TAGAYTAY, the sweet escape

We decided to celebrate our pre and post birthday and take it to the next level by going to Tagaytay. 

Sam and I took the MRT going to Taft to meet-up with my kumares Mira and Esther.  Took the bus going to Nasugbu. First stop is at Leslie's where we had our lunch. Honestly, I really did'nt enjoy the food. It was overrated. This was actually my second time to eat there and I must say they've commercialized, the way they prepared the food, considering  it was pricey. There are many restos around not like the last time I was there, we should have opted for a different resto if we only knew.

After lunch we took pictures at their view deck over-looking the famous Taal volcano/lake.

Rode a jeepney going to Nasugbu. We told the driver to drop us at Buck Estate where Sonya's Garden is located. From there, we took a tricycle since the place is still far from the main road. Went straight to the SPA. Luckily, I was able to make a reservation while we were at Leslie's because there were may clients in line. The four of us were assigned in one room. It was really a treat for us. Thanks to a generous friend who sees to it that we're happy by sponsoring our annual treat. We're so grateful for your kindness. Thank you!

From Sonya's we rode a jeepney via Olivarez that took us to the Sky Ranch. Since it's almost dinner, we ate at Kenny Rogers before our trip back to Manila.

Thanks Mare Mira and Esther! I really had a fun and great time with you, always.. Love you! Not to forget, Sam enjoyed the whole adventure with us. Till next time!

The Sweet Taste Of Summer

I'm from Pangasinan but I've never been to Hundred Islands. So, I told myself, i will definitely go there someday. And finally, the day has come...I was able to experienced summer there with my kids. 

May 25, 2016

HUNDRED ISLANDS

We left Manila and took the last trip going to Bolinao. We left  11 PM and arrived in Bolinao at around 4:30 AM. Headed to the only restaurant named Adora's, a fastfood restaurant that is open 24 hours and had breakfast there before checking-in to our hotel.

 

We tried their Bolinao longganisa for breakfast and i must say that it taste good.

  Checked-in at El Pescador Resort Hotel, our home for 3 days.

Took the UV express going to Alaminos and from there we took the tricycle going to Lucap. Went straight to the Tourism office for the fees. We then rode our rented service boat that will bring us to the different islands.

First stop is the Governor's Island. They say that this island has the highest elevation amongst all the other islands and in order to reach the highest peak which is actually the viewing deck, you have to climb 250 steps to reach it. Imagine the pain..:( But when you reach the top , a breath-taking view of the islands will leave you in awe.

Since we all wanted to take a dip, our boatman brought us to Mayor's Island which according to our boatman is better since only few tourists go there.

Since it's almost lunch time, we decided to go to another island (I forgot the name..hehehe!). We rented a gazebo for Php 500 and had lunch there and afterwards, Misty and Sam tried the kayak. For a first timer, i must say they're like professionals. :)

We then proceeded to the Helmet Diving Site. I'm just so happy and proud that my kids enjoyed their once in a lifetime experience.

The real adventure was when we were about to head back to the wharf, it rained hard and the ocean waves became a bit "unruly"...My kids were like enjoying the ride..if they only knew i was praying hard for the rain to stop and that we'd reach the shore safe and sound.  PRAISE GOD! we survived!

May 26, 2016

PATAR BEACH, LIGHTHOUSE AND ENCHANTED CAVE

Had breakfast at Adora's then made a quick visit to the oldest Church in Bolinao called  St. James the Great Parish Church. (Photo credit : wikipedia)

Rented a tricycle for our Bolinao adventure. First in our itinerary, Patar beach. Unfortunately, it was high tide and the waves are so unruly so we were not able to see the rock formations/coral beds.

Stopped by the famous Bolinao Lighthouse for some picture taking...who cares about the scorching heat makapag-selfie lang..Lol!

We then headed to Enchanted Cave. According to our tour guide, this place with all those rocks (dead corals actually) are proofs that the place used to be submerged in water. Upon entering the place, you'll come across some fossilized giant clams.

The main attraction of the place is the underground all natural fresh water swimming pool.

Enjoyed the rest of the day at the hotel.

