not a fan of this boy band, during the boyband craze I go gaga with Backstreetboys! It just happen that my friend "Toyei" wants to watch these guys so much and insist us to accompany him on that night. I'm a good friend ^^ se-rious-ly :P

The show starts with some front acts, which I'm not familiar, I didn't put too much attention ^^

It was already 9pm when Westlife comes on stage with some intro.... (somehow I get excited too ^^)

My eyes was on Nicky, he kinda looks like David Becham, sooooo handsome!

I love how the way they interact with the fans, that was awesome!

Setlist:
When You're Looking Like That
World Of Our Own
What Makes A Man
Safe
Home
My Love
Beautiful Tonight
Medley:
Viva La Vida (Coldplay Cover)
Only Girl (in the World) (Rihanna cover)
The Time (Birty Bit) (Black Eyed Peas cover)
Bad Romance (Lady Gaga cover)
Seasons in The Sun
You Raise Me Up
I'm Already There
I Will Reach You
Flying Without Wings

Encore:
What About Now
Uptown Girl


I'm happy that Toyei enjoyed the show (I can really feel it), he was singing along like a truly die hard fan of Westlife ^^ Well I enjoyed the show too, good performers! Though they aged, their voices was still good, and what more can I say with the moves, still trying some dance steps huh, *fan service*

Thanks to Dayly Entertainment for bringing Gravity Tour here in Manila!

4D/3N Hongkong-Macau Itinerary

Day 1 (Ocean Park and Avenue of the Stars)
August 23

10am – HongKong Airport

From Airport to GOLDEN CROWN GUEST HOUSEAirport bus is the most popular method to get to us. The Airbus Station is located near Hall B on the Arrivals Level (Level 5) of Hong Kong International Airport. Find the bus stand for A21 Airport Hung Hom KCR Station Route. You will see a map of the terminal. There is usually a lineup of around 10. The bus departs approximately every 15 minutes. you will reach the 13th (1st being the airport) stop Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station in 45-60 mins.

Check in Golden Crown Guest House

From Golden Crown to Ocean Park

Ocean Park
9:30am - 8:00pm opening hours

• Take MTR (Central Line) to Admiralty(5 mins travel time) and EXIT B. Transfer CityBus 629 (25 mins travel time) to Ocean Park at Admiralty Bus Terminus

Avenue of Stars

From GoldenCrown, walking to Avenue of Stars around 10 mins

MTR (Tsuen Wan Line) to Lai King, From Lai King change to Tung Chung line.
On Tung Chung MTR Station go to Ｂ Exit and find the Cable Car Station to take Ngong Ping Cable car.

Day 2 (Ngong Ping & Disneyland)
August 24

Ngong Ping

MTR (Tsuen Wan Line) to Lai King, From Lai King change to Tung Chung line. On Tung Chung MTR Station go to Ｂ Exit and find the Cable Car Station to take Ngong Ping Cable car. From Tung Chung MTR Station to Ngong Ping - 45minutes travel time by BUS.

From GoldenCrown, take the



(38 mins travel + 5 mins walk to NP 360 cable car)
MTR (Tsuen Wan Line) to Lai King, From Lai King change to Tung Chung line. On Tung Chung MTR Station go to Ｂ exit. From Tung Chung Town Centre to take the Bus 23.

From GoldenCrown, take the

MTR (Tsuen Wan Line) to Lai King, From Lai King change to Tung Chung line.
On Tung Chung MTR Station go to Ｂ exit. From Tung Chung Town Centre to take the Bus 23.

Disneyland

• To get from Ngong Ping to Disneyland take the cable car down to Tung Chung (about 25 mins), then MTR from Tung Chung Station (about 5 mins walk from the cable car terminus) one stop to Sunny Bay (10 mins) and cross the platform bridge to the Disneyland Resort Line for the 4-minute journey to Disneyland.
• From GoldenCrown take the MTR (Tsuen Wan Line) to Lai King . From Lai King change to Tung Chung line on the opposite side. Get off at Sunny Bay and change to disneyLand Line on opposite side
  
  

  

  
  

TEMPLE MARKET

Opening Hours: 16-00 midnight daily

Getting there: MTR to either Jordan or Yau Ma Tei

From Jordan MTR Station take exit A and at the top of the steps at street level turn right along Jordan Road and Temple Street is the third street on the right. The market starts about 150 metres down the street.

