Mark and I were at our house one Tuesday afternoon when he suddenly felt the urge to hit the beach. Being someone who always wants to plan things, I initially wanted to beg off, but since I also didn't want to get into an argument with Mark (and I was also excited to hit the beach), I just gave in. :p


We were choosing between Subic and Batangas, but because we've been to Subic countless of times already, we both agreed on the latter. After searching the net for some resorts, we booked and paid online and then found ourselves all set to head to Eagle Point Resort in Batangas the day after.

Date of visit: April 2-3, 2014

Read full story HERE :)

After visiting Regina RICA, we went on a 15-minute drive on the main road and about 5 to 10-minute drive into the mountain side until we reached Daranak Falls.


We all were excited as this would be our first time to swim into fresh water.  We pulled in into the parking lot and the lush greens surrounding the place added up to the excitement. After paying for the entrance fee and picnic shed, we walked onto the bridge leading to the falls right after the entrance.

Our initial plan was to go to JE Camp, Regina RICA, and Daranak Falls, but because we spent almost 3 hours at JE Camp, we just decided to drop the other two destinations from the list after our very late lunch at Halamanan.

Just like how we got to know about Pinto Art Museum and JE Camp, Regina RICA was also just a recent discovery of Mark and I because of my mom. Thanks to her adventures with her friends, we got to know of another sanctuary not very far from our hometown.


Regina RICA (Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) is a pilgrimage site that's relatively new and has become well-known for its huge statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Date of visit: March 28, 2014

Read full story HERE :)

I've said in my last post that a tour in JE Camp hotel and Resort would probably take around an hour, depending on how you want to explore the place. Well I guess we were so much captivated by the beauty of the whole place that we finished our tour after almost 3 hours haha! :p


We were supposed to go to Daranak Falls and Regina Rica, both still in Tanay, but because it was already getting late, we just had to drop them off. And so right after the tour we headed to Julia Bandoma Vista Restaurant, or Halamanan as what it's well-known for, to have our lunch, a very late lunch that is. :p

It was just an ordinary day when Mark suddenly thought of heading out for another adventure. My dad, who's fond of asking our whereabouts from time to time (yeah he's sweet like that :D), did his morning routine of asking what we (Mark and I) plan to do for the day, so I told him that Mark wanted to visit JE Camp in Tanay, Rizal. I guess my dad was also up for an adventure that time that he thought of going there too with the whole family.


And so there, after breakfast, we found ourselves all packed up and set for a family bonding. :D We arrived at JE Camp in Tanay, Rizal, after around an hour-long drive from our house.

Mark accompanied me to my cake deliveries in Manila one Sunday morning. We didn't have any plans for the day so we immediately drove back home after. It was a hot Sunday and we were already on our way home, when Mark suddenly thought of heading straight to Tagaytay. But because it was already past lunch time and considering the traffic that we'd have to brave, I just had to burst his bubble and discourage the idea. :p


I guess the summer heat flamed up Mark's urge for a weekend getaway that he again thought of another idea. He thought that it was a perfect time for an afternoon dip at Club Manila East in Taytay, Rizal. And because it's just near Antipolo, I gave his idea a chance. :)

Date of visit: March 23, 2014

Read full story HERE :)

I'm already aware of Mark's plans of going home for a vacation but I never really knew the specific date when he'll be back. It was just a day before his flight when he finally told me that he's coming home. And so we didn't really got to have any plans on how we'll spend his month-long vacation here in the Philippines.


Good thing there's Pinto Art Museum. :D Aside from my little talent when it comes to art, I also do have an eye and appreciation for it. I just never thought that Mark also have the same interest and appreciation for art as I did. He was actually the one who insisted that we come and visit this place. :)

Date of visit: March 18, 2014

Read full story HERE :)

Okay, so it's already June but I'm still not done with my summer posts. Will you guys forgive me and allow me to just squeeze in this one? :D

A few days after our day tour at Cristina Villas, we again got to enjoy another summer fun, at the beach, but this time without my mom and my older brother. Last April 20, Gia, Jaoey, and I were tagged along by my dad for their company outing at Ocean View Resort in Subic.


Although I've been to Subic a lot of times already, it was my first time to be with my family so I still got excited. Jaoey was the most excited because it was his first time again (after almost 7 years I think) to hit the beach. We left the house early and got to the resort after almost a 3-hour drive. We were provided with breakfast while waiting for our room to be setup.

Almost a week after our family fun at Altaroca, our family once again enjoyed some summer fun last Wednesday, April 17, but this time without my dad. My dad wasn't able to join us because of work. It was just actually my mom's aerobics group's summer outing, and families were allowed to be tagged along. :)

Mom's aero group's summer outing was cancelled a day before, but since we were all set, with Mark and Jeff already at our house because they were also coming along, and with Jaoey very much excited for it, we still pushed through.


After having breakfast at home, we headed to Cristina Villas. There were already a number of cars parked at the resort, and since we're not fans of crowded places, we were hesitant at first. My mom, together with Jaoey, Chino, and Mark checked the place out and got back with a go signal for us to unload our things.

