LUKONG VALLEY FARM & AMARAH'S PLACE AND RESTAURANT

 

SUNFLORA FARM : PARINE NA SA JALA JALA RIZAL PART 2

 

BIKES AND BREAKFAST : PARINE NA SA JALAJALA PART 1

Good morning mga friendship, and we are back to our breakfast motor ride series for JLofied. We are going to continue featuring towns of Rizal, Laguna and Quezon. And we are hoping na sa maliit na paraan ay makatulong ito sa turismo.

Kasama natin sa ride na ito an gating mga ka broom broom na sina Glydel Mechado at Chuck Pares, and of course my photographer and videographer Bobby Android.

So ano pa ng aba mga friendship, tara kape tayo!

 

For this episode,  we are going to visit this little town of JalaJala rizal. Tara, samahan nyo kami sa aming pagkakape.

 

Alam nyo ba na ang Jalajala ay ang pinakuling Municipality of Rizal bago marating ang boundary line ng province of Laguna. From Quezon City, you will pass by the towns of Antipolo, Teresa, Morong, Tanay and Pililia.

Check out my vlog  mga friendship!

https://youtu.be/R5bw8pabBHM 

https://youtu.be/R5bw8pabBHM

 

6,000 PESOS PARA SA ISANG ISLAND? TARA NA SA TAMPOY ISLAND LAKEHOUSE

 

Yes, we rented the whole island just for the four of us for only 6,000 pesos. 

Being in quarantine for so long takes a toll on our physical and mental well-being. My husband and eldest daughter were also are covid survivors now. After successfully won their covid battle last March, my husband and I together with two friends decided to take a rest last June and rented the whole island just for us for this long-awaited breather.

Check out my vlog to see what the island looks like. Sarap buhay mga friendship!

LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR : HERITAGE WALKING TOUR & ROMANTIC DATE IDEAS

    Hindi man naging maganda ang takbo ng taong 2020 sa ating bansa maging sa buong mundo, hindi ibig sabihin na titigil na sa pag-ikot ito. Ika nga, it’s  time to move on at harapin ang mga bagay bagay at problema ng may panibagong pananaw.  Pero may isang lugar dito sa Pilipinas na parang tumigil ang panahon at parang nag time travel ka nuong panahon ng mga Kastila. Kung ultimate throwback ang trip nyo, samahan nyo akong mag time travel sa panahon ng mga kastila dito sa LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR.

    Ang kaisa-isang heritage theme park dito sa Pilipinas, with 400 hectares beside the West Philippine sea, ito ang Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.  Ang ibig sabihin ng mga salitang ito  sa tagalog ay  Ang mga bahay Sa PIlipinas ni Acuzar. Owned by Mr. Jose Rizalino “Jerry” Acuzar of The New  San Jose Builders. Nagsimulang magkolekta ng bahay si Mr Acuzar nuong year 2000, at nabuksan lamang para sa publiko ang Las Casas nuong 2010.

    Year 2019 nuong una akong bumisita dito sa Las Casas. Punong puno ang aming mga mata, puso at isipan nung mga panahong iyon. Panahong pwedeng magdikit-dikit at mag party party!  Kaya naman excited akong makabalik muli.  Halos isang taon ding hindi nakapag-travel ng dahil sa pandemia, kaya naisipan naming bumisita muli at balikan ang kasaysayan ng nakaraan dito sa Las Casas.

HERITAGE WALKING TOUR

    Alamin ang mga kwento sa likod ng mga lumang bahay dito sa Las Casas. Bawat kwarto at bawat sulok ng mga ito  ay mga nakatagong istorya. Mga piping saksi ang bawat pader, o haligi na para bang naghuhumiyaw ibahagi sa atin ang kanilang mga nakaraan. 

    We joined the Heritage walking tour. At kahit second time ko na, echoserang frog parin ako sa mga mga ilang kwento na nababalot dito.

    Natapos ang aming maghapon ng pagod ang aming katawang lupa pero busog ang aming mga puso. Masarap balikan paminsan minsan ang mga aral ng nakaraan. Nakatutuwang isipin na ang mga lumang mga bahay na ito ay mga saksi sa mga pinagdaanan ng ating mahal na Pilipinas.

                Sa pagtaas ng araw, 

                kasama nito ang aking dalangin,

                na makamit parin ng aking Inang Bayan

                ang Kalayaan.

                Kalayaang maka alpas sa tanikala ng kahirapan.

                Kalayaang makapagpahayag ng sariling pananaw.

                Kalayaan ng mga musmos na lumaki ng maayos at masagana.

                At sa paghimbing nitong gabi, 

                ilang oras na lamang ay sisikat na magmuli.

