Manila Bay / Baywalk....

Last September 2005, a day before my husband will come back in Japan, while we are staying in one of the Hotel here in Manila named "Lotus Garden Hotel", we visit Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden. Then after an hour on that zoo we go in Manila Bay or Baywalk.

Manila Bay considered the finest harbor in the far east and famous for its spectacular sunsets. A relaxing way to see Manila Bay is to stroll along the wide avenue between Roxas Boulevard and the ocean. The path stretches from Rizal Park all the way to the area near the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden along Adriatico Street.

We took a lot of pictures and ate our snack in one of the many food stands on that place. Then we ride a "calesa" going back to the Hotel. What a sweet moment while we are viewing the bay and especially when we are in the "calesa". It is our first time experience in calesa and we are planning to ride again when we will visit again the Intramuros. But next time, our baby boy will be together with us.

Manila Zoo....

An all-time place of attraction for the people of all ages, both children and adults alike, is the zoo. At first, me and my husband only visit Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden last month of September, year 2005! While we are checking-in in Lotus Garden Hotel, that was before my husband will come back in Japan. We checked it first so that the next time that he will visit again here in the Philippines, we will bring all our kids there.

So, when he came back before christmas on that same year, we bring all our kids in Manila Zoo. The zoo is located at the corner of Mabini Street and Harrison Street in Malate. It is open from 7am to 6pm daily. Entrance fee is P40 for non-Manilans, P20 for Manila residents, P10 for kids below four feet tall.

The Manila Zoological & Botanical Garden, shelters a collection of Philippine and exotic African wildlife. Spectators can have a quantity of time gazing at the different animals including our local tamaraw (Philippine water buffalo), mouse deer (smallest deer in the world), Palawan pheasant and the Philippine eagle. All of which are considered endangered species. Manila Zoo is the favorite place for educational field trips or barkada and family outings. You will see here different animals like the elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, tigers, hippopotamus, owls, python, iguana, monkeys, birds and a lot more. There is also a playground that kids can swing, slide, etc.! We ride also on a small boat and starting to rowing on their lagoon.

There's a small canteen inside the zoo, where we ate our lunch and snacks. My husband and i are very sweet eating "halo-halo". There is also have a Kinder Zoo inside the vicinity where kids can freely touch the birds or ostrich, butterflies, put the small python on their neck or ride on the horse.

Kids will surely enjoy the Manila Zoo, like our 4kids and a really nice experience for them!

Nayong Pilipino Park / A Philippine Village....

Near the airport is another favorite tourist haunt; green and spacious Nayong Pilipino Park or Philippine Village, open daily from 9am to 6pm, next to the Philippine Village Hotel.

Nayong Pilipino Park is the only cultural park in the country that serves as the country's miniature. Its aim is to provide tourists an idea and view of the country's famous landmarks as well as a showcase of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Filipinos.

Inside the 46-hectare park are six sections representing replicas of 6 regions comprised of Tagalog, Bicol, Visayas, Cordillera, and Ilocos. There are regional houses reflecting the architectural style unique to each region, it also highlights Filipino creativity in arts and crafts.

The Tagalog Region boasts of the historical Aguinaldo House and the Tagalog Pavilion, which is a venue for social and political gatherings from the early Spanish period up to the present.

The Bicol Region shows off Mount Mayon, the mountain known for its perfectly symmetrical cone, and the Cagsagwa Ruins, both are a must see spots inside the park.

The replicas of Cebu's most famous historical landmark, Magellan's Cross, and Bohol's picturesque Chocolate Hills aptly represent the Visayan Village.

A Datu's House, Moslem Mosque and Samal Houses can be found at the Mindanao Sulu Region.

The Banaue Rice Terraces, one of the Eight Wonders of the World is the principal attraction of the Cordillera Region.

An authentic Vigan House, one of the remaining vestiges of three hundred years of Spanish Colonization highlights the Ilocos Region.

On top of the instant trip to all the replicas of the must-see places in the Philippines and a glimpse of the cultural past, Nayong Pilipino also serves as a perfect site for bonding either with families, relatives, officemates, or friends. It has a wide grass area where visitors can sit or lie and enjoy an open-air picnic; enjoy a banca ride and view the beautifully decorated Samal houses; go fishing at the lagoon; or rush to the souvenir shops and buy souvenir or handicraft items.

