MARIAN ORCHARD - Pilgrimage Site, Balete Batangas (11.21.2021)

The Marian Orchard shall serve as a spiritual oasis that will promote the Roman Catholic religion through the propagation of Marian devotion and other religious activities that will inspire a renewal of FAITH.

The Marian Orchard is a pilgrimage site for prayer and reflection. Source: www.marianorchard.org.ph

We had the chance to visit the pilgrimage site on November 21, 2021. We arrived there at around 2pm. We wanted this time so as not to come at the same time with the pilgrims. Single entry tickets cost 80 pesos for adults and 40 pesos for kids. After saying a thanksgiving prayer at the chapel upon entry, we now had time to roam around the place. Which we all enjoyed. 

 

VILLASIS - Bayan Kong Mahal (11.28.2021)

There is no place like home.

I am an Ilocano, a Villiasinian, a native of Villasis, Pangasinan.

Villasis. Known as the yellow town (due to its distinct yellow painted town hall), is also known as the vegetable bowl of Pangasinan. You can see in my town almost all (if not all) the vegetables in the song Bahay Kubo, seriously! 

 

So last November 28, we were able to visit our hometown. Gates are now open, no more spass requirement, free as a bird again! But still, be mindful of the pandemic protocols. It is best to follow government guidelines, pandemic is not yet over. 

 

 

Italianni's Glorietta: Back in the City on Bonifacio Day 2021 (11.30.2021)

Taking advantage of the holiday. 

While the Philippines is set for a 3-day vaccination drive across the country, we are also busy doing early shopping for the holiday season. We arrived early as we thought malls are opening at 10am. However, Glorietta in Makati opens its stores at 11am. While waiting, to remain our cool, we stayed at Mercury Drugstore in Glorietta (which opens early at 10am). For the benefit of time, we had the chance to download our vaxx cert from VaxCertPH. It was a success!

 

We then, proceeded to buy clothes for the holidays. To our surprise, Debenhams has already ceased operation in Rustan's so we opted to buy in Gap and surprisingly as well, it was all 45% off if you are a card holder of BPI, ARC among others. It was a success!

 

We completed shopping at 12noon, and ended up hungry. Like we used to prior to pandemic, we had our lunch in Italianni's Glorietta. We ordered the usual baked ziti and seafood rice. It never fail us, as always. It was a success!

 

By the way, I am with my forever date! 

 

   

Taal Church, Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours - Largest church in Asia (11.27.2021)

 The Taal Basilica, canonically known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours (Filipino: Basilika ni San Martin ng Tours; Spanish: Basílica Menor de San Martín de Tours), is a minor basilica in the town of Taal, Batangas, in the Philippines, within the Archdiocese of Lipa. It is considered to be the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia, standing 88.6 metres (291 ft) long and 48 metres (157 ft) wide. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of Taal, whose fiesta is celebrated every November 11. Source: Wikipedia

 

When we are new to a place, we usually visit the church. Aside from simple thanksgiving, it will actually connect you to people especially to the locals, food and native products the town has to offer. We were able to buy 'tawilis' as well, fish native to Taal.

 

It was my family's first time in Taal, Batangas. So it is a must to drop by at the church. True to how it is called, the church is really huge. Taking picture was also mandatory. :)

Balayan Bay - Lemery Batangas (11.27.2021)

Balayan Bay is a large bay of Luzon Island in the Philippines. It is part of the Verde Island Passage and its entire shore is in the province of Batangas. The bay is between 23 to 28 kilometers (14 to 17 mi) wide. It is separated from the South China Sea to the west by the Calatagan Peninsula, which has Cape Santiago as its southern point. The Calumpan Peninsula forms the bay's eastern side, that separates it from Batangas Bay.   Source: Wikipedia

 

We were invited by a friend whom I use to work with in my previous job in Ibiden Philippines. Tina is from Calaca and has a friend who owns a resort in Lemery, Batangas, where we stayed. The place was peaceful but remotely located. Locals were very kind and approachable.

 

She was so persistent that made us finally agree. Since it is still pandemic, safety protocols were properly observed. It was actually for the kids to enjoy who have been locked up at home for a long time already.

It has been quite a while since we had our trip to the beach. It was March 2019 when we had our last. We went to Camaya Coast in Bataan (will make a write up soon).

 

Here are some photos taken with my kids, Abraham and Jacob!. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jong&Jane - Macau Adventure 2014

Inside Galaxy - Macau

 

 

 

 

 

Inside Venetian - Macau

 

 

Inside Galaxy - Macau

 

 

Inside Venetian - Macau

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EASTER at NUVALI

After attending Sunday service at the Cathedral of Praise, we headed to Nuvali Evoliving in Laguna.
Nuvali - a community by Ayala Land which offers a lot of good things. While we cant afford to settle here, we just went on a visit and to enjoy the place.

We started by riding the boat. It is about a seven-minure ride. Thirdy, my son, enjoyed the scenery and was really amazed on the experience. It costs us 180 pesos and is worth riding..

Everyone was required to use vest. We were all six.

Mommy and Thirdy

Thirdy's cousins, Christian and Tala.

Thirdy is enjoying the scenery while the boat is on move.

He has even no time to look at the camera :)

To quench after the boat ride, we headed on a nearby 711 to buy some drinks. This is where we waited for the tram to enjoy a free ride and a tour within the community.

While waiting for the tram, Thirdy made fun by running around the waiting area. Behind him are his cousins (patiently waiting).

All were hungry so we went to Walter Mart Calamba to buy some food.

This is a very nice experience, we felt in love already the community. If we only have money :)
It made us realize that we really need to work hard to become a part of this community.
We look forward to visit the place again.