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This tropical paradise offers a relaxing summer getaway

My mind craves new experiences, new adventures. By going somewhere new at least once a year, I continue to expand my horizon and my zest for travel.

Since the pandemic hit us, we have been confined to our little bubble. We stay at home most of the time, and our movement has become limited. This year, we are opening tourism destinations, and we have started to travel subject to health protocols.

If I will be given again the chance to return to the place where I was the happiest, it would be at this majestic paradise, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa located in Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu. It gave me new and exciting discoveries about the destination and wonderful memories of a happy and relaxing escapade.

Plantation Bay is a vast 11-hectare tropical plantation, which offers one of the largest privately-owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of the colonial-plantation architecture. It’s a resort, a village, a playground, a respite from a stressful world, rolled into one. The resort has a waterfront hotel, a lagoon-style pool, and a posh spa.

Kayaking is fun!

You will enjoy your stay here because it offers you more facilities, more separate lounging areas, and more things to try. You can go swimming, kayaking, archery, mountain climbing, play tennis or volleyball, have a relaxing spa at Mogambo Springs, listen to an acoustic band in one of the restaurants, have your future predicted by a fortune-teller, or simply enjoy your day while at the hammock amidst the lagoon pool.

Outstanding Dining Options

Plantation Bay takes pride in its kitchens and can assure you of consistently delicious, beautifully-presented dishes at reasonable prices.

It has five outstanding restaurants, namely:

  • Kilimanjaro Kafé – offers international and Filipino cuisine, terrific soup and vegan selections;
  • Fiji – offers seafood, Asian, and Filipino. It is often full so you need to come early;
  • Palermo – offers Spanish Tapas, Italian Pastas, and the most complex, nuanced char-broiled steaks on earth;
  • Route 66 Diner – offers Retro American diner with all-day breakfast, burgers, hot dogs, and deli favorites;
  • Alien Abduction – offers soda fountain in the late afternoon, family-friendly Night Club after dinner

During our stay, we tried some of these in-house restaurants. We dined at Fiji, the ambiance was relaxing and the food served didn’t disappoint us.

For something different, we also tried Kilimanjaro Kafe, famous for its light international fare. We also dined at Palermo, for another different ambiance and enjoyed Mediterranean-Continental dishes. Lastly, we enjoyed the delicious burgers and hotdogs served at Route 66 Diner/Savannah Grill for our afternoon snacks.

To complete our Cebu trip, we paid homage to the Cross of Magellan and Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino De Cebu and had a hearty lunch at AA BBQ, which reminded me of a happy conversation with travel buddies because of its funny-sounding name.

Overall, staying at Plantation Bay was a pleasant adventure. The charm of the place remains in you and makes you want to go back time and again.

For more information, visit their website: https://plantationbay.com, and FB page https://www.facebook.com/plantationbayresortandspa on its latest promotions for summer.

#plantationbayresortandspa #cebu #summer #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Pops Fernandez: Enjoying her own successes

A woman of strength, style, and substance, Concert Queen Pops Fernandez finds greater joy in being on her own, doing the things she loves. “I have to keep moving and believing in the future, not just for myself but for my children,” she shares.

Life does go on for Concert Queen Pops Fernandez. She has become her own person and finds greater joy in being on her own, in experiencing her own successes.

She is busy as a bee – co-hosting with former husband Concert King Martin Nievera for “eXes&whys” over Cignal TV (channel 60 SD or 202 HD);  maintaining her own YouTube Channel with 119k subscribers to date and is even active in social media (FB and IG).

At 55, Pops is looking great. She takes care of her overall well-being. She keeps the faith as evidence of her positive outlook in life.

Single parent

Pops considers being a single parent as difficult but she’s coping beautifully for the sake of her children – Robin and Ram.

“I have a life to live for my children,” she said from a previous interview. “I’m still their mother; what happened hasn’t changed that, and I must work for their future and make their lives as happy as I possibly could. I have to keep moving and believing in the future, not just for myself but for my children.”

