A Sip of Coffee at Café de Lipa

the ceiling at Cafe de Lipa

After having a heavy dinner, I asked my sister if she wanted to have coffee. She said “No”. So we walked along the streets of Market Market in Taguig. As we passed the Old Spaghetti House, I turned to my sister and said” Hey there’s the coffee house where me and my friend had coffee the last time”. And my sister said “Is it hot coffee?” And I said yes. Without thinking twice my sister said “let’s have coffee”. Thus this started my second to visit Café de Lipa.

Café de Lipa offers the Batangueños Kapeng Barako and other hot and cold coffee as well. They also have frappes, and teas. And of course, coffee would not be complete without a slice of cakes and patries. Compared to their popular competitor, prices at Café de Lipa are more affordable. A grande of their coffee is only Php 100.00 and a brownie or revel bar is less than php 50.00. Another thing about Café de Lipa, is that the place is not crowded as the other coffee shops.

the cakes & pastries

Café De Lipa main store is at 32 San Carlos Drive, Mataas na Lupa, Lipa City, Batangas. They also have branches in Km 80 along Star Tollway Brgy. Tibig Lipa City, Batangas and in SM Lipa. But for Manileños, there is no need for us to go to Batangas to enjoy the kapeng barako at Café de Lipa as they have a store at the Ground Floor of Market! Market! in Taguig.

a nice quote on a cup of coffee

the flower at the top of the froth

Be Puzzled at Puzzle Mansion

While browsing for a place to visit in Tagaytay, I stumble to a post of TV host Drew Arellano on his visit to Tagaytay. That is where I came to know the Puzzle Mansion. As I remembered, Puzzle Mansion owner was also featured in Hero TV; I’ve seen her being interviewed while browsing for something to watch. Ann, my friend also stumbled on the post made by Drew Arellano and also became curious about Puzzle Mansion. So without second thoughts, Puzzle Mansion was part of our itinerary.

The Puzzle Mansion is located at Cuadra in Brgy. Asisan, Tagaytay City. From the Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent we ride a bus going to Mendez Junction; from there we will be riding a tricycle that will bring us to the entrance of the Puzzle Mansion. You will not get lost as there is lots of signage of the Puzzle Mansion. I forgot about the fare of the bus but it is around twenty pesos, and the tricycle is twenty pesos per person.

From the gate, you will be greeted by one of the Mansion’s employee and will assist you for the shuttle services. The shuttle service is Php 5.00 per ride. You can choose to walk or ride the shuttle, but it is recommended to take the shuttle on your way out of the mansion since there is a very steep road. Entrance fee for the Mansion is Php 100.00

the steep road going the mansion

When you enter the first floor of the house you will be surprised to see a gallery of framed puzzles hanging on walls, ceiling beams and being displayed in glass cases. The puzzles range from the size of a small notebook to big paintings. From Mickey Mouse, to Spongebob, Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, Walt Disney Characters, pictures of Elvis Presley, Coca Cola Advertisement, Marilyn Monroe, Sistine Chapel, Mona Lisa, 3D puzzles and many more, your eyes will never get tired in being amazed on how the puzzles were made.

puzzles everywhere

puzzles of famous landmarks

After exploring the 1^st floor, we went to the 2^nd floor where the biggest puzzle was located. The 2^nd floor is also the gift shop, where you can buy t-shirts, handicrafts, mugs, key chains and even the puzzles that are featured in the museum.

the largest puzzle

souvenir puzzle, shirt & handicrafts

If you are lucky, you can also meet the owner of the house that has the largest collections of jigsaw puzzles - Ms Gina Gil Lacuna. As of this date, the puzzle collection of Ms Lacuna is the holder of Guinness World Record of having the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle collection.

