tambayan

Nature's Garden and Hot Spring at the foot of Mt. Makiling

2009-02-21T16:10:00.000-08:00

It was indeed a great experience when we visited Doña Jovita Garden Resort last week.

It took us almost 3 hours before we arrived at the said resort because we ride the van that has a route from Pasig City to Balibago Complex without knowing that there is a bus in Cubao that travels straight to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. This is the route where the resort is found and other resorts such as Sun City and Monte Vista to name a few. Tagging Calamba, Laguna as the Resort Capital of the Philippines.

Even though, we were exhausted because of the travel time going to Doña Jovita Garden Resort, the place was so relaxing and rejuvenating for both of us. The place had so many amenities that everybody will surely enjoy.

A well-crafted Nature’s Garden that has variety of ornamental plants and flowers around the area definitely made us relaxed. There were also varieties of animals around the resort such as ostrich, turtles, and crocodile. There is also a mad-made grotto at the foot of Mount Makiling. Not to mention the swimming pools and cottages that you can choose from. The swimming pools have clean and warm water from the spring that is truly different from the resort we had stayed in Antipolo.
There is also a restaurant inside the resort that offers mouth-watering dishes at affordable prizes.

Below are some of the photos captured when we visited Doña Jovita Garden Resort.

Laguna’s Garden Resort

2009-02-21T15:50:00.001-08:00

Looking for a garden resort that has a lot to offer? Why not try Doña Jovita Garden Resort.

It is a hot spring resort situated in a 2.5-hectare lot of manicured landscape, in a not-so-hidden valley at the foot of Mt. Makiling. It is located at Km. 57 National Highway, Bagong Kalsada, Calamba City, Laguna.

A lot of ornamental plants, flowers, and variety of fruit-bearing trees are to be found in the said garden resort. Doña Jovita Garden Resort has an array of pools, tree-houses and cottages that everyone can choose from.

Doña Jovita Garden Resort has two cozy areas – the Nature’s Garden and the Mediterranean Garden. Each has distinct features that suit you.

The Nature’s Garden is a Filipino-native inspired garden where you can relax and enjoy swimming because of the abundant plants around the area.

The Mediterranean Garden offers European architecture that you will surely get pleasure from. This area features a Spanish Villa-inspired building, air-conditioned rooms, a conference room, and a swimming pool.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-10T00:23:00.000-08:00

It’s been quite a long time since I posted a blog, due to workloads that really occupied most of my time.

For my post today, I would like to share with you some tips that might help you make your celebration of Valentine’s Day special with your love ones.
For ideal gift ideas, try giving your partner a personalized photo album containing your photos together. You could include your previous travels as well. There are also stores in the metro that caters this kind of service if you have a budget for that.

Tired of giving the usual gifts such as stuff toys, cards, and bouquet of flowers? Why not plan an out-of-town trip together. Enjoy and have fun together while getting the pleasures from the beautiful view at Tagaytay or Baguio City. Both could also try massage or horseback riding at Tagaytay.

Having a scarce budget? You can still make your Valentine’s Day celebration extra special even in the comfort of your home. You can prepare mouth watering dishes while decorating your house with scented candles and fresh flowers. You can also include some romantic music being played while both of you are enjoying the foods you prepared.

You can also celebrate it by watching some of the romantic movies together in the comfort of your living room.

Celebrating the Valentine’s Day may not be that expensive. What matters most is both of you enjoyed the company of one another. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

Dark Angels Reunited

2009-01-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

Last January 2, 2009, the Dark Angels had its annual reunion here in Legazpi City. The Dark Angels was the name of our group in college. It is composed of 10 members.

Present in the reunion were Marjorie, Sharon, Cyra, Matt, Ronnel, Erwin, and me. Unfortunately, Florenda and Mary Anne couldn’t make it due to bad weather condition in Virac, Catanduanes. The rest of the gang was informed by Florenda through text message that the coastguard didn’t permit any sea vessels to travel from Virac to Tabaco City Port. Leandro on the other hand can’t be contact to attend the said reunion.

The group enjoyed the performance of the Kaleidoscope Band. Cyra was one of the lead vocalists of the said band. The band regularly performs at the Barriada Commercial Complex, formerly known as Market Market.

The evening was filled with fun as each of us reminisce the college experience we had. Every one of us updated one another regarding the status of their family and careers.

Each of us is looking forward for another reunion of the Dark Angels next year.

Chinese Year Signs

2008-12-30T23:56:00.000-08:00

Chinese year signs repeat every 12 years. Dates vary each year depending on the date of Chinese New Year.

According to legend, Buddha summoned all the animals to visit him before he died. Twelve animals came and each was given a year to control.

Chinese believe that the person born on the specified year have characteristics of the animal of whom he/she is born.

OX
Year: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913

Oxen are strong and determined (stubborn), and artistic. You are a leader, bright and cheerful.
Oxen are compatible with the Snake and Rooster.
Your opposite is the Sheep.