She gives all the love and attention she could give to her two boys. “Ram and Robin are both loquacious and active,” she said. “But their attitudes are very different. When you talk to one, it should be different from the way you talk to the other because they’re two different personalities. But they love being together.”

She said being honest with them is the best way to cope with whatever they’re going through at present. “Sometimes parents think that because children are young, they don’t understand. I think it’s the other way around. They are smarter than we perceived them to be and they are more adaptive to change than older people,” she explained.

Of course, despite everything, it couldn’t be denied that Martin is still the father of her children. The boys see their dad whenever he’s free, and even go on trips with them just like one happy, modern family. Martin and Pops, whose marriage was annulled in 2000, have remained friends.

Pops added: “I don’t know how I could have made it without my friends and my faith in God. It’s true what they say about how a crisis has to hit you first before you feel God’s presence. Of course, there are times when you can’t help but ask God why this had to happen ‘coz sometimes you just feel like crying. But the good thing about God is that He has the answers to all the questions. I believe that there’s a reason for everything happening in my life.”

Pops throwback photo/ personal file

Hard lessons

Pops said she was very idealistic when she was younger. To be a single parent was farthest from her mind.

“When my parents separated, I told myself, “When I get married, I won’t let this happen to my kids.’ I had plans. I said, ‘I won’t do this, I won’t do that. I’ll be the best wife and mother I can be, then everything will be alright.”

She further explained: “But sometimes you just can’t help it. Things happen. Problems crop up. You try to fix them, but you can’t. You just learn to take things one day at a time and realized that each marriage and each situation is unique and that one rule doesn’t apply to all.”

What she always wanted was to have a complete family. “Just seeing my family happy is enough,” she said, “especially, my children.” But then, things don’t usually happen the way you want them.

For her, life can be a struggle and at the same time exciting. And there are always lessons learned after the pains, after the struggle. She had dried her tears and is going about the business of living as best as she can.

 (Based on the article published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#throwbackseries #popsfernandez #concertqueen  #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo courtesy of fantasticoh.com

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Gladys Reyes’s villain days, being a mompreneur, and some fetishes

As a young kontrabida actress during her heyday, Gladys Reyes played many villain roles in movies and television. But she didn’t mind playing villainess in the past.

“I enjoy portraying villain roles because I get to experiment on my character,” related Gladys from a previous interview. “As the kontrabida, I see to it that I attack my roles in different ways, so the moviegoers will not get tired of my acting.” She’s known for her role as “Clara” the lead villainess from the Kapamilya’s popular TV series Mara Clara (in the 90s).

But is she a real kontrabida in real life?

“I know my right as an individual. I know that I’m not stepping on anybody’s toes. But when I’m not treated fairly and I have to fight for my right, that’s the time I become bitchy,” she uttered.

Gladys is indeed, blooming these days. She’s blessed with wonderful family life. She’s happily married to a long-time boyfriend and now husband Christopher Roxas. Both of them are Iglesia Ni Kristo devotees.

Gladys believes her feeling for Christopher (Christopher Sommereux in real life) is true love, which she defines as accepting one’s good and bad traits. “You know no matter what he does, I won’t be turned off, because you love that person,” she said.

She says for a relationship to endure, there should be a give and take and open communication. “Even in the Bible, it’s stated that you should respect the rights of a man in a relationship,” she shared.

What about Christopher’s feelings toward her? Gladys replied that he dislikes her tendency to nag. “But I’m not a nagger. I’m just a fast talker,” enthused the 44-year-old Kapuso actress, who appears in Pepito Manaloto Ang Unang Kuwento. She’s a doting mom to her four beautiful children – Christophe, Aquisha, Grant, and Gavin.

Off-cam, Gladys is a hands-on mompreneur managing their business called That’s EntertainMeat (frozen meat goods), which is open for distributors and resellers. She also manages their sommereux catering with her husband Christopher.

Gladys is an alumna of New Era University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications.

