Subic shopping

Because we were so disappointed with what we saw in Clark, and because it was still quite early, we decided to proceed to Subic. Our first stop was Royal Subic.

Now this is much better. And there are a lot more of comestibles on sale. I compared rates here and in Manila, and noticed that some were cheaper here and some are not, so it’s best to buy just those items that are cheaper of course. We also visited another Puregold branch, which is just beside Royal. There were some items here that weren’t available in Royal, and so those were the items that we bought.

A short drive away was another duty-free shop called Freeport, and beside it was the Unionsquare Discount Store, which is a factory outlet for brands like Nike, New Balance, Gola, etc. Right across was a wine store that sells really cheap wine. We bought several wines as gifts and a couple of Asti’s.

All in all, I’d say that Subic is so much better compared with Clark.

a kid again

They say that Christmas is for kids. And I agree. After all, deep inside, we all have a kid in all of us. And what separate kids, I mean real kids, and kids at heart is their pockets. While kids have their pockets swollen from all the cash gifts they received/receiving, we have ours almost empty. I asked my inaanaks (godkids) how much they received from their other godparents, and they gladly showed off how much they have on their wallets. Riza and I were asking them what they plan to do with it, and while us adults would rather have it in private placement memorandum, almost all of the kids said that they plan to buy more toys the very next day!

Don’t you just wish we’re kids again!

sickly Christmas

Perfect. Just perfect.

As if the terrible traffic we’re all facing everyday isn’t enough, the late night out’s attending holiday parties has taken its toll, and Riza and I are now sick. I’ve yet to finish my own bout with cough and colds, and now Riza too has developed itchy throat and is now coughing too. 

It’d be great though if we have Medicare supplement insurance. But we don’t. Well, actually, we do. But getting permission to see a doctor sucks big time. And when I went for a check up last week, I didn’t use our health card. It was just too complicated and involves so much red tape that it wasn’t worth the hassle and stress.

How seriously whacked is that? Both of us are sick! And it’s almost Christmas day!

good traffic

Traffic is very bad nowadays. Our usual 10- to 15-minute drive home now takes 45 minutes. And as much as possible, Riza and I try to limit/schedule our trips around Manila and avoid malls as much as we can, never mind that I’ve yet to buy gifts for her. But there really is nowhere that’s free of traffic.

But you know what’s the good thing about the terrible traffic? We get to stop and admire all the beautiful Christmas decor we have on the streets, which is a treat for me since I’m always the driver and I never really get to see it.

Puregold Clark

Over the weekend, my wife Riza and I, together with her parents, cousin, and nephew (pamangkin), traveled north to attend my sister’s wedding. We traveled the day before the wedding because we planned on visiting a few places.

First on our list was Puregold Clark.

 

(Photo Source)

It was actually my first time there, and the place looks eerie and abandoned. There wasn’t really much to see and buy, and most of the items were not as cheap as we’ve expected. I guess after the U.S. pulled out their bases here duty-free goods aren’t as “in demand.”

We visited two more shops but was terribly dismayed at what they have. We were initially thinking of getting an Outer Banks vacation rental sort of accommodation. But after seeing that there wasn’t much to see and explore, we decided to go to move on.