Review: Our Stay at SM Wind Terraces Tagaytay through Airbnb

26 - 28 April 2019

This is our first time to book a place to stay via Airbnb and we don't regret it.  We booked a condo unit at the SM Wind Terraces in Tagaytay for our 3D/2N weekend getaway.  It was located in Tower 1, at the 16th Floor.

We only had a budget of P2K-P3K and we were pleased with our decision not just because of the location and the actual unit but also, the host, Luis, and his caretaker, Wendy, were both gracious and easy to talk with.

Check out our stay :)

Sun and Wind for Summer at the Pililla Wind Farm 2019

14 April 2019

Aah! The feel of the breeze from this vantage point was just too refreshing for a hot day!

Patrick was scheduled to do a photoshoot with the Ssangyong Musso this Sunday and we begged to go with him just to get out of the house :)  We even had to leave the house at 5AM just to beat the traffic and get to the location so that the light will be viable :)

These are our pictures at the Pililla Wind Farm while Patrick and his videographer, Engelbert, were working hard :)

The Pililla Wind Farm is located near the Manila East Road in Pililla, Rizal.

Donating your electrical wastes thru The E-Waste Project

12 April 2019

Today, we donated our electrical and electronic wastes thru The E-waste Project so that, in our own little way, we can contribute to better disposal and management of e-wastes to protect our environment.

The E-Waste Project collection drive this year was held from April 8-12,  from 8AM-5PM at the UP College of Engineering Lawn.

Check out their Facebook page for updates on when future collection drives will take place.

Dana's Recognition Day, AY 2018-2019

03 April 2019

When his teacher told Dylan that he'll be going up the stage to receive a medal, he was so happy and he said, "Wow, I'm going to be like Ate Dana!"

Well, it's true because today, Dana did go up the stage and received her very own medal for exemplary performance this school year! :)

We're so proud of you Dana!  Keep up the good work!

Double Cause for Celebration: Big Bad Wolf in Manila and Dana's Birthday

03 March 2019

One of the biggest book events that we always look forward to is the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale.  If you haven't heard of it, it's a week-long event that's open for 24 hours with tons of books on sale.  This year, it was held between Feb 22 and march 4 and we went twice :)

Also, the 2nd day that we went coincided with Dana's birthday and this was where she wanted to spend it so Hurrah for books! :)

Check out our "haul" from the two days at the Big Bad Wolf :)

What to see at the National Museum of Natural History: Our first visit 2019

26 January 2019

At last, we were able to visit the recently-opened National Museum of Natural History in the former Department of Tourism Building in Luneta Park in Manila.

Opened in May 2018, this Museum has 6 floors, 5 of which have various displays and exhibits.

Prepare to walk a minimum of 2 hours if you want to visit all the exhibits!

Let's go!

Re-visiting the National Museum of Anthropology (2019)

26 January 2019

We've been to the Museum of Anthropology before, in 2016 (read about it here), but while there were staple exhibits, like the San Diego, Bangsamoro and Lumad exhibits, there were also a few new additions, like the Garing (Ivory Trade), Biyay (about the Negrito Community), Entwined Spheres (Baskets and Mats as containers), the Pina-Seda (Pineapple and Silk Cloth) and the San Isidro Shipwreck.

Prepare 2 hours to walk around the Museum of the Filipino People.

Review: Camp Riverside 2600 Tiny House Lofts, Baguio

28 November 2018

We went to Baguio last November 26-28 and we stayed in this little haven called Camp Riverside 2600 Tiny House Lofts located in Purok 02, Ambayao Road, Barangay Irisan.

We had an EXCELLENT experience and you'll see why when you read through this post.  I've included plenty of pictures to document our relaxing and enjoyable experience during our stay.

Props to Kuya Anjo and Kuya Arnie for making us feel so welcome!

Driving Directions from Baguio to Manila via Naguilian Road, including 2 new roads (2018)

28 November 2018

Our 3 Day trip in Baguio has come to an end and it's time to get back to Manila.  We came up using Marcos Highway but on our way back, we were advised (by Waze) to take the Naguilian Road.

We decided to try it since we didn't have to go back to the City Center and we thought it's best to try all roads leading to and from Baguio just for the experience.

It's pretty much a straightforward drive but it took us almost 4 hours just to reach the TPLEX Toll Gate in Pozorrubio.

