Ace Water Spa (Pasig City, Philippines)

ABBEY: Tatay 's birthday falls in April and it is summertime in Philippines. To beat the heat, we schedule to go to Ace Water Spa in Pasig. We were there 7AM and we're really excited to have fun at the water. I'm glad that there are less people by the time we arrived. 

We enjoyed the spa treatments multiple times. I really liked the Rainfall Acupuncture; the pricking sensation is relaxing. I also tried their herbal pool where I stayed in the 38 degree one then cool down in the cold pool as well as the 8-nozzle shower.

Sauna and steam bath is also there. We had fun in the Bucket Splash and also in the lazy river.

I also got foot and back massages. A person cost Php550.00 and can stay for 4 hours. They are strict in swimming attire; only cycling, trunks, swim shirt, bathing suit. Baby diapers are required for kids below 3. All of the attires can also be rented for 100/150 pesos. Bring your own towel or rent at your own risk. I hope they can provide more good smelling towels.

WILL: As a culture on my family side, every April-May, we are going for an excursion. But time is not enough for all of us so Abbey and I decided to go to Ace Water Spa at Pasig for a 4-hour fun in the water plus relaxation. No snooze at all from our flight, we directly headed to Pasig. 

I have been to Ace and this will be my fourth. I am shocked to know that there is not a free towel for us to use. I do not know if my brain is serving me right but I know that there is a towel for the guests when I visited their first branch around 2008. Oh! There is no free cup of soup after your hydro-massage too. Tsk! Tsk! Anyways, we ended-up visiting this branch because I heard a lot of complaints of my relatives on their Quezon City branch. 

Pasig Branch is pretty small compared to their QC but the odor of the chlorine is less intense. We where there around 7AM and not so many people is hanging around and we literally enjoyed each part of the pool. My favorite? The jet Chair with Foot Massage. It targets the side of my tummy area, my thighs and high pressure on feet area. Kids keep coming back at ice cold pool just in front of herbal pool.

After 3 hours of dipped on the pool, I decided to go upstairs at their resting area, I snooze for another hour. 

Kids and adults enjoyed this 4-hour bonding we had. 

Special thanks to Belle De Jour Planner for a free 2 vouchers. :)

***

Ace Water Spa

United St., corner Brixton St. 

Near Pioneer Pasig City

(T) 404-9995

Bring your own towel

Proper Swimming attire (no board shorts and t-shirts allowed)

Baby Diapers is a must for 3 years old and below

Adults : Php550.00

Kids : Php250.00

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

ABBEY: Spending quality time with family is a reward for every OFW. But being with them in an out-of-town trip with food and travel is more than a reward. Planning and booking at Villa Escudero got everyone excited and finally the day came. 

We left Manila by almost 7AM and got there by 10. We were welcomed warmly by their staff as well as their welcome drinks. And we were led to the cashier for the tickets. But before going in, we ate our breakfast. Everybody preferred to hop to the cart pulled by a carabao rather than motorised vehicle. I think the carabao got a hard time pulling the 20 of us. A folk singer rendered us native songs along our way to the Waterfalls restaurant. The kids went first to the pool and enjoyed the waters and each adult went for their own selfie time. 

Lunch time is at Waterfalls restaurant. Eat to your stomach's content while the stream of water touch your feet. I think I ate more than 15 lumpiang toge and pork adobo but with less rice. That's how you do buffet. Siesta became alive while the performers (staffs of the resort is part of this too) showcased cultural dances to the tunes played by the string band aside from drinking freshly brewed coffee. After the presentation, the audience had the chance to take snaps with them. 

We stroll along the resort riding a long golf cart; the resort has a church, halls for weddings and meetings, and cabins for guests who will stay overnight. 

We visited their museum which exhibits church relics, coins and notes from different countries, clothes used by former Philippine presidents, and war articles like guns and uniforms. 

