La Luz Resort Birthday Getaway

I consider it as my birthday getaway.  But if truth be told, we’re just obliged to visit the place for the Clan’s (DH’s side) forthcoming grand reunion.  La luz has long been in my bucket list but never had the chance to visit.  Glad that we were tasked to inspect the place which pressed DH on to grant me my birthday wish.  That is, spending my birthday in La Luz Beach Resort.  The simple ocular inspection turned out to be our brief vacation.  An accidental birthday getaway!  Our nephew came with us along with his wife and son. They were our guests cum co-inspectors! But unlike us (DH, DS and DD), this young family chose to stay only for a day.

La Luz Beach Resort, for all I’ve heard of, is one of the most beautiful if not the best resort in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.  It isn’t too far from Metro Manila, (just about 4 hours drive more or less )  and it offers packages that could suit our reunion’s needs.  Thus,  the getaway! ..   Or rather,  the ocular inspection! Armed with the clan’s go signal, we were set to pay the fee to reserve.   But we had to call it off .   You’ll find  the reasons why!

Heaven gifted us with a good weather that Sunday, my birthday!  La Luz was reached swiftly at the expected time.  A guard stationed on a makeshift gate directed us to park on a spacious but bumpy parking lot.  DS, our driver, wasn’t aware that the rough ground have deep sunken parts every here and there...  resulting therefore to the car’s frequent thump and thud.  
  

 the bumpy car park

 the pebbled "reception hall"

Not too far is the reception hall.  It’s a “hall” of pebbled soil flooring and bamboo benches to rest on while sipping the Gulaman welcome drinks.   The welcome drinks are included in our food package that cost P1,350./pax for overnight guests and P900./pax for day tour guests.  After registering on the resort’s log book, we headed down the steep stairs leading to the resort proper.  While stepping down, I thought of my MIL, the clan’s grand matriarch, as she would certainly have to exert extra effort climbing up and down that high steep stairs.  We are 100% sure, she would complain.  

 the stairway down to the resort proper

 

Our reserved Premium room is A-okay. I would say, not bad for P4,500./night for 6pax/max.   It has 2 semi-double beds(one with pull out bed), a big nice bath room complete with toiletries and almost new white towels. Beddings are sparkling white. No TV nor ref though.  They purposely omit those to maintain the natural ambiance according to their website.  For beach lover that is me, it’s all right.   All that matters is the beautiful beach! 

 our reserved Premium room

 the beach and sand/pebbles

 my lunch plate

The beach is nice from afar. As they say, picture perfect! I wanted to try the waters right away, but our growling tummies were more excited for the buffet lunch!  … Excitement that turned to total disappointment upon seeing the food.   Buffet food offered consisted of veggie salad, the ingredients of which I can’t remember, fried tilapia, over cooked sauteed squash and string beans with shrimps and pork adobo for the main course.  For dessert are fresh pineapple and papaya and iced tea for unlimited drinks.   I’m a non-pork eater so I had to content myself with the soggy fried tilapia and the over cooked squash and sitaw with shrimps .  Our nephew wasn’t able to eat lunch as the buffet counter was already hidden when he came back from the beach.   Nephew said he doesn’t have the appetite anyway!   Well, who would have the appetite with those very ordinary home cooked dishes?!  If only they allow guests to bring in food, we wouldn’t have starved that much! After filling up, we ran to the beach forewarned by nephew of big sharp stones.  Indeed, we couldn’t walk on the beach without hurting our feet, especially under water.  The beach sand isn’t sand but pebbles.  Moreover, walking on the sand(pebbles) is laborious since feet sinks in with every single step made.  I wore my slippers as I walked back to the shore but pebbles that get in between my sole and slippers brought forth more pain on my feet.   

 snack

Come Snack time:  Pancit, LumpiangToge (mongo sprout), Banana cue, and Kutsinta (sticky rice cake) and Orange juice.  -   We were all full after the snack, not because we love the food but more of having been starved much at lunch time.  Satiated hunger via the banana cue at Kutsinta.  “Pwede na rin”!

  

blue coral's beach

the blue coral's swimming pool

one of their family rooms 

 We took time to see another resort nearby, the Blue Coral Resort.  It’s a far cry from La Luz.  Maybe slightly pricier but much more beautiful in all aspect of a resort , not to mention the big swimming pool.  Accommodation style is the same with packaged full meal.  We asked for their lunch on that day. Mentioned few are Chicken BBQ, Beef Kare-kare,  Grilled Fish, etc. How couldn’t we be envious? Lol! We would have chosen this resort for our venue but didn’t try getting into their beach. As it is located on the same area, we surmised the sand/pebbles is no different from La Luz.

 rice and penne pasta

 mushroom and young corn / steamed fish fillet

 white chicken /  pork hamonado

 cold buko with gelatine /  fresh pineapple and papaya

Back to La Luz, we’re pleased that dinner is much, much  better than what we had at lunch!  I found it unfair for Day Tour guests that those “ better” dishes are not offered at lunch. Nephew and wife were deprived of a good meal coz it’s not included in their food package. Can't help but feel sorry for them!

