Travel: The Clubhouse @ SM Wind Residences PLUS JT"s Manukan and Bulalo Point Turo-Turo Grill

20-22 May 2019

Last April, we were in Tagaytay but weren't able to visit The Clubhouse at the SM Wind Residences because we became too exhausted from the Aqua Park at Club Balai Isabel

This time, we practically spent the whole day at The Clubhouse aside from going out to lunch at the nearby McDonald's and having dinner at Bulalo Point Turo-Turo Grill.

Check out our photos around the clubhouse, including the restaurants we ate at in Tagaytay. :)

Day Tour with Aqua Park at Club Balai Isabel: Exhausting but Fun!

27 April 2019

Today, we went to Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas to try out their Aqua Park, an inflatable water park.

Aside from the Aqua Park, we also tried out the swimming pool in Club Balai Isabel which was close to where the Aqua Park was. 

The Aqua Park was Exhausting but Fun and read on so you'll find out why!

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!


Dylan's Recognition Day AY 2018-2019

19 March 2019

It's that time of the year again!  It may be a cliche but time really flies and you end up being surprised because, here it is, one year of studies have just ended and summer vacation is just around the corner.

For Dylan, today marked his Recognition Day and he's excited about going up the stage and getting his medals. :)


Celebrating Dylan's birthday in school

18 March 2019

You know how they say that your children's teachers are their 2nd parents?  It's true in Dylan's case.

They prepared these decorations for him despite the hectic schedule that everyone was in because the school decided to advance their Recognition Day and there was hardly any time for detailed preparations.

So, Dylan, Happy Birthday and you're so lucky to have Teachers like T. Ressie, T. Joyce and T. Sitti who have taken care of you this year :)

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 :)

Celebrating Family Day at the Kids' Respective Schools

2019 February/March

This February, the kids were busy with their respective celebrations of Family Day in their schools. 

The highlight of Dana's Family Day is their award-winning performance of their Hip Hop Dance number.

Dylan's class had a lot of activities so you'll see a lot of pictures of those :)

Still, all of it was good fun! :)

Gulu Gulu PH at Savemore Nagtahan, Manila

28 February 2019

As you may know, we are always in search of new restaurants that serve delicious food.  It's always an adventure to try new dishes and new locations together.

I learned that a new Takoyaki store, Gulu Gulu PH opened last February 25 at our local neighborhood supermarket, Savemore Nagtahan.  It was exciting because it was near and pretty accessible and also, we're fans of Takoyaki.

So here are some pictures of the place and what we ordered during our trip.

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! :)

2018 National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week

26 July 2018

Actually, the NDPR week was originally scheduled for July 17-23.  Unfortunately, the Philippines was beseiged by typhoons and strong southwest monsoon rains which led to the suspension of classes during most of this week.

They were only able to do their Arts and Crafts activity on Thursday and the rest of the activities were scheduled today.  Dylan spent the past couple of days practicing with his other SPED schoolmates for a dance routine they were scheduled to perform for everyone. :)

The NDPR week is meant to spread awareness about the different disabilities, like Autism, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability among others and to help people understand that "We are Different, But Not Less".

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!

Dylan at the Shakey's Junior Pizza Master activity at Shakey's Espana

30 June 2018

Thanks to Augustine's Mama Daria, Dylan was treated to Shakey's Junior Pizzamaster activity and he had a great time creating his own pizza. 

For P499, kids are given their very own toque and apron, their individual ingredients and materials, a glass of iced tea and a certificate for completing the activity.  Also, they can either eat their pizza at the restaurant or bring it home with them.

The workshop is roughly 2 hours long.  After the kids create their pizza and the staff brings these pizza to the kitchen for baking, the crew entertains the kids with games where they can also win prizes. 

I can understand why they can't bring the kids to the ovens, it's just for safety consideration. :)

Anyway, we'll share the details for the rest of the post so read on! :)

Getting our new Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificates from the Sta. Mesa branch

30 May 2018

I don't remember where I heard that you can no longer use your National Statistics Office (NSO) civil registry documents since the PSA or the Phiilippine Statistics Authority will now take over.  But I knew that if this were true, most government agencies will now require you to submit PSA documents and that I have to prepare for such a necessity.  Here's what I did to get our new Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) birth certificates from the Sta. Mesa branch.

