Bonifacio High Street

I brought my parents to Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City for a stroll last Sunday night. We love the open air concept of the entire BHS community--a welcome change from the box-type shopping malls we usually have in the Philippines.

We dropped by Sonja's super cute cafe. I love their bright walls!

Beautiful night in High Street.

Manila, Is That You?

Dark and heavy clouds are blanketing over Metro Manila. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, widespread flooding was reported in Metro Manila particularly in the cities of Valenzuela, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Makati, Navotas, Parañaque, Quezon, Marikina and Pasig. The non-stop rains are brought by the southwest monsoon, which was enhanced by tropical storm “Haiku” off southern Japan. Stay safe everyone!

Beautiful Philippines

I took these photos of Mactan Island on my flight back to Manila earlier today. 

Such a pretty sight!

Cyma Greek Taverna

My brother and I had lunch at Cyma Greek Taverna at Ayala Terraces today. We ordered moussaka, chicken gyro and spinach dip. Oh I love Greek food! Take me to Greece now!!!

Ayala Terraces Cebu

Simply J's Cafe

After my brother's graduation, we had lunch at Simply J's, located just beside Diamond Suites and Residences along Escario Road, Cebu City. I love the refreshing appeal of this quaint little house that has been transformed into a lovely restaurant. 

Upon entering, my eyes were immediately drawn to these cute novelty items.

The food they served were more like lutong bahay. They were really affordable.

The white picket fence adds to that homey appeal.

Sumo Sam

My entire family is in Cebu for my brother's upcoming graduation. We dined at my favorite Japanese restaurant, Sumo Sam, at Ayala Mall earlier tonight. The food was just PERFECT.

Grand Cenia Hotel & Residences

Grand Cenia Hotel & Residences is one of the newest hotels in Cebu City. It is conveniently located across Ayala Mall and Cebu Business Park.

MV Logos Hope in Manila

MV Logos Hope, the world's largest floating bookstore, has arrived in Manila. Earlier tonight, my friends and I visited Pier 15 at the South Harbor, where this famous ship is docked. 

The MV Logos Hope is part of GBA Ships, a non-profit organization based in Germany that operates ships that sail around the world to bring knowledge, help and hope.

The ship has over 500,000 books with more than 5,000 titles covering a wide range of categories like science, sports, cooking, economics, philosophy, languages, medicine, fiction and general reference.

Before we left, we visited the ship's International Cafe and had some snacks.

Sto. Nino Basilica Cebu

My relatives and I dropped by Sto. Nino Basilica earlier today to light some candles and say a little prayer. In times of trials, it's only God who can give us enough strength and courage to endure everything.

The Mind Museum

Last February 15, I was invited to check out the yet to be officially opened Mind Museum in Taguig City. My company gave out free tickets because they are one of the major donors of this world-class museum. There are over 250 exhibits about the Atom, Earth, Life, Universe and Technology.

Bunker Bob's Restaurant & Bar

Bunker Bob's Restaurant & Bar is a must-try in Subic! As the name suggests, the restaurant is modeled after a bunker, which is a defensive military fortification designed to protect people from falling bombs or other attacks. 

We ordered Bunker Bob's Pizza, Bunker Bob's Burger, Nachos and Seafood Pasta.

After our hefty lunch, we played billiards in the same restaurant!

17th Hot Air Balloon Festival

Last February 12, I joined my sister and her friends in Clark, Pampanga for the 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival. We paid Php 200 each as entrance fee to the main field, where most activities were held.

These are some of the most attractive hot air balloons I've seen that day.

Amazing shots by photography enthusiasts.

Kite Flying and Aerobatic Shows.

Other exhibits and activities during the day.

Getting ready to be lifted up on the air.

Conquering Mt. Pinatubo

My officemates and I began our journey to Mount Pinatubo at dawn. From San Juan, we traveled to Pampanga in an air-conditioned van for nearly three hours. We then boarded 4x4 jeeps across Crow Valley, a vast field of lahar in the said province.  

We stopped for picture-taking in the middle of the lahar. 

After a thrilling one hour drive across ash fields in our 4x4 jeeps, we started our trek to the Crater Lake. 

It was a long and tiring journey...

...that took us nearly three hours to finish.

But upon seeing this view, we were left speechless! It's absolutely stunning.

This was the walkway going down the Crater Lake.

We immediately jumped into the Crater Lake for a swim.

Tired but very happy. We finally conquered Mt. Pinatubo!