Road Trip: Bacolod to Cebu

I was so surprised to discover that traveling from Bacolod to Cebu by land is very easy. We were used to flying so, it was only last Mother's Day weekend that I decided to give it a try. 

Our route was Bacolod to San Carlos Port (by land), San Carlos to Toledo (via RORO or water taxi) and Toledo to Cebu (by land.) 

If you plan to bring your own car, the fastest route going to San Carlos Port is through the via Don Salvador Benedicto highway. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours though you might be interested in spending a few hours in the area to enjoy it. You may read about our short Don Salvador Benedicto adventure, here. 

If you plan to take the Ceres bus going to Cebu, then you have two options: 

A. Take a direct trip (BCD - Cebu) 

This means that you don't have to transfer buses and purchase your RORO ticket separately. However, travel time is longer since they take the slower RORO. Estimated travel time by direct trip is 7-8 hours. 

Here is the schedule: (subject to change without notice) 

1:30 AM

4:00 AM

6:45 AM

9:30 AM

12:00 NN

2:30 PM 

9:30 PM

Fare: Php 505.00 and if you have questions, here is the contact number of the Ceres South Bus Terminal - (034) 4329427 / 09177711212

B. Take separate trips 

1. Take the bus from Bacolod to San Carlos via Don Salvador Benedicto

Travel time is 2.5 hours

Fare: Php 144.00

They have buses leaving every few minutes.We took this option since we did not make it to the 12NN BCD-CEB direct trip. When choosing this option, inform the driver or conductor that you will be going to the pier. Once you reach San Carlos, they will be dropping you at the tricycle terminal. 

Take a tricycle going to the Port and ask the driver to drop you at the Fastcat or RORO ticketing office. Fare is only Php 20.00

2. Ride a water taxi or Fast Cat from San Carlos Port to Toledo Port

There are also several options traveling from San Carlos to Toledo. I highly suggest you take the Fast Cat. (This is not a sponsored post.) It is not your usual "fastcraft" that can only accommodate passengers but cars and motorcycles can take the Fast Cat too. It is new, clean and fast. Travel time is only 1 hour. 

Rates start at Php 150 for Economy, Php 200 for Premium Economy (Airconditioned) and Php 250 for the Business Class. I took the Business Class since it's cooler, not so crowded and it comes with a free light snack. 

Senior Citizens and children are entitled to discounts and those below 3 years old are free of charge. If you are bringing your car, an SUV/ AUV will cost you Php 1,535.00 while a sedan's rate is Php 1,139.00. 

For a complete schedule of trips, you may visit Fast Cat's website.

Also, don't forget to pay the terminal fee is Php 20.00 per passenger. 

Additional Tip: If you plan to just leave your car in San Carlos Port, the overnight parking fee is only Php 34.00. 

UPDATED on 10/28/17: Due to change in San Carlos Port's Management, overnight parking is no longer allowed. 

3. Ride a passenger van from Toledo - Cebu City

Once you reach Toledo port, take a tricycle going to the bus or v-hire terminal for Php 10.00. Since most of the buses are non-aircon, I highly suggest that you take a passenger van. Fare is only Php 100.00 per person and travel time is 1.5 hours - 2 hours only. 

Additional Tip: Mcdonalds is just walking distance from Toledo port in case you're hungry. 

If you plan your trip carefully and minimize wait time, you can reach Cebu in 6 hours. It actually has a very minimal difference if you travel by plane. Since BCD-Silay Airport takes 1 hour, the pre-departure wait time is 2 hours, flying time is 1 hour and Mactan Airport to Cebu City takes 1.5-2 hours due to traffic. 

Do you have any other questions? Feel free to comment below or send us a message at Facebook.

Where to buy discounted Hongkong Disneyland Tickets?

It's been a few months since we went to Hongkong Disneyland and despite our research before the trip, there are still a lot of things that we discovered once we got there thus, making us excited to go back soon. 

This includes the best place where we can get discounted Hongkong Disneyland tickets. If you remember, we got our 2-Day Hongkong Disneyland Tickets from Klook which I mentioned from my previous post. 

