WHEN THE MIND SAYS YES BUT THE BODY SAYS WAIT

Today, I laced up my sneakers again to start practicing for our upcoming Company Sportsfest. It’s my second time joining the walkathon relay, and I thought, “This should be easy—I walk all the time!” After all, I’ve always been the type to choose walking over waiting. Whether it’s from Buendia MRT station to Makati Avenue—roughly 1.2 to 1.4 kilometers each way—or simply deciding to stroll instead of calling a Grab driver, walking has always been my go-to.

But today felt different.

The determination was there, my mind was fully willing, but my body had other plans. My legs didn’t respond the way they used to, and my breathing seemed a little heavier than I remembered. Suddenly, I was face-to-face with the truth: getting older changes the way we move, recover, and endure.

It’s a humbling realization.

There was a time when I could brisk walk without thinking twice, when energy felt limitless, and recovery was just a matter of a good night’s sleep. Now, I find myself listening to my body more carefully—learning when to push and when to pause. It’s not about admitting defeat, but about embracing the reality that while age brings limitations, it also brings wisdom.

And here’s the irony: though the body slows down, the heart and mind remain young. I still have the same excitement, the same competitive spirit, and the same love for the little victories. What changes is the pace—and maybe, that’s not a bad thing.

Walking has always been a metaphor for life. Sometimes, you’re full of energy, taking long strides without hesitation. Other times, you slow down, not because you want to, but because your body demands it. Yet, no matter the pace, what matters most is that you keep moving forward.

So yes, I may not have the same stamina I had years ago. But I am still here, still willing, still showing up for the walk. And maybe that’s the real victory—not how fast or how strong, but how consistent and determined we remain despite the changes that come with time.

Because at the end of the day, getting old is not about losing—it’s about gaining a new perspective. It’s about realizing that strength isn’t only measured in speed or endurance, but also in resilience, in humility, and in the courage to continue walking—one step at a time.

A RELAXING STAY AT HOTEL AUREO RESORT, LA UNION

 

Whenever I think of a quick coastal escape, La Union always comes to mind—and one of the best places to stay here is Hotel Aureo Resort. Just about 4 to 5 hours from Manila, this resort has been a consistent choice for both leisure and business trips. In fact, this was already my third time staying here, and once again, it was for a corporate event. But beyond work, Hotel Aureo always gives me something new to love each visit.

Because I’ve been back multiple times, I’ve had the chance to explore all their room categories—from the standard rooms to the villas. If you’re curious about how they all look and what makes each unique, check out my YouTube vlog where I give a complete walkthrough. Spoiler alert: the swim-up room and the villa are my top favorites! The swim-up room is particularly a treat—you can literally step out of your balcony and dive straight into the pool. If you want something a bit more private, the villa is still the ultimate winner.

Breakfast with a View

One of the highlights of this trip was our breakfast at Coast, their beachfront restaurant. Imagine starting your day with a hearty meal while watching the waves roll in—what a perfect morning! They offer a wide selection, from Filipino classics like longganisa and danggit, to international staples like pancakes, bread, cereals, and fresh fruits. And of course, coffee tastes so much better when paired with a sunrise view by the beach. For me, it’s one of the best ways to start the day at Aureo.

Food Finds – Pusit Everywhere!

Now let’s talk about food beyond breakfast. For some reason, Aureo has a love affair with squid—laging may pusit sa meals namin! At first, I was hesitant because squid can sometimes be matigas (tough) or makunat (rubbery). But here, it was consistently tender and perfectly cooked. Every dish featuring pusit was delicious, which was such a pleasant surprise. If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll enjoy how they prepare it here.

Sweet Welcome – Banana Bread

Another highlight that deserves its own spotlight is Aureo’s banana bread welcome goodies. Seriously, this is not your average banana bread—it’s moist, soft, and packed with flavor. I found myself snacking on it while lounging in the room, and I wished they sold it in bigger loaves for pasalubong. It’s such a simple but thoughtful touch that makes you feel extra welcome.

