This is a continuation of the Visita Iglesia 2011 - Laguna Road Tour (Part 1)
Right after lunch at The Beatles Place restaurant, the tour group proceeded to walk towards the Pakil Church which was just nearby. The tour bus was nowhere in sight because the bus driver was asked to park away from the church area. As we were walking, I noticed traffic to be at a very slow snail's pace.
Visita Iglesia 2011 - Laguna Road Tour (Part 1)
After missing a Visita Iglesia trip last year (a friend didn't make it with our reservations), this year's Visita Iglesia turned out a few surprises.
Originally, we were booked for a Batangas Road Trip on a Good Friday. Yup, Batangas again in spite of the fact that we attended the Visita Iglesia Batangas in 2009.
Originally, we were booked for a Batangas Road Trip on a Good Friday. Yup, Batangas again in spite of the fact that we attended the Visita Iglesia Batangas in 2009.
Circle Island Resort in Molino Cavite
In the Sunday of last week (May 9), my family went off to nearby Circle Island resort. Although the resort is in Molino, Cavite, it took us only around 15 to 20 minutes to get there - and we're coming from Muntinlupa City.
This is largely thanks to the Daang Reyna and Daag Hari roads that now link San Pedro, Laguna and Muntinlupa City closer to Molino, Cavite.
This is largely thanks to the Daang Reyna and Daag Hari roads that now link San Pedro, Laguna and Muntinlupa City closer to Molino, Cavite.
No Swim Lessons this Year
But there's no sense not enjoying a day's swim last Saturday at one of our favorite water holes.
After some messy handyman work on fixing PVC door jambs and readjusting kitchen cabinet concealed hinges, the swim was a very much welcomed treat for me. This is especially amidst the sizzling heat of summer.
After some messy handyman work on fixing PVC door jambs and readjusting kitchen cabinet concealed hinges, the swim was a very much welcomed treat for me. This is especially amidst the sizzling heat of summer.
Field Trip to Villa Escudero and EK
Yesterday was Renz's school's yearly field trip. This year it's at Villa Escudero and Enchanted Kingdom. Tita Gay went with Renz. Most, if not all of the kids had their guardians tagging along. Boarding time at the aircon buses was 6:00am.
First stop of the field trip was at Villa Escudero. Here's the old-style bus the kids boarded to go around the Hacienda.
First stop of the field trip was at Villa Escudero. Here's the old-style bus the kids boarded to go around the Hacienda.
Burgers for Laps
Yesterday was a nice sun-shiny day for swimming and so I asked who'd like to go with me to Metropolis mall. Only Renz expressed interest. I told him to get somebody else too coz I needed someone who can take turns with me looking after him.
After much cajoling from Renz, Sandra and DH finally relented. We already had lunch at home and so decided to bring just crackers and water for the afternoon swim. After all it was just the four of us for the swim.
After much cajoling from Renz, Sandra and DH finally relented. We already had lunch at home and so decided to bring just crackers and water for the afternoon swim. After all it was just the four of us for the swim.
Pahiyas and Tsinelas Festivals 2009
In this road trip, it's our first time to go to Lucban Quezon. After much rescheduling to accommodate Karen's confusing upcat review sked, we finally pushed through. We left Alabang at 5:45am and reached Lucban, Quezon around 9:00am. It's far and there was heavy traffic along SLEX.
There was a long queue at the paid restrooms near the church and here's us while waiting by the plant shops for Sandra and DH.
There was a long queue at the paid restrooms near the church and here's us while waiting by the plant shops for Sandra and DH.
Manila Ocean Park 2009
Thanx largely to the Manny Pacquiao - Ricky Hatton fight, we were able to plan on finally going to the Manila Ocean Park and Mall of Asia. Why? Coz there's no heavy traffic during a televised Pacquiao fight!
My only misgiving during Pacquiao fights is that most Pinoys are so tuned in to the fight on TV or radio that some forget their other tasks. I'm talking of salespeople in department stores who'd rather not attend to customers but watch or talk about the blow-by-blow accounts of the fight.
Anyway, back to Ocean Park. It's been a long time since we visited the Roxas Boulevard breakwall. That structure at the right is a new addition to the Manila Ocean Park. Here's their website.