As of March 2018, Klook's offer for the 2-Day Hongkong Disneyland is still one of the best deals you can ever find. You can purchase the 2-day pass for only HKD 676 under the Traveler Shop and Play Package (this includes $30 shopping voucher) at Klook. Then, you can purchase using this link or use the code: B6K8X to instantly get HKD 25 off. Bringing the ticket rate down to HKD 651 

Let me share this to give you a better picture of the price comparison. This is now updated as of March 2018. 

TWO-DAY HONGKONG DISNEYLAND PASS

Park Regular Rate -  HKD 799

Park and Shop Offer -  HKD 689 ( with free HK$30 merchandise discount voucher.)

Airport Ticket Rate - HKD 720

Klook Regular Ticket Rate with Discount Code - HKD 721 - 25 = HKD 699

Klook Park and Shop Offer with Discount Code - HKD 651 ( with free HK$30 merchandise discount voucher.)

ONE-DAY HONGKONG DISNEYLAND PASS

Park Regular Rate - HKD 619

Park Play and Shop Offer - HKD 619 (with free HK$50 merchandise voucher or free waffle)

Airport Ticket Rate - HKD 540

Klook Ticket Rate with Discount Code - HKD 494

As you can see you have different options on where to get discounted tickets to Hongkong Disneyland. then it would be cheapest through Klook. Just make sure to make use of the available promotional codes. If you need more Klook coupon codes, feel free to email me at clarice.mymetrolifestyle@gmail.com.  

Giveaway Alert: Time to Wiggle Around and Win a PlasmaCar

 

The Original PlasmaCar is a ride-on toy that does not have pedals, gears or a motor. Instead, the rider uses their body to wiggle their way around.

By using their own natural forces of inertia, centrifugal force, friction, and the PlasmaCar is naturally kid powered! Available now though Amazon (it’s Prime!) 

Enter to win (1) PlasmaCar valued at $70 (Open to Continental US residents only)

Hosted by: MamatheFox.com

Sponsored by: PlasmaCar

Co-Hosted by: MomJunky & Miki's Hope 

Entry-Form

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligation. 

Time to Choose Natural. Get a NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo for FREE

Day-to-day, you rise up and there are tons of things to do like go to the office, finish paperwork, and go back home. This might be what you call your lonely and humdrum life. Every day is a struggle for you. Your only defense against pollution, sleep deprivation and daily grind is to look best. With this, you can’t go to the battleground unarmed. Tragically, your ammunition of beauty products is mostly made of hazardous chemicals; you win some, you lose some. Sooner or later, they shall take a toll on you. 

Don’t just go with the flow. Change your direction. NOVUHAIR can show you the way, hence, it is dubbed as nature’s answer to hair loss. All its natural ingredients are scientifically proven to help promote hair growth. This way, you have no reason to go back to your old ways. Alter your regimen now if you can’t change the routine and finally admit that it’s time to part ways with chemically-laced products you keep in your vanity kit and say hello to NOVUHAIR. You can never go wrong with nature. Choose natural!

Now, you can optimize your NOVUHAIR experience with NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack (topical scalp lotion, herbal shampoo, and conditioner) and enjoy an extra 200ml. bottle of NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo for FREE. This exclusive at participating Watsons stores nationwide! (DOH-FDA CCRR No. 1040 s. 2017) 

Don't miss the NOVUHAIR 3-IN-1 NEW YEAR PROMO PACK exclusive at the following participating WATSONS stores nationwide: 

