Last quarter of 2019, we had a chance to take a peek to one of Cebu’s newest family attraction – Cebu Ocean Park. Cebu Ocean Park is a marine life and land animal theme park. It houses a wide variety of marine species as well as insects, reptiles and lories. It is located at South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City near SM Seaside City Cebu and Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod.

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Shoutout to @trinatiu and family for giving us free passes to Cebu’s newest attraction Ocean Park @cebuoceanparkofficial #freebies #cebu #cebuoceanpark #oceanpark #grateful

A post shared by Shiella | Mommy After Work (@mommyafterwork) on Oct 5, 2019 at 2:03am PDT

Courtesy of Ms. Kat and Family :D, we were able to enjoy an afternoon full of animal discovery, exploration and admiration.

Our pass was valid only on weekdays so we look for schedules that wont disrupt the kid’s school schedule. We went there late in the afternoon, right after school work. Being on its soft opening, Cebu Ocean Park already attracts attention, thus expect a large crowd of guests.

Attractions to enjoy:

Jungle Trek
You will be greeted by jungle theme as you enter the park. Lots of lush green grass covers the wall of the ground floor. Crocodiles and freshwater fishes are displayed here.

Creepy Critters
Get ready for a hair-raising adventure as you enter the room of creepy creatures. Get up close and personal with anything that crawls like iguanas, snakes, scorpions, and spiders.

Lories
Closer interaction with the lories and a chance to feed them too, the catch is you have to buy for their food 🙂

Seven Seas
The colorful representation of what’s under the sea.

Oceanarium
Big aquarium full of fishes.

Bird Show:
Trained birds to showcase their talents.

Tips:
– The theme park is still on its soft opening, expect large crowd of visitors. I personally recommend to go on weekdays
– Bring camera but be aware that some areas prohibits the use the camera flash.
– Be mindful of the schedule of the bird show.
– Have fun exploring 🙂

Cebu Ocean Park Rates (Per head for adults and kids):
– ₱600 on weekdays
– ₱800 on weekends
Note: Children below 2ft are free of charge.

This rate includes:
Jungle Trek  + Creepy Critters  + Lorries +Seven Seas  + Stingray Interaction + Oceanarium
+ Bird Show +  Main Tank Gallery

Some features have additional rates like:
– Fish spa – ₱100 per 20 mins.
– Swim w/ the Sting ray – ₱1,000 – Sea Trek – ₱1,200
– Crocodile Cage – ₱2,000

Contact Details:
Operating hours: 10AM to 8PM daily
Contact number: (032) 888 5288
Email address: info@cebuoceanpark.com
Social: Facebook Page

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Bittersweet balance! A part of me appreciates this park coz it gives me opportunities to get upclose to animals I only see in tv and books and yet a part is in despair for their freedom. To Cebu Ocean Park management @cebuoceanparkofficial please take really good care of them. #cebuoceanpark #cebu #animalplanet #animals

A post shared by Shiella | Mommy After Work (@mommyafterwork) on Oct 11, 2019 at 9:23pm PDT

Summer is the perfect season for kids to play, learn and have fun and a perfect season for us to go home to province and visit our family and relatives.

Last April 2019, we got a chance to go home to CDO, our province and able to squeeze in a short side trip to Camiguin. The last time I was able to visit this Island of Fire was during my college days. Such a long time ago. When the husband suggested to visit Camiguin, I cannot say no, I love this place!
This trip was a chance, opportunity for the cousins to bond since we invited my sister-in-law’s family yo join the trip. The kiddos  seldom see each other so this is great opportunity.

How to get there:
My sister-in-law and her kids traveled by bus from Cagayan de Oro bus station to Balingoan port and a rode on a ferry from Balingoan port to Camiguin’s Binone port. For us, we took a the 10AM Cebu to Camiguin flight on PAL.

Transportation:
Tricycles and multicabs are available. Motorbikes are also available for rentals. For us, we were able to rent a multicab from the resort we were staying.