TIGER
Year: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914

Tigers are brave and kind, but not trusting. Forthright and sensitive, you possess great courage.
Tigers are compatible with the Horse and Dog.
Your opposite is the Monkey.

RABBIT
Year: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915

Sometimes known as the hare, rabbits are intelligent, calm and like stability. You are talented and affectionate, and a seeker of tranquility.
Rabbits are compatible with the Sheep and Boar.
Your opposite is the Rooster.

DRAGON
Year: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916

Dragons are often politicians. They are show-offs, loud and proud. Robust and passionate, your life is filled with complexity.
Dragons are compatible with the Monkey.
Your opposite is the Dog.

SNAKE
Year: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917

Serpents are successful and wise, and sharp dressers. Strong willed and intense, you display great wisdom.
Snakes are compatible with the Rooster and Ox.
Your opposite is the Boar.

HORSE
Year: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918

Horses are hard workers, patient, popular and very good to friends. Physically attractive and popular, you like the company of others.
Horses are compatible with the Tiger and Dog.
Your opposite is the Rat.

RAM
Year: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919

Rams are talented, artistic and usually successful. An aesthetic and stylish person and enjoys being a private person.
Rams are compatible with the Boar and Rabbit.
Your opposite is the Ox.

MONKEY
Year: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920

Monkeys are funny, playful tricksters who love receiving new gifts. Persuasive and intelligent, you strive to excel. Monkeys are compatible with the Dragon and Rat.
Your opposite is the Tiger.

ROOSTER (COCK)
Year: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921

Roosters like to be right. They are often dreamy, but seldom angry. Seeking wisdom and truth you have pioneering spirit.
Roosters are compatible with the Snake and Ox.
Your opposite is the Rabbit.

DOG
Year: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922

Dogs make loyal, dutiful friends, but can be self-centred and stubborn. Generous and loyal, you have the ability to work well with others.
Dogs are compatible with the Horse and Tiger.
Your opposite is the Tiger.

PIG (BOAR)
Year: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923

Pigs or boars are honest, courageous and proud. They love learning and hate fighting. Gallant and noble, your friends will remain at your side.
Pigs are compatible with the Rabbit and Sheep.
Your opposite is the Snake.

RAT
Year: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, 1912

Rats are hard working and thrifty, but also love to gossip. You are also ambitious and sincere. You can be generous with your financial resources.
Rats are compatible with the Dragon and Monkey.
Your opposite is the Horse.

Baguio Revisited

2008-12-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

Where is the best way to celebrate the weeklong vacation?

For me one of the best places to spend the Christmas vacation is Baguio City. I went to Baguio City for the second time together with my girlfriend last December 26, 2008. I got the chance to revisit the place after my last visit last April 19, 2008.

This photo was taken at the Bell Church.

Although I haven’t revisited the Bell Church, Strawberry Farm, Minesview Park, the Mansion, Baguio Botanical Garden, Grotto, and Tam-Awan Village during my second visit to Baguio City, but still I find my second visit a memorable one too.

I got to spend the whole day strolling the whole day with my girlfriend to Burnham Park, city proper, and enjoy purchasing pasalubong for my love ones such as milled coffee, fresh strawberries, key chains, and cardigans (jacket). Although it’s a short trip to Baguio City since I am scheduled to go home on December 28, 2008, it’s a memorable experience to visit the place again with my girlfriend.

NOT SO LUCKY!!!

2008-12-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

Last December 14, 2008 our company celebrated its Christmas 2008 Party at the MegaTent in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.

Some of the highlights of the said event were the different dance production numbers prepared by each department and the raffle draws.

Luckily I won a 2006 Edition Wow Magic Sing after doing the Sun dance. Hahaha!

To check if it’s functioning well, I brought it in the office. I found out that the microphone is not working properly. So I returned it to the office and relayed the problem. The person who is in charged with the purchasing of the give-aways told me that I have to wait till January for the replacement of it. She told me that she had forwarded it to the vendor she purchase it.

I told her that she could have let the Magic Sing be tested first and make sure that it was working well. And she is talking about the chips that need to be purchase. But as to my understanding the chips is just an additional item if you want your Magic Sing to be upgraded with new songs. I repeatedly told her that it is not the chips but the microphone itself that has the problem.

I guess everyone would be a little upset if this thing happened to you too. You are hoping that the item you’ve won is perfectly working. I thought I could bring it at home and use it during the weeklong holiday.

IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!

2008-12-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

At last it’s Christmas Day!

And for me one of the best ways of celebrating it is to be with your love ones. A nice chat with them while enjoying the foods prepared for the Noche Buena.

I celebrated Christmas at my brother’s house at Las Pinas. I just stayed on the internet chatting with some of my friends. I also got deluged with forwarded text messages.

I got the first message from Marj that says:

“As Christmas comes, soft and still, may the spirit of peace gently fill your heart and home with love and goodwill. A wondrous Christmas to you and your family! God Bless You All!"

Another one is from Mary Ann that says:

GOOD PEOPLE make us see what it means to be blessed by GOD... HE has blessed me with good people, so let me say... THANK YOU for being one of my blessings! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Andie send me this text message.

