Aviary in Grand Villa Resort, Bgry. Tranca, Bay, Laguna

After a quick tour inside the Botanical and Butterfly Garden they proceeded to the Grand Aviary with no one around to tour them. Rome's nieces were kinda bored and looked tired as they beg their mom to go back and take a plunge to the resort's swimming pool. Of course, the mega aunt Anney didn't let them. Their boredom paved away when the entered the keeper-less aviary and saw different birds and rare animals that they normally seen on TV.

There are Palawan peacock or "Tandikan" as they call it in Rome's province. Horrified by the big angry bird ostrich, Babin ran to him and was fascinated with Palawan bearcat. He explained that its an endemic mammal in his province.

Some birds are large and dangerous. Bird's attack could happen at any time. The resort should've advised them to be very careful and take personal precaution with the kids since they were not accompanied by a tour guide or staff. No presence of a keeper was seen in the aviary either during their visit.

There are cute and colorful species of parrots inside the aviary. Rome spent more time watching them dance and tweet. For the kids, it was another educational trip and not just the usual swimming. And for the adults, it was another resort not worthy of a come back.

Botanical and Butterfly Garden in Grand Villa Resort Bgry. Tranca Bay, Laguna

The Botanical and Butterfly Garden in Grand Villa Resort is a sanctuary for our best-loved summer insects. From the front door of the netted garden house, a stone path leads to a man-made well was scented summer flowers. Beyond, there's masses of nectar-rich flowers, plants for caterpillars to eat and places to hibernate over rainy days. The garden is specifically designed to be a paradise for these graceful insects.

The girls seemed a little bit tentative, unsure what to make of their new friends but Rome clearly saw from his nieces eyes the intrigued brought by the vibrant winged creatures. Ykaie and her cousins were afraid to touch the gentle insects. She saw one butterfly pollinating a flower and looks up at her mom, puzzled.

‘It’s a process, dear’ her mom seems to say as she give her daughter a kiss. Peachy, to the best of her knowledge explained the Butterfly life cycle as there was no single person inside the garden to discuss it. In fact, they've just let themselves in.

The first stage of the butterfly metamorphoses is when the caterpillar is fully grown, it makes a button of silk which it uses to fasten its body to a leaf or a small branch of a tree. Then, the caterpillar's skin comes off and under this old skin is a hard skin called a chrysalis or pupa. The second stage is when the pupa seam tears after hours (12). The third stage is when a butterfly slowly begins to emerge and tries to break free of its chrysalis that would take for about 23 hours or more. The fourth stage and the most beautiful is when the butterfly is almost free and is all but out of its shell opening its colorful wings.

It was an educational trip for the kids. Although the butterflies are beautiful and fascinating, Rome and his cousins were not pleased about their whole experience. No assistance was extended on their scheduled tour. They felt neglected.

Room Review: Grand Villa Resort and Butterfly Center

The road going to Grand Villa Resort and Butterfly Center was a huge challenge considering that their driver, Peachy, was just learning how to drive. They left home early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic and drove slowly to Laguna and arrived at 11:00AM in the resort.

While checking in, the hotel staff at the reception area seems bothered when Rome’s group registered for an overnight stay. She didn't let them in and told to wait until 2 PM. That was almost three hours of waiting!

Rome, who had a tourism degree and worked as front desk officer in a standard hotel in Palawan, knew that it is the standard check in time being followed around the world. The reason behind is for the hotel to allot 2 hours of cleaning and dressing the room up from check-out (12 nn) before check in time at 2 PM. This rule has been very essential especially when the hotel is fully booked. Guests could request a few hours of extension and early check in but that is subject to room availability. Some hotels are charging for extension or early check in but in Hotel Fleuris Palawan, the hotel where Rome used to work in, they allow guests to check in ahead of time as early as 8 AM if there’s an available room without charging their guests extra. They call it COURTESY.

He didn't complain and they stayed in a small picnic cottage while waiting. The kids were tired and bored. All of them were hungry. Food is not allowed to be brought in and the sunken restaurant by the pool has a limited menu to offer. Most of the dishes that they want from the menu were not available. In the end, they decided to have late lunch later that afternoon outside the resort.

Anney, on the other hand, had an ample opportunity with the kids for photo shooting in every corner of the resort. That time, she doesn't need to bribe them. The resort was deserted, green and clean. There were 5 people in the swimming pool area, three of which were resort’s staff.

The resort's policy in check in/ check out time is very strict. At exactly 1:45 PM, Anney asked the staff at the front desk if they could get into their rooms already but the staff declined and told her to wait for 15 minutes more. It was on the 2PM dot when they were allowed to get inside their respective accommodation. The rooms were not pre-cooled and weren’t previously occupied at all!

