A secluded getaway called Cintai Corito’s Garden

Our province, Batangas, is known for the numerous beaches lined up on its coastline. But for those who live near the Laguna-Batangas boundary, our options are limited to private resorts as we live far from the sea, and nearer to the mountains and lakes. In my previous blog entries, I have blogged about a mountain resort and a resort by the Taal Lake. This time, I will be featuring a Balinese style resort, which is located at another area of Batangas which is considered as a biker’s heaven due to its uphill roads and rough lanes, at the municipality of Balete.

Cintai Corito’s garden resort offers overnight accommodations and day tours, located at Malabanan, Balete, Batangas. You are literally inside a garden, with occasional glimpses of the view of the Taal Lake. The swaying trees and the rustling leaves can be heard anywhere: while having a massage at the spa, while having coffee or dinner at Abadi Restaurant, while floating at one of their mesmerizing secret pools…

The spa

The restaurant

The pool

A day tour of the resort is priced at PhP1,850.00. The day tour includes lunch and afternoon snacks, access to all swimming pools, and photo-op all you want! 🙂 There is a special rate for those who intends to have their prenup pictorial at the resort.

The reason why we went to this resort is to attend the wedding reception of a close friend from elementary school. The reception was held at one of the pavilions inside the resort. The resort has several pavilions where important occasions, milestones, and events can be held privately.

The pavilion

Cintai Corito’s Garden is your sanctuary away from the stressful city life. Its Balinese-inspired surroundings will make you feel as if you are in a remote but secured place. Time seems to be longer while relaxing at this picturesque sprawling resort.

For reservations, you can book directly at their website, http://coritosgarden.com/.

Rediscovering Puerto Galera and that Mindoro sling :-)

Summer’s almost over. I’m glad that as compared to my previous summers where I barely had time to swim, this summer is a haze of sun, water, boat rides, and… Mindoro sling!

with my panyeras, at the Puerto Galera marker

The last time that I was in Puerto Galera was more than ten years ago, fresh out of college, with my batch mates from high school. It was our first out-of-Luzon island trip together, even though Puerto Galera is merely an hour of ferry boat ride away from our province, Batangas.

This summer, I was able to visit this island twice. Once last April, on a day tour with hubby and friends from law school, and the second one, this last week of May, on an overnight stay with hubby, mom and my relatives. Both visits are equally memorable, not just because of the companionship but also because of the new things that I discovered about Puerto Galera (as my knowledge about the beach is limited and outdated).

AT THE TAMARAW FALLS

For starters, it was my first time to visit Tamaraw Falls, as way back in 2003 this wasn’t even considered as part of tourist destination in Puerto Galera then. This is located about thirty (30) minutes away from the White Beach. If you have a vehicle, it is easier to visit this as this is located along the road. It’s also near the Puerto Galera “Heart of Asia” marker. If you do not have a private vehicle, you can ride a tricycle to visit Tamaraw Falls, however, price can be hefty, for a fee of eight hundred pesos (PhP800.00) for a group of four. Only four people can be accommodated by the tricycle as the Tamaraw Falls is located in the mountainous part of Puerto Galera.

AT A SECLUDED BEACH CALLED SANDBAR RESORT

The last time I visited Puerto Galera, we stayed at White Beach, where numerous resorts, restaurants and bars are scattered all over the place. However, I was able to discover a private resort during our visit in April, thanks to our ninong and ninang who brought us there together with my law school buds. The name of the resort is Sandbar. And it is literally a breathtaking resort.

At Sandbar Resort

A private resort

We went to Sandbar Resort on a day tour. We had breakfast at the beachfront and got to swim in the late morning. For those who opt for a quieter side of Puerto Galera, you can stay at Sandbar Resort. They serve sumptuous food and offer water activities, less the crowded beach. While we were there we also got to watch kids taking kite surf and wind surf lessons.