• SM Mall of Asia 1, SM Megamall A, SM Megamall A3 Daimaru
• SM North Edsa Main 2, Fisher Mall, SM City Fairview Mall 1
• SM Makati Mall 3, SM Makati Hypermarket, Oriental Gardens Makati, Market! Market!
• Robinsons Place Manila, SM San Lazaro Supermarket, SM San Lazaro Mall 1, Savemore Laong Laan 2, SM Sta. Mesa Mall 3, SM Sta. Mesa Centerpoint 3
• SM Masinag, Savemore Rempson Marikina, SM Taytay Rizal
• SM Marilao Hypermarket, SM Pampanga Annex, SM Pampanga Mall 1, SM Clark Mall, Savemore Dinalupihan, Waltermart San Fernando Pampanga
• SM Southmall 5, SM Bicutan Mall B-2 Hypermarket, Festival Mall, Orofino Bldg. Dona Soledad
• SM Sta. Rosa Mall, SM Sta. Rosa Supermarket, Waltermart Sta. Rosa, SM Calamba, Waltermart Cabuyao
• SM Bacoor Mall 2, SM Dasmarinas Mall 3, Premier Plaza Mall Silang Cavite, Waltermart Trece Martires, Kadiwa Cavite Hypermarket, Lumina Point Cavite
• SM Lipa Mall, SM Lipa Supermarket, Waltermart Tanaunan, SM Batangas Mall 1, Waltermart Nasugbu
• SM Lucena, SM Naga Mall, J.S Arcilla Bldg. Tabaco
• Ayala Center Cebu
• SM Davao Mall 1

For inquiries, call 413-6570 or 0922-8830575, visit NOVUHAIR Facebook Page (Novuhair Official) or website at www.novuhair.com.

What Pasalubong to Bring from Davao City?

Whenever we travel for business or leisure, it is natural for us to buy pasalubong for families and friends. Key chains, shirts and small trinkets are very common. However, if you are visiting Davao City then there is only one pasalubong that will complete your Davao experience. 

Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies has grown strong over the years to become the No. 1 pasalubong must-have. It's main branch is located at 28 San Miguel Village, Matina, Davao City. They are famous for their delicious durian candies available in different flavors. 

Their best seller is actually the candy bar available in different variants too. I super love the Creamy Durian Bar and the Mangosteen Yema Bar. These are highly recommended because they are so yummy that you would love to have a big chunk of it. 

You have to make sure that you get some durian and mangosteen tarts too. They are actually my favorites. The crust are always freshly baked and the filling is just perfect. 

Recently, they have expanded their array of products. Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies also offers Durian Pie (which I am going to review in a different post), Durian Jam and Durian Hopia. 

On a tight budget? You don't have to worry because their products are very affordable.

For orders, inquiries and deliveries, you may contact them at 09204103333 or 082-2895099. They also have a branch in Abreeza Mall. 

And now, I am running a quick giveaway so, that one of my readers will have the chance to taste these yummy treats from Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies. Just follow the mechanics found in the rafflecopter widget. Don't forget to tag My Metro Lifestyle and Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies in your shared posts and follow all the steps in rafflecopter so, that your entries will be valid. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will announce the winner on April 19 and the winner would have to reply within 24 hours. This will be a quick giveaway because I have to send the prize as soon as possible. 

UPDATE: CONGRATULATIONS, JIM MACARAEG! Please send me PM on facebook with your shipping details within 24 hours! 

How to Hire the Right Contractor?

You might find yourself in need of the services of a skilled contractor at some point in the future. A contractor is a person who is in charge of a crew of workers during a construction project. Needless to say, you need to be sure you hire a really good contractor. Otherwise, there is a chance that your construction work will not be done correctly. Therefore, it is important that you take the hiring of your contractor very seriously for the safety of your family. Here are some of the things that should be your primary concerns when you are going to be hiring a contractor.

1. What sort of track record does the contractor have?

You should always investigate the track record of any person you are thinking about hiring to do work at your home. This is especially the case when it comes to contractors. You need to be sure that this person is legit and has not been sued by any of his previous clients. A great place to find out a lot of good info about contractors in your area is the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. They will give ratings to contractors based on a variety of factors. You should only consider hiring a contractor if he has received a high BBB rating. It is always important to know exactly who you are dealing with where your contractor is concerned.

2. Does the contractor have a valid license?

Why is it important for the garage remodeling contractor you hire to be licensed? You need to be sure that the contractor who is in charge of your construction project has received all of the necessary training that your state requires. There is no way to determine this unless you see a contractor's valid license to work in your state. Many people try to work as a contractor without a valid license. They are able to do this because many people simply assume that the contractor they hire is licensed. However, that is not always the case. Hiring an unlicensed contractor could mean that you will receive construction work that is substandard and dangerous.