It was a fun-filled day and ended up on a sip of hot bulalo of Leslie's in Tagaytay. Hoping there would be more like this.

WILL: This is supposedly a celebration of my mother's bday. In the very last minute, mother backed-out the idea. Well, we still pursue to visit the famous Villa Escudero. 

We traveled without traffic for almost 4 hours. Whew! I enjoyed the ride because of the non-stop conversation with my siblings. And you will not dare to sleep because Ate Sol relentlessly taking shots of the person who's snatching some slumber. Haha!

We were greeted by genuine smiles of the people at the concierge. We informed them that we have a reservation and we settled the fees. They accept cash and major credit cards. We ate some breakfast at the before we went inside. 

Carabao!!! We got into the cart and carabao pulled us to our destination. When the children saw the pool, instantly they took off their shirts and changed to their swimming outfits. Within a second their already in the pool enjoying the cold waters in it. 

Rafting is free and I love to do it again. Yes! This is my second time in the place. Abbey was partnered by my Kuya Ric and I was with Papa RS. Luckily Papa knew how to operate the raft. We sailed with a great speed. Blissfully enjoyed the experience. 

After our tiring-but-enjoyeable rafting, we went to the manmade waterfalls for our buffet lunch. It made my tummy almost burst. Haha! What ate mangoes, vegetables and lumpia. I made three trips for that. Drool!!! We spend 2 hours of non-stop-chewing. Haha. 

We went back to the pool and my siblings lie down on the beach seats for siestas. 3pm the performance starts. We watched while sipping a hot coffee. After the show we decided to go roam around the villa. You can hail the whole vehicle and they will tour you to the whole land owned by the resort. 

Our last stop was the museum. No cameras were allowed. Strictly for your eyes only. What's inside? Catholic images and a lot of paraphernalia. I hope they preserve and showcase it in a more organised way.  

We walked through the gate and saw our photos. My siblings happily bought it as their souvenirs.  

The long journey of 6 hours back and forth is worthwhile. Time spent with your loved ones is never been a wasted time.

Southwest Tours Boracay - A Hassle Free Boracay Transportation

ABBEY: It was my first trip to Boracay and I can say that the travel time is not boring nor irritating. Thanks to SouthWest as they took care of us for all the transfers that we need to go thru. Yes, from Kalibo airport to Boracay and back. 

Their service is great. Just put the "sticker" to your chest, look for SouthWest staffs or follow their signs, then you'll get to your destination safe and sound. No worries if you'll be in different hotels when you arrive and depart. Tell them the locations and they'll be there ahead of your schedule. Their staffs are always smiling and accommodate the guests well. 

Thanks SouthWest.

WILL: Who doesn't want a stress free vacation with your loved ones? Everyone is aiming a perfect vacation right but a multi-mode of transport holiday is quite tiring. Its either you will book on the spot to save some pennies or to book advance and skip the queue. 

Southwest Tours was recommended by almost all of the hotels of Boracay for their airport-hotel-airport transfers. I checked their rates online and compared to friends who always visit Boracay. They confirmed that if I would like to wait and haggle for some hundred pesos they would recommend for me to skip Southwest and book it walk-in. The catch? You will trade few minutes or even an hour to wait until the bus/boat/tricycle to get full. Well, time is more important to me and Abbey so despite of few peso we opted for Southwest Travels and Tours. 

When we arrived at Kalibo Airport a small banner indicating our name greeted us. We were given a sticker and tickets. We were led immediately to their bus and not more than 20minutes our bus is speeding its way for a 2-hour journey. Seat is comfortable, bus is clean and I never passed the opportunity to take some snooze. Haha. 

We alight from the bus and we were guided by staffs of Southwest until we reached their small yacht. No more than ten minutes, we sailed. Half an hour we reached Caticlan Port. As usual there are their staffs waiving at us and guiding us. We then took a small van up to our hotel. 