Gladys fetishes

Not all people know that Gladys has a fetish for a mosquito net. “Every taping, I always bring my mosquito net, the size of which is just right for my feet,” she related from a past interview. “Since I was a kid I couldn’t sleep without it. Then I rub my foot there and I fall asleep right away. ”

Another interesting fact about Gladys is that she always wears pajamas when she’s at home. “Because even when my mommy was still a teenager, she was like that,” she said.

She maintains her flawless complexion by applying calamansi to her lower body every day before taking a bath. “I only consume five pieces of calamansi, so that my skin will not get dry,” she said. “You should apply it to your elbows, neck, knees, and areas that sweat quickly.”

Gladys’s early exposure in show business was at the age of seven when she won the Little Miss Philippines title in 1984.

What matters most to her now is her family, career, business, and the never-failing affection she gets from her loving hubby Christopher.

Featured photo courtesy of: https://www.facebook.com/Gladys-Reyes-Sommereux-113581300051854

Reposted from the author’s published article in Manila Bulletin. Source: https://mb.com.ph/2022/01/04/throwback-gladys-reyess-villain-days-on-being-a-mompreneur-and-some-fetishes/

#GladysReyes #throwbackseries #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Best destinations for your next overseas trip

Since countries have opened their borders and entertained visitors, people have been traveling and living their lives in the realm of adventure and wanderlust. Traveling can indeed heal and eventually lead us to places we didn’t know existed.  But now that restrictions are relatively relaxed, where do we go? You might want to consider adding these places to your bucket list! 

  • Dubai, Arab Emirates

Dubai is known worldwide for its exhilarating tourist spots. It stands proud of its Burg Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, reaching up to 2,716 feet tall. Dubai also takes great importance in its diverse culture, which is evident in its Dubai Museum.

Photo credits to Emirates

It is famously located at the Al-Fahidi Fort, which was built way back in 1787 to defend the Dubai Creek, which is also the home to gold, textile, and spice souks (marketplace). If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you may want to check out the hot air balloon over the desert dunes, or the IMG Worlds of Adventure speed rides. Dubai will take your breath away– both literally and figuratively!

  • London, United Kingdom 

Who wouldn’t want to explore the streets where Harry Potter came to life, and the roads where Sherlock Holmes walked on? London is definitely on the bucket list of pure-blooded literary fangirls.

Photo credits to Hotels.com

Aside from its regal royalty, London is famous for its London Eye, which is a giant Ferris wheel that offers a majestic view of the city–and it shines extra brightly at night. If you’re craving for the nightlife, Soho is the place to be, welcoming you with its bars and classy restaurants. Of course, the trip won’t be complete for film enthusiasts without visiting the British Film Institute. It shows different films every day, from recent blockbusters to cult classics. London will surely feed your pop culture knowledge!

  • Cancun, Mexico

Looking for a sunny, beach party vibe for your next trip? The ever-so-tropical Cancun is just the right place for you! Check out the fancy hotels located at their very own Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone), which also offers the wild nightlife and parties by the beach down at the Kulkukan Boulevard.

Photo credits to moonpalace.com

For the real Cancun food experience, drive down to the Avenida Tulum, which features their all-time favorite– authentic Mexican tacos! Diving and swimming is also something that Cancun offers through its numerous spots in the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route), which are natural pools formed within limestone caves. It’s true– Cancun wakes the fun within you! 

  • Bali, Indonesia

Famous for the serenity and soul it brings to its tourists, Bali continues enticing people to rest in its lush spots. Also known as the ‘Island of the Gods,’ Bali provides people the rest they need with its seas and beaches.

It is also a haven for surfers, which the waves of Kuta Beach readily welcome. Bali is also famous for its intricate temples, such as the Ulun Danu Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess of the lakes. You may also seek enlightenment and relaxation in Yoga Barn’s famous retreats, each a more freeing session than the other. Or maybe you feel like flying– jetpacking in Tanjung Benoa must be on your list. Whether it’s for fun or relaxation, Bali has it all for you!

  • Crete, Greece

The birthplace of the Olympian Gods, Crete offers a tapestry of culture, lore, and adventure. One of the most historical places in Europe, the Heraklion Archeological Museum should be your first stop to acquaint yourself with the rich culture of Crete.