My only misgiving during Pacquiao fights is that most Pinoys are so tuned in to the fight on TV or radio that some forget their other tasks. I'm talking of salespeople in department stores who'd rather not attend to customers but watch or talk about the blow-by-blow accounts of the fight.
Anyway, back to Ocean Park. It's been a long time since we visited the Roxas Boulevard breakwall. That structure at the right is a new addition to the Manila Ocean Park. Here's their website.
Good Free Swim at the Garden Resort
We were expecting two of our kids, Sandra and Renz to have free swimming today because 2 free tickets were issued to us upon their registration for swim lessons. DH and I brought our swim suits to accompany them in the pool thinking the two of us will have to pay to get in.
But we were pleasantly surprised when the pool guy said DH and I could use the 2 free tickets since he saw the kids already enrolled and they (kids) could go swimming the whole day. Duh, okay!
But we were pleasantly surprised when the pool guy said DH and I could use the 2 free tickets since he saw the kids already enrolled and they (kids) could go swimming the whole day. Duh, okay!
Visita Iglesia 2009 - Batangas Roadtrip
Last year, we didn't go to a Visita Iglesia since DH and I were in Jakarta partly for our 20th Wedding Anniversary. This year, after getting a Facebook invite from Toastmaster Violet (Philippine Ecotourism), I lost no time in getting specifics about the April 11 roadtrip. The thought of going on a Visita Iglesia roadtrip WITHOUT me driving (for a change) sounded so relaxing. The fact that we got a discounted rate with the 6th pax (that's Renz) getting it free just sweetened the pot.
Of corz the kids were excited (especially Sandra). Renz suddenly became interested when I said there's this belief that for every NEW church one visits, one can make a WISH at the church's entrance before coming in. And since these are all new churches for us to visit, they can make 7 wishes! :)
Of corz the kids were excited (especially Sandra). Renz suddenly became interested when I said there's this belief that for every NEW church one visits, one can make a WISH at the church's entrance before coming in. And since these are all new churches for us to visit, they can make 7 wishes! :)
Breathtaking Shercon Resort at Lipa City
Yesterday was our office activity at Shercon Resort in Mataas na Kahoy, Lipa City in the province of Batangas. Beautiful place, although a bit secluded for my taste. You may find their website here. The views were awesome! Check the pics below.
Beautiful Taal Lake behind us.
Beautiful Taal Lake behind us.
Beautiful Porto Laiya at San Juan Batangas
Yesterday all seven of us headed off to Porto Laiya for a “tripping” trip courtesy of Edna and Ate Belle. We left Jollibee Pacita at around 7:30am riding the Delica van driven by Edna’s husband Vic.
After a little over 2 hours, we reached the destination. The place was breathtaking!
After a little over 2 hours, we reached the destination. The place was breathtaking!
Swimming at Dona Salud Resort
It’s Pansol swimming again, this time sponsored by the Calamba officemates.
Meeting My World Vision Child through Lakbay-Pagasa
Today, DH and I had a very rare opportunity to finally see and meet our sponsored child in person. This is something that many World Vision (sometimes spelled as Worldvision) parents only dream.
You see, World Vision has strict policies against sponsors meeting the sponsored kids on their own and this is to protect children (as well as the sponsors) from any kind of potential abuse or exploitation – and most sponsors understand this.
And so communication with the kids is limited to letter-writing with letters passing through World Vision.
You see, World Vision has strict policies against sponsors meeting the sponsored kids on their own and this is to protect children (as well as the sponsors) from any kind of potential abuse or exploitation – and most sponsors understand this.
And so communication with the kids is limited to letter-writing with letters passing through World Vision.
A Private Resthouse at Nasugbu, Batangas
With little planning, the officemates (basically, just some) went to a private resthouse by the beach at Nasugbu, Batangas.
I cannot remember the last time I was at Nasugbu, but I’m sure it’s one of those company outings (AMD?, Moto?) in the distant past. Those company outings were in big private beaches that were reserved for a day.
This is the first time for me to go to a private beach resthouse. It’s so private that it is inaccessible by land.
I cannot remember the last time I was at Nasugbu, but I’m sure it’s one of those company outings (AMD?, Moto?) in the distant past. Those company outings were in big private beaches that were reserved for a day.
