Summer breaks are what my siblings always looked forward to, especially when the month of April finally reveals itself on the calendar. No more home works or exams to study for this time around. These trips would usually come to them as the ultimate freedom -- their energy jumpstarts the coming of summer. This automatically translates to having another trip out of town with the whole family.
I was fortunate enough to visit Boracay again with my very Big Family. And yes.. I had to put an emphasis on the words BIG Family since I was literally going on a vacation with 16 people, including myself!
And if you've read my About Budget Biyahera page, you will find that I typically help look out for 13 people when going on a vacation (locally that is). But since my family from Houston went to visit us this May 2011, there were 4 additional members excluding my sister Ina (who went to study in Texas 3 years ago). In my original count, Ina's still part of the 13. =P
When it comes to annual summer vacations, I would usually be one of my family's go-to persons when it comes to:
*Doing research on prospective vacation spots
*Coordinating with the resort representatives
*Coordinating the schedules of each family members vacation leaves
*Making accommodation bookings
*Making a feasible itinerary
*Finalizing and managing of our budget
*Paying lodging and transportation costs
*Huddling the whole group when the next adventure awaits
Me at the Zestair check-in counter -- Double checking everyone's ticket!
These are my usual tasks when my BIG FAMILY goes out of town. It has never been an easy job but I've always found a sense of fulfillment when I get to lead this "big group". And since I've always considered myself to be a really organized and OC person, I've always managed to get things (and people) going on schedule. So if there was an epic trip that I would like to share, it would have to be our Boracay escapade(s).
Our family in Florida gifted us with some moolah over the holiday's. So given our Christmas blessings, Kuya EJ and I decided to spend the money on an out-of-town trip. I initially suggested that we take the family out of town for his birthday instead of just checking-in at a hotel. After our talks, we finally decided to celebrate his 41st birthday at Loreland Farm Resort, Antipolo. The resort looked very family-friendly. Plus, it was just an hour's drive from Quezon City.
Angono continues to uphold its name on being the Art Capital of the Philippines, as it’s brimming with noteworthy artworks, outstanding talents and more. The inspiring town will certainly give you a walk that's worth remembering, as the city is filled with museums and galleries that display impressive paintings and sculptures, and of streets lined with murals that pay tribute to its local artists. Best of all, Angono is also the home of the Oldest Artwork in the Philippines, the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs.
[Entry from May 2009 trip] Our annual family trip for MAY 2009 wasn’t supposed to push through because a storm hit Manila so bad, it hit the North area even more. Ironically, we were supposed to be North bound for this post-summer trip. We already had plans to stay at a family friend’s beach house in Zambales. But the news that night confirmed the frantic situation in the whole province.
There was no plan B. But we made one when the storm was really getting worse. And since the north area was a place that no one should set foot on at that time, we suddenly thought of going south bound instead. So we decided on a whim to try our luck going there, hoping that the storm wouldn’t follow us in that direction. As soon as the place Batangas popped into our destination suggestions, we just started calling up resorts in that area for a potential place to stay in. Since it was a last minute thing, and still a summer vacation month, almost all the resorts we contacted were booked. Mind you, it wasn't that easy to book 14 people just like that.
There are certain things in life that you plan along the way but won't always push through. My spirit was dampened when I had to cancel a few trips during the summer due to my fractured foot. Not only was I on house arrest for the whole season, I also couldn't leave my room that easily because of my cast. It felt like I was in prison. Yet I still I had some hope that I would get that last summer getaway. True enough, my family was invited to stay for a few days at Blue Pavilion Beach Resort, Infanta, Quezon.
Blue Pavilion was a 5-hour drive from Quezon City. My family and I didn't have a hard time finding the resort, as the directions that were posted on their site was easy to follow.
2013 has been a hard year for me. And it truly felt like I was being challenged in more ways than one (physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially). The number of trips that I made this year may have been less compared to 2012. But I still thank God for blessing me with plenty of life-changing experiences.