From Yau Ma Tei MTR Station take exit C and at the top of the steps at street level turn left along Mang Ming Lane and Temple Street is the second street on the left.

Day 3 (Macau & The Peak)

August 25 – MACAU

Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal

- located in Sheung Wan Hong Kong. Take the MTR to Sheung Wan Station.

- Shun Tak Center in Sheung Wan. From Central Station to Sheung Wan Station  head towards exit D.

 After Macau:
BUS 15 TO THE PEAK – Citybus service 15 (fare HK$9.80) from Central Ferry Piers 5 (Cheung Chau Pier)* and 7 (Star Ferry Pier)* provides a scenic journey to The Peak and terminates at the bus station under the Peak Galleria adjacent to the Peak Tower and Upper Peak Tram Terminus. From the upper deck there are spectacular views over Wan Chai, Central and across the harbour to Kowloon as the bus climbs the twisting Stubbs Road up to The Peak. This bus can also be boarded at Exchange Square Bus Station and on Connaught Road outside City Hall, Queensway in Admiralty and Queens Road East in Wan Chai. The service operates from every 7/15 minutes daily from 06-15 to 00-15 and the journey takes about 40 minutes.

*Note - Up until 10-00 daily all services commence at Exchange Square Bus Station. From 10-00 until 00-15 services commence at Central Ferry Pier 5.

After THE PEAK: Female Market

GETTING THERE – MTR to either Prince Edward and take exit B2 or to Mong Kok and take any of exits B2, D2 or D3. Prince Edward MTR Station and Mong Kok MTR Stations are at the northern and southern ends respectively of the market.

OPENING HOURS, noon to 23-30 daily but the best time to visit is during the afternoon when more stalls are open.

Day 4

August 26

Nanlian Garden

GARDEN - 7am to 9pm daily

GETTING THERE – MTR Kwun Tong Line to Diamond Hill. Entrance to garden is about 5 minutes walk from exit C2 (Plaza Hollywood) at 60 Fung Tak Road (under flyover). There are tourist direction signs from the station exit.

Bus routes 11,74X,75X,82X,82P,84M,85C,85M,91,91M,92,286M to Diamond Hill Public Transport Interchange (under Diamond Hill MTR Station). Bus routes 3B,10,11C,74X,91,92 stop near garden entrance on Fung Tak Road.

• The Peak (if not done on Day 3)
• Avenue of the Stars (if not done on Day 1)

American Idol Live in Manila 2011

American Idol Live in Manila

Smart Araneta Coliseum

09.21.2011

I like watching American Idol and yes I'm a fan of this show, watching it on TV and hoping that my bet will win the number one spot! ^^

Then I learned that American Idol Season 10 will visit Philippines for a two days concert, well that's great!

Good news that "Groupon" (online deals) had their ticket deals for American Idol Season 10 concert, well the tickets are kinda pricey. I bought a discounted ticket for Upper Box worth 1,480php only (original price is 3,700php)

Yay~ I'm so excited to see them!!! I like Paul McDonald, though he's not the biggest winner of this season, he was a winner for me, he's my typical type of musician (rock star type ~ yeah!)

Paul singing "Maggie May"

I love the collaboration of Pia and Stefano singing California King Beds, they were both great singin on the top of their lungs! Amazing!

Everybody goes gaga over Stefano who took his short off! Yay ~ every girls were screaming load at the big dome! (yeah I must admit I'm one of those ~LOL~)

hot perf from Stefano ^^

Just see how cute Thia singing and enjoying the crowd!

Haley so sexy singing with Casey!

The guys!

Sexy girls!

Save the best for the last solo performance of American Idol Season 10 winner! "Scott McCreery"

American Idol 2011 Tour Set list:

Born This Way by Lady Gaga - AI Girls

Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys & Jay Z - Pia Toscano

California King Bed by Rihanna - Pia Toscano and Stefano Langone

Maggie May by Rod Stewart - Paul McDonald

Who Says by Selena Gomez - Thia Megia

Tightrope by Janelle Monae - Pia, Thia, Haley and Naima

Grenade by Bruno Mars - Stefano Langone

DJ Got Us Falling In Love by Usher - Stefano Langone with the girls of AI

Animal by Neon Trees - AI Guys (except Scotty)

