March 01, 2015

Soak up the Sun at Batangas Resort

March is here and it is the time of the year again when we start planning for summer adventures. It is not easy to research and reserve because we all know that most of the resorts are fully booked during April and May. It really pays to reserve in advance because summer is #peakseason. 


Speaking of summer getaways. If you are living in Metro Manila and the southern part of Luzon, Batangas is a popular summer destination because of the beach resorts. We live in South Luzon so it is our go-to place if we want to have fun in the sun. There are so many resorts in different parts of Batangas but I will share the resorts that we have tried in the past. 

Batangas Resorts 

1. Golden Sunset Resort 

Golden Sunset Resort is located in Calatagan, Batangas owned by Ricky Reyes. The resort has different types of swimming pools but no beach (just beach sand). It offers an outdoor museum, playground, butterfly garden, and serendipity spa which you can visit during your leisure time. During our visit, there was a parade show of sea creatures. The place is a little bit big but don’t worry there is a mini-jeepney inside the resort that transports guests. 

 Read: Golden Sunset Resort 

2. Kabayan Resort 

Kabayan Resort is the cheapest resort that we’ve visited in Laiya, San Juan Batangas because the entrance fee is only P100 for adults and P50 for 11 years old and below so it is not surprising that the place is crowded during peak season. It offers both beach and a swimming pool but there will be an additional fee if you want to use the swimming pool. You can bring your own food and drinks without a corkage fee. 

 Read: Kabayan Resort 

3. Blue Coral Resort 

Blue Coral Resort is the second beach resort that we’ve tried in Laiya, San Juan Batangas. The resort facilities, rooms, and services were good but the food was just ok for us. Food and drinks are not allowed so you have to avail of their food package for P1,100 per person which includes buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

 Read: Blue Coral Resort 

4. La Luz Resort 

Another beach resort that we’ve visited in Laiya, San Juan Batangas is La Luz Resort, the resort is always fully booked even in lean season so make sure that you make a reservation for a day trip and overnight stay. The day trip fee is P850 which includes buffet lunch and merienda, you can add buffet breakfast for an additional fee of P200 per head. The beach resort has no swimming pool. 

 Read: La Luz Resort 

5. Stilts Calatagan Resort 

Stilts Calatagan Resort is one of the resorts that I’ve been meaning to visit but their room accommodation is quite steep in my budget so we just had a day trip. It offers a beach and swimming pool. The beach in Calatagan, Batangas is not as good compared to Laiya, San Juan Batangas so manage your expectation. Food and drinks are allowed but with a corkage fee. I like the service at Stilts Calatagan and if ever I have a budget I would like to revisit the place but this time for an overnight stay in one of their cottages. 

 Read: Stilts Calatagan Resort

6. Canyon Cove Resort 

Canyon Cove Resort is located in Nasugbu, Batangas, just like other resorts this place is always fully booked whether lean or peak season. We just visited this place last November and my mom wanted to have an outing here but when I checked the March weekend schedule last November, fully booked na agad. The resort has both a swimming pool and a beach. I prefer the beach in Nasugbu compared to Calatagan and Laiya, San Juan Batangas (hindi kasi bigla lalim and hindi maalon).

 Read: Canyon Cove 
Day Trip at Canyon Cove, check my post here and here.

7. Acuatico Beach Resort and Hotel 2015

Acuatico Beach Resort and Hotel is one of the popular resorts in San Juan, Batangas. It is known for its beautiful infinity pool. The resort is not that big but it provides the things that you need for you to enjoy your stay. The rate is on the pricey side but the service is good. 

 Read: Acuatico Beach Resort and Hotel

8. Vivere Azure 2016

If you want to relax and unwind, go to Vivere Azure. You will enjoy your getaway here because the service is impeccable, the place is not crowded and the food is good. Perfect getaway if you want privacy. It offers a beach and swimming pool.

 Read: Vivere Azure 

9. Hamilo Coast Pico De Loro 2018

We stayed at Pico Sands Hotel but you can also rent a condominium in order to enter Hamilo Coast Pico De Loro. The place is big and it offers both a swimming pool and a beach. You have no reasons to get bored here because they have a lot of activities that you can do. They have several restaurants so you'll never get hungry. Two days and one night are not enough to enjoy the place, medyo bitin pa.

