Donya Jovita Resort

Hot springs are therapeutic. In case you want to avoid the crowded resorts and spa in Metro Manila, you may try the Donya Jovita Resort in Calamba, Laguna.

Donya Jovita was featured in the Pop Talk show of GMA.

Conquer Batad

Philippine cultural books never fail to mention the famous rice terraces of Cordillera. In various travel blog sites, Batad is often praised for its majestic view of “green staircases”, built along the mountain range by the indigenous people thousands of years ago. Unknown to many, this man-made attraction is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Philippines.  

I have chosen Batad as my local itinerary for the weekend to break away from my usual beach vacation. Photos of Batad rice terraces prior to my visit led me to believe that one could easily go downstairs and upstairs of the rice terraces. However, when I set foot in Batad, the stairs were approximately 10 feet high and the wall foundations were made of big stones! The pictures might deceive you; it is not an easy trek on the rice field.

Day Tour at Punta Fuego

Punta = A point of land extending into a body of water
Fuego = Fire

Punta Fuego (Point of Fire), is an 88-hectare flamed-shape exclusive residential resort in Nasugbu, Batangas. Historical accounts show Punta Fuego as the site of battle between the Spanish Galleon San Diego and the Dutch battleship Mauritius, which was said to carry a crew of pirates on December 14, 1600 . “Fuego!” the Spanish captain commanded, “Fuego!”, thus the name Punta Fuego or point of fire. (http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Punta_Fuego)

Club Punta Fuego is an exclusive membership club. I am privileged to be part of our company outing this year held at Terrazas de Punta Fuego, which is ideal for group bookings. 

The brown powdery sand of Terraza beach resembles the sand color in Bolinao, Pangasinan. There are several huge cabanas alongside the beach. The beach water is cool and clean ; with safety marker ropes. Aqua sports activities, such as kayaking, banana boat riding and jetski are available for the enjoyment of guests.

Sports Recreation

I aspire to get more stamina and cross-train like that of a triathlete. I usually prefer high intensity workouts; I do get bored on the usual thread mill runs and on slow moving exercises, such as yoga. This 2015, part of my fitness goal is to have a variation on my exercise,sports and recreation.

(picture of Phil Army gym Taguig)

I am a beach lover who often seeks adventure through island hopping and water sports activities, but I want to confess that I am not a swimmer. Better late than never, I started my Swimming lessons through the help of my friend who has a training background from Lozada's swimming school. Now, I am practicing (1) survival swim (2) breast stroke and (3) free style swimming. Later on, I will try how to tread water on pools with above 5 feet water depth and on deep sea (i.e.open water swimming)

The Inner Voice

I believe that mind can never comprehend
every speck of reality,
a niche of translucency and disguise
soars into the midst of the unknown.

I believe that there is a voice from within
that never fails to remind the truth,
the must be and might be of life.
The three dimensions of matter can be visible
but the inner content may not be recognized.

Spa Party (Sample Bridal Shower)

For those who are planning to give a bridal shower to their bride-to-be friend(s), here is a sample surprise SPA party that you can plan ahead of time for your BFF. #South ladies, you may have a reservation at Tips 'n Toes Westgate, Alabang.

Here is the sample planning for this event:

Theme: Spa Party (Girly/Princess Party)

Call Time: 3:30 pm - for all guests. It will be much better if all guests will arrive early to assist on the decorations at the venue. Tips and Toes is near the Fitness First Gym and Contis Westgate Alabang.

Throwback: Calaguas Island

 Circa 2010

A bumpy boat ride experience on the way to Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte. Highly recommended for those who can endure the splashing waves while traveling the Pacific Ocean =)

The trip was memorable as this was the first time I slept inside a tent. In 2010, there are no resorts/cottages within the island; thus, the situation will compel you to sleep inside a tent. You can hear the roaring sound of waves and wind during the night.  

Check my photo entry for Calaguas chosen by Today.Com  <Clink on this link:     Today.com feature Calaguas >

Calaguas Island

Latte art

Drinking coffee energizes you to start the day with positive vibes. What more if there's an art on your coffee ritual.

My brother, who previously worked in KL, Malaysia, has a collection of his coffee latte art pics. I am fascinated with the pics and have them posted here in my blog.

Live Bands @ Summer Siren Festival and 12 Monkeys

Aside from the regular water sports activities, beach lovers would like to lay down in the sand at night and enjoy live band performances. This is what the annual Summer Siren festival offers. You may enjoy a weekend night of music with cocktails and meet new friends at the beach resort.

Ramen Race

Last year, my friend (Gladdys) challenged us, her Zambales travelmates, to complete the top 10 ramen restaurants here in Metro Manila based on this website (http://insights.looloo.com/best-manila-ramen-mid-2014/). Well, challenge accepted, just for fun ("_"). At least, there is no deadline for this ramen race. Let us see if these restaurants deserved their current ranking. =)

YUSHOKEN

1. Ramen Yushoken - done (Alabang)

2. Ramen Nagi - done (SM Aura) 
3. Ukokkei Ramen Ron  - done (Mc Kinley)
4. Kichitora of Tokyo - done (G5)
5. Tamagoya Noodle House
6. Hanamaruken Ramen - done (Alabang)
7. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
8. Mitsuyado Sei-men
9. Wrong Ramen- done (BGC)
10. Kenji Tei Ramen House

                     



                   

Mayon Volcano, Legazpi Albay

Prior to Mt. Mayon's renewed activity of eruption and Philvocs' increase of alert level from 2 to 3, I had the chance to see this majestic "pefect cone" volcano last September 11 to 12, 2014. I was privileged to be part of the ASPLI Convention in Legaspi City, Albay. Sample scenery shots are shown below:

B and B (Boracay and Baler)

The best places to visit again and again...Boracay and Baler! =)

The pictures below will justify.

1. BORACAY