This is the first time for me to go to a private beach resthouse. It’s so private that it is inaccessible by land.
Manila Zoo
It was 2001 since we last visited the zoo. Renz wasn't around yet at that time. And so DH had this idea of going there again for Renz's turn.
I'm glad we went there early. There was ample space and I even managed to park under the tree shade.
Well, the usual regulars were there: elephant, zebras, tiger, etc. It's a lot nicer now at the Kinder Zoo coz they've got more animals to touch and even hold.
Plus, the Kinder Zoo didn't have the annoying ambulent vendors selling ice cream and toys. At the main zoo these vendors seemed to outnumber the animals! Paging Mayor Alfredo Lim!
In general though, we had a fun time. Renz and Dada could've ridden an ostrich hadn't they both chickened out. I kinda' look like Kuya Kim in some pics!
We left before lunch and the parking area was full by that time. Thank goodness for the parking attendants who directed the vehicles going in and out.
We had lunch at Jollibee (where else?) at Harrison Plaza. I don't think I've been to that place since college days and it has changed. We bought some books at Booksale and some videos.
Other pics:
I'm glad we went there early. There was ample space and I even managed to park under the tree shade.
Well, the usual regulars were there: elephant, zebras, tiger, etc. It's a lot nicer now at the Kinder Zoo coz they've got more animals to touch and even hold.
Plus, the Kinder Zoo didn't have the annoying ambulent vendors selling ice cream and toys. At the main zoo these vendors seemed to outnumber the animals! Paging Mayor Alfredo Lim!
In general though, we had a fun time. Renz and Dada could've ridden an ostrich hadn't they both chickened out. I kinda' look like Kuya Kim in some pics!
We left before lunch and the parking area was full by that time. Thank goodness for the parking attendants who directed the vehicles going in and out.
We had lunch at Jollibee (where else?) at Harrison Plaza. I don't think I've been to that place since college days and it has changed. We bought some books at Booksale and some videos.
Other pics:
Aguila Resort - Back to Anilao, Batangas
The last time I was at Anilao was 3 years ago with my officemates and it was around during this time of the year. This was at the Vistamar Beach Resort. It was very very memorable because for the first time, I learned how to confidently tread water. It wasn't the eggbeater kick. It was a frog kick - but still treading just the same.
I suppose learning to tread water is a huge milestone for a REAL swimmer's life. Practically, beginning swimmers learn to swim first before learning to tread water.
I suppose learning to tread water is a huge milestone for a REAL swimmer's life. Practically, beginning swimmers learn to swim first before learning to tread water.
Medz Resort
Like I promised the kids, we'll be enjoying swimming this summer and today we went to Medz Resort or is that Med's? We've already gone to Blumen Resort several weeks ago.
Right across Blumen is the Medz Resort which they said is better though more expensive - Php100 compared to Blumen's Php80. But if you ask me, both have their strong points.
Blumen is really for the serious swimmer who'd want to swim laps in their nice lap pool. Medz is for the "let's play horsey-horsey" non-swimmers which of course outnumber real swimmers.
It's got slides and falls and fancy stuff. The area also seems bigger.
Right across Blumen is the Medz Resort which they said is better though more expensive - Php100 compared to Blumen's Php80. But if you ask me, both have their strong points.
Blumen is really for the serious swimmer who'd want to swim laps in their nice lap pool. Medz is for the "let's play horsey-horsey" non-swimmers which of course outnumber real swimmers.
It's got slides and falls and fancy stuff. The area also seems bigger.
First Experience at Blumen Resort
Although it rained very hard this morning, nothing was gonna stop us from going to Blumen resort at Paliparan crossing and GMA Cavite.
I first heard about this resort from Prince when he was scouting for an alternative to our pool that closed down. For a moment, I thought we would have overcast skies all day.
But when DH came (she went to work early) at 10:30am, the sun was out. I even had to recreate my map using the trusty Wikimapia.
I first heard about this resort from Prince when he was scouting for an alternative to our pool that closed down. For a moment, I thought we would have overcast skies all day.
But when DH came (she went to work early) at 10:30am, the sun was out. I even had to recreate my map using the trusty Wikimapia.