May 27, 2016
El Pescador Hotel and Beach Resort

Just stayed at the hotel to finally relax and savor our short vacation. May humirit pa ng swimming..hehehe!

 Left Bolinao at around 3 PM. I will forever cherish the moments I'm with my kids. Looking at their happy face, I couldn't ask for more..I'M THE HAPPIEST MOM! :)

Ilocos

Team building activity of the Committee on Accounts in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

                DAY 1

                (April 8, 2015)

                Left Manila at 3:00 AM

      First stopover, Henlin Shell NLEX ,for breakfast.

 Dropped by at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity better known as Agoo Basilica in Agoo, La Union.

 Made a quick visit to Thunderbird Resort Poro point in San. Fernando City, La Union.

Had lunch at River Farm Seafood Restaurant, a resto located along the banks of Baroro river where the river meets the sea, in Bacnotan, La Union before heading to Ilocos.

Finally arrived in Narvacan. Checked-in at Monte Leah Beach Resort, our hotel for the duration of    our trip.

DAY 2

(April 9, 2015)

First on our itinerary is the  Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

Next stop is Vigan..specifically the famous, Calle Crisologo.

After picking-up our tourist guide, we headed to the Syquia Mansion.

From the mansion, Ms. Maribel, our tourist guide brought as to ABEL LOOM WEAVING at Caoayan, a   small town at the southern part of Vigan. It was amazing how locals painstakingly weave colorful yarns and turn them into something exquisite which they call Abel cloth. To show    support, we bought some of their products.

we witnessed how locals turn colorful strands of cloth into something beautiful. Painstakingly, they weave these by hand, turning simple yarns into something intricately beautiful; to an abel, Ilocos province’s traditional woven product. - See more at: http://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2014/09/abel-weaving-ilocos-caoayan.html#sthash.m7KKNpLI.dpuf

we witnessed how locals turn colorful strands of cloth into something beautiful. Painstakingly, they weave these by hand, turning simple yarns into something intricately beautiful; to an abel, Ilocos province’s traditional woven product. - See more at: http://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2014/09/abel-weaving-ilocos-caoayan.html#sthash.m7KKNpLI.dpuf

we witnessed how locals turn colorful strands of cloth into something beautiful. Painstakingly, they weave these by hand, turning simple yarns into something intricately beautiful; to an abel, Ilocos province’s traditional woven product. - See more at: http://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2014/09/abel-weaving-ilocos-caoayan.html#sthash.m7KKNpLI.dpuf

                      Since it's almost lunchtime, we went straight to the PINAKBET FARM.

After feeding our hungry tummy, next stop is the MARCOS MUSEUM.Was not able to  take a picture inside the mausoleum because it is prohibited and tourists are not allowed to stay long. Outside the museum we bought buko and dragon fruit juice to quench our thirst brought about by the scorching heat.

From Batac we headed to Paoay, Ilocos Norte to see the Malacañang of the North.
Malacañang  of the North locally called as “Malacañang ti Amianan”  is located in Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. The Malacanang of the North built at the shores of the Paoay Lake was one of major destinations in Ilocos province.

This is one of the rest houses of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, one of the properties of the Marcos sequestered by the Philippine Government when former President Marcos was removed from power 1986. The Malacanang palace transformed into a museum of the late president’s memorabilia.

“Malacañang ti Amianan” is a two-storey mansion built  on a 5-hectare property in Suba, Paoay.  Its great architecture design is a mixture of both Spanish and Ilocano designs.

Went back to Vigan to catch the dancing fountain show and to try their famous empanada and okoy.

DAY 3

(April 10, 2015)

Woke up early to catch the early morning sea breeze.

We then went back to our room to pack our things and get ready. As usual breakfast buffet was served.

Ready to check-out..

From our hotel, we went to pick-up our loots (longganisa and bagnet) at Narvacan proper then headed to STA.  MARIA CHURCH.
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, known to everyone as Sta. Maria Church, is an 18th century brick church that sits on top of a hill, much like a fortress. The façade, like many Philippine Churches of that era, is imposing and grand. Its bell tower looks like a pagoda, and is curiously detached from the main church itself. From the highway, you simply have to climb 84 steps and you’re there!