Traditional street restaurants and streets of Greece – Crete island. Photo credits to iStock

Explore history through the cobblestone streets of Rethymno Old Town, the best-preserved town on the island. You might also want to visit Lake Voulismeni, famous for being seemingly bottomless– reaching down as far as 64 meters. If you’re a mythology buff, the caves of Mt. Ida might just interest you, the birthplace of Zeus himself! Crete dabbles between the past and the future, so let it be your present destination!

Traveling can be such a hassle, but the majestic destination often makes up for all the trouble. Hurry now and book your next trip–have fun and safe skies, traveler!

By Princess Friel Lontoc

Featured photo: Bali, Indonesia courtesy of Hotels.com

#worldsbesttraveldestinations #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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K-dramas and movies to binge-watch this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is drawing near, and love is evident in the air. During the month of love, it is best to keep your loved ones safe and loved through staying indoors–but still making this occasion a special day to remember. Here are some of the movies and series that might capture your hearts– and lead you to love as well! 

 

  • Our Beloved Summer

Released in December 2021, Our Beloved Summer has gained popularity for its sublime interpretation of love in different forms through heartfelt dialogues. Years after shooting their school-themed documentary, ex-lovers Kook Yeon Soo (Kim Dami) and Choi Ung (Choi Woo Shik) are forced to reunite once more for one final project. Will they be able to reconcile their differences, or will they stay sworn enemies forever? This K-drama will make you relive your high school days while giving you a crash course about love and the sacrifices it entails. To top it off, the actors’ chemistry is just off the charts, you can truly feel their connection on and off-screen. If you’re looking for a comfort drama armed with depth and perspective, Our Beloved Summer is just the perfect thing to watch! 

 

  • It’s Okay Not to Be Okay 

This K-drama hit the world by storm and captured the viewers’ hearts across different countries. Ko Mun Yeong (Seo Yea Ji) writes children’s books for a living and achieves fame out of her original and edgy works. She crosses paths with Moon Gang-Tae (Kim Soo Hyun), a psychiatric ward caretaker, which signals the start of their journey towards emotional healing and eventually, love. This drama grapples with various topics such as self-love, family ties, psychological health, and the rawness of first loves. The drama’s underlying messages within each episode are crafted so meticulously that the viewers are also enthralled as the story progresses. Who knows, it might just help you discover things you didn’t know about yourself, and about your partner as well! It’s Okay Not to Be Okay will work its magic this Valentine’s Day. 

Photo credits to Dramas with a Side of Kimchi

 

  • Elise

Are you a fan of the ‘love at first sight’ trope and slow burns? This movie is perfect for you! The film’s namesake, Elise (Janine Gutierrez), is extraordinary– especially to the eyes of love-struck Bert (Enchong Dee). As time passes, they forge a connection that could last a lifetime. His affection for the girl endures from childhood to adulthood, but will it finally be requited?  This romance movie appeals to the young at heart for it also features a 90’s vibe armed with the nostalgia of that era. Elise will surely take you on a trip down memory lane alongside your lover! 

Photo credits to Rappler

 

  • Letters to Juliet 

This movie will satisfy the hopeless romantic in you as it whisks you to the breathtaking streets of Verona, Italy. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) visits Verona with her fiance, hoping for some downtime before the wedding. However, she is in for an adventure of a lifetime as she discovers an ancient letter–written in 1957– sent to none other than Juliet herself! This movie is just the right thing if you’re looking for a light-hearted storyline with an enemies-to-lovers trope. Join them this Valentine’s Day as they look for the one that got away– and witness how this love story stood the test of time!

Photo credits to TIME

With these K-dramas and films, partnered with a bowl of popcorn, you can create a cinematic atmosphere within the comforts of your home. Of course, don’t forget the tissues– sometimes love can indeed be a tear-jerker. These films will surely make you feel loved and cherished this Valentine’s Day!

By Princess Friel Lontoc

Featured photo courtesy of Tatler Asia

#kdrama #movies #bingewatch #valentinesday #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Ariel and Gelli: ‘Happiness is being together’

Actress Gelli De Belen and singer-actor Ariel Rivera exude that “happiness is being together” aura, reflective of their happy wedded life.

