Loom Love

Just like any other fad, I thought the loom bands craze would just go away one day. But when loving kids gave me a LoomBands 101 session, i realized the value it instills on kids - patience, creativity and thoughtfulness. And so I got my own, loomed with love by Jannah :) I chose the rainbow-inspired set because life is indeed full of colors!

Keep on looming, kids (and kids at heart)!

Café Lydia – The Pride of Marikina

Along the street of Calderon in Calumpang Marikina City lies a little secret. Word of mouth made this little secret now a pride of the city. Café Lydia, now thrives as one of the best restaurants in the area. Featured for several times in national television and is continuously trending in blog reviews, Café Lydia never fails to satisfy its customers. 

Owned by an entrepreneur who formerly ran a shoe business, Café Lydia opened its doors to the public on September 2009. Despite struggles such as the typhoon Ondoy on its opening month, this restaurant continues to thrive and is now a destination restaurant for food lovers both from the North and South. Serving the cravings of families and friends who get together for a common purpose, Café Lydia provides a cozy ambience which is also reflected in the warm smiles of its servers. 

All set to eat!

 Pasta ala lidia (P155) is their house special. It has anchovies, olives, capers, tuna, and fresh tomatoes in olive oil. Quite a large serving of 200 grams.

Chicken Kiev (Chicken Cordon BLeu - P205) is also a must try- rolled chicken fillet with ham, cheese and herbed butter with bechamel sauce, served with mashed potato and mesclun salad. 

Yummy Back Ribs (P310) is served with java rice and mixed vegetables.

House Special Pizza (P240) with pepperoni, ham, bacon, mushroom, onion, bell pepper, pineapple is perfect for a group of pizza-lovers!

 Grilled Blue Marlin (P305), grilled in brown butter garlic sauce, sundried tomato, 

mushroom served with mashed potato and mixed vegetables, is also a great choice for fish lovers.

Who can resist the classic banana split (P125)? Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla ice cream scoops with frozen strawberry, and crushed pineapple caught between two banana halves 

and topped with chopped peanuts 

With Marikina as my hometown, Cafe Lidia is a restaurant close to my heart. Their coffees and cakes are served with the biggest smiles. Aside from a wide variety of menu, they also give speedy services by their very friendly staffs. The interior is quite cozy and comfortable, with warm lighting. There's also free wifi for internet lovers. A visit to Marikina is all worth it, especially if a stop is Café Lydia. Done sharing this little secret with you, it’s your turn to try and be proud.


Cafe Lidia 
Address: 64 Calderon St., Calumpang , Marikina City
Contact Detail: 647-7606
Business Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.(Monday-Saturday); 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Sunday)
Price Range per Person: Php 201 - Php 500
Payment Method: Cash/Credit Card
Accepts Reservation: Yes

A Trek to Remember

Twenty two years ago, a six-year old girl wondered why thick layers of ashes were scattered on the streets of Manila. Clueless and big-eyed, she  looked at the haze in the air and kept on inquiring about what happened. The answer was finally told - these were the effects of the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

That was the only memory I had of Mount Pinatubo. Little did I know that I’d be exploring its grandeur (as one of the biggest volcanoes in the Philippines) and that I’d be building memories with it, this time not of eruption/destruction but of a different kind.

And so we decided to pursue the adventure and conquer Mount Pinatubo. Carrying our backpacks and wearing proper attires including study shoes which will survive boulders, heights, streams and ashes; we travelled all the way to Capas Tarlac.

For travellers who'd like to explore Mount Pinatubo, here’s a brief summary of a whole day itinerary.
   1.   Travel from Manila to Capas, Tarlac. – 2 hours
   2.   Sign the waiver form and attend a brief orientation before the adventure starts.
   3.   Ride a 4x4 transport for 40 minutes. Take note: It’s going to be a rough ride crossing streams and boulders with continuous sprinkles of ashes all over your body. Exciting!
   4.   Trek for 2-3 hours (depending on your capability) crossing ashes, boulders, low lying streams and some stairs to reach the crater.
   5.   Enjoy the crater from a viewing point. This is also the time to have lunch, recharge and take a lot of pictures celebrating your success. (Enjoy the fruits of your labor!)
   6.   Go back - do steps 4,3,2, and 1.

The wonderful crater of Mount Pinatubo beholds a beauty to marvel at.

It amazed me how a volcano as destructive as this can also be an attraction pleasing the eyes of onlookers. 

Oh the power of God's creation!

Sharing a video made by Jaresa Felipe of Thirty Six-O Media which features a 3-minute documentation of how our team conquered Mount Pinatubo. Click on the picture to view the video.

Our package was pre-availed from Pinaykeypoint and for a list of the requirements and all necessary data, their site proved to be very helpful. The site also provides a detailed itinerary so if you’re planning to go on this adventure, we highly recommend that you transact with them.

The sturdy 4x4 transport which lets you experience "lahar powder" on your face as you go on a bumpy ride.

Crossing streams make you realize that roller coasters are not scary after all.

The almost three-hour trek is a challenge for the adventurers. 8 kms to go!

Boulders, together with lahar and streams, make the trek mode challenging.

