This year brought so many realization in my life, most of it is founded around my family and how I can make their lives more meaningful, how they can be better humans, how I can bring more than happiness.
When I was so busy being bothered by how they should grow, I have hoped that the world would always thrill them and that they spend their days running at it full speed, but not getting caught thinking about things that don't matter or even wasting it on people who don't value them.
These days, the pleasure of family time is one of the most treasured aspects of my life. Unfortunately, for many, even those with close family bonds, such intimate moments are becoming fewer and farther in between. With two adult kids, two teens, I can't seem to plan out perfectly a vacation to bond with all of them without ruining each one's vibe. I'm sure, if your a mom who have teens or adult kids might be able to relate.
Last summer vacation, I realized that I had a lot of blogging projects and I wasn't able to plan my kids' vacation well for them. So, to compliment that I depended on Deal Grocer's budget friendly vacation promos, and to be more honest, I was actually lured by the website and it's been a while since we had to stay in Tagaytay.
Exotic places, wild crowds, loud music and unlimited fun - sounds exciting? Well, we have compiled a list of the best party destinations around the world, just for you.
Whether you like clubs, pubs, jazz shows or street festivals, there are ample opportunities in each of these destinations to meet other party-lovers and let yourself loose.
My brother just came to visit us with his family from Milan early this month and as planned we all drove together up north with our family and one of his best friend and his family.
Traveling with family is priceless. I did some travels without my family and though I couldn't say it wasn't spectacular but to say the least it wasn't as precious as traveling with my forever best friends
I've learned from a fellow mom and blogger that we needed to be in the sun longer hours to feel the full effects of vitamin D (20 minutes of exposure to sunlight is enough), there’s no doubt that in the same way that the cold and dark of winter or rain makes us unhappy. It's feeling the effects of seasonal affective disorder, known to a few as SAD, thanks to sunshine, it's warmth generally put us in a much better mood.
A beach break is a great way to relax and enjoy the health benefits of the sun. Admittedly, this is more of a short-term boost, but a healthy glow makes everyone feels better and lasts for a few weeks after your trip is over.
Though I'm a typical beach bum, I know that a province boasts more than the sun and sandy beaches. Also, I would agree to many that going far to get that vitamin D from the beach entails a big budget.
When I planned for our family's Davao travel, I couldn't be more honest when I said I followed a winding course. Do allow me to assert that it isn't easy to plan out a great urban escape.
Not easy!
Being a mom who puts the happiness and comfort of the family as the topmost priority when going out of Manila for more than a day, planning a travel to Davao can be ponderous, especially when your budget is tight.
Another boutique hotel is bound to open on April at Station 2, Boracay.
A scientific fact- the only way to survive summer is to get down to a luxurious beach resort and lie unruffled in the shade like a lizard, rising only for an occasional dip in the pool or the clear crystal azure water of Boracay. Raintree Hospitality Group also know this, and have built one such luxury resort on Aklan's pretty, pretty south coast. Also, as these photos show, it looks redeemingly good that, honestly, my husband and I can’t wait for the brutal heat of summer to hit so we can head out to Coast and get our lizard on.
Raintree is all set to open their newest boutique hotel in the picturesque beach side town on April. The place has been cleverly designed to let you move seamlessly between the best parts of a holiday— a restful vacation away from the stressful urban living in their luxurious, freshly made rooms.
In the continuous efforts to entice more tourists to not just visit but to fully experience Davao, the Department of Tourism - Davao Regional Office (DOT-XI) on Friday launched 3 key tourism programs for 2016 namely, ‘Visit Davao Fun Sale 2016’, ‘Let’s Meet in Davao: MICE Davao Program’, and the ‘9th Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge’, aiming to position the region as a premier destination in the country.
Bigger deals, adventure and fun packages await tourists, adventure seekers and delegates to Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) who will make Davao as their venue and destination of choice this year.
The most coveted travel deals both local and abroad is being offered like hotcakes at the 23rd Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2016. This year's travel affair is bigger and far incredible when it comes to hotel and resort rates and of course airline ticket fares. I have to say, I had to access a long line of spectators outside SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia and ask a DOT personnel for me to get it and make it to the media conference of VISIT DAVAO FUN SALE 2016.