The keyword for their marriage is ‘fun.’ “We want to live a happy life,” disclosed Ariel. “We want to be adventurous. If you have more fun in your marriage, you’ll spend a lot of time together,” said Gelli.

They both agreed that in marriage, love is not enough. It involves constant communication, honesty, and trust.

The husband and wife have agreed as well to keep on listening to each other. That’s their formula for long-lasting marital bliss. “I remember my parents saying, ‘Just listen to each other,’” said Ariel. “That’s what you have to do. As a husband be aware of your wife’s needs, you are already a team. It’s both compromise and negotiation. What’s important in our relationship is communication. And trying to keep our relationship happy and fresh.”

Describing each other

According to Gelli, one trait he likes about Ariel is that “he’s confident with himself. He doesn’t have insecurities.”

In Ariel’s eyes, Gelli is a very good wife. “She’s very thoughtful, sweet, pretty, sexy, caring. She has a lot of sense of humor. And she cleans well! (laughs)”

The husband and wife have agreed to keep on listening to each other. That’s their formula for long-lasting wedded bliss. Image: Personal file.

Gelli admitted that the years they have been together are enough for them to know each other very well. “Before we took the plunge, we’re sure, we already know our habits,” said Gelli.

If you live your life all over again, would you marry the same person?

“Of course,” said Gelli. “Of course, I would,” butted in Ariel. “I want to live my life the way I’m living now – with people I care about around me.”

#arielrivera #gellidebelen #celebritycouple #loveisintheair #preciousmoments

Featured photo courtesy of Facebook

Based on the published article by the same author at the now-defunct  Mirror Weekly magazine.

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His Music Touches the Heart

Just like his songs, David Pomeranz has shown to us a part of his being. He is a truly caring soul who shows so much compassion and humanness through his music.

 

Some famous songwriters and entertainers are recognized the world over by their music alone. One of them is David Pomeranz – the voice behind the breezy and heartwarming hits like “King and Queen of Hearts,” “Got To Believe in Magic,” “The Old Songs,” “If You Walked Away,” “Undying Admiration,” and “Born For You.”

In an interview with David some years back, he related that he had visited Manila four times already. “I love Manila. That’s why I keep on coming back,” he said in his soothing voice. “The people are great, gorgeous, artistic; how they live here is so different from other countries. But I haven’t seen enough of the Philippines.”

He shared that his stay in Manila was something he will always treasure. David conveyed his wonderful message to his Filipino fans: “Thank you for liking my music and for opening your arms to me and letting me in. Expect more albums and more performances from me in the coming years.”

He revealed that his wife, Kelly, has been his inspiration in creating good music. They don’t have kids. It’s David’s third time getting married.

An enduring hitmaker

David was born in New York City and was raised in Long Island. At an early age, he showed signs of “things to come” by pretending to be a musical conductor while his father’s records were being played inside the playroom and putting on shows for neighbors in the backyard.

His first public singing experiences were singing duets with his father in the Synagogue choir. “I loved singing those beautiful songs. They have such soul and feeling and I’m sure they have a lot to do with how I interpret my songs today,” he said in a fact sheet provided to media.

Not too long after, he learned to play the piano and taught himself to play the guitar and drums.  At 14, he began writing his first songs. During his teens, he played in numerous rock bands, including a stint as lead singer with the Cincinnati group, East Orange Express (whose members later went on to become the hit band, Pure Prairie League). His first personal manager was a pop star, Leslie Gore.

At age 19, MCA Records signed David to a multi-album contract during which time he toured throughout America with the likes of Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, Badfinger, Three Dog Night, and even a “post-Jim Morrison” tour with The Doors.

“Boy, were those wild times! They were my first experiences playing in 20-25,000 seat auditoriums and I’d stroll out with my acoustic guitar and try to create an intimate experience with the audiences,” he recalled. “It took brass ‘you know what but it was great training for me.”