                At sa ating muling pagkikita,

                kasama mo ang pag-asa na lahat ng aking dalangin ay makakamit.

CLOUD 9 HANGING BRIDGE 360 VIEW | ANTIPOLO TOURIST SPOT | WHERE TO DINE IN ANTIPOLO

If you are looking for a place near the Metro where you want to see a 360 view of Metro Manila, Rizal, and Laguna, then you should visit Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club located in Antipolo, Rizal

And if you want some adventure, why don't we dare you to cross the 360 hanging bridge. For only Php 60, get to experience and challenge your self, but the fee is waived if you will dine in their restaurant.

We came early and we had tocilog and tapsilog for breakfast at their in house restaurant while enjoying the view. We go straight ahead to the hanging bridge right after. There is less crowd in the morning compared at night time. So take this chance to have a photo or video without the photobombers.

Check out my vlog here and please subscribe as well. 

About Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club

http://cloud9hotelresort.yolasite.com/

0917-8003424

cloud9rlc@yahoo.com

Affordable Hotel Accommodations in Japan

This video was taken last January 2020 before the pandemic. I am looking forward going back to travelling soon.

My 2020 Winter Wonderland Trip in Japan

1 Country, 2 Regions, 9 Prefectures, 8 Days

Our 2020 Winter Wonderland Trip to Japan is one for the books. It's my first winter, and my hard core D-I-Y Trip. 

Buhay tren ba ! It was exhilarating yet tiring !

I am sharing with you our itinerary plus our expenses. I am proud that we spent only this much considering the number of days that we stayed in Japan plus the number of prefectures we visited.

Day 1 (Osaka)
Arrival at Kansai Airport
Shop / Groceries at Don Quijote Osaka

Day 2 (Nagoya / Osaka)
Toyota Kaikan Museum
Toyota Factory Tour
Osaka Station Malls
Umeda

Day 3 (Kanazawa / Kobe)
Bought Tickets to Kanazawa for a later date (fully booked buses bound to Shirakawago on this date)
China Town, Kobe

Day 4 (Biwako Valley / Kyoto / Kanazawa)
Biwako Valley Ski Resort
Gion, Kyoto
Overnight Stay at a Kanazawa Hotel 


Day 5 (Shirakawa)
Shirakawa-go UNESCO Heritage Village

Day 6 (Fukuoka)
Hello Kitty Train bound for Fukuoka (Kodama Service Shinkansen)
Hakata
Canal City

Day 7 (Nagasaki)
Nagasaki Ground Zero
Nagasaki Peace Memorial Museum
Huis Ten Bosch

Day 8 (Hakata)
Explore Hakata
Fukuoka - Manila


EXPENSES (in Peso)

Tickets (CenPac)	3,800.00
Visa (Discounted at JTB Travel Fair)	950.00
Travel Tax	1,620.00
Extra Baggage 20/20	1,200.00
JR Pass with free SIM via Klook	14,029.00
Hotel Mikado South Namba (5N)	1,800.00
Kanazawa Hotel + Tourist Tax (1N)	1,750.00
Residence Hakata 14 (2N)	2,800.00

Bus Tickets to Aichi Loop RT                                  423.00

Bus Tickets to Shirakawago RT                           1,786.00
Train Tickets to Hotel outside JR Pass                   216.00

Nagasaki Museum                                                    94.00

Huis Ten Bosch                                                    2,350.00

Kyoto Loop Bus                                                       217.00

Bus To Biwako Valley                                              160.00

Ropeway/Entrance to Biwako Valley                         1,410

Total      34,605

+ Food        7,000  (711, Family Mart, Yoshinoya, Ippudo, Baon)

I did not include na pasalubongs and souvenirs, because that varies from one person to another.

My First Winter : Biwako Valley Ski Resort

Welcome to the most popular ski slope in Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe and thanks to its superb view.

Biwako Valley is located in Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture by the western shores - and affording fine view of Lake Biwa.  At just 40 km or so from Central Kyoto, it is the nearest ski hill from the city.

The Biwako Valley Ski Resort has been operating since 1965.  The Ropeway and attractions are popular for sightseeing throughout the year.

The fast ropeway takes people from the base car park to the slopes.

How To Get There :

1. From Kyoto Station, take the Biwako Line to Shiga Station

2. From Shiga Station take the Shuttle Bus to the entrance of Biwako Valley Ski Resort

    (Shuttle Bus Fare : 340 yen / 10 minutes ride)

Balikan ang Kasaysayan ng Nakaraan sa Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Review of Golden Phoenix Hotel

Golden Phoenix Hotel is our choice for our accommodation during the GOT7 Keep Spinning in MNL concert held last 26 October 2019.

The hotel is conveniently located near SM Mall of Asia and also near the airport. If you have to attend within the area, this is a good place for you for your accommodation.

