Philippine Science Centrum

After visiting the Pedia a few Saturday's ago for our child's check-up and vaccination schedule, We've decided to go out a stroll around the city.  Since We finished early around 9:30 am and We were already already at St. Luke's Global We decided to browse the internet for nearby interesting places to visit.  Philippine Science Centrum came up w/c according to the internet was approximately 12-15 km's. from our present location w/c is along the River Banks Mall in Marikina.  You've got to love technology, since it was our first time to go to Philippine Science Centrum, We used the "Waze" app on our mobile phones to find the River Banks Mall.

Burgoo SM Southmall

Decided to go to SM Southmall during my lunch break for an errand.  While my wife was paying bills at BDO. My son and I stayed at Burgoo SM Southmall to order for lunch.   This was our first time to try out Burgoo's, but the placed look so nice with tall windows to accommodate natural lighting.  The place actually looked a little bit like Friday's with a more lighter and brighter ambiance.  Good thing they were offering a buy 1 get 1 promo for selected items  on that day which made our choice a little bit easier.

Residence Inn & Paradizoo Tagaytay

It's been almost 2 years since We've visited Residence Inn & Paradizoo, Tagaytay and It was nice to see a lot of improvements since our last visit.  The place is a lot cleaner with more flora and fauna. We have a lot of fond memories of this place and it's a wonderful feeling to have been able to have the chance to relive it one more time.  As before We got our tickets from Metro Deal for Php 250 only which gives you access to both Residence Inn & Paradizoo.  You also get a free ride on their cable car.

Tali Beach, Nasugbu Batangas

Our kids really love going to the beach.  Since our eldest daughter will be turning 3 on June 3,  then why not celebrate it on the beach.  We normally, go to Laiya or Anilao Batangas, but travelling there from our home normally takes us around 3-4 hrs.  Since, We wanted to maximize our stay at the beach, We decided to look for a place in Nasugbu Batangas which takes us approximately 2 hrs. travel from home.  Going, to Nasugbu also gives us an option to pass by Tagaytay where We could some sight seeing along the side.  We came across Tali Beach, an exclusive subdivision near Munting Buhangin, Pico De Loro and Terazas De Punta Fuego.  To gain entry to Tali Beach, You have to rent a beach house inside the subdivision.  After paying the rental fees, the owner will be sending you an authorization letter that will grant you access to the subdivision.  Once, inside you can now have access to 7 small beach resorts within the subdivision for free.  Access to the resorts are free, but you may have to pay a minimal fee if you want to enjoy some of the facilities.

Holy Carabao Balik Bukid 2013 (Revisited)

Amidst a very hot summer day, We decided to get out of the house and go to Holy Carabao for their Balik Bukid 2013 country fair event.  Though We've here a couple of times before, it's always a joy to go here, not really because of the place but because of their staff who are always more than willing to assist you.  Same as before entrance is free for the Balik Bukid event, however, you’d have to pay Php 300+ to use some of the facilities. Your free to go around the fun farm and visit the different stalls and booths that were set-up.  This years Balik Bukid event, drew a lot more people.  There were also a lot more exhibitors present, so there were a lot more shops to visit and items to choose from.  Nice to see that most of the shops were being attended to by the actual owners, you get to enjoy a little conversation with them and you learn a little something about their business and products that they sell.  Since We’ve been to Holy Carabao’s Fun Farm before, We’ve decided to try activities We’ve never tried before.

John and Yoko Restaurant Alabang Town Center

Had dinner with my wife at John and Yoko Alabang Town Center a couple of days ago after work.  Since the menu seemed very appealing,  We decided to give it a try.  The menu consisted of mainly Japanese food with a modern twist.   They also serve Salads and Pizza among others.  We found ordering very difficult, since there We a lot of items that looked good but there was little description on Menu to help us on our selection. Since We were not really that hungry, We just decided to sample the menu. 

Virgin Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

Got invited to a birthday beach party at Virgin Beach Resort in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.   Entered the resort via day tour under the Picnicker's package which costs around Php 300 per person + Dining Parasol (accommodates 12 to 15 persons) w/c  costs Php 1350/day.  They also have other packages w/c include food, you can check them out from their website at http://www.virginbeachresort.com/.  Staying at Virgin Beach Resort, really gives meaning to the term Sun, Sand and Sea, as there is not much to do at the resort itself as it is particularly designed for enjoying the beach and other outdoor activities.  Beach front in this part of Batangas is very nice as most of the beaches in the vicinity.  However, the water level in this part of Laiya tends to up very high and is not quite suitable for small children.  Never-the-less,  a good quality floater and quality time accompanied by parents makes a difference.  The place is really clean and the staff are always roaming the premises, checking the garbage bins and replacing them every so often.

Mesa @ Greenbelt 5

After finishing my Son's moving-up day, My family decided to go to Mesa, which is located @ Greenbelt 5 to celebrate his achievements.  Good thing, We arrived there a quarter before 12.  We were immediately seated and our orders were taken by their very polite and attentive staff.  If We arrived a little bit later or at 12, We would have waited for a vacant table as the place gets packed at lunch time and would have ended up going somewhere else for lunch.  My wife frequently takes here office mates and guests to Mesa for lunch or dinner whenever they visit the country and vouches for their food, good service, and affordable price.

Kabayan Beach Resort, San Juan Batangas

Summer has officially started and the heat has been unbearable these past few days, so My Family decided to beat the heat and hit the beach.  Along with a few friends and their kids, We decided to go to Kabayan Beach Resort in Brgy. Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas which is only about a 2 to 3 hr drive from where We live.  We’ve been to this part of Batangas before and have found that the sand is white, the sea shore is relatively clean, and the water is not too salty w/c is perfect for kids as it doesn’t hurt the eyes or irritate the skin. The water level in this part of San Juan Batangas is not too high which is just perfect for kids to swim around and play.  We went to Kabayan Beach Resort for a day trip which costs Php 100 per adult and Php 80 per kids.  We decided to just rent a Nipa hut for Php 1000 which is supposed to be good for 15 persons, w/c is fine as you would just need a place to leave your stuff and eat your food.  Security seems okay as there are a lot of roving security personnel's who patrol the premises.

Holy Carabao Holistic Farm Balik Bukid 2012

My wife and kids have visited Holy Carabao before with their classmates, as part of their school activity. Heard a lot of good things about Holy Carabao from my wife and kids. How they had fun interacting with the animals, using their facilities or just taking a break and having a picnic.  Wish I was there with them to share their experiences, unfortunately commitments at work got in the way.  Good thing they held a Balik Bukid (Country Fair) last Nov. 17 from, 8 am-6  pm.  A pleasant relief, as I understand you had to make appointments first before you could visit the farm.  Easiest way to visit Holy Carabao is to Exit Cabuyao from SLEX (when your exiting going south, make a right turn after the Exit and if your exiting going north, you need to make a left turn after the exit.  Enter the Sta. Elena Village Gate, you can either follow the sign's going to the farm or you could ask the Security personnel's and staff whom are more than happy to help you.  Since We were morning persons, We decided to come early to avoid the rush and heat of the sun.