We Attended the Live Recording of The Arts Hour on Tour (in Manila)

26 April 2018

The Arts Hour on Tour with Nikki Bedi was in Manila today for a live recording of the show.  We were lucky enough to score tickets to the event which was held at the Star Theater in Pasay City.

It featured guests Bamboo, Abra, Nikki Luna, Atom Araullo, Treb Monteras, Louise Meets, Juan Miguel Severo and G. B. Labrador.

Attending Augustine's Birthday in Shakey's Espana

19 August 2018

It's always a treat being invited to a friend's birthday and Dylan was pretty excited to meet up with his classmates again. 

The invitation was given last March when there were still classes and we immediately put the date in our calendar so we wouldn't forget. 
The kids had a great time and they can't wait to see each other again when school starts.  Happy Birthday Augustine! :)

San Jose Inn - the place to stay in Calayan Island, Cagayan

09 April 2018

This is the San Jose Inn.  This was where we stayed during our trip to Calayan Island, Cagayan.  It's family-owned so we stayed here for free but I wanted you to know what's in store for you should you feel the urge to visit Calayan, hence this post.

For more info:  Visit their FB Page or,

Email them: sanjoseinn.calayan@gmail.com

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.


Sam's 3rd birthday at Kenny Roger's Katipunan

07 April 2018

Today we celebrated Sam's 3rd birthday at Kenny Rogers Katipunan.

Despite just coming home from almost a day's travel from Calayan Island, the Paypon clan saw each other again here and it's like we aren't tired at all.  I guess that's what family is all about :)

Happy birthday Sam!  Thanks for the invite Sil and Sally! :)

2018 Calayan Adventure, Day 07 - Traveling back to Manila (Calayan-Claveria-Laoag-Manila)

06 April 2018

Goodbye Calayan Island!  Today is our last day on the island.  As early as 5AM, we were awake and having breakfast because our boat leaves at 7AM for Claveria Port.

From Claveria, we headed to Laoag where we waited for our scheduled bus ride home. 

We booked the 8PM bus so that we'll all just sleep on the way home.

After around 11 hours on the bus, we arrived in Manila, safe but pretty tired. :)

2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 06 - Sagpat Family Farms and Despedida Dinner

05 April 2018

Today was dedicated to visiting our family's respective farms and properties.  For my Dad who hasn't been to the island in 20 years, this was like an eye-opener.  He was able to see how much the island has changed, even with just the little part that he'd seen.  I guess now he isn't going to wait 20 more years for him to return :D

Then, despedida dinner... a poignant time...

2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 05 - Ventura-Gaduang Nuptials, Night Swimming and a Bonfire

04 April 2018

Today was the much-awaited day for my niece Keith Joy and her long-time boyfriend Kelvin.  It's their Wedding Day and we were so honored to be part of their celebration!  Congratulations!!

Even after the reception ended in the afternoon, the party continued on with a bonfire at the beach in the evening :)


2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 04 - A Birthday/Family Reunion Celebration and a Sunset Tour in Punta Magsidel

03 April 2018

Traveling to my Dad's hometown is actually pretty insane considering the distance, modes of transport and time required to reach it.  But we made the journey out of love, out of familial responsibility and of gratitude for the people we consider our own.

One of the reasons for this trip happened today - a celebration of birthdays for Uncle Angel, Auntie Biyang and my Dad...

2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 03 - Hiking to Sibang Cove

02 April 2018

Aaah!  Sibang Cove - pristine white sand, blue-green waters, relative isolation... you're worth the 40 minute, grueling hike....

This was where we decided to have our family pictorial to commemorate the reunion of the Paypon siblings. 

Food for the picnic was brought over by lampitaw, including relatives who weren't able to make the trek.

Happy to share our pictures with you! :)

2018 Calayan Adventure - Day 02 - Traveling to Calayan Island (Claveria to Calayan)

01 April 2018

Happy Easter everyone!  Today is the day we board the boat on our way to Calayan Island, my dad's hometown.  It's exciting because it's been 10 years since we were last there and the kids don't probably remember much about that trip, so this is like a new experience for them...