 

Throwback feature on David Pomeranz by the author

 

Dubbed by Cashbox Magazine as a “positive hurricane of fresh air” David’s varied career has spanned the fields of pop records, motion pictures, television, and musical theatre. If you still didn’t know, David was the voice heard of the hit ABC series, Perfect Strangers.

Loving musical theatre since childhood, David has also become involved in writing music for some musicals. One of those was the smash-hit West End musical, Time, which starred Cliff Richard and Sir Laurence Olivier, who appeared as a giant holographic projection on stage and recited the lyrics of David’s “It’s In Every One Of Us.”

David also wrote both music and lyrics of the ambitious stage musical, Little Tramp, which was based on Charlie Chaplin’s life story, and who happens to be one of David’s artistic heroes.

The brilliant songwriter-singer is also renowned for his countless charity concert appearances over the years, which have benefited several institutions. It only proves that David is willing to share his blessings with other people.

Just like his songs, David has shown to us a part of his being. He is a truly caring soul who shows so much compassion and humanness through his music.

Featured photo courtesy of David Pomeranz Facebook page

#ThrowbackSeries #DavidPomeranz #singersongwriter #musicicon #entertainment #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Zsa Zsa Padilla: ‘Happiness is what you make it’

 

After more than three decades of working in the show business (she started in 1983), Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla is happy about her place in the industry and the kind of respect and recognition she gets from her colleagues. She has proven to herself that she’s not just a singer but an actress as well. She feels that the longer she stays in showbiz the more she gets better.

Photo courtesy of Zsa Zsa Padilla Facebook page

Zsa Zsa has admitted that she has become a veteran of sorts when it comes to love and relationships. “For a relationship to grow, there must be passion, love, and nurturing,” related the Kapamilya singer from a previous interview. “Because of what I’ve experienced in the past, I’ve learned to nurture more my present relationship. I’m happy with my present partner (fiancé architect Conrad Onglao).”

She said too much passion can also be dangerous in a relationship. There has to be balanced to achieve harmony. “With an overdose of passion you cannot distinguish anymore what’s right and what’s wrong,” she rationalized. “You don’t have to follow your heart’s dictates all the time. I’ve been there. I’ve been hurt. And I’ve hurt some people in the process. It taught me a lot. Eventually, when the passion fades, you need to have something to hold on to, the love has to be stronger. In my case, my children are there. They keep me going.”

Zsa Zsa is hoping that one day, she’ll be able to tie the knot with her present partner.  “I’m just waiting for the right time. It might come, it will come,” said Zsa Zsa, now in her mid-50s, looking more gorgeous than ever.

She disclosed that like everyone else there are days when she feels very depressed over nothing. “But I’ve realized that happiness is what you make it,” she said. “If I decide to be happy today, it’s my doing. As much as possible I don’t allow negative thoughts to put me down.”

Her children are giving her much joy and contentment. The proud mom has three beautiful and talented daughters – Karylle, Nicole, and Zia. When at home, she can be so simple and plain, but when she’s in front of the spotlight performing, she can be glamorous. Since she’s not getting any younger, she tries to take care of her health even more, and eat healthier food.

Reposted from the author’s published article in Manila Bulletin: https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/23/throwback-zsa-zsa-padilla-happiness-is-what-you-make-it/

 

#ZsaZsaPadilla #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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It’s Always Christmas at The Gingerbread House!

“Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.” – Lisa Weed

This Holiday Season is a great time to go to the Gingerbread House located at Barangay Palumlum in Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines (a few kilometers away from Tagaytay). Since its opening two years ago, GBH has become an all-year-round family destination. It’s a perfect tourist spot for kids and kids-at-heart. With a very affordable entrance fee of Ph150.00 pesos per head, it’s definitely an awesome treat for the entire family!

The Gingerbread House will give you that fairytale book setting. The jungle-like drive to Gingerbread House provides an actual feel of a Hansel and Gretel journey.  In the story, two children, Hansel and Gretel get lost in the woods. They come upon a house made of gingerbread covered in frosting and candy. Unfortunately, it’s the house of the wicked witch. She befriends the kids, fattens them up, and tries to eat them.

