A Journal-Worthy Vacation: Trick or Treat? I Say Both (Part 1)

Published on 28 March 2023 at 16:30


My husband and I boarded a red-eye flight to the Philippines in February for my brother's 40th-day celebration of his life since his untimely passing. I wish we were flying home under different circumstances because it was emotionally exhausting. The last time I saw him was when we laid our mother to her final resting place. I didn't get to say goodbye to him when I flew back stateside. In essence, to come home was also a chance to bid him goodbye for the last time.

 

Our recent trip to the Philippines was relatively short on time—8 days, with the 9th day being our flight back. We were stretched thin between this and that, doing this and that. And, not to mention the in-between things to attend to.

 

As with every trip that involves days away from home, we mapped out an itinerary. Mapping out an itinerary is like outlining a storyline, so you do it with care, this way you come up with a fluid succession of events. This is just half the fun.

 

With this short trip, however, though somberness would be in the air, it made sense to squeeze in some fun. My brother would want us to have fun. So, that said, we aimed at stringing "me-time activities" here and there. We were aware of the narrow time frame. Adding that we won’t be in the same place for all those eight days, so all the more it was challenging.

 

Nonetheless, it was fair to admit that although it was fast-paced, it provided the intended little escape from the usual work grind, at least from my husband’s perspective—basking in the moments.

 

As for me, the trip prompted me to work on another blog post, one that I haven’t done in nearly three months. However, this time, it will not be from my journal but inspiration from the Virgin Mary. I will delve deeper into this in Part 2 of this post.



So, let me begin by sharing our fascination at our nephew’s home—our first stop. Whoa! It was one thing that it was impressive, but to learn that their subdivision sits next to the celebrities' homes and the well-to-dos—took our excitement to the next level. We are proud of their accomplishments, and they are a young family. May God be given greater glory. Amen.

 

Settling in for us was easy.  

 

We arrived there around lunch. It was like a fiesta: baked salmon, beef caldereta, shrimp cooked in some paste that I haven’t tried before, a vegetable dish, and desserts hard to resist. It was an overwhelming gesture to welcome us into their home. I couldn't wait to welcome them again when they come late this year so we could return the favor. They come every year, COVID-time excepted.

 

Anyway, that was on a Sunday. It didn't occur to me that we could attend the Mass later that day. Our nephew searched for Catholic churches within a half-hour range drive. He found one, so we rushed to get there. It was the 6:30 PM Mass if I recall right. I will touch more on this in Part 3.

 

Morning came. They took us to Tagaytay, or “Little Baguio,” as it is dubbed. YES, our itinerary was panning out as planned!

 

We saw the Taal Volcano. Although we had seen it before, it was in another location. They refer to Tagaytay as the “Little Baguio” south of Manila because of the gentler climate it has year-round. So there, we drove up to a vista nestled along a hilltop, showcasing the panoramic view of the lake. We took photos like no one was looking. 



I suggest bringing your binoculars when you go see the Taal volcano. We didn't. Also, plan to picnic there as this vista comes with picnic tables. You won’t be burning your skin in the sun as the area is surrounded by trees. The gazebos are available to rent. Call the office to plan ahead to secure one, I would say. If you are the thrill-seeking kind, they had you in mind as well. You can zipline and go on horse-riding fun.

 

On a side note, this volcano erupted three years ago. Looking at the bottom of the hills are homes, so you could just imagine the terrifying moments the residents faced. Learning about the events of the day and the horrors they dealt with, there was a somber aspect to consider. Horses, cows, and pigs were left behind to die, not that the owners never cared, but the lack of means and shortage of time to safely evacuate made it all too difficult for them to bring the animals to a shelter. 

 

Now, from the looks of it, life has finally returned to normalcy for the residents in the area, which is good. Thank God! Although, I can’t seem to fathom how they can brave out to return to their homes knowing they live in close proximity to the lake, other than the area offers a stunning view. I wish them well.

 

Do you love to collect souvenirs? If it’s your first time visiting the place, then by all means, round out your sightseeing by hopping from one store to the next for that perfect souvenir item. Unless you carry a credit card that doesn’t charge you foreign fees, then make sure you bring enough local currency. You will be helping the locals whose livelihood depends on tourists who buy their products. 

 

With regards to exchange rates, from what I understood, you can time when to exchange your US dollars to Philippine pesos so you get the best bang for your buck as exchange rates vary. Depending on which direction rates move, you might get lucky to avail of a better exchange rate, so be on the lookout as there is a certain day of the week, I think, when the new exchange rate is released.



So next up, we headed to a restaurant that offers an unobstructed view of the volcano. I had to emphasize the "unobstructed view" because it’s an open-air restaurant—nature provides the breeze, so no air-conditioning is required. 

 

We brought our appetite, for sure. Just who doesn't like dining out, and dining out with a view that only nature can provide? It doesn't come every day to most of us, right? The thought of this alone elevates the dining experience because this volcano happens to be in the middle of a lake. How often do you dine at a lakeside or a volcano that isn’t far from where you were seated? Here, you get both. 

 

Also, from what I can recall, there were separate structures to this restaurant, like annexes, and a trail that probably leads to an interesting spot. So, bring your curiosity. The place is picture-worthy. Sometimes, camera phones don’t give justice, so I suggest bringing a point-and-shoot camera, or an SLR (DSLR) if one is available to best capture the scenery. If you have photography skills, put them to work.

 

Now, the food? Oh, the food—it speaks to the deepest roots of comfort foods. Authentic Filipino cuisine! Notice the exclamation point? 

 

Though it was a Monday, there were daytrippers. It was fair to assume they, too, were vacationing. It’s a tourist spot after all. I am happy for the businesses in the area. I hope their business will perform well every day of the year.