Their room is nothing special. The shower is tiled, there's water flowing through the faucet, bed is hard, A/C  didn't bring comfort; hot, old and noisy. The TV and the things inside the room are old and not maintained to its brand new glory but everything is clean and tidy. 

There’s an illusion of creepiness behind the Spanish-Filipino inspired resort but the kids enjoyed the activities and the amenities it offers. I'll tell you more about it on my next post. Adios!

Exotic Goan Getaways

Sometimes a summer holiday needs to be a bit more than just sleeping on a warm beach and dipping your toes in to a hotel pool. That’s why we were given Goa holidays. The smallest state in India, Goa is an easy-going and fascinating region with a local culture that provides a gentle sense of mystery and intrigue, which is what draws the tourists back more than the beaches.

Made popular by the yogis and planet friends due to its beautiful scenery and air of calm, more and more families are starting to pick up on the trail. As tourism grows the facilities are rapidly developing, with beach side cafes and restaurants springing up. The accommodation is basic if you travel North but the Southern regions are rather more luxurious.

If you’re fond of your creature comforts and like being prepared, many tour operators are now offering affordable package breaks to Goa. Take Thomas Cook package holidays for instance. Travelling with a well-established tour operator such as this means you will be able to secure a tried and tested hotel with everything you need to get your holiday off to a great start.

The cost of living in Goa is very low, so if you eat out it will be very easy on the wallet as well as a superb dining experience. Let’s face it - people do not tend to travel to Goa in the hope of getting a cheap holiday, it’s all about the country and getting into the culture, seeing the breathtaking sights and learning more about the local way of life. There is of course great wildlife to be seen as well. Take a trip to see a tiger and lion reserve, spot elephants wandering about in their natural habitat and watch giant sea eagles soaring on the breeze. For a vacation that’s a bit more than an everyday summer holiday, try Goa and discover a new passion for living.

Travel Tip: Cut the Cost of Airport Parking Charge

"Park and Fly" option for the constant traveler like you has been very convenient since it has been introduced. Travelers around the world particularly in United Kingdom’s Heathrow terminal 5, the newest terminal at Heathrow Airport and is home to British Airways that offers direct flights to numerous destinations including New York, Milan, Madrid, Bangkok, Dubai, Dublin, New Delhi and Tokyo is offering a wide choice of car park Heathrow terminal 5, ranging from quick and convenient Meet and Greet parking to standard park-and-ride, to long-term car parks, and hotel stay-and-park.

Here are some tips on how to get a cheaper rate:

1) Book in advance - Definitely, large amount of money equivalent for another vacation would be saved if you book in advance. Travelers could save almost half of the published price.  To obtain the discounts, holiday makers must book at least 30 days ahead of time.

2) Park off-site - There's always a number of independently operated car parks close by. The downside would be the transfers to and from the terminal that can take a little longer but there are also car parks that offer shuttle services. Choosing this option  can be markedly cheaper.

3) Use price-comparison websites or Apps - There are websites or applications on your phones or internet that could help you compare and decide what's the best prices and services that might fit your need. In finding authentic apps or price-comparison websites, read reviews to make sure its not a haux.

4) Go straight to a parking agent - Avoid middlemen or fixers. Go straight to a parking agent of yor chosen car park service.

5) Check out hotel stay-and-park deals - Should you have a scheduled early flight, I suggest to stay the night before in a hotel near the terminal. If you also need car parking, it won't necessarily be an indulgence as many hotels offer bargain stay-and-park rates.

Entertainment on the Go for Digital Traveler Like You

This post brought to you by DISH. All opinions are 100% mine.

The old fashion way of planning our dream vacation meant waking up at unholy hours to line up at the railway reservation counter, frantic calls to travel and tour agents for the best deal, research on how to get to a destination, gathering travel guides, inquire what to see and eat as also what to wear on those trips and finally packing for every need.

Fast track to the present time, the birth of browser becomes traveler’s best buddy. All that I mentioned above will only took just a few mouse clicks or taps on the phone's app to plan the trip. From mapping a route if you're walking or using public transportation, booking domestic and foreign flights, to making hotel reservations, everything can be done online.

