Travel Plans
Saw my friend’s travel photos on Facebook today. I was so envious that if I wasn’t pregnant, I’d convince The husband to have a quick getaway to Baguio. Just love the outdoor fireplaces in her photos which reminded me immediately of Camp John Hay. I know it’s hot now but I would still love to hang out in a nice cabin with a view while my little princess and husband play in the grassy area. I could almost taste the coffee from the Cafe by the Ruins as well! Now is not the time however, as I’m due in a few weeks. Perhaps when our 2nd baby comes out and she’s healthy, we can go for a trip on her 5th or 6th month.
Latest Beach Getaway at Punta Fuego
As promised, here are some of our photos from our last beach getaway. We we’re lucky (again) to find that the Punta Fuego house for rent is still available on our desired dates. I was really looking forward to this trip because I’ve been working so hard and need to cool down pretty bad. This time, we went with the in-laws (MIL’s early birthday celebration) and Chloe, much to Sandy’s delight.
We swam non-stop this time because the weather was perfect and the water was warm. The beach was good too. Although we didn’t swim, just being near the ocean was enough to keep the troubles away. 
There were lots of people swimming on the beach which made me glad that the house we rented had its own pool.
The most important thing from our vacation was that Sandy had the time of her life swimming with her cousin and her parents. It’s so rare that we spend time together without the distraction of iPods, TVs and PSPs. She also had so much fun with her attempts to build a sand castle. In fact, she kept asking me to go to the beach when there’s a very nice pool inside the house already.
The kids loving the pool.
The three of us enjoying the beach.
More photos by the beach
We really had a blast! I hope we could go back there again soon. Food is very important whenever we travel and thanks to MIL, she bought enough groceries to feed an army. The place was complete with high-end electric grills and kitchen appliances so the home-cooked meals were all good.
Contact number: Brian 09158472264
More photos of his house here and here.
Our Trip to Balay Indang
We were so lucky we found a vacant room at Balay Indang in Cavite (20 minutes from Tagaytay) for Holy Thursday. I didn’t want to spend the Holy Week at home because of the weather plus I badly need a break from everything. I found Balay Indang from Anton’s blog, called them up and to my surprise, they still have one room left! We paid per head (Sandy was free) for 5 meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, 2 snacks. They have a pool, billiards table, karaoke and plenty of day beds, hammocks and meditation areas.
I think they were trying to replicate Sonya’s bed and breakfast with their gardens, wedding amenities, etc. Although the services are almost the same, Balay Indang is bigger and have more rooms, around 3-4 rooms per house. One thing they sure have in common are the bugs because of the plants, flowers surrounding the place.
Check out our food here and some of our photos below.
Before we eat lunch, we decided to walk around the place and have some photos taken on the day beds and hammocks.
Swimming after lunch. They were fully booked so I asked Sandy if she wanted to swim, knowing we might not have a chance to have the pool to ourselves later.
The resting area near the pool. Love this nook.
Took a nap after swimming. It was a very relaxing afternoon for me and I was so thankful we managed to snag a room even if it’s the peak season and we booked late.
When Sandy and I woke up, we explored some more. Found a billiards table and saw how huge the place really was.
More resting areas.
This looked like a tree house to me.
Drawing in one of the tables in the huge garden. The pool was filled this time so I was right to take an early swim before it gets too crowded.
Sandy loved the place! She kept saying how nice Tagaytay was and how fun that there were so many places to explore. As you already know, she’s our little critic when it comes to hotel accommodations. And although Balay Indang is far from a hotel, I have no doubt she’d love to go back with her baby sister next time.
Hong Kong Day 3 and 4
Some more photos from our recent Hong Kong trip.
We stayed at Kowloon Hotel – very near Nathan Road and designer shops – LV, Chanel, Burberry. I would’ve been in heaven if I have money to shop! But no, we went to the city with several itineraries in mind. However, as soon as we reached the hotel, fatigue sets in. Our legs were aching that we didn’t have the strength to leave our hotel room. We probably wouldn’t except that the room was too small! Sandy calls it “mini-hotel” and proclaimed that she didn’t like it one bit. It was decent and amenities were good, the size was just too small for the three of us. But to our surprise, we slept soundly – probably because we’re just too tired.