The Not-So-Perfect Part

Of course, not everything is picture-perfect. For one, there’s still the issue of flies and fruit flies in certain areas. Medyo malangaw pa rin. Our CEO once explained that it might be because of fallen mango fruits around the property that weren’t cleaned up right away, which could attract fruit flies. It’s not a major dealbreaker, but definitely something I noticed on all my visits.

Then there’s the bathroom situation. The CR doors are made of glass—so yes, kita ang anino if you’re sharing with someone. Add the small gaps on the side, and let’s just say… kung mahiyain ka, lalo na pag pang-number 2, medyo awkward. My tip? Do the “courtesy flush” para hindi ka marinig. 😂 It’s funny but true, so be prepared if you’re not super close to your roommate!

Final Thoughts

Despite these minor quirks, my experience at Hotel Aureo Resort was once again memorable. The location is convenient, just a few hours away from Manila, and the property itself offers plenty of options whether you’re here for work or play. The swim-up rooms and villas make the stay extra special, the food is consistently satisfying (hello pusit dishes!), and their banana bread is truly unforgettable. Add to that the serene beachfront breakfast at Coast, and you’ll definitely leave refreshed.

👉 Want to see more of my stay—including the full room tours, beachfront views, and of course, the food? Watch my YouTube vlog for the complete experience!

BEST ALL DAY BREAKFAST IN MAGINHAWA | Saturdays at Sundays Cafe

You know what’s crazier than waking up at 5:00 AM on a weekend? Actually doing it. 😅 While the rest of the city is still curled up in bed, we’re already lacing up our running shoes for our UP jogging ritual. By 5:45 AM, we’re at the Oval, joining the other early risers. Two rounds of jogging/walking (around 5 kms total) plus one or two rounds of biking if we’re feeling extra sipag—yan ang version namin ng “weekend reset.”

But here’s the real tea: the best part of our routine isn’t just the workout. It’s the reward after. And for this particular Saturday, yes, it was a Saturday, guess where we ended up for breakfast?, at Sundays Café and Restaurant. 😂 The irony wasn’t lost on us, and honestly, it made the morning even more fun. Because whether it’s Saturday, Sunday, or any day in between—Sundays Café is the kind of spot that makes every morning feel like a lazy, happy Sunday.

The Food That Made Us Say “Yes, Worth It!”

Sundays Café is known for their homemade goodness and trust me, we tasted the love in every bite. Here’s what landed on our table:

✨ Homemade Bacon Slab and Egg Waffle – This one stole the show. The bacon slab was thick, smoky, and perfectly balanced between savory and sweet. And the moment I took my first bite, I literally blurted out: “Ang sarap… saan nanggaling ang sarap?” 😂 It was that good! Paired with the fluffy waffle and sunny egg, it was the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and nod with every bite.

✨ Homemade Tapa – Simple but winner. Tender beef, garlicky, and perfectly paired with rice and egg. Walang arte, just pure tapa greatness.

✨ Homemade Tocino – Sweet, juicy, and caramelized to perfection. Forget the store-bought version, this tocino is on another level—parang ginawa ni lola pero with café flair. Did I mentioned that the suka is manamis-namis?

Every plate felt hearty, homemade, and very “deserve ko ‘to after running” vibes.

The Drinks a la Team No Sleep

Of course, what’s breakfast without drinks? We ordered a trio para may kanya-kanyang character:

☕ Americano – Strong, bold, the no-nonsense kind of coffee that says: “Hoy, gising!”
🍵 Matcha – Smooth, earthy, and mellow. Perfect if you want something calm but still sosyal.
🍫 Premium Hot Chocolate – Creamy, rich, and comforting. This one felt like a warm hug in a cup—sarap for the inner bata in us.

Saturdays at Sundays = Weekend Ritual

What I love about Sundays Café is how it makes breakfast feel extra special without being intimidating. The vibe is cozy, the food is generous, and the flavors? Pang-reward talaga after sweating it out at UP.

