It's Another Long Weekend!

It's another long weekend for us.  Tomorrow is Bonifacio Day.  It's going to be another busy weekend! 

I just love this picture from Rockwell, very Chrismassy!

Motorcycle views and more

Many girls find men  appealing  in their   motorbike.  They  think that  men  look  manly  when they  wear  leather jacket,  in complete  gear  and  driving dangerously in curves and slopes.   For men,    motorcycle racing  gives them  adrenalin rush especially for off  road  racing.  The more dangerous they take,  the more fun and challenging  they  get.  


Why do women find men  in motorbike sexy?    I asked a few friends online and each of them responded differently.  I think it really  depends on the bikes and the women seeing it.  Some of  them   find  men sexier in a different way  because  even the not so appealing man  looks  good  to  them  when riding a  high end or luxury motor bike.  Sport bikes usually get  girls  attention.  How many  magazine  cover  did you see that features  a man   riding  a motor bike   while projecting  a sexy look.  Let's face it!  Men  look sexier  in a bike  than in a car,  period.

Dinner at Precious Moments Restaurant

How was your weekend?  I hope you all had a great Sunday and enjoyed it as much as we did. After roaming around Mommy Mundo's Bazaar at  Rockwell,  we headed  to  Precious Moments Restaurant for a very sumptuous dinner.  Will post a separate blog later.

Have a great weekdays ahead!

Encourage Play in your little ones with Smart Parenting this November

The importance of play is undeniable-especially in children. While toy stories today are full of the newest knickknacks and gadgets that appeal to both children and adults, it's still a difficult task to select which toys are actually worth buying. This month, Smart Parenting makes this task easier for you with its annual list of best toys. From interactive toys to encourage sharing to cute toys to boost your baby's brainpower, as well as a feature on how to teach your child independent play, you will find what you need to ensure  the best quality playtime for your little one.

As well-loved actress and host Camille Prats and son, Nathan, grace the November cover of Smart Parenting, she shares her touching story of dealing with the loss of her husband to cancer, raising Nathan on her own, and some advice for new moms everywhere. She shares, "enjoy what you have now, kasi sobrang ikli lang ng buhay."

Also in this issue, read up on how to better communicate with your kids with features like "No more power struggles" - 44 ways to turn conflict into cooperation - and "kid's toughest questions" - smart answers to satisfy your child's curiosity. Find out if you're raising a spoiled brat in "Spoiled Rotten!" and learn how you can avoid spoiling your children (and damage control if they already are). What's more, Smart Parenting sits down with five women of different faiths as they give advice on raising morally upright kids, something that all parents, regardless of beliefs, aspire to do.

For more on how to raise happy, well-rounded kids, grab a copy of the November issue of Smart Parenting, available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide for only P125.  Your kids also get a treat with National Geographic's Little Kids zine that comes with every issue of Smart Parenting!

Visit Smart Parenting online at www.smartparenting.com.ph. Become a fan of Smart Parenting on Facebook via Facebook.com/smartparenting.ph and follow us on Twitter via Twitter.com/SP_online.

Get Starstruck with Good Housekeeping's First Celebrity Issue this November!

We can't help but scan the latest updates on their lives at check out counters, make time to watch showbiz shows on the weekends, and almost pass out when we see them in the flesh - we love them and want to be like them. With their actions and words, their power to influence is undeniable - and in the process, celebrities have truly become household names and strong role models. Get starstruck and inspired this November as Good Housekeeping releases its first ever Celebrity Special loaded with exciting features on what it's like to be a star.

This month, Good Housekeeping shows you how to live stellar by giving you the lowdown on how to dress like super-stylish Hollywood Supermoms, always look camera ready with techniques to fake perfect skin, and how you can whip up the favorite home recipes of popular personalities and celebrity chefs (Jolina Magdangal's Classic Beef Caldereta and  Martha Stewart's Gingerbread Cookies to name a few!). Also read up on how to better manage your money woes as Good Housekeeping reveals five money mistakes Hollywood stars made and what  you can learn from them.

Gracing the cover of the first celebrity issue is the well-loved Queen of Teleserye, Judy Ann Santos Agoncillo, as she talks about her return to show business, her happy home life with family and how she gives back to the community. She advises to choose a cause that's close to your heart, "Make sure na ito yung gusto mong talagang tulungan." She also talks about the moment when she had a calling to get active in a cause. "I was earning a lot and people were suddenly judging me with the things I did. I realized it was time to give back and uplift myself. So ayun, sila yung energizer ko."

