I'm a Tourist: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Having some final getaway before classes start for the kids. Thank you to my cousin for the huge discount on the rooms. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan is about 3 hours away from the Metro. (Took us about 5 since it was our first time so we took a wrong turn somewhere.)

But worth the travel to this heritage hacienda by the beach. Although the place was still under construction or under restoration for some parts, it was still a sight to marvel upon. Most of the houses were actually knocked down from their original locations and brought to this place to be restored. The rest were replicas. 

Not much activities yet available, but the tour was worth while as we learned a few things about history that were probably not taught in school.

So much detail on the structures.

The main reason for this, the joy on the faces of these two.

Will definitely be back here once everything is 100% completed.

Check out their website: http://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/

New Year in Ilocos 2016

After an 11-hour trip with all the stopovers, finally made it. (Good job Toyota Innova) Thank you also for the new TPLEX highway, which probably saved us about 2 hours of travel time. Although not really my first trip; (Ilocos Revisited) this was the longest drive I did in my life; 450 kilometers. Will be more prepared next time...about a liter of Barako coffee maybe.

First attraction: The Suba Paoay Sand Dunes

Sandboarding

No fear from Kian as he took the sandboard ride on his own.

2nd attraction: Playa Tropical Resort & Calle Crisologo in Vigan

Final attraction: La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc

What's a vacation without the usual food tripping;

Street foodies in Batac, goodies and home made cooking.

The best part of the trip, the kids enjoying life without the iPads...

National Heroes Holiday 2015

Earlier this year I made a promise to visit at least one major attraction or destination every month; (January was an exemption since we were in Vietnam for our anniversary. I'm a Tourist: Vietnam. I had to pass up on July as well since it was my son's birthday and the office sent me to Dumaguete City.)

1. Hot Air Balloon Festival (February)
2. Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (March)
3. Staycation (April)
4. Labor Day 2015 (May)
5. Pico De Loro 2015 (May)
6. Independence Day 2015 (June)

Kids nowadays have very specific demands;

Spend a night at a hotel

Must have a pool

Must be in Tagaytay

But keeping true to our promise not only brought a huge smile on their faces, it also gave us a chance to explore more attractions within the Luzon area.

Having to find an affordable place especially during a long holiday weekend can be challenging since these destinations usually bump up their prices and availability is close to nil. Luckily, we found Hotel Dominique which was just located along Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay.

With a party of 8, you would usually have to get at least 2 rooms. But Hotel Dominique offered what they called a Casitas; having two floors, with a huge Queen size Bed (with a pullout bed), and 2 twin size beds, extra mattresses, 2 bathrooms and a balcony. And of course, the most crucial thing nowadays…the free Wifi. All of these for a low price not exceeding Php 7,000.00.

We then tried to maximize our time by checking out new places in the area. 

(With the exception of the Bee Farm.)

Lunch at Balay Dako

Ilog Maria Bee Farm. The need for honey for allergies.

Dinner at Caffe Sant’Antonio for some Four Cheese Pizza, Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino, and a Strawberry Banana smoothie.

And one the highlights of the trip, which is one for the books; the Guinness World Record holder, Puzzle Mansion, for having the world's largest collection of jigsaw puzzles.

Biggest Puzzle in the World (With I think 32,000 pcs)

2nd Biggest Puzzle in the World (24,000 pcs)

And of course the best part...

Independence Day Weekend 2015

Earlier this year I made a promise to visit at least one major attraction or destination every month; (January was an exemption since we were in Vietnam for our anniversary. I'm a Tourist: Vietnam.)

1. Hot Air Balloon Festival (February)
2. Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (March)
3. Staycation (April)
4. Labor Day 2015 (May)
5. Pico De Loro 2015 (May)

It doesn't need to be a far off place, as long as it's with the family and the kids get to enjoy. We headed off to Seda at Nuvali in Sta. Rosa over the long Independence Day weekend; the drive was about an hour away from the Metro so there were no excuses whatsoever.

While waiting for our rooms, the hotel served treats and refreshments.

Coffee, tea, Melon juice, Guava Lemonade, bread pudding. I don't mind waiting for an hour for the room. Please do take your time.

Scene of relaxation and peace.

Someone is in awe by the view.

Game Room and Day Care area.

A visit to Nuvali isn't complete without feeding the Koi fishes.

The little boy now knows how to do a cannonball.

Enjoyed much with the cousins.Definitely deserves a round two.

Pico De Loro 2015

Earlier this year I made a promise to visit at least one major attraction or destination every month; (January was an exemption since we were in Vietnam for our anniversary. I'm a Tourist: Vietnam.)

1. Hot Air Balloon Festival (February)
2. Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (March)
3. Staycation (April)
4. Labor Day 2015 (May)

Summer ain't summer without a beach getaway. So thank you to mother dearest for grabbing a discount package at Pico De Loro Beach resort. A reasonable two and half hours drive but a weekend of sun and fun for the kids.

It was a pool paradise for the kids

And, there is no stopping Kian from taking the water slide the whole afternoon by himself.

The hotel also boasts of facilities such as a basketball court, badminton, and bowling. 

And our number 1 bowling fan...

And as per request of Julia, a pony ride.

When you get tired of the pools, you head over to the beach.

My first kayak experience with my eldest son.

Mission Accomplished.