Getting Farther in Baler | Waves and Streams in the East

It's been four years since I traveled outside of our region and going to the beach, craving for Vitamin Sea. It is very vital to go the sea and swim as a form of therapy after busy years in the workplace.

After three years of pandemic, it's been a great feeling to travel outside the boundaries of Region IV-A and Metro Manila to visit one of the most sought-after surfing spots in the country - Baler. 

The roaring waves of the Pacific Ocean, fronting the coasts of Baler.

Located in the eastern portion of Central Luzon and the provincial capital of Aurora, Baler holds its title of one of the surfing capitals in the Philippines because of its roaring, gushing waves and pure, aquamarine waters from the Pacific Ocean. The coastal town is enclosed by the mountains of Sierra Madre in which the town's relative isolation preserved some of the natural and historical sites.

It is fun to surf with the waters, but it can be more exciting to swim there.

The residents enjoy walking in the coast together with their pets. 

Surfing is one of the activities in Baler, as surf instructors are willing to share their skills to the tourists.

The rugged, verdant mountains and its rich vegetation of Sierra Madre, viewed from San Luis, Aurora.

During the first day of our tour, we were able to visit some of the sites including the Ditumabo Falls (Mother Falls). Unfortunately, I am not allowed to go up there due to health conditions, that is why I decided to enjoy the view of Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the flowing streams from the Mother Falls. The said falls is located in the town of San Luis.

The clear waters of the river flowing from Ditumabo Falls.

The gushing waters flowing teemed with rocks.

Enjoy the mini falls despite of not able to reach the Mother Falls.

During the end of the first day, we were able to check in our hotel and enjoy walking around the coasts of Baler with an experience of playing and swimming in shallow waters. Stay tuned for more posts in the coming days.

Date of Travel: March 21-23, 2024

Travel Throwback | Purrfect Bonding in Tabby Town Cat Cafe and Corgi Club

Four to five years ago, there was a dog and cat cafe located in Silang, Cavite which is now closed after the pandemic. Indeed, it is a haven for pet lovers especially if they want to spend their "me time". 

Fifteen minutes away from Tagaytay Market or from Nuvali, there is a cat cafe where you can spend time with the different breeds of cats and dogs. Located in Brgy. Lumil, Silang, Cavite, accessible to the cities of Santa Rosa, Laguna, and Tagaytay City, this cafe offers not only pets, but also cool beverages and sumptuous food, as you mingle with these furry animals. 

The facade to Tabby Town Cat Cafe.

Cats are excited waiting for their food as well with bonding with their visitors.

The cafe where you can buy milkshakes, coffee, tea, and drinks. 

There are different breeds of cats found in this cafe such as Scottish Fold, Scottish Straight, American Shorthair, Persian, Siamese, and other foreign breeds. You can also enjoy your stay here as you take milkshakes or coffee while feeding and cuddling cats and dogs.

Cats are enjoying their sleep in their napping areas while visitors are roaming around the place.

A cat with heterochromia or a condition with difference in eye colors. 

Feeding the cats is one of the best experiences in this cafe.

Right after the Taal eruption and the pandemic, the cat cafe closed as they faced challenges in their business. Hence, their Facebook page is still active, as they are selling and giving their cats and dogs for reasonable price. Therefore, they are still looking forward to reopening once again, as they find business partners to support the establishment. Lastly, this cafe is the place that I really missed so much after the pandemic because of the cozy ambiance and the relaxing mood of playing with cats and dogs - a perfect place for pet lovers.

Date of Travel: January 02, 2020

New Normal Travels | A Farm-to-Table Experience in Amadeo

Traveling won't be completed without a gastronomic tour. Hence, food is also essential in the culture and tradition of a certain locality and also influence other places and cultures. 

The facade of Cafe Amadeo.

Pahimis Blend of Cafe Amadeo

Amadeo, known as "The Coffee Capital of the Philippines" is noted for its major product mentioned in its moniker. Furthermore, the town has the largest land devoted for coffee farming with its highlands and cool climate and the biggest coffee producer in the province. It is also the home of Pahimis Festival which held during February to showcase the town's coffee industry. 

Therefore, Amadeo is also the home of coffee houses such as Cafe Amadeo which produces the pahimis blend or the combination of arabica, excelsa, and robusta varieties of coffee grown in the farms of the municipality. 

