Although I still plan to download a Malaysian map on my Garmin gps, I went ahead and got a hold of this Globetrotter Travel Guide Malaysia. I got this from National Bookstore the other day for P645. Pretty much the same converted price via Amazon minus the shipping cost. I just love it when our local stores carry foreign brands.

The original plan was another Boracay getaway just like what we had last year. But we later agreed that the country where Petronas towers are will be our next stop. Who knows maybe next year, we might just have a fancier Branson vacation package vacay. We are still deliberating if we can squeeze in a cross country trip to Singapore while we are at it or just book a different trip for that altogether. Whatever we decide on the plan is to have a short but sweet and fun vacation with my boys.

I didn’t know until later that I could actually buy this Garmin Nuvi 255 unit for half the price I got it for.  I bought this last May 2010 at Infomax for almost twelve grand.

But since I only found that out recently, I guess I have those few couple of months without road hassle to thank Gary for. That’s my Garmin’s name. I figured, while the device talks, why not give him a name, right? For someone who sucks at directions like myself, this device is as important as a car insurance is to any motorist.

My new toy Lady Rouge just turned a month old. Break in – check. First car maintenance for the first 1,000km. – check. I am loving it so far. I don’t think there’ll be a car that would better fit my need. It has the back up sensors and indicator that I need. I did have to buy a Garmin GPS though, just to make sure I don’t get lost in the streets.

What’s more lovely is that I don’t need to look into auto insurance quotes. Because this pretty lady has that, complete with AOG, which I cannot do without. Especially with what happened to us during the devastating typhoon Ondoy.

Here are the specifications of Lady Rouge, a Great Wall Peri:

1.3L In-Line 4 cylinder
4 stroke DOHC 16V Gasoline
5 speed M/T
Euro IV
ABS + EBD
Dual Airbag
Electronic Engine Anti-theft System
Keyless Entry
Roof Rail
Rear Spoiler
14” Alloy Mags

I am hoping to indulge and relax for a bit and probably have a whole day for myself sunk in my soft memory foam mattress covered with my favorite allergy beddings. Oh what a dream! But I think I could very well squeeze that right in. The plan is to double my shift for a day at work so I could have an extra day off to do just that.

The geniuses who lent their perspective and talent to Inspirations: Acclaimed local and international artists Nikki Luna, Cesar Gaupo and Jimmy Caumeron with Tristan Granados, MM Yu alongside Flow magazine’s Miguel Rosales and Patrck Apacible.

The exhibit that Mendoza together with Flow Magazine and Bratpack launched will last until May 20, 2010 at the ground floor of Greenbelt 5. Here are a couple from their travel line hard cases collections:

Mendoza Z Panzer

Seahawk Plus

Mendoza Travel Bags are available at The Travel Club stores, SM Department Store, Robinsons, Landmark, Duty Free, Bratpack Greenbelt 5, Metro Gaisano and Felcris Chimes Davao.

Dani and Me

with fellow bloggers Dani and Arvin and the people behind the Primer Group of Companies, the exclusive distributor of Mendoza Travel Bags here in the Philippines.

Carlton has been around for over 30 years and has been a distinctive and friendly brand with flair, offering innovative travel solutions based on deep consumer understanding. Each piece of Carlton travel bag or suitcase denotes high quality and durability offering versatile travel comfort to the discerning consumer.

Here is a collage of the shots I took from the fashion show held during the launch.

Carlton Media Launch

Kikay Corner was one of the recipients of Carlton’s generosity during the launch. I got for myself my very own Motif Flight Bag.  A timely gift for my upcoming trip to Malaysia.  It is backed with no less than a 7 year warranty.  Here’s more about this particular travel bag:

Motif Flight Bag

Motif [moh-teef] –noun A recurring subject, theme, idea, esp. in a literary, artistic, or musical work. A work of art, Motif is a distinctive range from the Carlton stable – be it the styling or the materials used.

Differentiated twill trims for an elegant SQUARES design. Front pocket with lockable kissing zippers.
Interior Material – 150 Denier Polyester
Exterior Material – 900 x 1200 Polyester with PVC coating.

Carlton has offices in London, Dubai, Mumbai and Hong Kong. Carlton has its presence in over 60 countries spread across 4 continents. Owned by VIP Industries Ltd., a $100 million company with a passion for design innovation and technical excellence. A passion that has been rewarded time and time again with major design awards.

Hopefully, next year, I will be asking for recommended mexico hotels. Even as we work our butts off doing the things that we do, my family decided last year that we are going to treat ourselves to a yearly vacation. Thanks in advance for those who will drop a line or two, of their recommended KL hotel.