Breakfast consists of garlic rice, Tinapa, corned beef, butter and bread, and the only one I enjoyed, the mushroom, sweet pepper, onion omelet  sans the  ham for me.  Simple but filling!

At the end of the day, our La Luz Resort birthday getaway is not all dissatisfaction and regret after all!  We had one good time to bond. It’s a birthday wish well granted and being in a beach with my family is .. over and over I say, total happiness for me!  I’m grateful for it.  Likewise acknowledging DH’s plain and unfussy way of showing  ...he cares! Thanks to him!  

La Luz Resort for our reunion's venue?  An absolute two thumbs down! You think we'd come back?  No way!

Birthday Surprise from NYC

Yes, it was my birthday last Sunday, July 20! Blessed, I turned another year older again! So grateful to God Almighty!  I was engulfed with happiness and joy with the avalanche of greetings from loved ones and FB friends!!   And my adopted “pamangkin”  from NYC never fails to greet me.   Her customized birthday card and the note on another cute li’l card she sent would be more than enough to make my day.  Yet, the generous fab lady of NYC didn’t stop at those.   I think she wants me to look good that’s why she gifted me with a pair of comfy Coach slippers, pretty  Coach mini case and a stylish shirt blouse ... Oh so sweet of you, my ever kind-hearted  “pamangkin” ! Thank you so much!!   Didn't know you are an excellent "manghuhula"! Why?!  Perfect sizes! Oh, they fit me well.  Haha..  ang saya!!!

J, despite my absence in blogosphere and the no show in your site you,  you never forget!   I know you have your own bits of trials but regardless,  you still stay strong for others!  Thank you so much for all the wonderful things you send my way.   The caring thought… I won’t ever forget!  Thank you, thank you!!   Sending you my loving spirit through prayers… always!   Warm and tight hug to you!  ' Love you, my Pamangkin!!!

Trip to Lomboy Farm: A Big Disappointment

After seeing  Kris Aquino in her own Kristv program feasting  on luscious grapes hanging by the vines at Lomboy Farm, I got enticed to experience the same.   I do admit that I’m quite gullible some times.   I tend to believe that what is shown is true or real, especially on Kristv!  Well..  I guess, I am not alone on this viewpoint.  Many seems to follow the said TV show and been misled sometime, somehow!

Allured by the mentioned TV feature and adding the fact that I do miss the beach,  I pushed my family to travel the many miles to the north last weekend.   Coming along with us was DD's fiance. We headed to La Union early Saturday and  took pleasure in traversing the newly opened TPLEx (Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway).  With DS on the wheel, we reached La Union by late noon.  We checked-in at a beach resort named Cabaguan Seafront Resort.  It’s a budget resort so it’s not for those who want a stylish accommodation.  Nevertheless, the room is air conditioned and good enough to pass the night away.   The weather was quite a bummer for it prevented me from enjoying the beach.  No regrets though, coz the beach isn’t that attractive anyway!

The following Sunday morning, everybody’s up early.  We moved few more kilometers up north and we reached the main objective of our long road trip: The Lomboy Farm in Bauang La Union.  The big signage of the farm along the highway is not hard to notice.  We pulled over alongside the many vehicles parked ahead of us.  It maybe one proof that not only me believed the Kristv  feature of said farm. They admit, they have a sudden influx of visitors.  This, I think is enough evidence that I wasn’t alone in getting a leg pulled. Lol!

Initially, I went in alone to look for the owner whom I had previously communicated with through text messages, Mr. Ave Lomboy.  He introduced himself and found him friendly and accommodating. I was cheerfully dealt with and given a fragment of information about him and his farm.  I was told (and also learned from the TV program) that  we would be guided and assisted and that a tour fee of P200.00/pax will be collected.  "It’s for the people in the farm", he said.   We were 5, thus I shelled out P1000. (Though I should have paid for only 4 coz DH didn’t join in). My excitement heightened when they handed me 5 Eco bags (with Lomboy Farm print).  It meant to me that I’d be filling those up with fresh grapes harvest I’d pick straight from the vines.   (Unmindful whether the cost is cheap or not for P150/kl.)  Just something for a thrilling experience.. .  or so I thought!   I readied myself to a long walk in a massive vineyard and huge guaple plantation.  Got thrilled as we were led by a boy on a bike to the farm.  But that thrill was only short lived.  Our trek stopped to a small plot of what seems to be just a small backyard grape farming. There were grapes alright but not ripe enough for picking and only on a short stretch of plot.  "Is this it? .. Is this the Lomboy Farm?" The big kiddos asked.  Who could give us the answer?  We were left hanging with our questions.  There was a couple of elder ladies we wished to get answers from but they were busy selling their grape seedling plants.  The residents of the neighborhood appeared to be overwhelmed by the turn of people coming in their community by big groups.    Contrary to what was mentioned by the owner that we will be assisted and guided by somebody who would answer queries along the way, no one appeared!  .. And by the words "assisted farm tour", who wouldn't imagine a vast vineyard and a massive guaple plantation to tour?  Whew!  I felt kinda deceived!  What's the 1000php I paid for? "It's for the Eco bags, Ma!, They gave you Eco bags, remember?"  That was DD's reply to my question, with a wide grin!