Aside from its coffee, Amadeo is also popular these days for its farm-to-table restaurants notably. First, Samgyup Sa Farm, a unique Korean restaurant located in a farm. You can enjoy samgyeopsal or a a traditional Korean grilled meat which can be eaten together with fresh lettuces, kimchi, sweet potato, spinach, and cream cheese. It is truly a farm-to-table experience, as the restaurant offers fresh lettuces from their farm and even the local versions of Korean delicacies with a twist.

A relaxing view of Samgyup Sa Farm with its green landscape and colorful plants. 

Mouth-watering food in Samgyup sa Farm

Pork belly strips in a grill

The scenic view of Kabutihan Farm

Five to ten minutes away from Samgyup Sa Farm is the Kabutihan Farm located at Brgy. Minantok West. It seems to be a new tourist attraction, but the place is cool, verdant and tranquil which also offers farm-to-table delicacies. There is also a swimming pool and garden in that place. Furthermore, nutritious meals are also available in the place where you can enjoy your stay here.

Burger, vegetable salad, and kangkong chips.

Burger with binalot rice meals and coffee, the welcome sign to Kabutihan Farm, and fruit shakes.

Definitely, Amadeo is a place where you can enjoy your food tour in Cavite. You can visit the place, as it is bordered by the cities of Tagaytay, General Trias, and Trece Martires and the town of Indang. Lastly, it is a great experience to visit Amadeo together with family and friends, as you are going to sip a cup of Pahimis coffee with a farm-to-table meals which are nutritious and healthy while enjoying a rural ambiance. 

Date of Travel: December 22, 2022

New Normal Travels | Revisiting the Arroceros Forest Park

In a scorching heat of Metro Manila hot weather, I decided to revisit one of the places in the heart of Manila last June 6 - the Arroceros Forest Park. Located beside the LRT-1 Central Terminal and it is just a walk from the Manila Central Post Office, Manila City Hall, and SM Manila, the 2.51-hectare forest park is also one of the few green spaces in the metro filled with concrete buildings and hustling city ambiance. It was once under the threat of demolition in 2003, until Mayor Isko Moreno declared the place as a permanent forest park in March 2020. 

The Arroceros Urban Forest Park signage.

Enjoy the nature walk in the green space of Manila.

He signed the Manila City Ordinance No. 8607 declaring the Arroceros Forest Park as a "permanent forest park" from being a "property" on February 27, 2020. It included the following aspects such as assigning a committee and peace that protects Arroceros, prohibition of cutting trees, dumping waste and any form of excavation. Violators will pay P2,500 fine for the first offense, P 3,500 for the second offense, and P 5,000 fine or one year imprisonment for the third offense. Moreno kept an eye on expanding the forest park, in contrast of building a gymnasium in the area.

The welcome gate of Arroceros Forest Park with concrete pathways.

Known as "The Last Lung of Manila", Arroceros is the home of approximately indigenous tree varieties and 8000 ornamental plants, which made a haven for exotic bird species. During my first visit in 2018, it is underdeveloped where there are plenty of trees and there is an unpaved narrow path as you walk along in the park.

The directory may of Arroceros Urban Forest Park.

A koi pond.

Water fountain in the midst of forest park.

An elevated pathwalk.

During the pandemic, Moreno had the initiative for the redevelopment of the park and today, Arroceros is one of the places that you should include in your bucket list. The improved urban park had amenities such as adult's and children's play areas, kiosks, and public toilets. There is also an elevated path walk, a special lighting system, fishpond, and water fountains. 

A lighting system in the riverside walk at the urban park.

A riverside walk in the forest park.

A closer look of Quezon Bridge from the Arroceros.

You can still enjoy the view of Pasig River, as well with a refreshing walk in the urban park filled with trees and plants. It is truly a nature trip in the busy, populated city. 

The redevelopment of Arroceros Urban Forest Park also proved that Filipinos have the initiative to fight for climate change, as well with the preservation of green spaces in the urbanized, concrete cities. Furthermore, it proves that the "Last Lung of Manila" was saved and preserved by the residents in order to protect the city and maintain its natural beauty.

You can also check the 2018 post on Arroceros Forest Park. 

