Tagaytay City - Captivating Place

Tagaytay, one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines and also known as the summer capital of the country, is famous year round for its gorgeous spots, delicious cuisine and plethora of fun activities.

 Located in the province of Cavite, Tagaytay is just a two-hour ride from Metro Manila and offers the luxury of a cool breezy climate to its visitors. With a spectacular view of Lake Taal and Taal Volcano Island, Tagaytay will definitely top your list of the must-see places to visit in the Philippines… read on to find out all you need to know to help you plan a memorable trip.

 The city also harbours plenty of local transportation such as fully air-conditioned buses and vans, the latter being slightly more expensive (approximately Php 180) but with a shorter travel time of just 2 hours. Buses are also a fun and budget-friendly option with a travel time of 3 hours and estimated fares of Php 80. Now that you’ve reached Tagaytay, where on Earth shall you stay? Well, the city offers luxurious hotels and residents for tourists to spend their holiday. From quiet getaways to a house full of puzzles – Tagaytay has something for everyone.
PLACE TO STAY:
 Elevate your trip by planning a stay at the enchanting Moon Garden Palace. Made up of darkly lit wooden pathways, an overgrown garden, and countless zigzagging archways, the resort provides a mysterious atmosphere, devoid of the usual clamour of tourists. The Moon Garden is perfect for those seeking a break from the busy city life and is looking to get in touch with Mother Nature. Another way is to make a budget meal hotel that will only cost 500 and below for a night.
SITES TO VISITS:
• People’s Park in the Sky
Located in Mount Sungay, the Palace in the Sky is an incomplete presidential mansion and a famous historical site. When the mansion’s construction was abandoned the site became neglected and was later converted into a park for tourists. Surrounded by clouds on all sides the mansion gives a magical view to the visitors and even more so on sunny days when the entire city of Tagaytay is visible.
• Taal Volcano Island

Undoubtedly the major tourist attraction of Tagaytay, the volcano sits in the middle of Lake Taal which in turn rests on an island. The volcano itself is easily accessible via a boat ride from the beautiful town of Talisay which is just 15 minutes away from Tagaytay. Guided tour boats are frequently arranged for visits to the Volcano.
DINING IN TAGAYTAY:
 Philippines’’ summer capital is dotted with local farms and gardens offering fresh, organic bounty to their visitors. Restaurants in Tagaytay are also renowned for serving delicious local cuisine and a plethora of seasonal dishes. Below are some of the places which you can visit to savour the taste of Tagaytay’s cuisine:

Bag of Beans: A bustling bed and breakfast that serves anything from pizza to fresh fish and pasta, the Bag of Beans is a favourite of both locals and tourists alike. People especially praise their 24-hour breakfast service – perfect for a late brunch!
The newest trend of place to hang out is the Food Park owned by Derrick Ramsay, the venue is located just across the sky ranch, cozy and more relaxing to dine as you have a wide variety of food to choose from, the place is also had a band to enlighten your evening.
• The Farm Organics: Open every day from 10 am, the restaurant prides itself in serving completely organic dishes to its customers. It’s located in the Twin Lakes area and offers good food at a reasonable price, exactly what the tourist visitor needs.

You can also try the famous Bulalo which are located in the heart of Tagaytay City - Mahogany street. you can take the jeep from Olivares to Mendes and ask the driver to drop you off to the nearby Hall of Justice, the street is proximity there.
Tagaytay City and its surrounding towns offer a lot of fun activities and places to visit for the weekend tourists. There are picnic grounds, tree-covered parks, hidden gardens, biking, horse-riding grounds and a host of other activities fit for both the young and the old.

The Big Apple - New York

NYC, a city forever in flux, is impossible to “see” in one visit. You just have to resign yourself to that fact, unless you move here (and maybe not even then), you’ll only barely scratch the surface! However, there are ways to make the most of the limited time we have. So, as I get ready to leave NYC after living here for 3.5 years, I want to give you my suggested four-day itinerary for your next visit here:

Day 1

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
 Though the line for the ferry from Battery Park is long, if you get there early, you can avoid most of it. (Come late and you’ll have to wait a few hours.) The Statue of Liberty is spectacular to see up close (she’s as big as you imagine), but the real highlight of this combo is Ellis Island, where you can learn about the immigrant experience and get a sense of the people who helped build NYC (you’ll even find my family’s name inscribed on the wall!). There’s such a great sense of history there that you can’t help but to be impressed.
Tip: If the line’s too long and you don’t want to wait, take the free Staten Island ferry for photos of the statue and harbor.

