Van de Graaff Generator At The Mind Museum

As a pre- Mother's Day celebration, my husband and I took our kids to the Mind Museum. It was my first time to visit the place and it was Frankie's 2nd. I've been curious of what this museum has got to offer. I've seen pictures and have read posts about it. Finally, I was able to step inside one of Manila's most visited museums.

It was a fine summery Saturday morning. We opted to go early to beat the crowd, thinking that it's Mother's Day and a weekend everyone's going to be out celebrating. Tickets were at 450php per head which was good for the whole day until the museum closes.

When we got inside, we were greeted by Aedi (idea). Aedi gave a short message on what to expect and see inside the museum.

The first thing we saw was The Majesty of the Universe area. It was the most visited when we were there. Maybe it's because most of us are curiously in love with knowing the universe and visitors are automatically pulled at this section of the museum.

We watched a short film. I enjoyed the whole clip because I was opened to new information about the solar system, space and the whole universe.

My eldest son, is very fond of science and experiments. He went back to see the T-Rex that's made up of real fossils. How cool is that?!

The highlight of our visit was to experience Van de Graaff generator for the first time. My son was scared seeing the hair of the ladies who went ahead of us go up. Something that he can only see on television shows and movies. Later on, he became comfortable. He has short hair, but you can see hair at the top part of his head raised up.

If The Majesty of the Universe is the most visited, the Van de Graaff generator holds the longest line. These are just few of the wonderful things seen at The Mind Museum. It sure is a place for learning both for the kids and the young at heart.

SEE: How Van de Graaf Generator Work

10 Years

I can't think of a better title to this post but the digits itself that marked another milestone in my life.  5 years ago, I was just day dreaming of the future with my other half. Where will we be on our 10th wedding anniversary? It's normal to think ahead and see yourself how you like it or the way you plan it.

I'm proud to say that in our 10 years as partners, all I can think about are happy memories. Sure, we had our down times, especially when we were still starting... And these turned as motivating factors that brought us to where we are at the moment. We are also surrounded by people who help us go through adversities--- our parents, our siblings and friends, the added colors to our rainbow. 

Thru certain situations, unforgettable moments, down to the most embarrassing experiences, together,  we've matured, we respect each other even more. We learned to meet in the middle when it comes to decision making. We shrug off anything that can cause an argument. We compromise and sacrifice. If there's another thing to be proud about, it's the fact that my husband and I work everything positively because we do things together. We're always together.

Because we know we have each other, we've learned not to look for contentment and happiness thru material things or live life around money.  But we still surprise each other in our own creative ways, just like what happened a few weeks back...

We didn't have a grand celebration for our 10th year, but my husband arranged lunch with a few people at Conti's. It was kinda a surprise for me too... and yes, I was shocked because I really thought that we're not going to prepare anything at all. We opted to keep things simple and discrete because we're presently preparing for something more important. So my husband reserved a function room, had food prepared and a short video presentation was shown. The video was composed of the times from the moment we got married up to the present with our 2 kids. 

10 years may look short and young but I gotta say... we feel that we've  lived and achieved more than the number of years that's indicated, or let's just say we're on the right track.

We have a 3rd grader.

We have a toddler who can say thank you and please...

We have a lovable Beagle named EMO.

We will be moving to our brand new place which is now our own to decorate.

We are planning to get an SUV and restore our old Honda Civic...

I can bake!
We travel as a family.

My husband's career is growing...

We both have white hair. lol! (now, that's aging)

We're all healthy.

What we did not have 10 years back, are the ones that make our life now beautiful everyday.

As we land on our 10th year being married and as we head towards our 14th year of being together, my husband and I both learned how to be flexible towards anything life will throw at us and will remain grateful and humbled for the small, simple moments that's given to us (forever...).

Wrapping Up Summer 2014 at Punta De Uian

Summer 2014 was one of the best we have ever experienced.

1. We opened the season with a 4- day visit to Baler.

2. Enjoyed an all-day fun swimming at my parents' pool.

3. Subic has always been part of our summer journey, and it's such a blessing to pay this place a visit every year.

4. As always, Punta De Uian, Zambales has been the go- to resort for an all- in beach experience.

In all our years as a traveling family who loves the beach, this was our first time to visit 3 beach destinations for summer.