The event opened up to the public yesterday and will be open until Sunday, that's from February 5 to 7, 2016. Organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), TTE showcases over 300 exhibitors from various sectors such as airlines, resorts, hotels, domestic tour operators, national tourism organizations, travel agencies, and other stakeholders offering various products, flights, travel packages, and more.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) expects the ongoing promotion of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a single tourism destination to push economic growth in the region on many fronts.
DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. says the growth will soon be felt in the various industry sectors as soon as the region starts to reap huge dividends rm attracting global attention to its rich and diverse resources, which the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 promotes as one complete package.
For just a short ride up East of Manila is a different world apart from the ones we usually sleep at night and wake up with in the morning. Antipolo, which I knew from the song, Tayo na sa Antipolo, which we sang during my elementary years is the largest city in CALABARZON and famed for its panoramic view of the metro.
Every visit was exciting, there would always be something new to see and taste... I couldn't count the times it took my breath away with either it's delicacy or with its view.
One "no-class" day, our Dad decided to bring the kids for a ride and see how Hinulugang Taktak is being refurbished. On that same afternoon, I added a few spots to visit for a snack and dinner.
There are a million and one things I am grateful for this year. Last night, thundering sounds of fireworks and fire-crackers sounded off alerting everyone that the leaf had changed, from 2015 to 2016. A minute, a second, a micro-second will be the difference in that transition. You can look past the year (if you could see the future) or look back at the year that was - 2015.
And since I'm not done lecturing about gratitude, let me just practice what I'm teaching. You see, no one is bullet-proof when shot with a depressing past. It's hard to accept setbacks kicking in from time to time when you can't see clearly your visions in getting to your dreams. And yes, even though all the people you know calls you JOY, it doesn't really mean that you are living out your name every second of the day.
To fight negative thoughts back, one way is to count your blessings, I'm so happy that this blog had been always a medium for me to keep all the amazing things that have happened this year. In that note, I can also keep track of who to thank for the opportunity.
So do forgive me for enlisting here valuable experiences which have made my life happier and have magically made resounded my name...
Firstly, let me announce that I had Botox and had the best, luxurious facial ever!
All thanks to Luminisce for helping me achieve a younger "skin-feels."
Thanks to Dr. Kaycee for educating me about #skinvesting and to Kathy Kenny Ngo for inviting me to Luminisce. (Read about my Luminisce review here).
Also thanks to Proactiv for making me one of their brand ambassadors, getting first dibs on what's out and about in one of the most trusted beauty product.
I haven't really thanked this person on how she had inspired me to give full attention to myself at times. Even though she reached the age of 40 she maintained a sexy bod by doing workouts at home through Youtube videos. Donned in white bikini she rocked the beach shore and showed everyone that she still has it, envied by women even younger than her.
She may not know it but with what she did triggered something in me, which I thought I could not do anymore, well she also encourage me to do the same though.
So, thanks Joy Mendiola of Occasions of Joyfor giving me the courage to wear a two-piece swimsuit without putting myself to shame.
Above, is a photo of moi taken by the hubby at our family vacation at Maribago Bluewater early last year. With that I also had to thank the resort and the brilliant and kind people behind it. Thanks Ms. Margie Munsayac for giving us the best family vacation to date. Thanks Sir Pete Dacuycuy for being our bridge in the process. Do read about the beautiful Maribago Bluewater Beach Resorthere.
Thanks to the PR and Communications team of Resorts World Manila and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls for their unfailing invitations to their amazing events and for the perks that went with it.
Thanks to Ms. Lyn Matro of Pevonia and my friend, Merna Brazil of Brazil Spa for the ultimate spa time in the days that I terribly needed relaxation, rejuvenation and healing.
Pevoniais a facial product I truly adore and would bet all my pennies with. This is what Brazil Spa uses on their facial treatments and with Aum Spa at Crimson Hotel, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu.
You may want to read my experience at Aum Spa here.
Thanks to my PR friends who continually trust our blog with their products, projects and events.