Where we went:

Ardent Hot Spring
We found our resort in Yumbing at around three in the afternoon. Enough to start and enjoy Camiguin by going to Ardent Hot Spring which is just near from our resort. A quick warm dip in this spring is a pill to relax someone’s body. The spring is surrounded by big trees and plants.
On our way home, we saw this beautiful view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.

White Island
The famous white island of Camiguin offers fine white sands and refreshing seawater. Best to visit during sunrise or in the early mornings when its not yet so hot and humid.

Sunken Cemetery
We visited the cross that was created to stand as a landmark to was once a cemetery but was buried under water when Mt Vulcan erupted. As time passes, fishes and corals live together with the tombs creating a view underwater. People love to snorkel and view the place. We were not able to snorkel only went to the cross for photo-op.

Ruins of the Spanish Church
Remains from the old Spanish Church which was also destroyed during the volcanic eruption. There was no fence around the ruins on the last time I visited the place. Now, just to see the ruins of the church walls, tourist needs to pay an entrance fee.

Tuasan Falls
My favorite part of the this side trip. I just love the water, its so refreshing and clean. The place seems untouched, unspoiled. No crowd so we were able to enjoy for a short while. Just us.

Sto Nino Cold Spring
Yes you read it right, there are also cold springs and its really super cold. What I love about this place is that its a flowing water. It just never stops flowing, thank you Mother Nature.

Giant Clam Sanctuary
We want to see the giant clams but was not able to push through because there are additional fees (P150 for the diving fee and P250 for the snorkel, life vest, etc.). Thankfully, there are free tours with yung tour guides to discuss about the clams. The kids are a bit disappointed.

Mantigue Island
Our last stop before going home was Mantigue Island. Another beautiful island worth to visit. Government is making an effort to protect the tourist spot and the environment around Camiguin, I hope they’ll do to other places of our country as well. The island is also a sanctuary and thus protected. Reefs and corals and clams can be viewed around the island too. Inside the island is a little forest, where they create a bamboo bridge for visitors to walk down.

We went home  through Camiguin-Balingoan ferry and Balingoan-CDO bus ride.

These side trip is worth to treasure.
Hoping the place remains untouched and not be commercialized. I still can’t get enough of the place. I want  visit you again Camiguin.

Happy New Year.
Gong Xi Fa Cai. Wishing you for a prosperous 2019.
Happy Valentines. Hope for a sweeter days ahead.
Sorry again for the hiatus, life’s been busy lately.
With work, new projects coming in and no I’m not complaining. It means we still have financial sources to pay for our bills. With house chores, will already have a stay-out nanny and thankfully we managed. Plus with too much traffic within the metro that somehow factors my fatigue at the end of the day that I don’t have energy to open my laptop at home. Weekends are my favorite days 🙂

But, apart from those mundane activities last month, our family had an opportunity to get together and explore Iloilo and Guimaras. Yep, all of us – my parents, us – six sibling. With young kids on tow (youngest is a year older) it was noisy, chaos yet it was lively, fun, full of laughter and I definitely want to do it again.

How to get there:
My parents and my siblings are based in Cagayan de Oro. Domestic flights are available from Laguindingan Airport to Iloilo Airport. They took Cebu Pacific’s CDO to Iloilo 12NN flight. While we took the 2PM Cebu to IloIlo on Cebu Pacific airline as well.

Transporation:
My brother, with his family, lives in Iloilo due to work. He was able to rent a van for 3 days at P3000 per day rate. For me, van is best option for large group travels and long drives.

JEPAC, Badiangan
We arrived Iloilo in time for Dinagyang Festival thus all hotels near the city is fully-booked and some are way out of our budget. Jade Energetic Paradise and Adventure Corp is popularly known as JEPAC for the locals in Badiangan, Ilolio. It is ~4okm ride from Jaro City (almost an hour travel time). Right for budget adventurers like us. Kids get to enjoy playing in their playground or take photos with their action figure and  dinosaur statues within the resort or enjoy the cool waters in their clean swimming pool.