Check out my vlog to see our rating for Golden Phoenix Hotel.

2 Days in Osaka : Where to Go?

Inasmuch as you would like to visit all prefectures in Osaka in just one visit, chances are, it is really not possible.

Given only 2 days in Osaka, here are my recommendations.

12 Hours in Kyoto : Where to Go? What To Do?

You can reach Kyoto from Osaka for only 15 minutes via Shinkansen. But if you only have 12 hours to visit Kyoto, prepare a realistic itinerary.  I recommend that you just choose your Top 3 tourist spots to visit in Kyoto.

Here are my Top 3 list :

1. Fushimi Inari

2. The Golden Pavilion

3. Gion District

We fell in love with Kyoto, and yes, we will be back soon1

Things You Need To Know About 10,000 Roses Cafe in Cebu

Taking selfies at 10,000 roses located in Cordova, Cebu is indeed a challenge at night.  I guess the best time to visit is at  6pm, kung saan nag aagaw ang liwanag at dilim.

Although the place is really romantic, do not expect much. I am expecting a huge field of led roses, but it is not as I was expecting.

The 10,000 roses cafe is actually a coffee shop, but you are not required to buy from the cafe. All you have to do is pay for the 20 pesos entrance fee for the access in their 10,000 roses field.

I suggest spend 30 minutes to get that selfie that you wanted and head over to Lantaw Seafood restaurant just beside it for a sumptuous dinner.

I will be sharing with you this video and see for yourself the challenges we've been through. 

Address : Day-as Barangay Road, beside Lantaw Floating Restaurant, Cordova, Cebu

Schedule : 10:30 am to 11:00 pm

Entrance fee : 20 pesos

Temple of Leah : Cebu's very own Taj Mahal

Let us talk about love this time.

20 to 30 minutes from Sirao Garden, you can visit Temple of Leah before catching that flight back to Manila. 

The temple was constructed in 2012 as a symbol of undying love and devotion of Teodorico Soriano Adarna to his wife, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna.  Dubbed as the Taj Mahal of Cebu, the owner adopted an architectural and structural design that can withstand time and still be appreciated for a millennium where future generations of the Adarna clan can trace their roots and heritage.

If the surname sounds familiar, it is because Leah is the grandmother of actress, Ellen Adarna.  Leah's lifetime collections are showcased in the 24 chambers of this Temple principally for the members of her family who will cherish her memory.

The chandelier had been hung in pride since July 2018 in the grandiose hallway. This sparkling jewel complements the massive pillars and the high vaulted ceiling.  

You can also find bronze statues everywhere that accentuate the patters on the floors and walls.

This line of enormous pillars is a great background for that mala-goddess photo you have been wanting.  Aminin! 

I have been wanting to visit Europe, but reality bites,  I am not really ready for it. This is the closest I can get to have this kind of shots na mala Europe feels. Pwede na!

Entrance fee 

Php 75  

Address 

Graje Roosebelt Rd., Mandaue City, Cebu

Contact Number

0933-113-1755

Email Address

templeofleahcebucity@gmail.com

FB Page

https://www.facebook.com/TempleOfLeah/

Sirao Flower Garden : A Pictorial Garden with Amsterdam-ish Feel

Google “ New Attractions in Cebu City” and you will be blown away by the long list of tourist spots in Cebu.

If you have six hours to spare before heading back to  Manila, you may opt to visit Sirao Flower Garden and Temple of Leah to get your next  IG photo or most probably your next FB profile photo or cover photo.

Visiting Sirao Farm and Temple of Leah also proves to me once again the influence of social media in our society.  I’ve seen a lot of great photos taken in these places and I was really amazed and told myself I should have one too.

Sirao Flower Garden

A lush garden on top of the hill? How can I resist that view? 

Dubbed as the Little Amsterdam of Cebu City, Sirao Garden is located in Brgy. Sirao in the upland Busay area is showcasing the abundance of their red and yellow "burlas" flowers.  There is also this windmill for that "Amsterdam-ish" feel.

Be prepared with the right OOTD. I recommend for a flowy dress or a maxi dress for that mala-dyosa or mala-diwata feel in the garden.

Check out my IG worthy photos below :

"Dyosa"
Takot sila, but not me :-)

"Sari-manok"

"Ang itlog, bow!"

"Diwata"

"Mga lakwatserang frogs!" peace!

How to get there?  

It is suggested to take a private vehicle to avoid the hassle of transferring from one vehicle to another. 

