Weekend at La Virginia Resort Batangas

Because September is the birth month of three in our group, we always ensure that an outing is already on the list. Last 2009 when I spotted La Virginia resort in the web that truly caught my attention. Who would have not agreed to have a weekend trip to a resort with complete facilities, close to nature and overlooking Taal volcano? Good thing is their website is not deceiving because what you see from their website looks exactly as it is on you actual visit. The resort has five large swimming pools, numerous hotel accommodation and picnic facilities within the resort. More reasons why I loved our stay here were the ambience of the resort surrounded by coconuts, the infinity pool & Hotel rooms that offer breathtaking views of Taal Volcano, can bring with you your food, and every corner is a perfect background for picture-taking. 

Other facilities include:
Infinity Pool

Adult and Kiddie Pool
Picnic Treehouse
Hanging Bridge
Zipline
Pagoda 
Restaurant
Buddha View Deck
Clubhouse
Chapel
Hotel Rooms
Superior Room: P4,500
Hotel Room with Taal view: P4,000
Deluxe Room: P3,500


How to get there:
Take a bus bound to Batangas City via Tanauan-Lipa route. If you’re coming from Alabang there are lot of buses bound to Batangas City from its terminal near Jollibee junction. Get-off at Robinsons Lipa then ride a jeepney bound to Bayorbor or Nangkaan and tell the driver to drop you off at Longos. From Longos, you can just get a tricycle ride to La Virginia Resort & Hotel.


If you have queries this is their contact detail:
La Virginia Resort
Barangay Manggahan
Mataas na Kahoy
Batangas
Philippines
(043) 703-2145 (Voice)
(043) 312-4323 (Fax)
info@lavirginiaresort.com
lavirginiaresort@yahoo.com

view from our room

If you want to be away from hustle bustle of your job, La Virginia is a nice place to visit, to unwind and relax. It’s advisable for those who want to have weekend getaways few hours away from the Metro. It not only provides fun and adventure, it also provides marvelous insights, enlightens our mind, and recharged us to face loads of work after our vacation. So if you want complete relaxation and nature tripping, drop a visit to Batangas where La Virginia resort can offer you fun and tranquility of nature.

>>>>>>Admin Aey<<<<<<

Ways to celebrate Valentines

February is nearly approaching and it only means one thing; Valentines is coming! It’s a celebration of love and affection not only for couples but also applicable to families and friends.  Surely flower shops will be jam-packed for locals buying bouquets, hotels fully-booked with romantic candle light dinner dates and gift shops filled with “Heart” items. Valentine’s Day can be a great time for everyone to relax and unwind just by simply preparing dinner at home with some romantic touch of candles and rose petals. On the other hand we can celebrate this romantic event outdoors with new adventure and feel a new kind of thrill that brought us in listing some ideas on how to celebrate Valentines in extra special ways. Here’s how:

A romantic candle light dinner date is one of the most common ways to celebrate Valentines, but we can add some spice and extra scoops to your preferred romantic date. Why not try Sunset Cruise in Manila Bay. A dinner cruise with your special someone while watching the sun to set with a touch of romantic serenade is so effing romantic, isn’t it! Sunset Cruise package of Sun Cruises includes a romantic serenade on board the M/V Spirit of Manila which docks beside the Jumbo Palace Floating Restaurant at the back of CCP Complex which cost Php550nett per person! There are 3 schedules to choose from: 4:30pm, 6:15pm and 8:00pm. I recommend taking the 6:15pm schedule to be able to enjoy the romantic sunset by the bay. 

But if you want a different level of adventure on your date, you can choose Hot Air balloon festival that is celebrated February of every year at Clark Field Pampanga. This year’s event will be held on February 9-12 and usually starts 5:30 in the morning with Hot Air balloon flight and ends with fireworks at 7 in the evening for the last day. The event also includes paragliding, helicopter flying exhibition, hot air balloon glow in the evening, aerial exhibition, skydiving and many other aerial activities. Admission tickets can be bought at the Clark Field gate or if you want to avoid long lines in you can buy tickets in advance at Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar or in authorized outlets of Ticketnet for 200 pesos only. For more details & schedule you can visit http://www.philballoonfest.net/

photo courtesy of southeastasia.org

Another way of celebrating Valentines with your special someone, families and friends is witnessing month-long annual event in Baguio City, the parade of flowers which commonly known as Panagbenga festival. The festival includes floats that are decorated with flowers and includes street dancing presented by dancers clad in flower-inspired costumes. Grand Flower Parade starts at the upper Session Road and ends at the Athletic Oval in Burnham Park. The program usually starts at 8AM but starting at 6AM lot of spectators were already flocked on both sides of the Session road.  If you want to experience this wonderful event as a Valentines celebration you should reserved your bus tickets and hotel in advance for your convenience and to avoid some hitches. Most hotels in Baguio were fully-booked as early as January. Click here for the complete Panagbenga schedule. For more info about Baguio you can refer to this previous blog. 