Lying on the beach, while a kid learns how to wind surf

NIGHTLIFE AT WHITE BEACH

My cousin with a fire dancer

The second time that we went to Puerto Galera, we stayed overnight at White Beach. This time, I wanted my companions to experience the Puerto Galera nightlife. I was the youngest in our group, with my hubby and a cousin as the next youngest, and two senior citizens (mom and aunt) with us. It was literally the first time for my companions to experience the nightlife at Puerto Galera. Since it was the last hurrah for summer (last week of May when we went there), the nightlife was in full swing. There were the fire dancers (who would gladly take picture with you for a fee), the beach party, the gay impersonators, the live band…

Dancers at the beach

Hubby and I were able to steal alone time that night, and had a date under the stars, on a candlelit table, drinking Mindoro sling. It was my first time to try the Mindoro sling and I love it. No hangover the day after, and I love the citrus taste. 🙂

A date by the sea

The next day, we enjoyed swimming at the beach together with other people who were savoring the last few days of summer. I highly recommend that you try having breakfast at Foodtrip sa Galera. You will get your money’s worth and the food serving is really generous. 🙂 I had a longanisa sampler for brunch, and I added merely 10 pesos so that I can have brewed coffee with my brekky.

Foodtrip sa Galera

REFLECTIONS

It was a memorable last hurrah for summer. They say Puerto Galera is the poor man’s Boracay. However, I will never get tired of the place or consider it as jologs. For me, it is how a person appreciates the beauty of a place, the atmosphere, the energy of the people, that defines the worth of a place. If you will carry that superior attitude that a place is far more classy than another, then no other place will meet your expectations. But if you see beyond the physical aspect and bask in what the place has to offer, then you will definitely have the time of your life. We definitely did. 🙂

Boracay during the mid-2000s

The news feed on my Facebook account is being bombarded with #Laboracay pictures, videos, and status updates. I can’t help but reminisce what it’s like to party all night in Boracay and explore the island all day. Looking back more than ten years ago, I felt at that time that I should experience party life in Boracay during my twenties. 🙂 And I did and had the time of my life. Twice, with my friends from law school. Two of our batch mates in law school hail from Aklan, which is the reason why we felt not that touristy when we went there, since we were accompanied with friends who are very much comfortable (and influential) in their own territory. 🙂

This is my first time in Boracay, during the year 2004 (it’s been eleven years already!). It was also my first time to travel in the Visayas.

My first glimpse of the island

My knowledge about the island is limited to what I have seen ten years ago. Back then, we party at Cocomanga’s and Summer Place, eat chorizo sandwich sold by beachfront vendors, drink mango shake at Casa Pilar (for me still the best), buy souvenirs at Talipapa and D’ Mall.

The bucket at Summer Place

We went to Boracay for the summer for two consecutive years, during the year 2004 and again on 2005. Since then, I was not able to come back because I have been busy with law school and with practice after passing the bar. But it’s fun to look back to my younger years, the carefree days of hopping on a plane bound to Kalibo with my classmates.

We climbed the roof of the boat during an island tour.

On my second summer in Boracay, there were so many of us that it felt like a field trip on our way to Kalibo. That time, we tried going to Aklan by a passenger vessel, then by plane back to Manila.

at the beachfront with my girl friends

Puka Beach

And since we’re talking about ten years ago, there’s also my Boracay beach body ten years ago.. 😦 How time flies. 😀

at the Grotto, on the Boracay Rock

Since I have already experienced partying like there’s no tomorrow in Boracay, riding the banana boat, island tours, and other water activities, my dream really is to go to Boracay during off-season. I want to experience Boracay in seclusion, with my hubby, just lying by the beach all day, and going to spas for a massage. That is what I have not yet experienced in Boracay, and what for me I should experience during my thirties. 🙂

Enchanted by the mountainous province of Nueva Vizcaya

Another thing that made the Isabela trip a wondrous experience for me is when we passed by the captivating province of Nueva Vizcaya, considered as the gateway to the Cagayan Valley Region.