Thanks to restaurant owners and marketing staff who have acknowledged our humble blog and have introduced me to their passion which I share with them and that is, what else than food.
Thanks to Marikit Figuerras of DepEd for making me go back to the profession I have somewhat turned my back from - education, and getting first hand info from the Department of Education, to share to fellow moms and educ advocates.
Thanks to the Department of Tourism for noticing my blog and involving me in their tours and events. My experiences with their staff and executives made me feel more proud to be Filipino and had been so in love in traveling the country.
Thanks to my family in Milan, Italy for being my top supporters in Europe and my fountain of inspiration and love.
That's their Christmas boodle, btw. You probably know where I got my foodie-traits from.
Thanks to my husband for giving me time so I can keep up with friends and with this blog.
To all those I have never mentioned but made marks on my life, you know who you are, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To all my blog readers and blogger friends who I have interacted with throughout my blogging years, you are all awesome!
Lastly, I give my humble thanks giving to the person who had made all this happen.
To The Lord Jesus Christ!
Isaiah 12:4 NIV In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Have you ever experienced being stuck in a city not knowing whether you're going to have a good night sleep after either a good flight or the worst flight? Or how about having to waste all your time on a city pressed with a heavy traffic while longing to lie in a warm comfortable bed? Traveling indeed is undeniably exhilarating, but let's face it there are certain issues that also arises which may dampen all the fun.
Case in point, our family loves discovering new places and with it comes a number of fiascos along the road, one of which is not being able to manage hotel bookings accordingly. As a mom who travels with kids, my top must-have on the list is an "OC-clean" room. Getting a good room for my family have been a constant hit and miss and often I would resort to booking at expensive hotels just not get disappointed. I'm also a frugal mom, so, excuse me for being one, so a good deal, preferably discounted rooms comes on my list.
Those are for planned tours. If you have been a regular follower (Oh hello there my relatives!) you may have noticed a couple of our spur of the moment getaway, that's why our family car's gas tank is always kept full. Most of the problems we encounter happens at these kinds of trips.
It may mean differently to everyone, but for moms, giving up regular sleep, beauty regiments, going out with friends to attend to the needs of the family are just forms of sacrifices. Many successful people saw sacrifice as the key to their successes. So, why not teach it to my kids, firsthand, before they even gain the understanding after a failure or a hurt?
As parents we can instill many things to our kids as they are growing up. Wouldn't you want your kids thanking you in the future after earning their first million or after getting their college diploma?
I definitely would, my kids mean the world to me and I want them to be successful in all they endeavor with.
Since definitions are the bedrock of clear thinking, let me start by proposing a definition of sacrifice. Sacrifice is simply giving up something or giving something, but for the sake of a more valuable cause.
To teach this to my kids I had brought them with us to see the hidden waterfalls in Luisiana, Laguna. Well, ok, this was incidental, I know this could be quite risky for my daughters, aged 10, 11 and 17 years old, but I never realized that we will all learn in the process, the hard and tiring way...but it was all worth it.
First of the many sacrifices we had to endure was leaving our dogs behind while we're off seeking adventure. Next to that is having to drive from 7 in the morning (fleeing away from Manila traffic coz of #APECtado) up to 12 in the afternoon, from Pasay to Luisiana, Laguna.
Luisiana is the municipality next to Pagsanjan and Cavinti. It sits atop the Sierra Madre mountain and the drive is slightly likened to the way to Baguio. An uphill drive after a quick stopover at the beautiful municipality of Pagsanjan will take you to Cavinti. You don't need to go to the town proper of Luisiana, the road along Cavinti will reveal a poster which leads to the jump off of the Hulugan Falls, We almost drove passed by it, you won't miss the big poster if your sight is on the right side of the road.
We then took a right turn at the bend and stopped by a group of people and we asked about the Hulugan falls. A lady told us that we need to be accompanied by a local tour guide, and that we need to stop and park at the Barangay Captain's residence for registration and briefing.
The tour guide was already waiting on that shed and we were asked if it is ok for the tour guide to ride with us to the last stop. After receiving our tour guide, Mang Tonying Sarmento, we asked about how long have they been receiving tourists in their area.
