First week of February, we thought we wanted to spend a family weekend in Baguio. So we browsed the net for hotel reviews, and promotions. A good friend suggested Azalea since we wanted a room that can fit 6 adults and 2 kids. We found a two-bedroom suite that has 2 rooms, and a sofa bed, and a 20% discount at that. They’re actually giving 30% discount on weekends, but since it was a CNY weekend, they only gave us 20% discount.

Before heading to Azalea, we went to Mines View Park, and Good Shepherd. We arrived at the hotel around 10am so our rooms weren’t ready yet. But we were given drinks while waiting. Good service, I say. The kids enjoyed playing in the playground but had to stop after about 15 minutes, as it was getting hot.

Around 11am, we went to have lunch first at the nearby 50′s diner. We asked the front desk to get us FX taxi cab thinking it would accommodate us all. (I really like that the hotel staff are friendly.) Only then that we realized that in Baguio, only 4 pax are allowed in 1 FX taxi cab.

When we got back at 12:30pm, our room was ready. It has 2 rooms and a sofa bed, as expected. No aircon, just ceiling fans, but air is coming in from the balcony window.

After our afternoon nap, we went out to visit Burnham Park, had dinner, and went back to our room. Husband and my SIL ordered some drinks to our hotel room (while I slept inside our room with the kids.)

We had complimentary breakfast for 6 adults, while the kids’ breakfasts were free. Don’t expect bacon as the menu is mostly local food. (My kids had pancakes though.) You’ll surely enjoy danggit, espada, and Baguio longganisa. Well, I did.

We decided to check out before heading to the Strawberry Farms. (We wanted to take our time picking strawberries without worrying about the 12nn check out time.)

I say, our Baguio trip was a fun experience. I loved that this hotel gave us the comfort that we wanted to rest after a long drive/walk.

We all have something we’re afraid of. For children, this can sometimes be animals, and this can present a large problem – from our neighbour’s lawn to the local park, we’re surrounded by creatures! Like any fear, it can generally be conquered, but you’ll need to be very supportive of your little one. Here are a few pointers for getting your child through the worst stages:

Understand

Sometimes, your child’s fear of animals can lead to frustrating results; for example, refusing to go to a friend’s house because their family has pets. Instead of feeling angry, try to understand your child’s feelings.

Tough love won’t work here, so never lose your temper or make fun of your kid’s anxieties. Reassure your child that, when in the presence of domestic pets, they won’t get hurt, and that an animal only retaliates if they are scared or threatened.

Do Fun, Animal-Related Activities

It has been shown that reading animal picture books or watching child-friendly films involving creatures can help your child surmount their anxieties. Hopefully, your little one will start associating positive feelings with animals and you’ll be one step closer to your goal. Talk about animals and try to educate your kid about how they live, as sometimes fear of animals is simply fear of the unknown.

A great way to bring your child safely closer to animals is at a zoo. Explain that the creatures are safely locked up, but don’t make your little one go unless he or she is willing.

Look To Your Fears

If you’re afraid of any animals, such as spiders, you’re promoting a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude that young children struggle to follow. If you’re anxious or terrified in the presence of certain animals, your kids will take cue from this behaviour – that’s why so many eight-legged phobias are passed down through the generations, even though spiders in the UK are harmless.

Begin by tackling your own fears before you address your child’s. Lead by example.

Consider A Pet

An animal as innocuous as a kitten can be a stepping stone for your child. Choose a pet together that your little one is happy with and teach him or her how to behave towards animals. Abusive or unkind behaviour can lead to an animal lashing out, so encourage kindness and show your child how to stroke a cat or dog the right way. Always positively support your kid and reward them for any leaps in confidence around animals.

Judge The Severity

If your child’s fear has become so irrational that he or she refuses to leave the house, you may have to contact professional services to help your child lead a normal life. When the fear is manageable, take him or her to visit houses with gentle pets that won’t startle your kid; especially if there are children there too. If your little one sees other kids playing with animals, he or she should start to see that creatures are generally harmless.

Post by Tony, a UK blogger working on behalf of Knowsley Safari Park.

I noticed that aside from some celebrities I follow in Instagram, I have 2 contacts in my Facebook who also went to different theme parks in Florida this month. Now I wonder if it’s an ongoing fad (about to go mainstream or probably about to die as I am now aware of it. haha.) or if it’s because of the newly opened (The Wizarding World of) Harry Potter in Univesal Orlando.

I must say, I was also inspired to check the airfares, hotel rates and vacation packages. I suddenly remembered a friend who was torn between buying one of those obx homes for sale and living with his friends in Florida. I wonder what decision he made, because I’m pretty sure he’ll offer my family to stay in his place if he knows we’re coming. Let me just find him on my FB contact list. Ha!

One of the things people enjoy from traveling is getting freebies from big hotel chains. We’re not talking about those little branded soap bars that you see in your $200-a-night guest room. It’s those loyalty points that give you free stays in any of the hotels around the world of your preferred hotel brand. Big hotel chains like Intercontinental, Hilton and Shangri-La provide you loyalty incentives every time you stay in their hotels. These points, once you earn it over time, let you redeem it in various ways. The most popular one is a free stay. One could actually stay in a hotel without any cash-out. If you’re under a higher loyalty category, you might also get a free breakfast with it. Some hotel chains let you convert your points to airline miles, others let you redeem vouchers for their restaurants or partner establishments. There are a lot of benefits in becoming a member of their loyalty programs. I guess one just needs to choose wisely depending on their travel preferences.

