Weekend getaway: Sinagtala Farm Resort, Bataan

There are only a few places where you wouldn't mind bracing the traffic just to get to. A semi-private farm resort in Bataan is one of them, according to my brother-in-law who was with us. I'd have to agree. 

After our overnight retreat, I'd have to say that carrying a baby on my lap for four hours, despite the usual two-hour drive due to a vehicular accident along NLEX, was worth it.

High up in Orani, Bataan, at 200 meters elevation, rests Sinagtala Farm Resort, a quiet sojourn for homeowners, members and their guests.

There are various outdoor activities to indulge your active kids from toddler to teens. You can go swimming, even in the nippy February weather like what we did, at its infinity pool, discover the area up close through trekking and mountain biking, or take pleasure in your hobbies - may it be shooting, photography, or looking for wild boars. For parents in need of a breather, taking in the lush greenery at day or the city lights at night may just be the thing you need. That, freshly brewed coffee, and a few other yummy treats for your tummy. To cap off each meal, satisfy your sweet tooth with taro (yes, gabi) ice cream available at a nearby market in Orani. Splashed with pinipig to give it a crunch, it has the right amount of sweetness to keep you coming back for yet another serving.

Sinagtala also boasts of a beautiful church (or chapel?), too faultless to get married in if you want the charm and vibe of the countryside. It has an intricately handcarved cruxification as its focal point while bird-shaped capiz lights dotting the ceiling on both sides look animated. From the back of the church, they seem to be flying into the arms of an invisible master.

A nearby multi-purpose hall may accommodate your guests of about a hundred or two while a cafe in the vicinity may provide for your meals, but don't take my word for it. It's just a thought. Inquire if you must.

At least one house in the village take in guests, charging P2,600 a night per room. You can bring in food from the market and cook it there.

With all the countless activities that you can think of to do outdoors, the irony of Sinagtala Farm Resort is that you just want to find a nook and do nothing at all but watch as the colors of the sky change from dawn to dusk. 

To get there, take SCTEX and exit at Dinalupihan. You're only about 20 minutes away. Right at Bataan Provincial Highway. Follow the sign to Sinagtala Farm Resort. 

- Mommy Smiley

All photos courtesy of Mark Rodin Bernardo.

Sent from my iPhone

Weekend getaway: Kidzville, Podium Mall

I have been to a lot of play places for kids. Going to them was my bonding time with my niece Ysabel and nephew Tristan. The common play places that I have gone to usually have slides and poolballs. But I discovered a better one just recently, and this time around, I went there to spend time with my Saffron.

Kidzville, located at the 4th floor of the Podium Mall, is huge, clean, and well-padded. The place is divided into three parts. The first part is a make-believe area where Kidzville created a whole town with a fire station, grocery store, clinic, bakery, and pastry shop. Here, the children can pretend to live or work in them.

Here's Sam enjoying the cash register. He likes things with buttons.

Sam riding a car for his size.

Thinking it was his walker, Sam got up while I was busy taking his picture until...

Ooopssss...

Sam went under. Mommy was helpless taking his pictures.

But he is fine, thank God.

Here's the grocery shop.

A stage where the kids may perform.

The cafe.

The fire and police station.

The barn.

The clinic.

And here's my favorite part, and the one that sold the place to me. Kidzville put a real car where your children can pretend to be a mechanic. I have not seen any play place with this yet.

One for the girls.

The second area features a play maze which is more for the toddlers and the more mobile children while the third part, a function room, may be booked for your child's birthday party.

The play maze.

Another view.

The function room.

Kidzville is located at the 4th floor of the Podium Mall.

Unlike the other play places that I have gone to, Kidzville is perhaps the most expensive. But what I like best about Kidzville are the toys. They are really nice, clean, and can cultivate the imagination of your kids. I say going there is worth every penny. Plus, if you want to avoid the crowd then head here!

- Mommy Raquel

Weekend getaway: Bag of Beans, Tagaytay City

One of our go-to places when we want to eat and lounge is Bag of Beans in Tagaytay City.

The long drive from Quezon City is in itself a wonderful and relaxing experience. But that's only half the story.

Bag of Beans offers cozy indoor and outdoor dining, good food, and pleasant service.

When it's not raining, dining al fresco is an easy choice. There's no need for any music playing relaxing tunes in the background. Hear for yourself the birds chirping and the bamboo leaves swaying in the soft, cool breeze. Some caged birds even greet customers - much to the delight of the young and old alike.