As for us, how did we end up at The Gingerbread House? It was Christmas Day when we all decided to visit the place and to experience its snowfall. It was our family bonding moments, apart from being near Lebajo ArtFarm, where we spent our Christmas vacation.

What to see?

Upon paying the entrance fees, guests will be greeted by a dream board and Well of Dreams, where visitors (especially kids) can write down their goals and then make a wish.

The main attraction is the snow-like theme of Gingerbread house giving you a white Christmas feels! It has a kiddie theme background and colorful Christmas decorations that are good for photo-ops.

Inside the house is a snack place on the first floor. It serves mini cakes, brownies, muffins, chocolates, and a corner filled with confection. An actual Gingerbread House can be ordered and even rice meals. One of the attractive spots inside the resto is the reception area where you can find the giant Teddy Bear lying on the sofa. It looks so cute and huggable!

The play area for the kids is located on the second floor with a veranda overlooking the greenery surrounding the area.

There are other attractions to explore like the Gingerbread field, Christmas Kubo, Mini-Forest Trail that is similar to the path ventured by Hansel and Gretel going to the Gingerbread house, the colorful Candy Village, dining al fresco areas, quaint cottage-style rooms, swing area, inflatable Christmas corner, and other instagrammable spots.

The Christmas Kubo, offering Filipino delicacies like bibingka, etc.

There’s also a museum, where you’ll see a wonderful miniature of Christmas and Candy Village. And feel at home in their family living room area. It makes a good backdrop for your family photo souvenir.

One happy family – with Nikulas and Beatrice

There’s also a souvenir shop for your last-minute shopping before leaving the place. Just like in my previous travels, I always bring home some ref magnets as mementos of my sojourn.

The Gingerbread House was definitely worth creating fun and special moments with every member of the family.

For more information, check their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/thegingerbreadhouseph/

#thegingerbreadhouseph #holiday #destination #familybonding #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph #throwbacktravel

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A memorable heritage tour

What is unique about the resort is that you get to experience and stay at the traditional houses that serve as hotel accommodation for guests and tourists who are seeking meaningful staycation.  

Taking part in a heritage tour one fine weekend gave me a glimpse of the past — reliving the age-old yet distinctive Filipino heritage while offering discerning visitors a unique experience.

The moment you enter the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan you are transported back to the 18th-century Philippines in the blink of an eye. The Filipino-Spanish influences are very evident in the architectural pieces from different parts of the country transferred and reconstructed in the resort to create a heritage community for everyone to experience and take inspiration from.

What is unique about the resort is that you get to experience and stay at the traditional houses that serve as hotel accommodation for guests and tourists who are seeking meaningful staycation.

Our group had the opportunity to stay in Casa San Miguel, the old home of an ilustrado family during the Spanish era. It is huge with its two big rooms and a very spacious sala where you can play games or relax during siesta with your loved ones.

There are so many things you can do at the resort from going on a heritage walk. You can ride a kalesa, or tramvia to admire up close the impressive noble-class mansions, wooden stilt houses, the main building made of stone which stands proudly in a village of cobblestone streets.

You can also promenade along La Playa beach, enjoy the Batis, its version of a swimming pool located next to Casa Cagayan, walk down Tulay ni Lola Basyang, and dine at Hotel de Oriente where we were served a sumptuous breakfast and dinner. The Hotel de Oriente, which originally stood in Binondo, Manila, is believed to be the first hotel built in the country.

Those who want a quiet moment alone, can pray and give thanks at Santuario de San Jose, located near Plaza Mayor de Tobias and Casa Biñan.

There’s so much more to discover at this rare heritage resort in Bataan. A second visit is a must to see how this fascinating place will develop in the future.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a New San Jose Builders project. It is managed by Asian Grand Legacy Hotels Corp. For more information, visit http://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/, https://www.facebook.com/LasCasasBataan

(Text and photos by Ruby Asoy-Lebajo)

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(Based on the article published in Experience Travel and Living magazine by the same author)