Date of Travel: June 06, 2022

Visita Iglesia | From Historical to Contemporary Churches of Manila and Pasay

Two years ago, I decided to have a Visita Iglesia in the churches of Metro Manila. Some of these churches I have visited before, so I need to take a chance to take on the route from Manila to Pasay.

The Manila Cathedral located in front of Plaza Roma.

First stop: The Manila Cathedral. Located in the heart of Intramuros, it is known as The Mother of All Churches, Basilicas, and Cathedrals in the Philippines. It is renovated last 2014 and it is open for the public until today. Pope Francis celebrated his first Papal Mass in the Philippines in this Cathedral. 

The San Agustin Church

Second stop: The San Agustin Church. One of the UNESCO Heritage Sites for the category of Baroque Churches in the Philippines. Just a walk away from the Manila Cathedral, you can also visit one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.

The facade of Santa Cruz Church.

Third stop: Santa Cruz Church. Located in the heart of the busy streets of Santa Cruz, which can be adjacent to Escolta and Binondo, this church is noted for its Baroque architecture. 

The busy crowd in front of Quiapo Church.

Fourth stop: Quiapo Church. In the hustling and busy streets of Quiapo, this church is very popular among the Catholics because it houses the religious icon, the Black Nazarene, and it also held the festivity of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

The only metal church in the Philippines.

Fifth stop: The San Sebastian Church. The only metal church in the country, this church is noted for its Gothic-Revival architecture located in the district of Quiapo, Manila.

The façade of Baclaran Church.

Sixth stop: Baclaran Church. It is also known as The National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help or the Redemptorist Church. This church is located in Barangay Baclaran, a boundary between Pasay and Paranaque which can be found in the streets of Roxas Boulevard. The church is also the shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and there is a novena every Wednesday. This church was first visited by Karol Wojtyla, the Cardinal-Archbishop of Krakow, Poland in 1973, and later, when he became Pope John Paul II, he blessed it in 1981 during his Papal Visit.

A contemporary church adjacent in the SM Mall of Asia.

Seventh stop: Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life. Located in the Mall of Asia compound, this church was first built in 1999 and it is noted for its Spanish Baroque architecture.

Before the pandemic, Visita Iglesia is one way to commemorate the Holy Week as a devout Catholic. Due to restrictions and lockdowns, it is better to stay at home and check some Visita Iglesia posts and conduct a virtual Visita Iglesia. Everyone is praying that this pandemic will be over and everything will be back to normal without any travel restrictions, lockdown, and the COVID-19 virus will be vanished. 

You can also check the following blogs:

Visita Iglesia | Heritage Churches in Manila

Travel Throwback: A Visit to the Iconic Churches of Metro Manila

Date: April 1, 2019

Schools in Verdant Glow during the Pandemic

During the pandemic, establishments and institutions are not in full operation due to safety distancing protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19 virus and people are required to stay at home and they are doing work-from-home scenario in their jobs. On the other hand, a Facebook post once said "Nature is healing" during the pandemic. 

Yellow cosmos scattered around the school campus during the pandemic.

Due to skeletal workforce duties done by the teachers which are scheduled according to their assigned day, schools are quiet, yet people come to get modules and other school records, while observing social distancing protocols. It is not the typical noisy ambiance during school days, where children are playing around the campus, and even making fun of plants by picking flowers, sketching on trunks, or hitting the leaves. Therefore, plants are in verdant bloom which can be seen in the abundance of flowers and fruits around the campus during the lockdown season.

A runway with cosmos plants

Quite interesting that the school has a breath of fresh air during the pandemic because of the quiet ambiance and the lush, green glow of the trees and plants in the campus. Flowers are blooming everywhere, pineapples and lemons are growing which can be harvested anytime, and the growth of seedlings and small shrubs everywhere.

Here are the other photos of plants and flowers taken in the campus during the lockdown season. This was taken while having workplace duties in school.

Yellowbells in full bloom.

A row of pineapples in a plantbox.

Unriped fruits in bloom including a lemon (left) and a pineapple (right).

A vibrant yellow cosmos.

An interesting light purple flower and I want to know its name.

Yellow gumamela

Red gumamela

Photos were taken during report in duty from September 2020 to February 2021