Yes, it was not only a walk back time with lessons in Philippine History but it was a photo shoot with my fave subjects … my children. Here are some of the shots I took. The photographer wannabe strikes again! Hope you enjoy.

At Intramuros wall …

At Fort Santiago…

The kids had a great time and of course, I was able to practice my photography skills once again. I am looking forward to a lot more trips like these. Thanks and I hope you enjoyed your weekend too.

312/365 Reunion – after 10 long years, my children are reunited with their grand dad together with my sister.

313/365 Mobile Phone Holder – my son’s gift to his friends

314/365 Christmas Star

315/365 Ready for planting

316/365 Seedlings

317/365 Horse

318/365 My living room — all dressed up for Christmas

319/365 Christmas Presents

320/365 Cute Christmas candles

Anyway, the highlight of the weekend was a tree planting activity sponsored by Lotte, the makers of Koala’s March and Xylitol and in cooperation with ABS-CBN Foundation. The tree planting activity was held at the La Mesa Eco Park. My son’s school was invited to be part of this event and I gladly accompanied him. Whenever we get invited an activity like this, I always make it a point to join. This is because I want to raise awareness regarding the importance of saving the environment.

Lotte General Manager, Mr. Gerry Francia and his son headed the ceremonial tree planting activity while a representative from ABS-CBN Foundation taught us the technique on how successfully plant a tree. Lotte’s cuddly mascot was also there to witness the event.

Although the kids were not able to really plant a “real tree” because it is off-planting season, they were only allowed to plant a seedling.

Our boys were so excited to plant …

My boy busy putting in the soil …

Now, proud of his achievement.

I am so proud of my boy! We went home with all the dirt on our shoes and smelling like sweat… but it was all worth it.

I hope that you all had time to recharge this weekend.

These photos were taken last summer during our exhilarating escapade at Subic Tree Top Adventure.

Here’s my son hanging as he was rappelling down a 60-foot tree.

And this is my daughter hanging as she was about to rappel down.

Here are some of the gorgeous flowers and plants I saw growing there.

156/365 Anthurium or “Flamingo Flower”

157/365 Bromeliad – a very common tropical plant. There are a lot of varieties of Bromeliad and this is just one of them.

158/365 Blue Hydrangea – I love these flowers, too bad I can’t grow it here in the Metro. Even though you can see hydrangea being grown in our country, these lovely ornamental plant thrives in cooler climate. If you’ll notice, we have a lot of them in Baguio and Tagaytay. Quezon being at the foot of the mountain has a cooler climate also compared in the City. These flowers have become a favorite for wedding bouquets and arrangements because of its soft, delicate look.

159/365 This another kind of a very lovely exotic flower. If I am not mistaken, this is called a Red Ginger. If anyone knows the real name of this plant, please let me know by leaving a comment.

160/365 I never really know what this fruit is and upon searching, I discovered that it is called the NippleFruit. This is commonly used as an ornament for exotic flower arrangements. It is realted to the tomato and potato family. However, this fruit is poisonous if ingested.

161/365 Exotic Flower — this lovely flower does not seem real when you touch it. It’s like plastic like an artificial plant. I have given up searching for the name of this exotic flower. Whatever it is, I know that it thrives in tropical rain forests because I can see it everywhere during our hike.

162/365 Mickey Mouse Plant – it’s like looking for the hidden Mickey. It’s fruit is shaped like Mickey Mouse thus its name.

163/365 These water lilies naturally grows into this pond. How I wish I could get a macro shot of this but we were running out of time.

164/365 Red Torch Ginger – another famous exotic flower that thrives in the rain forests. Isn’t it lovely?

165/365 Tweener on the phone — I needed a photo for my article that’s why this is a bit out of the theme. But you can still see those flowers …

We headed out to a private farm in Lucban, Quezon which South of Manila. It’s owned by a relative of one of our friends who invited us. What’s so interesting about the place is the falls that falls inside its acreage of property. It was a real awesome sight… the beauty of nature.

Although we needed to go down a steep path to enjoy this pure beauty, the kids seem to not mind the hike. Once they saw water, they wanted to jump and go for a splash. We had to remind them that it’s not a pool, that the rocks will be slippery and the rocks at the bottom might be sharp. So carefully, they made their way to we the falls is and enjoyed the water — no matter how cold it was.

It was a fun weekend getaway especially for the kids who will be facing the rigors of school once again.

I hope all of you out there enjoyed the weekend. If you want to share it with us, just leave your link.

Have a great week ahead!

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Napakayaman ng ating bansa sa yaman ng kalikasan. Tuwing ako ay dadalaw sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Pilipinas ay namamangha ako sa ganda ng ating bansa.

Isa sa mga paboritong kong kunin tuwing ako ay maglalakbay ay ang kalikasan. Tulad nitong unang larawan, ito ay kuha sa Malcapuya Island sa Palawan.

Heto naman ay sa Palawan din, sa Kayangan Lake, Coron.

At eto ay kuha 100feet above ground, nung minsang nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng loob na sumakay sa Canopy Lift Ride sa Subic Tree Top Adeventure.

(Our country is rich natural resources. Every time I visit any part of the country, I am awed a the beauty of the Philippines.

One of my favorite subject, is to take shots of nature. Like this first picture which was taken in Malcapuya Island, Palawan.

This one is also in Palawan, Kayangan Lake in Coron.

And this photo was taken 100 feet above ground when I had the courage to ride the Canopy Lift Ride at Subic Tree Top Adventure.)

Coming home in the Philippines after having stayed in the State most of your life, you’d definitely want to see the country. And since my balikbayan cousin-in-law only had a few days to stay here we decided to bring her on a trip south of Manila.

The itinerary was a road trip to Laguna and Quezon. We visited a lot of wonderful places but for this week’s Pixelbug Weekend, I will feature the Sitio de Amor, the place we where we stayed. Sitio de Amor is part of the Viaje del Sol — featuring the tourist destinations of the south from San Pablo, Laguna to Quezon. It is a 4.5 hectare orchard between Mt. San Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. If you are looking for a place to rest and just enthrall yourself to the beauty of nature, this place will surely entice you.

As you arrive, you are welcomed by their complimentary welcome drink — fresh coconut. Make sure to request that it be placed inside the fridge prior to your arrival.

One of the rooms we occupied had a refreshing view of the lagoon. The water from the lagoon comes from Balanga River. Waking up to such an amazing view will truly rejuvenate you — far from the hustle bustle of the city.

The main pavilion is perfect for  wedding receptions and other special occasions. As we were having breakfast, a young couple was there making sure the final arrangements for their upcoming reception are in place. Quite a romantic place, I might say especially during the night when all the lights are lit.

Aside from the room with a view of the lagoon, they also have a tree house which you can rent for PhP10,000/night. This could fit around 10 people. The other two rooms were beside each other, Duhat and Caimito which you can rent at PhP3,500 and PhP4,000 respectively.

For those who want to cool down, you can take a dip in their infinity pool. Just the thing for our summer climate.

Sitio de Amor Farm Resort
Km 88.8 Maharlika Highway
Barangay San Antonio 1
San Pablo City, Laguna

Prior reservations are required, you may call (02) 552-7340 and +63918- 9274346
Email: sitiodeamor@yahoo.com

Directions: Sitio de Amor is about 1 and a half hours from Manila. Take Maharlika Highway from South Superhiway heading towards Lucena. Take Maharlika Highway from South Superhiway heading towards Lucena — on your left side, and 3 kilometers before Villa Escudero. Turn left, it is about 600 meters in.

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