Probably the only drawback is the fact that smoking customers also obviously prefer the outdoors. But you can always choose to move.

The restaurant also has a souvenir shop that sells organic creams, scrubs, and ointments for skin rejuvenation or to treat persistent acnes. It has a lot of citronell-based products to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

You will not run out of cheerful waiters and waitresses at the Bag of Beans. At least one or two always seem to be on stand-by for all your dining needs. My husband even observed that most of the men have big, muscular physique. I didn't even notice, but he's that observant - my Jay. Perhaps it is because the job entails many lifting.

Breakfast here is heavenly. My husband and I usually come back for the country breakfast set, pancakes, shepherd's pie, and bacons. Ok - they are not that exceptionally magnificent. But since these comfort foods can still go wrong elsewhere then these are great and taste the same every time.

If you're a heavy eater, Bag of Beans offers breakfast buffet for Php380 and eat all you can lunch for less than Php500.

Due to its popularity, the restaurant has expanded and now offers more parking spaces. That's a huge deal, and worth mentioning. Aren't you just annoyed at establishments that don't offer ample parking spaces for their customers? They're burdensome not only on the customers, but to those affected by the traffic congestion that they bring. See, for example, the many establishments along Katipunan Road.

So when the helper is out - or not - take a trip down south to eat so you don't have to wash the dishes. And don't forget to bring home a box or two of buko (coconut) pie or tart to bring home a yummy piece of Tagaytay City with you.

Dining al fresco.

Children marvel at the birds.

Blueberry pancakes.

The souvenir shop.

Happy daddy and baby.

- Mommy Smiley

Weekend getaway: Segara Suites

If it is a quick escape from your hectic schedule that you are after, take the three-hour leisurely and refreshingly long drive up north to Subic Bay and unwind at Segara Suites.

Heavenly bed, pillows, and linen, yummy Asian fusion dishes, relaxing time by the pool, swim time, and friendly services are just among its features.

Segara Suites, a sister hotel of Segara Villas, also offers a day spa, a huge collection of DVDs and board games, and free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected online.

And while you are in Subic Bay, don’t skip the duty-free shopping! Diapers and Cethaphil cleansers for your little one are way cheaper here.

From Quezon City, take the North Luzon Expressway on Mindanao Avenue and exit at Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway to Subic Bay. The drive is roughly two and a half hours at 100km/hr.

Welcome to Segara Suites.

All rooms are fitted with a pair of hypoallergenic goose down feather pillows, but did you know that you may still choose from a range of carefully selected specialty pillows to enhance your bedtime pleasure?

 Indulge your palate at the Asian Spices Bar and Restaurant.

- Mommy Smiley

Weekend getaway: Estrellas de Mendoza

It was not our first time to spend overnight out-of-town with our Saffron, but this was our first time to go to the beach! Yes, BEACH! Sun, sand and the long trip!!! I am not kidding when I say it was a long trip... It was a very, very looooooooong trip. Notice how many “o” I typed.

We went to Laiya in Batangas (our first time) with the company of our friends (Jon's side), and stayed at Estrellas de Mendoza. I am assuming it is owned by Leandro Mendoza, but please correct me if I am wrong. The resort serves food so we no longer went out to eat. It has a swimming pool and offers free Wi-Fi.

The view from our room at Estrellas de Mendoza. 

We woke up at 6:00 am the next day. Excited much??? Then off to the beach we went for some sunshine vitamin. We were all excited to go out to catch the sun and some fresh air since we live in a condo and we don't get much of those.

Saffron after breakfast on mommy's Maya Wrap sling available at Medela Moms.

Daddy Jon and Saffron enjoying the morning sun.

Since it was our first time to go to the beach, we had to buy Saffron his first swimwear.

Here, the sand almost got into his mouth. Swimwear from Big and Small Co. at Shangri-la Mall P990.

Saffron still getting used to the sun.

Pool time.

Breastfeeding: the new planking.

We only allowed Saffron to play with his feet on the water until we get his pedia's heads up that he may swim in the beach or in the pool. The pedia replied that it is perfectly ok for infants to enjoy the beach and the pool. Unfortunately, we got the reply when we were done swimming.

What's always important is that he is happy.

How about you, how was your trip?

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy Raquel