Visiting the Tam-awan Village, Baguio

27 November 2018

Tam-awan Village was our first destination on our 2nd Day in Baguio.  We wanted to see the reconstructed Ifugao houses in a natural setting.  

There were also a lot of art pieces made by local artists.  A cafe and art gallery are also in the premises.

It is located at 367 Long Long Benguet Rd, Baguio.  Entrance Fees are P60 for Adults and P40 for Students.

Travel: Baguio Trip 2018

26 November 2018

So after two years, we're back in Baguio again.  This was kind of a spur-of-the-moment trip so we didn't really have any concrete plans about where to go or what to do.

What was definite was our lodging during our trip and we booked at Camp Riverside 2600.

We just went to the usual spots and stopped at the Lion's Head and Tam-awan Village since we haven't been there before.

Driving Directions to Baguio from Manila via TPLEX and Marcos Highway (2018)

26  November 2018

Last September 2016, we traveled to Baguio via the TPLEX and Kennon Road and this post was supposed to be an update to it.  However, we had to take Marcos Highway because Kennon Road was closed to traffic due to falling rocks.

Regardless, I hope it still helps since, now, we exited at the Pozorrubio Gate instead of Binalonan, which was the last open exit at the TPLEX at that time.

Toll fees are also included in this post.

Sta. Catalina College: A Night of Broadway Musical

24-25 November 2018

On November 24 and 25, Sta. Catalina College staged a benefit show entitled "A Night of Broadway Musical" directed by Ms. Christine Palanca. 

Dana was part of the ensemble cast of Les Miserables and they (almost the whole school)  practiced for this production for almost 3 months.  Other sets included Annie, The Little Mermaid, Miss Saigon, Rock of Ages and the Lion King. 

Visiting the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac

04 November 2018

So on our last day in Tarlac, we didn't want to leave without going to places that we've never been and that's how we ended up going to the Capas National Shrine.

The Capas National Shrine used to be the Capas Concentration Camp where Filipino and American soldiers were detained and imprisoned by the Japanese Imperial Forces after the Fall of Bataan.  More than 30,000 of these soldiers died here and were buried in mass graves.   The Shrine was built to commemorate these fallen soldiers.

As we walked around the shrine, we saw the Obelisk, the Memorial Wall (with the engraved names of the fallen), the Esplanade and took refuge from the heat amidst the many trees.

Review: L Square Hotel in Tarlac City

04 November 2018

The L Square Hotel in Tarlac was our home for 3 days and 2 nights, from November 02 to November 04 due to a death in the family that brought us back to this city.

We had a pleasant enough stay and this post will highlight what we loved about the place and will also include some bits of it that could be improved.

L Square Hotel is located at KM 120, MacArthur Highway, Barangay San Rafael, Tarlac City.

Returning to Tarlac due to a death in the family

02-04 November 2018

On November 02, we all headed to Gerona, Tarlac to pay our last respects to our Uncle Bebot who passed away last October 30.  He was 70.

It's sad to think that we only really make time to see our distant family and relatives when there's a death in the family.   As I write this post, I realized that the last time we visited was in 2015!  Time flew so fast. 

Uncle Bebot, we are glad to have met you and spent time with you even if it was a short while. 

Visiting the Presidential Car Museum at the Quezon Memorial Circle

22 August 2018

Last August 19, the Presidential Car Museum was opened to the public.  It is located at the Quezon Memorial circle and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 8AM to 4PM.  Admission is FREE.

Today, we went for a visit and check out what's in store for you! :)

Ford Family Safety Day: Part 2 - For the Kids

2018 July 14

Today we joined in Ford Philippines' Family Safety Day at the Megatent Events venue in Quezon City.  This was part of Ford PH's Driving Skills for Life advocacy for educating drivers on smart, safe and fuel-efficient driving. 

This post is the Kids' version where the kids were taught some safety precautions on the road. 

Ford Family Safety Day: Part 1 - For Parents and Adults

2018 July 14

Today, we attended the Family Safety Day event sponsored by Ford Philippines in line with their Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) advocacy which aims to educate drivers on smart, safe and fuel-efficient driving.

This first part discusses the highlights of the seminar and the practical driving training.

I learned so much!

Another reunion with the Paypon clan

08 April 2018


Today was the last big meet-up among the Paypon clan.  We were invited to Betty's Sansrival Restaurant in Quezon City by my cousin.

It was a chance to gather the members of the clan who weren't in Calayan or who weren't able to make it to Calayan to meet up with everyone  else.