3. Are the contractor and all of his workers covered by a current insurance policy?

It is essential that every person who performs construction work on your property have insurance coverage. This is because damage to your home and property can happen during the course of the construction project. The insurance coverage that the contractor has will compensate you for any damage that is sustained to your property. Do not take the contractor's word for it that he is insured. Make sure you ask to see his valid proof of insurance.

20th Eigasai Japanese Film Festival is Happening on August 24-27 at SM City Bacolod

EIGASAI is the annual Japanese Film Festival held in the Philippines. It is presented and run by the Japan Foundation, Manila and in celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month. It is one of the largest and popular film festivals attracting over 20,000 audiences every year across the Philippines, showcasing a vast variety of cinematic delights from drama, romance, anime to recently released films in Japan. 

This year, it is happening across the country in 6 major cities including the City of Smiles - Bacolod. During the festival, Bacolod residents and those in nearby areas are invited to enjoy a FREE screening at SM City on August 24-27, 2017. 

Here is the list of the complete movie line-up:

• Her Love Boils Bathwater

• The Long Excuse

• The Magnificent Nine

• Tsukiji Wonderland

• What a Wonderful Family!

• Creepy
• Chihayafuru Part.1
• Chihayafuru Part.2
• Sweet Bean (An)
• The Anthem of the Heart
• The Mohican Comes Home
• Bakuman 

You read more about the movies that are going to be shown via this link. So, don't miss the chance to learn more about contemporary Japanese cinema, arts and culture. For the complete screening schedule, click here. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Also, Japan Foundation, Manila and their sponsor, Canon Philippines are running a contest exclusive to residents of Bacolod where you can win a special prize plus limited edition EIGASAI polo shirt. Campaign will run until August 24, noon. You can check out the full details here.

Top 5 Hair Problems and Suggested Solutions

It has been said that the hair is a person's "crowning glory." May it be long, short, curly, or straight, the hair plays a major part of one's identity and character. It is the main reason why it is given due importance and the strong need to take good care of it. However, no matter how much we give our best, hair problems still arise. 

Here are the Top 5 Hair Problems and Suggested Solutions: 

1. Hair Loss or Excessive Hair Fall - This is one of the most common hair problems experienced by both men and women. This is attributed to a variety of causes such as stress, pregnancy, too much vitamin A, lack of iron and protein and in serious cases, autoimmune diseases such as alopecia and lupus. Certain medications and chemotherapy are also known to cause hair loss. 

Suggested Solutions: Depending on the cause, one can consider these solutions to address the problem:

• For stress, having enough sleep is helpful since sleeping allows hair to repair and regenerate.
• It is also very important to get the proper nutrition since having healthy hair and scalp is dependent on what the person eats. Iron and protein-rich food can help strengthen one's hair. 
• For pregnancy-related hair loss, one can expect to see improvements after giving birth. 
• If it is caused by alopecia, lupus or other serious medical condition, it is highly recommended for one to see a health professional for appropriate intervention. 

2. Hair Damage - Too much sun exposure and extremely high temperature brought by hairdryers can take their toll on one's hair strands. The heat drains the moisture of one's hair causing breakage or split ends. For swimmers and people who love going to the beach, exposure to chlorine and saltwater can also pose serious hair damage. Over styling, perming and the use of other hair chemicals are also known causes. 

Suggested Solutions: Look for a gentle shampoo and a conditioner that can help infuse moisture. Minimizing the use of hairdryers, hair irons and products that are made of strong chemicals also helps. To protect one's hair and scalp, the use of a hat to avoid direct sun exposure is recommended. For swimmers, one can opt to use a bathing cap to protect one's hair. 

3.  Dry Scalp and Dandruff - Dry scalp is a condition when the skin has too little moisture which irritates the scalp and causing it to flake off. Dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by too much oil on the scalp which causes skin cells to build up and then shed more quickly than usual. 

