When in Baguio...

When Dan broke the news that he was being transferred to Baguio from Dagupan (his territory for more than 5 years), I initially shrugged off the idea. We have been struggling with our "distance issue" for two years and this transfer is not helping. However, instead of sulking, I tried to see the brighter side of it --- I will have the chance to rediscover Baguio when it's my turn to come and visit him if his schedule will not allow him to come home.

Baguio, despite its transformation from a quiet mountain town to a highly urbanized city, still remains endearing and mystical. It is modern in every sense but at its very core, Baguio has not forgotten its rich culture and history.

Years ago, every time I had the chance to go up to Baguio, I did the mandatory activities that every tourist is expected to do. Think: Burnham, The Mansion, Wright Park, Mines View, etc. Baguio definitely has more to offer. When Dan accepted his new work assignment, we vowed to rediscover Baguio one place at a time.

I will start with dining places that you will not find anywhere else but in Baguio. These restaurants started out in this city and through word of mouth have been patronized by tourists coming to Baguio. Trying them out gives us a break from the usual fare that fastfood and franchise restaurants offer. Here is my partial list. Partial, because I know, there will be more...


Forest House
16 Loakan Rd Camp John Hay, Baguio

Choco-late de Batirol
Igorot Park, Camp John Hay, Baguio

Backyard Baguio
92 Upper General Luna Road, Baguio

I ♥ Macau

Last year (2013) Dan and I were fortunate to have traveled to three Philippine destinations: Boracay, Bohol and Cebu. We wanted to go around the country on our first year of marriage and we both confirmed how beautiful the Philippines is. This year, we opted to visit nearby Asian destinations to immerse ourselves in different cultures with the hope that we will learn to appreciate our own culture more.

We have made an agreement that every time we go out for a holiday, we will go DIY (do-it-yourself). Although there were times that I have been tempted to get tour packages offered by trusted agencies, the idea of exploring a foreign land with just a map and my ever-reliable instinct on hand proved to be more appealing.

Our first trip was in Macau, dubbed as Asia's Gambling Capital. But more than the numerous casinos that are found practically everywhere, this Chinese territory, once colonized by Portugal, has so much more to offer.

The hotel where we stayed was only a 10-minute walk to the city's famous landmarks such as Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul and the casino strip. I don't remember taking any public transport on our first day. We did a lot of walking but we never felt tired a bit.

Senado Square at night. We found Senado Square serendipitously as we were trying to look for a nearby money exchange. Hailing a cab to get to the Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul and the casino strip was no longer an option. Good thing, it's a walking-friendly city.

Senado Square.

I always make it a point to check out the street food of the place I visit. This one is not for the fainthearted. Their fare is a little too spicy for my palate.

Getting cozy at St. Paul's Ruins.

We also did casino-hopping, NOT to play but to check out its grand interiors. And boy, we weren't disappointed!

Our first stop was The Venetian.

I ♥ Cebu

Our trip to Cebu on October 2013 was made possible (again!) by a promo fare that I couldn't resist. I booked it right away without asking Dan if he was up for it. I was thinking, there was no way he would refuse it, especially since we won a free hotel accommodation at Crown Regency Towers, which by the way has a great view of the Queen City of the South. And anyone who has traveled would agree that a huge chunk of the travel expenses goes to accommodation. Good thing, we have one item crossed out from our list of expenses. Anyway, matipid naman kaming maglakwatsa. We always stick to the budget, no matter what. Kung di na kayang kumain, i-tubig na lang ang gutom, haha!

Unlike our Bohol trip, we didn't have to hire a tour guide in Cebu. Dan's two teenage nephews, Emerson and Remson, were gracious enough to drive us around the city. Plus, our high school friend Mariegen with her friend Haide also happened to be in the city, which means, we would have decent pictures together! That has always been a struggle. When it's just the two of us, we have no other choice but to take selfie shots which turn out horrendous because of angle issues.

Here are some photos we have taken from our trip.

Cebu lechon was a priority for this trip. As soon as we landed, we asked Emerson, Dan's nephew, to take us to a local restaurant that serves the famous Cebu lechon. Our first gastronomic fill was at CnT Lechon. The following day, we tried Zubuchon.

Dan and I make it a point to try something new in the places we visit. We did that in Bohol when we had the firefly tour. It was something that I wouldn't normally do but I'm glad I did. This time in Cebu, we couldn't miss the Sky Adventure in the Crown Regency. Definitely, this is not recommended for the fainthearted. It took a lot of convincing for me to finally give it a try. I can do the Skywalk and Zipline all over again, but I would never have the Edge Coaster for a second time. It was like facing death head-on, I swear.

And of course, the mandatory city tour.

Daghang salamat, Cebu!

I ♥ Bohol

If I had the chance to live anywhere in the Philippines, Bohol would definitely be at the top of my list. It is such an endearing province that any visitor will have a heavy heart when he leaves. Next to Singapore, it's one of those places I visited that I felt so at-home and very safe. I could go out late at night and still feel so protected by the lovely people of Bohol.

That's why my heart was bleeding when news of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Bohol and its nearby province Cebu on October 15. It almost felt like a huge part of me was also buried under the rubble. I have seen those beautiful churches up close, and seeing them in their current state, severely devastated, is heartbreaking and quite unbelievable. It's true when they say you leave a part of yourself in the places you have visited. Bohol certainly left me with beautiful memories and I know it will be as warm and welcoming when I return someday soon.

