The Gingerbread House Tagaytay

Arguably one of the few places in a country where it seems like a holiday all year round. The Gingerbread House which is located in Alfonso Cavite is a 5,650 square meter sweet themed village.  It is home to the country's largest gingerbread house operating as a restaurant and function area. Kind of reminds of you about Hansel and Gretel in the forest as they stumble upon the Gingerbread House. A nostalgic place for people just love sweets and the holidays.

Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center Tanay, Rizal

Stayed at Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center with my family during a recent trip to Tanay, Rizal.  Situated in an area with a view overlooking the Rizal and other neighboring areas. Though the place seems more suitable for large groups of people, events and team building activities.  Bakasyunan Resort still provided our kids other options for activities in the event of rain or other unfortunate events that may happen during our trip.  Never-the-less, we had a restful and relaxed stay at the resort.

Daranak Falls

Daranak Falls is a place you would want to check-out with your family and friends whenever you’re in Tanay, Rizal.  We happened to pass-by while looking for a place to eat during our trip to Tanay, Rizal, so we decided to drop by and take a peek. Daranak Falls is operated and protected by the local city  Government. The park is designed for good, clean fun and not much on facilities and infrastructures, so you would have to taper your expectations.  Nevertheless, Daranak Falls is good place to relax, have a picnic, and take a dip in the cool and clear waters while enjoying the scenery.

Lorenzo Garden Grill

During a recent family trip to Tanay Rizal, we came upon  Lorenzo Garden Grill, which was highly recommended by the Sisters at St. Padre Pio Chapel in Balimbing, Tanay, Rizal.  According to them the place specializes in grilled meats flavored with fresh organic herbs and spices.  They did not disappoint as the food is not only good but also reasonable.

Tarsier Conservation Area, Loboc Bohol

The Philippine Tarsier is one of the smallest primates known.  It’s size is no larger than a man’s hand and is normally found in the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and Mindanao. The tarsier is a nocturnal creature which feeds on insects, lizards, and small birds. Tarsiers are really a sight to behold and if you’ve never seen one before you shouldn’t pass off a chance to see one whenever you visit Bohol.

Zoocolate Thrills

After a long, tiring and fun filled day going around Bohol.  It was nice to slow down for a while, take a break and recharge for a while. Good thing We passed by Zoocolate Thrills after visiting Bohol Habitat Conservation Center Butterfly Sanctuary.  Zoocolate Thrills another brain child of the Zoomanity Group, the same team that is behind Zoobic Safari (located in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone), Residence Inn (located in Tagaytay), Paradizoo(located in Mendez, Cavite also near Tagaytay), and Zoocobia Fun Zoo (located in Clark Freeport Zone).

Clarin Ancestral House

The Clarin Ancestral House, located in the town of Loay, Bohol, is the heritage house of the Clarin family.

The Clarin Ancestral House is the residence of Don Aniceto Velez Clarin, a former governor of Bohol. His son, Jose Aniceto Butalid Clarin became the first senator of the 11th district.

A house which stood and captured the passing of time for present and future generations to marvel and admire.

Bohol Bee Farm

During our recent trip to Bohol to attend a family reunion, straight from the airport, my wife and I decided to pass by Bohol Bee Farm to take our breakfast and have a look at the place before taking a tour around Bohol. We’ve heard a lot about this place from friends, but haven’t really had the time to see for ourselves. Since We took the earliest flight to Bohol, this gave us enough time to visit Bohol Bee Farm and experience it for ourselves.

Nova Shell Museum

Nova Shell Museum which is located near Alona Beach in Panglao town Center houses a collection of shells within the Philippines and around the world. Sea shells doesn’t mean those commonly seen along the beach, but the rare ones and which can only be seen in deep waters. I know, at least once in your life, you’ve collected some sea shells on your trip to the beach.  If your amazed on what you’ve seen, you’ll marvel at their collection of rare shells.

Bohol Habitat Conservation Center Butterfly Sanctuary

Bohol Habitat Conservation Center Butterfly Sanctuary, located in Poblacion, Bilar, Bohol, is a conservation area for a variety of butterfly species, dedicated to the protection, growth, and spreading awareness about butterflies.  The center aims to help improve the livelihood of the locals by teaching them how to breed butterflies, which play an important role in caring for our environment.  Set in a beautifully landscaped garden with a variety of rare and colorful flowers, the place is definitely refreshing sight to behold.

