Singapore's Gardens by the Bay

There is no doubt that Singapore is one of the countries in Southeast Asia where nature and progress go hand-in-hand. This is much evident when we visited Sinagpore's Gardens by the Bay. Here, you can see two big domes which are home to different and beautiful plant species of the planet. 

Indeed, a happy place on earth-Disney Land, HK

The main location that we are all anticipating to visit is Disneyland, personally I got used to hearing this all through my childhood and I felt that I have already outgrown it and it's gonna be for my niece to fully enjoy it.

We definitely enjoy every ride, food and amusing activites around this fantasy world. 

This is a train ride going to DL.

Christmas 2016

Things to do and visit in the Province of La Union

When I was a kid, I never thought that La Union would be one of the most sought-after tourist destination of the north. Here are some of the things you can do and visit in the province:

1. Surfing and other water activities - The surfing capital of the north is located in the Municipality of San Juan, La Union. It's the next town after San Fernando City.  The surfing resorts are very accessible because they are located along the Highway and Bus routes.  Don't go here during the summer season because the ocean is very serene, making it impossible to surf.  Instead, go here during the months of October to February when waves, generated by the northeast monsoon, are very conducive for surfing beginners.

IN REVIEW: Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos in San Fernando City, La Union

It's our second travel to La Union this year and, this time, we were blessed to stay in the famous Thunderbird Resort located at Poro Point in San Fernando City. We spent two nights in their "fancy" two-bedroom villas. 

IN REVIEW: Noah's Ark Hotel and Resort, Ma Wan, Hong Kong

If you are in Hong Kong and would want to stay in a place away from the noise and busyness of the City Central, we recommend that you stay at Noah's Ark Hotel and Resort in the Island of Ma Wan. The place will change your common notion of Hong Kong that it is pure building and nothing natural to explore and behold.  

The place is beside Ma Wan Beach which makes it best for meditations or some soul-searching activities. The cool breeze and the serenity of the water are so relaxing and refreshing.

OBEY THE NATURAL ORDER

Never in the history of mankind that married couples have exactly the same attitude, thinking and inclinations. We were created by GOD differently, yet perfectly complementary to one another. Meaning, each one of us has a specific function to fulfill to make the marriage work, preserve the family and ensure continuity of the human race. Take, for example, a BOLT and a NUT. They are different, but very complement. To carry out its intended purpose, one cannot be missing, because "they are no longer TWO, but ONE." In other words, to avoid conflict, we must NEVER pass beyond our natural and God-given boundaries. Let men be men, and let women be women according to the heart of God.  Changing this natural order to suit our own convenience will only bring a lot of chaos, confusion, and worst, DESTRUCTION.

We are not here to resist, but to OBEY; because these natural order of things have already been set ahead us. Pray, that GOD may give us the grace to be obedient. 

Original Mami for the Mommy of my Future Babies!

Last Saturday, after work, we went to our "doctor" for our third session of fertility work up. We arrived at the clinic at around 1:30 PM, and it was jam-packed with people wanting to be cured and couples wanting to be parents. We initially thought that we would wait for several hours; but, THANK GOD, because we were called to the consultation cubicle 15 minutes after our arrival.  The whole session only lasted 45 minutes, and at 2:30 PM, we were done and free to go. 

While walking to go out of the clinic, wife told me that she's hungry, but could not think of any place to eat. She eventually thought of Chowking's Beef Mami to warm her rumbling stomach, and I almost agreed. Good thing, I recently saw a politician's post about Ma Mon Luk in Quezon Avenue which, according to the post and some stories I've heard in the past, is Home to the Original Mami. Incidentally, our doctor's clinic is just located at Panay Avenue near Fisher Mall and a few minutes away from Ma Mon Luk. 

The LIFE-GIVING journey of Infertility

Whenever we browse our Facebook news feed, and see beautiful babies of our friends, our hearts can't help but be glad; because a gift from God has miraculously arrived in their families. Miraculous, we say; because the creation of HUMAN LIFE will always be a miraculous work of God. In the words of the Psalmist, every Human Life is "fearfully and wonderfully made." 

BEYOND THE UBE JAM: The Good Shepherd Convent in Baguio City

The Good Shepherd Convent in Baguio City is famously known for its delicious UBE JAM and other "pasalubong" products. Every single day, the convent is swamp with people - both locals and tourists - who'd like to buy their products as either "pasalubong" or for reselling purposes. Good thing, the Nuns who are managing the store was able to implement a very systematic mechanism in order to hasten the purchasing pace of people. 

But, beyond these "pasalubong" items, the Good Shepherd Convent is an "OASIS" in the midst of a noisy and fast-paced city life. Not known to many, the Convent has a Chapel and a surrounding space conducive for contemplation and prayer. This area of the Convent, however, is restricted to visitors. You will need to coordinate with the security guards on duty to allow you inside. 

Once inside, do not rush.  Be silent and feel the presence of GOD through the sound of the chirping birds, sound of the waving trees and the aroma of the many flowers around. Look also into your heart and hear the voice of GOD, who has been there all the while and has long been waiting for you.  

Here are some of the photos during my visit and tour: 

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. 

Sumptuous Lunch at Sunnies Cafe

Yesterday morning, we went to Mega Mall Clinic for a supposed-to-be quick visit to an OB GYNE. Unfortunately, OB was late and we were number 4 in the queue. It was also nearing lunch time, and so we just decided to stroll around first to look for a food hub that can satisfy our hungry stomach.  We chanced upon Sunnies Cafe owned, according to wife, by actress Georgina Wilson.  

IN REVIEW: Siglo Suite at the Gramercy Residences

The celebration of All Saints' Day this year falls on Tuesday and the government, for some reason, also declared October 31, Monday, a non-working holiday. That means, LONG WEEKEND for us!  To maximize this rare opportunity, we decided to do some STAYcation in a "condotel" nearby.  We chanced upon Siglo Suite at the Gramercy Residences. We specifically chose this because we want to experience the Marina Bay-like infinity pool atop the building.  Unfortunately, the infinity pool was closed for some repairs. Such a disappointment! Anyway, we just opted to settle and dip-in to their lap pool just beside the closed infinity pool.

We booked a deluxe room for an overnight stay for 4,200 pesos, inclusive of breakfast. Our room was located at the 58th floor of the building. While on the elevator, you can literally feel the increasing air pressure in your ears.

IN PHOTOS: 10 Beautiful Wedding Churches in the City of Manila

Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime event for every couple. Choosing the best in everything, including the church, is nothing but normal. 

Church wedding, in my opinion, is very important because if the couple is really sincere in having God in their midst, they should present their Marriage vows before the Altar of the LORD. It need not to be extravagant because the important point is: to have their Marriage blessed by God thru the Minister of the Church. This way, couples are like the wise man "who built (their) homes upon the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25)." 

Here are some photos of the beautiful churches in the City of Manila:

1. SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH in Manila