This post shows you our journey from Claveria to Calayan... Look out for more of the rest of the journey in the succeeding posts... :)

2018 Calayan Adventure: Day 01 - Traveling to Calayan Island (Manila-Tuguegarao-Claveria)

31 March 2018

Traveling to Calayan Island is a journey in itself.  This post covers the trip from Manila to Tuguegarao, then to Claveria.  We stayed overnight at a resort in Claveria because boats to Calayan only travel in the morning and at the very latest, noon.

The rest of the trip continues in the next posts :)

Dana's Recognition Day, 2018

26 March 2018

Photo by SCC
Today, it's Dana's turn at Recognition Day.  She received the "With Honors" award, among 6 other students in her grade level.  We're really proud of her!!

Actually, we've told her often that it's okay if she doesn't get an award, that what's important is that she LEARNS and UNDERSTANDS.  It's not about memorizing facts and details, though they are also important.  But, it's better if she takes the lessons to heart and remember them well for there's more studying and practical applications in the future :)

But, having an award sure does make you feel like you've accomplished something, doesn't it?  As long as she's happy and won't let it get into her head, it's fine :)

Congrats Dana!! :) We're proud of you! 

Dad's 70th birthday celebration at Marlo's Grille

23 March 2018

Today was my Dad's 70th birthday celebration.  A milestone event if there ever was one because this party brought our family together again, after a long, long time of being separated.  If only Allan were here, we'd have been complete. 

A big shout out to Lynne for putting everything together...

Dylan's Recognition Day, 2018

23 March 2018

We have reached that time of the year when school year 2017-2018 ends.  It's March 23 and today is Dylan's Recognition Day.

We have to commend their teachers for pushing the schedule for today.  Their Recognition Day was originally scheduled in April, after Holy Week.  Despite the short notice, they were able to pull off a worthy Recognition Day for the kids!

Dylan's Birthday in School

16 March 2018

This is actually the first time that Dylan is celebrating his birthday in school.  He was really looking forward to it and was actually crossing off dates in the calendar in anticipation.

In the end, it was a busy, tiring day for everyone but despite it, everyone was happy and well-fed :)

10 Reasons Why the Big Bad Wolf Books Event at the World Trade Center is Bad for Me (and my wallet)!

17 February 2018

What a fitting picture! I found that book at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at the World Trade Center.  You'll find over 2 Million books with 60% to 80% discounts.  The event runs from February 16 to 25 and they're open 24 hours!  Admission is FREE!

We went there around 8PM and we left at 2AM and we didn't even get to see all the books!! Check out our experience and we hope that you get to visit too :)

Looking at the Super Blue Blood Moon is Fascinating

31 January 2018


The Super Blue Blood Moon - sounds like a mouthful but it's a sight worth seeing since it rarely happens.  I only found out about it because Dana told us she had to take pictures of it for her Science class. 

Admittedly, these are hardly award-winning photos but still, we had fun on the roof :)

Celebrating Sole's 3rd birthday

27 January 2018

Happy 3rd Birthday Sole!! It was a pleasure to be part of your birthday celebration! I hope you had so much fun as we did and I hope you treasure all these moments growing up :)

Being part of family celebrations like these is truly a blessing and brings joy to life! :)

Happy birthday Sole!! :)

Signs that your Hard Drive is failing, like mine...

13 January 2018

Most everyone has a PC desktop nowadays.  We all rely on it for our day to day routine, our kids' homework, for some their work if they're lucky enough to work-from-home.  It's an indispensable tool.

But what if this dependable tool suddenly shows signs of nearing its lifespan?  Would you even recognize these?  Would you know how to prepare for it?

From my recent painful experience, I will tell you what happened and hope that you learn from it and be able to rescue your data too :)

The Joys of Christmas 2017

Christmas 2017

Christmas time is such a festive holiday that most of December ends up fully-booked with parties, reunions and celebrations with friends and family.  This year, it's especially full with Dylan's first Christmas party at his new school and a jam-packed family celebration too :)

Hope your Christmas celebration is a full and happy as ours! :)  Merry Christmas!!

Newly-painted chairs and tables for Dylan's classroom

01 December 2017

What a way to greet the first of December (the official start of the Christmas season) by donating our time to Dylan's classrooms continuing renovations.  Today, we focused on fixing the tables and chairs and then painting them.  We also installed a "gate/fence" at the door so that the door can be left open but the kids can't easily run outside.  It was tiring but very fulfilling!  Thanks to everyone who helped!