Had some family fun over at Altaroca Mountain Resort here in Antipolo last Monday, August 8. Daddy was on leave from work so it was a perfect time for some summer fun. Her sisters were also free that time so we invited them over. My cousin, Aya, and Mark were also tagged along. :)


The resort is just a few minute drive away from our house. We had our breakfast at home and got to the resort around 9am. Since the owner of the resort is my daddy's friend, checking in was a breeze. The resort was big enough, with 3 pools (a kiddie pool, a lap pool, and a pool lounge), a few huts, some tree house, a cafe and bar, and a hotel with function rooms and a grand ballroom.

If there's one thing that will always remain in most (if not all) of us, kids and the kids at heart alike, I think it would be our love for toys. I for one feel a lot more relaxed and happier whenever I see my Hello Kitty toys which are still intact up to now. Mark also has this little collection of Ferrari toy cars that are displayed in his room.

And so last November, Mark and I did away with our usual lunch and movie date and went off for a fun adventure. We paid a visit at Yexel's Toy Museum in Las Piñas and got to feel like little kids again. :)


The museum is a product of Yexel's (the owner) fondness in collecting toys. It is a three-story museum that houses thousands of toys and action figures from the small ones, to life-sized, and even huge ones.

Aside from the lovely beaches, hotels, and restaurants, Subic is also known for its adventure spots.  Mark and I have already been to Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure, but there's one more place that we haven't been to, and that's Tree Top Adventure. So after a hearty breakfast at Asian Spices, Mark and I went off for some extreme adventure! :D

We went straight to the information area and were ushered to the holding area for some briefing. Together with the rest of the guests, we got briefed on the different adventures and adventure packages that we mail avail at Tree Top.  After which, we were asked to fill up a form and pay at the cashier.

There were a number of adventures to choose from which you may avail separately or through adventure packages which come in a more affordable price. Mark chose the Adventure Package E which includes Canopy Ride and Canopy Walk, Superman Ride, and Tree Drop Adventure. Rate is at Php 620.00/person. These adventures really made Mark excited but not the scaredy cat in me, so I just opted for Adventure Package B. The package is almost the same with package E, with Canopy Ride, Canopy Walk, and Superman Ride, but just minus the Tree Drop Adventure.  Rate is at Php 500.00/person.

Mark and I first went to try the Canopy Ride.  We had a little briefing, were equipped with harnesses and hard hats, and then off we went!

Canopy Ride

Just like every extreme sport which involves heights, the scariest part for me would always be the part wherein you'll have climb a flight of stairs to the reach the platform, mount the ride/machine, on a platform way above the ground, and then let go! I just always have a hard time in letting go. Haha!

Our accommodation at Summit Ridge Hotel includes a breakfast buffet for two and a complimentary use of their gym and swimming pool.

C2 Classic Cuisine, which is at the ground floor of the hotel, was were the buffet breakfast was served. The food choices weren't that extensive but they were definitely an eye candy.  The omelette section was what welcomed us as we entered the restaurant.  There were bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and parmesan cheese which guests may freely choose for their omelette. Since I don't know which to choose, I just had the staff choose everything for my omellete. :p

Omelette Section

Starting the long buffet table is a salad and soup section and at the far end is the waffles and pancakes section.  The soup of the day was egg drop soup while the salad section includes lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and a choice of Asian or Caesar dressings.

We headed back to Tagaytay City proper after our hearty breakfast at Sonya's Garden. Since we're still early for the hotel check-in, we decided to kill time by enjoying the cool breeze and wonderful view at Tagaytay Picnic Grove.

Taal Lake

Summit Ridge Hotel was were we stayed during our Tagaytay trip. Since we didn't have any plans for the trip, this hotel was indeed a perfect choice for Mark and I since we just wanted to relax and spend some quality time together.

After our Corregidor trip, Mark and I were up early the next morning and hit the road to Tagaytay. Since our hotel reservation is still in the afternoon, we decided to have our breakfast first at Sonya's Garden.

On our way to Tagaytay, while stuck in traffic along SLEX :p

Their staff welcomed us as we entered the restaurant and ushered us to our seats as she handed us the menu.  Sonya's Garden offers a buffet breakfast which is a choice of Filipino or Continental style.  I ordered the Filipino breakfast while Mark chose the latter. Breakfast is served from 8am-9:30am and rate is Php 427.00 per person.

The Corregidor Halloween Treat that Mark and I availed already includes overnight accommodation and meals at Corregidor Inn.  According to our tour guide Uncle Bob, Corregidor Inn is the most popular hotel in the island, well since it is the only hotel in the island of course. Haha!

Corregidor Inn

Mark and I were given a twin-sharing room at the second floor of Corregidor Inn.  Our room was not that glamorous, but it was air-conditioned, clean, and big enough for two. Also very evident in our room, and the whole of the hotel itself, are the furniture and fixtures made of wood and rattan, very typical in a Filipino house especially during the old times.