Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Revisited the Magnificent Beauty of Aurora Province.

"Travel is the only thing you buy, that makes you richer." An interesting quote that describes our family weekend getaway in the province of Aurora. After a great memorable summer experience in Batangas, I invited my cousins to visit Aurora. I showed them my pictures when I visited Baler, Aurora and its nearby towns. I told them how great my experience was that made them agree to visit the province.


It was my third time to visit Baler so I acted as their tour guide. I planned everything about our travel: from room accommodations, van hiring and itineraries, it was all on my shoulder. I made sure we will be able to visit all landmarks in the area. 


"Where's the better half?"

Balete Park in the town of Maria Aurora was our first stop. I have noticed that there is a new eye candy in the area: a wishing well. Great to see this "wish upon the balete tree" attraction. It draws somewhat attention to the tourists that visits the place.


We took breakfast at Ram's Tapsilog before we checked-in at the resort. After taking a couple of minutes rest, we strolled around the vicinity for us to experience what the town has to offer. I am speaking like it was my first time to visit the place. There were new changes in the town's tourists spots. 



We visited the famous Ditumabo Falls in San Luis. Everybody got excited to trek and test the rocky and river-crossing trails to the falls. Sad to say, my camera got drained before we started trekking so I have no pictures at all. My family used their smartphones to took pictures of themselves. We had a lot of fun swimming on the very cold water. Seriously, the water temperature is like from the freezer! 

After spending a couple of minutes on the falls, we headed back to the resort to take a few minutes of rest. It was an advantage that we checked-in on a resort nearby the beach. To end up our day, we went swimming and surfing before the sun sets. 



We all enjoyed surfing and swimming especially the kids. They just love the sand and cold water. Waves are not so good but for the first timers, it was great. My cousins enjoyed surfing. It was fun watching them falling one after the other. Haha! We spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach.



"taking one shot in the famous Costa Pacifica Resort"
We all got drained for the whole day activity. We enjoyed buffet dinner at Gerry Shan's Place. We all have a good sleep that night. After taking breakfast, we strolled the town proper for "pasalubongs". That is one thing we normally do before going back home.

We took our lunch at Thelma's Kitchenette before going back to Manila. I have visited this place for many times. I keep going back to this place not just because of the food but for the people behind this kitchenette. Crews and the owners are very accommodating. Need I say more? Scroll down so you can see what we ordered, they are all freshly cooked. 




There was a lot of improvement on this place. From plastic chairs and tables to wooden chairs and tables. Thelma's Kitchenette is now also selling souvenirs for tourists. CLICK here to see Thelma's Kitchenette before. I suggest you visit this place in case you visit Baler.





"me and my family, the owner and the crews"
This travel made me and my family a lot richer. Richer in a lot of things. Those things that money can't really buy. Bonding that brought us even closer. Looking forward for the coming years to travel with them more often. So go ahead, plan a travel now and don't forget to bring with you your family.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Taking Time Out at Lewis Grand Hotel in Angeles City, Pampanga

"Travel brings power and love back to your life." - Rumi. A simple yet meaningful travel quote that can be used as a good reflection for a busy yet productive employee life.


This is one of my travels that I preferred to chill in one place. To spend the whole day eating, relaxing, sleeping and swimming. It feels great to share time with a travel friend who is generous enough to invite me for a free weekend chill. 




Few hours travel from Manila, Lewis Grand Hotel in Angeles City, Pampanga was our destination. The hotel is great. The room we had was spacious enough and worth the price. You can really feel that you are on a grand vacation. The view from our room down to the swimming pool is just picture perfect. I also commend the very accommodating employees of the hotel. (Good job!)

the queen size bed

overview of the swimming pool from our room

The pool is so engaging that we just wanted to swim right away. We shared a couple of drinks, great enough to chill for the afternoon. After finishing few glass of drinks, we enjoyed the moment swimming and strolling around the hotel. Also, include the unending picture-taking left and right. (Haha!) 






After our dinner, we also had the chance to stroll along the busy streets of Angeles City. The busy streets reminds me of how Malate, Manila looks like at night. The area was crowded with locals and foreigners enjoying the night.



enjoying jacuzzi

bar behind the swimming pool
The 2 days and 1 night travel experience with a good friend at a grand hotel was good enough for us to enjoy life once in a while. If you are looking for a grand place for a weekend chill that is nearby Manila, try visiting this place. 

one more shot before leaving

checking out