Northland Resort in Manapla is a perfect place to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the City life. The resort is just 45 minutes to an hour ride from Bacolod City. It is conveniently located just a few meters from the Highway, the restaurant and the Mall.

Well last August, I was fortunate enough as I got the chance to go on an overnight trip and experience Northland Resort for my Birthday, thanks to Portia and Celia!

Located at the Municipality of Manapla, Northland Resort offers wide varieties of rooms, cabana and gazebo that are perfect for your needs, may it be a day trip or an over-night stay. The room rate is affordable as well as the food prices. We only paid Php 350 for our lunch and the serving was really big so my cousin had it wrapped.

The family rooms cost is Php 2,500 (4 adults and 2 children) and they charge Php200 for extra person but we made a bargain with the receptionist and told them we’re 5 in the group with 2kids. She told us it’s ok but didn’t charge us the extra person. Good deal right? My aunt even told me that when they stayed at Northland they just booked the standard room which is Php 1,650 and they were 10 in the room. I was like “uhhh?! How did you fit in there? Someone slept at the bathroom? ” I can just imagine them looking like sardines in a can *smiles* Anyways, if you’re a fitness buff Northland is perfect for you as you’ll have a complimentary use of the resort fitness gym aside from the complimentary breakfast. The resort is also a WiFi zone so you’ll still have a connection to your family and friends.

Well, one will never get bored in Northland Resort Hotel as they offer entertainment and sports facilities. They have a ten-pin bowling lanes where you could challenge your friends or family. They also have a billiard hall, electronic arcade games, Videoke rooms, fitness gym and boxing training arena. The only downside with the resort is the lack of water sports. Well, that’s understandable as it’s a waterpark. You can’t go jet skiing on the pool right? Hmmm… That gives me an idea. Why don’t we try that next time? Just for the heck of it? Or am I on a suicide mission here? Well, don’t mind me.

Anyways, all-in-all Northland Resort Hotel is a perfect place to just chill after a busy weekday. It’s a home away from home where you could bond with your friends and family. Well, we really had fun during our visit. We also tried there ten-pin bowling lanes before we went home. And guess what? Our body ached the next day because we bowled for 3hours.But it was all worth it. Sad to say I lost the game to Portia. Better luck next time right?

Thanks again Portia and Celia!!! Until our next trip guys.

Tara Lagaw ta!

Paying it Forward Charity Project was held at St. Michael Archangel Church in Central Manapla, Negros Occidental.

Everyone really enjoyed the outreach and went home with a big heart & big smile on our faces. Just seeing those kids enjoying the party and so happy with the small give-aways we gave them could make you happy and sad at the same time. Hays! If only I have lots of money to do this everyday. Anyways, for more touching stories during the Paying it Forward Party please visit DBuzzToday.

I just want to thank everyone who helped me make this possible, especially to my Mom & her friends for the big donation, to Mayla of milesglimipses.com, Shang, Portia, Chona, My Nieces (Chelle, MM, Weweng), Eunice, My brother & his friends and to all my family and friends. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Until the next outreach everyone!!!

***PAHABOL***
- I need help for my next project this coming holiday season. Anyone willing to help? To Donate please email me at amecabalo[@]yahoo[.]com for details
- Things needed for the next Paying it Forward Charity Project: Rice, canned goods, noodles

Pataan Mountain Resort is located at Sitio Pata-an, Brgy. Mailum, Bago City. The mountain resort is owned by a retired policeman and has been operating for 10 years. Sadly, I only heard of the mountain resort 2 or 3 years ago and was able to visit it only last year.

Anyways, Pata-an Mountain Resort is a bit far from Bacolod City and out of the way since there’s no public transportation going there. You need to bring your own car or hire a van, but if you are adventurous you could brave the rocky long ride in a habal-habal (motorcycle) or tricycle and be amazed with the scenic view along the way. I tell you it’s worth all the bumping you’ll experience.

The resort is now fully developed with 12 cottages, swimming pool, canteen and pavilion. One can also go camping during the night for a mere fee or if they want they can rent rooms too.