 Wall Street

 Take a photo with the famous bull and then walk to Wall Street and see where all those bankers destroyed the economy. There’s heavy security in the area, but you can sit and watch people whiz in and out of buildings on their way to cause some other financial disaster.

 Trinity Church
 Trinity Church is one of the oldest churches in America. The original building burned down in 1776, but the current church is still beautiful, with an ornate gothic style structure. The church is most famous for its colonial graveyard, where you’ll find many famous Americans, including Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers.
  

World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial and Museum
 The recently opened “Freedom Tower” gives you a panoramic view of the city, and there is also a lot of information about the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On the elevator up, you can also see images of the historical development of NYC. At the bottom of the tower is a park commemorating the victims of the attacks along with an extensive museum. The museum houses moving exhibits about the significance of 9/11. For an additional fee (on top of the entrance fee), there are guided tours.
  
Brooklyn Bridge
 Right near City Hall (see the next entry), the Brooklyn Bridge offers an easy 25-minute walk into Brooklyn and the waterfront park on the other side. Stopping to take photos and meandering along the way will make the walk about 40 minutes. You get a lot of wonderful views of downtown as you make your way across (and especially from the park). I enjoy doing this walk at night, when downtown Manhattan is all lit up.

 Empire State Building
 After you finish up with lower Manhattan, jet up to this historic landmark in New York City. The 1930s art deco interior is beautiful, and the view from the top is breathtaking. You can get a real feel for how densely populated New York is as you stare out at the city. Get here early or during lunchtime to avoid the lines and tour groups.

 Grand Central Terminal
 Grand Central Terminal is the city’s historic train station. It was going to be torn down in 1975 but was saved by Jacqueline Kennedy, who raised money for its preservation. There are free historical tours on Wednesdays. I love coming to the main concourse and looking up at the “stars” in the ceiling and people-watching as everyone races to and fro. All those people — where do they go? What do they do? Also, there’s an amazing eatery in the basement called the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. And for fancy (and expensive) cocktails, visit the Campbell Apartments and step back into the 1920s (dress code enforced). The space was once the office of John W. Campbell, a member of the New York Central Railroad’s board of directors and finance tycoon from the 1920s.

 Rockefeller Center

 This area is always filled with hustle and bustle. Wander around Rockefeller Center to see where they film The Today Show, shop, snack, and take the elevator to the “Top of the Rock” for another bird’s-eye view of the city (which I personally think it better than the Empire State Building, since from the top of here you can get that building in your picture too!).

 Times Square
 No matter when you go to Times Square, it will be packed with people (usually other tourists). There are pedestrian areas where you can sit and hang out. If you aren’t shopping or eating or seeing a show, there isn’t much to do in the area (and no New Yorker hangs out there), but it’s still a fabulous place to people-watch for a few minutes from the top of the red steps of the TKTS kiosk.

 Central Park
 The perfect way to relax in the city and leave the crowds behind is to spend the day in Central Park. It’s free, there are lots of paths to walk (or run), bike lanes, lakes to row in, and a zoo. Since the park covers over 150 square blocks, it’s easy to spend hours wandering around. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions (line up early for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park). From the late spring to the early fall, there are free guided walks run by the parks service on Saturdays at 11am. I’m a big fan of laying out in Sheep’s Meadow on a hot, sunny day with a book, some food, and a bottle of wine.

A different kind of Valentine

There is nothing worse than being single in February. The buildup to Valentine’s Day can be absolutely excruciating. Flowers start popping up in windows, isles of chocolate appear in convenience stores, not to mention the red and pinks hearts plastered everywhere. It can feel as though the entire world is mocking you, shining a spotlight on your marital status. These things can get especially frustrating when you’re not just single, you’re a Christian single.