On our way back to Manila, their service never fail. Our call time is 1130am for them to pick us up and the hotel concierge informed us that the Southwest staff is there waiting for us from 1030am. They are not on time. They are ahead of it. Haha! 

I felt so VIP on our tour at Boracay. Thanks Southwest Travels and Tours for making our vacation hassle-free. 

Please do visit their website. Please click here.

Things to Do in Boracay Philippines

ABBEY: Ok, ok, ok. This is another blog for the list of activities that you can do when you're in Boracay. 

On our second day, we were taken by a speedboat to the sea and have parasailing. I feel like I'm one of my toy soldiers that I used to tie in plastic bag for a makeshift parachute. Good thing that it is not too windy when we did it. I'm too small compared to the vast sea. It was a first for both of us so we really enjoyed the time at the top; maybe 30mins. 

The rest of the day is for island hopping. First stop is snorkelling. I'm not that afraid anymore and just had fun looking at the fish. Then we visited the caves at Crystal Cove. The stone formation is remarkable. The current and force of water shaped them throughout the time. Just make sure you got a secure foothold as it is slippery. Half a day was over so we filled up our tummy with lunch buffet; chicken and pork barbecue, kinilaw, and grilled fish. It was a sumptuous meal. While having siesta on the boat, we passed by the controversial West Cove owned by one of Manny Pacquiao's colleague as well as Shangri-La. We stopped to another beach on the other side of the island and took some snaps. The sun is already setting when the trip finished.

The third day was jam-packed with activities like the first. We started out with driving an ATV. I had difficulty in mustering it as I'm the one who holds the camera. No time to mount it :) We drove the vehicle towards the second highest point of the island, the Ocean Tower. You can take good panoramas here as it gives you 360 view of Boracay. 

Next challenge is taking snaps on the TrickArt museum. This is fun as you can be part of the exhibit like messing up with famous paintings or Cleopatra. 

After that, we rode a kiddie ride, Sky Cycle. This is more terrifying than parasailing. The cart screeched and produced noise as if it will collapse. I'll not recommend this; maybe I'll change my mind if they will renovate it.  

Before lunch, we went for the zipline on the highest point of Boracay. It is shorter than what we had in Cebu but still good and exciting. We relocated to a new hotel, had our lunch and then after land activities, we headed back to the beach. 

We went to experience paddle boarding. Wilma sat down on the board and I'm the one who paddles. I tried to stand up but I had a hard time balancing. It nearly cost me my specs after I tumbled in the water. 

The sun is going down, and its time for parawsailing. You will sit in the net laid out on the outrigger of the sailboat. It was very serene as you can only hear the waves and let the wind drive you.

Be sure to book the tours and activities with our own Kuya Niño so you can really enjoy your trip.

WILL: The sea is calling!!! 

Boracay really evolved its water activities. When my friends and I went there 8 years ago the only you can do there is island hopping, banana boat and flying fish. Even land tours that time is not available. Now Boracay caters all the wants of its tourists. 

8am is our call time. We were set for parasailing (Php900.00). Gosh! This is what I really want to do and I am ready for it since last year. Ha! We were booked too early by Kuya Nino, we're alone at the speedboat, it feels that we owned it. The owner also suggested for us to drive it. Nah! Pass! 

When the parachute welcomed the air, we were slowly pulled up..up...up!!! While on top, you can see the world in different angle. Voice inside me saying a non-stop thanks to HIM for creating this beautiful world for us to enjoy. The wind blows smoothly that relaxes our body. An excellent scene to spend with your loved ones. 

At 11am, we were set for our island hopping. I am quite nervous in how much we need to spend for this. Because we are only a couple. Its either we rent a whole boat or we will be looking for a set of people who wants to go with us. Well...Kuya Nino managed to squeeze us into another group so we pay for a minimal fee of Php800.00 which includes buffet lunch. 