According to Mang Tonying, Hulugan Falls has just been reveled to the public just about two months ago. Though the people who lives nearby new about it for a long time, they don't really let others know about it. For one, the trek down isn't developed yet so it's dangerous and a bit long. Another thing is that they don't want it to be destroyed by the visitors.
Reaching the house of the current Barangay Captain, we parked in front and had lunch at their waiting shed and garden. The lady was also accommodating and upon seeing my two girls, she felt slightly worried and asked if Mang Tonying would be able to carry one of them. It maybe some sort of joke or something, but I assured the lady taking care of the registration that my girls could handle the trek and we will take care of them.
Registration is first and foremost important, and you only need to pay P10 each. The minimum fee for the tour guide is P 100, though you can pay them more as you will realize that they'd be a huge help, we payed our guide P500.
They have a store there where you can buy resfreshment and some things you might need after the trek.
We took a quick lunch and fixed the things we will need to bring. Let me advise you to bring less, if you need to bring something, just bring a towel, bottled water and put it in a backpack so that you have free hands to balance and grab on to some branches and twigs as you scale the hillside. Make sure that your cell phones and cameras have waterproof casing or bags to hid it in.
Just a couple of steps before going down the slope, you will see and meet friendly locals selling some stuff nearby.
So you don't really need to bring any snacks on the waterfalls. Picnic must be a no-no to prevent pilfering the place. However, we brought a couple of chocolate bars for the girls, who might need to boost their energy and for my diabetic daughter.
Since it rained the night before our trip, we expected for the path to be muddy. So, if you're antsy about muds and soil, this isn't for you. My girls are, but I told them they don't have a choice, it's how it is living in this kind of condition. Also, don't wear your favorite or most expensive rubber shoes or you might die having it buried in the mud. But make sure you wear your most comfortable, outdoor shoes that is held up with strings.
My girls kept on saying sorry about having their soles all muddy, for they knew it's going to be hard to clean them up. I just kept on reassuring them that it was fine and the muddy trek will all be worth it.
We were told that the trek is around 45 minute to an hour.
Along the path, you will also come across locals riding on a horse or carabao. My kids were so anxious to know more about life here in the hills.
After 30 minutes of walking up and down hillsides, we reached this low-lying river.
We were told that we are already near so, it stopped for a bit to clean our feet and shoes, so far my kids don't have scratches yet and no one slid on the mud. Above is my daughter Danielle with her special friend, Kim.
My husband (the one wearing a hat) supporting our kids as they cross the river. Mang Tonying was so helpful, as he was the one always holding on to our girls as we took care of ourselves.
No this isn't the falls yet, it's just part of the river that we crossed over...
Another 30 minutes of walking, climbing, sliding down on muddy grounds, holding on to dear life as you prevent getting mud all over and this beheld us.
Approximately 200 meters away from the waterfalls, you can already see it's majestic beauty. Even way beyond that point of sight, you can hear it's powerful yet majestic gush.
As my kids and the group that was before us, scrambled their way to experience the falls, we got held up by it's beauty and we just had to take a shot from a far.
My girls and Kim, were ahead of us about 200 m, as they were so excited to be in the water. Can you notice how the others and my kids were having a hard time crossing huge boulders?
At this day tour, my two girls are the only kids who did the trek. I would not recommend bringing kids that needed to be carried, however, if the trek isn't that muddy, I guess it would be ok. Probably, summer is the best time to bring your kids.
The path to the waterfalls isn't easy, it was hard for me and my husband so the challenge was really something to my kids. I'm just glad they were up to it. I'm proud to say that I didn't hear any complains throughout the trek.
We were also thankful of Mang Tonying, our tour guide for taking care of us.
When they finally reached Hulugan Falls, they all chorused, "it is so beautiful, all the walk, going up and down, plunging in the mud, sliding, it's all worth it."
I couldn't agree more.
After the refreshing dip and marveling at the view of both the falls and the surrounding, we headed up again and the trek up was even more challenging as you need to leap from huge muddy steps. We took a different route, which is said to be shorter but harder. The tour guide was a bit hesitant to have us in that path, but he made sure we will all be safe.