I agree, it's more upsetting losing a smart phone during a vacation than luggage. But entertainment obsessed travelers would be more upset about missing their favorite primetime shows and series.Introducing DISH's "The Hopper" for a traveler who is always hopping from one destination to another but wants to be entertained. The Hopper is a Whole-Home HD DVR available only from DISH. Only the Hopper lets you watch live and recorded TV anywhere and instantly skip commercials in recorded primetime TV on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. Plus, you can record 6 different shows at the same time during primetime and store up to 2,000 hours of your favorite shows.Learn more about the Hopper

It has a features that designed to utmost entertainment because DISH believes you should be able to control how, when and where you watch TV.  It lets you transform your computer, smartphone or tablet into your TV and enjoy your same TV from home–anywhere! With Hopper you could watch TV on your tablet or smart phone while waiting for a flight at an airport, watch recorded TV anywhere you want even without an Internet connection when traveling just by transferring your recorded TV programs to your iPad with their free app before you leave the house and you can enjoy your favorite movies or shows on flights or keep your kids entertained during a long road trip, even when you're offline. With the cheapest packages starting at $24.99, you could get the Hopper FREE when you sign up for DISH (For 12 months with 24 month commitment. Restrictions Apply.)

Now you don’t need to buy iTunes movies and shows just to be entertained while on the road. It's a holiday! I'm sure you can't wait to go to your planned destinations this coming summer season.LIKE DISH on Facebook. Follow DISH on Twitter.

Travel Tip: How Can You Get Free Wi-Fi Access at Any Airport?

Before going on to Rome's next destination, here's a digital travel tip for a digital traveler like you. Haven't tried it yet but maybe its true, I just found it on one of my favorite website, 9gag.

If you're trapped in an airport because of delayed/cancelled flight, you might wanna kill time and boredom browsing the net. What if your laptop/iPad/Smart Phone doesn't subscribed in data plan? 

This might work! Please limme know if its working. Ok?

Glimpsed: One Direction

On Rome's gest to utopia, often times, he found himself in the middle of crossroads. With wide range of destinations in his mind, deciding one road to take is tricky knowing that there's no turning back. Luckily though, all  his destinations are pointing at one direction!

This is a teaser post of his next destination: Grand Villa

Pilgrimage to Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center, Lucban, Quezon Province.

There's a sense of wonderment and something life-changing about their trip to Lucban that's half-holiday, half-pilgrimage as Rome found when he went to a retreat in Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center with his cousins and nieces early on their last day in Lucban. The healing center is just right across Batis Aramin where they stayed for two nights.

As they approach the main gate, Vio Dolorosa Grotto is seen from afar. The 5 hectares Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center is a religious complex complete with Grotto of the Ascending Christ, Rosary Hill , Gallery of saints,  Garden of Eden, Healing Church, Retreat center, Cliff Houses, and Shopping Centers/Souvenir Shops. The religious complex and healing centetr is under the initiative of Father Joseph "Joey" Ayala Faller, a gifted and well-known healing priest who also conducts regular healing masses for physical, emotional and spiritual healing on the following days;

Wednesday and Saturday - 9:30 AM Healing Mass
Sunday Mass
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
4:00 PM
Anticipated Saturday Mass Every saturday - 5 PM

They began at the Garden of Eden where statutes of Adam and Eve depicting the creation, the temptation, and the fall are scattered in the tropical version of the garden. There were million of queries registered on the kiddos’ faces upon seeing the nude statutes. 

Rome heard his cousins telling familiar story to his nieces – The Story of Creation. They were listening wholeheartedly but distracted when they saw a playground and fun rides attached to the animal statutes near Noah’s Ark.  Anney let them play in one condition – they need to pose with one of the statutes, and they willingly obliged. The garden is definitely not a theme park but a fascinating educational and visionary gallery for kids.

Due to limited time, they weren’t able to climb the hill where Risen Christ statue is situated.  Well, they tried but gave up when they reached almost 50 of more than 300 steps. A healing mass was being held when they went down the hill.  Rome silently prayed for a short while and promised to come back to reflect and retreat.  

Struggling how to conclude this post about Rome's unfinished pilgrimage, let me end it  with Paulo Coelho’s quote for us to reflect on: "Pilgrimage is not a destination but a lifetime's journey".

Family Friendly Holiday Destinations 2013

Whatever your holiday budget for summer 2013, there is a destination out there to fit every family’s budget. From short haul Majorca holidays to faraway stints, including low cost Florida holidays  wherever you want to jet to, there’s a cost efficient plan for your clan.

Keeping costs low is one of the best ways to book your ideal escape. Rather than sacrificing on the niceties of your holiday, browse discounted holiday websites online and pay the lowest price for holidays from the UK’s favourite travel companies.

Portaventura
The ultimate short haul holiday spot for families with school aged children to teens. Portaventura, located in mainland Spain, is an outstanding family friendly resort with an immense theme park, water park and various awesome amenities.

Majorca
The island of Majorca off the east coast of mainland Spain is under two hours away from the UK, making it an ideal choice for parents with small children. To the south of the island, Palma Nova is an active resort with many attractions close by, while Alcudia offers safe shorelines and low key entertainment for those aiming to take a more laid back break.