Oh well! ...  Mr Lomboy took my number.  He said he would inform me of future offers of the farm.
If you were me,  would you care to give a damn?  ... Hmmn   ..your answer is as good as mine!

There's only one good thing I had, I was able to visit Agoo Church.  My first time!

Sun, Sea and Serenity: Holiday Bliss in Thailand

You’ve heard that it’s paradise - the holiday destination to end all holidays destinations - but what is it about Thailand that’s just so appealing to visitors? The answer can be boiled down to three key attractions: sun, sea and serenity. If you're taking advantage of cheap holidays to Thailand, here’s how you can find all three:

Beautiful Beaches

The first of the two ‘S’s can be found along Thailand’s stunning coastline and on its remote islands. Indeed, Thailand’s sun-drenched beaches are renowned across the globe as some of the very best in the world.

Mae Haad beach on the island of Ko Tao (aka ‘Turtle Island’) is a hotspot for water sports. If you’re interested in kayaking, water-skiing or snorkelling during your visit, it’s the place to be. For a more peaceful beach scene, head to Kao Kwai on Koh Phayam island, a quiet hideaway for laid-back sun-seekers.

Of course, a guide to Thailand’s best beaches wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Sunrise Beach in the town of Haad Rin on Koh Pha Ngan. Home to the famous ‘Full Moon’ parties, Sunrise is the ultimate party destination.

Temples and Treatments

If you’re seeking the third ‘S’ on the list, serenity, there’s no easier place to relax and quiet the mind than Thailand. Take refuge in the country’s many majestic Buddhist temples. The Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple, situated atop Mount Suthep near Chiang Mai, is one of Thailand's most sacred sites and the ideal place for quiet reflection. For something a bit more surreal, check out the bizarre ‘White Temple’ in Chiang Rai.

Thailand is also known as a haven for health and wellness. It’s home to some of the best spas in the world, and treatments unique to Thailand have become popular all over the world. Thai massage involves a special method of stretching the muscles, as well as rhythmic pressing and even walking on one’s back. Every Thai spa offers authentic massages, while also providing other spa treatments like body wraps, scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures.

Of course, there’s really no need to boast about all that Thailand has to offer - the country sells itself! Unlike other destinations, Thailand is not just a passing tourist trend. Its ancient traditions and unparalleled scenery make it an easy choice for anyone seeking sun, sea and serenity.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Marking the first year anniversary of Mohamed Mursi's presidency, there has been violent demonstrations across several Egyptian cities from Alexandria to Cairo. Occasionally during these protests,  deaths, injuries and extensive property damage has occurred. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)has recently advised against all but essential travel to Egypt, except for resorts in the Red Sea region. How advisable really is this though? Is everyone over-exaggerating and is it truly safe to travel to any part of Egypt?

Currently the German and French governments have advised against all travel to Egypt, and all the holidays have been cancelled there. Naturally this is not going to make the British tourist very confident about going on holiday to a red-sea resort, with many tourists wanting to cancel their holidays and get their money back for fear of their own safety. Some tourists may even pay high administration charges to change their destination to a safer place; however is this really fair if other countries have already stopped their tourists from travelling to Egypt?

Holiday adventure companies such as Explore! And Exodus have cancelled all of their tours and holidays until October in awake of the violent situation that is rippling around the country. 

The violence across Egypt has caused effects for the whole of the travel industry. Thomson and First Choice have cancelled all outbound flights to Luxor, trips to the cities, cruise stop-offs and Nile river cruises have also been cancelled in the area.

However, the UK Foreign Office has reassured travellers that they can still go on holiday to the Red Sea Resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada as these are considered very separate from the rest of Egypt.

Tourists are advised to stay within the hotel complex, and therefore cannot see any of the world famous Egyptian sights. Arguably it isn’t fair at all that people are still paying full prices for holidays in Egypt, merely to be confined to a hotel complex for a week or two.

The trouble free areas of Egypt include the entire region of Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab, as well as St. Catherine’s Monastery World Heritage Site, the roads between the resorts and the airports of Taba and Sharm el Sheikh.Sharm lies a considerable distance away from the trouble in Cairo- approximately an eight hour drive.  

The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) opposes to the advice from the Foreign Office and hopes it to change its advice about not travelling to the country unless it’s essential.

So, if you are planning on travelling to Egypt, some of the precautions that you should be aware of include:

        1.       Making sure that you have well covered travel insurance

           2.       Your travel company should be registered with ABTA or Atol

           3.       Keep up to date with the news and check the Foreign Office regularly for updates: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

However, as the FCO say it is safe to travel to certain Egypt destinations, then there is no way you can get your money back if you decide not to travel. If things do get worse and the FCO advises against travel to anywhere in Egypt, then if you have booked a package holiday you may be able to get an alternative holiday or your money back.