Read: Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club
Food Trip at Hamilo Coast Pico De Loro
Watch the video here.

10. Acuaverde Beach Resort

This is the fifth resort that we have tried in San Juan, Batangas. It is the sister company of Acuatico Beach Resort but they do not have a swimming pool. Whether you will book for a day trip or overnight stay, the package includes three meals. This is a pet-friendly resort so you can bring your pet for a fee.

Read: Acuaverde Beach Resort
Watch the video here

11. Laiya Coco Grove

If you are looking for a resort that can accommodate big groups, Laiya Coco Grove is the answer. They have different types of accommodation that can accommodate different groups of couples, family outings, or even company outings. They have a swimming pool and beach. If you will stay here, choose treehouses so you will have a beach view.

Read: Laiya Coco Grove
Watch the video here

12. Palm Beach Resort 2019

Palm Beach Resort offers a day trip and overnight stay. They have rooms for a couple, family, and even for a big group. They have 2 swimming pools, a beach, a playground, and some team building facilities. The place is big so sometimes going from one place to another makes you feel tired but they have a shuttle service for that. The shore of the beach is a little bit rocky so it is better to bring your aqua shoes or you can borrow them, it depends on the availability. For an overnight stay, you need to avail yourself of their full-board meals at P1800.

Read: Palm Beach Resort
Watch the video here

13. The Farm at San Benito 2019

The Farm at San Benito is not a beach resort, it is a Health and Wellness resort so if you are looking for a peaceful place then visit this holistic sanctuary. They have activities for kids and adults, some are free and some are for a fee. The only disadvantage is, that everything is expensive but if you have the budget, then treat yourself and stay here.

Read: The Farm at San Benito 
Watch the video here

14. Lilom Resort 2022
Lilom Resort is the second resort that we have tried in Anilao, Batangas. This is a rustic resort with 7 rooms only so you can book the whole resort if you want an exclusive stay. The rate includes full-board meals so getting hungry is never a problem.


15. The Henry Resort Taramindu Laiya 2022
I celebrated my birthday at The Henry Resort Taramindu Laiya, it is the former Taramindu Beach Garden. It offers both a swimming pool and a beach. Their room is good for 2 to 4 people only. It has its own restaurant which is called Apartment 1B. 

16. Solana Resort 2022

The third resort that we have visited in Anilao, Batangas. This resort offers both a saltwater pool and a beach. The room is spacious and can accommodate up to 4 people. The rate also includes 3 buffet meals and free use of kayak. 

17. La Chevrerie Resort 2023

La Chevererie Resort & Spa is the fourth resort that we visited in Anilao, Batangas. It is a five-star resort that offers both pool and beach. It has only 13 rooms so if you want privacy, you can add this to your choices. 

Watch the video here

18. Nawa Wellness Resort 2024

So far these are the resorts that we’ve visited in Batangas. Care to share your favorite resort?
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February 27, 2015

From Heels to Flats

I remember when I was young, I really want to be tall because I wanted to be a flight attendant and travel the world but I was not blessed with height.  And because of that, I always wear high heel shoes to increase my height. 

We cannot deny that high heels shoes look stylish, elegant and sexy. It makes your outfit looks fabulous and it also adds confidence. But I have to say goodbye to high heels and say hello to flat shoes.

 It all started when I was pregnant, of course, I can’t wear high heel shoes anymore for safety reasons. Then I had my son and I’m still not wearing high heel shoes. Maybe because I don’t care anymore about my height and I realized that there are advantages in wearing flats. 


1. As a mom, it is very practical for me to wear flat shoes especially if I have to chase my very active son. 

 2. I feel comfortable in wearing flat shoes in doing my errands. I can do my grocery without feeling pain in my feet. 

 3. I can go to distance especially when I’m traveling so I make sure I wear flat shoes or sneakers. 

 4. For health and safety reasons, I know that wearing high heels can lead to chronic pain. You can check the list of “The Worst Shoes For Your Feet” article. 

 5. Since I’m a full-time mom, I prefer wearing flat shoes whenever I go out because it matches with my jeans and shirts outfit.