On The Floor by Jennifer Lopez - Naima Adedapo

This Time - Pia Toscano

Firework by Katy Perry - Lauren, Pia and  Thia

Smooth by Rob Thomas & Santana - Casey Abrams

Moanin' - Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart

Harder to Breath by Maroon 5 - Casey Abrams

Forget You - Group Number (except Scotty)

Flat on the Floor by Carrie Underwood - Lauren Alaina

Like My Mother Does - Lauren Alaina

If I Die Young by The Band Perry - Lauren, Haley, Thia and Stefano

Sweet Child o' Mine by Guns & Roses - James Durbin

Uprising by Muse - James Durbin

Never Too Much by Luther Vandross - Jacob Lusk

You're All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye & Tami Terrell - Jacob Lusk w/ Pia, Naima & Stefano

House of the Rising Sun - Haley Reinhart

Bennie and the Jets - Haley Reinhart

Your Man by Josh Turner - Scott McCreery

Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not by Thompson Square - Scott McCreery

I Love You This Big - Scott McCreery

When You Say Nothing At All by Alison Krause - Scott McCreery & Lauren Alaina

Gone by Montgomery Gentry - Scott McCreery with Lauren. Thia, Pia and Haley

I enjoyed the show so much, definitely worth watching for! I'm happy that I was able to wacth them perform live! Thanks to Ovation Productions for bringing American Idol Season 10 finalist here in Manila!

Hong Kong Day 2 - Disneyland (Part 2)

After exploring Ngong Ping Village, a glimpse of Giant Buddha and the scary cable car, we head off to our next destination "Hong Kong Disneyland"

From Tung Chung MTR Station to Sunny Bay Station, going to Disneyland you'll ride the specially designed and cute train! More kinda looks like Mickey Mouse train ^^

Finally we are now at Hong Kong Disneyland! As expected even on a weekday like this, there are lots of people visiting this theme park!!! We are both excited!

I bought the tickets online and exchange my confirmation number at the ticketing booth on the park.

The Mickey Mouse landscape will welcome you and even it was so sunny that time we still took some pictures on it ^^

Hong Kong Disneyland wasn't that spacious but it is nice and beautiful, kids will surely love this place and adults too :)

My excitement fades due to so much crowd, queuing to the rides and the hot weather! But since we are here, we just have to enjoy! ^^

Our first ride "Tarzan's Tree house"

Here are some of our photo ops, we decided to just take photos first and then ride some attractions.

Every ride is queuing, like you have to wait for 1 hour! We ended up taking more pictures and wait for the parade.

Disneyland Parade

Our video of the parade:

I love the parade! Disney Princess' were so pretty and cutie Tinker Bell! I noticed that most of them were Filipinos, specially the band. I just learned that 50% of people working at Hong Kong Disneyland were Pinoy! 

We watched the "It's a Small World", you will ride a mini boat here and watch different version of "It's a Small World", it was cute!.

It is so cute to hear the Filipino version of "It's a Small World" ~ "Kay Liit lang ng Mundo"

We are still in Fantasy land, so we also watched "Mickey's Philharmagic", it is a 4D show and the main character is Donald Duck, it was a funny show.

After watching Mickey's Philharmagic we queued for Mickey and Minnie Mouse picture taking. The line here is long (again) , they also take a break like 3 minutes, I guess they are changing. With that costume, I'm sure it was hot in there. 

For me and my sister, falling in line that long was really worth it,even it consumes us a lot of time. We both love Mickey and Minnie! 

And of course taking pictures with Tinker Bell, she is so cute ^^

We ride the Fantasy Land Train Station.

Disneyland at night

We did not watch the fireworks, we leave the theme park around 8pm because we still want to go at the female market. 

It was fun spending time at Hong Kong Disneyland, we enjoyed it even we didn't get a chance to ride all the attractions. A whole day wasn't enough for this, maybe we can visit again some other time, when the weather is not really that hot so we can enjoy more!

Universal Studios Singapore VS Hong Kong Disneyland

My take: I like USS than HK Disneyland, why??? Disneyland is more on kiddie rides, as well as the attractions. USS have more extreme rides and they have express pass, so you don't need to queued so long.  It is both very attractive but USS is more appealing for me. On the other hand Disneyland have parade, which I love most and they have Mickey and Tinker Bell, but still I like and love USS than Disneyland! IMO only ^^