Nueva Ecija-Nueva Vizcaya Road..

You would know that you are in the Nueva Vizcaya province when you pass by roads as scenic as the one above, the Caraballo Mountains found on San Jose, Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya province

BOUND TO ISABELA

On our way to Isabela, we had a stop over and coffee break at the charming town of Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya. The aching joints and knees from the long road trip would be immediately forgotten once you step out of the vehicle and see this..

Cool and refreshing..

This is the restaurant where we stopped by to have coffee and snacks. The name is Kuya Lar’s. It’s a popular stop over for travelers. It’s a nice, cool place where you can park your vehicle, eat, drink coffee, and stretch your legs, with the wind softly tickling your skin.. There are souvenir shops selling local delicacies, brooms, and other native products.

GOING BACK TO MANILA

On our way back to Manila, we had a stop-over again at Nueva Vizcaya, this time at Dalton Pass (also known as Balete Pass), which is near the Nueva Vizcaya-Nueva Ecija boundary… There’s entrance fee amounting to ten pesos each. At the foot of the Dalton Pass is the iconic tower of Region 2.

Iconic tower of Region 2

It’s a not-so-steep climb, and the view at the top is absolutely worth it.

Wacky shot on our way up.

Dalton Pass is actually the terrain where Japanese forces, American and Filipino soldiers clashed during World War II. There is a marker at the highest point of Dalton Pass commemorating the death of General Dalton during the war. Dalton Pass is a shrine to those who sacrificed and perished during the war.

Our photographer, my hubby

I’m sure many travelers who have passed by Nueva Vizcaya on their way to Ifugao, Isabela or Cagayan province would agree that passing by the Caraballo mountains of Nueva Vizcaya is an exhilarating experience. On my next blog, I will feature the famous local delicacy Nueva Vizcaya is known for.. their version of buko pie. 🙂

at the highest point… dramatic view

Crossing the Isabela-Ifugao borderline…

We didn’t expect that crossing the boundary lines between Ramon, Isabela and Alfonso Lista, Ifugao would be this scenic…

Another one off the bucket list. 🙂 Going to Magat Dam is a must, you’re in for a visual treat. To read more about our Magat Dam adventure, click here.

Good Friday at Magat Dam in Ramon, Isabela

While on vacation at Isabela with my in-laws, hubby and I went to Cauayan City to meet up with my law school and bar review besties, who are now our kumare and kumpare. 🙂 They took us to Ramon, Isabela so that we can take a look at Magat Dam.. I did not expect that the Magat Dam and its vicinity would literally take our breath away. The following pictures would show you why it’s worth the distance and travel time…

It was Good Friday when we went to Magat Dam. It’s quite a drive actually, with our kumpare Andrew doing all the driving. Magat Dam is located at Ramon, Isabela and have been constructed since 1982.

You would have to walk to the concrete road/bridge to take a closer view of the Magat Dam and the beautiful Magat River, a major tributary of Cagayan River. 🙂

When there’s no water flowing from the dam, and on hot days like that Good Friday, tourists can ride a boat and enjoy cruising around Magat River. There is also a floating market in the middle of the river.

Can you see the ray of light at the picture below?

A closer look at the hydroelectric power plant…

The tour would not be possible without Andrew and Grace, my law school besties, bar review buddies, and now I am godmother to their first child, Bree. ❤

While walking towards the parking lot, we have to stop and take a picture again. As what I’ve mentioned, we can’t get enough of the beauty of the place.

Mountain ranges as backdrop. 🙂

Holy Week in Isabela (also my first time in Cagayan Valley Region)

My thoughts of the Cagayan Valley are filled with visions of green surroundings, mountains and hills, rice fields and forests… So when I learned that we will be spending Holy Week at the house of my father-in-law in Isabela, I was really excited to visit this side of the Northern Luzon. Again, memories of grade school Civics and Culture subject came back, as we were required to memorize all the regions in the Philippines and the respective provinces then. And I thought at that time that Cagayan Valley has the prettiest name. 🙂

About to leave Central Luzon..