Judai isn't only the star giving back in this celebrity-packed issue too! In "Shine and Substance,"  Good Housekeeping sits down with big-hearted stars: Aga Mulach, Gerald Anderson, Daphne Osena-Paez, Sam Milby, Regine Velazque-Alcasid, Karylle and Matteo Guidicelli as they talk about their respective causes and how you can help.

For more on how you can give back and live like your favorite celeb, grab the November issue of Good Housekeeping. Good Housekeeping is available in newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide or simply subscribe to Good Housekeeping  e-magazine  through www.summitmedia.com.ph/emagazine. For more updates, become a fan of Good Housekeeping on Facebook via Facebook.com/goodhousekeeping.ph and follow them on Twitter via Twitter.com/ghphils.

Creating a brighter Christmas for a brighter tomorrow

This season of giving, Belgian bag brand Kipling joined  forces   with   World Vision  today held   at Society Lounge,  Atrium  Makati,  to  bring   “A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow,”  a program that aims to provide additional funds for the education of children under the care of the world renowned Christian development and advocacy organization.   TV Film Actress and  former  beauty queen,  Miriam Quiambao hosted the said  event which  was  attended  by different groups of media and bloggers.

According to the Benjamin Go, President of Greyhound Marketing Corporation, exclusive distributor of Kipling in the Philippines, the partnership is a timely effort to spread the fun and happiness that’s instilled in every Kipling bag. “There is no greater joy this Christmas than knowing we have brought smiles to others, especially children. Through “A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow” program, we can make not only the holidays, but also the future, brighter for the children of World Vision.”

“We are very delighted to have this partnership with Kipling, which is known globally for bringing fun and joy through its fashionable bags. Were happy that this time, Kipling has decided to reach out and bring the same kind of goodwill to ensure the education of children sponsored by World Vision,” says National Resource Development Associate Director Jun Godornes.

Joining Kipling and World Vision in celebrating the launch of this meaningful endeavor are some of the country’s biggest celebrities who are also extending their support to the program. These include Miriam Quiambao, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kylie Padilla and Jessica Connelly.

Fashionable ladies on-the-go can also share in giving children a brighter tomorrow by shopping for a cause. For every Kipling bag or luggage purchased from December 1 to 31, 2012, Kipling will donate Php 500 to World Vision.

For its Holiday Collection, Kipling offers sporty and glam bags called Basic Elevated. These perfect everyday adventure companions come in stylish quilted exteriors, patent details, stunning linings, and 3 Christmas-themed colors red, white and black.

The Basic Elevated Collection includes New Elise that has a tablet-ready interior and can be worn 3 ways; Teagan S, a travel-savvy trolley with 2 compartments that are accessible from the topside; Weekend bag that can accommodate all your travel tidbits with its expandable bottom; and Creativity X a totally essential-ready cross-over bag.

“Kipling’s Holiday Collection is a line eagerly awaited by our loyal customers, but this time, we’d like to enjoin them to share the blessings of the season by participating in this program. This is because with every purchase of any Kipling bag, our customers get to enjoy cutting-edge designs and fashion- forward pieces as well as help build a brighter tomorrow for the less privileged children,” adds Millet Antonio, brand manager of Kipling in the Philippines.

Also helping raise awareness about Kipling’s A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow With World Vision program are our ad agency The Sven Group and talent agency Vidanes Marketing.

Kipling is available online at zalora.com.ph and at SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA The Block, SM Megamall, SM Bacolod, SM Iloilo, SM Davao, SM Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, Robinsons Place Ermita, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Makati, Landmark Makati, Landmark TriNoma and soon-to-open Centrio Mall in Cagayan De Oro. To know more, visit Kipling Philippines on Facebook and get to find out more exciting news and promos from the lovable monkey.

Long queue line this Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. Decorations are up in the malls. You would see some houses decorated  with Santas and Christmas trees. The streets are filled with Christmas lights.   If you walk along  Makati's  busy  thoroughfares,  you'd  see  lighted buildings and streets.  Walk for a few minutes at Ayala Triangle Gardens and you'd feel Christmas from  thousands of  lights hanging in the trees  while dancing  with  music.

