Woke up on time, got dressed, and went to the airport with le mum. She accompanied me all the way to the pre-boarding area. It was my first time to travel alone! Glad I already crashed that one out of my bucket list. I can't really exactly describe how I felt that time it was a mixture of fear and excitement. I even forgot to take meds. Good thing I didn't throw up during the entire flight but I did feel a little bit nauseated.

I still needed to wait for a few hours before my next flight so I spent the vacant time trying to compensate with my nausea and I hardly ate anything. I was afraid it would stimulate my gag reflex. I was like "better gutom than sumuka." I hate that vomiting feeling. I just thought that I'd eat a lot when I arrive at Tacloban. And when I did... a bunch of kids were waiting for me. All the young ones from our family on that side of the road were there. They were accompanied by my aunt and uncle. It was the cutest thing! Haha. Made me smile. They were singing songs of praise while we were driving back home.

Where exactly is home? I'm gonna share to you a glimpse of my 2 weeks of home in Tacloban where almost all of my cousins grew up doing evil kid stuff and so have I but I only contributed a little since I live far away from this place. 

What's a home without food? In my entire stay I gained a lot of weight because the food here is just amazing. Looks like everyone knows how to cook and believe me when I say I get so excited to eat everytime that I forget to take pictures of mouthwatering dishes. I only have a few, forgive me for this.

Mallows coated with white chocolate and topped with sprinkles

Morcon

But the eating doesn't stop here. Even when we're out and sleeping over another cousin's house there's still a lot of food to share! I'm delighted that my cousins and I share the love for food. It's a mutual feeling.

My cousins made mango float with cheese and my taste buds still crave for more. They also love gummy bears, who doesn't? I for one! I'm so weird. I don't like gummy bears that much.

Breakfast with hotdogs, eggs, and bacon - that's heavenly. We opted for this photo to caption "Wish you were here (insert absentee cousins)." Haha. It's a trend caption for almost all our photos when we're having so much fun.

I was in for a treat everytime someone thinks of eating out for dinner. I can't enumerate all the food I tried there. It's just too sinful. This shot below was at Sunzibar - a Mexican restaurant. Their rum ribs and quesadillas are on top of my list. Must try! :)

And if I'm not out eating I mostly spend the time with my cousins doing whatnot. There was this one time that we tricked our poor little cousin into watching a horror movie while he was thinking that we were going to watch Oz The Great & Powerful. He was covering his eyes the whole time. Poor little kid!

I also went to Sto. Niño Church a couple of times for regular Sunday mass and for retreats with cousins. This also happens to be the same church where my parents got married but it has a new facade now so it's not the same when compared to their wedding photos.

2 weeks. Now that's a well deserved vacation. After almost 10 or 11 years since my last visit I most certainly had a blast! Although I didn't get to visit some other tourist spots it's okay at least I still have something to look forward to for my next visit. I wonder when though. Hopefully not in another decade. I think that's a summary of how I spent my vacation there. Other significant events will be detailed on a separate post! :) Thanks for taking time to visit and read my blog. Much love!

One bright sunny day after spending the night at my cousins' house we decided to go on a road trip!

On an early morning drive we had to drop off one of my cousins to her school and after that... Poof! Here we are at the place where coconut is flooding. Haha. A lot of stalls lined up all selling fresh coconut. I was a fool for their improvised spoons. 

and after eating we took a quick drive around the city. We got to see McArthur Park but we didn't find it necessary to take a photo because I've been here before and I had photos when I was younger and I totally regret not taking one now that I've grown up. Haha... Here's a photo so you can visualize. 

[CTO]

Later that afternoon another bright idea came to mind. To San Juanico Bridge we go! Haha. Like it was that easy but we went anyway... and my cousin Razel doesn't have anything else to do but trying to take ugly photos of me... so I selected some that doesn't look quite what he wanted to achieve. Lol.

So we drove all the way to the other end and reached Samar. Parked the car somewhere near and started walking to a perfect spot where the view(of how long the bridge was) can be appreciated. It was kind of scary because every time a vehicle passes by the bridge gives a little shake and of you look at the clear waters down below you can see a slight swirling formation that forms like whirlpool. Small boats are not allowed to enter the premises near the bridge anymore.

Just us five! Good thing my cousin brought her tripod with her. 

