Shopping Round London Town

After the little celebration we had for our wedding, we head the next day to London to have a short break. Short break I call it as we have been through loads of stuffs, stress and etc not just for the preparation of our DIY wedding but also for all the things that were going round the house at the moment. Anyway, we stayed in our favourite cheap hotel, Premier Inn and planned to conquer Oxford Street again, Westfield Stratford for the first time and hoping to see a bit of the olympic park which is just few steps away from the big shopping centre. Since, we got vouchers and cash given as present to us on our wedding day we agreed to spend the lot on shopping.

Waiting for the train at Kenton Station

BT Tower in London

Creepy LV Doll in Selfridges in Oxford Street

We started our journey at around half past 8 on a sunday morning via the London Underground from Kenton Station to Oxford Street which is 30 minutes travel to start our day of shopping. Little that we know, shops in Oxford Street open late on Sundays so we spend the whole morning walking the whole street of Oxford till we dropped in Sports Direct to get proper trainers for me. We ended up buying a beautiful pink/grey Nike+ Structure 15 for £62 which was on offer. It is very comfy and I didn’t have any feet aches after a long day of walk round London town. Next stop was Forever 21, I am not a fan really as they havent got my size but they have little bits and bobs that catches me eye. They were having this Buy 1 get 1 sale and I spotted a jacket which can be very handy for me as I easily get cold so I paid for £17 for the jacket and got me free jumper (£8) with me. We also stopped in L’Occitane shop to get a facial soap for £8 but I also ended up buying the charity soap too for £3, the proceeds goes to the blind people. We then moved to BHS to buy a proper winter coat, for £55 we got this beautiful blue puffy coat with a hood. It fits me well, its very warm and still when you wear it.

L’Occitane L: Facial Soap, R: Charity Soap

at Westfield’s viewing deck. Olympic Park at the background

After having a lovely lunch at Pret A Manger, we then start our journey to see Westfield Stratford. We hoped into a 30 minute underground train from Oxford to Stratford and came out of the station which is just located next to the shopping centre. How convenient is that?? I can’t belive what I am seeing, it is massive, shops are countless, packed with people, food court is full and it was very confusing. My goal was to find Victoria Secrets Shop and in just few minutes we found it, I was stunned on the lingerie collection the shop has, its my very first time to see a massive range of lingerie in a shop as well as their very famous scents, lotions and make ups. Of course, I can’t afford to leave the house without any VS stuffs with me so I bought 2 body lotions, 2 body spray and a hand and feet moisturizer for £25. Not bad, eh?

Victoria Secret Lotions and Sprays

near the Olympic Park

After I had me shopping we found our way to see the viewing deck for the Olympic Park, you cant really see the whole of it but a little glimpse was enough for me. I also stopped in the Apple store to look what an iPhone5 looks like and it was great, expensive and cant afford so we went. We had a little walk outside the shopping centre and ended up in this MINI Car Store. They showcase Mini cars, apparel and little bits and pieces. I tried to have a go on one of the Mini Cars and it was just fabulous, I wouldnt mind to have one in future! Very comfy, spacious and it look so smart. We started to feel hungry, it was tea and cake time so we stopped in this japanese look-a-like cafe, they have all sorts of cakes on the half side of the table and sushi on the other side. Anyway, I picked the chocolate and raspberry muffin and also another muffin for me husband. Muffins can be dry so I wasnt really expecting much, the cappuccino which I order did really surprise me as it came so small, its unbelievable!! It’s in a very small cup that has a funny handle, you can even slid your finger on the handle to hold it but it came out alright.

Me in the Mini Car

Tea and Cake Time! that’s the cappuccino I am saying, tiny innit?

Me and the cakes

I cant remember what time we reached our hotel, as far as I can remember I am totally knackered after a day of shopping. At least I can say that we done something different for our honeymoon. It is small and quick but whats important was we have enjoyed the company of each other still and we have something to look back in future.

CHEAP Cash Remittances From Abroad

Tired of paying high fees to send cash to your country using Western Union, Moneygram and Zoom? Then this must be the answer on your queries and prayers.

BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) Logo

We have been using BPI Europe for almost 2 years now and we are happy because we only pay £5.00 even we plan to send £1000.00 to the Philippines. Unlike other money transfer services where you need to pay for the corresponding fee for the amount that you wish to send back home. It is also very convenient because you can take the money out of your account right after the money was sent.

It all started when we really got tired of Western Unions high fee prices and we searched for an alternative solution online on how to send money in low-cost. Good thing that we cross this website of BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) Europe that gave us more idea on how to send cash by paying £5.00 only.

GBP Notes SPECIMEN

I went to the nearest BPI branch here in Davao and applied for a savings account. I paid P4000.00 for the ATM card and for the remaining balance of P3500.00. It was very quick that I already got my card and went home. From there,  a loved one in Europe registered on-line, fill up the form and send the documents needed to the office in Earl’s Court in London via post to open a BPI Europe STAR account. It took 3-5 days of processing but worth it.