photo courtesy of I love Panagbenga

For many people, Valentine's Day is the ultimate day for romance. For others, it is just another day and not a big deal. Single, in a relationship, married, love for family and friends, either way you can celebrate Valentines even with just an ordinary day. Whatever kind of Valentine celebration you want with the one you love and with people so dear to you, the most important thing is spreading love and make them feel loved every day. Even with just a romantic gesture, expressing I love you’s, and with simple things, it becomes meaningful because it shows your loved-one how he or she is valuable to you. Love love love. Advance Happy Love Month everyone. <3<3<3

>>>>>>>>Admin Aey<<<<<<<<

It's more fun in the Philippines! part2

I got so addicted to this fun maker, creating your own fun memes as a contribution to DOT's tourism campaign "It's more fun in the Philippines!" Now. here's another batch of my little contribution, It's more fun in the Philippines?, here's why:

Calaguas Island in Daet Camarines Norte

My Bestfriend chasing the waves of Calaguas Island

Bagasbas beach - surfing capital of Bicol region in Daet Camarines Norte

Calaguas Island Camarines Norte

It's really more fun in the Philippines, isn't it? Now for you, why do you think it's more fun in our country? For me Philippines and its people why we're number one for FUN!

It's More Fun in the Philippines!

Early this year the Department of tourism unveiled its new slogan “IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES.”  Some agreed, some were contented and some said it’s not catchy at all maybe because our fellowmen were much hooked with “WOW Philippines.” After it’s launching some accusations also brought out, that this tagline was merely used by Switzerland on their 1951 tourism campaign. But as DOT Secretary Mon Jimenez said in an interview, “Who bought the word It’s more fun!” and it’s very true. Though there are negative feedbacks, this slogan still catches the heart and mind of Filipinos and I’m one of them. Since it was launched I’m in full support and I can relate to this tagline. Yes it’s absolutely MORE FUN in the PHILIPPINES, and I know the feeling because we’ve been to many places, discovered new paradise, culture, history, foods, white sand beaches, sunsets and of course PEOPLE. Nothing can beat our HOSPITALITY, isn’t it? Some may have accused negative feedbacks, but there is no denying that "It's more fun in the Philippines" has made a positive impact as netizens continue to create their own versions of the country's newest slogan and it goes viral. Some great minds created this customized widget (click here) where you can create your own “Philipp-FUN” memes. And these are my contributions:

It's really FUN and I'm really enjoying it! So instead of bashing negative comments why not let’s help our country and the DOT with their advocacy. Let’s ask ourselves, what little things I can do to promote tourism in our country. How can I tell the world that IT’S REALLY MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!

Year-Ender: A so Blessed 2011

As year 2011 draws to an end and countdown already begins, let me share with you the joy brought to us by year 2011 by recapping our roller coaster journey this year. 2011 in general, has been a blast for me; for our group. Although there were trials and negative times, it’s always nice to look back and visualize the many positive things happened this year. 

Firstly, God gave us new bundle of joy as the world welcomed my nephew John Andrei. My father’s business extended their venture to Malaysia and China. Good camaraderie among our employees and good outcome on “0 awol” program that I’ve implemented. My sister & I became more bound as I helped her transfer to new school and new course (From Asia Pacific College/Multimedia Arts to San Beda Alabang/Entrep). Most importantly, deeper relationship for my family, my father started to reach out on us more, he made us feel loved and that we’re important to him. He became more generous as he showered us blessings that we never expected we can have. Maybe the reason behind my father’s total change is his first grandson who always leaves a smile on his face and turning his stress into laughter.

This year is also year of forgiveness as I’ve learned to forgive and forget all the bitterness that other people brought me in the past years. Four of my ex-friends became my friends again and even closer, we pretend like nothing bad happened in our past and bring back the good old times of our friendship and I’m so grateful with that. I also got the chance to witness the wedding of this friend of mine and heard the great news that she’s already pregnant ang I’m so happy for her. On the other hand, our College batch got the chance to reunite. We reminisce, chit-chat, laugh, goof around like what we always do, ang talked about good old days of our College life. It's really an overwhelming and joyous feeling!