Well, we really had fun on our visit there, even though it rain really hard after lunch. The falls doesn’t have a big basin but it will do. It’s like you’re having a massage under the falls and it’s really relaxing. Well, it’s really a great way of bonding with your family and friends as its safe. Nature lover will surely have a great time here, as well as those who are not nature lover. The walk from the cottages going to the falls will only took you 2 or 3 minutes, unlike in Kipot falls.

Well, it is advisable to bring your own food going to Pata-an even though they offer a menu for it’s a bit pricey. Or should a say really really pricey?

Anyways, for more information on Pata-an Mountain Resort in Bago City Negros Occidental please call the resort at (034) 476-1330, 433-0443 or 434-6854.

How to get There:

From Bacolod: Go to the Libertad Market, hop on a Road Star Bus bound for Ma-ao Public Market for Php 30. Then at Ma-ao Public Market ride a tricyle or habal-habal and tell the driver that you’ll be going in Pata-an. The ride will cost you around Php 150. Just ask some locals for direction along the way and I’m sure they’ll be happy to help you.

Well, it was really hot during our visit to the gate so we were not able to check the whole area. We saw a bamboo house/hut at the back but no one was there so we were not able to get more details on the structure and of the house. Well, there’s also a small marine cemetery behind the old west gate.

Old West Gate

This gate was the entrance to the original Spanish Naval station established in Subic Bay in 1885. The principal Spanish construction lay to the east along what is now Rivera Point and consisted of an arsenal, several warehouses, and number of shop buildings.

Old West Gate Marker

The Base at Subic – Olongapo was used by the Spanish Navy to provide repair, supply, ammunition and medical support for ships. The post was commanded by the second commandancia of the base at Cavite and was considered a subsidiary of that command.

The Spanish garrison remained in possession of the Subic – Olongapo base until June of 1898 at which time they were driven out by FIlipino forces. The area was formally occupied by the U.S. Navy in September of 1899.

Last month, we went to Subic Tree Top Adventure for an extreme one-of-a-kind experience to end the summer vacation. The park really lives up to it hands down. And the best part, it is nestled at the lush, virgin forest of Subic.

Tree Top Adventure offers 9 different exciting outdoor activities such as Tree Top Adventure, Canopy Walk, Trekking, Jungle Survival demo, Aeta Tribal Presentation, Superman Ride, Interactive Free Fall, Silver Surfer and the ultimate of them all, the TREE DROP. The park is well-equipped with safety lines, harnesses, safety helmets and well-trained guides/instructors. The crew of Tree Top are really friendly, helpful and funny especially those in the Tree Drop area. Well, you don’t need to worry about safety in the park as this is their top priority.

Anyways, the first activity we tried was the Interactive Free Fall. Well, we want to try the Tree-Drop or the Silver Surfer first but unfortunately there was a long line and it was already late so the guides decided to close the lines, so we decided to go back first thing the next morning. Interactive Free Fall is a machine operated carries that can lift 3 persons. All you have to do is stand on a bar and it will shot up about 100feet high, then you’ll fall half way. This will be done repeatedly for 3-5minutes. It’s not as thrilling as the other rides, but it will make do especially if you’re not into extreme sports.

Next day…

It’s Tree Drop Adventure time! Yes, we were one of the first people in the Tree Drop area. We were that brave While other visitors were having a hard time deciding what to try we were doing the tree-drop. Aaahhh! Brave girls! But truth be told, we were scared but didn‘t want to show it. It was scary knowing you’ll be drop 60 feet high in just 2 seconds ala Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. It was suicide but I did it. I survived!