Tenerife
Action packed and fabulous, Tenerife is a superb year round destination for families. Head away from the vibrant night scene of Tenerife and choose to stay in the Puerto de la Cruz region to the north of the island. Here you will be nestled at the heart of an authentic Canarian landscape, while on the doorstep of Loro Parque, the Canaries’ outstanding wildlife park and fairground.

Florida
Easily the family holiday capital of the world, Orlando in Florida is every child’s dream destination. Brimming with world class theme parks, waterparks and mind blowing entertainment facilities, Florida is the home of Disney, Universal and the place where magic comes to life.

Get ready for family fun in the sun this summer and book your 2013 escape online today.

Visita Iglesia: Church of Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse in Lucban, Quezon Province

The Philippines apart from East Timor, is predominantly a catholic country in Asia. Colonized by Spain for more than 300 years, the Philippines' early citizens were converted to Christianity by the Spanish missionaries either voluntarily or forcefully. They removed all marks of other religions that the Filipinos formerly patronized before their arrival. They burned down churches and idols so that the only religion that the Philippines will recognize is Catholicism.

Since then, churches became the focal point of communities all over the country. They can often be enormous, ornate buildings which so domineering over their surrounding landscapes.

Perched on the center in the humble town of Lucban in Quezon Province, surrounded by gardens, grottos and stone walls called quince-quince, the Church of Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse was initially created in 1595 but destroyed in 1629.

According to the facts on the tablet hanged on the wall the second church was constructed between 1630 and 1640, gutted by fire in 1733 and reconstructed in 1738. The adjacent convent was added and completed in 1743. The church was partly destroyed during the World War II in 1945 and renovated by the Philippine Historical Commission in 1966.

The church’s ancient bell tower stands to the right, rising three tapering levels, topped with a weathervane. Old and dingy, the grayish and dusty color shows that it has existed for a very long time. The facade and the bellower are finished with lime and cement.

It was a real good experience visiting old churches. Rome had a moment of silence for his prayers. For him, visiting this religious attraction was mentally stimulating somehow uplifting.

Pahiyas Festival, Lucban, Quezon Province

Pahiyas Festival - It's an idea that has really illuminated.

What began in 1500's as a form of thanksgiving to the "Anitos" (god/idols) for the good harvest of farm products such as palay, vegetables, fruits, and fish has became the most celebrated ode to illuminate colors in the Philippines. Ever since its inception, the quaint municipality of Lucban in Quezon province has hosted an annual festival “Pahiyas” held every 15th of the merry month of May.  It falls on the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers to show gratitude for a good and bountiful and abundant harvest.

Before the day of San Isidro Pahiyas Festival, residents of Lucban adorned their houses with their bountiful produce such as chayote, radish, pepper, beans, tomato, ginger, chili, grains of rice, and or any agricultural harvests that the home owner’s source of living represents.

Residents engaging in other forms of livelihood display their products too on the most glowing Thanksgiving Day. The handicraft manufacturer house was decked with colorful buri hats, bags, placemats and others while the poultry supplier colored the egg shells to decorate the front of his house. 

The most traditional and certainly the most attractive decor comes of course in the form of "KIPING" which are adorn and strung together to form all sorts of shapes, from chandelier called "ARANGYA" to huge flowers. Kiping is made from ground rice flour, shaped using "cabal" leaves or other leaf forms and colored in radiant red, fuschia, yellow, green and other bright shades.

Each household tries to outdo each other in friendly competition as they vie for honor of recognizing their creativity.  Prizes were given to the winning pahiyas based on a given criteria. The route of the Pahiyas Festival changes every year to give other houses their chance to decorate aside from the fact that expenses for the kiping and other ornaments will drain one's savings. 

In the morning of the Pahiyas Festival, the procession of the image of San Isidro will pass along this route, to bless the families for bountiful harvest on the upcoming planting season. 

It was early in the morning when Rome and his relatives departed Batis Armin to watch the Pahiyas decoration. They weren't able to witness the procession though.  Early morning is the best time to capture radiant and colorful images as there are very few people watching and roaming the Pahiyas route and you can see the houses in full view. Intricately brilliant - this house below left no detail out and was Rome favorite during last year's Pahiyas festival.

Every participating house here had made such a delicate, tiny structure, and colorful kipings much to the delight of thousands local and foreign tourists flocking to the charming municipality every May to gasp at the displays.

What Rome thought was highly commendable is the dedication of each community member to do all the work together to create the multi colored display, who by the way, do not profit from the colorful display. 

Pahiyas for him, is the display of camaraderie  and solidarity of this small populated town who makes huge efforts in bringing the brightest fiesta colors of the Filipino summer to the world.

Parts of this post were sourced from: www.pahiyasfestival.com