If  you ride  a  Light Trail Transit (LRT),  you need to wait for a long line before you reach  the counter to buy your ticket.  During this season, there are  a lot more commuters compared to other months of  the year because of the volume of people going  crazy  over shopping.  Good thing,  in all stations, there are rope stanchions that separate the male commuters from  female commuters.  At least all females feel secured even if it is crowded inside  the  train.   Long queue doesn't  end there at the train.  Because Christmas  is coming,  you  need to bear  the long lines  in all  the counters  even when you pay  your  bills.

Havaianas Pays it Forward with Design a Smile 2 for the Benefit of Operation Smile

When was the last time you made someone else smile? That is the question Havaianas asks you as it launches the Havaianas Design a Smile 2, a flip-flops design contest for the benefit of Operation Smile Philippines. First launched in 2010, Havaianas Design a Smile gives children the chance to show their artistic talents by designing the next Havaianas Smile pair – a special design which will be produced into an actual Havaianas pair A percentage of the sales will be donated to Operation Smile Philippines, a non-profit organization which provides life-changing surgeries to children with cleft lips and cleft palates. The initial run generated more than 2,000 entries and raised more than PHP 100,000 from donations alone during this period. “Havaianas believes that summer is a state of mind and can be lived every day of the year whenever you adopt a happy and carefree attitude,“ shares Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Havaianas Philippines. “And nowhere else is that more evident than in children. With Havaianas Design a Smile, we hope to generate funds and awareness to support Operation Smile in our shared mission to spread smiles all over the world.”



This November to January, Havaianas Design a Smile 2 is back, with the theme “Paying it Forward: Kids Helping Kids.” Beginning November 24th, artistically inclined kids can join Havaianas Design a Smile by submitting their designs illustrating their answer to the question “What will you do to make other people smile?” at partner events nationwide, beginning with the Bonifacio Global City Passion Fest at Bonifacio High Street from November 23 to 25, and at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent from November 24 to 25. Winners will receive exciting prizes from Havaianas, Bobble, Pininho, Hobbes and Landes, McDonald’s, and Sony. The grand prize winner will also have his or her design produced as part of the Havaianas 2014 Collection as the Havaianas Smile pair, with a percentage of the sales from which will help fund the operations of Operation Smile.

“The response from our initial run was overwhelming,” says Ammiel de Leon, Group Director, “this year, we hope to enrich our partnership with Operation Smile even more and involve more people all over the Philippines in Havaianas and Operation Smile’s advocacy to give children their smiles.”

Havaianas Design a Smile 2 kicks off at the Bonifacio Global City Passion Fest at Bonifacio High Street, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig from November 23 to 25, and at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent, Rockwell PowerPlant Mall, Makati City from November 24 to 25. Like the Havaianas Philippines Official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/havaianasphilippines/ to find out other events that the Havaianas Design a Smile 2 booth will be visiting.

A Controversial Pose

Before I get into the title of my post,  let me tell you a few words about the latest news in town, a movie to watch and die for,   for the  spectators and fanatic of  The Twilight Saga:   Breaking Dawn Part 2.    I read a lot of  good  reviews about the movie Breaking Dawn Part 2 which stars  Robert Pattinson and  his girlfriend   Kristen Stewart (are they really back in each others arms again?)  and the reviews are quite interesting that  captured my interest to  watch the movie although  I am not really a  Twilight fanatic nor part  of  Team  Edward.  


Anyways,  Robert Pattinson  caught my attention when I saw his photo while he was  puffing in a cigarette.  I just don't know  the brand,   maybe  partagas cigars  or sort of.   Many actors smoke during cigarette breaks.  What I don't like is that, they really couldn't  control themselves  and  even pose in a camera with cigars in their hands. They must be very proud of  being  heavy smokers.  Remember the famous  actress who was featured on the cover of  a magazine holding a cigarette in  dramatic black  and white photo?   It  was her  comeback to showbiz industry   and  that  controversial  pose  made her way to become popular again.

My Christmas Tree is up

Our Christmas Tree is up,  not the photo  posted here.  The image above is a Christmas Tree from Precious Moment Restaurant.  I  don't  have any available photos of  our tree yet. It's the same  Christmas   tree that  we  put  every season  for  four  years now.  I lighted the tree  last night  and I felt like the season is already here.  We only have 40 days left before Christmas,  so do your shopping now and avoid the rush! Precious Moments Restaurant offers different Christmas items too.   I will post  more about  Christmas soon. Stay tuned!