I’m not claiming that flat shoes are better than high heels shoes but I’m just saying that flat shoes work for me. It is best to search and invest in good quality flat shoes. ZALORA has a great selection of loafers for women. View their collection here".
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February 26, 2015

DIY Kid’s Tool Belt

Last Sunday, I noticed that my son loves putting his toys in between his shorts or pajamas and body so I searched for pattern and tutorial on how to make kid’s tool belt. 


I was happy that I’ve made it though the stitches in one pocket is not straight, hehehe! But I’m planning to make a bigger one because my son tends to put so many stuff inside so he needs more pocket.




Click here for the pattern and tutorial.
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February 23, 2015

Glamping a.k.a Glamorous Glamping at Nurture Wellness Village

It was two years ago when I learned about the word glamping a.k.a glamorous camping. I’ve read that in Chyng’s blog, she posted about her glamping in Sumilon, Cebu and since then I included glamping in my bucket list.

 Honestly, I’ve never experienced sleeping in a tent because I did not join Girl’s Scout when I was young. I didn’t join any overnight mountain climbing activities when I was in college because my major concern is the comfort room.

Last January 5, I saw this Glamping Package at Deal Grocer and I called my husband if he’s interested. I asked him to call Nurture Wellness to check if February 18, is still available and he was informed that it is still available. So I immediately purchased the voucher and reserved the date. Good thing that Feb. 19 is a holiday (Chinese New Year) so my son will not miss any lessons in school. 

 The package includes 

 22 hours overnight stay at a naturally ventilated camping tent 
Bon Fire, BBQ diner with rice, fresh fruit platter, and lime basil cocktail
Arrozcaldo breakfast with homemade bread & Pate with kale juice 
30 minutes outdoor treatment choice of facial, foot massage, or head and shoulder massage. 
Common toilet and bath, with toilet amenities. 

 I paid $96.53 (P4500) for the voucher but the regular rate is P3,190 per person, minimum of two persons. My son who is 6 years old is still free of charge.

Fast forward to our wedding anniversary, we fetched our son in school and went straight to Marcia Adams for our 12nn reservation. After our filling lunch, off we went to Nurture Wellness Village. 

 I just gave my Deal Grocer Voucher + Confirmation Voucher + Valid Id and they gave us forms to fill up + welcome drink which is hot tea. The staff asked us what time we prefer for the bonfire then she scheduled our massage. She also informed us about the Tai Chi and Nurture Walk schedule if we are interested to join. After that, the butler ushered us to our camping site. 

I love our camping site because we have our own dining table, bonfire place, sink, and huge tent, I think the tent can accommodate 3 mattresses. Aside from the mattress, the tent has an electric fan, a small table, and a small bean bag. My son was looking for television so we allowed him to use the Ipad just for the day. 



My husband and son played in the playground and then swam in the swimming pool while waiting for our facial massage schedule. The staff even gave us towels in the pool.


 The therapist fetched us from our tent for our facial and ushered us here.


 The place was really nice and relaxing. We really enjoyed our 30 minutes facial, after that parang ang sarap na matulog. Now I know, why their massage is on the pricey side. After the massage, they gave us hot tea and ushered us back to our camping site. 

Check some spa vouchers here. 

When we arrived, the camping butler was preparing the bonfire, the foods were there and the dining table was already set up. We’re just waiting for our dinner. The grilled food was just ok but we liked the lime basil cocktail. 

After dinner, we went inside the tent to rest and sleep. I thought I couldn’t sleep soundly because it was my first time sleeping in a tent, I can hear the flapping of the leaves and I was worried na may ghost. Hehehe


 The following morning, even though it was still cold I took a bath immediately para solo ko bathroom. Thank God that a hot shower is available in the common CR.

Knowing me, I did not join the Tai Chi exercise so we had breakfast na lang. They serve the arrozcaldo, bread, and kale juice. We ordered a bacon meal for my son. The breakfast meal was just ok, I didn’t like the arrozcaldo (too bland for my taste). The only thing I liked is kale juice.

After breakfast, we joined the Nurture Walk where you can see their farm and fish pond. It is 45 minute's walk (round trip) from Nurture Wellness Village. 