So imagine this: gising at 5 AM, run + bike at UP Oval, then by 7:30 AM, you’re already feasting on homemade bacon, tapa, tocino, and sipping coffee or hot choco. That’s not just a routine—it’s a ritual. A happy one.

If you’re searching for the best all-day breakfast in Maginhawa, Saturdays at Sundays Café should definitely be on your list. Because honestly, breakfast tastes so much better when you know you’ve earned it. 💯

FINALLY DINING AT FARMER'S DAUGHTER : A Taste of Authentic Cordilleran Flavors

Every time I visit Baguio, I always include Farmer’s Daughter in my food trip bucket list. But for some reason—whether it’s the long waiting line, our packed schedule, or simply giving up too soon—I’ve never actually managed to dine here. After four attempts on previous trips, I finally pushed through this time. And yes, even with a 1.5-hour wait!

We arrived at 11:30 AM sharp, thinking we were early enough to avoid the lunch rush. To my surprise, we were already number 21 in the queue. That’s how in-demand this place is! At first, I hesitated. Should I really wait that long? But since this was already my fifth attempt, I told myself, This is it. Walang atrasan.

Making the Most of the Wait

While waiting, some of us decided to explore Tam-awan Village, which is just a short walk away. The rustic huts, native crafts, and cultural displays gave them a glimpse of Cordilleran heritage—a perfect way to spend the time productively while our names slowly moved up the list. It also made the wait feel less stressful, as if we were already immersing ourselves in the culture even before tasting the food.

Finally, after what felt like forever (but was really just 1.5 hours), our table was ready. Excitement filled the air as we scanned the menu, already knowing that we were about to have our first taste of true Cordilleran cuisine.

Our Orders: First Bites, First Impressions

Since it was our first time, we went all out and ordered:

• Kinuday jen Baboy (Smoked Pork)

• Kinuday jen Manok (Smoked Chicken)

• Dinakdakan

• Pako Salad

• Lumpiang Shanghai

Unfortunately, one of the dishes I was really curious about—the Pinikpikan—was already out of stock. A bit of a downer, but it only gave us a reason to come back again.

Kinuday jen Baboy – Smoked Pork

This was the dish I was most curious about. Honestly, I thought the meat would be tough and chewy. But to my surprise, it was tender and flavorful, with that rich smoky taste that instantly reminded me of traditional cooking. It was my first time ever tasting smoked pork, and it didn’t disappoint. Each bite had that rustic, earthy flavor that made me understand why this is a Cordilleran staple.

Kinuday jen Manok – Smoked Chicken

I don't eat chicken, but according to my daughter, it tastes like tocino but the smokiness of the kunday jen baboy is still there.    

Dinakdakan

This was another first for me. Creamy, tangy, and with just the right kick, the Dinakdakan was something I couldn’t stop eating. It’s a dish that may be unfamiliar to some, but trust me, it’s worth trying.

Pako Salad

Now this one was truly refreshing. I’ve eaten many kinds of salads before, but this was my first time to try pako (fern) salad with such delight! The ferns were crisp, light, and so fresh, paired with tomatoes, onions, and a simple vinaigrette. It was a perfect balance to the heavier, smoky flavors of the meat dishes.

Kinuday Lumpiang Shanghai

Of course, we couldn’t resist ordering something familiar. The Lumpiang Shanghai was crispy and well-seasoned, but admittedly, the star of the show remained the local Cordilleran specialties.

Was the 1.5-Hour Wait Worth It?

Absolutely, yes. Farmer’s Daughter is not just about eating; it’s about experiencing the flavors and culture of the Cordillera region. The long wait, the rustic ambiance, and the unique dishes all contribute to that authenticity.

For me, this meal was not just lunch—it was an adventure. From the first bite of smoked pork to the surprising freshness of the pako salad, everything felt new, exciting, and truly local.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip to Baguio, don’t miss the chance to dine at Farmer’s Daughter. Just be ready to wait—because clearly, so many people want to experience it too. My advice: come early, explore Tam-awan Village while waiting, and keep an open mind for new flavors.