As of the moment we are still enjoying the convenience of their service. I can withdraw the cash in any ATM machines in Davao (Free of Charge in BPI ATM Machines, P10.00 fee on any ATM machines). We don’t need to think of wasting high fees cos then we can add the excess pennies for that “high fees” to the cash remittances we going to send back home. Dont forget “EACH PENNY COUNTS” so let’s try to save a little bit.

Here are the requirements for you to open a STAR account in BPI EUROPE.

- Proof of ID (passport or UK photocard driving license) - must be ORIGINAL copy or AUTHENTICATED by your GP, Solicitor, or your Bank.

- Proof of address (bank/credit card statement, utility bill, council tax bill) - ORIGINAL copy

- 1 ID picture

- Initial deposit of £50 to be credited to your account - cash or cheque payable to yourself

- Accomplished Customer Information Sheet and send it to their mailing address…

BPI Europe Plc, 26A and 27A Earl’s Court Gardens, London, SW5 0SZ

For more information please visit the website.

http://www.bpieuropeplc.com/

Moments of 2011

I was not expecting that my 2011 will be as spectacular as London’s Fireworks every New Years Day at The London Eye. I have never ever imagine that all my dreams will come true in this year. I am still amazed on how things happened and how things went well.

My Nan on my Dad's side in Leyte

MegaZip Zipline in Sentosa Island, Singapore

Universal Studios in Singapore

An Organ inside Lincoln Cathedral

Nemesis Ride in Alton Towers

It started with my trip to my Dad’s birthplace,  Leyte in January 15, 2011. I attended the wedding of my cousin and spend 3-4 days with my father’s side relatives. Followed by the family beach outing in Camp Holiday Resort and Recreation Area at Island Garden City of Samal in February the 1st. Next was the trip to Singapore with my boyfriend Paul and celebrated Valentines Day there. We stayed 4 days in Singapore and tour Sentosa Island, hop in the Singapore Flyer and experience Singapore’s Chinatown. After 4 days in Sentosa, we flew back to the capital of the Philippines which is Manila and stayed for 3 nights in The Traders Hotel. We also had our first attempt to get a visa and sent our visa application to the visa agency in Manila but we got refused.

One of the roads we took while we were in the North

In Yeovil, Somerset (Like a Fiesta)

In Ministry of Defence

Me on fishing tasks

Windsor Castle

We moved in a new bigger house last 28th of February when I arrived Davao from my Singapore Holiday, still renting as we can’t afford to buy one. I also visited the north along with my parents, my daughter and a family friend. It was 18th of March when we invaded Sta Josefa, Agusan del Sur to do some fruit spraying. My daughters 3rd year birthday came, 10th of April, 2011 and we celebrated it. 8 days after, I flew to manila to get my passport with my UK visa after the second attempt in the 2nd of April.

Arndale in Manchester

Telephone Red Box in Lincoln

Hadrians Wall

With one of the Queens Guard

Chinatown in Singapore

Big day has arrived, London is waiting for the new first Lady of Lincolnshire, England. I left Davao, 6th of May but I left Manila, 7th of May at exactly 1 in the morning. Connecting flight was Manila to Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi to LHR Terminal 4. I arrived London at around 5pm UK time.

Tower Bridge

Peterborough Cathedral

Junction 32 in Pontefract

Fort Siloso, Sentosa Island, Singapore

Westfield Shopping Centre in Derby

First trip in England was the trip to Lincoln to see the cathedral, castle, try Steep Hill and a little rampage on the high street. Next was few shopping centres we visited mostly weekends like Junction 32 in Pontefract, Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield, Westfield Shopping Centre in Derby, Victoria Shopping Centre in Nottingham, Market in Leicester, Four Seasons Shopping Centre in Mansfield, The Foundry Shopping Centre in Scunthorpe, Grafton Centre in Cambridge, Arndale Shopping Centre in Manchester, Metro Centre in Newcastle, Harrods in London, Oxford Shopping Street in London, Old George Mall in Salisbury, French Gate Shopping Centre and Lakeside Outlet Shopping Village in Doncaster, Designer Outlet in York, Whiterose Shopping Centre in Leeds, Grosvenor Shopping Centre in Northampton, Bullring Shopping Centre in Birmingham, Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough, Pescod Square Shopping Centre in Boston and many more.