Well, at first I wasn’t so keen to do any activities as I was not feeling well that morning but after seeing my niece Em and cousin J doing it, I was so jealous that I decided to try it and forgot feeling nauseous. At least I have a reason if ever I vomit, right? Of course, I made sure that it was safe so I chatted with the crew. The guy told me “Ma’am, safe na safe po yan. Don’t worry! As long as hindi ka more than 360lbs”. Well, since I only weigh less than half of the 360 he told me “Hakang-haka yan ma’am. Yan nga hu mga 230lbs ata yan kayang kaya, ikaw pa! Sisiw ka lang ma’am”. After that he flexed his biceps and laughed as it was not that big. Anyways, we bought our tickets, signed the waiver, put on our safety gears, checked our weight and waited for the drop. The waiting was more frightening than the actual drop, as it was only a 2sec drop and before I knew it I was already on the ground. I didn’t have time to feel anything during the drop or to even scream my heart out, unlike Em who was really noisy as she banters with the crew and she even punched the guy before the drop while J had a hard time with the harness. It was a bit tight in the stomach so they had to adjust it again before they drop her. It was one heck of an experience and I highly recommend it. After the Tree Drop the rest of the activities were just so-so.

Superman Ride is like a zipline only you ride it in superman position, arms stretch on the bar in front of you while your legs are spread at the back. Then you’ll be whisked 500meters on the other tree then back for around 30seconds.

Silver Surfer is just like Superman Ride but instead of the flying position, you’ll be standing on one end of the metal swing while your friend stand on the other side like you’re surfing. The metal swing will then glide 500meters on the other tree, then back again repeatedly.

All-in-all Tree Top Adventure Subic is a great place for an extreme adventure with friends and family (not suitable for toddlers). Well, it was a unique way of communing with nature while doing extreme adventure. The crews are friendly, helpful and well-trained hands down. The rides are exciting. The place is perfect! The price not bad for an ultimate extreme experience.

TREE TOP ADVENTURE
JEST Area, Cubi Point, SBMA, Olongapo City, Zambales

http://www.treetopadventure.com

Phone: (047) 252-9427

Five Simple Steps…

I was channel hopping last Friday (May 6) when I heard the weather forecast – a storm is brewing. I was like “What the ….? A storm in the middle of summer?” Well, it’s freaking hot so I can’t seem to get what they were reporting and I didn’t mind it. Until, Saturday evening when all of a sudden the clear night sky turned gloomy and it started to rain hard. I called my friend right away to ask if we are still set for our outing the next day and she told me that we will have to cancel it if it keeps on raining the next morning. So I was wishing, hoping and keeping my fingers cross for the rain to stop.

The next day, I woke up at 5AM and I’m happy to say that the rain stops. I prepared my things right away and woke my niece up as well. Since we were meeting at Lemon’s house I called her and MM up to know their exact address in Pasig. They were not answering their phones so I called Meei instead but she doesn’t know the exact name too. I know they live just a block away from Sanduval Bridge but I can’t seem to recall the name of the place. So I asked Meei if it’s Manggahad Pasig and she said yes. So, me and Gabby hailed a cab right away and told the driver our destination, Manggahad Pasig, and I asked him if we could take the Sandoval Bridge. The driver looked at me like I’m from planet Mars and he asked me “Sandoval bridge papuntang Manggahan Ma’am?” I smiled and nodded and told him “Yes, Sandoval Kuya”. He kept on staring at me like I’m out of my mind but I didn’t mind him. When I arrived at Lemon’s house I told MM about it, she laughed at me and told me “Manggahan e nasakabilang way yon dun sa bahay namin malayo dito. Maybunga po to.” I laughed at myself and told her “it’s good that he didn’t bring me to Manggahan.” Manggahan and Maybunga I seem to always mix this two up but it’s a good thing I remember the Sandoval Bridge.

Anyways, we arrived at Club Manila East at around 8:15 and were greeted by a large crowd. There was a long line in getting a number, another one for paying the tickets/entrance fee and for entering the resort. I was wondering why everyone was at the resort that day and not at home waiting for the Pacquiao vs Mosley fight. And I got my answer when we entered, the resort have a free live Pacquiao vs. Mosley fight on pay-per-view and on big screen. A perfect touch on celebrating Mother’s day with their family as the Dad’s don’t have to miss the fight and still have time to enjoy with their kids and wife.

