It's still summer and if you want to have a short weekend getaway with family or friends to escape the city and the heat, then going to a place with cooler temperature or going somewhere to swim are your best options.  But what if you want both and somewhere not too far?  Then I have a recommendation for you!  Try River Mountain Breeze Resort in Tagaytay City.

Going there will take you about 1.5 to 2 hours away from Manila, less if you live in the south.  I could say it's a hidden paradise because it's not located along the main roads of Tagaytay and there isn't even one signage to direct you going there. You just have to easily rely on landmarks and seek help from Waze as well.

Why do I call it a paradise?  Let the photos tell you why.

Our room with queen-sized bed, mosquito net, and stained Capiz windows.

It was timely when I won a staycation GC at Seda Hotel Nuvali last June during Whole Mom Ph's launch.   We were supposed to book for an overnight stay (originally for two) in a hotel within Metro Manila to celebrate our anniversary, but it turned out that the universe didn't want me to spend for the hotel, so I got the Seda Hotel Nuvali staycation GCs as my raffle prize.  For that I'm grateful.

Seda Nuvali hotel is a lakeside eco-lifestyle hotel by the AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Group

Visayas - A region which is getting closer to my heart as I have been visiting it almost every week.  I post my travel photos on Instagram with the hash tag #MPTravels (short for Mommy Practicality Travels) followed by the hash tag of the city I visit.  The most recent city I visited was Bacolod.

If there's a part of you yearning for simplicity, quietness, reliving the old or feeling historical, you will love Bacolod City.  I am thankful that I had an opportunity to travel there because of work.  But being the adventurous and curious person that I am, I would find some personal time to visit popular tourist spots in the city or experience the culture.  I love travelling, it fills my heart with so much joy to see new places, taste the cities' food specialties and get to know some locals.  If you haven't left Manila or anywhere you are right now, you better start exploring other cities in our beloved country while you still can.  Travelling could bring in new perspectives and it helps in opening your minds to life's mysterious possibilities.

It was Masskara Festival when I went to Bacolod City the second time.  I just had very little time (like one hour before my flight) to see some places during my first visit.  So last week, I made sure to experience Bacolod City some more.
1.  THE RUINS - Located at Hacienda Sta. Maria, Talisay City in Negros Occidental.  Perfect time to go here is a few hours before your flight because it's near the new Silay Airport.  If you have time, go here just before the sunset.  It's high-grade concrete were made with egg yolks making the walls shimmer when light strikes them.  This mansion was built in 1900's but burnt down by the US Armed Forces during the WWII to prevent the Japanese to occupy it as its headquarter.  One of the largest mansions built at that time owned by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson.  Entrance Fee is Php 60.00 for adults plus Php50 for passenger's car in short taxi/cab.  Php 20 for private vehicles and Php10 for tricycle or motorcycle.

One should be called crazy when he or she would just stay for a short while in the beautiful island of Boracay.  But one is crazier when she's already in Aklan and not visit Boracay right?  That's me, the crazy one, who braved traveling alone to the island one afternoon (after work assignment) and stayed in the island for less than 24 hours.  Albeit the shortness of my stay, I made sure it was worth while.

One of the things I find fulfilling when travelling alone is continually discovering something new in an already familiar place.  One of these new discoveries is The Sun Villas Beachfront Resort & Spa Boracay, a quiet but homey hotel accommodation right in between Stations 1 & 2.

The Sun Villas Beachfront Resort is located between Station 1 & 2.

When I said last August that I already miss travelling and I wish to travel soon, I remember not wishing it to happen immediately and frequently.  "Be careful with what you wish for.." that's what most people say.  Well, a week after that post on my FB timeline, I got what I wished for.  I was given a special task at work which will require me to travel to different parts in Visayas once a week.

My first assignment was in Cebu.  Whenever I go to this lovely city, I usually stay overnight and make sure I pass by the following places: Sto. Nino Basilica, La Vie Perisienne, Zubuchon and Taboan too.  But last week, I didn't because I decided to just fly in and out so I could go home to my family quickly.  Ginawang parang Quiapo lang ang Cebu right?

My Cebu trip won't be complete without devouring a lechon!

Mother's Day passed and if you noticed, I haven't really written about my celebration.  But this, I will not let pass without telling you about it - our quick post-Mother's-Day-getaway at Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City.  I've frequented the hotel as their corporate client and as part of work.  But this time, I was back, and with the whole family, for two days to relax and simply take a break from the hustles and bustles of our usual stressful city life.

From SM MOA (where we were picked up by Taal Vista Hotel's service van), travelling to the hotel only took us an hour and a half.  It was a perfect day to travel with the family.  We enjoyed the simple pleasure of having a safe drive to the hotel on a wonderfully sunny day.  Navigating your way to the hotel was easy.  Taal Vista Hotel is located at Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City.  It's right beside Sky Ranch, Tagaytay's newest theme park.
There is something reminiscent about Taal Vista Hotel whenever I step on it.  You know the feeling of familiarity and being very at-home?  That was my heart's state upon arriving the hotel.