That's why my husband and i didn't missed the chance to go and see this famous park, even we have to travel from Laguna to Manila. We leave the house on early morning and inside the park there's a lot of small canteen where we ate our lunch together. We bought also an extra camera film coz we know that we will take a lot of photos on this place. And before we come home, we drop by on one of their souvenir shop to buy a small jeepney model matchbox for our baby boy.

Pagsanjan Falls....

Do you like adventure? Visit to Pagsanjan Falls is the best choice! If youre a nature lover and a thrill seeker, Pagsanjan Falls is one of the places to be. Last September 20,2005 we went to Pagsanjan Falls for a visit. We checked-in in one of the hotel there named "Hotel La Corona". The standard room is P1,800 for overnight. The place is full of green and jagged mountains, big rocks and the air still and softly humming with forest sounds, a pleasant sound of nature. The thrill of canoeing (banca ride) cost P660 per person with a maximum of 2 or 3 persons per boat. Through the challenging pathways administered by the expert boatmen to get to the falls is really amazing. The boatman has to push or lift the banca over shallows or other obstructions. The return journey, however is very thrilling, as the boats negotiate the rapids. It is really very thrilling! I like it a lot than riding a roller coaster. And sitting on a banca is really very sweet position together with your loved one! TIP: Weekdays are best to avoid crowds! Bring a change of clothes because you WILL GET WET! And dont forget your camera!!!

Daranak Falls....

Year 2004, summer time again, my husband visit us again here in the Philippines! This time our cute baby boy is already 7-months old. Then my family suggested to go in Daranak Falls. So, together with my family, husband and our 4kids we go on that falls.
Daranak Falls is located at Barangay Tandang Kutyo in the town of Tanay Rizal. It is a favorite location shooting area of most local and international movies and advertising outfits in the country. Daranak Falls nestles quietly at the foot of the Tanay mountains, preserved with natural vegetation, complemented with beautiful waterfalls, ponds and rivers cascading through elaborate tropical trees and plants. This 14-meters high falls down before settling in a shallow opal-like pool is truly a refreshing site.

Our kids, my sister and nephew are enjoying a lot on their swimming, my brothers and my mother are walking, viewing and enjoying a lot to explore this place. While my husband, our baby and i are taking a lot of photos as our memories in this famous Daranak Falls!

Rizal Park.....

One very hot day of the month of January, year 2004, after we visit the Intramuros, we decided to go also in Rizal Park, formerly known as Luneta. It is the Manila City's chief landmark. Rizal Park is one of the largest parks in Southeast Asia. It features monuments, artist's haven, japanese garden and the lights and cultural show of Dr. Jose Rizal. Historically, this is the place where national hero Jose Rizal was executed.

Rizal Park is a large field with an elevated strolling ground, gardens, wide pathways, fountains, ponds, playground are among the many attractions, bounded by Roxas Boulevard and ending at the sea wall facing Manila Bay. In the central portion of Rizal Park stands Rizal Monument, a guarded memorial to the national hero. It built through public subscription to honor the Philippine patriot, Dr. Jose Rizal. The statue was cast in Switzerland; all distances from Manila are measured from its adjacent flagpole. Behind the monument is a series of plaques inscribed with Rizal's poem "Mi Ultimo Adios" (My Last Farewell). A marble slab highlights the spot where Rizal met his martyr's death by firing squad, while an obelisk marks the site of the earlier executions of Filipino priests Gomez, Burgos and Zamora. To the north side, along Burgos Street, are the Chinese garden, Planetarium, Japanese garden and Orchidarium (but small entrance fee needed for each).

Northwest of the park, next to Quirino Grandstand, is the Manila Hotel, once the most exclusive address in the Pacific. Along the Kalaw Street side of Rizal Park sits the National Library. Near the park's central lagoon, a group of speaking - and hearing - impaired people run a food kiosk, offering a cool spot from which to people - watch. Alternatively, head to the tried-and-true Harbor View Restaurant, where we relaxed after lots of walking and we ate our dinner while watching the sunset over Manila Bay.

Then after that tiring day, we come home from Manila to Laguna......but we really enjoyed a lot!

