Anything goes...

Last Thursday, we were invited to try out the newest resort in town. Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Joel and Patrice Santos, this new resort had me awestruck at the clean and beautiful place they have. It was very spacious and very much apt for family bonding. So after the owners' Thursday treat to us bloggers, i thought it fair to bring the kids there too. Biboy and Tabebs enjoying the water The place is so relaxing. Very cool surroundings, the air breeze so fresh. It is a very nice resort with modern facilities yet, with native themed bamboo huts and decors. It was really a beautiful place to unwind so we wasted no time, we went back there with the kids last Saturday. This is the inside of the hut. Looking up, just above your heads is a slot for placing your bags and bulky things, towels, and other stuffs in order for the seats to be comfortable with, no clutter. On the sides, outside the hut is a long clothesline where you can hang your wet clothes and towles after you are through swimm...

Warning: This will make you want to travel here in Southern Mindanao. You've been warned! We were invited to visit the opening of Isla Jardin Del Mar in Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province. The place is owned by no less than the fishing magnate Mr. Marfin Tan and his family. More than an hour's ride from General Santos City, this place is considered heaven by many. The first group (including hubby) went as early as 9am, while we went along with the vice governor's wife in the afternoon. I was amazed at how they developed the place as to cater tourists. Gumasa is a long stretch of white sand beach in this part of Mindanao and we are so lucky that we get to enjoy the place after an hour's ride. Pictures speak for itself. Click photo for larger size. Clear, tranquil water welcomed us as we enjoyed it splashing on our heels. The white sand was a relaxing foot spa. Although not the finest sand similar to Boracay's, one can relaxingly walk the sandy waters without being conc...

We started preparing at 7am, and we were on our way there by 10am. 2 hours of traffic and black smoke from the coastal to Dasmariñas. We arrived at past 12, just about ready for lunch. We traversed hell to get through heaven... But this I'll say, one of the reasons I would love to go back to Luzon, aside from seeing friends and the luxury of travel... the cold breeze kissing your nose the wonderful smell of the few pines you pass through the gentle air that blows your way while seeing lovely lush green scenery the beauty of nature, a reminder of God's love... and the hope that someday, this beauty remains for the generations to come. Ahhhh, Tagaytay, I miss you. I will come back, soon.

Jose Rizal's death was martyred here, the Declaration of the Philippine Independence from American rule was witnessed here, different rallies and movements were placed here. A lot of historical events happened in this place, and the only thing the elementary books say is that, this place is where Jose Rizal was shot to death, that made him a hero. When I was in Luzon, I did not want to go back to my hometown without checking this place out. It has been ages since I and my family visited this place, and proceeds to Manila Zoo. After a long while, I went back and was amazed at what changes there has been. So clean, so nice, surely a grandeur the Philippines takes pride in having, and the tourists savoring. Visitors, tourists, men after men came and went, and had their photos taken. A memento to bring to their roots, to brag about, I have been to Rizal Park, Philippines ! There's nothing more I can tell you, but you have to check this place out. And if you're a Filipino, place...

I have heard news about the prices of vegetables in Luzon. When I was there, I wasn't able to visit markets because i was too preoccupied with meeting writers which was actually the reason for my trip. When I got home after one meeting, I was surprised that Medy (an officemate assigned in MM Branch) was done with her shopping. I really wanted to go with her so I could at least explore Luzon markets. But they were already opening grocery bags and I joined in the hullabaloo. On the table was laid veggies that I could not contain my surprise at the prices of the veggies. cabbage head: P37.9 2 carrots: P29.8 2 pieces sayote: P32.6 I was shocked. Yes, correct term to use because I was actually more shocked than I was surprised at what I saw. Question: Why was I shocked? Answer: Because, ladies and gentlemen, these prices are double, even triple the prices of these veggies in General Santos! For real! In the malls, you can buy the best cabbage heads for P10-P20 each, depending on the...

The schedule for the meeting with writers in Pangasinan was on a Sunday, and it shoved me good that at 6am, we were on the road to reach Pangasinan by 11am. The SCTEX was lonely, only a few cars were on the road and I was able to have a good view of the highway that made me feel like I was in another country, so clean, so smooth, with such breathtaking views. We reached Tarlac at 7:30, imagine the fast ride I was enjoying, had breakfast at Chowking Tacrlac, and I was awed at the scenery I saw while traversing Hacienda Luisita. I remembered Ninoy and Cory while we passed the Ninoy Aquino Museum in Tarlac. What I just don't like is going through palay being dried along the roadside! Yes, it occupies half of the two-lanes road we were coursing through. We arrived at Pangasinan by 11, just in time for the meeting, I wasn't able to take pictures while there since I was too preoccupied with the meet-up with writers I have only been communicating through my cellphone and through the...