What is it like to be a stay at home mom

So you think that being a stay at home mom is an easy job?  Read on so you'll understand.

I start my day at 4:30am and I mastered the art of waking up early without pressing the snooze button of my alarm clock.  It's the hardest thing for me to do because working mom online at the same time has no fixed schedule to follow unlike  working in the office which has  usual  working hours.  So, that starts my day,  preparing my children to school. I graduated already  from changing diapers to preparing children to adulthood. That's tough!   

Picking up dirty laundry and  scattered cables to keep  them neat are  my usual morning routine.  Yes,  I'm a smart mom, I use zip ties   for  tangled wires and power cords.   Oh, and that's only an extra task.   It doesn't end there.  Cooking,  washing, running errands, replenishing supplies,  disposing rubbish and dusting surfaces  are just  some in the list.  Want to know  more?  It's an  endless task.


Yes, I work at home but it doesn't change the title as a stay at home parent.  I still do what a stay at home mom does and I and multi task. But I am more than just a SAHM.  I do product reviews, reach out to other moms and blog  to chronicle my daily life.

So you think a stay at home is easy?   I have no pay and I work 24/7.

But I love this job!  I have my children and they are my sweet rewards!

Moms Get Organized in 2013 through the Mom 24/7 Planner

Doctor's appointment, pickup daughter from ballet practice, get snacks for son's play date, meeting with the client at 3PM, lunch with in-laws on the weekend and date night with the hubby tonight... Sound's familiar?
Moms nowadays are getting busier and busier and it's actually becoming a wonder how they do it. Juggling multiple roles and responsibilities: the kids, their husbands, a career or business, and hobbies on the side- surely they must have a sidekick even just to remind them of their next task or to breathe.

If you're a mom who strives to be efficient and organized, then the Mom 24/7 2013 Planner is especially made for you. Join the thousands of moms who have benefited from using the organizer since the launch of its maiden issue in 2012.

Tagged as "The Ultimate Mom Planner," the 6x8 inch hard bound, spiral bound organizer is equipped with special planning pages to help you manage your personal, family, home and work life so you can have more time to spend at will. May it be for quality family time,productive work time or "me" time.

The 2013 issue has a watercolor theme reflecting the soft and gentle yet colorful and creative side of motherhood. It is more compact to make it a handy mom companion throughout next year.

The Mom 24/7 2013 Planner also contains health record pages the entire family, a family vacation planner and even party planning pages. To help us run an organized home, the planner also has designated sections for money matters, grocery lists, menu planner, household help records.

The Mom 24/7 2013 Planner isn't called "The Ultimate Mom Planner" for nothing. The organizer has a special portion for mom's personal development where you can list down your goals and ideas. The planner even has a menstrual tracker. If you are also feeling joyous or reflective, be inspired along with the other moms who shared their personal experiences about motherhood which you can read on the topmost part of every page.

Each Mom 24/7 2013 contains coupons from Mommy Mundo partners so make sure to grab a copy. Enjoy discounts and freegoodies from All Flip-Flops, Lactacyd Toddler Tubs, Smart Explorers, Silly Monkey Clothing, Bug & Kelly, Mommy Matters, Natural Origins, Baby & Beyond, Philips Avent, Cycles and Cradles, Tiny Buds, Fun Ranch and Dentiste.

The Mom 24/7 2013 Planner will be available at the following retailers by third week of November: Fully Booked, National Bookstore, Hobbes & Landes, Numa, Medela House, Momtrepreneur Shop, and online through www.shopmommymatters.com, and Indigo Baby.

For more info visit www.MommyMundo.com/mom247planner2013, email info@mommymundo.com or text 09178162524.

Dell Philippines Commits to Making a Difference in the Community

Pledges long-term support for four local charities in aid of children’s causes

MANILA, Philippines, November 1, 2012 -- Dell Philippines has pledged support for four local charitable organisations promoting children’s welfare and education, further extending the company’s strategic global giving efforts to make a meaningful impact to communities around the world. The identified organizations are Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc., Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc., Children's Joy Foundation, Inc., and Haven for Children.