Thanks to tour guides who lead us to easier trails. 

After more than 6 kilometers, you see this sign, motivating you to see which range you belong to.

When you see this rest station, you are near the crater (almost!).

 Trail foods are always helpful, so go for energy bite-sized foods.

  

There's a free water refill near the rest area. 

 

Visiting Mt. Pinatubo was an opportunity to meet the kin of the very first inhabitants of the Philippines. 

Aetas are all over the place. Greet them and share some goodies with the kids.

The precious drinks being sold near the crater - P100 each!

Once you reach the top, enjoy a hearty snack while camping and enjoy the beauty of the crater.

Camp around the crater, but don't swim.

I was used to the laidback vacation where one can relax and enjoy nature, but the Mount Pinatubo adventure is something different travel bugs should try. One has to be physically and emotionally ready for this kind of trip. And yes, no matter how arduous and tiring the adventure was, it really was the upbuilding memories to reach the top and the persons we trekked with that matter.

Twenty two years after that eruption, my mind now rarely recalls Mount Pinatubo’s destructive aftermath. Whenever the name of that giant mountain will be mentioned, it is that amazing trek that I will always remember.

The Day I Said Yes

Let’s do a flashback to the same date exactly a year ago.

The setting was the beautiful island of Guimaras; a hidden paradise in Iloilo. The weather was perfect for an island hopping adventure and so our group (composed of family and friends) decided to discover what the islands of Guimaras had to offer. As we rode into the waters, I was reminded of CamSur and Palawan’s beauty as we explore caves and lagoons. Being a nature-lover who marvels every time the travel bugs bite, I beamed at how the day proved to be extraordinary. Little did I know that it would be more than extraordinary.

We reached a huge rock formation leading to a hidden passageway. Upon entrance, one can see a cave with the corals and sparkling waters underneath. It was such a marvelous sight. The group decided to swim and some even dared to dive on top of the rock formation. Nothing to worry though, as the boat guides assured us it was safe. Suddenly, I felt something weird with the guys. They seemed to be agitated and stared glances at each other every now and then. Shrugging off my shoulders, I just swam and enjoyed the moment.

Then came the darkening clouds and little by little, raindrops started to grow into a downpour. We managed to rush on to other islands and finally headed back to shore. As soon as we landed in Raymen Beach Resort (owned by a Witness family), the guys requested us to stay for a while and rest on the shore. As the sun was about to set, all of us ladies decided to go into our rooms, clean up and have dinner afterwards.

After dinner, we met with the family who owned the resort. It was a great opportunity to hear how these fellow Witnesses faced hardships in life and still stayed strong in faith. Then came the ‘extraordinary’ moment.

Finally the guys succeeded in bringing us to the shore for a stargazing experience (as they say). The girls were also exchanging glances by then and I realized that only my mom and I were clueless. It turned out that there was a surprise for both of us.

Reggie stepped forward, made an announcement for everyone to listen, and acted as if he’s leading a family worship (looked to me that way back then). He then said a few lines talking about how we have grown matured enough for the past years. Yes, matured in all aspects – physically, financially, emotionally, intellectually, and most important of all, spiritually. To my readers, I am sorry to have not documented every single line as by then the lines became blurry as the world spun around me. The only clear words I heard was:

“Will you marry me?”

Something seemed to block my throat and speechless as I was, I just stared while he held a sparkling ring in front of me. A moment of silence followed. Then, I looked at my mom and she broke the silence saying “Isuot mo na!” (Wear it!”). Everyone laughed, but the mixed emotions Reggie and I felt that night was connected into a tight, warm hug. Teary-eyed, I wore the ring which perfectly fitted my finger.

Yes, that more-than-extraordinary night may have started a lot of changes, but the bliss it has caused will never ever be forgotten.

P.S. Only a selected few knew this story before our wedding. This is a story that was never published (until today).

Actual shot of the proposal scene - thanks to great friends :)

Mr. & Mrs.’ Phuket-moon

Google didn’t fail us when we asked him for suggestions on where to go for honeymoon. Phuket came up as one of the frequently-traveled destinations of newlyweds. Phuket (and the whole vast of Thailand) has so much to offer to tourists and true enough, we were able to discover its beauty.

I (almost) felt at home in Phuket since the environment was very much like the Philippines. I thought of the Thai natives as a close relative of the Filipinos because of their warm and hospitable behavior. We stayed in Tropical Garden Resort, Kata Beach in Phuket, thanks to Asiatravel for recommending this hotel on their website. Our room has a sea view which we found very refreshing. After "decades" of preparing for the wedding, this place was worth staying at with the gentle wind blowing the stress away and the beautiful sunset mesmerizing our eyes. The moment was like a pat on the back for a milestone attained.

The hotel management also surprised us with a cute (and romantic) bed arrangement for honeymooners! Other than the beautiful amenities this resort has to offer, their buffet breakfast is something we looked forward to every morning when we woke up. It catered to the Western, Asian (and vegetarian) tastes.