As soon as we arrived, we went out and checked out the shops along Nathan Road. The Husband was drooling over the camera lenses while Sandy was doing her best to walk. She was soooo tired but not complaining at all! I was tired myself and just couldn’t see anymore. Not even the nice coats, boots and outfit from the shops we’ve passed.
The weather was pretty cold now so I’m glad we brought our warmer jackets.
Finally we found a place that sells food for 40-50HKD. We got so used to expensive food in Disney that we were pleasantly surprised on the quantity. It was definitely a good meal – taste and value for money.
After lunch, we went back to the hotel and waited for Caryl (online friend) to call us so she can tell us what to do. That time, we were so wasted that we’d rather have someone escort us around the city. But by 4PM, I still haven’t heard from her so The Husband decided to go ahead and check out The Peak. It was our first time to ride the MTR, we’ve been taking cabs since we arrived in HK. It was a pleasant experience and even Sandy enjoyed the train ride. The long walk (again!) from Central to The Peak tram ruined it all though. The Husband seemed desperate to save the day so he kept cheering us up. I probably wouldn’t mind the walk except I’m pregnant and still tired from Disneyland and it was just heartbreaking to see Sandy try to put one foot at a time.
There was another line to the tram – no surprise there. And we had to deal with rude people once more.
After the ride and at The Peak
My energized little bunny (just love this little trooper)
View up there
After dinner, we saw how long the line was back to the tram. Sandy looked like she was gonna fall any minute so we decided to get a cab. To my surprise, it wasn’t that expensive. We should have taken the cab in the first place! Sandy slept in the cab and woke up when we reached the hotel where she still managed to play with her PSP and chat animatedly no matter how tired she was.
Our day 4 was spent in Duty Free, shopping for chocolates and stuffed toys for Sandy. Too bad we weren’t able to change our flight to a later sched or else, we would’ve enjoyed the city a little more. For now, if ever we’ll go back again, we’ll probably just stay in Disneyland and not go to the city anymore. The trip will be for Sandy anyway and her soon-to-be sister.
Hongkong Disneyland Day 2
Day 2 was much easier for us. Although it was colder, it was still comfortable for me. And because the Character Buffet breakfast was full, we decided to have a buffet at Disneyland Hollywood hotel. Love the food and the price wasn’t that bad.
Here’s us waiting for the shuttle to Disneyland park.
Sandy knew what to expect since it’s our 2nd day already.
She posed for a while and then told me that she wanted to give her drawings of Mickey and Minnie to them. It was a long line I’m telling you but after an hour or so of standing, we got our chance to meet the most famous characters in Disney. Sandy gave them her drawings and I was happy to note that they both “loved” and gushed over it. Then they gave Sandy plenty of kisses which thrilled Sandy to no end.
After that, we went to Adventure Land to watch the Festival of the Lion King show. Sandy got hungry again(!) so we bought her some snacks and had some photos taken while waiting.
One of Sandy’s shots.
I’m so glad she’s old enough to take photos!
After the shows, we ate twice again (trust me, you’ll get hungry with all that walking too), had some photos taken with Cinderella, watched the parade (another post) and then stayed in the park until 7PM to watch the fireworks.
More photos on Flickr.
Hongkong Disneyland – Day 1
We went to HK Disney last Jan 28th. I loved the weather there, not too cold as I feared and just very comfortable. Sandy loved Disneyland so much and no matter how tired or aching her knees were, she still walked and walked and wouldn’t want to go back to our hotel in Disneyland Hollywood.
I like that my pregnancy wasn’t a hindrance at all to this travel. It’s Sandy’s last solo performance in the spotlight so we tried to make the most out of it.
Things I love:
The characters are just magical. Even adults will be mesmerized.
The shows – Golden Mickeys and Festival of the Lion King rules!
The weather, ramps for wheelchairs and strollers, small shops and Main Street
Things I hate:
The people. Ugh. So rude! They probably haven’t heard of falling in line before.