After reaching the top ground, it was a relief, but we needed to do at least a 20 minute walk to where we were parked.
It was when I asked my girls about how the tour was. My Dana, who is a juvenile Diabetic, thanked me, but she said "Mommy, this day was full of sacrifices!" She then went on and said "I sacrificed a lot to be in this place, like I sacrificed Aldub's #kalye serye, playing my game, reading my current novel and lounging in my bed for this."
And of course the trek itself was a big sacrifice in itself as getting there may mean risks and danger, body pains, and some other misfortune. Although, I didn't think it that way, for I know this experience will bring a fresh inspiration, a fresh perspective to what life in the rural areas is, a fresh insight to what could be the outcome of a certain decision.
After all, I did ask them if they want to go to the beach or see a spectacular waterfalls, and they all agreed on the latter.
So, did you think I succeeded in my goal of educating them about sacrifice?
Let me end with this short video.
For other waterfalls suggestions, check out my links below:
If I only have the money, I will deinitely visit Milan, Italy, again. It's not only that my parents and my siblings together with their family live there, it's also the venue of the global exposition which happens every five years. For the year 2015, it was Milan, Italy's turn to showcase the world's best in one huge event and in the most impressive setting.
Dubbed as Expo Milan 2015, the exposition tackles one of the most pressing global issue - sustainability and innovation, with the theme "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life." It's gates opened last May 1 and will end on October 31. On 2020, Dubai will be the next host while during the 2010 Expo was held at Shanghai China.
A total of 140 countries have participated and have showcased unique cultural and culinary traditions, within self-built lots comprising 60 pavilions. It was decided to be placed at the north west of Milan near Rho Fiera, said to be Milan's fairgrounds.
Our Filipino friends have made this witty and cute photo walk while they were having their romantic and educational trip to Expo Milan. This collage I made from their FB Album shows part of what you can expect in the event. Thanks Alvin and Zarina!
Dive Resort Travel (DRT) Philippines Show 2015, envisioned to be the first and biggest international dive event in the country, will be held on 11 – 13 September 2015 at the SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City.
With the theme “It’s more fun to dive in the Philippines,” the DRT is a three-day exposition that will gather dive industry stakeholders, especially those from Asia and Oceania, together in one venue. Expected to participate are at least 2,000 international dive exhibitors, enthusiasts, and marine conservationists.
Organized by the Hong Kong and Shanghai-based LX Development Group (LXDG), the elements of “fun” and “festivity” will be infused in all components of the Dive Resort Travel Philippines Show from the exhibit to the travel exchange, seminars and workshops, photo gallery, familiarization tours, and other special events like cultural performances and entertainment showcase during the opening ceremonies and farewell dinner. The dive exhibit will feature the country’s dive destinations, beach and dive resorts, dive centers and shops of dive equipment and apparel. Participants include dive tour operators, resort owners, underwater photographers, marine conservationists, and instructors from international scuba diving schools like PADI, NAUI, SSI, TDI, SDI, UTD, PSAI and DAN.
The Philippine Dive Travel Exchange (DIVE-TRAVEX) will be a platform for invited foreign buyers of dive tourism products and services to meet with local dive tour sellers in one-on-one business-to-business (B2B) meetings in scheduled appointments. Selected foreign buyers and dive enthusiasts will also be invited to the five-day postevent and complimentary familiarization dive tours to some of the country’s top dive destinations like Batangas, Puerto Galera, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Palawan.
The public is invited to the photo gallery highlighting a myriad of underwater attractions and the best beach/dive resorts in the Philippines, as well as a series of marine conservation seminars and dive workshops, which will be conducted by international and national experts. These include world-renowned marine biologist Dr. Kent Carpenter of the US, dive and web master plus macro photographer Ken Thongpila of Australia, and celebrity underwater fashion photographer Aaron Wong of Singapore. Among those to be discussed are underwater photography, marine life education and conservation, dive safety training, and biodiversity in the Philippines.
For enthusiasts, you can also find tour dive packages in certain dive spots.