I recently visited Baguio City for a business trip.  I brought my son with me because I felt very guilty for being away from home for five days and four nights.  Travel experience and learning from a new place is something I believe that is also essential for his life journey and happy memory bank.  It's just as important as learning within the four corners of his classroom.

Baguio City is most popular during their month-long Panagbenga Festival which happens every February.  Apart from that, it's one of the favorite vacation spots during summer because of its cool breeze that you could feel even when you're under the sun in the afternoon.  Who wouldn't want the cold weather on a happy sunny day during summer?  At night, there's no need for an air-conditioned room, in fact, I'm sure you'll be requesting extra blankets!

I brought my son around the city, particularly the popular tourist spots there.  Let me share with you the places we visited in Baguio City which may serve as your quick reference should you also go there with your family, colleagues or friends.

Session Road
It is the busiest street in Baguio City.  There are many restaurants along the uphill street and shopping finds too.  There's one particular restaurant that caught my interest, it's Oh My Gulay and I will write about it on a separate post.
Burnham Park
It is one of the most popular Baguio City landmarks.  It's located in the middle of the city and is just a walk away from Session Road.  It's accessible to public transportation and it's near hotels, SM City, market and restaurants.  It's a place for relaxation, picnics and recreational activities such as boating, biking, skating and jogging.

The garden has improved a lot from the last time I visited.  It features different interesting garden themes.  If you're looking for a peaceful, quiet and meditation type of walk, you'd be happy to visit this place.  You could also take a picture with the Igorots, just make sure you give them generous tips.
Wright Park Riding Stables
Horseback riding is the activity which I let my son experience here for the first time.  It costs P200/30 mins.  If you're going to get a guide, which for me is important if it's your first time to ride a horse, you pay an additional P200/30 mins.
The Mansion House
You cannot really enter the mansion itself, so when you visit this historical place, you may just take some pictures.  For those of you who may not know it, The Mansion House is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines.
Mines View Park
If you want a view overlooking mountains through its quite small viewing deck, this is a perfect place.  Shops are located within the area selling native products perfect for pasalubong.  You may also look for Coco the cute St. Bernard dog and have pictures taken with it for P50.00/three shots.
Good Shepherd Convent
The convent is known for their quality products or delicacies such as ube jam, strawberry jam, peanut brittle, lengua de leche and angel cookies.  Expect the shop to be always crowded especially in the afternoon.  But not to worry, they have a systematic queuing for their buyers.
Camp John Hay
The camp used to be a venue for rest and recreation for US Armed Forces in the Philippines as well as US Department of Defense employees and dependents.  Now it's one of tourists' favorite spots in Baguio to dine and shop.
Pink Sisters Convent
If you're looking for a solemn prayer time during your stay in Baguio, the convent chapel is a perfect place to be in.  The Pink Sisters repetitively pray for various petitions from different people at a certain time of the day.  Just write your petitions on a piece of paper provided in front with your full name and complete address, then drop in the wooden box.
Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral
You will find this grand church at the top of Session Road.  You even have to take the 105 steep steps going there.  Since we were there on a Sunday, we attended an English mass here at around 7:00 pm.

50s Diner
The small casual dining retro restaurant will never be customer-empty.  They have big servings for an affordable price that's why people line up, just like how we did.
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Make sure you ate a hefty breakfast when you're going here in the morning because you will be taking around 250 stair steps to get to the top.
BenCab Museum
If you're an artist or one who appreciates both classic and contemporary paintings and sculptures, this almost-out-of-town-four-level-museum should be on your list of places to visit.  Located along Asin Road which is quite near Our Lade of Lourdes Grotto.  Pay only P100.00 entrance fee to be fed with magnificence from Ben Cabrera's and other artists' masterpieces.  Get a great view of the mountain at the garden level where you will also find Cafe Ysabel restaurant.
Bell Church
For us, the Chinese temple with its intricate architectural design, is a marvelous sight to see.  There are Buddhism artifacts and a little history about China to be found in the Church.
La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
Make sure you visit this on your last day of the trip just before heading back home to ensure that you still have your strawberries as fresh as you picked or bought them.  You may also try the strawberry taho sold in the area or buy native delicacies and products as pasalubong.  Big strawberries are priced P100/kl while P50.00/kl for bite-sized berries.
My list of places to visit in Baguio City could be toured in two days.  So on your next trip to Baguio City, make sure you visit most of the places listed on this post, if not all, to ensure a complete Baguio City experience!

You would agree for sure when I say there's nothing more joyous in the hearts of both parents than knowing that they've made their children happy and that they've created wonderful memories for them during their childhood.  That's exactly how we were overwhelmingly feeling at the time we were celebrating the children's birthdays.