Use of snorkelling goggles is free but you need to pay Php20.00 for environmental fee. Crystal Cove have an entrance fee of Php200.00. On that island you can enjoy the sweet scenery of royal blue waters, 2 coves and a lot of perfect spots for photo op. WARNING: Be careful at the coves. You can feel the fury of the waves in there. 

Kuya Nino is at MNL's doorstep at 8am on our third day. He scheduled us to go to Dreamland Boracay and for zipline. Luckily, zorbing is under maintenance. A big relief for Abbey. Nyahaha! For only Php650 we got an ATV, Ocean Tower, TrickArt, and Sky Cycle.

Driving ATV slowly taught me of being patient and to appreciate more the nature that surrounds the stiff road to one of the highest part of Boracay. Climbing the stairs of Ocean Tower is exhausting but the dramatic landscape of the island pays it off. Oh, Ate Arlene and the photographer lighten our morning even more when we started chatting and haggling about our photos. 

We drove back to Dreamland. It is our first time at any tricked museum for photo shots. Photos can be really deceiving. We were there early and the two-storey building was filled by our massive laughs when we saw the paintings on the wall. Creativeness will surely come out here. 

Sky cycle? That would be my first and last. The bike was emitting a creaky noise that seems anytime we might fall. 

The zipline service fetched us from Dreamland for free. Next to their stairs were you can see some of their pets. But I do not dare to have a moment because Abbey told me that they have a giant monitor lizard. Argghhh! It seems that Abbey is used in riding a zipline. He enjoyed it more than his first. High Five Baby! The people of this establishment is so cool and ready to share positive aura with you. 

We enjoyed Boracay's white beach when we checked-in at Golden Phoenix Hotel at station. Standup Paddling (Php300) is not easy as it may seem. More than ten times we were thrown out by the waves. I think our laughter can be heard on a mile long radius. Nyahahhaa! 

As we want to catch the sunset while on the boat. Kuya Nino scheduled parawasiling (Php300 each) for 6pm. It is bit cloudy that time but still the sunset is mesmerising. The waves gently touch our hanging feet. :) 

These activities will be outrageously expensive if there is no help from Kuya Nino. Call his handphone(+639158722855). Tell all the activities you want to checkout and he will do the scheduling for you. He really made our Boracay trip stress free.

TriNoma - Ayala 360

ABBEY: Beside SM North EDSA, we hang out to this mall during our vacation since this is close to Wilma's place. The mall resembles like that of Glorietta as this is owned by Ayala Land also. 

In here we bought our grocery, clothes and other stuffs. We met also our friends; had dinner and then coffee. The mall caters a wide range of restaurants like Gerry's grill, Abe, Itallianis, Mango Bistro, etc. Boutiques, drugstore, supermarket, arcade, and fast food chains are there also. Flea markets are at the center of each hallway. On the center most part of the mall is the events centre. Fashion shows, mini concerts and BIG sales are conducted on it.

WILL:  For me trinoma is better than SM North, I am more comfortable here. Not that crowded and here I really love the stores. 

       The structure and the sights is like you are somehow in Greenbelt. ;) Comfort rooms really give comfort haha. Very clean and there are parts that is so serene. Their cinemas is so clean and superb sounds they have. 

       Landmark offers dome cheaper and quality clothes. Some fruits and groceries that I am looking for is also here. Love Trinoma. I hope they will house Shakey's also. ;)

Baguio City Philippines

ABBEY: This is my second trip to this summer capital. The first one is an officer's retreat of our church. I just visited PMA and central market due to limited time.

On the second trip we stayed at Veniz hotel located at the center of the city (near the KM 0 mark). We went also to Mines View, Wright and Burnham parks, SM Baguio, had a dinner at Session Road, strawberry farm, and Central Market for pasalubong. We took the deluxe bus of Victory Liner for the trip.