Intramuros....

On January, year 2004 we go to Intramuros for a visit! Intramuros is the ancient walled city erected by the Spanish more than 4 centuries ago to repel attacks from foreign rivals. It was extensively damaged during World War II, but many sections have undergone restoration and present a vivid picture of life during Spanish rule! It is the Spain's major position in the islands. Many filipinos were imprisoned and killed here during World War II. This place really gives us a glimpse of the past. Captures the essence of what was Manila before and what is Philippines today. This place is really gives you an idea of how the Philippines was in the Spanish era! All the churches there are all amazing. But i think Philippine government tourism will need to remove squaters around the area. It will look good if squaters and homeless people sleep around the vicinity will be remove or relocated. It doesn't look safe or decent place to be a tourist area!

Majestic Taal Lake in Tagaytay.....

On January 27, 2004 we went to Taal Lake to be amazed on an awesome picturesque place that must be seen in person! A banca (pumpboat) cost Php.2,500 with a safety life jacket can be hired from Talisay to cross the lake and hike up from the crater, though it is advisable to take a guide and drinking water and also with a mexican hat! You can rent the hat for Php 20.00. We decided to climbed it up without riding a horse! It is my first experience in hiking! Im very tired, thirsty, with a hot feeling and feel very dirty! This placed is very dusty! But when I reached the top and saw the majestic Taal Lake, Im really amazed of its beauty! A breathtaking view from the top! Another wonder of the world! Really great feeling to be there and watching it! I enjoyed it and I recommend it for anyone to go and see this marvelous scenic view! "Dont forget your Camera!!!"

Baguio City: A Cool Destination.....

Year 2003 of September, our baby son is only a 3-months old when we decided to go in Baguio City, the country's summer capital. It is only a two days vacation in Baguio. We rent a house that very near in Burnham Park.

Baguio City is situated 1,500 meters above sea level and is one of the few places in the Philippines with a cool climate. It's always eight degrees cooler in Baguio than in the lowlands. That's why my husband didn't sweat for the first time while he is here in the Philippines.

Baguio was developed during the early 1900's by American colonial officials who sought for a cool mountain retreat away from the heat of Manila. We visit Burnham Park, it is at the center of the City! It has pine trees, flower gardens and a manmade lagoon. Good for sweet lovers! Then we saw the Mansion House, it is the summer residence of the President of the Philippines, with it's gates patterned after those of Buckingham Palace. And Camp John Hay is a former US Military facility that's now an upmarket vacation resort.

We go also in Baguio Botanical Park! It has souvenir stalls and upland replica houses. An entire set of houses were also transplanted from Banaue to Tam-Awan Village, where we took a lot of pictures on this place. We visit also the strawberry plantation then we bought some strawberry jam, peanut brittle, etc......, for our souvenir and "pasalubong" for some of my family.

And last but not the least, of course our trip will not be complete if we didn't go in Mine's View Park! We go there just to view and take a photo the beautiful Benguet mountains. Baguio City has something for everybody: whether for new adventures, relaxation or just to cool down, this is the place to visit!

Batangas Beach....

One summer month of year 2003, every member of our family wants to go swimming in one of the many beaches in Batangas. Then we choose Munting Buhangin Beach Resort.

But sadly to know, that when we already there, the security guard inform us that it was temporary close, meaning that for a meantime the resort will not accept visitors/customers coz they are already full. So, we try on other beach resort but that time almost all the public beaches are already full. Private beaches needs reservation first before you can enter. Then there's a lot of man in the road offering other beach resort but we need to ride a boat first before we can go on that resort. Of course, we accept it coz we are already travel a lot going to Batangas.

While we are on a boat, im very very afraid because im a person that always expecting the unexpected moment, that's why im thinking.....what if i will fall from the boat or something will happen bad on the boat? I'm very afraid not for myself, but on my 3kids that didn't know yet how to swim and especially i'm very afraid coz i have a baby on my womb. Yap....I'm 7-months pregnant. But at last, we reached the resort safely. They will come back on the given time just to pick up again on going home.