A quick fun fact about the bridge: It is also known as the "Marcos Bridge." The decision to erect the bridge was made during the mid 1960's during the late president Marcos' administration. It is 10 KM from the city proper of Tacloban to Sta. Rita Municipality, which is in Western Samar, and 96 KM from Catbalogan (where the famous host Boy Abunda came from).

Since the weather was kind of gloomy we hurried ourselves back to where we left the car after taking photos. Both ends of the bridge had due security. The Golf & Country Club was nearby so we decided for a quick stop. Good thing their father plays golf there so we need not to pay the entrance fee. The view was fascinating and this high school musical fan in me ignited and my imagination goes gaga. 

If my memory serves me right, its my first time to visit and actually get inside a golf course. 

A few moments later when we wanted to take a walk by the pool the rain drops started falling. My equally or even crazier cousin Razel and I went sun dancing but it absolutely has no effect.

Before driving home there's still one more place we had to see. UP!

I had so much fun. It really is different when there are no adults around. Well, the older ones I mean. We felt so free but of course with responsibility. I can't remember what we did after though but one thing is for sure... it's always fun with the cousins. Great minds! :D

I have one tip if you want to go to Tacloban... Learn a little waray. Prepare yourself because language barriers can spoil your vacation. Plus! Learning is always fun. You can really learn a lot when you travel and you must grab every opportunity you have.

Until the next adventure!

What you see is what you get... The perfect mix clarity, peace, and serenity. Surrounded by the beauty of nature there's nothing else you can think about but the magnificent view of the place. It's perfect for a family date for special occasions. I'm glad I didn't miss coming to this place while I was in the city of Tacloban.

With my cousin Mae Anne, who's also a nurse and a future doctor, because we're the only ones who are game to pose under the scorching heat of the sun.

My niece Kaki so fond of watching the animals.

Beautiful cousins and aunts. It runs in the blood ;P

The place is often associated to the indonesian feel of Bali. Everything looks green and fresh. Well landscaped I'd dare say. The place is quite massive and I'm quite impressed how they maintain it. There were still a lot of views to capture but this was all I got. Sorry for that :)

Aside from the scenery and fresh air, you can also enjoy boating on the lake or go chilling by the tree house. 

The restaurant has this antique feel. I feel like I was inside a time capsule. A very cozy place with good furniture. The menu has local dishes. I bet some of their ingredients are from the farm itself. We were still full when we got there so we only had snacks. We ordered turon and juice. The turon had chocolate syrup and topped with crushed nuts. It pays to give a twist! Tastes good!

I really enjoyed my brief stay at the place. It's nice to spend quality time with good people in such a good place.

This wonderful place can be located at Babatngon. It is about a 30-minute drive from Tacloban City. You must take a look if you're somewhere near the area.

For further information you may contact them through:

inquiry@rafaelfarm.com

reservation@rafelfarm.com

+639186699909

+639159200325

The Tiny Clay Factory gives you a wide array of personalized products that are ensures you with quality and creativity! You can order from them online through their Facebook Page.

Your order will be released 3 working days after placement of order. They can ship nationwide through LBC (payment shouldered by the buyer). Mode of payment is through bank payment(BPI) and for local buyers here in Davao you can pick it up at Bucoolers Basket fronting San Pedro College. Personalized designs can be sent through e-mail: hubert_jan@yahoo.com

Last March 21, 2013 they just invaded Abreeza Mall! They can be found at Anaheim Hobby Shop, Level 3, near CD-R King. Visit them there to see their fine products with your own eyes. You can choose to order there or online. Your choice! :)

Who wouldn't love this? The clayness in me. Haha. Thank you for this Tiny Clay Factory! I really see myself in this! Haha. Irresistibly cute! :D

 

Personalized Souvenirs, Gifts and Giveaways made from bottle caps. 100% new, not recycled and made only for bottle cap crafts. Can be used as key chains  necklaces, ref. magnets, paper clips and more! Contact details- 0932-401-9224

Price list (Bottle Cap Craft)

Silver less than 10 pcs- Php 40

11-50pcs-Php 35

51 pcs above- Php 30

Colored(plain)- 10 pcs below - Php 45

11-50pcs-Php 40

51 pcs above- Php 35

Flattened bottle cap- add 5 pesos

Back to Back design-add 15 pesos

and there's just a lot more to them! Visit their store and Facebook page for more photos and details.

https://www.facebook.com/tinyclayfactory

Get your own now!