Pixel Bug

First off, let me greet each and everyone of you a Happy New Year! For me, New Year signals new beginnings… a time to look forward to a more positive future. No matter how gloomy the predictions may be, no one knows what the future holds, it is up to us to make the most of what we have.

Welcoming the new year is always extra special when you’re with your loved ones. My family, together with my mom and my siblings, have veered away from the usual fireworks at home. For the past couple of years, we decided to celebrate intimately by staying in a hotel and join the in-house countdown.

It’s a lot safer that way and we can still view the spectacular fireworks from the neighboring villages minus the smoke, ain’t that cool?

I hope that you and your family had a blast during your New Year’s celebration.

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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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PHOTOHUNT : Military / Veterans

Here in the Philippines, people do not give so much emphasis in the Halloween trick or treating activities but more on remembering the dead during All Soul’s day. It falls on November 2, and it is usually declared as a Holiday to give people time to the cemetery to visit the grave of their friends and loved ones. It has been a tradition where families and relatives meet.

It also goes true for our family, we visit my Father-in-law at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery for the Heroes). This cemetery was established as a resting place for military personnel as well as heroes and martyrs who defended our country during the war. My FIL, was a retired captain of the Philippine Navy, the reason why this place is a fitting resting place for him.

Ever since my father in law died, my hub’s family will meet there during All Soul’s Day. After offering our prayers, we will gather at one place to have a meal together. It is actually a good excuse for my MIL and her siblings to gather together as one family.

***Libingan ng mga Bayani is located at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Since I grew up knowing only few relatives, hubby’s family gatherings are something I always look forward to. Hubby was invited to be the godfather of his cousin — yes, the son of his uncle and we couldn’t pass the invitation. It was a small and intimate family gathering to celebrate the christening of Carlos.

Below is a picture of me and 2 week old Carlos taken by my cousin-in-law. If you’ll notice he’s so fragile. Only 4.6 lbs when he was born — anyone would be afraid to handle a delicate newborn like him but not me, I love babies! I just wish I can still have one but after three miscarriages, it’s a No! No!

Naturally, there would be giveaways during the reception and here they are …

Welcome to the Christian World, Carlos!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
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