Yesterday, the 26th Philippine Travel Mart organized by PHILTOA (Philippine Tour Operators Association and TPB (Tourism Promotons Board Philippines) just kicked off and travelers swarmed the huge hall of SMX in SM Mall of Asia. It was also there that Visit Davao Fun Sale was formally announced to the public and they just gave away four flight roundtfip tickets to where else, Davao.
Guess what, did I win one? Well no, but I was able to score 6 tickets to Davao by lining up at Cebu Pacific's booth for a whopping P 7,100, these are all roundtrip tickets.
Why did I choose to go to Davao rather than traveling abroad with the family?
Well for one, DOT-XI have collaborated with The Big Davao Fun Sale Retailers Association of Davao, Tours Consortium, Inc., Restaurant Owners Association of Davao City, Hotel and Resorts Sales and Marketing Associaton of Davao (HRSMA Davao), the newly created MICE Organizers' ventures Davao and Davao Wellness and Spa Association to design the city-wide sale extravaganza which as the organizers claim to be much better than the two previous years. Also, I haven't been there and it's in our family's bucket list.
This year's Visit Davao Fun Sale gave me 8 more reasons to love and explore Davao.
DAVAO CITY COUNTRYSIDE TOUR
Highlights: Phil. Eagle Foundation Center, Eden Nature Park and Resort
Inclusions: Airconditioned Transpo, Applicable Entrance Fees, Services of a Licensed Tour Guide, Buffet Lunch
Duration: 8 hours
DAVAO CITY TOUR
Highlights: Museo Dabawenyo, City Hall, Jack's Ridge, San Pedro Cathedral, Holy Infant Jesus Shrine, Durian Candy Factory, Crocodile Park
Inclusions: Airconditioned Transportation, Applicable, Entrance Fees, Services of a Licensed Tour Guide
Duration: 4 hours
MARILOG HIGHLAND AGRI-TOUR
Highlights: Balik Bukid, BEMWA Farm, Seagull Resort
Inclusions: Transportation, Pinoy Delicacy snack, plated lunch, services of a licensed tour
Duration: 8 hours
MT. APO TREKKING
Inclusions: Transportation, Permit and Shortcut Fees, Guide Fees, Porter fees, Equipment rental, meals (1St day Dinner to 3rd day lunch), Souvenir shirt, certificate of climb (3-day duration)
SAMAL INLAND TOUR
Highlights: Paradise Island Beach Resort, Samal Dairy Farm, Monfort Bat Cave, Hagimit Falls
Inclusions: Picnic lunch, Transportation, Applicable entrance fees, RT Hotel Transfers, and services of a Licensed tour guide ( Duration: 8 hours)
Inclusions: Picnic Lunch, Applicable Entrance fees, Rt Boat Transfer and services of a Licensed tour guide
Duration: 8 hours
SAMAL AGRI-KULTURAL TOUR
Highlights: Rice Farming experience, Mangongawong Falls, Guided Snorkeling or Horseback Riding, Interaction with Samal Tribe
Inclusions: Picnic Lunch, Transportation, RT Transfers, Ferry/Barge fees and services of a Licensed tour guide
Duration: 4-6 hours
VANISHING ISLAND SUNSET CRUISE
Highlights: Swimming and snorkeling (gear pac account), Sunset view
Inclusions: Picnic food, Tour Guide, Boat Transportation, RT transfersto znd from Garden by the Bay
Duration: 4-6 hours
For the package prices, kindly refer the photos below or visit the websites visitdavaofunsale.com or vdfs.discoverydavao.com.
NTBN: The websites are yet to be updated
You can start planning your Holy week and summer vacations and visit VDFS booth at the 26th Travel Mart at SMX and book your choiced activities. Surely summer sill be more fun and exciting at Davao.
According to DOT Regional Director Roberto Alabado, III they will also add food trips, bar crawls and they have also partnered with hotels and resorts so they too could offer big discounts to tourists, this is to compliment the Samal beach holiday getaway.
Visit Davao Fun Sale 2016 will run from March 25 to May 31. 2016.
If that's not enough to set your mind and heart to Davao, let me share you the official DOT Davao video teaser below.