The picture above was taken when we were about to leave the Central Luzon Region. Nueva Vizcaya is looming ahead. As what I said, it’s my first time to visit the Cagayan Valley Region. And just the view of the mountainous province of Nueva Vizcaya is enough to make me bounce on my feet, hahaha

It’s almost a twelve-hour road trip for us as we had several stop overs: first, to take our lunch at Hacienda Luisita and another one, coffee break at Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya. It’s past 10:00 in the evening when we arrived at Echague, Isabela. It was a tiring but memorable road trip, as the road leading to Isabela provided us with spectacular views.

The next day is a Holy Thursday; every commercial establishment is closed in Isabela. Hubby and I took a walk at their neighborhood in Echague, where he used to spend summer vacations when he was younger. It was such a quaint neighborhood, where one can inhale the fresh air, hear the trees swaying, take a bike ride, or simply take a walk without worries that someone might harm you. It’s a town where everyone knows everyone.

We also got to taste the local pancit in Isabela, what they call as “Pancit Cabagan”. We found an eatery selling pancit Cabagan while we were walking in their neighborhood. We did not hesitate to order, and it was gone in an instant. To be fair, it wasn’t just us who ate the local pancit 😀

The next day, we visited our kumare and kumpare in Cauayan City, just two towns away from Isabela. We visited their home, where the delicious local delicacy, dendelot, is waiting to be devoured, LOL! We loved it instantly.

Dendelot. The local sticky rice, with a twist. With sweet sauce.

It was Good Friday then, and they took us to Ramon, Isabela where we could visit the beautiful and breathtaking Magat Dam. But that would be a separate blog entry. 🙂

What made our trip extra special is that we brought our pets with us. They clearly enjoyed the trip as much as we do. 🙂

Would you agree? 🙂

Our summer started at The Grand Villa Resort & Butterfly Centre

Summer has officially started. It’s scorching hot and the perfect thing to do is to go out and swim. We found the best occasion to do it–to celebrate my mom’s birthday.

Pool area at The Grand Villa Resort

Although my family hails from Batangas, we are much nearer to the province of Laguna rather than the other municipalities and cities in Batangas. That’s because our town, Sto. Tomas, is considered as the gateway to Batangas. Our town is situated between three Laguna towns: Calamba, Bay, and Alaminos.

Since our town is adjacent to the province of Laguna, we have easy access to the resorts and hot springs in Laguna. For my mom’s birthday, we went to the nearby town of Bay, Laguna. My cousin have a membership card with The Grand Villa Resort & Butterfly Centre located at Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna. It’s considered as a mountain resort, since the resort is situated at the mountainous area of Bay. We have to endure steep road on the way there, but no worries since the road is very smooth.

Since we were more than ten people (cousins and grandchildren included), we availed of a Cabana for the day pass. For smaller groups, you can avail of cottages. There are also dormitories, hotels, and family rooms, like the one below.

Dom/hotel

The Grand Villa Resort & Butterfly Centre, from the name itself, is more than just a resort. It’s a 22-hectare mountain resort with amenities such as the Butterfly Farm, the Aviary Center, function hall, spa, and a mini-chapel. Unfortunately, the butterfly farm and aviary center were closed when we went there. Maybe it’s because it’s a week day when we visited.

The Holy Family Chapel

Inside the Chapel, you will find altars and images depicting the Holy Family. It’s very solemn inside. The chapel has a small-village-chapel atmosphere.

My hubby and Simsimi, our dog, inside the chapel

The resort may also be the perfect venue for important milestones in your life, such as birthday celebrations, debut, wedding, and anniversary celebrations. The resort has a big function hall that can accommodate big groups.

Function Hall

For big families or companies, there are also villas and nipa huts scattered all over the resort.