Punta De Uian is like our home in Zambales. Anytime we want to go to the beach, I don't know, there's this connection we have with that place, we automatically go there.

One of the things that we enjoy along the way to Zambales is nature itself. We appreciate the things we don't have in Manila. Like these 2 Water Buffaloes. I know it's normal for it to take a dip, but this was my first time to actually see 2 huge water buffaloes cooling down in a clean river.

For the rest of my story as we end Summer 2014, let the photos below describe the reasons why Punta De Uian is also considered as home...

 With my other half whom I shared an incredible summer with and who made everything possible.

Mornings at Punta De Uian

 Sunset after the rain

View of our villa by the lagoon reflecting the fiery colors of the sunset.

The most relaxing view for this season, the islands of Camara and Capones.

Our lovely family picture at Punta De Uian (taken by: Noah)

"Uuwian ka namin talaga palagi Punta De Uian."

My Partner for Summer 2014: Cath Kidston Spot & Dots

Summer's about to come to an end, but before it does, let me share a thing that made my summer experience complete. Aside from wearing the nice halter sundress that I shopped from Zalora, there's one more thing I looked forward to... the perfect summer bag.

I started this "Partner for Summer Bag" thing last year. I got a bag from Marc Jacobs as a gift for myself. It just so happen that summer in the Philippines was about to come, so I thought the timing of a brand new large tote and the beach combined was perfect. 

Then, mid of 2013, my husband gifted me with a Cath Kidston bag. It arrived in GA days after the order was placed and it came straight from London. The bag itself landed on my hands around November, because it was shipped in a bigger box with the other gifts from my in- laws.

I didn't really use the bag as much until summer of 2014 came. Not only that, my younger sister is also a Cath Kidston user. Our bags are filled with dots in different sizes and both are unique. 

Cath Kidston is known for its pretty floral prints and patterns. It does not end with bags, these designs are also available for fabrics, clothing, wallpaper, accessories and home essentials. The whole collection goes around a wide range of selections which includes spots and dots. 

For summer 2014, Cath Kidston is my/ our partner. The color, design and style are playful and fit for any activity bound for the whole of summer and so on. It also goes well with our Havaianas.

I'm impressed with how sturdy Cath Kidston bags are. Like the rest of my large bags, my red polka dot bag was full not only with the regular kids' stuff, but it was doubled with some beach items for myself and my children. Our Cath Kidstons were perfect. I didn't have any trouble figuring out a place where to put my bag. It's the beach, I don't want to bother myself all worried whether my bag will get dirty and wet. 

I might just consider another item from the Cath Kidston, a Weekend bag which I can use for road trips and quick getaways. This time, I'm gonna stick with Cath Kidston's nostalgic floral prints.

Beach Day in Subic

Let me take a break from making posts about our Baler trip. Here's another fun- filled journey I took  with my family. For summer 2014, as always, we went back to Subic. It was my sister's birthday celebration and at the same time, we wanted to take the kids to the beach. Summer will never be complete without the beach, and Subic is a great destination.

Our parents did not go with us. Our dad was on a business trip and my mom opted to stay at home. Since we're down to 2 cars, one of my sisters stayed with me and the other stayed with our brother. We convoyed our way to Subic early Saturday morning. Our check- in time at Forestview was at 2pm but we still went early so we can enjoy the cool road trip with less vehicles around.

The road to Subic was smooth as usual. The part that fell off mid of last year is still being fixed, so expect merging lanes at some point before hitting Porac.

Along the way, we were greeted with so much green scenery. The kids loved it. We traveled all the way to Subic with the car's a/c off and the cool morning was just breezing through. Leaving early graced us with the rising of the sun. It's as relaxing as watching the sunset.

We made a quick stop in SCTEX and took some photos. It was actually for my brother and his family. Since it was their first time to drive along SCTEX, we just have to give them a little token, a shot by the road.

It was a perfect day to go to the beach. We had reservations at All Hands Beach Resort so we were able to get a good spot. Our hut was located near the bar that is beach front. As soon as we got there, we unpacked our stuff, got the grill going as the kids were accompanied by my husband for a swim.

Since we're early, the beach wasn't as full, but around brunch time, people started to come in. Most of the huts were already reserved, so imagine those who just walked- in that day, they didn't really get any tables. For summer, it's always best to plan and make reservations ahead to avoid disappointment.