(clockwise) with my niece Gabby, let’s go surfing at CME, 14ft deep diving pool, Ocean Wave

Well, it started to rain so we directly went to the cabana (rate: Php 1,500) to leave our things and changed. Then went in search for somewhere to eat but ended up at Jollibee as this was the first place we saw and our tummy was really rumbling loud. While they were eating I took some photos of the pool but sadly I didn’t have lots of photos as its raining really hard and I don’t have any camera cover with me. After that we went to the Ocean Wave Pool and I could say it’s the Metro’s nearest thing to a beach. Metro Manila may not have beach they can boast of but hey, they have a wave pool they can be proud of.

are you bold enough to dive at the 14ftdeep  diving pool?

Club Manila East Ocean Wave pool can generate eight different wave patterns reaching up to four feet high. It was really funny seeing people jumping from one wave after another and being knocked down by it. They seem to never get tired from all the jumping and fooling around the pool. Some even dared to go in the deeper part which is 6ft then jumped hard and tried their best not to get drowned as the 4ft wave washed over them. While some tested how long they can stay on their floaters before they get knock down and if they got knock down they’ll just laugh and do it again and again. It was really funny seeing this people and experiencing it too. Well, I was one of those fools who did this antics *smile*

Ocean Wave pool with 8 different wave patterns reaching up to four feet high

Well, I’m happy to say that bagyo Bebeng didn’t stopped me and my friends from enjoying our summer outing at Club Manila East. My niece Gabby and friend Budjoy even dared the downpour and the strong wind just to experience the zipline (P150).  But because of the long line we weren’t able to go kayaking so we did the Buzzy River instead.  It was a relaxing water tube ride.

Well, until the next outing boinks! And thanks so much Emz for tagging us along.

Palitaw is a small sweet flat rice cake eaten in the Philippines. It is made from sticky rice (malagkit) washed, soaked, grounded and molded. Then it is dropped into boiling water until it floats. After that it is dipped in grated coconut and viola! You have this yummy kakanin.

Well, most Filipino would say that they love palitaw or to some they have tasted it but sad to say it was my first time to taste the palitaw. I know it doesn’t show but I’m a little picky when it comes to food, especially the ones in violet. Urg! I so hate it! Yea, I know it’s all in the mind but I can’t seem to get over it. I’m also not that adventurous when it comes to food as I always order the food that I’m familiar with like pork chop, chicken, steak and the likes.

I’ve seen palitaw already but I don’t like the plain white color so I don’t even try to taste it. But last month I got really curious as everyone were raving about how yummy the palitaw is, so I tried eating one and they were right it was delicious and so yummy, especially if you put mascubado sugar with lots of toasted sesame seeds on top. I’m just happy that I’ve tried this sweet rice cake. Atleast I’m not a noob with it. Yummy!!

Click here for our Don Salvador Picnic

My cousin Nang D called us around 7:00AM to inform that they’ll fetch us around 8AM or earlier instead of my nephew. So my aunt told my nieces to pack and have breakfast first. They were all getting ready while I was still in bed deciding if I’ll go with them or not for I’m not feeling well that time and I still have lots of tasks needed to finish. But when I heard Nang D’s voice I jumped out of bed and put all my things in the bag in less than 2 minutes while shouting that I’ll go with them. Since we can’t fit inside the car, we decided to seat at the back of the pick-up and brave the scorching sun. But luckily it was a little cloudy that morning so we did enjoy the cold fresh air and the view along the way.

My trekking buddies, woot! wooh!

Don Salvador Benedicto is an hour drive from Bacolod City. One could ride the Ceres Liner going to San Carlos City via Don Salvador for Php70 more or less. One could say that this mountainous Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto is the little Baguio of Negros. But as I said in my previous post, unlike Baguio, Don Salvador Benedicto is really a laid back town – no night life, no buildings, no crowded places and most of all no tourist traps. Yes! It’s a hidden gem of Negros where one could relax and unwind without the hustle of the city life.

Bonfire & Picnic Area

When we arrived at the Nursery we setup our things for the picnic near the bonfire site. Then my nieces, nephews and grandchildren tour the place. hey! I’m not that old but because my cousins are way older than me, more or less twice my age, so I got 4 apos already. We also learned that the pool was under repair so we don’t have a choice but go to the falls if we want to swim. But the kids were able to swim at the knee dip area of the stream while the adults were arranging the picnic area and cooking the food.