Nipa hut

The poolside is open til 10:00 p.m. There is also a sunken bar, where you can order cold beer and appetizers, while having a night swim. 🙂

Pool area at night

Since hubby and I also celebrated our third anniversary as a couple (back when we were boyfriend/girlfriend), we took few precious minutes off and had cold beer and cheese sticks at the bar.

Quick drink

Overall, it was a nice experience. My family and relatives had a good time and enjoyed swimming all day. I just have  few minor comments. The shower rooms should be inspected regularly since some of the faucets are not working. The resort staff, especially the ones at the check-in counter, should also be more friendly and hospitable.

Anyway, we see ourselves coming back to this lovely, secluded mountain resort.

The Grand Villa Resort & Butterfly Centre is located at Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna. Coming from Batangas, we went there via the Bitin, Bay road, where the famous Mak-Ban geothermal plan is situated.

*This is not a paid blog. This is based from the blogger’s pleasant experience with the resort.

 

Biking spots in Legazpi City, Albay

Almost a year has passed since we last visited the beautiful province of Albay and joined the Daragang Magayon festivities. I have posted several blog entries as I felt I could not write, describe, detail enough the beauty of the province, especially the picturesque Mayon Volcano. Since I have been blogging about biking lately, this time I will share about the biking spots in Legazpi City. In our three-day stay in Legazpi, I managed to squeeze in almost an hour of biking at Albay  Park and Wildlife.

Hubby by the entrance to the zoo

You will find the Albay Wildlife and Park near the airport vicinity. Entrance fee is about 10 or 20 pesos (I couldn’t remember exactly). Once inside, you will not only get to enjoy viewing the birds, reptiles, and other caged animals, you can also ride a boat, take a walk at the park, and of course, ride bikes. There is a bicycle rental inside the park, so I chose one that I like and enjoyed biking at this refreshing place.

Refreshing to bike by the pond

It’s kinda therapeutic to go on a bike ride with views like this, not to mention the fresh air from the province. 🙂

Green everywhere.

You would see the famous Lignon Hill from afar. It’s green everywhere you look. 🙂 Plus factor for me is that you get to bike along an enclosed area, there are no moving vehicles.

Another great biking spot in Legazpi City is by the Legazpi Boulevard. During our first day in Legazpi City, we immediately went to Legazpi Boulevard to watch the sunset and view the Mayon Volcano from the bay. My hubby took a picture of the bikers below, who surely got a thrill biking by the boulevard with a great view of the sky, the volcano, and the sea. 🙂

Bikers, the sea, the sky, and Mayon Volcano. 🙂

 

 

Aboard Montenegro Lines and 2Go Vessel: The Batangas City-Calapan City Experience

It was my first time to ride a Roll-on, Roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel. Way back in 2004, I have experienced riding a passenger vessel bound to Aklan with my law school friends. We had a good time because the ship has so many amenities, including a mini-theater. Riding a Ro-Ro vessel is different experience, as you would experience a laid-back pace of  the vessel, since it’s carrying not just passengers but huge vehicles as well.

My hubby and I were bound to Calapan City to attend the wedding of the brother of one of my law school best friends. We asked around what’s the best mode to go to Calapan City. A friend said that if we wanted a quicker travel period, then we should ride the 2Go vessel (formerly Supercat). And that if we wanted a slow, leisurely travel, then we should try a Ro-Ro vessel. And so we decided to try both: To ride the Ro-Ro vessel on our way to Calapan City, and to ride the 2Go vessel on our way back to Batangas City.

So this was taken at the Batangas City Port, when we were about to board the Montenegro Lines.

At the Batangas City Port

I highly recommend riding the Montenegro Lines vessel, as compared to the other Ro-Ro vessels docketed on the area. This is not just based on our experience, but also from the recommendation of our Mindoro-based friends. The vessel has an air-conditioned area where the passengers can lie around, sleep, watch television. The other area is open air, where there are also seats for those who wanted to enjoy the view all throughout the travel time, which is approximately three (3) hours. We also climbed the open deck for a better view. 🙂

Afternoon travel

Overall, we had pleasant experience riding the Montenegro Lines vessel. We experienced what we are aiming for: to have a long leisurely trip and to enjoy the view. 🙂 But for me, the best view is when we arrived at the Calapan City Port. This is the view that greeted us.