 Valentine’s Day can be hard on singles. There’s the anxiety of being alone, the jealousy of watching couples celebrate, and the fear that God is leading you toward a future without marriage. In all the commotion though, never forget that Jesus loves you. He loved you enough to die for you (John 3:16), and he wants nothing more than the best for you. Whatever form that may take, never forget that you are loved this Valentine’s Day.

Baguio City - A Place for Relaxation

Baguio is one of the most visited places in the country. Tourists and locals alike take the 4-hour drive up North (with help of the new TPLEX) for the weekend just to hangout and enjoy the cool weather that is missing in Manila. More than that, people always look forward to the awesome food that can only be found there. Here are 15 cool new places to add to your ‘Must Try’ lists on the Booky app for your next visit to the summer capital of the Philippines.

HOW TO GET THERE

Manila – Baguio
Air-conditioned bus trips to Baguio leave Manila daily in an hourly basis. Popular bus lines en route are Victory Liner, Partas, and Genesis among others. One way bus ticket would cost you P400 – 450, and travel time will be approximately 6-7 hours.
Luxury bus trips are already offered by some bus companies like Victory Liner (Deluxe) and Genesis (Joybus) for a non-stop trip to Baguio that will just take 3-4 hours. These buses have their own toilets, wifi, two TVs, wider seats that will allow you to recline fully to rest, and snacks and drinks offered by the bus stewardess. Fare rate is around P650 – 720.
If you are to use your personal car, best to take Marcos Highway going up to Baguio because it is safer than Kennon Road which is sometimes closed due to rock slides in the roads.

 If you’re visiting Baguio any time until the 8th of March 2017, make sure to check out the Panagbenga Flower Festival activities going on there. It’s one of the most attended festivals in the country held every February, featuring dance parades, flower-embellished costumes and floats, fireworks and other activities. Check out details here.

 Nestled in the vast mountains of the Benguet, Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines, uphold its picturesque mountain sceneries and breath-taking destinations tourists love to visit from time to time. Discovered by the American colonizers in the 1900s, Baguio City has grown from a hill station for the American soldiers into one of the most popular and most visited tourist spots in the country. Known for its climate that is comparable to other western countries, Baguio City endow its people with a biting cold, invigorating breeze that is a perfect venue to escape the summer heat

 Baguio offers plenty of attractions and destinations that showcase its rich heritage, indigenous culture and thriving flora and fauna. Highly urbanized, it already became the center of commerce, education and tourism in Northern Luzon. Commercialized as it seem as developments are fast transpiring, Baguio City still embody the Cordilleran culture by representing it through traditions that are still widely celebrated through festivities, and inculcating culture as a solid part of the modern society. 

TRAVEL TIPS
– Bring wide array of wardrobe as the temperature varies from extremely hot (noon-time) to extremely cold (night-time).
– Best months to visit:
February – Panagbenga Festival
April – May – summer months
December – Baguio Lantern Parade, Christmas in Baguio
– Beware of pickpockets especially in crowded places.
– Best to jog in the morning to feel the cool breeze
– It is advised to walk when visiting tourist destinations in the town center because they are actually close to each other and it will save you money.
– During peak seasons, it is best to have a map (either paper map of electronic map) with you if you are not familiar with the places because heavy traffic is expected and it is to avoid getting lost in the midst of travelling.
– It is advised to do an early reservation in hotels to avoid much hassle. If budget cannot afford a hotel, transient houses and lodges are available city-wide.

Love and Trust In a Relationship

A relationship is easy to make but it is so hard to make that relationship stronger and lasting. A long lasting relationship is very easy to establish if we put the spirit of trust and love in our hearts.because love and trust is the requirement in a relationship to make it lasting. When these two character leaves from our relation then that relation becomes weak. Relationship is the only thing on the basis of which the whole human being is lasting so if we think logically we can see that strong relationship gives born to a enjoyable living.among different types of relationship there are some specific relationship which should be strong and lasting to lead a better life.
Firstly Love :love is nothing but the greatest gift in the whole world. We can not define love specific. But we the people misuse the word "love". We misinterpret love with possessiveness and jealousy.love is of different types. Each unique relationship has its own type of love.