One of the highlights of this escapade was the visit to PhiPhi Island – a pristine paradise silently waiting to be discovered. The water reminds me of El Nido, but the shores remind me of Boracay – with shops everywhere. One has to ride a cruise ship for almost an hour to get to the island. Once on the island, people can shop, eat, buy stuffs, swim or mingle with the locals. The trip to PhiPhi Island was a one-day affair but tourists may extend depending on their plans. 

On the next days of the escapade, we found ourselves busy with elephant riding, visiting talented Thai monkeys, trying out honey delicacies and exploring the bee farm, studying the cashew nut livelihood and trying out Thai food. There was so much to explore, yet time was limited. But of course, the serene times in the beach were my favorite moments.

After five days, it was time to go home. With a heavy heart, we finished going to a few shops and headed on to the airport. We thought the best moment was over but then I suddenly realized that my wallet was missing. We were halfway on our way to the airport when I discovered it was not inside my bag. Good thing my hubby had a reliable memory and we were able to figure out where we left it. Our very kind Thai tour guide brought us back to the place (despite the traffic) and arranged with the airport in case we’d be a little late for the flight. When we arrived at the shop, the Thai owner hurriedly ran to me and said “I was looking all over for you! Here’s your wallet.” My wallet was returned to me and not even a single cent was taken. Tearfully, I said the most heartful “Kappunka” (Thank you in Thai) I ever mentioned. Thai people are worthy of commendation. They restored my confidence in the honesty of other people even in a country not our own and that there is always good in people’s hearts.

It was a joy beyond compare to experience Phuket in just a short time. It was an extraordinary trip because it was our first trip as husband and wife. The beauty of the land and the sterling heart of the people made it even more special.

Zamboanga: Asia's Latin City

More than the Spanish touch of the Chavacano tongue, there are some things that make Asian’s Latin City one of the best attractions in the Philippines. Zamboanga City is known as "Asia's Latin City". And indeed, this highly urbanized city in the south-western part of the Philippines offers other interesting facets beyond its rich heritage and culture. 

An itinerary in Zamboanga wouldn’t be complete without visiting the different attractions in the city proper as well as going to Pasonanca where one can visit parks and climbed a hill to have a good view of the city. 

Latin or Filipino Touch?

These days, tourists will be glad to know that Vinta Sailing is offered at
Paseo del Mar during weekends. The boats docked there are managed by
fishermen who, after heading out to sea in the morning for the day’s catch,
unfurl the colorful sails on their boats and, weather and wind conditions
permitting, offer rides around the area.

Baby Comes with Mommy to Work

Barako Ice Cream to Keep the Conservation Going on a Late Night

(Country Chicken)

The food most associated with Zamboanga City is curacha, coconut crabs that
can only be found in the deep waters of Zamboanga. The dish is served at
the Alavar Seafood Restaurant, an institution here and a top destination
for serious foodies in Zamboanga. Curacha is served with a delicious blend

of coconut milk and spices at the restaurant located along Don AlfaroStreet.

 Seafoods and Buco Juice for the Strong Tummy

 Knickerbocker of Palmeras  - A Bestseller We Can't Leave Without

(mixture of watermelon chunks, banana slices, papaya with gelatin chunks

 and topped with Strawberry Ice Cream)

Colorful Trike, Inspired by Vintas

"Mas Alegre na Zamboanga" - Kids at Play

Go Crazy with "Lokot-lokot" - an indigenous delicacy found in Zamboanga

Also called Zambo Rolls -  crunchy roll made of rice powder

 which looks like thin noodles bound and rolled into this crunchy rolls

Go visit Zamboanga, Asia's Latin City.

HABAGAT - Days Without the Sun

I treasured the moment I last saw the sun.

This thought reverberated through my head as I stayed awake and wide-eyed before the earliest morning alarm clock went off. Distracted by the heavy rains and the images of deadly floods surrounding major cities of the Philippines, a heavy sigh was all I let out to express fear and disappointment as my hometown Marikina got more swamped.

This catastrophic incident was similar to Milenyo (2006) and Ondoy (2009). Having learned life's greatest lessons, residents and local government of Marikina are now more aware and more-than-ready to prepare each family’s survival kit – a strong will to live and help others survive.

To friends and family who are asking for our condition, we are fine. Thanks for the concern.

Despite the alarming peak of 21.4 meter-level of Marikina River, gushing floods out in the streets, alarm sirens sounding on and off every now and then, impassable roads, and hoarding of goods in nearby stores; we are all in good condition.

Let me share some photos of how "habagat" or seasonal monsoon rains worsened and caused widespread flooding in the Philippines.

Swamped Shoe Capital

Marikina River's Raging Waters 

'Drowning' Marikit-Na Statue 

 Walang makapasok na manggagawa :(

 The Vllage that Never Slept

Forced Evacuation for Residents Near the River

There are things that, once again, were proved. Priority and values are really unsinkable. Floods may rise, rains may pour, but a sacrificing character and indefatigable humor survive. No material thing can surpass family togetherness and faith in God.

After days of darkness, finally we saw the sun shine this afternoon, a truly treasured moment for all of us. There's hope to see Marikina as beautiful as before. As I sleep tonight, I hope and pray that when we open our eyes tomorrow, a new day will start with the sun shining brightly. Goodbye to the days without the sun.