Ramon Magsaysay Ancestral House

“A leader should set an example of a big heart, an honest mind, sound instincts, the virtue of healthy impatience and an abiding love for the common man.”

- Pres. Ramon Magsaysay

Every time I pass by the main road of Castillejos in Zambales, there’s only one house that catches my attention – the pastel candy-colored ancestral house of the 7th President of the Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay. The President had always been close to the people’s hearts, that’s why Filipinos have dubbed him “Champion of the Masses”.

The imposing historical structure, which is under the guardianship of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, houses some of the personal belongings and memorabilia of the late president, from his furniture, old radios, clothing, paintings, canes, busts, medallions, books, to his sleek 1945 Cadillac limousine and Willy’s Jeep.

Someone I know once said that the President died of a heart attack. Hay naku di nagbabasa ng Philippine history, ang sarap sagasaan ng Cadillac.

Designer Blooms Café

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the famed Designer Blooms, the owners decided to open another branch. But it’s not just another flower shop, it’s also a captivating café, perhaps the first of its kind in the Philippines. The place really looks dainty and whimsical like a garden of sweet dreams where no zombies could ever enter.

French toast with fresh fruits

Truffle mac and cheese

Passion berry

 

Being surrounded by fresh and fragrant flowers remind me of the way we let people affect us – that somehow, we are only going to be as good as the people we allow to enter into our life.

So be strong enough to let go of people who keep weighing you down. And just surround yourself with people who are going to motivate and inspire, and bring out the most beautiful smile in you.

Designer Blooms Cafe
Molito Commercial Complex, Madrigal Ave. cor.
Commerce St., Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel. No.: 512-0353

Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort

My life isn’t perfect. But I guess that’s what makes it life. The important thing is how to respond to the challenges and problems it pose.

 

Through time, I have learned that the greater part of our misery is mainly caused by our disposition in life. So I willed myself to stay cheerful and positive in whatever situation I find myself. Or I simply walk away and take refuge somewhere I know I will find happiness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estrellas is a wonderful, scenic hotel by the beach in Laiya, Batangas. It has a quiet laid-back atmosphere that is closest to nature, even attracting flock of black birds. The sight of the beach and mountains extending beyond its state of the art deep-blue infinity pool, is simply breathtaking. 

 

But my curiosity got the better of me. I found out that the place was not named after a matriarch or someone. So I’ll take it literally as the stars of the Mendoza family.

 

I know nothing is permanent in this world, not even the stars. So goes for our troubles.

Manila Ocean Park and Hotel H20

"My soul is full of longing for the secret of the sea, 
and the heart of the ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Manila Ocean Park is the Philippines’ first world-class marine theme park with over 5,000 varieties of marine creatures from around 300 species. It has an aqua-themed Hotel H20, which offers guests a chance to literally sleep with the fishes.

Relax fishes, I promise not to eat you today.

Hotel H20 lobby

Moonlight Bar

Makan-Makan Asian Food Village

The Oceanarium

School of fish

White-spotted bamboo shark eggs

Moon jellies exhibit

Lion fish

Arwanas

  

Reef stonefish

Clown fishes

Sea nettle jelly fish

School of jackfish

nag-papa-cute na shovelnose guitarfish

Fish spa, nakakakiliti

Dancing sea fairies

Club H20 Lounge

Aqua Room

The world’s most breathtaking wilderness really lies beneath the surface.