 Secondly Trust :after love trust is the second requirement of a lasting relationship. When we love anyone then we trust him or her. Trust is the implied value of a relationship. We choose to trust our partner only for this trust. Trust is that thing which is broken on time is broken forever. Sometimes we think that trust can be picked up again but it is not true. When we lose trust from anyone we can not gain trust about him easily.trust should be maintained by each side of a relationship. Rebuilding trust is the hardest work in life. It can be compared with a glass. When a glass is broken it's pieces can be picked up and can be joined again but the perfect glass can never be maid because the sign of broken pieces will alive.
After all, trust and love are as tightly intertwined as strands on a rope. When trust is broken, love is diminished and damaged. But when trust is diligently maintained, love grows stronger and stronger.
Relationships in which two people trust each other at the deepest levels have at least four priceless assets.
First, they have the reassurance that someone will provide support and stability through the hard times of life. All of us experience frustrations and failures—and what a comfort to have someone who will stand by you through them all.

Second, trustworthy partners know that every investment they make in the relationship will pay dividends. If a man and woman trust each other, they can build a partnership that will not be confronted with the greatest emotional threats of all—betrayal and abandonment. They’re confident their relationship will last, so all the effort to deepen it will reap rich rewards.
Third, rock-solid trust means the individuals don’t have to spend their time and energy being suspicious. There isn’t any need to second-guess their lover. What this person says to them is truthful and reliable.

Finally, these partners can have genuine peace of mind. When you fully trust your partner, when there is no need for suspicion of any kind, you can have one of the greatest prizes in the world: inner peace. It is the prize for those who are deeply committed to each other and consistently demonstrate loyalty. 

The Happiness of Pursuit: 7 Steps To Accomplish Anything & Enjoy It Along The Way

 

If anyone has ever read a post written by me before, listened to an interview or simply had a chat about self improvement, they will know I am frequently asked (and address) the common question – ‘what is the most important aspect to self improvement’ – my answer, without hesitation, is always the same: take action. There are 7 steps that will change (or start) your course. Something that will help change your thinking (as it did mine) from simply pursuing happiness, to finding happiness in the pursuit.

1. Find out who you are and what you want

This is the basis for everything. You are the basis of you. This is perhaps the most scary part on the whole list – finding out who you truly are – but it is also the most crucial. You have to take the time to ask yourself the hard questions, even if you’re afraid of the answers. But it is only by truly knowing who you really are that you can discover what will truly makes you happy. What excites you? What are you good at? What makes you want to get out of bed early and will keep you buzzing to stay up late? What matters to you. Be honest.
Once you have drilled down to a handful of criteria, you can start mapping out your plan.

2. Set your goals

Dreams are nothing without goals. Goals make dreams (and you) accountable. Write them down. Where do you want to be. How are you going to get their. With a succinct set of goals there is a clear vision for where you are and where you want to be. This literal interpretation, in the form of goals, is the blue print or map you need, to be able to chart your course.

3. Break those goals down into mini benchmarks

Once you have you’re larger ‘plan’ in place, it is necessary to break those larger goals (or goal) into palatable bite sized, mini benchmarks. For instance, it is a novel goal to sail across the ocean (as a young teenager does in The Happiness of Pursuit) but without breaking that loftier goal into baby steps, it’s almost impossible to make happen. What training do I need? What equipment do I need? What case studies do I need to memorize?
It’s called doing the upfront work and there is no shortcut. Again, here I am reminded of Yoda’s words. You are accountable to only you when it comes to living up to your full potential. ‘Do or do not. There is no try.’

4. Go DO It

If you’ve gotten to this part, you’ve already done most of the heavy lifting. You are prepared. You have learned. You are already better because of it. So know that. This is the where the adventure really begins.

‘Action is the foundational key to all success’ – Pablo Picasso

It’s here where it’s time to jump of that metaphorical cliff. Unchain yourself. Take action. Doing is the only thing that does. What else is there to say. You’ve done the work – so dive in. This is the ultimate award. This is where true happiness jumps off the page and onto the stage. This is where one finds the happiness of pursuit.

5. Measure your success

Once you’ve taken the leap, it will be contagious. Trust me. It doesn’t mean everything you do will be a success, but this is how you learn. This is where you learn to find as much joy in failure as in success. Learning is success.
This is where it is important, however, to make sure you are on the right track, so it is important to check in and measure how you’re doing. How you’re feeling. Where you can pivot and when to keep attacking.