With an aim to address pressing social issues, Dell will work with these charities to provide assistance through technology, know-how and volunteer support. “We find that these four organizations have many needs, donations being just one of them,” Richard Teo, president for Dell Philippines said. “The activities that they need to roll out require volunteers and additional manpower, so I see our Make a Difference program as the best way to connect our team members and the communities that can benefit from our collective giving efforts.

“Our team members have always been passionate about wanting to help different communities, but in the past, they did not know how and where to go. By formalizing our strategic giving partners, we now encourage team members to devote their time to these worthy causes,” added Teo.

“We chose our current partners because they regularly need volunteers and team support. The programs may evolve, but the need for help is always there,” he said. “Dell Philippines will strive to sustain these charitable activities and lend our time year-on-year. The ultimate goal is to spread volunteerism among our people, and to see our efforts grow and benefit the community.”

Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.
Dell has been supporting Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.—a rehabilitation and skills training center dedicated to helping people with disabilities become productive and self-sufficient members of society—through mentoring, donations and volunteering at the center. Tess Lloren, resource mobilization director of Tahanang Walang Hagdan Inc., said “Dell really has compassion towards marginalized sectors; not all companies will stay with you throughout the years. They have been very supportive with our outreach programs and services and have really helped us in every way.

“Dell also donated several laptops which we use in the offices making our work faster and more efficient and also use them during our community visits in places where we undertake the community-based rehabilitation program,” she added.

The two organizations have also teamed up for a sustainable recycling program, another indication of the deep partnership between the two entities. According to Lloren, recyclable materials from the Dell Philippines offices will be sent to the center to be re-purposed. Items such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles can be reused by the foundation's staff, while newspapers are woven into other products, and non-recyclable items are sold to buyers of scrap materials. “The efforts of the volunteers and the proceeds really help us in sustaining our educational program for the young and with disabilities,” Lloren said.

Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc.
Advocating the cause to protect and defend the rights of street children and turn them into productive citizens, Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc. has also benefited from donations and time expended by Dell volunteers. “We need volunteers very badly because of the wide area we cover. We need a lot of support from willing and able people to teach in the areas where we operate, to engage with the children in educational and extra-curricular activities such as sports, singing and dancing, mathematics, reading and writing tutorials, physical exercises, handicrafts, computer literacy and values formation,” explained Teresita Silva, Childhope Asia Philippines’ president and executive director.

Dell’s Teo said “Dell's partnership with Childhope is part of our commitment to actively support children’s issues which are very close to the hearts of many Dell team members. There are mothers in our organization with children of their own whom we wish to see grow up and become productive members of our communities.” At present, Dell has supported Childhope Asia Philippines with footwear donations and feeding programs.

Children's Joy Foundation, Inc.
Dell team members have also been volunteering time, offering community classes for the abandoned and neglected children sheltered at the Children's Joy Foundation, Inc.

“The Dell Philippines team has been a very good partner of the Children’s Joy Foundation in achieving our advocacy to give a brighter future to destitute children across the country by providing quality education and empowerment of computer literacy program. We believe that the true measure of our success as an institution that helps children is seeing a lesser number of computer illiterate youths and more brilliant Filipino IT professionals who are inspired by good people like the Dell team,” said Rosemarie Dimagnaong, executive director of Children's Joy Foundation, Inc.

“The Dell team also spent an evening with the children during last year’s Christmas season. They made the kids very happy, giving them a reprieve from the rigors of daily life through a night of laughter and love,” she added.

Haven for Children
Haven for Children, a government institution working with more than a hundred former street children and substance abuse victims aged seven to 13, is another primary partner of Dell Philippines. Last year, Dell provided the organization and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with new desktop computers for the institution’s educational component. “We are very grateful to Dell for the computers they donated,” said Nieve Gentelizo, officer-in-charge of Haven for Children. “The children are now starting to learn computer basics, so Dell's donation really helped us a lot.”

Apart from donating clothing, medicine and other basic provisions, Dell team members can also volunteer for Haven for Children's computer literacy program to bolster the efforts of the five teachers in charge of the kids.

“More work can be done. Dell recognizes these concerns and our people from all levels and departments will continue to work with the four giving partners. The little things we can contribute can make a big difference,” Teo said. “If everyone of our over 1,600 team members contributes even two to three hours a month, the impact we can make in the communities and the lives of the underprivileged will be significant.”

