Micro Summer Vacay 2015

February 19-22, 2015

Off to Baguio City to make most of our time with the Alimodian family who are, in less than 7 months, migrating to Canada.

Sitio Pungayan, or also known as La Presa, becomes an instant popular destination especially among the avid followers of ABS-CBN's favorite telenovela, "Forevermore". People flock the said shooting location most of the days.

 Souvenir Shirts were available at the site and we also met this charming little local in traditional Igorot costume. You will be charged of a fee on taking photographs with the "La Presa" banner (not pictured).

There were just a few group of people when we arrived at about 7 in the morning, so we got to enjoy the location and had extra time to explore. Walk further and you'll get to see this panoramic view.

We revisited the usual attractions in the City of Pines over the course of two days: Rollerblading with the kids at Burnham Park, Strawberry-picking at La Trinidad, Hot choco tasting at Choco-late de Batirol, Thrill-seeking at Tree Top Adventure, and just goofing around at The Mansion.

Team Alimodian enjoying some corn and sunshine at Mine's View Park. We will surely miss the company of this wonderful family. 

Gandara getting caught on camera by ABS-CBN crew for our Music Video =D

Calamansi-picking and veggie-harvesting at the farm. And the icing on top of the cake, a boodle fight! =D

Natividad Sky Plaza

Then there was this new bonding ground closer to home, since then, I look forward to have a good short trek with my family whenever I spend days of vacation in my hometown.

Sky Plaza is located in a nearby sleepy town of Natividad, about 30 mins away from where I live. It is close to nature and heaven too, as the Grotto was atop the hill with growing trees along the trail. I feel euphoric inhaling the smell of grass, feeling the breezy air, and just by being with the people I love.

I also started bringing along some friends to experience what I've been enjoying to do with my family. It is always a good thing to having spent some quality time with your loved ones early in the morning =)

Weekend Getaway: Baler's Summer

Welcome to Baler, the provincial capital of Aurora, which is one of the top surfing spots of the Philippines! 

Before the summer ends, my friends and I went off the road and enjoy the scorching heat of summer at this awesome place.

May the following photos convince you to go see and experience Baler!

A view of the town from one of the viewing decks of Ermita Hill.

Replica of survivors that symbolizes the (only) 7 families who had survived the tsunami (or also known as the "Tromba Marina") that struck the small town in 1735.

Digisit falls

Low tide in Digisit Beach

The largest Balete tree in Asia. It takes about 60 people with outstretched arms to encircle this massive and towering tree. We were told of strange and frightening stories about these kind of trees when we were young so, when the guide told us to go inside, I was a bit hesitant. But we went in anyway, and I'm glad we did! 

Our guide climbed up to take a photo of us, he's really good at taking fun shots. That's one thing I learned from this guy, how to use the panorama from my phone and point-and-shoot camera. hehe..

At the end of a 30-minute green-ish trek is a beautiful waterfall called Ditumabo or also known as the Mother falls. Plunge into its cold but refreshing water and bring out your waterproof camera for fun shots under.

Enjoy walking along Sabang's long shoreline and fine sand

Learn surfing with the expert local surfers. The best time to catch big waves is between September to February. 

Don't forget to buy pasalubong...

and take a picture of the scenic views

along the way.

Due to time constraints, we're not able to see the other must-sees or try their local food which gives us the excuse of coming back some other time =D

By the way, when going to Baler it is recommended to plan ahead and ask for  right directions instead of relying only to GPS or google maps. You may end up driving along the unfinished bumpy-dark-rough road at the edge of the mountains. Be safe and enjoy! =)

Island-Hopping Zambales

April 12-13, 2014

Summer isn't complete without throwing yourself into the beach! So, let's hit the road...

Good thing, one of our colleagues, invited us in his home, accommodation and food is free! =)

San Antonio, Pundaquit Bridge

 A simple stone-balancing art(?) at Camara Island

The mandatory group jumpshot at Capones Island 

Other tourists 

 Enjoying the black sand at Anawangin Cove's long shore

Calm waters is calming... =) 

The Simple Life: Just waiting for the sun to set beautifully.

Weekend Getaway: Urdaneta-Tayug

Lisland Resort
Urdaneta, Pangasinan
March 17-18, 2012

We were waiting for Kuya Jojo at the waiting area. He arrived at 12:30 MN and we were still up, energetic and excited to enjoy the weekend.

My parents greeted us at the gate as we arrived at around 5 o'clock in the morning. They started preparing our packed lunch and meryenda, pork adobo/mangga with mum's bagoong/spaghetti, while we took a rest. By 11 AM, we hit the road to Urdaneta City. Below are pictures from Lisland Rainforest Resort. Entrance Fee: Adults @ Php100, Kids @ Php80 and Regular Picnic Huts @400. The resort has one large 4 to 6ft deep pool and a small one for kids. It also has a playground. I love the trees surrounding the place but the Comfort Rooms and Showers were not that good at all.

At night, since it was our town's fiesta, we went to the plaza to have fun. Gi tried the strike zone and luckily she striked the tower of bottles with only two balls! 

We slept in tents. Here, we had a photo op with our adorable dog, Smile. =)

We had Itlog na Maalat with tomatoes, steamed Katuray and eggplant, tuyo and rice for beakfast. Then, we went to the market to buy pork liempo for lunch. Ramon and Raven did the job of grilling the meat and Cecille mixed the bagoong rice! And mum prepared the chocolate ice scramble for dessert!

Hot Air Balloon Festival 2012

 The Blaze Of The Sun.

The Balloons prepares to take flight.

Fly High Philippines!

The Visitors

Mango Trees outside Zoocobia.

Cool Treats on a Hot Summer Day!!!