6. Be open to a course change

One of the great things about finding joy through the process is that it allows for perspective. Of course you should always keep your larger goal or quest in mind – that’s why you’re doing all of this after all, but remember: things change, people change, circumstances change and ultimately, your goal can change or alter slightly, if you’re conscious and aware of the process. Be open to the unexpected outcome or emotion – this is how we learn and grow. This is what the journey is all about – not just getting to the end but all of the unexpected magic that happens along the way. So be flexible and open to the whatever experience comes your way, knowing you’ve done the work.

7. Do it all over again

Life is a system of cycles. We can always be learning, growing, enjoying. Once you have accomplished whatever quest you’ve set out to conquer, don’t rest on your laurels. Set new goals. New standards. Press on. Start again. Feel scared and unsure – this is the very essence of life – working through all of this. So, while I doubt I’ll have much convincing to do (the thrill of the pursuit of accomplishment, itself is more than enough of an incentive) – I will end as I started: ‘A body in motion, stays in motion’ and who the hell wants to be stuck?

The Underground River at #Amazing Palawan

For centuries, the native inhabitants of Puerto Princesa, the Tagbanuas, were already knowledgeable about the Underground River, but they did not pursue its exploration in the belief that a very powerful spirit reside in the innermost portion of the river and they do not want confront it. In the middle of the 1800s however, a researcher from the Michigan University, Professor Dean Worcester began his exploration of the Underground River and wrote a very extensive account on it. Soon, the academic and scientific world were introduced into the natural wonders of this river. Known in Palawan as the St. Paul Subterranean River, the Underground River of Puerto Princesa is a managed and protected area. It is located in the Midwest of Palawan and is 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan.

 Known in Palawan as the St. Paul Subterranean River, the Underground River of Puerto Princesa is a managed and protected area. It is located in the Midwest of Palawan and is 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan. It covers an area of 3,901 hectares. On November 16, 1999 its land area was expanded to 22,202 hectares so that it would cover the entire catchment of the river and important forested areas.

 The Underground River lies inside the mountain called by the locals as The Sleeping Giant. A photo of this mountain is included here. Underneath the highest peak of the mountain. Information and Processing Area in Sabang is the highest peak of the underground river. According to our guide, the 8.2 kilometer long river flows directly into the sea. So, the tides influence the height of the water inside the river. When the weather is bad, tours are cancelled. When rain occurred the night before our tour, the crystal clear waters of the river looked like coffee with cream. A tourist clamor that it was her third time to visit the river and the water is always coffee brown. Well, she was not alone. We shared her experience that day. 

What made the Underground River one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature? The brochure stated: "the discovery of 11 minerals scientifically and aesthetically unique Speleothems, and a 20 million year old Serenia Fossil has led to the declaration of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature."  

How to get there? Jump off point is Puerto Princesa City. Organized tours are done a few days before. From the city, 10 persons together with an accredited guide will board the air-con van to an hour-long drive. At Sabang, tourists are processed. Everyone is required to have an identification card.

No one is admitted without pre-reserved slot. A boat takes the tour participants to the Underground River Entrace. Another boat will be boarded by 10 persons with a boatman as their guide. He explains the history of the river and the different rock formations inside it.

 Within the routes from Puerto Princesa City to Sabang, are added natural attractions for tourists to see. There is the Avatar Mountain, the Karst Elephant Mountain that became famous because of the Amazing Race, the Ugong Rock Adventures and the Ulogan Bay. From Ulogan, boats leave for Spratly group of islands and other island destinations in that area. Our guide told us that there are existing towns and government officials in the Spratlys. I was happy to learn about it.

My adventure to the Underground River of Palawan, the New 7 Wonders of Nature was avery rewarding experience for me and the people accompanying our tour. It was an adventure of a lifetime For me, this tour was a golden moment to learn and appreciate the wonders of nature and so, we should protect and preserve them. I hope you enjoy this blog.

By the way, I am not done yet. There is another one to follow. Please keep on following my blogs as I present another interesting places. Ciao.