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The Lime Hotel: Pool Room in Manila Bay

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  This weekend, we stayed at the newly opened Lime Hotel fronting Manila Bay (just behind the Manila Film Center). I can’t say I recommend the hotel just yet - they still have to get their act together - there’s an unfinished quality for both amenities and service - Lauan had a cut from a sharp tile in our pool and it ended his enjoyment of that one amenity we came here for! But Manila Bay looks gorgeous! And if only for the sunset, bay breeze, and wide vista of the water - I am glad we tried this new place. People who are willing to overlook shortcomings in exchange for a great view may still want to give the hotel a try - just manage your expectations and proceed with some caution. The place looks great in pictures, as it does in real life - but be warned, as a hotel staycation experience, it's not the best because there are problems in design and execution - something that even the best customer service from well-meaning staff couldn't mask. For a new hotel in it's firs
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Mt. Samat National Shrine: Visiting a Memorial and Museum in Bataan

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  It was just a few days after National Heroes' Day when we went up to Mt. Samat to visit the "Dambana ng Kagitingan", a memorial shrine and museum dedicated to honoring and remembering the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought the Japanese imperial army in World War II.   My husband remembered visiting the site decades before and he wanted to show it to us. We were traveling to Las Casas de Filipinas de Acuzar and along the way, we saw the signs to Mt. Samat. It's an iconic landmark, a towering white cross atop a mountain.  My husband remembers driving all the way up to the top of the mountain and taking the elevator inside the structure to reach a viewing gallery on the arms cross - but it was not something we could experience for ourselves. First, due to threats of erosion, the road leading up to the top was not accessible by car, and second - the elevator was no longer available to the public because the cross is already an old building. So we had
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Sheraton Manila: A Birthday Staycation in Pasay

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  For Lauan's 5th birthday, my sister booked us for a weekend staycation at Sheraton Manila located in Resorts World in Pasay.  Prior to the pandemic, we frequented the area because it's near my parents' house, but we hadn't been going there because of the coronavirus lockdown. I was curious to see Resorts World again.  As soon as we checked in and got out of the elevator on our floor, Lauan went over to the large picture windows that offered a great view of the airport.  We took a few minutes to watch airplanes landing and queuing up to take off. Now that Lauan turned 5, we could get him vaccinated at last, and we may just be able to board an airplane to travel again sometime soon.  But for now, staycations are an easy alternative. My sister booked a loft bedroom - I didn't even know they had those! The room is located on the 3rd floor where the pool, gym, spa, and kids' club are - so it's quite convenient.  Upon opening the door, there's a spacious bat
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Sta. Elena Fun Farm: A Birthday Party Outdoors in Cabuyao, Laguna

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  When my cousins Gio and Melan invited us to Sta. Elena Fun Farm to celebrate their son Ino's 3rd birthday, we said yes immediately!  Since the pandemic lockdown began in March 2020, we had been yearning for opportunities to bond with family again. It's been two long years of not having big family gatherings!  My older kids Narra and Guijo had more opportunities to enjoy playing with cousins than my youngest son Lauan, who like his cousin Ino, and their other "batch mates" had to live with social distancing for an extended period.   Sta. Elena Fun Farm was a perfect choice for a pandemic party - we're still under Alert Level 1 and while more activities are allowed now, we still follow safety protocols like wearing masks, observing social distancing, and choosing well-ventilated and uncrowded places.  Sta. Elena Fun Farm had plenty of space and outdoor activities for kids to enjoy. From pony rides to animal feeding, to zip lines, obstacle courses, boating, fish fe
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PasigLaban: A Pink Weekend With Extended Family

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When we found out a big Leni-Kiko rally was happening in Pasig, we were excited to go. We lived in Pasig so we just planned on either walking or biking to Emerald Avenue to attend PasigLaban. But my sister had other plans. She booked several rooms at a budget hotel on Garnet Road, which was near the rally venue, near enough for our senior citizen parents, aunties and uncles to feel and see the festivities without having to join the crowd. My sister had the foresight to make a family affair out of PasigLaban! It's been a while since we've done anything together as a family because of the pandemic. We checked in on Saturday afternoon and immersed in the festive atmosphere of preparations until late in the evening. We watched rehearsals on stage, and saw banners, tarps, flowers, lights, speakers, tents, ribbons, photo walls, and standees being set up in preparation for Sunday's event.  Even the pedestrian lanes were turned pink! My sister and I bought dinner for my parents and
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Karada: Japanese Body Therapy in Burgos Circle, Taguig

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  Around this time five years ago, I was 8 months pregnant with my youngest child and I was feeling all sorts of pains and aches. I daydreamed of going to Karada for their unique massage therapy, but it was impossible, they wouldn't do any treatments on pregnant women. I understand them, of course. Karada's techniques require specific positions that simply aren't suitable for someone in my condition then.  Weeks after giving birth, I went back - and I was denied their treatments again - "too soon", they said.  Argh.  When finally I became eligible to receive their services, I did so with a vengeance! I bought a discounted package for multiple treatments and sessions, to make up for lost time.  I got my fix. And when I consumed all of the vouchers I bought, I was fine.  I didn't go for months, which turned into years. Before I knew it, it's been 4 years since my last Karada visit!  So when my sister asked me "gusto mo mag Karada?" - my heart leapt
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Shaka Cafe: A Health-Conscious Saturday in Burgos Circle

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My sister invited me for some self-care on Saturday afternoon. The agenda was simple: go to Burgos Circle to eat at a vegetarian restaurant, and walk to Karada nearby for a Japanese-style massage. It sounded like a really good plan. My sister first encountered Shaka Cafe in Siargao and she was delighted to find out there's a branch in Taguig.  I told my sister I wanted us to do something we can enjoy only when it's just the two of us - without or parents, or my husband and kids. Oohing and aahing at plant-based fare is that sort of thing. And Shaka Cafe did not disappoint. We ordered a wrap (and cut it in half), and we ordered the tacos as well, and had one each of the pair that makes up a serving. There were so many things to love about what we ate. The portions were just right, hefty and filling - we were full and satisfied by the time we polished off our plates, but we also felt like we had a light meal so we didn't feel stuffed or sluggish.  The taste and play of textu
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