Alicia Keys - Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)


Alicia Keys has an amazing song out called "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)".  Along with the song, Alicia made a very powerful video, that touches on the racial tensions that surround interracial relationships. The video begins in the 1950s, where Alicia's character faces anger and disapproval from her community for dating someone that is of a different race. The video covers over 6 decades, to the present day, showing that not much has changed since that time. 

This video really impressed me because I could feel a lot of the emotions from the scenes that reminded me of what I went through in my own life. My relationship with my boyfriend, who is a different race, is amazing - because he is amazing!!  Not because his skin is a different color than mine. Being a part of a interracial relationship is no different then being in a relationship with someone of your own race. The only difference is that there are people in the world that choose to treat you with hate, because of their own ignorance or self hatred.



"This is my and my boyfriend's song. Its unfortunate that others can't see the love we share for each other. instead they see a Latin and African American together and start to judge. Love is deeper than skin color."
- Nancy  

"In the video (from the 50s to the 2000s), people have not been accepting interracial relationships. She [Alicia] just shows that prejudice has not changed much since 60 years ago." - Caitlin H.

"It's crazy how not much has changed since back in the day. I use to think racism was dead until this summer when my mom found out my boyfriend was black. She freaked out. Race doesn't matter. Let's be more open-minded than previous generations and end racism! Finally." - MGL

"Interracial Love is beautiful! This song isn't attacking black men nor white men or anything just stating a truth, as to how it once was and in some areas, still is!!! Please grow up and recieve knowledge and understanding becasue IGNORANCE is not a pretty trait!!!" - Y.A.M

"I think that interracial love is beautiful, and also natural. We live in the 21st century, and I would hope to think that you would be able to date anyone, no matter race or origin, without being judged for your own decision. Just because you prefer white men over black man does not make you self hating, just as preferring black men does not make you a racist against white men. It's just preference, I think that the whole point of the video is, that LOVE is colorblind." - B.B.C

This song is one of many great songs off of Alicia Key's album "The Element of Freedom".

Kids' Activities for September School Holidays 2011

The one week September school holidays are upon us once again!


And here is a list of fun stuff to keep the kids busy in the holidays and beyond.


The Smurfs Meet & Greet

Be one of the first 50 shoppers from Fridays to Sundays and get your photo taken with Papa Smurf, Clumsy or Smurfette.

Date: 26 Aug - 11 Sep 2011
Time: Various Timings
Venue: Various Frasers Centrepoint Malls
For more information on meet & greet timings and venues, please visit here:
http://www.fraserscentrepointmalls.com/promo/smurfsinthemalls/schedule.html

OR you can meet the Smurfs at the following John Little Stores too!

3 Sep 2011 - Marina Square (L2) at 5.45pm
4 Sep 2011 - Jurong Point (L2) at 11.30am


Transformers Meet & Greet

Date: 3-4  & 10-11 Sep 2011
Time: 1-3pm
Venue: 3 Sep - Toys 'R' Us Suntec; 4 Sep & 11 Sep - Toys 'R' Us Vivocity; 10 Sep - Toys 'R' Us Forum
FREE


Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival 2011
For more information, please visit here: http://chinatownfestivals.sg/default/

Street Light-up
Date: 30 August – 25 September 2011
Time: 7pm to 12 Midnight (Sunday to Thursday); 7pm to 2am (Friday & Saturday)
Venue: Along New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, inner streets of Chinatown and Garden Bridge

Festive Street Bazaar
Date: 29 August  to 12 September 2011
Time: 11am – 11pm  (Sunday to Thursday); 11am -12 midnight  (Friday & Saturday)
Venue: Along Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Street and Smith Street

Mass Lantern Walk & Celebration
Date: 10 September 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 7.30pm – 10pm
Venue: Starting Point – Hong Lim Park; Ending Point – New Bridge Road (main stage in front of Lucky Chinatown)


Kite Festival 2011 - Kite Flying Days

The highlight of the NTUC Income Kite Festival 2011 - one can look forward to a festive atmosphere that is enhanced with international artistic and cultural performances from musicians and dancers; exciting kite flying demonstrations by international kite-masters from China, Thailand, Malaysia and United States, and a Food Fiesta!

