Unending Thoughts

26/10/2024

01/04/2023

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

📌 Sky Nature Park
📌 Kalonbarak Skyline Ridge
ARAT NA!!!

Your EXACT Destination ♥️

16/06/2022

Learn about the rich history of the Philippines with a tour of the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila!

Located south of the Pasig River and east of Manila Bay, the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila City was built by the Spaniards some 400 years ago as their political and military base in Asia. It is one of the top tourist spots in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Apart from the 4.5-km. wall, from where the name came from (“within the walls”), other defensive structures used to surround the city, like moats, cannons, bulwarks, and javelins. Not only did it protect Intramuros from man-made disasters, but it also fended off threats from Chinese pirates, Dutch forces, and other invaders.

Despite being heavily influenced by Spanish architecture (think grandiose baroque church designs), renovations made also revealed its Chinese influences. Some structures, however, were not restored after the destruction of multiple wars and remained today as ruins.

Not that it became an eyesore, though. In fact, the history behind the ruins is what made Intramuros a must-see destination in Manila today, despite the modernization it has since undergone.

In addition, the rampart, fortresses, and gates from yesteryears remain accessible and are a mainstay of today’s walking tours and cultural performances for visitors who want to understand the country’s past.

Go down to memory lane and learn the history within the walls. Bookmark this guide handy for planning your Intramuros adventures!



-Courtney Faith C. Orola-

16/06/2022

The first franchised outlet of Jollibee opened in Santa Cruz, Manila in 1979. Jollibee experienced rapid growth. It was able to withstand the entry of McDonald's in the Philippines in 1981 by focusing on the specific tastes of the Filipino market, which differed from the American fast food company.

It's a good thing we Filipinos are naturally happy people. We learnt to rely on basic pleasures as children, especially when life got a little unsteady. These simple pleasures provide us with genuine consolation, which is precisely what we require to get through the rainy days and perceive life's obstacles as manageable.

This site has always brought us joy, ever since we were children; it is a true constant. Its pleasant, friendly ambience, as well as its cuisine options—from the all-time favorite succulent ChickenJoy to their Classic Spaghetti to their Yum Burgers—don't say much, but they can certainly lift your spirits and make life a little easier.

Birthday parties, spontaneous barkada get-togethers, and family events are now held here. Every celebration will be as enjoyable and delightful as possible with Jollibee's creative cuisine options. Jollibee has unquestionably become a staple of Filipino culture.

A great place to be with ❤️


JUDELYN I. PAMBAYA

16/06/2022

“GREEN IS A LUXURY YOU CAN AFFORD“

The Teng Family of Kimball Plaza renown owns the Greenleaf Hotel GenSan, which has expanded into fishing (TSP Marine) and the fastfood industry (three Jollibee franchises in the city). Their first venture into the hospitality industry is the hotel. The Greenleaf Hotel is situated San Miguel St. corner J. Catolico St. General Santos City Philippines. You may contact them at (+63 83) 552.1111, (+63 2) 355.7328, (+63 917) 719.8977 or email at [email protected]

Greenleaf's six-story structure is the tallest along San Miguel Street, and it even towers over the three-story SM City General Santos across the street. The hotel appears to be significantly different from the existing buildings in GenSan from afar, and its proprietors describe the overall construction as "Modern Contemporary with a touch of Zen," however the interior decor is more particularly themed as "Natural Chic." This indicates that the focus is on nature. To get to the Grand Lobby through the Main Entrance, one must drive up an uphill path and park in one of the 20 parking areas across the doors. Another option is to park across the street at SM City and go up the stairwell beside the road. A Ground Floor Parking Space with 30 spaces is also available. A fountain with sculptures of jumping tuna by famous young artist Leeroy New, who was born and raised in General Santos, can be found across the entrance doors.

The Department of Tourism has awarded the Greenleaf Hotel a 4-star rating. We first opened our doors in 2013, and since then, we've built a solid reputation for safety, security, and customer service. We're even more delighted to call General Santos home, a city that exudes simple sophistication. In any of our 111 rooms and suites, you'll find incomparable class, refined comfort, and timeless style, each tailored to the needs of the high-class visitor. Our world-class restaurants, indoor wellness facilities, outdoor swimming pools, and in-house sauna and spa will elevate your lifestyle.


JUDELYN I PAMBAYA

16/06/2022

"Welcome sa banwa sang Tupi. "

Tupi derived from the word "Tufi" which was a vine chewed by native Blaan tribes who first inhabited the land. Tupi South Cotabato is well-known as the nestled at the foot of a dormant volcano called Mount Matutum. Furthermore tupi is considered as the fruit, vegetables and flower basket of South Cotabato.

Strawberry Guyabano farm, a place of peace and joy. Offers with you not only a refresh scenery of Mount Matutum and surrounding landscape. But also unforgettable experience of nature that truly a perfect escape from the city.