After four failed attempts, I finally made it here—and it was worth every second. Farmer’s Daughter gave me a taste of Cordilleran heritage in every dish, and now I understand why it’s a must-visit in Baguio.

BOKNAY'S HOUSE BAGUIO : Spacious & Peaceful Stay Perfect for Large Groups

Baguio has always been one of my favorite destinations whenever I want to escape the hustle and bustle of Manila. Its cool climate, pine-filled surroundings, and timeless charm make it the perfect getaway. On our recent trip, we discovered a hidden gem that gave us the best of both worlds—peace and accessibility. I’m talking about Boknay’s House in Baguio City.

Located just 15 minutes away from Baguio City proper, Boknay’s House is far enough from the heavy traffic and pollution of the busy center, yet close enough to easily reach popular attractions, restaurants, and shops. For us, this was a huge advantage. We got to enjoy the real Baguio breeze—crisp, cool, and refreshing—without the distraction of car horns and exhaust fumes.

A Spacious Haven for Big Groups

One of the first things that impressed me about Boknay’s House is its spacious layout. The moment you enter, you’ll notice the high ceiling that makes the entire place feel airy and inviting.

Our group was quite big—we were 21 people in total (plus a cute shih tzu :-) )—yet the house never once felt crowded. With its large open areas and thoughtful design, everyone had enough space to move around comfortably. We could gather in the living room for late-night conversations, enjoy meals together at the dining area, or sneak off to a quiet corner whenever someone wanted alone time.

And if you’re traveling with an even larger group, don’t worry—this house can definitely handle it. The open-space attic alone can accommodate more guests, making it ideal for family reunions, barkada trips, or even small team-building events. I personally think the house could comfortably fit up to 50 people without losing its cozy, homey vibe.

Verandas and Glass Walls: Bringing Nature Closer

What I personally loved most about Boknay’s House are the verandas in most of its rooms. Imagine waking up, stepping outside, and being greeted by fresh pine-scented air and a panoramic view of Baguio’s greenery. Each veranda offers the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee, reflect in silence, or simply soak in the natural beauty around you.

The house also features glass walls, which means you don’t even have to leave your bedroom to enjoy the outdoors. From the comfort of your bed, you can already see the towering pine trees and feel the calm atmosphere. Staying here makes you feel completely immersed in Baguio’s charm.

Fully Equipped Kitchen for Home-Cooked Meals

Another highlight of Boknay’s House is its complete kitchen. For someone who enjoys cooking or simply appreciates the convenience of preparing meals at home while traveling, this was a big plus (pero hindi ako ito :)). The kitchen had everything we needed—pots, pans, plates, utensils, and more.

This made our stay even more memorable because we were able to prepare hearty breakfasts, cook local delicacies we bought from the market, and enjoy late-night snacks together (plus "session drinking" and card games). Cooking and sharing meals in such a beautiful house felt like a home away from home.

The Perfect Baguio Getaway

Staying at Boknay’s House gave us a different kind of Baguio experience. Instead of just being tourists rushing through attractions, we actually got to slow down and savor the city’s natural charm. We woke up to the sound of birds, felt the cold breeze through the windows, and shared laughter over coffee without feeling rushed.

At the same time, being only a short drive from the city proper meant that whenever we wanted to explore Burnham Park, Session Road, or the many cafés and restaurants, it was easy and convenient.

Although traffic was a bit heavy when we arrived—Kennon Road was closed due to the previous typhoons, and Marcos Highway had ongoing road constructions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a Baguio trip with family, friends, or colleagues, I highly recommend checking out Boknay’s House. It’s spacious, peaceful, and perfectly located to give you the best of both worlds—serene nature and accessible city life. Whether you’re 20 pax like us, or a much larger group, this house can accommodate you with ease. And with its verandas and glass walls, you’ll always feel connected to nature.

For inquiries and bookings, you can visit their official Facebook page Boknay’s House  and send them a message. Trust me, this is one Baguio stay you’ll want to bookmark for your next mountain getaway.

Watch my Full YT vlog here -