There were a lot of water sports available including Kayaking. The kids enjoyed the kayaks with their Titas.

I never experienced sunset in Subic in my years going back and forth in that place. This trip was truly inspirational. For the very first time, I was gifted to view the beautiful sunset from this part of the country--- and with the people I love.

Our brother Nano needed to attend to a bulk delivery at the restaurant he is managing that weekend, that's why he wasn't able to come with us. But we made sure to get the whole family together once we get back in Manila.

Personally, trips spent with family makes me feel grateful again and again... I feel so blessed knowing that my family is together. Anytime we want to see each other, everyone is a call or even just a text away. Yes, we didn't "have much then", but we are gifted with such "colorful and blooming relationship now". We're made happy through simple things such as spending time talking and laughing... 

Thank you Lord, thank you for giving me this family, my family to spend my lifetime with.

Cheers for another memorable summer!

Holy Week 2014

Holy Week 2014 was spent in a serene place. Usually, my family and I would join the bunch of beach goers. But since it's been very hot and crowded in the city itself, we thought of just letting everyone else leave Manila as we enjoy a peaceful city for once. My husband was still working Holy Wednesday. Come Maundy Thursday, we stayed at our place the whole day spent some quiet time. Good Friday, we left our condo early in the morning and went to my parents' house in Rizal.

My parents' home is situated away from the main road and is surrounded with trees. The neighborhood itself is very quiet. It is the perfect place to have some quiet time and it is our favorite location for a quick getaway. As a matter of fact, some friends of my mom would stay overnight just to find some peace. They will stay in the guest room which has a balcony that overlooks this view.

During our 2 nights/ 3 days stay at my parents', we really did nothing with respect to the whole occasion. Our practice/ tradition every Holy Week remained. We spent the free time contemplating on our lives, the things we have done to serve as inspiration to others, the cross we carry to improve our way of living and spirituality and mistakes that might have caused hurt to others as well. It wasn't easy spending 3 days not being able to touch a single gadget though, but it was a good form of abstinence for me.

When Easter came, it was truly a time to rejoice. Compared to the past celebrations we had, we prepared simple dishes this year. My dad was on a business trip, so it also felt like something was missing during our Easter celebration.

Anyway, the Easter Egg Hunt continued. As always, my parents would prepare Easter eggs with money in it, then they'll hide it around the house. Our job is to find these eggs. Aside from the kids, this year, the adults were included (ang saya!) I got a total of 300++php same with my husband and kids. It was fun searching together as a family. We really worked it!

The Artists Village

Location: Dicasalarin Brgy. Zabali Baler, Aurora

For the past visits I made, I was amazed by the people of Baler as skilled and naturally born craftsmen. Baler is able to keep its natural state and it flourishes thru the people who are very passionate about their cultural heritage. Dicasalarin is not only a beach destination. This enchanting place was built for artists seeking for inspiration.

Going to the cove, you will find your way towards the Ifugao Houses. This part of Dicasalarin can also be a place to spend some quiet time.

 Ifugao Village

From the beach, we went to the Artists' Village which is a few minutes away. I enjoyed our walk towards the Longhouse. It was refreshing and relaxing, the path way is surrounded by trees.

 highlight---

The Longhouse

View from the Longhouse

The Longhouse is an open structure. It's a refreshing place to be in. The Longhouse caters to artists who wants to find themselves deeper with their crafts.

This place can serve as a retreat house as well. 

It, being surrounded by trees, streams and total silence, the Longhouse inspired me and my friends. Usually, we take group pictures or we explore the place. But during our stay at the Longhouse, we were scattered around. One was at the top floor staring at the mountain... Another was sitting on a log in front of the house. As for me and my family, we took the time to appreciate art some more and introduced it to our kids once again.

In connection, we met one of the artists of Baler (for their privacy I will not mention any names). As we were told by our host, they're brothers who are known in town. One of them painted for Kris Aquino when Baler was featured on her show. Some of their paintings are also displayed at the famous Costa Pacifica.

Our friend Rach who also loves to paint was very happy to have met one of them. She was able to get some tips on painting and advices as a painter.

Dicasalarin met its purpose to inspire people. If you want to find peace or just be one with nature, this is the place to visit