One new glamping destination has been making waves on social media for being truly one of a kind. Officially called Aguho glamping at SG farm promises an extra special experience with your loved ones.

The rain forest cafe was a magical cafe. Where it transform at midnight as a lighting show, a story to look forward.
The center piece was dazzling made of indigenous materials. And don't even hesitate to try their famous Guyabano shake and Sekwate or chocolate hot drink suited for this cuddle weather night at SG farm.

JUDELYN PAMBAYA

16/06/2022

“Truly a Filipino Classic Dish”
Chicken Adobo
The Philippine adobo cooking technique is unique to the Philippines. To preserve their food in the tropical heat, the diverse precolonial peoples of the country boiled or prepared it with vinegar and salt. Vinegar is one of the most significant ingredients in Filipino cuisine, with coconut, cane, nipa palm, and kaong palm being the most common forms.
The term "adobo" comes from the Spanish word "adobar." It literally means to marinate. This might be in the form of a liquid marinade or a rub made using a powdered component mixture. Different types of protein can be used to make adobo in general. The most common ingredient is chicken.
Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 6 cloves garlic crushed
• 1 pc onion, sliced
• 1 kilogram chicken cut ups
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 pcs bay leaves
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, slightly crushed
• 2 pc Knorr chicken cubes
• 1 tsp brown sugar packed
• Optional Only: 1 cup kale or spinach
Cook
Step 1
In a skillet, heat the oil and sauté the garlic and onions. Then add the chicken to the pan and sear on all sides until the skin has a little browning.

Step 2
Combine vinegar, soy sauce, and water in a mixing bowl. Bay leaves, pepper, and Knorr Chicken Cubes are added last. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to a low heat and keep the pan covered. Simmer for another 10 minutes.

Step 3
Remove the chicken pieces from the sauce and brown them in a separate pan.

Step 4
Return the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Add the sugar and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Serve hot.

✍️ Nicole Jade Payot

16/06/2022

“A FINEST PLACE TO RENEW YOUR SOUL”
The province of Zambales is known for its magnificent sand beaches, deep blue water abounding with coral reefs, and breathtaking mountain views. Surely for tourists out there, The Highlands Camp and Conference Center in Iba, Zambales, now welcomes readers. So, let me tell you about The Highlands Camp and Conference Center. The Highlands was planned and built in 1998, thanks to the generosity of George and Beverly Rawlings and the Rawlings Foundation of the United States.
The well-kept 100-hectare conference center is blessed with nature's best countryside setting as well as modern amenities for physical rest and enjoyment. The setting is ideal for a wide range of activities, including youth camps, denominational conferences, team-building exercises, small-group retreats, and family vacations. It also includes facilities for a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities. The peaceful Highlands Camp and Conference Center, a one-of-a-kind Christian activity center in Iba, Zambales, is nestled between the gently sloping hills of Zambales and the South China Sea.
The Conference Facility is situated on a 50-hectare parcel of natural Zambales tropical hilly grasslands, which offers all the amenities of a modern recreational activity center in a distinctively Christian setting. The Highlands' main goal is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and the Christian community by providing affordable recreation, seminars, camps, and conferences.
How will you get there?
Take the Victory Liner Bus from Cubao or Caloocan and get out at the Victory Liner Terminal in Iba. Then you can catch a tricycle ride to the exact site from the terminal. The fare from Cubao/Caloocan to Iba is approximately P350, and the tricycle fare is approximately P80-P100. However, it’s better if you have your own vehicle. To get there, simply use the Waze or Google Maps apps.

✍️ Nicole Jade Payot

03/06/2022

Kill nothing but time, Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, Believe in nothing but yourself.
Batanes, often known as the "Home of the Winds," is the Philippines' smallest province, having a total land area of approximately 230 kilometers. Batanes' allure stems in part from its relative isolation from its larger and more populous neighboring provinces. As the country's northernmost province, its distance, size, and tiny population contribute to maintain the region's natural beauty and calm way of life. A journey to Batanes is a nice reprieve from the bustle of city life.
Batanes' delightfully chill and serene ambiance provides a unique perspective on island life for both locals and visitors. One that is less complicated, more relaxed, and peaceful, yet certainly refreshing.
Batanes' granite formations, picturesque lighthouses, and untamed horses roaming freely in huge pastureland make it a very distinctive destination for many people in a country known for tropical islands. If you're planning a vacation to this section of the Philippines, we've put together this comprehensive guide to everything you need to know. The dry or summer season is the finest time to visit Batanes. These are also the best months to visit Batanes.
Because Batanes tourist sites are primarily outdoors, less rain means fewer risks of delayed or canceled flights, and you'll be able to enjoy your trip more.
The best way to get to Batanes is by plane, and thanks to additional flights from all around the Philippines, the province has seen a dramatic increase in visitor visits since 2015. Domestic flights to Basco might take anything from 70 to 110 minutes, depending on where you're flying from. Batanes might have a small land area, but this small land area is a perfect place to wander, giving peace to our soul, and a moment that we can give to ourselves.

