Punta De Uian, Bgy. Pundaquit, Zambales

I simply love his photo as it speaks of a thousand words about summer as well as how I enjoyed our stay in the resort. Punta de Uian has been one of the location shoots of the local version of Marimar. Thirty minute boat ride from the resort, you will reach Capones Island where you will see a lighthouse.

My Havaianas' Boracay Odyssey

One of my precious belongings, my Havaianas was fortunate enough to have stepped on the white powdery sand of the beaches in Boracay Island. I have been blessed to see the splendid island for the third time but it was only then that I learned about other beautiful beaches there. And so wherever I go, my heavenly Havaianas is privileged to see the beauty and charm of God's magnificent creation.

The first stop was the ever famous White Beach that boasts a very long shoreline; thus, it was partitioned into three parts (Stations 1 to 3). We walked towards Station 1 where there are few people and finer sand. When we saw the Grotto at Willy's Rock, my feet halted to enjoy the scenic view -- azure skies, blue green waters, irregularly-shaped big rocks, ahhh! a beautiful sight indeed!

If only heavenly Havaianas could speak, I'm sure it would not let a second pass without uttering how amazed it was with the perfect view of the sunset over the horizon.

The second day was definitely not a time to miss the opportunity to do beach hopping; not via boat as it is quite expensive; rather, via tricycle. We rented a tricycle for P200 per hour. The whole beach hopping and a side trip to Mt. Luho (on the way to Puka beach) lasted for three hours. Due to time constraints, we opted skipping the visit to the bat cave.

The first beach stop was Bolabog beach. It was really a hot afternoon but yet the windy atmosphere alleviated us from the melting heat of the sun.

Heavenly Havaianas got off my feet and took a peep of the foamy water produced by the gentle push of the waves.

From that sight, it set its eyes onto the courageous kite surfers trying to win the battle against the mighty waves.

Next stop was sort of a mountain climbing atop Mt. Luho. It took me roughly 20 minutes to complete the steps. It depends on one's stamina and endurance in reaching the top faster. At the peak, heavenly Havaianas saw the entire Boracay Island on a macro perspective.

We maximized our last day by getting up as early as 6:00 am so we can still enjoy the beach under the early morning sun.

From Station 2, heavenly Havaianas walked around two kilometers going to Diniwid Beach (the most beautiful beach of the paradise island).

As I enjoy my last two hours stay on the paradise island, just sitting on the sand with my camera, my pointing finger instantaneously released my cam's shutter button to capture this typical scenario on Boracay's vast waters. This picture was a perfect reminder of my first visit. I could vividly remember how afraid I was to ride the banana boat knowing that I don't know how to swim. Even if I was equipped with a life jacket, I never trusted it. Courage and faith were my weapons in conquering my fear of the ride. Thankfully, I survived! And I admit, I enjoyed the experience. That's why I love to travel because it paves the way to many discoveries in life not to mention the lessons that these teach me. Most of all, these give me additional strength in conquering my fear; and, prepare my character in facing future challenges that I will have to face as I live my life.

I will still travel places to gather more treasured learnings and discoveries that life has to offer. Just like my Havaianas, while its rubber soles can still cover a thousand miles, traveling goes on.

Havaianas to Boracay

A long overdue Christmas gift that my bestfriend gave me just two weeks ago. She's been very busy at work that it was only then that we were able to see each other and had the chance to have lunch together and watch movie. I'm thankful for this present because this is one of the items in my wish list but I find it impractical to purchase such costly flip-flops. I would rather buy other things I really need than buying one. Thanks to my best pal for granting one of my simple material wishes.

On another note, the gift was very timely since my husband and I are set to fly to Boracay, and I'm gonna use my new pair of slippers. It will be my third time to set foot on the famous island of Boracay but this time, my excitement is on a higher level simply because there will be no more tiring island hopping, scary banana boat ride, and nightlong conversation with friends over cocktails and beers. This time around, it will be more of a relaxed break with my husband and a close friend. There will be more time to enjoy the beach, capture scenic views, and commune with nature.

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Clark Field, Pampanga

I thought the planned trip to Clark, Pampanga will no longer materialize until I got a confirmation that it will push through on a Sunday, the last day of the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. At exactly 4:00 am, we were headed to our destination wishing to be there a little early than the scheduled start of the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Luckily enough, we arrived just in time. Thanks to J for the DOT VIP pass that she was able to get from her friend. :)


With a DOT pass, we were able to free ourselves from shelling out P350 bucks for the photographer's entrance fee, and we had a chance to get a very close view of the humongous balloons as well as the preparation needed -- from laying the giant material on the vast field, to inflating it with hot air; to the preparation of taking off from the ground; to flying slowly to the high grey skies.

Notice how the huge cloth on the field metamorphose into a full-blown balloon. Several people are required to assist in the preparation.








Just merely looking at those colorful creations transform into an enthralling pieces work of art breathe lightness of feeling in me. Such a simple yet wonderful experience!

My Second Visit to Sonya's Garden

My friends and I usually plan for a city tour every year, which is planned during the months when we receive bonuses. It has been three years since our first Tagaytay Escapade, which includes lunch at Sonya's Garden. Before ending the year 2007, we planned another visit to one of the sought after gardens in Tagaytay City.


This flower arrangement on the center of our table perks up the mood to a sumptuous and healthy salad starter.



Sonya's very own table setting provides a homey feeling.



Each of us created fresh salad concoction from a selection of salad ingredients to be mixed with fresh green lettuce. The Sonya's secret dressing genuinely gives a delectable taste, enabling us to finish everything that is served.



If you're planning for a quick stop toward satisfying your taste buds with a heavenly lunch or dinner, here's the set menu:

RATE: PhP 560+ per person/Set (EAT ALL YOU CAN)
Menu served in sit down style.

INCLUSIONS: Green Salad. Freshly harvested lettuce and arugula topped with mango, broad beans, eggs, cucumber, jackfruit, pineapple, edible flowers in season, etc., drizzled with Sonya’s Secret Dressing or Balsamic Vinegar

Freshly baked sesame bread from Sonya's Panaderia with homemade dips: pesto, white cheese, anchovies, tapenade.

Pasta with three kinds of sauces: Sun dried tomato; chicken cream with mango; and ratatouille; topped with salmon belly, mushrooms, black olives, capers, anchovies.

Dessert: Glazed sweet potato and banana rolls and chocolate cake

Drinks: Bottomless freshly squeezed dalandan juice (local orange) and tarragon tea

The following maybe added:

1. Roast Chicken PhP 450 (per piece)
2. Salmon Steak with Capers PhP 250 (per piece)

Recent attractions to complement a country-living experience are the Bed and Breakfast, Spa and Panaderia.

A quick shot of the Bed and Breakfast Cottages. Look at the flowers and lush greens that will welcome you from the window of a cottage. Such a refreshing and relaxing thought. I wish to stay overnight there someday soon.



Happy moments as we enjoy and explore the beautiful garden.

A Refreshing Zest of Caliraya Lake

It was my first time at Caliraya Lake in Lumban, Laguna. Upon landing on the place, I felt instant rejuvenation because of the fresh air, lush greens, and the relaxing sound of the waters as if dancing gracefully in the eyes of azure firmament. What's fascinating to know was Caliraya Lake is a man-made lake situated at 1200 above sea-level. Imagine, such a vast body of water created by man, cool isn't it?