Date: 3-4 Sep 2011
Time: 4pm-8pm
Venue: The Promontory @Marina Bay
Admission is FREE
For more information and programme schedule, please visit here:
http://www.act3international.com.sg/kitefest-programme.htm


Mickey & Minnie Mouse Meet & Greet

Date: 3-4 Sep 2011
Time: 3pm & 8pm
Venue: City Square Mall, L1 Atrium
FREE


Sentosa Buskers Festival 2011

The Sentosa Buskers Festival is back this September school holidays with 12 new international acts. With jugglers, puppeteers and magicians from more than five different countries, the festival promises a rewarding time to play and bond.

Date: 3-11 Sep 2011
Time: 4pm-10pm
Venue: Various locations - Imbiah Stage, Kodak Stage @Merlion, Siloso Beach & Songs of the Sea Forecourt
Event is FREE, but usual island & car fees apply.
For more information and various performances schedule, please visit here: http://buskers.sentosa.com.sg/


KEN & BARBIE @Changi Airport

Let your little ones hang out with Barbie and Ken, the coolest couple at Changi Airport this September!

Date: 3-11 September 2011
Venue: Terminal 3, Basement 2 South

3-4 Sep: Meet & Greet at 1pm & 4pm
*Spend a minimum of $10 in a single receipt on the same day to redeem a photo pass. Changi Rewards members need only spend a minimum of $5 in a single receipt. Limited to first 30 families per session per day on a first come first served basis. Photo passes will be distributed 1 hour before each session.

5-10 Sep: Dress Up Contest at 12pm-8pm with Finals on 11 Sep (Sun), 7pm.
Dress your little ones in their best outfit or choose from our wardrobe and be made up by our artist on-site. Simply spend a minimum of $10 in a single receipt to participate and stand a chance to win up to $500 worth of Changi Dollar Vouchers.

5-11 Sep: Barbie Workshops at 1pm & 4pm
Let your little ones display their creativity through a series of workshops including tiara making, jewellery making, puppet making and nail painting. Simply spend a minimum of $40 (max 2 combined same-day receipt) to sign up for a same-day workshop. Changi Rewards members need only spend a minimum of $30. Limited to first 30 families per session per day on a first come first served basis.


Moonfest - A Mid-Autumn Celebration 2011

An annual Chinese arts festival held in celebration of the mid-autumn festival, it seeks to inspire and expose audiences to the intricacies of Chinese language, arts and culture through traditional Chinese performances, workshops and talks. Featuring both ticketed and free programmes, highlights of the festival include Chinese opera, ensemble performances, puppetry, dance, lantern riddles, cross talk and the popular lantern walkabout.

Date: 6-11 Sep 2011
Time: Various Timings
Venue: The Esplanade
FREE & Ticketed programmes available.
For more information and various performances schedule, please visit here: http://www.moonfest.com.sg/2011/calendar.html


'Sweet Dreams' Play

A new interactive play, “Sweet Dreams” about a happy little girl named Lisa, whose life turned around when her parents met with an accident. Aunty May took over the care of little Lisa and her sweet dreams soon turned into nightmares as things started to change. Learn how Little Lisa overcomes her fear and problems and as a result, changes things for the better! Performed by The Necessary Stage for children aged 7–12, parents and caregivers.

Date: 7 & 8 Sep 2011
Time: 3-3.30pm
Venue: 7 Sep - Auditorium at Woodlands Regional Library; 8 Sep - Activity Zone at Jurong Regional Library
Admission is FREE.


Science Buskers Festival

Catch the Science Buskers this September at Plaza Singapura - it is Science with Style!

Date: 9-11 Sep 2011
Venue: Plaza Singapura, Front Plaza, Level 1
Time: 10am - 8pm


Sentosa Day - FREE Island Admission

Mark your calendar for 10 September 2011 to enjoy free island admission on Sentosa Day! As part of the first-ever large-scale charity initiative, Sentosa Gives, the public can enjoy free entry via the Sentosa Boardwalk and Sentosa Express from 7am to 11.59pm. This is Sentosa’s way of thanking all guests for their strong support over the years.

Date: 10 Sep 2011
Time: 7am - 11.59pm
Venue: Sentosa
Admission is FREE.


Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Parade

Programme highlights for the event includes Dragon Dance, Chinese Cultural Dance, Wushu Performance, Lantern Quizzes and Stage Games. The evening will then come to a grand closure with the Lantern Parade being led by a lighted dragon that comes to 'life'! Free lanterns will be given out to the first 100 NTUC Plus! / nEbO Plus! / Plus! Cardholders based on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Date: 11 Sep 2011
Time: 7pm
Venue: Downtown East, Event Square
Admission is FREE.


Parks Festival 2011

In conjunction with World Parks Day on 17 September 2011, come discover what our parks have to offer during the inaugural Parks Festival from 17 to 25 September 2011, and join in the free activities NParks is organising to celebrate our parks.

Date: 17-25 Sep 2011
Time: Various Timings
Venue: Various Park venues
Activities are free, unless stated.
For more information and the calender of events, please visit here:
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/parksfest/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21


HAVE FUN!!!

10 months

(Daddy reminisces)

The diva is 10 months old. Today. 

And after this last post, which was only a mere 1.5 months ago, she has seemed to have grown to be more knowing and definitely more vocal in getting what she wants.

I may be biased, but how can you say no to such a face right?


Either way, Daddy would just like to tell you this:

Hi sweetiepie,

10 months ago, you were brought to this world oblivious to your surroundings. But you sure packed a strong pair of lungs then (and even a stronger pair NOW). Life for you back then was just all about cry, milk, poo & sleep. Looks like nothing has changed huh.

9 months ago, you went for your first-ever overseas road trip to Port Dickson with us. And funnily, the hotel bed was the highlight of your trip. You just seem to light up whenever you come into contact with it. And yes, you have learnt to master your smile and melt more hearts too.

8 months ago, you were slowly learning to lift you neck more while lying on your tummy. Daddy & Mummy loved seeing you trying to make the effort to lift your neck and steal glances at us. It was such a joy back then, and it is still such a joy now just looking at you.


7 months ago, you were getting more & more curious - the slightest sound or movement would make you stop drinking your milk and turn your head in that direction. Mummy thinks that you are distracted easily. I think you are just so cute.

6 months ago, you reached your first major milestone. You were able to you were able to flip onto your tummy unassisted. The first time! And it was also getting easier to flash your cheekie smile for the camera, which never fail to make my day.

5 months ago, it was milestone #2 - Solid foods were also introduced to you for the first time and like your 2 brothers before you, the 1 or 2 teaspoons of cereal were never enough for you. You loved eating back then, and you still do now. Mee goreng for supper with me soon?


4 months ago, you were becoming more and more talkative. But in a tradition reminiscent of your 2 brothers, you were only in an extremely wonderful mood  in the mornings. Afternoons were best left for milk and sleep for the cranky you. But still, you adore both your brothers, and especially love talking gibberish to them. Also, you had your first official dip in the swimming pool but let's just say it wasn't love at first sight then.

3 months ago, you got the licence to sit upright all by yourself, although still a P-plate then. But you certainly didn't need any help in putting objects into your mouth - as long as you could get on any objects, into your mouth they will go. But I know you can't really help it, because the real culprits were the 2 bottom teeth forcing their way out of your pinkish itchy gums.

2 months ago, you were getting more and more clingy, especially to Mummy. She would not be able to go out of your sight at all. And if she did, you would bawl your eyes out. Yes, very poor thing - Mummy, NOT you. Also, you have taken an interest in crawling and you never seem to get tired of it. During bedtime, you have the habit of climbing all over us and treating us as some kind of obstacles. Your 2 brothers certainly weren't as mobile as you were back then.


1 month ago, you were able to stand up on your own for a good 5 seconds and thrill the people around you by laughing at the silly antics that they do. Well, actually it's mostly your eldest brother - you just love to laugh at whatever things he does or says. And most often than not, he is the first one you look for whenever you wake up from your afternoon naps.

And now, you are the expert in getting people to be smitten with you - by making funny sounds, waving bye-bye, clapping your tiny hands and your killer move, blowing a flying kiss. No wonder both your grandpas turn to mush with you around. Okay okay, me too.