Calapan City Port

On our way back to Batangas City, we opted to ride the 2Go vessel, since it’s already late afternoon and we would love a quicker travel period. It’s not my first time to ride the 2Go vessel. It was formerly named Supercat, and I got a chance to ride a Supercat vessel bound to Bataan way back in 2010. Sadly, the Bataan-bound Supercat vessels were no longer in operation. 😦

It was already late afternoon, and I was anticipating a quicker travel period going back to Batangas City. The shot below was taken by my husband when the 2Go vessel (which we will be riding) was arriving at the port. The ticket for the 2Go vessel is much more expensive, but there were snacks offered during the trip. We were also each provided with our own lifejacket. Since the 2Go vessel is smaller than a Ro-Ro vessel, the ride is not that smooth. In fact, since it’s already late afternoon, we experienced being tossed by the waves during our initial journey. However, somewhere in the middle of the trip, the waves calmed down. But I could not forget how tough it was going to the rest room. I almost lost my balance. It was such an adventure. 🙂 The advantage of riding the 2Go vessel is the shorter travel period from Calapan City to Batangas City, which is for merely an hour. Plus, it was like riding an airplane, since there are snacks provided and friendly vessel attendants.

Spiritual journey at Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban, Quezon

This Sunday, I could not help but reflect on a trip to Lucban, Quezon way back in January 2010. My family and I went to Kamay ni Hesus Healing Shrine. We were then grieving at that time, and after the trip, and the early morning mass that we attended, we felt miraculously healed, somehow.

There are 310 steps on the shrine leading to the top, which depicts the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

While climbing, various life-size depiction of the passion of the Christ can be seen along the way, all 14 Station of the Cross.

Grotto

This is the depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. It was raining slightly when we went there, but the view and the colorful plants made the climb worthwhile.

This is me with my mom. 🙂

The Crucifix

The area leading to the shrine is dominated with trees, adding an almost serene atmosphere.

From the bottom, you would see the 50-foot statue at the top of the shrine, showing the resurrection of Christ.

This is me with my brother. 🙂

This is the view after 310 steps.

On the way down, you would see various depictions from the Holy Bible, such as this one, the depiction of the Last Supper.

The Last Supper

This is the depiciton of Adam and Eve at the Garden of Eden.

Adam and Eve

Tourists flock at the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Shrine most especially during Holy Week. One can easily reflect while in the vicinity of the shrine, and the 310 steps would serve as a sacrifice before finally reaching the top, where a 50-foot resurrected Jesus Christ is waiting.

When descending from the shrine, you would see the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church.

Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church

Regular and healing masses are held at the church. We attended the mass that fateful morning and there is nothing more heart-wrenching than attending a healing mass when you are grieving. I felt so touched as religious songs are played and sung by the choir. I could not remember the priest who conducted the mass but I was so overwhelmed with his sermon, with the solemnity of the place. Tears naturally fell, but I also felt at peace.

The healing shrine is located at Brgy. Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon.

A trip to Lucban, Quezon would not be complete without tasting the famous pancit Lucban. There is a nearby canteen at the shrine and we went there to get a taste of pancit Lucban and the equally delicious brown puto. 🙂

This is me with my brother and my uncle. 🙂

Travel time to Lucban, Quezon is almost 3-4 hours coming from Manila. Come visit the shrine for a more meaningful journey.