All the kids, brothers and sister and even my mother became busy on swimming, while me and my husband are walking and taking a lot of pictures on that resort. Then we found out that this resort is offering also to ride a jetski. One of my husband hobby is riding a jetski. In fact, he had his own jetski in Japan. So, we rent it for one hour for the amount of P3,000. He ride one by one of my family member, (even me) and he is teaching them especially my younger sister and brothers. I didn't afraid that time coz i trust my husband a lot and i believe that he will be careful and not allow that something bad will happen on me especially on his baby on my womb. Unlike what i fell a while ago while we are on a boat.

We bring a lot of foods, so we starting to eat our lunch, just like picnic on that beach. Then swim again and after an hours, we decided to go home!

Taytay Falls in Majayjay.....

My younger sister said that Taytay Falls in Majayjay is a beautiful place to visit and show it on my husband. That's why we planned to go there on one summer day.

Taytay Falls is located at Barangay Gagalot Majayjay, Laguna. One must hike about 15 minutes through a small path to reach the falls. the path is slippery at some sections and is just a couple of feet from the almost - vertical side of the mountain. I'm very afraid coz that time i'm 7-months pregnant. But with the help of my sweet and thoughtful husband, everything goes well. I reached the falls.

Taytay Falls has one of the clearest flowing water that we have seen. The water flows from Mount Banahaw, through the mountain's lush and untouched forest which keeps the water clear even during heavy rains. The water temperature is very cold even during summer but for people who are not used to cold water, they can still take a swim for a few minutes before their teeth should start to chatter.

As usual all my 3 kids, nephew, sister and brother are enjoyed again on swimming and splashing that cold water. My husband are busy again to take a lot of pictures as serve as our memories on that place. While me and my mother are only sitting and watching them because i can't move a lot on that rocky place coz of my condition. I'm carrying a big baby boy on my tummy. But seeing them that they are enjoying a lot, i feel very enjoy too on our trip because their happiness is my happiness also!

Picnic Grove Park in Tagaytay.....

Picnic Grove Park is the best place in Tagaytay to view the majestic Taal Lake and Volcano! With an entrance fee of P25 per person and a car parking fee of P20! Taal volcano is the smallest volcano in Asia! Very scenic! It is only 300-meter (1,000 feet) high! A crater within a lake! As one of the smallest, most active volcanoes in the world, it smolders and occassionally rumbles, always presenting a dramatic sight! Since it's first known eruption in 1572, Taal has erupted over 40 times! The peaceful atmosphere and cool weather of Tagaytay especially when you are viewing Taal volcano from the view deck of picnic grove, was the most breathtaking experience i ever had! We always look forward to going back to Tagaytay everytime my husband is visiting us here in the Philippines! The delicious "nilagang bulalo" which is their specialty dish became the favorite meal of my husband. And not to mention the special "bibingka" that you can buy from food stands along the way is really yummy!!! But the atmosphere is really great especially to those who are in love! It is a very romantic and quite place! You can just sit and hug your love ones and talk about anything under the sun. I like the sheer beauty of Taal volcano! Helped me appreciate more of my country's natural place given by GOD, our Creator!!!

Palace In The Sky in Tagaytay.....

Last February 26, 2003 we visit Palace in the Sky in Tagaytay! It was a mansion built by ex-president Marcos for Ronald Reagan in the 80's. The ruins of Marcos country mansion atop the highest mountain in the area is now a public area called "People's Park", where visitors can enjoy mountain breezes and spectacular views. This park also had a kiddie playground which all of my kids are really enjoyed a lot on this trip! Viewing Taal Volcano is very clear but very far. So, we decided to go in Picnic Grove again!

Residence Inn in Tagaytay....

Last December 21, 2002, it is our first time to go in Tagaytay! Together with my husband, kids and some member of my family, we decided to go first in Residence Inn before we will go in Picnic Grove! We choose Residence Inn to get fascinated in a full scenic view of the famous Taal Volcano and Taal Lake.


We ate our lunch on their restaurant that serving native, oriented and japanese cuisine at a very affordable price. They have a mini zoo with an entrance fee of P50.00 per person, which houses a collection of mammals, reptiles and amphibians which you can enjoy at a very close range. As an added attraction Residence Inn also showcases a series of magic and animal shows for kids only on weekends. This place also have a kiddie playground, that's why all my kids and nephew enjoyed a lot. Then after an hour, we drive to go in Picnic Grove!