HOW I GOT THROUGH THE BAD JUJU
My right foot's 5th metatarsal broke in March, which kept me from having to work and to travel (was already bound for Tacloban the next month when this happened). Plus, a nasty skin ailment progressed all over my body during my immobility. I couldn't get myself checked at the time since I could barely walk with my foot cast. So things worsened through those months. And by the time I consulted a dermatologist, a new set of expenses came pouring like rain.
13 years ago, I found myself taking part in a week-long immersion in Calawis, Antipolo – a social initiative that was organized by my college org (UPSCA). It was in that immersion that I was able to experience how it was to live in a barrio, and how to live together with a family other than my own. My “barriowork”, which focused on the rural poor, was an eye opener. Living without my usual comforts was challenging yet humbling at the same time. And remembering all of these memories brought me back to why I fell in love with Calawis. I was so happy to be back, and this time, to meet another gracious host: The Malvar Family. Mount Purro Nature Reserve is more than just an ecotourism destination with fully-equipped facilities and eco-friendly accommodations. They are the future.
[April 2008] I’m very particular when it comes to budgeting, especially if it's a long-term trip. That's why I always check if there would be enough time to save up for a potential outing. I would also make sure that everybody’s schedules were made as cohesive as possible. Of course, who wants last-minute problems when you're already booked and paid, right?
After months of navigating the whirlwind of attending to a loved one's medical needs, I found solace and rejuvenation in an almost month-long trip to Roxas, Capiz. This journey, filled with moments of tranquility and excitement, was the perfect antidote to the exhaustion that had accumulated over time.
[Trip from September 2008]It was F1 season in Singapore back when me and the boyfriend vacationed in September 2008. We were actually bummed about being a week early from the actual date of the event. But the good part of it was that we got to see firsthand the actual tracks and sidelines. Anyway, it was my first time to visit Singapore, and I must say that being in this country was a sight for sore eyes! Seeing the Merlion was a superb treat for a tourist like me. And to start off, let me show you what we did on our first day in the Merlion City.
DAY 1
ARRIVAL @ SG’S BUDGET TERMINAL Singapore’s Budget terminal was literally just like a receiving area. It seemed like it was smaller than NAIA Terminal 1. Nonetheless, the terminal maintained a good flow and process. And as we got our passport’s stamped, we immediately rolled our trolleys outside the airport.
A 2013 Philippine Statistic Authority study says that around 9.4 million Filipinos aging fifteen and up traveled within the country for leisure in 2012. That number sounds like a lot of people. But in fact, that is just barely 15% of that age group, and not even 10% of the country’s total population. Roughly 85% of Filipinos stay within their home and work vicinities all year long. For Filipinos, traveling usually means visiting relatives. Leisurely vacations are something we rarely give priority to.
[February 2008] I went on a short road trip to Batangas with my family on a February morning. We were bound for Club Malarayat, Batangas to visit my sister Ina, who was at her 3G Basketball Camp. Both of my sisters are basketball players (they used to play for the National team). But there was also a time when I played as the Captain Ball of my high school and college team. But gone are the days when I could still drive the ball, and defend opponents like a pro. Good old memories. Anyway, while the 3G team was warming up, my family and I went around Club Malarayat to explore more of the beautiful place.
By the Pool and Clubhouse
Playground and Golf Course Area
My sister's camp teammates
After playing tourist, my family and I went out for some famous Batangas Bulalo. The nearest one that we could find was a restaurant in Robinson's Mall. The place was just a few minutes away from the private resort club, so we're able to travel there fast. Anyway, we capped the night off by bidding our sister adieu. We left that night with a full stomach and a very rejuvenated soul. That particular road trip was certainly a breather.
How about you? Have you been to Club Marayat yet? How was your experience there?
