Joy Ride

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You work so hard to live life. After the back breaking duties you deserve a treat. Take some time and set things on fire. You deserve to be happy!

ENCHANTED KINGDOM. Located in Sta. Rosa Laguna about 39 kilometers from the heart of Manila is one of the happiest place in the Philippines. A theme park often abbreviated as EK. The rides and attractions are scattered across seven themed zones. 

Jungle Log Jam. The exciting water ride that gives a thrill of racing along the twisting river of up and down clutches, while sitting in a dug-out-log. It will takes two times a lift and down a slope before splashing into the water. That explains my messy look.

Mario and Cynthia Mamon are the founders of the theme park. Their family frequented visited theme parks such as Boom na Boom, Big Bang sa Alabang and Fiesta Carnival which led to the couple of opening a theme park of their own. The Mamons wrote to different groups and joined the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions which assisted them on getting consultants, contractors and suppliers to set up Enchanted Kingdom. Enchanted Kingdom opened in October 19, 1995. Aside from being the founder and President of Enchanted Kingdom, Mr. Mamon is the first Asian and first Filipino to head the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions or IAAPA.

Operations of Enchanted Kingdom were with difficulties during its first years from 1995-2002, with the 1997 Asian financial crisisaffecting the business significantly only recovering from the financial breakdown in 2003. When business stabilized, the management began introducing two entertainment units per year. Business grew and was later registered the highest daytime visit to an amusement part in Region IV (Calabarzon and Mimaropa regions) from the Department of Tourism. Domestic visitors comprise the majority of the amusement park's visitors.

A spark of amusement naturally came out in less than 3 hours. Our baby girl apparently was on serious fantasy. I want her to start collecting memories while she is young.. Matters that doesn't fade as time age.

 7D INTERACTIVE MOVIE THEATER.  Surreal and amazing. Two thumbs up!

Along the garden of happiness was just magical. 

FERRIS WHEEL. Just got my messy hair!

Life is a ride. High. Low. Straight . Bumpy. Adjust with the speed. Hold tight, be responsible and know that discipline is an armor. Have faith and you will never be lost. You only live once, enjoy your ride!

Let's go South

The surface, the high altitude and beneath my eyes were literally breath-taking!I set my  quick tour to this highly magnificent place the next day after I landed back to Philippines for my 2016 vacation. My long time friend, one of my closest actually together with her daughter cracked a joke to stole some of my precious hours. I was demanded to stay overnight on their place plus a remarkable picnic to one of Philippines' pride.

Tagaytay is one of most popular tourist destination in the country. The amazing views and cooler temperature draws attraction  and a temporary escape for locals from the city heat.

The southern and eastern portions of Tagaytay City are covered by hills and mountains which is generally forests and open grasslands. The city lies along Tagaytay Ridge, a ridgestretching about 32 kilometres (20 mi) from Mount Batulao in the west to Mount Sungay(now People's Park in the Sky) in the east with elevations averaging about 610 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level. Mount Sungay, in Tagaytay, is the highest point of the province of Cavite at 709 metres (2,326 ft).

The People's Park in the Sky also known as simply People's Park is a historical urban park in Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines. The park was converted from an incomplete mansion, known as the Palace in the Sky built during the Marcos Era

We were able to locate the famous Picnic Groove which offers a variety of recreational activities. 

Randomly i just choose my first Horseback riding which was unexpectedly amusing. We spent  at most four hours before hopping to our next destination. My friend apparently, pregnant contentedly prepared our home made lunch and made picture taking.

It is always a blessing to set a foot on places you've never been to. This is what life is made for. Thank you heavens for the opportunity!

LIFE IN ABAYA

Being away from your blood line who supports your back when everything falls into pieces might seem throwing all your hopes out of the window. It feels like your spine is breaking. That a special bond of endless love is cracking. Being alien in space surrounded by strangers for the first time is a whole new roller coaster of experiences.

I started to work in KSA since December 2011. Everybody wears different  reason of coming across the other world to open a new door of opportunity. We went somewhere to met the need of our families and ourselves  at the same time. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Arab State in Western Asia, geographically the fifth largest state in Asia and second-largest state in the Arab world after Algeria.