About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. Powering the Possible is Dell’s commitment to put technology and expertise to work where it can do the most good for people and the planet. Dell works with nonprofits to address pressing social issues by donating a combination of Dell technologies and solutions, funding, expertise and volunteer support. In 2011, Dell gave more than $44 million, and Dell team members volunteered more than 418,000 hours in their communities. Learn more at www.dell.com/communities

Come Home to Laguna at Casa San Pablo

When on vacation, you're always  excited to go home right?  You want to visit your hometown,  reminisce good memories and meet your relatives. Unfortunately, when you go home, the house that our ancestors onced lived  no longer exist,   now modernized and  rebuilt  with no traces left of the past.  You won't see  old furniture anymore.  If there are some,  you  would see them only in photos.  Chances are,  the rustic wood and old set of  furniture were already sold to antique shop  while the old  bangerahan and  other  rustic sets  were already  trashed  or  dusted  in a stock room.


Last sem break,  we just found another home.  What I missed in the past came back to life again.  We came home refreshed, energized, recharged and full of   memories to keep. What just happened?  We spent another  weekend in a cozy place like we visited our  grandparents in our home province. And where did we go?  In the heart of  Laguna,  Casa San Pablo.

Let me tell you my story and tour you  down  to a place what we called  home for a while.  Let me just  post more photos  according to the sequence of  images in my photo archive.

Warm welcome by the owners,  Boots and his wife An

We were welcomed with a warm heart by the owners  Boots  Alcantara and  his wife An Alcantara.  Boots is an avid art collector and hobby enthusiast while An is a writer and editor of a magazine.   They run  Casa San Pablo as a team, the cozy bed and breakfast inn in the heart of Laguna  located inside  Gomez compound, a family compound where Boots grew up.   Boots turned a portion  of  it into a  very relaxing, cozy  place to stay, a very unique theme you will seldom see in other B & B resort.   Home will always be a place where everyone  wants to stay and that's exactly what I feel during our vacation.   The experience that we had was unforgettable especially for the kids. There were  lots of activities for kids like cooking demo,  clay demo, bonfire and other  fun activities.  I grew up also in the province  and our short  stay brought me  back down to nostalgic lane.


Here are some activities that we had at Casa San Pablo


As soon as we unloaded our things, the children ran to the hammocks and occupy each and rest like it was really their  home.

The Native Cooking Demo

Right after our sumptuous breakfast,  An  introduced us the historic San Pablo and how the coconut became the basic ingredient  for native cooking  to locals. This activity is awesome and I  don't think my children will ever experience this  again in any other vacations.

Below photos need no caption anymore as they already  speak for themselves. The kids were really interested  about the past on how native cooking was like.  The native cooking  is said to be the best in the world. The best chef is found in the kitchen of our home.

The kids participated in  preparing and cooking three native dishes.  The first dish that we made was Adobo sa  Gata then Kulawo and Pinaltok.

 

 

The shredded coconut is burned using coconut charcoal. After a while,  they squeezed in the juice  from the burnt coconut to make a coconut cream. The juice that came out   gave a unique  and authentic taste.  I can't explain how it exactly tastes like, it is  just different and unique.

 

 

This little man is seriously squeezing the juice from the  shredded coconut.  I'll tell you I was really amazed how  he showed   interest during the cooking demo.

  

And now comes  the tasting time..  Yummy!

 

So cute!  Maybe I should schedule another cooking demo in our house  with this little man. This activity is not just interesting but educational too.

 

 

And here is the product of  native cooking demo:  Pinaltok, Adobo sa Gata and Kulawo.

Clay Workshop Demo


An  is a hobby enthusiast who loves to make  clay storyteller dolls.  She demonstrated the kids how to make  clay figured inspired by the creations of  Native American pueblo artisans.

Nice art!  Each creation has its own story to tell.

After An Alcantara demonstrated how to make a clay figure, the children were given a time to create their own.

 Up close of  Juan's masterpiece. He said that he's gonna make an  image in his mind.  A woman crossing arms,  probably  because this woman is  getting old  and cold.  And the woman that he created was  me. Really?  I appreciate  it a lot  my dear! 



Camp Adobo's  Bonfire Fun..

 Credits to www.occassionsofjoy.com for the above photo.

Children were having fun while toasting hotdog and marshmallow during the bonfire which was unusual  for them in other vacation. They will never forget this fun activity, so rare and so fun.