This year was more gracious and had more memorable moments that made it the best year for us. 1st quarter of 2011 (February), we’ve been to Boracay Island. It was really a great vacation in a wonderful paradise island with lots of memories and fun. Holy week this year (April) we discovered paradise in northernmost part of Bicolandia, the Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte. It’s really a paradise because of its virgin & unspoiled island. It boasts of powdery white sand beach, crystal-clear water, and unspoiled natural resources, a place where you can truly relax while enjoying the beauty and serenity of the place. Then before –ber months strike (August), we explored Sagada Mountain Province & Banaue Rice Terraces. We've got the chance to enjoy the cool climate and see up close & personal the famous Sagada's hanging coffin and the majestic Banaue Rice terraces. Then for my birthday celebration (September) Honey and I decided to revisit Cebu and see the beauty that Bohol can offer. It’s the best birthday ever because Honey and I spend quality time together in the beautiful province of Bohol. We’ve got the chance to enjoy Panglao beach and see the Chocolate hills, manmade forest, loboc river, and the very cute tarsier. On Lola Rhem's birthday and our anniversary, (October) B4LIFE together with my sister and her friends revisited Star City and Club Manila East to enjoy the long weekend  and we really had a blast. Then recently our Christmas(December) vacation at the province of Zambales to discover the enchanting Anawangin Cove. It's a very memorable one because we tend to survive living in the island for one night without signal and electricity. 2011's really been good to us because we've got the opportunity to discover magnificent places, amazing culture and kind-hearted people of the Philippines. Thank you Lord for the outpouring blessings to discover your creation.

2011 was a great year to many of us, but not with others. Lot of crimes and lot of disaster, like Typhoon Sendong that hit Mindanao. That's why our company donated old clothes that we collected from our employees & friends to helped victims of Typhoon Sendong. And once again we proved that Filipinos are known for "Bayanihan" and being resilient. Nothing can bring down the Filipino spirit for having a positive attitude full of hope whenever problems strike.

 There are lot of reasons to be thankful. With the outpouring blessings to me and my family I cannot ask for more but praise the Lord above. Yes I have some losses, but I gained more than what I lost. I wanna thank Him over and over for all the good things that had happened this year. Lord i thank you for all the wonderful blessings that you gave me and my family, All praise be yours, my Lord, through all that you have made. Thanks to all the people who have great contribution to make my 2011 meaningful, worth and joyous. Thanks to my B4life family, my family on both sides and my close friends. I love you all, and may God bless you a hundred folds.  My utmost gratitude to everyone and I am looking forward to a more eventful, joyous & blessed 2012! Have a prosperous New Year 2012 everyone! Cheers!

the MOA EYE

SM Mall of Asia got new attraction. The MOA "eye" now declared as the tallest and biggest ferris wheel in the Philippines. It is located at the back of SM Mall of Asia placed in a 1.5 kilometer theme park that surely family will enjoy(free entr.). Just like the Singapore flyer it has also fully air- conditioned 36 gondolas and 6 VIP gondolas that can accommodate 6 persons per gondola. To ride the MOA Eye, you need to pay P150 per person and P200 for the VIP for a 10 min. ride.

Want to try this out on New Year as well as MOA's fireworks display every 7pm. Exciting!

<<<<<<<<Admin Aey<<<<<<<<<<

Ayala triangle Symphony of lights & music

One time I saw some photos of Ayala triangle Symphony of lights and music when I was browsing the net. I was so amazed with the set-up and upon my curiosity I researched what’s this all about and invited my bestfriends to visit the place. Finally had the chance to watch the Symphony of lights ad Music at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.

It was 5pm when we get off to Ayala all the way from Laguna. We were rushing our way to the mall and passed by Ayala Ave & Greenbelt just to be in time for the 6pm show. When we arrived the place flock of people were already there waiting for the show. After a few minutes blue lights came up as a signal that the show is about to start. We’re so mesmerized with the coordination of music and lights, it’s really relaxing to see beautiful lights dancing and inflatable stars that popping out. So cute and so cool, we felt like we’re in a foreign country but it’s not, this spectacular show is here in our country made by lighting designer Voltaire de Jesus and composers Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso and truly proud of it.

The Ayala Triangle Gardens Symphony of Lights and Music show has been running for almost a month now and will be playing up until the 30th of December. The show happens every 30 minutes from 6pm to 9pm everyday. So iif you’re the typical Makati girl or boy, or  office workers that jog after work; residents of nearby condominiums walk their pets; families dine in the restaurant row; and friends catch up over coffee, this is the best place for you to relax and bond with loved ones. And by the way there are lots of affordable restaurants in the park that you can drop by after the show.

Here is some video clip from the show courtesy of my friend Rhems:

After our great time at Makati’s Ayala Triangle Gardens, another hang-out in Makati is next to explore.   Our group’s next target will be “Distrito” in Makati (near Makati Med). Distrito is like the “Bancheto” in Ortigas that offers variety of cuisine for you to enjoy. It opens from 9pm to 3am starting Wednesday until Friday.