Aside from the puzzles, Puzzle Mansion Bed and Breakfast also offers one of the best “pasalubong” that any traveller can buy – the Buko Cream Pie. Buko Cream Pie is sold at Php 50 per slice and Php 350 per box that has 8 slices of pie.

the yummy buko cream pie

Visiting the Pink Sisters

signage going to Pink Sister

Whenever, I go out of town, I always include in our itinerary to visit a church or chapel. For our Tagaytay visit we decided to go to Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent located at Aguinaldo Highway, Rotonda, Tagaytay City. If you are a fellow commuter you can ride a bus going to Nasugbu and tell the bus driver to drop you at Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent. This is not hard to find as there is a big signage at the corner of the street going to the Chapel. After getting off the bus you need to walk the dirt road for some meters before reaching the gates of the Chapel. If you are lucky, there are tricycles offering free ride to the chapel because they are to deliver something at the chapel.

Since this is a holy place, silence is strictly implemented upon entering the gates of the chapel. Even security guards are not allowed to shout or whistle in assisting guests with their parking. They used hand signals and placards and signage. Decent clothes are also required upon entering the church. Guests wearing shorts and sleeveless are not allowed entering the front door but they can enter and stay at the right wing of the church.

a view of the chapel

The chapel offers a place of meditation as it is quiet, even people visiting the place sees to it that they maintain the solemnity of the place. Guests advised to turn off mobile devices or put them in silent mode as not to disturb other people in their prayers. Guests can also write their prayer intention on a piece of paper provided by the nuns.  

guests writing their prayer intentions

guests praying

 Aside from praying and meditating, the place is also very scenic adding to its solemnity. The plants and trees gave a relaxing feeling, while the statue of Christ, the cross and a statue of the Our Lady of Lourdes with the three children gives off the spiritual atmosphere.

If you are thinking of pasalubongs, there is no need to worry as there are a lot of stores along the street going to the chapel selling shirts, vegetables and sweet delicacies.

Though on a vacation, it is still important to thank the Lord for giving us time to relax and unwind and to ask help in coming back to our daily work. 

Not Just A Rock - The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

A trip to Ilocos Norte would not be complete if one would not visit the famous white rock formation known as the “Kapurpurawan Rock Formation”. Kapurpurawan is an Ilocano word for white, as the rock formation is white. Kapurpurawan Rock has become one of the major tourist attractions in the North aside from the beach of Pagudpod and the Windmills of Bangui. The rock was formerly owned by a rich doctor who sold his land to the Marcos. The Marcos then opened the land as a tourist attraction to the public.

the sea and the field

Located in the town of Burgos, after visiting the Cape Bojeador lighthouse our tourist guide said to us that our next destination will be the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. The van stopped at the drop-off area wherein other vans are also parked. We asked our tourist guide if he will be coming along but he said no. He advised us to put some sunblock and bring along an umbrella and some water.

We hiked down a cemented stairs that leads to a pathway lined with trees. This pathway then leads to a field where just beyond it is the sea. At this point, tourist will now feel the scorching heat of the sun, no wonder why our tourist guide advised us to bring an umbrella. It is a long walk to the rock formation; luckily the formation is near the sea so the breeze from the sea somehow mellows down the heat of the sun.

the long way to the rock formation

When we reach our destination, there was awe in our faces. The rock is like a big white ship nestled on top of a hill. Aside from this big ship-like rock there are also other small formations that will leave you thinking how nature has done them. The rock is a white limestone formed by weathering. I think the sea and the air from the South China Sea are responsible for this. As I near the formation I noticed the rope prohibiting people to climb the rock. And it gets slippery as you come closer due to the growth of moss in the area.

other rock formation in the area

being captivated 

After taking pictures we decided to go around the mountain near the rock formation. According to locals the area was used for a movie shoot, and there are still remnants of the props and materials used. This part is not slippery as the one near the rock formation. The rock in here is also white and made of limestone. We climbed the different rocks even though it’s quite dangerous. One wrong slip and you might fall to the other rocks or in to the sea. After reaching a high place we blankly stared into the sea as we breathed in the fresh breeze of air and be amazed by nature’s beauty.

the various props used in the movie

the view of the sea

What are "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" ?

For no reason at all, while browsing for a book to read at the library, I came across this book. The librarian told me that it was a great book. I told her that I have already watched the movie and I am just curious if the book is the same as the movie. I have watched the movie once, out of curiosity as well. From a list of the greatest movie for 2012, The Perks of Being a Wallflower came into number fourteen.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower was written by Stephen Chbosky, who also directed the film. The story is about an introverted and intelligent boy in the name of "Charlie" and his life in his first year in high school. The story also depicts the lives of high school students - the struggle to be popular, being an outcast, parties, drugs and sex. 