For now, allow me to share some of the photos I have taken during our trip last July. Seeing them over and over only reminds me that I need to start looking for promo fares.


No caption needed. Perhaps the most recognized landmark in the Philippines.

With the smallest primate, the Tarsier of Bohol.

This python scared the hell out of me. I've never been fond of snakes. NEVER.

Lunch at the Loboc river cruise, the same river we traversed for the firely tour the night before.

Man-made forest. This spot reminds me of that small town in Washington where the Twilight movie was shot.


Boholanos take pride in their centuries-old churches. In fact, a visit to these heritage churches is part of the itinerary of any tourist coming into the island. These are the most beautiful churches I have seen. This was taken in Baclayon Church, perhaps the most well-known in the province.

Dauis Church (Our Lady of Assumption). I remember this church because of its miraculous altar well. I consider myself blessed to have seen these beautiful churches before the massive quake hit the area. The structure may have been damaged but the faith remains strong.

SPAholic

One of my life's simple pleasures is a full body massage. I try to allot a certain amount for it every month. In fact, I can forgo my other comforts such as hair and nail care and even food cravings, but I will never give up a good massage.

I discovered a new spa in town serendipitously. Dan and I were having a glass of milk tea (Citywalk, a stone's throw away from Tarlac State) when a staff gave us flyers for a newly-opened spa - Body and Sole Body Massage and Foot Spa. Their packages are quite tempting, a lot cheaper than other spas I have tried in the past. Dan also vouched for their spa services because apparently in Dagupan (where he works), it's one of the most-sought after.

When I walked in one rainy morning, I was immediately impressed by the overall appeal of the place. The minimalist design with a few Thai-inspired decor added to its cozy ambience. The receiving area was wide enough to accommodate eager clients. It has a "homey feel," a detail that every spa should list at the top of their priorities. Body and Sole opened only last June so that explains why the place is immaculately clean. Hopefully, the management can maintain this because it's a factor that will keep clients coming.

For this visit, I availed of Package 1 which included body scrub and body massage for only Php500. The hallway leading to the massage rooms was dim as expected but there was cool lighting on the floor as well as from the lamps mounted on the wall close to the shower rooms. The massage room was bigger compared to Nuat Thai's. There is a compartment under the bed where a client can put her essentials. A pair of shorts, towel, shower cap and disposable underwear were neatly placed on the bed.

The body scrub came first. It was my first time to try this spa service and good thing, I was not disappointed at all. I used to get ticklish everytime I get a massage but I have eventually gotten over it. The scrub was quite relaxing, I must say. When it was over, the grains (salt, perhaps) were all over me. I had to wash myself clean before the body massage. The shower room is very modern in its design, thus, impressive to say the least. I can't say much about the body massage though because I was asleep practically the whole time. That alone is a proof of how good the massage was. I wish I could have stayed longer!

Body and Sole is a new addition to my favorite places on earth. I will definitely come back to try their other services. Can't wait!

See you there!



Visit Body and Sole Tarlac
One Trios Building McArthur Highway
Aquino Subd., Tarlac City (right across the Philippine Rabbit terminal)

Spa hours: Monday-Sunday from 10:00AM to 12 MN

Me-time at Nuat Thai

When I started pursuing my graduate studies, my weekends changed dramatically. It worked well for me because apart from fulfilling my academic tasks and duties, I also get to spend quality time with myself, which rarely happens given the amount of workload that I have.

After my graduate school classes, I make it a point to drop by the mall to grab a quick bite or just check out what the stores have to offer. Once while I was waiting for a ride home, I noticed a spa that offers affordable massage services right across SM Tarlac. Of course, Nuat Thai is not entirely new to me. A friend once shared in her Facebook page the amazing experience that she had in one of their branches in Manila. I never knew that Nuat Thai has also invaded Tarlac!

So when I finally found the time, I didn't think twice in trying out their services. The first thing I noticed, though, was the space. The receiving area was too small. I wonder how they fit in clients during their peak hours in such a tiny space. Worth noticing are the art pieces that adorn the area. True to its name, it is distinctly Thai-inspired. Their services include: Thai Body Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Hot Oil Massage, Swedish Massage and Aromatherapy, which are all reasonably priced. Before the massage proper, the masseuse assigned to me led me to an area where she washed my feet with lukewarm water. On the corner is a locker where I placed all my belongings for safekeeping.

The lighting inside the spa was enough to put one to sleep. The soothing piped-in music also does the trick.

On my first visit, I chose the Hot Oil Massage which lasted for a little more than an hour. I loved the experience! I would have requested for a second round, if only it was allowed. I felt rejuvenated! The effect of a good massage on me is instant. Every sore limb in my body was suddenly gone. I felt lighter, younger and healthier! Since then, I have become one of their frequent clients.

A good massage is truly the best stress-reliever!

PROS:
1. Satisfaction guaranteed
2. Friendly and accommodating staff
3. Reasonable price
4. Well-kept cubicles and restroom

CONS:
1. Tip hinting by the masseuse (stands by the door before the client leaves)
2. Noisy clients during the massage session
3. Claustrophobic space


Nuat Thai – Tarlac
Unit 1, LC Bldg., McArthur Highway, 2300 Tarlac, Philippines
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 12:00am
Phone: 045-4934116
Email: nuatthai.tarlac@gmail.com