Manila Ocean Park

When Manila Ocean Park opened in 2008, my friend Zen and her family were the first to visit. She didn't find the place awesome, probably because most of the attractions were still under construction. Four years after, a lot has changed at Manila Ocean Park.

I particularly like their fountain show...

...and the fish spa. If one wants to try their fish spa do it at 8am or at 4pm because it is very hot in between the mentioned hours.

Sea lion show. They're under the water when I took this shot.

Bird show

Oceanarium

Jellies show

Boat ride, which Juancho found BORING.

Seriland, much like Active Fun, is where the kids really want to go but was not a part of the school package. Entrance fee is P150 for half an hour.

They also have a hotel for families who want to experience an accommodation different from other hotels.

And a bar where older people can hang out.

Balai Taal at Tagaytay

Though I haven't been at Balai Isabel, I know the place because of Judy Ann and Ryan's Wedding. When Glenn and Love asked me to be their wedding coordinator at Balai Taal, I immediately said yes. All the while I was thinking of one and the same place. I was wrong. Just the same, Balai Taal is definitely a great venue to revel and treasure a very private wedding with family and friends.

Balai Taal sits on 19 hectares along Tagaytay Ridge where one can marvel freely at the picturesque Taal Volcano.

Inside a Balai Taal home is a place where one can relax as it boasts of luxurious Southeast Asian architecture, high ceilings, big and well-appointed rooms, and a spa-like bathrooms. Truly, Balai Taal is a place to consider for that life-long garden wedding dream.

Tagaytay Picnic Grove

Looking for an affordable family bonding activity? Then head to Tagaytay Picnic Grove where you can enjoy the marvelous view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake at P hp50.00 per head (4 years old and below is FREE of entrance charge).

Restaurants and mini-eatery abound the area, but if you prefer to bring food, cottages can be rented at an affordable price. Better yet, why not bring picnic mats to lay on the ground.

Horseback riding, zip-line, sightseeing and picture taking are the activities that can be enjoyed at Picnic Grove.

Philippine Tourism developed a 404 meter eco-trail that provides scenic view, plenty of different plants and flowers.

If you get tired from walking, ice cream vendor is just below the trail waiting.

If you feel like spending the night over, Picnic Grove offers an affordable accommodation at their Hostel: Single Accommodation (no aircon) and Double accommodation (with aircon). The entrance fee to the park is free if your staying overnight.

Arko Ni Apo

Art enthusiast? Arko ni Apo is a place worth visiting, it is located right across Tam-Awan Village in Baguio City. Going to Baguio once or twice a year is part of my family's travel itinerary. Last December's trip was worth it, having met the master - Ben-Hur Villanueva.

Sir Ben-Hur personally tends to tourists, both local and foreign.

Should you wish to buy artworks or meet the master in person, visit their website and schedule an appointment: http://arkoniapo.multiply.com/

Tagaytay Highlands

Tagaytay Highlands is one of my family's favorite spot. Here you can see Taal Volcano and most part of Tagaytay. Once you enter the gate, it feels like heaven.

The landscape, the trees - everything inside is calming.

What makes each and every trip in Tagaytay Highlands worthwhile is the company of friends.

In this particular trip, Nora of More Than Just A Sahm and her pretty daughters - Macy and Jill.