Eden Nature Park and Resort, Davao

“It’s as close to the Garden of Eden
as you’re going to find on Earth.”
- Bruce Beehler

Life is a scary yet beautiful ride.

Banana Beach Resort

Love bananas?

There’s a one-of-a-kind beach resort in Tagum located within a banana plantation that offers guests unlimited ripe bananas. Not only that, the resort is so expansive that it also has a mini forest populated by monkeys and wild boars for trekking, river for cruising, man-made lagoon for fishing and beach for swimming or banana ride.

Ah minions would love this place! Ba-na-na!

Banana Beach Resort

Hijo Plantation, Brgy. Madaum

Tagum City, Davao del Norte

Tel. No.: (082) 282-3662, 0917-6337019

The Museum Manila: Relive Ancient History

“Love is inseparable from knowledge.”

- Macarius of Egypt

 

The Museum Manila is both an indoor and outdoor museum showcasing replicas of Greek gods and goddesses, royalties, pharaohs, warriors, and relics from ancient civilizations of Greece, China, and Egypt. It also features the art works and inventions of Renaissance Master genius, Leonardo da Vinci.

 

 

A walk in the history of time teaches us why the past never made it to the present. It shows us that life becomes easier when we stop waging war and harming others. We become happier if early on in life, we stop waiting and expecting, love ourselves more, and just accept an apology we think we deserved but never got.

 

The Museum Manila

CCP Complex, Boom na Boom

Pasay City

The Theodore Hotel: Being Unique is Being Different

“We are sun and moon, dear friend; we are sea and land. It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is: each the other's opposite and complement.”

- Hermann Hesse

Normal is boring. I’m quite abnormal myself, that’s why I fell in love right away with Theodore, one of several boutique hotels located along the famed ridge of Tagaytay. Named after the owner’s parents (Theresa and Doroteo), Theodore is not your ordinary and conventional urban hotel. It boldly defies standards and stereotypes; and thus shows an exceptional character of being hip, quirky and whimsical.

Grandeur is in every corner and details of Theodore. The lobby is a mix and match of provocative and colorful furniture, couches, chandeliers, vintage suitcases, mirrors and interesting objects. There’s also a grand piano for the musically inclined and an Apple desktop to easily check night hot spots in Tagaytay.

But the master centerpiece which really grabbed my attention lies beneath the staircase – a shining metallic horse, a symbol of art and vigor.

Theodore has 10 different themed rooms clustered into superior and vista deluxe, the latter having lake and mountain views. With the room’s animated and playful ambience, I guess it would be okay to develop a weekend clinomania.

The Modern Filipino – superior room

 

The Theodore – vista deluxe room

Before calling it a day, why not treat yourself to a little pampering? Theodore offers spa services ranging from Guinot Hydradermie facial, aromatic body care treatment to Theodore Spa signature massage.

Spa jacuzzi

Staying overnight comes with a complimentary hearty set breakfast the morning after.

Dining hall

Pancakes with green apple

Tagaytay beef tapa

There’s a cabana in the garden, an ideal place to practice the art of doing nothing or simply read a Jerry Spinelli bestseller; just make sure it’s the one embracing individuality and non-conformity. 

But what I found really fascinating was the charming frog under a tree. I thought it was just an ordinary garden décor until suddenly it started singing. Oh people haven’t always been there to comfort me, but music has.

 

 

For those who want a more intimate party or small corporate meeting, there’s a function room that could be used at the roof deck.

 

 

The deck also offers the best panoramic and unobstructed view of the garden and the world-famous Taal Lake, which looks ethereal especially during the break of dawn. Even though I’ve seen Taal a hundred times, it is always a refreshing sight to behold; the one that nourishes a weary city soul.

 

 

Right from the unassuming entrance to its eccentric interiors and verdant surroundings to friendly staff, Theodore redefines Tagaytay as a dream-fantasy destination. It will make you think out of the box, satiate your visual appetite, and give you courage to express your true self. After all, life is too short to follow the standards of others. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t make everybody, happy all the time.

 

Theodore Hotel

Km. 54, Silang Crossing

East Aguinaldo, Tagaytay

Tel. No.: (046) 483-0350, 0922-8019578