Suggested Solutions: Use a shampoo that is specifically made to address dry scalp and dandruff problems. You can check the complete list of the best shampoos for dry scalp and dandruff, here. After using a medicated shampoo for a month but the scalp's condition does not improve, it is highly recommended for one to see a doctor to possibly rule out other skin problems such as psoriasis or eczema. 

4. Premature Graying- Though gray hair is associated with aging, this also occurs in younger individuals who are in their early 20s. According to WebMD, premature graying occurs when color-producing cells stop producing pigment. Recent studies show that stress is not the number one factor causing it but it is caused more by a genetic or vitamin deficiency problem.

Suggested Solutions: To address vitamin deficiency, take vitamin B12 supplements. It is also recommended to increase the intake of food high in vitamin B12 such as red meat, liver, mackerel, shrimps, mussels, and egg. Temporarily, one can also opt to conceal gray hair through the hair coloring treatments or hair highlighters. 

5. Head Lice and Nits - This problem occurs irrespective of age or gender but it is most common to children aged 3-14. Head lice are wingless insects that are living off through the human's blood from the scalp. They reproduce so quickly by laying eggs called nits. Among all the hair care problems, head lice infestation is the most serious since it is highly contagious. Thus, it is must be addressed as soon as possible. 

Suggested Solutions: The use of a nit comb and nitpicking is the most effective way to get rid of head lice. In case one does not have the time to do so, home remedies such as the use of vinegar and mineral oil mixture can be an alternative solution. It is fairly easy and effective. There are also medicated shampoos for head lice available in the market. 

How about you? Do you know any other solutions to these common hair care problems?

Tax and Estate Planning Is Important to Everyone

They say that the only thing that's constant is death and taxes. A few days ago, I was able to read an article about the family who is struggling and fighting over with their inheritance. There was no will left by the husband/ father and the beneficiary written on his assets may have not been updated. In this scenario, it was named after the decedent's sister and not the surviving wife and children. They also have some issues in terms of transferring the properties due to the cost and taxes involved. 

We can all say that it is not easy to lose a loved one and problems like these are certainly not welcome. According to experts, these scenarios could have been avoided if proper estate and tax planning was made. 

Tax and Estate Planning may not be exciting but it is important and practical. This is not just for wealthy families but also for middle-earners or investors who are very keen in planning their family's future. 

Some of the reasons why you should consider estate planning are the following: 

1. Protection for your children. Making sure that it goes to the right person or the appropriate trustee is assigned. 

2. Avoids family conflicts. Whether we admit it or not, family disputes arise when money is involved. Much more huge amounts from inheritance. 

3. Minimize cost and taxes. Tax and Estate Planning helps you minimize cost and taxes when transferring the estate or property. 

----------------------------

So, if you want to learn more about Tax and Estate Planning, Gargoles Law Office will be conducting a seminar on August 15, 2017 at the WSI Corporate Center in Makati City. 

Key topics would include: Estate Planning Tools, Basic Concepts of Property Regime, Basic concepts of Law on Sales, Computation of Capital Gains Tax and Documentary Stamp Tax, Basic concepts of Law on Donations, Computation of Donor’s Tax, Basic Concepts of Law on Succession, Computation of Estate Tax, Living Trust, Family Holding Corporation, Life Insurance Policy and Final Analysis on Transfer of Property

It is also recommended to CPAs since it comes with CPD Credits. For more details, you may visit their Facebook page or register online via this link: http://bit.ly/TaxandEstatePlanning. 

Stress, Hair Loss and Unproductivity - How to win against it?

I admit I was so stressed for the past few months. Work, family-related concerns and personal issues had taken a toll on me that it started to affect my productivity. 

Striking a life balance is not an easy task. It requires hard work and dedication which sometimes can be strenuous or even impossible to achieve. It led to immune deficiency. I started getting sick which later on, caused other parts of my body to get affected like I had an unnatural amount hair loss.