Swimming


The Mendiolables splashed  into the pool water while me and my kids stayed in the room and grabbed the chance to catch up some relaxing sleep. It was too late when we woke up and my children went swimming the next morning   instead.

Boots  shared to us how  Casa San Pablo began. The resort is situated inside the Gomez compound  with about  7 hectares of  land area.  From a day resort called "Kay Inay"  Boots decided to put up his own country inn inside the family compound.  He built the first six rooms together with his friends  using  an old house in Quezon. They rebuilt the house using  antique items, doors, windows,  old flat irons. Every piece in bedrooms in Casa San Pablo has different pieces  of art.  Casa San Pablo can accomodate 130 guests.  There are rooms that can accommodate  2 to 4 people,  8 people,  16 people and more.  Check the website (provided below)  for complete overnight  package.  The price is quite affordable including 3 meals,  (lunch, dinner and breakfast).

This is the room with a loft where we stayed.   The kids love the attic with sloped ceiling. You  have to check it out and experience yourself  the real  beauty of  Casa San Pablo.

When we asked the owners, Boots and An  where they got the inspiration for the B & B  resort,  they said that they were  inspired during their travels  in Europe and  other countries.  They  put  together the modernized theme  but still maintain the traditional home and  nostalgic-like feeling  like you were visiting your grandparents  in your province.

Casa San Pablo has its own beauty that is so unique with  its  folk art pieces and vintage scattered  like  paper mache horses, vintage coal iron placed on stepper, clay fish in the gardens,  and other works of art. 

Rooms have artwork exhibit  from artworks of  Elmer Borlongan, Eliezer John Cabangon, Halili and Tony Leano, dines among Ang Kiukoks, bathes in bathrooms designed by Ugu Bigyan.

My little daughter didn't spare the bathroom and  took  a  photo of herself  inside.

There is a wifi  in a common area  and in some guest  and conference  rooms for wider coverage  but it doesn't matter  to us  with or  without internet anyway.  We came to Casa San Pablo to  relax. It's the only  time we're  disconnected  to online world.   For a  little while,  we  lived a life without any gadgets  in our hands  to interrupt  our  happy bonding moments.

I  felt very secured inside.  Why did I say that?  Because we are inside  a family compound.  There is security guard  at the gate and the staff  were all  polite. Definitely, a must visit place for travelers,  group,  barkadas,  couples or  even  alone by yourself   if  you  want  to have some peace and quiet me-time.
The place is  perfect to hold  your  most  important events in your life like wedding and anniversary.  Check it out with  the  owners,  Boots and An  for different themes  to choose from, a country style,vintage, etc..


Dining at Casa San Pablo

Food served to us were all home cooked like it's being cooked by our mother, home cooked and unique Filipino taste.  They cooked some fresh  produce from the backyard,  I mean  really  FRESH  because I could taste it and feel it to bits.

Dining at  Casa San Pablo is like dining in your own house.  What we had for breakfast:   crispy bolinao,  sinangag,  San Pablo longaniza and tocino, sunny side up egg,  chocolate and suman and more.

 

Have fun..

Bonding moments,  sharing stories and pick up lines.

Before going back to Manila, we had a photo op with the owners  Boots and An. Thank you very much for   the warm welcome and for giving us wonderful  moments during our stay.  We really enjoyed our vacation and that memories will always be in our hearts forever.

Come home for a while.

Just  relax..

Sleep in a hammock.

and  just enjoy time..

Casa San Pablo

Barrio San Roque, San Pablo City, Laguna Philippines

Contact Numbers: (0920) 962 4083 (0917) 812 6687  (632) 211 2132

email: info@casasanpablo.com

Website:   http://casasanpablo.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/casasanpablo

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/casasanpablo

How to get there:

Driving to Casa San Pablo was easier for us and took us only about an hour and few minutes because we are familiar with the place.  For  detailed information, check them out  here.

Getting To Casa San Pablo By  Bus.  Take any bus going to Laguna. Get off at San Pablo Medical Center along the highway.  From the Medical Center, take a tricycle to Kay Inay Resort. Casa San Pablo is inside Kay Inay Resort.   For more information, check them out   here


I know that my post is already loaded with  lots of  photos but  they weren't enough for me.  I just can't  help but  share more of  our mini vacation.  View more photos  here.