Escape to El Nido (part 3)

Monday, June 4, was our last day in El Nido and I didn't want to leave. Bitin eh, and it rained pa the first two days. We wanted to stay for four days, but Lagen island resort was fully booked before and after our three-day stay, so too bad for us. But we are still so thankful that everything went well, and the sun finally shone brightly that morning, with the bluest of skies and fluffy white clouds.

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Escape to El Nido (part 2)

Our amazing first day in El Nido has set the tone for the rest of our stay on this island paradise. Everything was booked with Lagen Island resort's activities coordinator upon our arrival, so we all know what to expect during our stay. Despite the rain showers during the island-hopping on day one, we still had a great afternoon and was looking forward to Tour 2 the next morning. The half-day tour will cover the most awaited visit to the small and big lagoons, snorkeling in Miniloc Island resort, and beach side lunch.

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Escape to El Nido (part 1)

El Nido is in my wish list of travel destinations for the longest time, and last weekend, I got my wish and was able to experience the beauty and wonders of the islands with my family. After our first day, gusto na namin agad mag plan for our next trip! It's a different world out there! While my photos don't do justice to how beautiful El Nido is, I will just let my pictures do the talking and briefly share what we did over the three glorious days in this little piece of paradise.

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Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Resort in Bataan

Third Friday of the month: Fun Friday / Travel / Recreation

Take a peek into a bygone era -- 18th century Philippines, reconstructed on a 400-hectare property development in Bagac, Bataan. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a "heritage resort by the sea", a living museum with over twenty colonial houses and buildings from different parts of the country that were transported and rebuilt to recreate old towns back in the day.  When I learned about Las Casas a few years ago, I was already intrigued and wanted to bring the family there. We finally got to stay for two nights last weekend and the sights left me in awe.

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Mangrove Planting with 3rd Graders

Second Friday of the month:  Education / Kids

My girl and her fellow third graders had the opportunity to travel to a mangrove forest in a remote area in Lian, Batangas. This educational trip was part of their unit study about “Exploring What We Can Do For the Regions” for Social Studies. The field trip was done in collaboration with the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (www.ptfcf.org) and Lian Kingfisher Association. I was one of the parent-volunteers and I'm excited to share our experience with you!

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Vacation in Shangri-la Mactan Resort Cebu, part 2

Here's our day 3 and 4 in Cebu. 

I felt bitin with our recent vacation especially our stay at Shangri-la Mactan. Nonetheless, we made the most out of our trip and tried different activities as a family.  Our plan was really to have a city tour visiting historical landmarks on our first day in Cebu, which I featured here for part 1, and then move to Mactan for more rest and relaxation.

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Fun Friday: Vacation and Sightseeing in Cebu

Third Friday of the month:  Travel / Recreation

This post is long overdue. Rainy season na, so I'll just reminisce on our memorable trip to the queen city of the south as we explored the city and relaxed on the island resort. We spent the last weekend of May in sunny Cebu and it was a special treat for the kids as well since it's their first plane ride. Our destination of choice is rich in history and a melting pot of people and culture.

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A Quick Escape to Subic

I can't get my mind off the beach. It's the season kasi. The family had an early taste of summer last month, during Valentine's weekend to be exact. The road trip to Subic was mainly for J's business meeting which extended to our quick beach getaway. I'd say those unplanned trips are the more exciting and memorable ones, don't you think so?

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Fun Friday: Adventures Around the Philippines

Third Friday of the month:  Leisure / Recreation / Travel

My girl inspired this post, and it's actually a "flashback Friday" feature. M started asking questions about different places around the Philippines last week -- I guess it's related to their current lesson in social studies. I can't recall what our conversation was but it led to her asking about the underground river with bats. I knew she was referring to the subterranean river in Palawan. I told her I've been there. She got really interested so I took out my albums and shared my local travels with her.

She said she wants to go here too and explore the cave. The boy want's to ride a boat and experience being out at sea.  Oh I pray we can get to go on an adventure soon!

St. Paul Subterranean River National Park - Puerto Princesa, Palawan 

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Fun Friday: Images of Summer

I can't believe summer season will be over in just less than two weeks! It seemed like only yesterday when the kids were counting down to their last day of school and looking forward to "doing nothing" all summer long.

This is my last Fun Friday post for the season and it would be nice to share this collection of images from our summer this year.

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What I Packed for a Weekend Beach Getaway

Last Mother's Day weekend, I was with my family for a two-night stay at Pico de Loro in Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas.  We stayed at the Pico Sands Hotel and enjoyed the resort's amenities at their Beach and Country Club.

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Subic Summer Retreat at Lighthouse Marina Resort

Third Friday of the month:  Fun / Travel and Leisure

"Like a beacon that steers boats to shore, this magnificent establishment on the Subic waterfront can serve as a venue that beckons travelers seeking world-class comfort."- www.lighthousesubic.com


It was a brief yet relaxing summer retreat for my family last week when we decided to forego a choice destination by plane, and traveled instead to a place up north that's a bit closer from the city -- The Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic Bay.

The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Subic Bay

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