Inside the Singapore Flyer

Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore

Buckingham Palace

Bletchley Park

Cadabra inside Cadburys World

We also visited and walked round London Town. Hop and rode The London Eye, experience Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeons. Went into some abbeys; Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral. We witnessed the Tropping of the Colours for the Queens Birthday in Buckingham Palace and invaded Kensington Palace where Princess Diana’s home before she died in 1997 in a car accident in Paris. Seen the Big Ben in the Houses of Parliament. Went inside Tower of London to see the crown jewels and climb up to the top part of the Tower Bridge to see whole of London again. We went to Althorp House, Skegness Seaside, Bournemouth Pier, Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Avebury, Ingoldmells Market, Cadbury’s World, Windsor Castle, Car Boot Sale in Harby, Bletchley Park, Hadrian’s Wall and watch Black Eyed Peas Concert in Alton Towers with the special participation of LMFAO.

BEP concert stage

Tower of London

London Dungeon

Entrance of Westminster Abbey

In five months stay in England, I didn’t say the words, “I’m BORED.” I had so much fun. I met dozens of good, approachable people, his relatives, new friends, fellow Filipinos whose been so good to me and of course his family. I left England on the 8th of October and arrived Davao at the 10th of Oct because I stayed one night in Manila. I reunite with my family again after 5 months of not seeing them in person specially my daughter. Of course there was a little celebration and gathering.

Woodhenge

The Queen and Prince Philip of UK wax figures in Madame Tussauds

I can say that I am lucky enough to reach and fulfil my dream at the age of 23. I can close the year with a very big smile with lots of good memories to cherish and experiences not just from England but also here in the Philippines and the 2 more countries I have visited. I am ready to move to the next level of my life with my family, nieces and nephew, my boyfriend and his family with the guidance of the Man up above whose behind all of this happenings.

Happy Reading!

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is a royal residence located in the beautiful Kensington Gardens in The Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England, United Kingdom. It has been the official residence of the British Royal Family since 17th century. It was the official residence of the late Princess Diana of Wales from 1981 (when the famous 1981 Royal Wedding happened) -1997 (when she died). It is also the residence of  Queen Elizabeth II late sister, Princess Margaret and Prince Henry’s wife, Princess Alice. Some of Kensington Palace’s state rooms is opened for public. They also have this exhibition called Enchanted Palace about the 7 Princesses who once reside at the palace itself. The exhibition is still on ’till the 3rd of January next year (2012).

Me at Kensington Palace Main Gate

Kensington Palace Signage

If you wish to visit Kensington Palace to experience their latest exhibition, here are the informations/ways and details on how to purchase and book a ticket.

Kensington Palace's Garden

Kensington Palace's Garden

Ticket Prices:

Adult- £12.50

Child (16 below)- £6.25

Concessions (Students/SC)- £11.00

Family (2 adults and 6 kids)- £34.00

Gown was worn by Princess Margaret and the tiara she wore on her wedding.

Princess Diana wore this gown in the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia

Ticket Booking:

Book Ticket in Person- You can book and purchase a ticket in the day in the palace ticket office in the Red Saloon. You can also book a ticket in advance by going to the ticket office.

Book Ticket via Phone- Telephone bookings only not for general information. 0844 482 779 (UK only) and +44 (0)20 3166 6000 (outside UK). Weekends and bank holidays are CLOSED.

Book Ticket Online- Just visit http://www.hrp.org.uk/ and go to Kensington Palace page and from then on, follow the instructions to book ticket online.

They also accept GROUP BOOKINGS.

Opening Times: Mon-Sun: 10am-5pm, Last Admission is 4pm.  1st of March, 11- 3rd of January, 12

Please note that Kensington Palace Ticket is for Enchanted Palace Exhibition ONLY. Other displays and rooms are closed due to building works.

London Heathrow Terminal 4

Here is a little collection of photos of London Heathrow Terminal 4. You can use this as guide in future specially to those who are departing from T4 as I will put captions and little tips and advises on travelling.

Check this one out!

Entrance/Exit and Lounge of the departing guests of T4.

T4 Welcoming You!

Check In Counter Zones A-D on the left side.

Check In Counter Zones E-G on the right side.

Security Check and Scan for Departing Passengers (also the way to the passengers lounge and gates)

Trolley Area

London Heathrow Terminal 4 Check In Counters and Security Check

Way to Check In Counter Zones G and H

Zone Signage and Check In Information Screen in the middle of the Guest Lounge

After the Security Check you will enter the Passengers Lounge that leads you to your respective gates which only departing passengers of the airport are allowed. Also an important reminder to you traveler, if you are having an international flight, PLEASE, arrive at the airport 4 hours before you fly to avoid any delays, problems and rushing yourselves to the gate or if its worse, you will be left by the aircraft behind.

Piece of ADVICE:

It is best to travel with a light carry-on bag to avoid any hassles on checking luggage in. Also 24 hours or less than 24 hours, check-in yourselves online and if possible print you’re boarding passes, this can help you save time on queuing longer than usual in the check-inn counter.

Pack LIGHT and enjoy the journey. Have a safe trip Guys!