Expensive food. Okay, so there were plenty that costs 40-50HKD per meal but knowing The Husband and I, and now Sandy, it’s just not enough for us. We always end up eating at a restaurant or at the hotel which is really costly.
Disneyland was a little too expensive for me but seeing Sandy’s face light up whenever she sees a princess (more of this on Day 2) or any character, you’ll totally forget about the money. Her happiness is really priceless.
Here are some photos taken but you can browse for more on my Flickr account.
Some photos of my favorite show – The Golden Mickeys
Flickr Photos
Day 1 photos | Day 2 photos
Stress-free Family Vacation
The number one requirement that I have whenever we book a hotel is the size of the room. With Sandy always in tow, we just can’t risk having her bored or feel too cooped up in a small room. The next requirement is that the hotel must have kiddie amenities such as play area, kiddie pool, DVD player and a 24/7 shop/restaurant where we can order anytime just in case she gets hungry. This is why I really love the Azul Beach Resort by Karisma. They provide all the things I mentioned and more. They have a kids’ club with Fisher-Price® toys, kids pool and beach playground, plenty of beach activities such as balloon wars and night pajama parties.
And just because you’re married with kids doesn’t mean you can enjoy any of the cancun honeymoons Karisma hotels has to offer. Because at Azul Beach, you can have beachfront sky massages, candlelight dinners on the beach, have butlers deliver picnic baskets to your canopied beach bed and anything else that normal couples do. I know I would stay there if I can! Just looking at the room above makes me want to book a trip immediately. If only I have the money and not pregnant right now.
Stress-Free Family Vacations
Beach hotels that cater to families are always a plus for me. Take Azul Beach resort from Karisma Hotels for example. Your family vacation at Azul will always be stress free because they offer so many activites and amenities that will entertain not just the adults but the kids as well.
I’m talking about strollers, baby milk heaters, cribs, beach games, coloring books and kid medicines. Then there’s also Azulitos Kid’s Club – a special program created for children from 4 to 12 years old. With a play space designed by Fisher-Price®, your kids can enjoy all kinds of educational toys and challenging games and activities like mini-yoga, handcrafts, face painting and movie time. Of course, there are also tons of beach activities that include treasure hunts, sand castle building, balloon wars and flag football.
With your kids all busy, you have nothing left to do but enjoy the long stretch of white sandy beach by yourself or with your husband. Then wrap up your day with a nice dinner by the beach with the whole family as you all recall how fun everyone’s day was.
Weddings and Dream Travels
I’m a fan of destination weddings. In fact, if ever I get a change to renew our vows, I’d like to have it in one of the Karisma hotels in Riviera Maya. Imagine having your ceremony in a long stretch of white sandy beaches surrounded with coconut trees and the smell of salt in the air. Some of them have their very own beach wedding chapel too if you want to hold the ceremony indoors. For newlyweds or honeymooners, make sure to book the ocean front Casita Suites that include veranda hammocks and king-sized jacuzzis with window-front views. Of course, any dream vacation won’t be completed without great food and The Swim-up offers exactly that with their five-star dining in seven signature restaurants such as El Cocotal, D’Italia and La Carreta to name a few. Lastly, pamper yourself with beachside spa treatments, milk baths and aromatic massages. Even if you don’t like lying down all day watching the sun and water, this resort also offers activities such as scuba clinics, hikes to local ruins and beach-side fitness classes.
The Great Outdoors
Hanging out at parenting forums again before I start working. For today’s find – rv parks and camping. I’ve always wanted to go camping but I don’t know if there are even camping grounds near Manila. I am so envious of their photos and most of the kids look like they’re having the time of their lives. It’s been my long time dream to sleep with nature. To have crickets as the last sound that I will hear before I close my eyes. I’ve never seen a real sunrise although not for the lack of trying. Whenever we go to the beach, The Husband and I set out alarm clocks so we’d wake up at 5AM but we never do.
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About Joy
I am Dzoi, a 28 year old Filipina who currently works as a web designer. I am a loving wife to my equally loving husband Sherwin and a mommy cow to my 2-year-old daughter, Sandy.
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