 

Being the “out-of-towners” and returning there many years later, naturally, we wanted to treat the family on outings. That was the plan, but to our surprise, our nephew had already taken care of the bill long before the food was served! How did he do that? Well, he took advantage of the time when my husband and I used the restroom. Clever, huh? He got us there. One point for him.



Okay, so it was time to head back. Our itinerary included a trip to the spa. The day we arrived, our niece-in-law suggested a place where you sit inside what looks like a huge pot that can accommodate at least a couple. It is then filled with water up to the level where you can be comfortable. Think of it like bathing in a jetted tub. Nice, right? The word "pot" made it all a one-of-kind experience, perhaps even upping it, because as you are enjoying the soak, the water is heated. 

 

Wait, what? Heated? Yes, but relax, because it will be to a soothing temperature, all while you enjoy a nearby water view. I can imagine the water view experience similar to the infinity pool feel. Interesting, huh? 

 

Due to time constriction, our itinerary would only allow for a nail spa so we went to the mall near their home. Please don’t laugh as it isn’t supposed to be funny. The nail spa and facial are what we had on our to-do list. So, there they left us so we could have the time to ourselves as they went store-hopping. The services we got had a slew of add-on services. We loved it!

 

My husband and I were already enjoying getting pampered when both our nieces came and talked to the lady at the reception desk. I thought they wanted to get their nails done, too, but then they left.

 

The staff was super friendly and deserving of a handsome tip. When we were done, our nephew and his sisters were already waiting outside. I brought out my wallet to pay when the management said the bill has been settled. That explained why our nieces were at the reception desk. Well, they got us again! Another point for them.

 

We continued to roam the mall, we got hungry. It was time for an afternoon snack. They took us to Mary Grace Cafe, an upscale cafe. My husband and I were firm that it would be our turn to take care of it. They were okay with the idea. However, our nephew did it again! Oh yes, he did. How? While we waited for the order to arrive, he excused himself to go to the restroom. Well, it turned out, that’s not what where he went. Instead, he proceeded to the register and paid ahead of time. We just didn't notice it. Unbelievable! We were unsuspecting beings who repeatedly got outsmarted. Point went to them—again.



The next day was our trip to the province, where the 40th-day gathering for my brother would be held. Our nephew and his wife drove us early the next morning to beat the traffic, they had to return on the same day for our niece-in-law's doctor's appointment at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center. 

 

We stopped by for breakfast. Again, they refused that we foot the bill. Their argument: we take care of them each time they come for a visit. We’ve seen them twice here in the US. We didn’t see them last year though they came due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

Then we arrived at the hotel. After which, we headed out to the nearby mall for lunch. Again, they outwitted us come paying time. Really? Yes, for real! I didn’t realize that while our niece-in-law was on the phone as we dined, she was already paying on her phone. Wow…  I don't know what to say! Another point went to them. Us? Zero.

 

It was time for them to head back to Manila for the doctor's appointment later than noon. I spotted a Mary Grace kiosk. Since it was Valentine’s day, I told them I wanted to buy a cake. What they didn’t know, I was buying it for them. To be sure they like the flavor, I asked them which one they would recommend since they frequent the chain. And there I outsmarted them—FINALLY! Whew! Ha-ha!



We said our goodbyes.

 

My husband and I had our facials done. It was a long procedure that was all worth it. We needed that. My brows needed threading, too. The service was good. Extractions were done on me, so imagine the bumps and redness on my face. The aesthetician admired my high tolerance to pain. I replied, "I raised it—all in the name of “BEAUTY.” She giggled. Not a pretty sight, to be honest. It hurt like crazy, so you can say this was one of those times I am grateful for masks and the option to mask up. 

 

Back at the front desk to pay, two of my sisters, a nephew, my brother, and his wife surprised us. That was the first time I met my sister-in-law. It was a brief meeting though because they had a lot to prepare for the prayer gathering the following day. God sent them, I would say, because they dropped us off at the hotel. Initially, we planned to catch a tricycle ride from the mall, as there were no cabs in the area. Regardless, we looked forward to riding a tricycle again. It has been a very long time since. It would be living through a piece from the past, only better this time.

 

Dinnertime came. The hotel has tables by the pool, so we dined under the stars. The lighting around the bushes and illumination in the pool added to the indulgence. On the menu were familiar items but with a flair, I guess to make it their signature.

 

We were out there like two friends having a casual dinner. I think we closed the kitchen—we were the last to leave. It was easy to luxuriate in things pleasurable with the strong US currency.



Then morning came. The hotel management, the kitchen specifically, knows how to wow guests! They offer a fresh new take on breakfasts. If you have been away for far too long, you would appreciate the semi-buffet with its food selections. The staff at this hotel are the friendliest of all, and we have stayed at three hotels during the trip: this one in Tarlac City, then in Baguio City, and in Pasay City. We stayed at this hotel for three nights. They deserved the tipping. 

 

This hotel is not like those in Baguio and Manila areas that are on the higher end with respect to the building structure and accommodations, nonetheless, is the standard in the area, I would say. Overall, the staff is a gem. They took great care of us, and for that, we are grateful. They embody the country’s culture of politeness and helpfulness. They live up to the reviews on Google. God is good. 🙏

 

Moving on to the day of the prayer gathering, there was food galore. Friends, neighbors, and relatives came. It was a mini-reunion that we wished for it to have taken place under better circumstances. 

 

On a positive note, we had karaoke afterward, and merrymaking began. Hubby sang, too. We met the newest additions to the family. The littlest ones are so adorable! We covered a lot of topics in our conversations. Relationships were bridged. I am sure my brother was in our midst, happy from a distance though we can no longer see him. We missed his physical presence—his voice and his laughter, terribly. May God rest his soul. 🙏

 

See you in Part 2 of this post.

 

Many blessings!