Snaps from Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort

Even in our way to Tanay, Rizal I felt that something would capture my heart. I ignored the car sickness because there were mountains, trees, goats, horses, mountaineers, bikers, and flowers to see.

Cristina Villas Triggered Old Memories

Last April we celebrated birthdays. It was fun considering that we are unsupervised by the “adults”. It was an overnight swimming at Cristina Villas a mountain resort and hotel located at Taktak Road, Antipolo City.

Oddly enough, the place triggers old memories. Back to the day when I thought I am in love with someone. 

8 Firsts In San Juan, Batangas

At last, the trip that had been planned since last year went through.  At exactly 1:30 pm on a Holy Thursday we were on our way to San Juan, Batangas to visit my Ninong and of course, to enjoy the beach. Seated on our rented van I was concentrating because I was fighting my car sickness. In which I did not do good. I am used to it – throwing up; I had my first since I was a kid. This does not stop me from enjoying the trip, in fact, had experienced many firsts.

Side Trip In Morong Rizal

My interest with Morong, Rizal started when I was in college. My teacher in Rizal (a subject that tackles the life of our National Hero, Jose Rizal) mentioned that the people in Morong act differently. He said that they are well – mannered enough not to spit in the streets of their own town. And, that they were able to preserve some of its culture and tradition. I have mentioned my interest in visiting the town to my friends in an eager tone. But they responded by saying that there is nothing to see in the town. They said that it does not count as a tourist destination.

ANTIPOLO CHURCH

         Every time I visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Good Voyage in Antipolo City the local merchants would deal with me as I am a tourist. Perhaps they have not seen enough of me. It is understandable because the cathedral is known among the Catholics. Come Sunday people from different places visit the church. They would arrive with their family or friends; others come alone. Seats are difficult to avail if you arrived late for your preferred mass schedule. Such problem is small. It would not stop the devotees to pay their respect to Our Lady of Good Voyage.  It is always full; in fact, some would bear standing outside while hearing the mass.

SUMAKAH FESTIVAL

            A better way of celebrating your birthday if you are not organizing a party is going to a festival. Take the opportunity to be there and be surrounded by festivity. It is like the whole town is celebrating your birthday.

FIRST MEMORIES IN INTRAMUROS

Baluarte de San Diego Gardens

The very reason my visit to Intramuros is so memorable is that I made a bad tourist out of a very historic place in my own country. What a shame! But I figure that it was for the best of both Intramuros and I.

            Intramuros is also known as the wall city. The walls were built during the Spanish period wherein it is used to protect the city from foreign invasion. Everywhere you look   you can tell that it had witnessed important events in history of the Philippines. The famous Manila Cathedral is built inside Intramuros. It is also surrounded of different colleges and universities. The silence of the place when we were there makes me so excited as if it was screaming for attention  even from the smallest detail of the doors of the cafes in every street that we passed by. I guess the foreign tourists have noticed how silent it was so they act the same.

DISCOVER BOSO - BOSO CHURCH

  

Boso – Boso Church is located in Barangay San Jose at the city of Antipolo. It is one of the churches in the city that the tourists and locals went to visit specially in Lent season.

A LOOK BACK IN CALICOAN SURF CAMP

            Calicoan Surf Camp is located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Its name obviously stand on what it is for, surfing. Its location is perfect for riding the waves to surf since the resort faces the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its well-known for its well-furnished cottages and villas that takes inspiration from the culture of Thai, Balinese, Indonesia, and, of course, Filipino.

WAYBACK WEDNESDAY: GUIUAN AND ITS DANCE

 

I danced even though I did not know what would be the next step. Lucky for me, my  dance partner guided me.

            It had been years since I visited my hometown Guiuan. The last vacation I had was with my cousins on July 2012 to remember the date anniversary of my grandmother. Many firsts happened during that trip: 1. I finance my own travel. 2. I rode in an airplane for the first time and 3. I met with my high school friends.

WHEN IN MARIKINA

This structure where a clock is attached and fountain are one of the landmarks of Marikina City.

Marikina City, considered as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines. Aside from this known fact there are two things I would like to impart (if you have not been to Marikina) and remind you which can easily be translated in a word that is common to all of us but partially difficult to practice – discipline.