WILL: Okay, okay, okay this is my fourth time in here, but until now, Baguio never fails to give me a shivering experience. 
Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. As this is one of the coldest part of Luzon that metro people can go. From Manila you can take Victory Liner Bus from its Cubao terminal or Monumento and take the 6 hour journey. I will suggest to take the night trip as it will save time for you. This city is very small that you can explore all the great places just for a day. 
Some that we explored with Ate Beth and her husband were the following. 

1. Strawberry Farm - a one jeepney away from the city. If you have a chance to pick some strawberry do it but be cautious because this is more expensive than the packed one in city's market. Do not forget to taste the strawberry flavored taho! Sarap-sarap! 

2. Still, the fantastic Mines View. The bustling sound of Pine Trees is priceless. I hope government will still protect this tourist attraction. 

3. The Wright Park. Due to many horses staying in this park, beware of their poops and its stench.  

4. The Mansion. Philippines' President home here in Baguio. 

5. The Botanical Garden is under renovation. Nothing so much to see here. This place is so much commercialized. So many stores inside. :( 

6. Burnham Park. Here you can rent a boat, do some picnic.

7. SM Baguio is now one of the tourist spot here. Why? This is their only mall that not uses air conditioner. Haha! They have a scheduled fireworks show too. 

8. Session Road. This is most crowded place that I can see here in Baguio. Traffic Jam never leaves that road. People were like ants flocking and roaming around. Banks, restaurants were all here. ;)

9. Camp John Hay. The high ranking officials place. Scenic and very serene. You can play golf here, do some outdoor activities and even rent a room for a night. 

     There's more places to go and visit here. Try to visit Baguio, choose Philippines. 

Puerto Galera - Philippines

ABBEY:
And the dream became a reality. Walking on white sand, feeling the sea breeze, seeing women in bikinis. Hahaha. I got there with my Baby Wilma and my highschool barkada. It was fun. For the first time, we were complete. Sharing life stories, insights, ideas, and other memories we had. The price per person is 3k, excluding the pasalubong. I hope next time will be on Boracay :)

WILL: Here we go Puerto Galera. Actually I am not excited to be in here, I am not a stranger to this island. Haha! The exciting part about this tour is to be with my man and my first time to go out with another set of Loyalty barkada.
Puerto galera's beach is not good to have a swim, why? You can not anticipate the flow of the waves. But for gimmick? Yeah this is a nice and the nearest beach to go to. Very commercialized and the restaurants along the beach costs too much. So its better for the budget tripper to go to their market place.
Love this adventure. Enjoyed the night of reminiscing with Abbey's HS barkada. 

Enchanted Kingdom Philippines

ABBEY: Yes, its true. First time ko ito sa EK. Don't have the liberty to go here during my earlier years. Its just a dream for me to go. Wilma got our ticket in a Travel Expo. She said we will definitely go to the theme park once I go back to Philippines. On the day itself, I had butterflies on my stomach. I was very nervous. I got my baptism of fire at the Space Shuttle. Whenever I got into a thrilling ride, I can't manage to shout. I want to suppress it and have my lungs swallowed all my nervousness. But this ride made me scream, an embarrassing one. Hehehe. Ang baba ng sigaw ko. I enjoyed the day at the park. We ended up in a dinner at Leslie's.

WILL: This is my, ahmm, 7th time to go in here. hehehe. Every 26th of December, my oldest brother birthday, its been a ritual for us to go in Amusement Park, and Enchanted Kingdom was visited the most. 

      

I love extreme rides here. The hatest, carousel, it makes me dizzy..ha! Kart Trak, their go kart, love ko mangitgit di pwede na lalampasan ako. Kaya sa apat na magkakapatid, ako lng ang di binigyan ng wheels nila tatay. hahaha.. They knew the best for me. 

     

Very advisable to go in here on weekends for the fireworks display and if you do not want a long queue go in here on steamy hot summer weather. But don't forget your sunscreen protection.

     

This is the first time of Abbey here, weird diba and I saw in his face that he really enjoys that day.