One chilly January day at Sky Ranch

at the entrance

Last January 8, 2014 was our 2nd wedding anniversary. We didn’t have time to celebrate as I attended two hearings that day, one in Calamba in the morning and one in Manila in the afternoon. But as they say, better late than never. We had a belated celebration of our anniversary three days later at one of our favorite places in the country, Tagaytay City. This is also the first time that we went there as a couple. 🙂

As mentioned, my hubby and I frequented Tagaytay City several times before, but we were both single then. 🙂 This made our trip extra special, since this is our first time to go to Tagaytay together, and also for us to have the chance to visit and experience the Sky Ranch rides. Actually, there is only one ride that I want to try, and that is the Sky Eye, the tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines, with the most fabulous view of the Taal Lake and volcano.

The line at the entrance of the Sky Ranch is very long. It is the weekend after all. But one would not be discouraged with the long line as you would see from afar the huge ferris wheel, the colorful rides, and the seemingly endless blue sky. 🙂

There’s also zipline adventure and we saw this daredevil ride the zipline upside down. 🙂

The entrance fee is PhP100.00, but there’s a 50% off promo when we went there. The other really long line is that one for the rides, as you have to buy tickets for each ride. The ticket for the Sky Eye costs PhP150.00 each.

Once inside the gondola, we noticed that it is not open air. It’s air-conditioned, and there’s a certain quietness while inside the gondola and that unobstructed view of the volcano, the lake, the surrounding provinces of Batangas, Laguna and Cavite.

Inside the air-conditioned gondola.

This is our view of the Sky Ranch while inside the gondola.

View of the Sky Ranch.

It was already late afternoon during our turn to ride the Sky Eye. The view of the sunset and the mountains is really exceptional.

Sunset.

After the ride, there’s that mandatory picture taking in front of the Sky Eye that we have just “conquered”. 🙂

The tallest ferris wheel in the country.

And there’s also that couple selfie with the Taal volcano in the background. 🙂

Taal Volcano from afar.

Ahh, what a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary. ❤

Sky Eye: The main attraction of Sky Ranch, Tagaytay City

My first post for 2014 would be about Tagaytay City, as hubby and I experienced first-hand how cold it could be on a January. You would see above the Sky Eye, considered as the tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines, which boasts not just its size, but the breathtaking view of the Taal Volcano as well. Expect a series of posts about Tagaytay City, as it’s easy to fall in love over and over again with this city. 🙂

Sidetrip at Subic Bay

One would agree that Subic Bay Freeport Zone is one of the most refreshing places to go to in the country. There is nothing like the sea, the sand, and the numerous hotels, resto-bars, coffee shops and yachts scattered along the area that would make you feel like you are not in the Philippines, but in an another coastal country.

Gateway to Subic.

Last May, I blogged about my election stint in Bataan and I mentioned that I was able to take a sidetrip to Subic Bay with my legal team. It’s lunchtime at that time and since Subic Bay Freeport Zone is just a few minutes drive away, we spontaneously decided to take our lunch there.

One of our paralegal, Marco, suggested that we have lunch at Coco Lime.

We ordered Filipino specialties such as Pork Binagoongan and Sinigang na Hipon, and a Korean chicken dish.

After our savoury lunch, we went to take a stroll near the Lighthouse Marina Resort.

Subic Bay Park is a popular venue for weddings, and who would not want to take her wedding march with a view like this?

A day at Subic Bay would not be complete without dropping by at the Yacht Club. 🙂

We were at Subic Bay Freeport Zone for only a couple of hours but those several hours are time well-spend indeed. It is always a pleasure to visit this place–it would temporarily take you out of the real world and delight you with its seemingly coastal state charm.

Alitagtag, my Dad’s Hometown

Last weekend, my family went to Alitagtag, Batangas to celebrate the birthday of my late father. 😦

We were surprised at the developments in the area because we were there just last January of this year. There is now this landmark spelling out the town of Alitagtag. This is found near the public market, public cemetery, and Justice Hall of Alitagtag.

Across this is the huge Alitagtag Church called “Invencion dela Sta. Cruz Parish Church”, which is still under renovation.

Invencion dela Sta. Cruz Parish Church