Alubihud, Guimaras Island
An island separated from Iloilo mainland, this agricultural land is the home for Philippines’ sweet mangoes. It is a 35min ride through barge (if you will bring with your your vehicles) or ferries. Our initial plan was to stay at Nature’s Trail which was a 2-hour travel from Guimaras port. But due to some setbacks from the resort we opt to cancel our reservation and head back to Alubihud Beach Drive, which is known for nice beach resorts. We stayed at Raymen Beach Resort.

Mango Farm
A chance to visit the government’s mango farm. Mango seedling are sold for P50 each and visitors get the chance to bring it home. We were just not sure if the airline will accept it for check-in. Those mango trees at the back, we were told that each branch bear fruits of different variety. Marcotting is real!

Windmills in Guimaras Island
Guimaras has 27 windmills and we had a chance to get up close to one of the structure. Kids prefer to call it huge electric fans.

Garin Farm, San Joaquin
Back at Iloilo after our Guimaras excursion, we went to Garin Farm, San Joaquin Iloilo. A ~90km ride from JEPAC resort, Badiangan, Garin Farm is a farm and a pilgrimage site in one place. Highlight of the farm is the huge white cross located uphill. It takes 480 steps to reach it. As you climb the steps, you can see statues from the greatest events in the Bible. No worries if you cannot make it since there are trams available to bring you to the top.

Wait till you reach the top:

And see the view from the top:

Food
And who would not miss tasting Iloilo and Guimaras dishes. We didn’t leave without indulging some Mango Pizza and Bulalo in Guimaras and the famous Batchoy of Iloilo. I hope my photos do justice 🙂

We may consume a lot of time in the van due to long travels, nevertheless, the bond of doing this trip together matters most. Iloilo – Guimaras trip was one of the best experience, in fact we look forward for the next family travel soon 🙂

The husband surely knows how to treat the family as everyone is having a blast from the quick weekend trip at Bohol. It was a long overdue getaway and everyone was so glad we made it last month. Additionally, it was an opportunity for the youngest to have a closer view of the tourist spots and shrine he read from his school books like the Chocolate Hills and the Blood Compact shrine.

How to get there:
Ferry Fare Cost = P500/pax for adult and P400/head for kids 11yo and below

Ferries from Cebu to Bohol are available. FastCat Ferries has trips to Tubigon port then, there’s Ocean Jet Ferries that has 9 trips to Tagbilaran port. For Ocean Jet Ferries, the earliest trip from Cebu is 6:00AM while last trip departs at 4:30PM. We took the earliest trip. Be sure to be at the port 30 minutes before your departure time since Cebu’s Passenger Terminal at Pier 3 is too crowded that it may queuing for bag inspection and check-in consumes much time.

Transporation:
Countryside Tour Package (with Vehicle) = P1800

You’ll be greeted with different tour packages from different travel agencies including transportation upon arrival at Tagbilaran port. Tour package’s costs ranges from P2500 to P3000. However, there are some drivers though not affiliated with  the agency that offers the same package tours at a lesser price. These are locals with personal vehicles that consider Bohol tourism as a livelihood. This is a bit risky though not connected by agencies but recognized by LGU. We took the risk and paid cheaper for a countryside tour.

Chocolate Hills, Carmen Bohol
Entrance Fee = P50

The first spot we visited was the famous chocolate hills. Located at the center of the island are at least a thousand hills of almost symmetrical and conical in shape. These hills are covered in green grass during rainy season but turns brown (grasses dried up) on summer / dry seasons.
We went to the observation deck located in Carmen. Changes is noticeable from the last time we visited. This time, with everything cemented and less trees and plants at the deck, its too hot and humid.Good thing we consider this as first to visit in our itinerary.

