My hubby’s office mates from CSD-Makati and ESS departments organized a summer beach getaway in Canyon Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas. I got so excited when he told me that our two kids and I are included in their activity. Summer has not ended yet, and here we are for another sand and sun adventure. Yahoo!!!
one of the beautiful spots at Canyon Cove
Instead of a usual dinner date in a restaurant with romantic ambiance and music for our 18th wedding anniversary, I coerced my hubby to climb Taal Volcano and see the famous Crater Lake. He was hesitant at first but later I smiled in delight when he nodded his approval. Meaning it was yes! And because our kids were grown up and physically fit, we enjoined them to embark on this exciting adventure.
As of 2016, boat rental to Taal Crater Lake is now P2,000.00.
Panagbenga Festival or swimming in a beach resort? “Swimming!” Pao chose the latter eagerly. Our son is not a finicky lad, he doesn’t care if it’s a black or white sand beach as long as we are all together in a family getaway, that would be it. And so for his 14th birthday, we will go back to Villa Sulit in Baryo Hugom in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. Cheap resort but with clear water and breathtaking view.
Stepping atop this awesome big rock will bring you closer to nature and this is the reason why we went back to Villa Sulit
Batangas City is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning dive sites. And since it is near Manila, it is frequently chosen for company or group outings. For Shen’s fifth birthday, she wished for a family beach getaway which we highly favored. We are so happy because our little girl had overcome her fear of the sea. We chose Munting Buhangin Beach Camp in Barrio Natipunan, Nasugbu as it is three-hour away only from Manila and has a beautiful sea view.
We enjoined my brother-in-law Noel to go to Tagaytay for a Saturday escape from the stiff atmosphere in Manila. He’s been working abroad for so many years and before he leaves for another wonderful opportunity in California, we wanted him to see and explore some of our country’s exciting places to visit.
We chose Picnic Grove, the most visited park in Tagaytay City. We’ve been to this park so many times, but it’s nice to go back again and again because, in every visit, there is an exciting activity to indulge in. We had an exciting ride in zipline the last time we went here. The other new activity is the Cable Car which is ideal for a family ride.
Entrance fee was P50/head. Rion was free of charge since she is one year old.
Noel is from Baguio. The cool climate in Tagaytay was an ordinary thing to him. What awed him much was the breathtaking view of Taal Volcano and the lake. He got so busy capturing photos of every scenic spot that amazed him much.
Horseback riding is the oldest common activity in Tagaytay with the rate of P150 to P200 depending on the size of the horse. Since we already tried this activity in Baguio, no one wanted to do it again. So we headed down and occupied a picnic shed (P150) near the zipline station. We toured the eco-trail and just like our last visit, we enjoyed walking again to the concrete walkway with metal handrails. We savored the moment looking at the panoramic view of Taal Volcano. It took us twenty minutes before we went back to our area.
We let Noel roamed around at the lower part of the park where lots of people flocked to capture a better view of Taal Volcano. While sitting, we enjoyed watching those kites hovering in the blue sky. Later, what was left were those two big bat kites soaring freely and so mighty.
Since it was summer and weekend, the rate of zipline with photo and a mug with a photo too was Php500. Whew! What a price. It was only Pao and Miko who dared the ride again. We waited for their thrilling fly and cheered them up as soon as they were released into the air. Noel was scared to try it and so with my sister Gie. I guess it has something to do with age. Haha!
Everyone was starving when the two teens went back from their activity. We all sat together and eat our yummy snack. Bringing back the traditional picnic activity was really delightful. I was thankful that there’s a park like this that keeps family bonding so alive. An afternoon stay in Picnic Grove is indeed a relaxing family getaway.
There are lots of souvenir stores that sell t-shirts (Ph100 to Ph250), key-chains (Php35), table display (Php75), bags and coin purses (prices depend on sizes and designs). Of course for every visit, it’s a must to buy cute collections. There are also fruit stands where we bought pineapple and banana at affordable prices.
It was almost 7:00 pm when we finally bade goodbye to the park. Noel was very grateful to visit Tagaytay as he shared his valuable experiences on our way home. He appreciated the scenic view as well as the warmth of our family bonding.
I will never get tired of being the organizer in our provincial getaway because my heart is always filled with joy when we are all together in a beautiful place like this. Indeed, It is a rewarding threat to see their happy faces having fun. For the remaining days of my sister and her family here in the Philippines, we will bring them next to Boracay, Albay, and Sorsogon for a more meaningful adventure.
We had a comfortable sleep at HSL Beach Resort the other night. Thanks to the manager, Ate Marie for her gracious accommodation. The next morning, we walked along the shoreline to enjoy the cool breeze and the calm sea view. The weather was good. My hubby and I are so excited for our island hopping today!
At Kabayan Beach
I was mesmerized by the unique beauty of Puerto Galera when the Accounting Team spent a two-day beach escapade on this island. When I told my hubby about our worthy experience he told me that he wanted to go there too. He promised our kids that if he will enjoy our two-day couple getaway, we will go back with the whole family.
Awesome view of White Beach