✍️ Nicole Jade Payot

02/06/2022

"There is a friend, there is a family and then there are friends that become family".
This lovely ladies was one of my surprise pals. It's true that we were classmates in junior high school, but we're not as close as we are now. We had no intention of being enrolled in the same track while we were in senior high school. We only met on the first day of school in one (1) room, and because we knew each other as classmates in junior high, we decided to collaborate because we knew we were the only ones who knew each other. Yes, we grow closer as our friendship transforms into a lasting friendship, however it wasn't easy for us at first since we faced difficulties such as jealousy and misunderstanding; yet, we chose to turn back on each other's arm. And now we're on our separate paths, working on our futures; we may have enrolled in different schools, but we've maintained our communication and relationships. Having this kind of friendship is unique because God leads me to meet people like this; not everyone is fortunate to be in a circle of friends, especially if those friends are harmful to them. But with these kinds of friendships, I can state that we're all innocent and haven't tried to do horrible things like other barkadas have. And I'm also fortunate since they were one of my support systems during my difficult college years; I had their shoulders to rest on whenever I felt weak; they were my "sumbongan ng problema," and they were always willing to listen and offer counsel. And I shall cherish these individuals for the rest of my life. We might not have a perfect friendship yet we made ourselves to become a better one.

✍️ Nicole Jade Payot

02/06/2022

La Trinidad Strawberry Farm

The La Trinidad Strawberry Farm is a farm in the town of La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines primarily used for the cultivation of strawberries. The farm is also open to tourism.

The La Trinidad Strawberry Farm is a destination for tourist visiting the town of La Trinidad. According to the Benguet Tourism Office, the strawberry farm is the most visited tourist destination in the province with 538,346 tourist arrivals for the first quarter of 2017.

It is sometimes mistaken to be situated in neighboring Baguio with local vendors selling souvenir and products bearing the name "Baguio" within the vicinity of the farm.

What to do in strawberry farm?

•Sightseeing -looking around the area is a good activity which can dig your soul with the beautiful nature.
•Take a look at the Strawberry plants that are patiently waiting for their fruits to come out!
•Take a look at the quiet and peaceful community houses around the nearby mountains.
•Enjoy starring at the trees which embraces the high mountains.
•Feel and breath the fresh air around the strawberry farm.
•Take a photo for every angle which captivates your soul! You would love seeing this as time goes by, specially if you were the one who took the photos.
•Try their delicious strawberry ice cream and taho with strawberry flavor!

During our visit in the strawberry farm, I saw these beautiful work of arts hanging at the fence before the farm. If you are an artwork lover, be able to buy one so that you can help them as well.

The strawberry farm in Baguio City, Philippines is a good place for sightseeing and photo taking! So, if you are interested in visiting this place, just don’t forget to bring with you your cameras!

In Frame: Orola, Courtney Faith & Del Valle, Sheena May



-Courtney Faith C. Orola-

02/06/2022

The Mansion

The Mansion is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. It is located on the eastern part of the city along C.P. Romulo Drive (formerly a part of Leonard Wood Road) and right across from Wright Park. Older than the city itself, the Mansion is easily one of the most visited and photographed landmarks of Baguio.

Inside the Mansion is a mini museum housing memorabilia and works of art collected over its years of occupancy by the former presidents. Within the compound and adjacent to the Mansion is a two-story building which serves as the official residence of the Philippine President in Baguio City and nearby is a small amphitheater. A contingent of Philippine marines maintains the security of this large compound and you will see a some of them manning the guardhouse at the vicinity of the gate.

How to Get to The Mansion:

•By car -- pass through Leonard Wood Road past Teachers Camp and Botanical Garden. When you reach Pacdal Circle, go towards the road which gently climbs uphill that is to the right of the Wright Park Riding Circle. You may park your vehicle at Wright Park Drive, which is directly across the Mansion.
•By taxi cab -- just tell the cabbie to take you to The Mansion or even "Mansion House." Taxi rides cost about Php60.00 from Session Road.
•By jeepney -- take the Plaza-Mines View jeepney from the Central Business District, about Php10.00/person.

Any time of the year is good time to visit this Baguio attraction, and during clear days The Mansion is simply postcard perfect. When the President of the Philippines is not in residence, tourists are allowed to enter a little past the gates. One of course, should explore Wright Park which is right across The Mansion, and which is probably one of the most romantic spots in the whole of the Philippines.

In Frame: Orola, Courtney Faith




-Courtney Faith C. Orola-