That's it! It's an exhausting trip but it's all worth it. Till next time!

Boracay Escapade

DAY ONE

It was our first trip together as a group. Took this photo after checking- in for our 9 AM flight to Boracay. 

Had our breakfast at Cinnabon  before boarding. 

Time to board ..ooops! but before that, picture taking muna. 

Touchdown Boracay...OMG! Hon, di ba sabi bawal mag-take ng picture?..lol!

This is it guys! We're on board the ferry that would take us to paradise.

This our home in Boracay the LA CARMELA DE BORACAY. Nice hotel and courteous personnel but one thing we don't like was their FOOD..it sucks! ewwwww!!!

All set to explore the island...

Wow! What an amazing sight! wanna take a dip already...

Headed to D' Talipapa , the Dampa version of Boracay. Bought Talakitok  and prawns for our lunch.

After lunch, on our way back to our hotel, Grace and I had our hair done by this 2 experts on braids..grabe ang bilis nila mag-braid..

Me and Grace with our braided hairs...lol!

Sunset in Boracay

Pose muna after swimming with the Boracay hot mommas..

This is what we call an EPIC FAIL...dinner buffet by the beach but the food in LA CARMELA is the worst ever...SUPER SALTY..I think they're using SEA WATER....:(

Fire dancer in front of La Carmela while having dinner.

Then comes the best part, TEQUILA TIME BABY!!! The star of the night is none other than, PATRON! Cheers to Batch 82 and the Boracay buddies!!! 

That what happens when u drink a lot of tequila...hik hik hik! Lol! 

After our drinking spree we strolled by the beach...super enjoy! the non-stop laughing kahit na gegewang gewang na mga lakad namin...but wait, nasan na si Chris and Grace?..they disappeared...hmmmm!! Lap dance na ba Grace?..lol! 

DAY TWO

Picture muna before breakfast ...no hang-over look lang ang peg mga sis...hehehe!

Ever wonder why I didn't post any food? :( Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

I suggest La Carmela should hire a good chef...business wise..

Lounging by the beach..love it!

Chilling by the beach after breakfast and before heading to our Island hopping....THIS IS THE LIFE!! :)

Presenting ...drum roll please!....the HOT MOMMAS!!!! hep hep!!! hooray!!!  Strike a pose ladies....

On our way to the Puca beach..nice smile guys...

At the PUCA BEACH..still untouched...the crystal water..*big sigh* sarap ng tubig!!

Snorkeling at the middle of nowhere..if I'm not mistaken, I think we're just opposite the island where Manny Pacquiao's estate is....

Since I dont know how to swim, I just stayed on the boat and watched them while they enjoy the water...oh! my honey found a 50 peso bill underwater..hahaha! 

After our snorkeling activity, our boatman brought us to this unknown island where we are supposed to have our lunch. I dont wanna give the details anymore coz it's meant to be forgotten. ..If given the chance to go back to boracay, We will never go back to this place.

Next stop, the CRYSTAL COVE. This is the highlight and the main stop of the island hopping tour.  On the island, there are walkways that will take you from each of the different areas...there are picnic areas and even an aviary and of course, the popular crystal coves.  Walking around the cove is a peaceful and relaxing way despite the scorching heat of the sun to really take in all the amazing views. There are several spots around the island  to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

After our exhausting but fun island hopping adventure, we had a feast for dinner...

After dinner, we went to the Pearl of the Pacific Resort Hotel at station 3 for our drinking spree before hitting the beach again for some partay partay...

Tipsiness...lol!  Time for some partaayyyy!!! Hit it guys!!!

 It's the party in Boracay apart from the beautiful beach that makes it  the number 1 tourist destination...once you get to experience it , you will always dream of going back ....

DAY THREE

Got up early (4:30 AM) to enjoy our last few hours in Bora. 

Goodbye Bora!!! Till we meet again..

This whole Bora experience will forever be remembered. It's not only the place but the PEOPLE I'M WITH that makes it worthwhile. When you're with GREAT COMPANY, everything will be a lot of  GREAT FUN and GREAT MEMORIES...

I love you Boracay Buddies!!! Cheers!!!!