4 Simple Tips to become HAPPY this coming Year

The coming year brings so much joy and anticipation among most people in all nations.  Many are focus in observing their own cultural traditions in welcoming the new year, such as preparing 12 different fruits in the table, wearing clothes with round prints, making noise to cast away evil spirits, and the likes; WHILE, some are choosing to give focus in making their own new year's resolution. But, there are also others who do not care much with those "ceremonial" stuffs.  They just want to leave everything in their lives in the hands of the Almighty and ever-living GOD. 

WATCH: Remembering the Risen Christ at the Japanese Tunnel in Baguio's Botanical Garden

When we entered the Japanese Tunnel, we remember the biblical account when Mary Magdalene and the other Apostles discovered the empty tomb of the LORD. What a great joy to reflect, early in the morning, the fact that JESUS IS ALIVE and defeated for us the sting of death.

IN REVIEW: Albergo Hotel and Residences, Baguio City

For every out-of-town vacation, it is a must to have a decent hotel or transient accommodation. When I say decent, the rooms and some facilities are worth the price we paid. In other words, it must be consistent to what is being advertised. 

Last Christmas Holiday, our family went to Baguio City. Initially, we're trying to book a family room in Manor Hotel, Kamiseta Hotel and the Newtown Plaza Hotel. Unfortunately, they are fully-booked because of the holidays. And so, we ended up booking a family room at Albergo Hotel and Residences. 

Some of the Best-Tasting Restaurants in Baguio City

The cold weather in Baguio City and the beautiful sceneries around are perfect combinations to trigger your gastronomic adventures. Here's a list of some of the best-tasting restaurants in Baguio City that will surely satisfy your cravings for delicious food:

1. HILL STATION RESTAURANT at Casa Vallejo  - This restaurant is located along the famous Session Road in Baguio City.  It's very near SM Baguio and Burnham Park. If you don't have a private car, you can just ride a taxi cab and the drivers will take you there. The place is very popular since Casa Vallejo is one of the oldest and historical "institutions" in Baguio City. 

At the restaurant, we tried out their Pinoy and Country breakfast platters in the breakfast menu (served from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM). Each platter, which is already "generous" for 4 persons, only costs us Php. 580.00; and that is roughly Php. 145.00 only for each individual.  The prices are very affordable considering the delicious food selection; and the spacious and peaceful ambiance of the restaurant. 

The place is very ideal for couples who'd like to have a romantic and intimate date.

Christmas Festivities at Mandaluyong City Hall

Yesterday night, we went to Mandaluyong City Hall with the intention of finding some good items in different "tiangge" stalls set up around the Maysilo Circle. We were surprised to find out that aside from foods, toys, accessories, and clothes, the whole City Hall and surrounding structures are all covered with beautiful Christmas lights of all kinds. Adding to Christmas "feels" of the Christmas lights is the loud sound system playing Filipino Christmas Music. 

The lights, the sounds, and the laughter in the crowd brought so much memories in our childhood days. Nostalgic, indeed!

Chillin' out at Bretz Cafe

After a long and tiring week of working in the office, we just thought of rewarding ourselves with some delectable foods. Upon recommendation from a friend, we went to Bretz Cafe located at Guadalupe in Makati City and near Kalayaan Avenue. 

It is striking to note that the interiors are full of bible verses and Christian messages which, one way or another, gave refreshment to our spiritual core.  The foods in the menu are very affordable that even an ordinary student can afford to buy. They have burgers, different kinds of pasta, breakfast meals, chicken, etc. They also have mouth-watering desserts named after famous personalities such as Bananabelle Rama, etc. The restaurant space is currently small which, in my estimate, can only accommodate 15 to 20 persons all at the same time.  Your Php. 150.00 can individually go along way.

In Search for Affordable Christmas Village at Dapitan Arcade

The Christmas Season is fast approaching, and many people are now busy preparing for different Christmas stuffs such as food, reunions, and DECORATIONS. This year, aside from our traditional Christmas tree, we decided to add up a "mini" Christmas Village in our home.  My wife has always been a fan of Christmas Villages. But, her primary reason why she wants to set up one is not motivated by her personal desire alone, but by her selfless attempt to make other people happy, specially children, at least this Christmas Season. My wife wants all children who will come to us by Christmas day to be amazed by the Christmas Village and, again, make them happy (the way it made her happy whenever she sees one). 

We tried to look for Christmas Village items in different shopping malls, but majority have expensive prices. And so, we took heed some of our friends' advise to go to Dapitan Arcade in Quezon City. Well, it did not disappoint us, because a single piece of Christmas Village (without lights) costs around Php. 40 to 450. You just have to be keen and patient in going around the different stalls.