Happy 10 months, Ale! Daddy, Mummy, and your 2 brothers will always love you. :)

Photographer Leon Dale - Images You'll Love

For any one that looks for images online, depending on the site you to go - finding beautiful images for women with big natural hair is not easy. But thanks to Photographer Leon Dale, we will have another great option for finding beautiful images of women with natural hair.  Leon is currently working on a project called The Big Natural Hair Project.



"The Big Natural Hair project is a celebration of Black women with natural hair. The explosive crown of natural hair was once frowned upon,considered unkempt or too ethic for the work place.  It is now so muchmore appreciated and respected.  It has been covered by mainstreammagazines, featured in fashion spreads and on characters in prime time T.V. Ithas a thriving online community both for those who wear the style and those whoare enamoured by it.

The big natural hair project is my homage to natural hairduring this period of renewed interest.  The women who decide to wear their hair natural do so fornumerous reasons and come from diverse backgrounds. Not all of them areneo-soul, not all of them are afro-centric and the style can be rocked in manydifferent ways, from out right afro to frohawks and twists. It can shine, itcan kink, it can curl, natural hair can blow in the wind or stand in defiantcoils.

The women in this collection are particularly proud of theirhair and it shows. Their hair no longer simply a shield from the sun, but anexpression of a life style, a unique and personal accessory.  Put in itssimplest terms, the plumage that is natural hair is hot.  I believe itsbeautiful and there's a large and growing fan base that's right along side me."  - Leon Dale

Leon Dale Photography
Leon Dale's Big Natural Hair Photo Collection

kate winslet 2011

kate winslet 2011
Kate Winslet departs from the El Museo 2011 Gala on Thursday (May 26) in New York City. The 35-year-old actress's blockbuster film, Titanic
kate winslet 2011
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kate winslet 2011
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kate winslet 2011
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kate winslet 2011
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kate winslet 2011
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Earlier in the week, the dramatic story of Kate Winslet rescuing Sir Richard Branson's 90-year-old mother from his Caribbean home broke out

jennifer love hewitt

jennifer love hewitt
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt has sparked speculation she's dating actor Jarod Einsohn after the pair was spotted enjoying a dinner date together.
jennifer love hewitt
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jennifer love hewitt
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jennifer love hewitt
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jennifer love hewitt
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jennifer love hewitt
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Not only did she give you chills in her horror flicks, but Jennifer Love Hewitt is also getting under our skin (in a good way) in Ghost Whisperer.

amber rose with hair

amber rose with hair
Voluptuous model Amber Rose was barely recognizable when she stepped out in Atlantic City rocking a curly red wig
amber rose with hair
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amber rose with hair
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amber rose with hair
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amber rose with hair
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amber rose with hair 
There is no denying the next statement I'm about to make: Amber Rose is hot!

Link of the Day - Natural Beauty in Swim Wear


Even with summer ending, I can still appreciate the beauty of this colorful and unique bathing suit.
Source: Current Obsessed With

Wave Rider

Over the weekend, di-di & I checked out a new indoor playground - Amazonia, at Great World City. And my oh my, the place blew our minds away!

Especially this tall wave slide, which we lost count of the number of times we slid down.



YAH, it is that fun! Daddy promised to blog more about it... so, stay tuned! :)

Katy Perry

Katy Perry 

For quirky Katy Perry, jumping out of a cake is just too predictable.
Instead, the singer decided to dive into a giant dessert while performing at MTV's Latin America Awards in Guadalajara, Mexico.
However, her spectacular stunt didn't exactly go according to plan - just moments later, the star took a rather dramatic tumble after slipping over on the icing.  
Katy Perry 
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Katy Perry 
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Katy Perry 
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Katy Perry 
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Katy Perry 
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The I Kissed A Girl singer attempted to grab hold of one of her bandmates on her way down, but her efforts were in vain and she crashed to earth in breathtaking fashion.
Katy took the fall in her stride, and did her best to laugh off the public embarrassment.
No doubt she'll scratch the stunt from her repertoire as she steps in as host at this year's MTV Europe Music Awards next month.

Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett
Carrie Underwood will sing with Tony Bennett at a fundraising concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sept. 24. Diana Krall, John Mayer and Stevie Wonder will also perform. Presented by AARP
Tony Bennett
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Tony Bennett
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Tony Bennett
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Tony Bennett
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Tony Bennett
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Carrie Underwood is doing her part to end hunger. The 'Before He Cheats' singer will join fellow music stars John Mayer, Diana Krall and Stevie Wonder in.

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Banks is one of the most gorgeous and talented women in Hollywood, with the ability to pull off a wide range of genres.
Elizabeth Banks
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Elizabeth Banks
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Elizabeth Banks
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Elizabeth Banks
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Elizabeth Banks
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Elizabeth Banks, Actress: Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Actress Elizabeth Banks was born Elizabeth Mitchell in Pittsfield, a small city in the Berkshires

How to Protect And Health care Your skin

How to Protect And Health care Your skin
In winter, the skin thinks tight and we often have chapped fingers. This skin reaction is natural, but there are ways to retain skin moisturised. Dress warmly It really is stupid, but the clothes are the very best solutions to fight against dehydration on the epidermis in cold weather. It is for that reason that the skin of the physique, immune from external episode, dries slower in general compared to face or hands. Stay away from tight clothing, however, since they increase the sensation of dry skin and irritation. Also remember to put on gloves because it is useful and in many cases when it does not snow. Your hands will not be assaulted by way of the cold wind. Adopt precise treatments In the same way that we protect his body with hot clothes, we must also handle your skin with creams adapted: the care for dry skin which will at the time, protect and fix skin. If the skin feels tight and “hot”, choose a cream “Antirougeurs” cream.

Individual Health Insurance

Individual Health Insurance
While the fighting over the legality of the Affordable Care Act’s order requiring many people to buy health insurance continues to be fought, its repercussions on the high quality and cost of caring and what it would meant for patients and their physicians has been mostly overlooked.

According to a narration in this week’s Journal of the American Medical Association , the particular order would have discernible benefits for patients and their physicians. According to narration by authors Edward D. Miller, M.D., dean/CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Scott A. Berkowitz, helper highbrow of disinfectant and medical executive for Accountable Care for Johns Hopkins, the order would intensify the patient-physician relationship, enlarge access to health insurance coverage, stabilise insurance premiums, and mostly remove the complaint of “free riding” — where people who can means health insurance select not to buy it but still get hold of health caring services, without the goal of casing the expenses of their care.

“It should be coherent to design observers that the behaviour in that the republic has historically dealt with health caring insurance coverage is unfair, influenced and unsustainable,” says Miller. “Ensuring that the limit number of people probable have health insurance is major in enhancing access to, and the high quality of, care.”

“The future certain repercussions of the particular order on the patient-physician attribute is underappreciated,” says Berkowitz. “We know from investigate that patients with insurance are more expected to have physicians customarily entangled in coordinating their care, are more good to take periodic screening and preventative services, and have an increased life expectancy.”

Obama only want to talk about health insurance instead of talking about the prices providers charge?

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTo_NWjxA6-eQvb0zpsF2_nDn6EPRzKJVILTHMuQEmopv0uxAzknUYW127KObama only want to talk about health insurance instead of talking about the prices providers charge?

The prices health care providers charge are ridiculously high. why isn't that a major topic?


Obama stokes up all of this hatred towards the insurance companies when the fact is they are helping to keep prices down by demanding & getting discounts from the providers.

Why doesn't Obama want to reform the whole health care industry instead of just picking on one facet of it?

Because black folks can be tricky sometimes.

Because in their minds, we are always the problem that needs to be addressed, not the powerful and the rich.

He can do what ever he wants, i don't care as long as i am collecting unemployment benefits

Thanks mr. Obama

There are a number of problems with our health care system.

Insurance is one of them.

The prices medical providers charge is also one. But – part of that problem is related to the fact that medical service providers have to discount to big insurance clients, and for Medicare/Medicaid. So, they mark up prices so they can discount them to insurance companies and the government. that leaves the person without insurance paying outrageous prices.

There are so many problems with our health care system.

I am glad the problem is being addressed even if this makes Obama a one-term president. our current system is not sustainable.