ATV and Buggy Cars
Rentals = P450 for 30mins on ATV (30 mins) and P900 for 30mins on Buggy Cars
Entrance Fee = P50

Get up close with the hills while driving through rough roads using Graham’s ATV and Buggy cars. We rented 1 ATV and 1 Buggy car for 30 minutes. We let the kids take the wheels provided we, as parents, accompany them. And yes, they love the excitement. My daughter who had tummy pains that day said that she forgot about pain during her ride because of the fun and thrill.

Tarsier Conservation Area
Entrance Fee = P60 for Adults / P40 for Students

Next stop is the Tarsier Conservation Area. Tarsiers are the smallest primate. When we get there, almost everyone is sleeping (they are nocturnal and shy animals and does not like noise). The Science handbooks of my kids listed Tarsier as one of the endangered animals, yet ironically caged in a supposedly protected area for display and attract tourists. Don’t get me wrong, I want to check and observe them too, I find their huge eyes and tiny hands, feet clutching the branch a little cute.

My last encounter with them includes holding them. For this recent visit, touching these Tarsiers is already prohibited and you can view them at a distance. At least there’s an improvement in their system regarding proper care for these animals.

Bilar Man Made Forest
Free

We knew we’re in the forest as soon as the air becomes cooler, however, its comforting silence is rather odd. It is a forest of mahogany trees. Jeane of Viajera Cebuana told me that Bilar Man Made Forest  is a dead forest since the trees are non-endemic, therefore, native birds won’t be able to find comfort there. Well, we can at least enjoy its cool surrounding though 🙂

Loboc River Cruise with Buffet Lunch
Buffet Lunch + River Cruise = P550/pax

Loboc is famous of floating restaurant cruising along the river. The queue is very long so prepare your patience while waiting. Don’t easily give up coz I’m sure you’ll gonna love it. Who can’t resist good food, the cruise, the music and the scenery.

Baclayon Church
Entrance Fee = Free for the Church; P50 for the Museum

We went for a short stop but was not able to get inside and take photos because the church was closed. We didn’t get inside to the museum too.

Blood Compact Shrine
Free

We stopped at Blood Compact Shrine monument for a my son’s photo op 🙂 Believed to be the place where the friendship between Filipinos and Spaniards started. As reported that during the treaty, “each of the two leaders made a small cut in his arm, drew a few drops of blood from the incision, mixed it with wine, and drank the goblet containing the blood of the other”. (source: Wikipedia). The statue is Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna having a toss.

BE Grand Hotel
Overnight Stay = P6k for 2 Adults + 2 Kids (Promo Rate)

Capping the countryside tour with an overnight stay at one of the nice hotels in Panglao, Bohol – Be Grand Hotel. Staffs are helpful. Our room is cozy and spacious. Clean. The pool is huge. No shoreline but was able to enjoy swimming near their docking area. We did kayaking within the area too. Nice stay that it deserves a separate post soon 🙂

That concludes our Bohol weekend trip. We went home the following day taking Ocean Jet’s 4:20PM voyage from Tagbilaran Port to Cebu Port.

Thinking of going back here…soon…for now, will prepare like the ant 🙂

Last weekend, we were given a chance to take a peek Cebu’s newest destination for nature and animal lovers — Cebu Safari and Adventure Park — at Sitio Toril, Carmen, Cebu.

Carmen is a municipality located next to Danao City and is dubbed as Cebu’s Northern Oasis due to its abundance of fresh water and springs. This water supply supports the town’s vegetation and farmlands as well as its neighboring town. Large sugarcane farms are also evident aside from cornfields and mango farm. This town is making a name as it houses the soon to be an eco-tourism destination in the Philippines, the 170-hectare park for animals named as Cebu Safari and Adventure Park, which is owned by Cebu’s pawnshop magnate, Michel Lhuillier.

With tips from Missus V’s post and an available slot for 5 persons scheduled for last Sunday, our attendance was confirmed. Though the park is not publicly open yet, special previews can be booked at PHP 800.00 per person, inclusive of lunch. Kids below 2 feet are FREE while 2-3 feet gets 50% DISCOUNT (PHP 400.00). Regularly check for announcements in Cebu Safari FB Page or email at sales@cebusafari.ph. Only reserved guests will be allowed to enter as there are limited slots per special preview. Park opens at 8AM and closes at 5PM.