They so love each other

Anyways, after taking a few minutes rest we decided to go to the small falls with the kids. It was really funny as the kids were really excited and giddy to go see the falls but along the way when they saw the trail and a lot of snake stories they were like leeches sticking to your body. Cassey was almost crying from the fear of snakes and the unknown but I’m proud to say that she made it to the falls. The trail is really easy but imagine 2, 3, 5, 8 and 11 year-old kids trekking it you’ll really be proud of them. They were the ones walking and climbing the rocks but of course with our help and except with Yummy who’s only 2. Arky who’s 3 years-old doesn’t want us to carry her even if it’s a little hard. She’s a risk taker like her Mom and she’s very adventure even in that age. Well, we just stayed for 10 to 15 minutes at the falls as the water was so cold that the kids’ teeth were chattering after swimming for less than 5 minutes. Well, the trek back was really smooth as everyone were already kind of familiar with the trail and the kids were not afraid any more.

Picture, Picture

On our way back, our tummy were grumbling since we didn’t follow what my aunt said earlier. So when we arrived at the picnic area, thank God everything was already set so we had our lunch right away. After a hearty lunch we just relaxed and chatted to catch-up with the latest tid bits under the tree. And all of a sudden MM, who’s on the main cottage shouted my name and asked me if I could take her picture. I was like “uhmm… what’s with her? She must have something that she doesn’t want us to see like a snake. hmm… “So I told her “sure, just come a little closer.” And guess what? I was right. She was holding a snake and she wants me to take her photo. Well, I’m not afraid of snake but my niece has a phobia with it. So I didn’t tell anyone. I just took MM’s photo but all of a sudden somebody shouted “snake” and my niece Inna jumped, screamed and cried her heart out. To some, she may look OA ‘coz of her screaming and shouting but I understand her as its a phobia and she told me that she’s trying hard to over come it but she can’t seem to stop her self from screaming. Well, everyone had a good laugh. The kids were so curious that they kept on touching the snake, especially Arky who squeezed it. Then after the kids had their photo op with the snake they went to see the very grumpy monkey who hates anything female. Then we decided to go back to Bacolod to have halo-halo at chowking.

Well, all-in-all the trip was really relaxing and so worth it. Don Salvador Benedicto has everything for everyone from fresh cool air, yummy fruits to coffee lovers and trekkers just name it they got it. So if you want to have a great getaway from the hassle and bustle of the city life go to Don Salvador Benedicto. It is also a great way to bond with your family.

* 1st & 3rd photos were grabbed from lagawan’s previous post.

Be prepared to get wet this summer at Pataan falls. Located at Sitio Pata-an, Brgy.Mailum in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

***Blog post to follow… One Fine Day at Pataan Mountain Resort

Well, there are 3 ways of experiencing Tibiao Fish 1) is the Classic Fish Spa, 2) the VIP Fish Spa where you can enjoy this fishpalaxing experience in a private curtained area plus a foot massage after, as we did, and 3) Full Body Fish Spa. At the VIP area I tried the bigger fishes and I can’t help myself from laughing at first as it tickles a lot. But after a few minutes I got to relax and enjoy it.

Classic to VIP Area

Since we (Portia, her niece – Barbie) went there late, we had the whole place to ourselves, but during closing time a bunch of kids were really curious and where asking a lot of questions so the staff let them experience it. When their Mom find them inside she was curious as well so she joined her kids at the tub. They were laughing and giggling all the time that the other kid who was kinda frightened braves it at last. It was really great seeing the family enjoying and having fun.

All-in-all it was really fun and a very fisherrific experience. It’s a great way of relaxing and unwinding from the hustle of everyday life, as well as a great way of bonding with your family and friends. And what’s great with it is that it’s affordable. I’ll definitely recommend it to everyone.

VIP Area (Grabbed from Tibiao’s Website)

Photo by Portia