I started reading about hair loss caused by stress and found out that at its peak, our white blood cells attack no less than the follicles, thus causing alopecia. What’s more, anxiety could drive your hair into a prolonged resting phase, which is called telogen effluvium. Since this is very alarming, I decided to take action. 

Here are some natural ways for us to destress:

1. Get enough sleep. Never underestimate the power of sleep. If you feel that you are over your head in dealing with anxieties, choose to rest it off for a while and recharge.

2. Exercise and have an active lifestyle. Let’s get physical to de-stress. It helps release endorphins, or what is known as the happy hormones, that can be beneficial in relieving the tension.

3. Have fun and reward yourself. Watch the timeless story of Tony and Maria and their fateful love affair as the electrifying classic WEST SIDE STORY musical premieres at The Theatre at Solaire on August 10. Read more on http://www.novuhair.com/2017/07/novuhair-natures-answer-to-hair-loss-supports-west-side-story-musical-at-the-theatre-solaire/

4. Eat more fruits and veggies. Having these as a staple in your diet will bolster your immunity from disease, which in turn, knock out stress. We can all benefit from the vitamins and minerals of the healthy food we consume.

It’s best to complement these simple regimens with a topical solution that’s safe to keep your crowning glory at its robust state. NOVUHAIR, nature's answer to hair loss, is made up of 19 natural ingredients that work in synergy to help remedy stress-related hair loss and promote healthy tress and scalp. 

The challenge in preventing these mane problems is to keep your locks healthy with proper care and let it grow naturally sans subjecting your hair to temporary relief with the use of harmful chemicals. Go natural.

NOVUHAIR contains natural extracts, herbal oils and essences, such as lavender that is also known to relieve stress. It also has a scent that leaves a calming effect. 

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page, Novuhair Official, and follow on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call NOVUHAIR hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online through lazada.com.ph and regaloservice.com.

Lookna – Helping Legit Business Reach Their Potential Customers

In a perfect world, you would have an unlimited budget to market your business in order to find new customers and increase sales. You could buy lots of online and offline advertising, run promotions to build traffic in store and online, and launch a proactive public relations campaign to increase your product or brand's visibility and awareness. But this isn't a perfect world. Realistically, most small businesses and even many mid-sized firms have more great ideas on how to peddle their wares than available resources. 

So where do you start if you are looking for more customers? Learning to generate new sales leads is an essential skill for an entrepreneur.

In Lookna, we'd like to make things easier and fair. Forget the old ways of research and composing of ads in limited characters. We provide a simple and straightforward listing that shows important information about your business such as your business name, address, operating hours & more. We also aim to provide unbiased advertising opportunity by providing fair and equal opportunity to all business owners.

How to Find New Customers and Increase Sales? The answer is, Understand Your Target Audience. Before you can find new customers and increase sales, you need to understand who your customer is, what value proposition you offer to customers, and what your competition is currently offering in the market and where there are gaps for a new entrant. In other words, you need to do some market research – whether that means hiring an outside firm to do the legwork or trying to do it yourself. There's an underlying disconnect between your motivation to increase sales and your customer's motivation to solve their problems. Certain products and services may appeal to one audience but not to another, so understanding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in your target market is critical. You can get to know your customers and segment the market any number of ways including by:

Demographics-- statistical data on a population including income levels, age, etc.

Psychographics -- the attitudes and tastes of a certain demographic.

Ethnographics -- examination of particular cultures.

Buying habits -- how what and where customers purchase products and services.

Internet marketing is alive and well, and growing by leaps and bounds.  The environment of the Internet and the virtual business world offer more potential for connecting your business with potential consumers than any other medium, past or present.

Unfortunately, as business owners, we know that every one of our competitors understands this same concept. They are also working just as hard as we are to figure out how to best maximize their online marketing strategy.  After all, the name of the game is to place our product or company squarely in front of potential online customers.

Lookna ensures that all services and listings that you will see are accurate and from a legit business owner, that is why we provide verification process before a listing will be shown to searchers. Because of that, you can be sure that advertisers who subscribe to Lookna are real service providers and not just middlemen who act as the link between the service providers and customers.