The story was told by Charlie in the form that he was writing letters to an unknown recipient - narrating his life, his first day in high school, how he loss his friend Michael, how he met Patrick and Sam, how he learn to smoke, began addicted to drugs, his first girlfriend - Mary Elizabeth and how his pasts haunts him. Charlie was tagged by Sam as a wallflower, during a party after a football game, upon learning that Charlie has no other friends.This is the start of Charlie being a part of the group of Sam and Patrick which is composed of senior students. And since, he is an introvert and tagged as a wallflower, nobody in his family have the slightest idea that he was sexually molested by his aunt, that he did drugs, and he smokes.

In the epilogue, Charlie was admitted to a mental institution when he was flooded with memories of his Aunt Helen, and emotions that he have suppressed for a long-time. While at the institution, family and friends visits him helping in his fast recovery.

Aside from setting awareness in the problem of teens, the book also introduces readers with other literature classics (books Charlie's teacher assigns him to read) and songs (mixtapes that Charlie makes). Here are some of the books that was mentioned in the story:

- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare
- Naked Lunch by William Burroughs
- Walden by Henry David Thoreau
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Some of the music mentioned in the book are:

- Asleep by The Smiths
- Where Eagles Dare by The Misfits
- Dear Prudence by The Beatles
- Scarborough Fair by Simon and Garfunkel
- Heroes by David Bowie
- MLK by U2
- Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole
- Something by The Beatles
- Blackbird by The Beatles
- Daydream by The Smashing Pumpkin
- Broken Wings by Mr. Mister

This is one of the famous quote from the movie that I think everyone can relate to. This was said to Charlie by his teacher while telling him that his sister was hurt by his boyfriend.

" We accept the love we think we deserve.”

Note: Picture credit from the site below:

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lshdgsC7D91qav9ywo1_500.jpg

Pardon me for borrowing the pictures, I was not able to take a picture of the book that I borrowed from the library.

A Second Visit to Anawangin Cove

Anawangin Cove is becoming a go-to vacation place in Zambales. My first visit was in June of 2010 and because I was awed by it's beauty, I returned to the Cove last December 2012.

Anawangin Cove

going to Anawangin Cove

Anawangin is best known by it's white sands that is like Boracay and the pine-like trees lining along the shores. It's like Boracay and Baguio rolled into one place. Also, one of the best thing about Anawangin is the tranquility it offers. Being away from commercialism, one can enjoy every little things that nature can give.

From the fishing village of Pundaquit, you can hire a banca that will bring you to Anawangin. It's a 45 to 60 minute ride. The ride can be relaxing that it will make you feel sleepy. But don't dare close your eyes you might miss seeing some of  nature's beauty like a school of fish simultaneously jumping out of the water, the lighthouse on top of Capones Island, the beautiful cloud formation on a clear sky and the wonderful rock formations. If you don't like  a boat ride, you can hire a guide that will help you take a hike at the mountain.

passing by a rock formation

Aside from the usual beach bumming, one can enjoy trailing the mountains, put up a campsite, and become nature's survivor in an instant. As Anawangin is far from commercialism, you should bring the basic necessity like food, water, towels, and toiletries. Though there is a store, the price is expensive. There is a common comfort room but there is no shower, you must use a bucket and dipper.

the cottages

the wooden bridge

Although Anawangin is becoming a popular beach destination, during my two visits, the place is not as crowded as the other beaches that I have gone too. Activities are limitless when there are only few people on the beach. There is non-stop photo-ops, games, non-stop swimming, it's like you can do anything you want. 

Unlike my first visit, where we swim at the beach of the cove, this time we went hiking at the mountain just beside the beach. There is a path to follow in climbing the mountain; and this path is slippery. My advice, don't climb the mountain after you swim or wallow at the water. 