Cebu after-thoughts

(Daddy reflects)

It has been almost a month since we returned from our Cebu holiday. And I think it's safe to say the whole family has been missing the place badly, albeit for different reasons. The wifey & I yearn for its beautiful beaches...


While the monkies long for the waterpark...


But that's a good thing because it meant that all of us had thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and also lived to tell our experiences.

I'm kidding when I say, "lived to tell our experiences".

Mainly because the first impression most people get when we mention "Cebu, Philippines" is whether it is safe, especially for kids. I don't know about other cities in the Philippines, but Cebu is pretty much the same as Phuket or Bali - only less crowded.

And here are some travel tips if you are planning a family trip to Cebu.


Climate

The rainy season falls between June to November, with the dry season occupying the other half of the year. The hottest & driest months are between February to May, so slap on a more than generous layer of sunscreen if you do go then. Before our trip, we were extremely worried that the rain would literally dampen our glorious holiday plans.


But as we found out, it didn't rain throughout the day and if it did rain, it was usually passing and intermittent. There were heavy thunderstorms but luckily for us, those occurred in the middle of the night, hence gifting us beautiful sunny skies in the mornings. Also, the low season meant that the hotel rates are much lower and the beaches less crowded. So I think I can live with a little rain. :)

People

The Filipinos are quite friendly on the whole, and are generally helpful. There are touts aplenty lying in ambush outside the resorts though, with most trying to sell various tour packages. But they are not too aggressive, and they usually drop away with a friendly 'no'.


Obviously, language isn't a problem there with English being spoken widely. Or maybe perhaps you might want to learn some Korean too. Why? 'Cos the place is teeming with Koreans! We were even mistaken to be Koreans too. The first thing the locals say when they see us? Ahn-hyung-ha-se-yo!

Well, it turns out that Cebu is a popular holiday destination with the Koreans, and also many Koreans go to Cebu to learn English because it is much cheaper than other countries. But no, I didn't spot the Wonder Girls there, else I would have sunbathed with them.

Food

No worries about toddlers being starved in Cebu. Rice & noodles are staple food there, and for the more angmoh-inclined little ones, there are pizza and pasta as well. Also, with the swarm of Koreans there, there were many Korean restaurants that served pretty authentic Korean food.


Ash loved the sio-bak (roasted pork) rice there, while Ayd adored the fried noodles so much that he declared that he wanted to have it EVERYDAY. As for Ale, we brought along jar food for her but occasionally we fed her rice which was mashed in miso soup.

Getting around


Taxis are the most obvious mode of transport in Cebu. The taxis are metered, but they almost always never use them. The most common reason we encountered was that it was spoilt. So the important thing is to negotiate the fare before you get into the taxi. But if you die-die want to use the meter, you can just wait for the next taxi that comes along.

We made 7 cab rides throughout our stay in Cebu, and only ONCE did the cab that we were in use its meter. I don't know if that meant that we were lucky or unlucky. Haha.

And if you are feeling a little bit more adventurous, you can hop onto the locals' mode of transport - the Jeepney. It's very much like the Tuk-tuks of Thailand but it functions like a bus. So it can get really crowded and often we saw people just clinging onto the outside if the vehicle is full.

Oh, and unless you are just going to stay within the four walls of the resort, leave your pram at home. The walkways in Cebu are definitely not built for strollers. Well, unless you intend to buy a new one.

Shopping

We devoted one day of shopping in Cebu city and for that, we went to the SM City Mall which was the largest shopping centre in Cebu. And it was huge with lots of shops & food outlets. It was definitely better than we had anticipated, even with our local brands like Breadtalk, Charles & Keith and BYSI.

But with our monkies, the word 'shopping' has the same meaning as the word 'boring'. And it never fails to illicit such a response.


But luckily, there is an amusement arcade for the kids, with each token being only 17 cents. I would have played some games myself even if the monkies didn't want to! And if the kids got tired, there are shopping buggy cars for rent at about S$10 per hour.


So there you have it, I hope that you had found certain bits of information useful if you are planning a family trip to Cebu too. There are other kids-related stuff that we didn't get a chance to do, like the Mactan Island Aquarium and the Sky Experience Adventure where one gets a chance to walk along the edge at the top of the tallest tower in the Philippines.

Well, there is always next year time. I hope. :D

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