When we were out of the country last week, I never got the chance to look for discount cigars, sweets, key chains ref magnets, or any souvenirs for friends. We were too tired from walking for 2 straight days, hubby and I opted to stay with the kids and sleep longer in our hotel room, while the rest of the family went out to visit some temples. There, they were able to have nice photos (only outside the temple) and in nearby stores, buy souvenirs at a very low price. Yeah, so unlikely of me to skip a chance to take pictures.

I would have wanted to join them, mind was willing but the body wasn’t.

Just got an email from my aunt informing me that my stuff just arrived her place. I did some shopping recently which we will be using this summer. First is the Lascal buggy board which is to be attached, as the name implies, to a buggy. I’m hoping Mikee can use for our Singapore trip. Second, rash guards and swim trunks for infants, obviously for Theo for our Boracay trip.

To be honest, I browsed for cheap furniture stores in los angeles. I’ve been planning to buy some furniture for the kids’ room but it looks like we won’t be moving to the new house as early as planned/promised. So yes, that could wait. Besides, I want the stuff to arrive my place next month, I don’t think there’s enough time for me to do furniture shopping.

For now, just let me get excited for our upcoming trips. Woot woot!

Baguio is such a nice place to go to for a summer vacation. Honestly, the pine trees make me feel like I’m in the States. Vacation would mean riding an RV with the entire family. And like a friend of mine, I’d look for the most affordable motor home repair just before summertime to ensure a smooth ride.

Inside Camp John Hay, beside the historical core, there is one good adventure spot called the Tree Top Adventure.

There are just 5 simple steps:
1. Briefing. Choose your activity.
2. Pay at the cashier.
3. Claim your tickets and sign the waiver.
4. Wait for your number to be called.
5. Gear up and enjoy the ride.

Disclaimer: she didn’t ride. She just put on the helmet to pose for mommy.

Since we were situated at the end of the canopy ride, others ended up riding the canopy ride from that point back to the other end of the ride, then trekking uphill. So a little advice, observe where you are situated (at the start or end of the canopy ride?), then decide. If you are at the end, then start with the trekking first (assuming you are getting the basic package: Package A) so you’ll do it downhill, and start the canopy ride on the other side uphill.

It was double celebration for us last Sunday. It was mother’s day and my parents’ anniversary. My parents treated the entire family to buffet lunch at the Manor inside Camp John Hay. It was my first time there and my impression of it was the place was so nice that it seemed like those lavish dual diagnosis treatment centers for Hollywood celebrities.

Since it was a weekend and mother’s day, we had to wait for 40 minutes to be seated. We didn’t mind because we had a blast taking photos inside and outside. Hahaha.

The food was worth waiting for too.

In celebration of my parents’ anniversary, we went to Baguio last weekend. The plan was to have lunch at Isdaan in Tarlac before going to Manaoag church then head to Baguio. It was 11am when we arrived so it was so hot that I was sweating profusely (not just because I’m pregnant).

I had to talk to some clients so while waiting for our orders to arrive, I set up my laptop to do some MegaMeeting video conferencing. Anyway, I’d like to share a review of my experience in this floating restaurant in Tarlac.

Good points:
First, the location is good. It is conveniently located in Gerona, Tarlac. Anybody going to or coming from Baguio/Manila will say that it is a good location for a stopover.

Second, the place is picture perfect. Imagine a big pond with structures and nipa huts, some of which are just floating, but anchored, which made my parents thought there was some sort of an earthquake. But unfortunately, the weather was just too hot for me, I didn’t take much photos as I would want to.

Third, kids were given feeds to give the fish. Also a life vest for safety reasons.

Fourth, the Tacsiyapo wall. One may buy a plate, cup, or even a TV, then throw it at the Tacsiyapo wall for some tension-releasing fun. Hahaha.

Fifth, food is good. (Take note of the word I used: good, not great.) I liked the kare-kareng gulay and its bagoong, and my watermelon shake. I liked the calamares and inihaw na pusit. What I didn’t like was the chicken (Marinated Fried Chicken sa Gata).

Bad points:
First, it was just too hot for the customers. I guess the best time to go here is dinnertime, not lunch time like we did. I would have enjoyed the experience more if I wasn’t feeling too sticky.

Second, service was a bit slow. I’m not sure why. There weren’t too much customers when we were there.

The last time I went to Boracay was in 1990, long before the place was considered a “party” place by yuppies. I’ve been wanting to go back with the husband and kids. I don’t plan to party hard. I just want to stay in the sand, with beer in my hand and watch the sun to set beautifully with my loved ones around me. I knew I won’t be able to do that summer this year as I am pregnant but I’m hoping we would next year.

I’d also like to have a full body massage there. I know, I know. I can have a massage anytime here in Manila. In fact, husband and I can always enroll in a massage therapy program online and give each other kick-ass massage every night. Hahaha.

Just recently, I saw that dealgrocer is offering a discounted package (including spa) at Discovery Shores but valid only from June to October this year. I hope they’ll have something like it again for next year. Keeping my fingers crossed.