BALAY INDANG, Finally..=)

Finally, Balay Indang…

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, however, only those who are true friends will stay…”

It has been months that we have been eyeing to spend one of our birthdays at this cozy locale in Cavite – Balay Indang. And due again to schedules that won’t meet, we had to postponed it, until finally, It is Theresa’s birthday this month of October, so we all agreed to do it at Balay Indang.

here we come
Chel to drive with 5 back-seat drivers!Lol!

It is a less than 2 hour drive taking the new MCX, we went straight to Trese Martirez and after reaching the junction at Tagaytay, we turned right several times (Savemore and Mendez) and 30 minutes after, we’ve reached our destination.

indang arc
Welcome arch is a tradition for me..
balay
The signage…

Balay Indang is a 5-hectare lot of massive flora. I’ve mused on numerous rare species of very pretty flowers in all colors.

sweet violet

violets

pink

violets 2

violets 3

reds
The orange petals blended with Theresa’s blouse..Beautiful!

Big and small trees with leaves in different shapes and varying shades of green. Being around it, nature per se, is truly beguiling. Like it was rendered by an artist in an all natural crisp palette that went well with the country-side like setting on this secluded part of Indang, Cavite.

sukal

pool

fountain

It is a Bed and Breakfast destination meant for those who really needs peace and quiet or that so called R&R (rest and relaxation). Once you are there, as we were, it is just between the sound of silence or the sound of frolicking leaves.

bahay matalino
Aaaw! They dedicated a room for us! Lol!
lanai
Lanai ng Balay…
were here
Spanish era..Vigan tiles..
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Can’t help but look up!
cuti pie
Cutie pie!

They also accommodate Retreat activities and the place is just so right. I just learned it later prompted by my wondering of seeing several Holy bibles in the area. There are 17 rooms, a pool, some gazebos, some cabanas, even a vast hall probably to hold events like birthdays and weddings for big groups.

stairs

feel at home

chel funny sit

bomber

balcony

The staff are friendly as expected, they will instantly greet you with an anticipated smile on their faces, and even if you are enjoying your own moment, you can’t help but greet them back. As I have been observing them, they all too must love their surroundings. I am amazed how positively genuine ardor can nature provide to anyone who see through its’ beauty. It reminds me of this famous saying: “May the force be with you.”

And so some force led us to the dining area. Lol! It’s time to make our tummies happy. It was a long trip anyway.

dining area
Signages…
sun flower
Happiness!
next month
It’s hers next month..=)
nkarating
Yey!
us before eating
Lunch time..=)

So this is what we feasted on:

spread
In less than 10 minutes… our food were served…

Fried rice with teeny weeny bits of
carrots.

rice
With teeny weeny carrot bits…

Chicken – Inasal style.

inasal
Chicken – Inasal style..

Oatmeal coated shrimp balls was the winner on the table.

winner
Winner! (–,)

Among those on the spread, the green salad is my personal favorite. I especially love their vinaigrette, the mixture worked for me and I guess with everyone else too.

greens
Greens! =)

Beef Caldereta. Flavorful and very tender.

caldereta
Loved the chorizos here..

Gising-gising is another chance for us to have veggies. =) (Oh my, I don’t have a picture of it!)

Baked Cream dory in cheese.

cream dory
Baked in Parmesan cheese..

And pancit (for the celebrant’s long prosperous life) utilizing sotanghon instead of the typical bijon.

pancit
Pancit sotanghon for Tere’s long & prosperous life! (–,)

We had fresh Dalandan juice, we consumed a number of pitchers.

dalnadan
Thirst quenching, not too sweet for me..

And a very soft maja for dessert.

hbd
Happy birthday Tere! =)

at rest

at res wdo tere

six sissies
Total of six sissies!
us 6
Bday girl’s is the biggest one! ehehe

The talks were non-stop, from while traveling, eating, taking photos at every chance, laughter in between. Even inside the loo. Even jump shots!

salamin
Mirrors became our favorite too..
look up
One of my favorites! This certainly “Look up” mode!
vintage mirror
Vintage mirror..
the story of the doll
And this doll! Ahaha!
chel n essie
Fun side of these two..=)

jump

watch tower 2
May relo ba jan? lol!

watch tower

And we were like kids during the 30 minute trek, wandering and wondering. It is doubtlessly moments created out of sterling friendship.

bday girl
Bday girl! ❤

Our photos might have give justice to it.

Happy birthday Theresa!!! Now we’re all looking forward to (Jhona) our youngest’s bash, where and when we will do it, is yet to be known. #excited

god bless
Our friendship has always been one of our life’s greatest blessings!

ps

We wouldn’t want another group chats reaching 400 plus messages. Lol!

Anawangin Cove – Zambales

Anawangin Cove – Zambales

Anawangin is that island in Zambales where there are only 4 kinds of trees that alternates with each other.