 After that, we spent the remaining hours in the tent while contemplating where are we going to eat our lunch but we ended up eating at their restaurant. As I mentioned above, our dinner and breakfast were just ok so I was not expecting that we will enjoy our lunch. But I was wrong, we liked the Pork Binagoongan and Sinampalukan na Manok meal. So bumawi sila sa food dun, they even gave us complimentary bread while waiting for our lunch. We ordered additional rice for my son.

Overall, we really enjoyed our glamping experience. It was a different experience compared to our hotel staycation.  A unique way to spend our anniversary. It was simple yet fun. 

 Like 

 1. The place was really inviting and relaxing. It is nice to know that they live up to their name. It is clean and well-maintained.
 2. I’ve been to different places and Nurture Wellness is the third resort/place that I’ve given a perfect score when it comes to service. Yes, we love their service. From the time we check-in and check out, we really feel the welcome of the staff. Even the gardener will greet you and smile at you. They are all approachable and professional. The other two resorts that we enjoyed the service are Pearl Farm Resort and Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa. 
 3. We have a camping butler who will attend to our needs. 
4. Free wifi, yes we have wifi in the tent. 
 5. I like the serving and presentation of the food. 

Dislike 

 Not really dislike but things that they should improve. 
 1. I think the tent should be replaced because I can see small holes and cut and the zipper is not working properly. 
 2. The grilled food is just ok, I hope camping guests are allowed to bring food because I love grilled liempo or porkchop. The arrozcaldo really needs improvement. 
 3. In the form there was birthday and wedding anniversary information so I was expecting that we will have a surprise on that day but there was no surprise. Hehehe! Umasa lang ako. 

 My Body Massage Experience.

 Nurture Wellness Village 
Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II 
West Cavite, Tagaytay, 
Luzon 4120, Philippines
Mobile: +63 918 888 8772
Telephone: +63 2 710 9786
Email: info@nurture.com.ph 
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February 20, 2015

Lunch at Marcia Adams

Marcia Adams is on my bucket list for the longest time but it took me so long to try this because I’m aware that the price is not cheap. So after a few years of waiting, I finally crossed it out from my list. It was our 9th wedding anniversary so we have reason to splurge. 

My husband called the day before our trip to make reservations. We fetched our son in school and off we went to Alfonso, Cavite for our lunch. Though the restaurant has no signage, going to Marcia Adams is not difficult, just drive till you reach Residence Inn Zoo and turn right and drive till you see the famous door at the left side. 

Marcia Adams is also known as Tuscany in Tagaytay, I don’t know why because I’ve never been to Tuscany, Italy. Anyway, upon seated the staff gave us the menu, the main course price is for a 3-course meal, which includes an appetizer and dessert. The cheapest price is P700 + service charge. 


While waiting, the staff serve complimentary bread + balsamic vinegar and oil 

My order is Soup of the Day, Grilled Aromatic Pork, Pana Cotta with Lemon Sauce P700 and Homemade Lemon Lime Bitters P105.





My husband ordered Amalfi Prawns, Italian Pork Chop and Banana Split for P795. 




We liked the two appetizers the shrimp are very tender and flavorful and the soup was filling enough. For the main course, I prefer the Italian Pork Chop compared to my order, the Grilled Aromatic Pork is just okay for me. I did not finish my order to think that I shared it with my son because the serving is really huge. The desserts were just okay too, medyo bitin. Hehehe! 

 I like the place because it is not crowded and though it is a non-airconditioned room, you won’t feel hot. If we were not in a hurry, we will take our time in eating our food. The service was good too. 


 Marcia Adams 
J.P.Rizal St, Brgy Sikat 
Alfonso, Cavite 
0917 801-1456 
Cash payment only 
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MarciaAdamsResto/timeline
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February 18, 2015

Pasalubong from Bacolod

The first time I went to Bacolod was in 2012, it is where we celebrated our wedding anniversary, it is our “Eat, Pray and Love” version. Bacolod is not really known for tourist spots but famous because of Masskara Festival. I'm not fond of festivals but one thing I like in Bacolod is their food. 