By private car : use waze and search for "Sirao Flower Garden, Little Amsterdam"
By MotorBike : Take habal habal from JY Square Mall to take you directly to Sirao
By Van : Take a V-Hire going to Sirao either from SM Cebu or Ayala Cebu PUV Terminal, whichever is nearer to your hotel

Entrance fee : P60 pesos
Operating Hours : 6am to 630 pm for all visitors / 630pm to 630am for campers
Contact Details : 0946-937-7891

Skywheel : Conquer your Fear at Eden Nature Resort and Park Davao

Davao's  Eden Nature Park and Resort has a new attraction that will trigger the adrenaline junkie in you.

Recently, I gathered all the courage I have to try the Skywheel. I actually enjoyed that thrill of balancing in a metal wheel, just like a hamster wheel for 200 meters each way and 60 feet up in the air.

Somewhere in the middle, there is a tendency that the wheel will move a lot, so you need to actually lean forward and do your catwalk like a mowdel :-). Don't worry, all you have to do is take bigger steps so you won't stop in the middle.

Launched in May 2019, this newest offering from Eden Nature Park and Resort is one for the books. Make sure to bring with you a lot of energy, strength and stamina because it is also very tiring.

The Skywheel is open from 1 pm to 5 pm (Monday to Thursday), and 8 am to 5 pm (Friday to Sunday) for only 200 pesos per head.

Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort : An Honest Review

A few days before our early summer family trip, I started searching online for a beach resort in Laiya, Batangas. One of my criteria is that it should have a nice pool and should be beach-front property.

We ended at Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort.

About Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort

Situated at Laiya Ibabao, San Juan, Batangas, Estrella de Mendoza Playa Resort is a Mediterranean-inspired resort sitting on Laiya Beach. 

The Entrance Gate

 Price Points

We booked the premier room (39 sqm) for 2 adults and 2 Kids (below 12 yo) for 6,800, but we ended up paying an additional of 1,000 since my 15-year-old daughter is considered an adult already. It comes with a free buffet breakfast for 4 and the use of amenities including the pool and the beach.

I think that the rate of 7,800 per night for a family of 4 is too much if we consider the room and the buffet breakfast only.  It is a little expensive for me since the room is not that well-maintained. I can find a lot better 5-star business hotel in Manila for a price of 7,800.

The Facade

Rooms / Accommodation

Pros

-  Has a veranda facing the pool and the beach which we love. 

-  Spacious room

-  Good parking space

The view from our room

Cons

- Aircon too noisy in Room 309 (wahhhh!!! hirap matulog). They should replace it with a new unit immediately. I am not sure with the other rooms if ganun din. 

- The rooms are quite old and not well-maintained

-  Yes they have TV inside the room but you cannot use it. (pang props lang ata!)

- No wifi inside the room

The Beach

- We love the beach. We love it during high tide and low tide. I find it nice that I was able to walk about 300 to 400 meters first just to be able to swim during low tide. :-)

- Clean beachfront

- Kayak, Banana Boat, Jetski, Boat ride are available

- kid-friendly beach

High Tide

Low Tide

The Pool

Pros

- nice blue infinity pool

Cons

- sharp pool flooring. 

The Restaurant

The buffet breakfast includes standard Filipino breakfast such as bread, eggs, tinapa, corned beef, chicken adobo, sopas and congee. The breakfast comes with an unli coffee as well.

The food is so-so and nothing to rave about.

You can also order snacks and have it delivered in the poolside and beach area. 

We had our PM snacks delivered here.

Estrella de Mendoza Playa Resort is ideal for families, especially those with young kids. During our stay, we saw toddlers playing at the beach (during low tide of course!) and they were really having lots of fun playing and wading in the water.

More photos

 How To Get There

1. The best way to the resort is to drive via SLEX which connects to Star Tollway. This will cut your usual travel time by approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by skipping the traffic in San Jose, Turbina Highway. This will be approximately 132 km from Magallanes to resort itself, and will take you about 2.5 hours depending on traffic.

2. Take SLEX all the way to where it connects with Star Tollway.  

3. After exiting, veer to your left for a 2.5 kms drive to reach an intersection with sign pointing to Rosario, then turn left at this intersection, while on this road, you will notice the municipal hall of Ibaan on your right, while the church will be on your left. After passing the church, you will reach a forked road. Turn right at the road sign poining to the town of San Juan. This will be an 8km drive on this road going to Rosario town proper.

4. At the town proper of Rosario, you will notice a Jollibee outlet. Drive past it and the road will lead you all the way to San Juan town proper which is approximately 23 kms away.

5. At San Juan town proper, you will notice a Dunkin Donut sign in your right and proceed straight  until you reach the Municipal Hall of San Juan. There is a road immediately to your right. Turn to it because this is now the main road to Laiya. This is a concrete road of about 20 or so kilometers going to Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort.

6. When in doubt, use waze :-)