ABAYA is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, traditionally in black color. It covers the whole body except the face,feet and hands. It is the traditional dress in the kingdom. But behind this dress is a multitude of challenges. For more than four years, I enlisted some of what wearing Abaya is all about.

1. First thing first, you need to learn how to communicate in Arabic language.

2. Your IQAMA is your residence permit that should be with you at all times.

3.You have to know and pay respect about SALAH (prayer time).

4. Bear in mind that you cannot go out with a man unrelated by blood (primary) or marriage.

5. That Salam Alaykum is the standard greeting.

6. If you are non-Muslim you are not allowed to enter prohibited areas which are holy sites, e.g. Mosque

7. You should know that alcoholic drinks can cause great offense.

8. Do not walk on prayer mat or in front of any person at prayer and staring at them while praying is a sin.

9. During Ramadan, (the ninth month of Islamic calendar, and is a whole four weeks of fasting) don't eat, drink or smoke anywhere visible to Muslims.

10. That public display of affection is strictly prohibited even of the same gender.

11. That you are not allowed to ride a private car unless owned by a couple which happened to be your friends.

12. It's not always okay to take pictures on the street of KSA or uploading pictures on social media with Arab women exposing their faces.

13. Women are banned for driving.

14. That behaving properly is a must. 

You cannot go anywhere outside home unless your Abaya is on. This meant protection. You have to protect yourself from unwanted attention. You will never want to paint provocative figures to Arab's mind (specially men). Take note, Abaya is worn with TARHA. A veil covering all the hairs. Exposing hair is also unacceptable. Apparently, you have to keep yourself guarded, Remember, you are living on someone else' land. Your character should be played well. It will served your weapon all throughout your stay. Abaya is more than a dress. It means you are in charge and in control of your life.

One Day in Bohol!

Travelling will certainly give you something to tell. You will unfold a story that will lives forever. The euphoria of travel doesn't fade. And while there's time let's enjoy the taste of the earth!

Bohol is a first income class island province of the Philippines located in the central Visayas region, consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbiliran City. To the west of Bohol is Cebu, to the northeast is the island of the Leyte and to the south, across the Bohol sea is Mindanao. One of the best  tourist destinations for beaches and resorts. 

From Cebu City, we took two hours by boat before reaching Tubigon Port Bohol. I hired a van which provided a one day service to explore the place.

The famous Chocolate Hills. A geological formation in the Bohol province. There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1, 776 hills spread over the area of more than 50 square kilometers (20 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown (like chocolate) during the dry season, hence the name. They are featured in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize the abundance of natural attractions in the province. They are in Philippine Tourism Authority's list of tourist destination in the Philippines. They have been declared the country's third National Geographical Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The highland formation is a rolling terrain. Climbing hills required adrenaline stimulation. But the top is a breath-taking view. Such a piece of perfection. This is the day we aim to kiss the sky.

Bohol Python 

I actually hate snakes but my sisters were persistent. Me and my cousin stayed on the van. While my sisters took a snap and meet the tamed, medium-giant snakes inside. 

Man-Made Forest.

Casually walking along man's masterpiece. Places like this is usually featured on movies. I can't believe we're actually wandering in such cooling green nature.

Butterfly Farm. Butterfly garden is one of Bohol's nature preservation area. One spectacular place preferably for science-lover people who has unending curiosity over matters and knowledge. In the orientation area, we were provided by a local tour guide who tried his best to bring out fun, very accommodating and informative.  He has all words about everything we have seen.

Loboc Floating Restaurant. Our tummies gone wild. The sun's rays were on peak. We decided to step over the most talk of the town  to feed our hunger. A lunch plus an hour river cruise is the highlight of the day. One of the cleanest river in the country.. We experienced cruising along the river on board small  bancas or floating restaurant while taking our lunch.  It is also the home of Loboc Children's Choir. They greeted us with a  very heart warming native song. It defines how the locals entertained visitors and other tourists. This itinerary is something you will never want to miss. 

San Antonio De Padua Parish

We cannot end our trip without seeking God's home and give Him thanks for the wonderful opportunity to behold His greatest creations. Good bye Bohol! It's definitely not the last. Just tune in to my next travel statement.