A RELAXED mind
A PEACEFUL soul
A JOYFUL spirit
A HEALTHY body and
A heart full of LOVE...
All of these are our prayers and wishes
For you and your family!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Simbang Gabi

2008-12-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

One of the popular traditions we Filipinos do is to attend simbang gabi or mass at dawn. It is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena starts at December 16 as early as 4 o’ clock in the morning and concludes on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Many people would normally walk up as early as 3 o’ clock in the morning to attend the simbang gabi. Every member of the family would walk together to the nearest chapel to attend the mass.

Simbang Gabi has become one of the famous traditions in the country but it not just a tradition that is being commemorated because we are required to do so. It is an important moment not only because it strengthens our relationships among family members but most importantly our faith is being intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Feel the Magic

2008-11-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, November 15, 2008, I went to Enchanted Kingdom together with Karren, my girlfriend. We celebrated our fourth monthsary at the said theme park.

It took us about 2 hours before we arrived at Enchanted Kingdom. We travel by riding the bus going to Pacita Complex, take the jeepney going to Balibago, Sta. Rosa, and finally ride the tricycle going to Enchanted Kingdom.

The weather was not so hot so it’s okay to check out the different attractions and park zones Enchanted Kingdom has to offer its customers.

First on our list was the Flying Fiesta. It moves in an oscillating, wavelike motion as the top rises telescopically, slanting at its peak, and as if you are being thrown up in the sky.

Next on our list was the Roller Skaters. It’s a mini roller coaster.

We also check out Dodgem or also known as the Bumper Cars.

Jungle Log Jam was not supposed to be our ride but since we were already starving, we both decided to take our lunch at the food court. And ate dessert at Ice Monster afterwards.

Anchors Away and Space Shuttle were jammed pack so we chose to visit the souvenirs shops at the said theme park.

We also witnessed some GMA artists because it was also the Kapuso Fans Day. It was held at the said theme park. The said fans day were showcased by free mini-concert, celebrity race at Park’s Go Kart, and celebrity Auction Bazaar.

Definitely our day ended up with full of fun. It bonded us not just by enjoying all the park attractions, but most importantly spending the time together. And that’s the real magic…

36 Days Before Christmas

2008-11-18T02:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner. Everybody could feel the cold breeze as it touch ones skin.

Every where we go a lot of lanterns are being set-up on the street. Every mall has its own gimmicks. They put their skills on coming up with innovative designs that would delight every individual who visit their establishment.

Huge Christmas trees were mostly seen on parks with spectacular lights that amuse every individual.

Everyone is looking forward for the native delicacies such as puto bongbong and bibingka. Aside from those foods, most of the people are looking forward for the Simbang Gabi. Hoping that once they completed the nine midnight masses their wishes might come true.

BECAUSE

2008-11-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

My life would not be this much happy,
If you are not there by my side to stay,
You filled up my empty life,
With full of surprises and contentment.

You stayed even on my stubbornness
Remains still even I’m irritated
Always there to calm my madness
And endure all the pains and aches.

You showed me how to love
And be loved unconditionally,
Without thinking
If I am loving you too.

I may not have been that showy
On how I should show the love
You wanted me to express to you
Being gentle and caring to you.

But deep in my heart I was there
And will still love you
Amidst all the misunderstandings
And doubts that keeps on worrying you.

I may not be the perfect man for you
And I admit it,
But despite my imperfections
I am here to be the perfect man for you.

My feelings will never change
I always be yours
And you will always be my baby
Because I love you.

LOOKING BACK

2008-11-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it; I am working for almost five years now in the company whom I treated as my second home. Despite all the intrigues and trials inside the office, I would say that I survived all those things.

It gave me the opportunity to meet new friends. Friends to talk to especially on work related problems. All the stresses, task(s) or project(s) everyone is working on. I also can’t forget the places, my friends visited. The occasions especially if there are birthday occasions. Who can’t resist the mouth watering foods - the host of the party is serving during the said occasion. Of course, after eating, there should always be a drinking sessions too.

Looking back, I learned from my stay here that somebody will always find ways to spoil your tenure. And the worst of it, his wrong doings had been rewarded with better position.

But on the lighter side of it, I got a chance to express my love to those whom I call my friends. Most especially the love I am longing to have for a long time. She made me feel that despite all the storms every person is experiencing, a brighter side is always there to shine.

A LOVE LONGING TO BE SHARED

2008-10-22T01:06:00.000-07:00

For many years, I’ve been wishing to find someone to share my life with.
A Love willing to be shared,
A love to be flourished
Time passes by but still I am still searching.

I don’t want to be forever blue
Alone and no one to turn to
No one in my empty room but me
Single-handed everyday.

Every place I go
Emptiness is always there
Every time I do
Nobody but me.

I am always enigmatic
Will I still find her?
Will I be able to caress
And show her my love.

A love that has been waiting
A love that is willing to be shown
A love that is true
A love is unconditional.

A love that don’t want to be wasted
And be empty handed
A love for you
That is longing to be shared with you.