 Read: 31 Hours In Bacolod
Food Trip in Bacolod
The famous tourist spots in Negros Occidental are “The Ruins” in Talisay, Ancestral Houses in Silay, and 7 Falls in Mambukal Resort which is far from Bacolod. But whenever you research for Things to do in Bacolod, you will see those places but the truth is they are located outside Bacolod. 

 Whenever my husband has a business trip in Bacolod, I always asked him to buy a cake for my pasalubong. Since I was young, I dislike blueberry cheesecake but after I tasted the Calea Blueberry Cheesecake, everything changed. Now I love Cheesecake. 


Too bad, Calea is located in Bacolod but I was happy that I can taste this from time to time. This cheesecake is not overly sweet, the crust has nuts that give a different texture and taste. You can also taste some chocolate chips. Yummy! 

I told my husband to buy half cake only because we’re only three in the house. I remember last time, hirap na hirap kami ubusin yung whole cake.

Aside the cheesecake, I also love Napoleones. It is a puff pastry with cream inside and top with powdered sugar.  I bought two boxes of Napoleones when we were in Bacolod but it did not reach Manila anymore. Kinain na namin sa biyahe. 

So if ever you visit Bacolod, go to Calea and don’t forget to buy Napoleones.
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February 16, 2015

How Did You Spend Your Valentine’s Day?

Last week I was planning where are we going to celebrate our Valentine’s day because that it also our 12 years anniversary as a couple. But none of my lists materialized. I was thinking to join my husband business trip in Bacolod because we have no classes for 4 days due to “Educational Congress” but since the trip was just overnight it is not practical to spend for plane ticket. 

Day before Valentine’s day, I sew drawstring pouch again, this will serve as a treat bag or envelope where my son will put his Valentine’s card. For the last few years, we’ve been receiving cards such as Mother’s Day, Christmas card and Valentine’s card because that is part of my son’s school/summer class activity but since we have no classes, I know that we won’t be receiving any card so I told my son to make card for his daddy. 

After dinner, we painted the drawstring pouch and my son said “Mommy, faster! Daddy is coming home”. Hehehe But my husband texted me that his flight was delayed so I know we have more time to prepare. 




I printed a card with funny messages and I had a hard time choosing one. In the end, I chose this message “There's nobody I'd rather lay in bed and look at my phone with” It is funny but true, most of the time we will lie in bed side by side and our focus is on our phones. So I told my husband that we should change that.

I also printed this love quest survey and favorite questionnaire, like I said, we’re celebrating our 12 years and many things have changed so it is nice to get to know each other again. 

I waited for my husband’s pasalubong/Valentine’s gift and he came past 12AM, just in time for Valentine’s Day so we ate Calea blueberry cheesecake before going to bed. My husband knew that I don’t like flowers so he already stopped giving me flowers. 

And because napuyat ako, I was really lazy to go out on Valentine’s Day. My husband wanted to go to Nuvali for the Nightsky Cinema but I chose to stay at home and rest. 

 There’s nothing special on our Valentine’s day but one thing I like in this celebration is we “Spend less and love more”. We have simple celebration and gift but it is also nice to know more about my husband. I enjoyed reading the love quest survey. 

 Click to get the printables. 

 Funny Valentine’s Card
Valentine’s Card 
Love Quest Survey/Questionnaire 
Be my Valentine Card
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February 11, 2015

DIY Drawstring Bag and Pouch

After I finished hand sewing my felt stuffed letters, I decided to make a drawstring pouch where I can put all the letters.

I searched for different tutorials and I saw a 3 minute video on how to make a drawstring pouch which I followed. Since I’m just using a plain white cloth, I tried to put some design by placing our initials. 

First time to try applique and it is not easy to sew along the edge but still I was glad with the result. 

And because of that I watched the Bag Making Basics Class that I enrolled online and printed the step by step guide. These are the finished products.

I like this drawstring bag because it has a lining inside so it has a “clean look”. 



Lastly, I watched the free tutorial video from Brother sewing machine. This project wasn’t easy because I have to do zigzag stitch, straight stitch and button hole. So it took me a long time trying to figure out how can I do button hole. Thank God for the sewing manual. 

I’ve made six but I need to buy more ribbon or string for the remaining drawstring pouches.

Among the three, my favorite is the second drawstring bag. If you notice, I’m still using my fabric scrap from pajama. 
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