Travel: Tarlac trip - Day 1

January 16, 2015

We were running a little late because I went and saw Pope Francis as he travelled along Nagtahan on his way to Malacanang Palace.  Instead of leaving early, we were only able to take off around 1130 AM.  It was still a fast drive since we reached our first toll booth at around 1215 where we paid P45.  By then, everyone was hungry and we ended up having lunch at Jollibee Shell Station along NLEX.

Even after finishing their lunch, the kids were still hungry in the car and started eating their Sweet Corn snacks.  This kept them entertained during the long drive.

Eventually, we reached our 2nd toll gate on the NLEX.  We were exiting at Dau to reach the SCTEX and at this Toll Booth, we paid P173.  There was a bit of traffic with a number of cars heading to Subic.  Good thing that they set up extra toll booths along the extent of the highway to cope with the volume.  We paid P104 to use the SCTEX.

 

We continued driving and the kids were fascinated by Mt. Malarayat in the background.  

We reached the TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) in no time.  It took about 20 minutes from the SCTEX to reach this point.

It took another fifteen minutes to reach the exit at Pura, Tarlac from the TPLEX.  At this point, we paid another P58.  The total travel time was around 2 hours since we entered the NLEX at 12noon and reached the Tollbooth at Pura by 3PM.  It took one hour for us to eat our lunch.  That was a fast drive considering it used to take us around 3-4 hours before.

We would have reached our destination in Gerona in a few minutes but we chose to drive to Pura instead to visit our Tita Flor but unfortunately, she wasn't home.

All in all, we paid P380 for the toll fees.

When we reached Uncle Bebot's home, we got settled in first.  Later in the afternoon, we tagged along with JR when he did his errands about town.  We went to SM City Rosales (didn't take pictures because SM malls are relatively alike) and then to City Walk in San Roque, Tarlac where we had snacks at Nathaniel's.  Their Buko Pandan Salad is to die for :)

Inside City Walk

Buko Pandan Salad

That wraps up our first day in Tarlac.  Technically, we all had a busy day today starting with the Pope and it's good to end it with family and good food :)

Traveling to Tarlac in the Hyundai Sante Fe

May 18-20, 2013

Last April, we had the privilege of meeting up with Uncle Bebot and his family in Tarlac.  This time, we took them up on their offer to stay a while at their home.  Patrick had another test unit to drive - this time it was the Hyundai Sante Fe so it was perfect timing for a long road trip.  Kids were comfortable at the back and enjoying the "arm rest".  They kept asking for drinks so they can use the cup holders haha  We had lunch at Zapata's in Clark (though I think it's called Iguana now).

The sky from the sunroof

When we arrived, we took some time to get settled but the kids wanted to swim immediately.  So here we are!

 When everyone got tired of swimming, it was probably evening by that time.  We had dinner with the family and then it was sleepy time! We were given our own room and the kids shared a bed.

The next day dawned bright and early and I took the opportunity to take pictures of our ride, the luxurious Hyundai Sante Fe.  The pictures look foggy because the camera was cold haha

When everyone had breakfast, we took a trip to the family's rice mill where Kuya George gave us a tour around the place.  The kids were content at the back of the Sante Fe while the adults were talking.

Naturally, when you have a pool at your disposal, you'll take advantage of it and that's what we did hahaha
Dylan kept swimming with his floatie while Dana found out that she liked to dive from the edge of the pool.

That's Dylan's version of diving ! haha

Meanwhile, Patrick and I were relishing the soothing calm of the place :)

But eventually, all vacations must end and we have to go back to reality.  It seemed like a short trip and they didn't want us to go too haha With the promise to return, we left the Tadeo abode and went on our way towards Manila.  Since it was nearing dinner time, we stopped at Victor's Barbecue and Lechon Manok which had the reputation of being the best barbecued dishes this side of the North.  It really was good! 

Even with that full dinner, the kids got hungry again and we stopped for snacks.  Now, the kids were happy they were able to use the cupholders in the Hyundai Santa Fe.  :)

Family: Reunion with Uncle Bebot Tadeo and family

April 21, 2013

One of the best things about Facebook is that it's easy to reconnect with long lost family members.  Thanks to Facebook we were able to reconnect with JR, Patrick's cousin from his Dad's side of the family.  They used to be close when they were kids but time and distance eventually diminished their communication.  When they got to talking, they made plans to meet up and luckily enough, Patrick had an Isuzu DMax pickup truck to test drive so we all went to Gerona, Tarlac for a reunion!

Our first stop was breakfast at Jollibee.

Then, we went on our way.  The ride was smooth and comfortable (for a pickup).  I remember I used to hitch a ride with my boss who drove a Toyota Hilux and that was a bumpy ride.  The kids and I were pretty content which is good for a long drive :)

On the way we saw the Tollgate to TPLEX being built.

We arrived at Uncle Bebot's place in about 3 hours.  Dylan immediately refreshed himself at the pool hahaha Too bad we didn't bring swimsuits :)

Catching up by the pool.. So refreshing.. With Uncle Bebot and JR!

The kids having fun outdoors.  We all had such a good time that we were invited to come back and we sure will! :)