And in here we truly appreciate the beauty of the place. 

the view from the top

at the other side of Anawangin Cove

How to get there:

1. Ride a victory liner bus bound to Iba, Zambales (php 375.00)
2. From Iba, Zambales ride a tricycle that will bring you to Pundaquit.
3. Hire a boat to take you to Pundaquit (Php 2,000.00 negotiable)

Important Things to Bring:

1. food
2. lots of water
3. tent, blankets, towels (for camp-goers)
4. sun block lotion and anti-mosquito lotion (for camp-goers)
5. matches, lighter, flashlight (for camp-goers)
6. camera
7. toiletries

Run for a Cause: The Manila Bay Clean-up Run

Manila Bay is a natural harbour that serves as a port in Manila. Because of the strategic location of the Manila Bay it became the gateway of trade and commerce of the Philippines with its neighbouring countries. It is also because of this that the Manila Bay became polluted. The surrounding ports and the industrialization is the main cause of pollution causing the destruction of the ecosystem at the bay. 

The pollution at the Manila Bay became an alarming concern for the government that the Supreme Court issued an order to the Metro Manila Development Authority to demolish illegal structures and dwellings along the riverbanks and waterways connected at the Manila Bay by 2015. Other concerned organizations also help in cleaning up the Manila Bay.

The Manila Broadcasting Company, for the third year, organizes the Manila Bay Clean-up run with the intention of collecting funds that will help in the clean-up and rehabilitation of the Manila Bay. The run is composed of four category; the 21km, 10 km, 5 km and the 3km.

In the morning of July 14, 2013 at 4:00 am runners assembled at the CCP Ground at Pasay City to run again for the cause of the Manila Bay. Runners all clad in white singlet with a statement at the back “the clean-up never stops” grace the streets of Vicente Sotto, Roxas Boulevard, Seaside Drive, and Macapagal Avenue. 

Truly, with the help of all the people the clean-up of the Manila Bay will never stop. And maybe one day we will see again a clean and rehabilitated Manila Bay.

The Island known as Cagbalete

Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon is now becoming a popular destination for beach-goers. The first time I heard about Cagbalete is three years ago from my sister.  She and her friends had their annual summer beach bumming trip and during that time they own the island to themselves as they were the only tourist in the island. But now, Cagbalete became a popular destination that we found it difficult to have a reservation on the three resorts located in the island.

the Cagbalete Island

Cagbalete can be reached by riding a boat at Mauban port. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes. During low tide a wharf is used to as a means of transportation. Upon reaching the Sabang port at Cagablete, tourist needs to trek the barrio to the rice fields before reaching the resorts. The resorts also have hired bancas that can directly bring the tourists to the beach front of the resorts.

It is important that one knew the hour of low tide and high tide at Cagbalete. A very unique characteristic of the island is its low tide and high tide. During low tide, a large area of the beach will be dried up, and no boat can come near the shore, and people cannot also swim. The high tide is at the afternoon, when the sun is no longer at its peak.

the low tide

our boat stuck up in the middle of the sea during the low tide

It is also during low tide that one of the attractions of the island will come into view – the Bonsai Island. The Bonsai Island has three bonsai plants that is totally covered by the sea during high tide and can only be seen during low tide. The Bonsai Island can be reached during low tide. Other features of the Bonsai Island are a small tunnel, the different beautiful shells with imprints of starfish, and other small sea creatures that are hiding in the crevices of the sea floor. 

the bonsai

starfish hiding at the rocks

the tunnel under the sea

Another attraction at the island is the Tabsing or the point where fresh water meets the salt water. The Tabsing is near the M. V. Sto. Niño Resort. The Tabsing is actually a river going to the sea. The place is nice for swimming especially during low tide because it is in a shady area. 

meeting Mr. Krabbs on the way to the Tabsing

on the way to the Tabsing

If you are feeling lazy to explore the island, you can take a nap at one of the cot at the resort or just sit at the chairs at the beach front while enjoying a beautiful view of the ocean. The good thing about Cagbalete is that even though it already became a hot spot for beach-going people, the beach still remained clean, and it offers a tranquil feeling that can soothe every tired soul.

the view while lying on the cot

another magnificent view while lying on the cot