My best friend got married last December, and her wedding was held in St. Benedict Church by Ayala Westgrove Heights. Since it was a destination wedding, my family and I decided to stay in Laguna for the night to avoid the late drive back to Manila. Several factors came with looking for a proper accommodation, like the location for example. I, for one, needed a hotel that wasn't too far from the church or reception venue (Angelfields Nature Sanctuary). I also wanted a nice lodging that would accommodate the needs of my family, especially with an 8-month old baby traveling with us [Click Here]. That's when I found Microtel, South Forbes. It was so perfect because not only was it 5 minutes away from the church, it was also a 30-minute drive to the reception venue.
This world-class Laguna hotel is located inside South Forbes, "a 500-acre, world-class township with residential, entertainment, academic, and sports components that encompasses the Metro Sta. Rosa-Silang-Tagaytay growth corridor". We loved that it was just minutes away from Nuvali Sta. Rosa, Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Tagaytay City and Laguna Technological Park.
A lot has happened since my last travel in April. I was so preoccupied with a lot of things (my wedding, my family's visit from the US, and my operation), that it was difficult for me to find time to blog. And to make matters worse, just a mere week before I would walk down the aisle, a health problem turned up. But God was really good to me, as my condition didn't worsen through the 4 weeks that had me running errands. Of course, I was a bit sad when my doctor advised us to cancel our honeymoon in El Nido, to lessen the risks on my end. But nothing mattered more to me than to be well and fit until my scheduled surgery. As I write this, I'm already 2 weeks post-op. I'm also happy to be recovering this fast, and to be sitting up again. Finally, I can share some of the photos from our travel-inspired, civil wedding.
It's always been a challenge, especially for me, to look for accommodations when traveling with a big group. I've experienced this countless times, particularly when I have a certain budget and schedule to consider. Thankfully, I've found homey lodgings that cater to specific needs, just like in 1896 BNB in Baguio City.
When I was about to launch my shoe business (3 years ago), my family and I, and a few workmates traveled to Baguio to do a quick shoot for Lakhambini. Now, given my Kuya's request to have a comfy and safe space for his wife and baby, I booked 1 chamber for them, and two more - one for the boys and one for me. Good thing (and good timing), I discovered 1896 BNB. Their rates ranged from PHP1,500-1,800 per night (non-peak/regular), which was perfect for our budget for two nights. Our package also came with complimentary breakfast, which was the best deal that I could find given our many conditions. It was simply perfect!
I'm very particular with the lodgings that I book during my trips. So I log in the necessary research so that I wouldn't have to deal with some of the mishaps that might happen along the way. So when I was looking for a place to stay in Baguio for this month, I started emailing my inquiries to several accommodations. And to me, the best option was UPSTAIRS BED & BATH.
I was in constant communication with Sir Engelbert, who I later on found out was the owner of the inn. He was always prompt when it came to answering all of my questions, and was very accommodating. Despite sending him so many inquiries, he still gave me his time. Plus, his tone was always pleasant. And that to me was pretty commendable. He even adjusted my initial booked dates when a big storm hit the city two weekends ago.
I also have high praises for his staff (Benedict and Ronald in particular), who were both working during our stay. They greeted us with a smile upon entering the inn. They even allowed us to check into our rooms early in the morning, which was a plus (check-in time is supposed to be 2 PM). They also offered my brother one of their Family Room's since another guest had to extend his/her stay. He was supposed to have the Semi-Private, but was given the Family Room for that first night.
I feel mixed emotions just thinking about what to say. I am neither a Yolanda victim nor a survivor. But I've already cried over the fact that I almost got caught in the storm. I came back to Manila from Tacloban on November 6 --- a day before the super typhoon entered the Philippines. Some of my family and friends say that God was on my side since my life was spared. I really didn't want to think of it that way, especially when I have friends and their families who unfortunately got battered by the massive tempest. Of course, I still thank God for bringing me home safely.
2014 has been the best year for me, by far. It's the special moments that were spent with loved ones, budget travels made with friends, and the challenges that I experienced getting into business that have truly helped define my year.
Budget Biyahera is about finding fun and distinct food and destinations, accommodations, products/gears and activities that people can enjoy on a ‘regular’ person’s budget and schedule.