In my previous travel posts over here, here and here, I shared that we celebrated their birthdays (they are both September-born babies) this year by vacationing to the beautiful island of Boracay.  Our flights were booked as early as June (Piso Fare Promo by Cebu Pacific during Independence Day) while the hotel accommodation was decided upon a month before the actual flight.

Being a practical mom, I love it when I scout for the best deals around to ensure we get the best value of the service or product we're availing, which should work with our budget but at the same time without sacrificing quality.  For me that's the essence of practicality (bow, echause!)  That being said, it took some time before Daddy Practicality and I decided on our hotel accommodation.

I'm sure you've heard of La Carmela de Boracay Hotel which is being endorsed by a number of celebrities, including Mr. Boy Abunda.  That's where we decided to stay for four days and three nights.

Why We Chose La Carmela de Boracay
I turned snob to the negative reviews about the hotel given in TripAdvisor because I've stayed there already in the past and I was happy with their service.  Yes, there were some parts in the resort that need to be renovated, but for me, it was okay.  You get what you paid for, so one shouldn't complain too much, unless of course if it would already involve food poisoning, accidents due to poor maintenance or robbery.  

1. Cleanliness - Cleanliness is one of the very first things I look for in a hotel or any place for that matter.  Being clean means the establishment has high regards for hygeine and concern for their guests.  When we arrived at our hotel room, I instantly inspected every corner of our standard room and I'm glad it passed my mommy standards for cleanliness.
2. Complete Standard Facilities - We booked a standard room for our stay because for me it's practical to do so since we will be out all day and just go back to bathe, change clothes and sleep in the room at night.  Even if we stayed at a standard room, the facilities were complete such as:
• Air-conditioned room
• Cable TV
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Private bath with hot & cold shower (soap, shampoo, towels, rugs and bathroom tissue)
• Safety deposit box
• 2 double beds with fleece blankets
• 4 fluffy pillows
3. Reliable Safety Regulations - It was raining at night when we were there.  Non-slip mats/rugs were available all the time at the walk path coming from the beach, starting from the dining area up to the entrance to the room corridor.  I also appreciated the strictness of their lifeguards.  They do not allow children to swim without a guardian nor go to the adult pool without supervision.  They only allow guests to swim in proper swimming attire.

Proper swimming attires required in the pools of La Carmela de Boracay.  Kids without adult supervision may not swim in the pool.  Lifeguard is present everyday, all day!

4. Welcome Drinks and Breakfast - Upon arrival, welcome drinks were served to us.  Breakfast coupons were also handed out.  Two set breakfast coupons were provided per room per day.  Additional set costs P150.00 per plate.  Additional P100.00 will be charged should you want to upgrade to buffet breakfast.  We're actually okay with set breakfast.  It's actually filling and besides we usually eat heavily for lunch than breakfast.  

Set breakfast comes with the following: Meat (Ham and Egg/ Chicken and Egg/ Hotdog and Egg) Garlic Rice, Juice and Coffee

5. Beach Front Hotel - No need to walk that far to get to the beach because this very affordable hotel is already beach-front situated.  I appreciate that when going out of our room and hotel, the beach is just there!  No hassles of riding a tricycles or walking along narrow and unlit alley going to and from the beach.

La Carmela de Boracay is a beach-front hotel located at Station 2, near Station 3.

6. Efficient Staff - The receptionist during our check-in and check-out transactions were quick to check our reservation, processed our deposits and explained thoroughly their rules and regulations.  There were instances during our stay that we complained about the coolness of the air-conditioning unit.  With just one call, the AC was replaced with another unit.  We called several times for housekeeping and we didn't have to wait that long for their service.  They are quick to respond to requests and they serve you with a smile on their faces.  

Friendly receptionists greeted us upon arrival and quickly accommodated our check in transaction.

7. Reasonable Room Rate - One of my most important of all considerations in choosing a hotel accommodation is the affordability.  La Carmela de Boracay is relatively cheaper than most of the beach front hotels in Boracay.  It is cheaper but didn't fall short on the completeness of their facilities and services.  It truly is a value for money and I have no regrets staying here.  They say when you pay for a cheaper commodity, you get a cheap and less happy experience.  We didn't experience it at La Carmela de Boracay.  All I know is we got quality services and amenities and a hassle-free and enjoyable stay.  To know more about their room rates, check their website here.

For your next travel to very beautiful islands of Boracay, you may want to consider staying at La Carmela de Boracay Hotel.  It's practical hotel accommodation but without sacrificing quality service and amenities.  Ours was a memorable and stress-free stay.  Hope you will enjoy your stay too!

For more information about La Carmela de Boracay Hotel, like them on Facebook or visit their website here.

Disclosure: There is nothing to disclose.  We paid our hotel accommodation during our vacation.  

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