fluffy lil kiddo

My dear godson Carlos used to be so little. The first time I saw him, he looked so fragile I felt so scared to hold him. Nevertheless, he looked so adorable I could pinch his cheeks forever!


Photo grabbed from Janie's instagram account

And some more months later...

The fluffy lil kiddo's charm has become more evident. And I just can't get enough of him!

I am such a blissful god mom :)

off to The Ruins

The Ruins should not be missed when one takes a quick side-trip to Bacolod City. 

How to get there is just quick and easy. Trust me :)

From Bacolod City, ride a jeepney with "Bata-Libertad" route. The fare costs Php8 per passenger. Don't forget to inform the driver that you are going to The Ruins. One landmark to remember is Pepsi Bottling Plant. After just a few minutes of  your swift jeepney ride, the chauffeur will then drop you off at the street going to Goldcrest Village (in Barangay Bata). After which, take a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to The Ruins. The fun ride costs Php50.

For a quick history of the mansion, go to this link: Mansion’s tale told–with dose of humor

It appears as a naked mansion but certainly it is a place which is fully clad with memories that are mostly bittersweet.

The surround landscape of The Ruins

A peek inside the mansion

So happy to have our fresh guyabano smoothies :)

wander: The Ruins (March 2013)

Talisay City, Negros Occidental

WAS on hiatus

 My travel stories from last year are so long overdue, I know. I have my excuses, for sure --  I was so busy getting to know myself even more, accomplishing some goals and unfinished business(es) and spending wonderful moments with awesome people. Hence, I thought  "oh well, blogging could wait". 

But now, I am saying "hello again" to blogging :) I am now energized and ready to share wonderful stories and reflections from my travel experiences. 

Cheers! :)

flipped

Remember Sunday

Sometimes comets are thought to be lost,

and then they come back into orbit

and when their calculated scientists find

they weren't lost at all.

They're found.

-Gus

Siquijor finale

(March 29, 2013)

One of the best places I have visited in the Philippines is Siquijor. More than the gorgeous touristic spots I came to see here, It's the overwhelming warmth of the people that made it the best for me. Even during our last day, Heid and I still experienced the goodness of people on this island. Together we checked other great places: Kagusuan Beach, Cang-Isok House, Ragi's "second home" and back to Salagdoong Beach (we couldn't get enough of it.haha).

With our wonderful travel buddies in Siquijor: (our long-lost little brother) Ragi, Emil and Rachel.



A common summer fruit on the island - Siniguelas.

A long trek to Kagusuan Beach. I was so thrilled! Don't I look like it? haha

Finally!!! picture-picture muna!

Hear ye! Hear ye! La Kagusuan Beach!
I like this beach, it's so private!

Heid et moi :)



The Cang-Isok House. Didn't feel scared at all. Thanks to daytime!



Ragi's second home has such a beautiful view!

The best lunch I had in Siquijor! Good food plus good view! :)

 

Ragi's pride: his family's hospitality! :)



We're back! Didn't have enough of this beach!!! :)



Serenity at sunset!



wander:

Kagusuan Beach

Cang-Isok House

Ragi's "second home"

Salagdoong Beach

wonder:

two side trips in one day

(March 30, 2013)

Mom has stayed for quite some time in Dumaguete City and I promised that I would take a side trip and look for her long-lost buddies after my Siquijor vacation. Impatient that I am, I almost gave up  after several attempts to find the address she had given me. Good thing, I was with my friend Heid who was patient enough to push me and continue our search. And after some inquiries here and there, we found what we're looking for. It was so different from mom's description. Oh well, it was more than three decades ago that she was here anyway.

In this trip, I met some young cousins for the first time and they toured us around the city. I so love the "inside-track" sort of travelling! :)

First stop, mommy's school. It was first called Foundation College but is now named Foundation University.

 

Welcome to the more-than-a-century-old Silliman University!!!



We got the chance to tour inside the university. Yehey!



The church inside the campus.

 After touring around the two big schools in the city, we visited the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, tagged as the “Oldest Stone Church in Negros”.

We also took a short trip to Valencia, which is just a few minutes drive from Dumaguete City. The town is so clean and green!

A very clean park of Valencia



The people of Valencia enjoying their public pool.

After taking two side trips, we're off to our next destination -- Bacolod City!
Another butt-numbing, six-hour bus ride.haha