Pines, umbrellas,  palms and one I could not identify. Pines out-numbered the rest of them. This is why Anawangin is unique from the other islands.

zambales 1
Thanks to #instamag personalizing my photos =)
zambales 2
In vivid colors..
zambales 3
I want to ask the boatman to stop to check this little cave..but we’ve got other company..
zambales 4
Just like a great actor leading a movie..it sure is.
zambales 5
Excited..
sanda 1
It was difficult to take photos when the sailing is rough…
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Almost there…
anchor
We’re about to anchor..

We’re not supposed to stay longer than 30 minutes in this island. We stop over not only because it is included in the package that my friend had taken advantage of. But because the natives are also proud to showcase one island after another. The people are very welcoming and I noticed that each time there’s a boat approaching the island their necks are extended and were smiling and they were waving their hands and you can feel in the air that upon plight you are a guest to them.

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Trees are my bestfriends! ❤
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My color gives me life all the time…
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So beautiful…
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I love trees!
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Hi sun..
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Love this!
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=)
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Gettin energies from the trees…

I saw tourists having their photos taken standing behind each tree. Usually in group. I’ve taken mine of these as I was walking. With all conviction I told my friend that you can get your energies recharged by touching them.

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My favorite pose..
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Hello Anawangin! =)

I showed her how I touched one’s trunk with the palm of my hand. And it’s either the tree will absorb all that is negative within me or it is me who will absorb all the positive trees from the tree. And she looked like its’ as if I can read her mind feeling strange or thinking I might be gone crazy.

I consumed the 30 minutes all wrapped-up despite of my friend’s constant reminder. For all I know, they’re not leaving without us anyway. We were running and doubled our speed when we found out that the whole group were already on the boat and were just waiting for the 2 of us. Their eyes focused as if they’ve been there for the longest time, when I waved my head and pleaded and yelled “Sorry”, they all smiled in sync. =)

I also bought a souvenir from a very persistent man convincing me that his rainmaker is a “24 carat”. It is made of bamboo with tiny puca shells inside and littlest sands perhaps which created that very soothing sound. I bought it for those times I need destressing. And secretly wishing that if I play with it, the rain would literally fall instantly.

The length isn’t that handy for someone who’s just about to hop on 3 more islands with bags and luggage and gadgets and I don’t mind. I’ve been wanting to buy one ever since I saw it from my boss’ garden some years ago.

I saw one from Davao and in Intramuros and they’re so expensive. This one I got for more than a hundred pesos only that comes with a grateful smile from that corteous vendor. I think it is worth every centavo. He even wished us to enjoy the day and surely we did.

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Anawangin Cove… (double n?)ehehe

Try toe-dipping soon in Zambales. It’s going to be a memorable one. =)

Sonya’s Garden…

SONYA’S GARDEN…

“Just living is not enough… One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” ~Hans Christian Andersen~

It was always great to look back at times when you spend times with your parents. Especially to a bewitching place like Sonya’s Garden. It is one of Tagaytay’s pride if I may say. And I can not contain my excitement when I got there. The place transported me to a foreign place.

first pic
This used to be the focal point of the place..
cabbage
Cabbage rose..

I was like a child taking photos from every corner. Of which the endless floating flowers are my favorites. There are lots of them.

sg edible
They say some of the flowers at Sonya’s are edible..

The place is scented, it was a natural sweet scent emanating from everywhere dancing along the soft blow of wind. I guess it’s coming from the flowers themselves and the leaves of every tree and plants surrounding the place.

sg2
I have been seeing these tiles in most places in Tagaytay.

You would not believe, some of the petals are edible too.

sg ripples
Sounds of rippling waters are so relaxing..
sg
Blue, indigo, violet.

It was just a day trip, but it’s worth it and I am certain this is not my last time to visit. I especially loved their food, some items from the “panaderia” which we brought home, and the soothing feeling I got from their spa. The sound of rippling water which comes from the glass panel windows during the massage session was definitely relaxing. It was also a surprise to see a bowl of flower when it was my turn to lie on my chest. Truly a breather.

sg
I actually wanna lie down here, though it has become a favorite spot for picture taking. There is already a queue waiting for their turns.

sonya 4

sonyas 17

sg spa
Can’t wait for my turn. Swedish please. =)
entrance
Puka shells and some wooden beads created a soft lovely sound as the wind passed by them.
massage flower
Under my bed..when the attendant asked me to turn, so she can massage my back, I was surprised by the view under..

sonya 20

sonya 10

sg old banca
An old banca turned to bench..
sg4
Glorious!
sg capiz
Capiz for me felt so country..
sg bread
Before leaving, we bought some breads from the pastry shop..=)
sg3
Have a sit! ❤

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I guess, this is goin’ to be just one of my memorable visits at Sonya’s Garden. Who knows, I might even spend a day or two here. Crossin’ my fingers..<3