Yoki's Farm Tagaytay

During a trip to attend the graduation rites at the SVD seminary, We've decided to go around Tagaytay, since We were already there and was free for the entire afternoon.  Using "Waze", We discovered that Yoki's Farm, which is located in Mendez Cavite, is only 30 mins. from the seminary (just in the vicinity of Paradizoo). 

Island Cove Oceania Swim & Splash Park

I have heard of Island Cove for quite some time now, but have not gotten the chance to go there, as it is located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite which is far from where We live.  However,  thanks to the newly built roads, it has made it more convenient for us to travel to Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite.  You just got to love technology and progress, using "waze" We only traveled 1 hr. from our home in San Pedro, Laguna to Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite.

Metropolitan Museum of Manila (MET)

The Metropolitan Museumof Manila (MET), previously the Museo ng Banco Sentral ng Pilipinas is found along Roxas Boulevard within the BSP Complex near Ospital ng Maynila.  It contains a collection of paintings, sculptures, jewelry and pottery.  However, We came to the museum for the Money Matters for Kids exhibit.  After all, it’s never too early to introduce your kids to proper money management.

Bahay ni Rizal (Rizal Shrine)

For one of our educational trips, We decided to visit ang Bahay ni Rizal (Rizal Shrine) in Calamba Laguna. Among all things, ang Bahay ni Rizal showcases a replica of the house where Jose Rizal was born.  What a way it is indeed to learn about our national hero than to experience and learn about his childhood.

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay

After visiting the Rizal Shrine in Calamba Laguna, we decided to go around the neighboring towns which eventually led us to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay for lunch.

It had a homey feel from the outside with lots of wide open spaces for the kids to run around while we wait for our order so we decided to give it a try.

The food is okay and fairly reasonable with approximately servings good for 3-5 persons.

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp, Nasugbu Batangas

Summer is finally here, and to welcome it we kick-off 2014 with a beach assault at Munting Buhangin Beach Camp in Nasugbu Batangas.  Nasugbu Batangas is roughly 2-3 hrs. from manila and can pass through Tagaytay for a much scenic view.

Nayong Pilipino Clark Expo Pampanga

Nayong Pilipino has always been close to my heart.  I remember the time when it used to be located near NAIA.  We would often go there with family and friends.  It's wide open spaces and scenic design of miniature land marks found in the Philippines make it an ideal place to go on picnics, run around, our just relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.  This used to be a popular stop over for field trips, where We would often go take a break and have our lunch.   I was still in high school when I last visited Nayong Pilipino. Unfortunately, they closed it down and relocated to Clark Expo Pampanga.  Since We now live in Laguna, it was very difficult for us to visit Nayong Pilipino in it's new as We would have to schedule a special trip just to go there.  Fortunately, We were able to schedule  a trip to Clark Land Dinosaurs Island and included Nayong Pilipino as a side trip.

A glimpse of Jurrasic Park at Clark Land Dinosaurs Island Pampanga

Clark Land Dinosaurs Island which is located inside Clark Field Pampanga, is an animatronic theme park and museum.  It shows us a glimpse of what it feels like to live during the dinosaur era. The displays are huge and I supposed are made up to scale. Looking at the dinosaurs make you feel like looking at super sized lizards.  A back ground of trees and plants transform the place into a jungle.  The outer skin of the dinosaurs are made out of rubber and are relatively safe to touch. Sound comes from a speaker near the display. I can’t seem to distinguish their sound as most of them are just a combination of growls & roars.  Although, most of the movements of the dinosaurs on display are limited to neck, mouth & head movements they often draw long crowds of people wanting get their pictures taken. 

A Day Trip at The Lost Eden Sucat Paranaque

One of the great benefits of home schooling is that you get to choose your own schedule, control your time, and avoid staying in line with long crowds and basically, just enjoy and have fun. Upon running an errand to Sucat last weekend, We decided to drop by The Lost Eden in Sucat, Paranaque since it was along the way and We had the entire afternoon to ourselves.

Though it would have been nicer to call ahead of schedule so their staff could have prepared the place and programs.  But this would have taken away the element of surprise and spontaneity. Plus going on field trips during off-season's gives you the rare privilege of enjoying the entire place all by yourselves.  "The Lost Eden" which is located along Sucat road Dr. A. Santos Avenue near Kraft is a 4 hectare area owned and operated by Bio Research.  However, most of the animals found here are a collection of birds, fishes, small farm animals, and house hold pets situated in a garden depicting our national land marks per region.

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.