It takes approximately 30km ride from Consolacion to Carmen and 8km ride from the national highway to the park. For our convenience, we rode on our own vehicle. Be aware that the park is located at a higher altitude. For old model vehicles like ours, be sure to check the vehicle’s condition before hitting the road. Ours tend to overheat when trying to climb higher terrains, so we have to take it slow. Thankfully, we made it to the park without engine troubles. If your vehicle can reach Temple of Leah at Busay, Cebu without problems, then you’re good.

We arrived at Cebu Safari and Adventure Park at past 9:00 o’clock in the morning and were told to went straight to the ticketing counter for confirmation. Once confirmed, we were given park’s bracelet tag (ticket) and meal stubs.

Itinerary

Orientation:
The staffs greeted us with warm welcome. We were given an overview of the park which housed 111 different kinds of animal species. They discussed the Dos and Don’ts while in the park, our lunch schedule and options on where to take our lunch. Trams are waiting for us to lead to our first destination. These trams are available to take us anywhere within the park.

Orchid and Mayana Farm:
First stop was at the garden where the matriarch’s collection of orchids and mayanas are displayed. According to the guide, the orchid farm is a 40 year old heirloom.

Tiger Turfs:
We saw spotted deer and peacocks on our way to the tiger turfs. With the thick glass that separates the dining area and the tiger, viewer has a face-to-face chance encounter with the animals. Hope the glass is too strong in case the tiger flares up 😉 (or might not happen though since their tigers are way too calm 🙂

Orangutown:
When we reached the pavilion, we caught this Orangutan swinging in the tree and those Celebes Macaque, with a funny looking butts waiting for the peanuts thrown at them, were just fun to look at. We feed them with peanuts.

African Savannah:
Includes a 2-minute adventure tram ride to view the African animals the Zebra, Antelopes and Wildebeest. The guide mentioned that as much as possible, they try to mimic the natural habitat of the animals, so they can freely roam. After the ride, we went to the crocodile’s pond and had a chance to feed it. Feeds is at PHP 50.00.

Lunch:
Lunch is served between 11:30PM – 1:30PM. We were served with a full-course lunch. We had Ginataang Puso ng Saging and Kinilaw ng Guso for appetizers, Tortang Talong, Pancit Fried Chicken and Humba for the main dishes, and fruits for desserts like sliced watermelon, pineapple and papaya. Busog jud! Sulit!

Eagle and Pony:

Safari Outpost:
Follows the trail from Meerkat to Aquatic Birds to Cassowaries, Macaw Aviary, Emus.

Aviary Dome and Rotonda:
Dome that houses birds like the lory and the Victoris crowned pigeon. When we get there, its the bird’s feeding schedule to visitors had a chance to interact with the birds. The birds ate cooked banana and papaya. Feed is at PHP 20.00

Roundabout
We ended our adventure at the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park’s roundabout featuring statues of the animals.

Overall it is very recommended for family activity. What I personally like about the trip is the chance for wildlife interaction and of course be educated. Rather than caged, I love that they can roam freely and while I don’t have the opportunity to travel and visit the African Safari, this park is the closest that I can get to be just meters away from giraffes, zebras and tiger. Surely you’ll enjoy it!

CONTACT DETAILS
Cebu Safari & Adventure Park
Toril, Barangay Corte, Carmen, Cebu
Email: sales@cebusafari.ph
Social: Facebook Page
Website: www.cebusafari.ph

Last weekend, we went to Solea Mactan Cebu Resort to experience the place for a day. My brother-in-law and his wife were in town for the weekend. For first time visitors, we brought them to Sto. Nino Church and to some tourist spots like Mactan Shrine, Temple of Leah and Taoist Temple. Aside from places, we had them indulged local foods especially the freshly catch fish from the province’s seas. Seeing their faces surely assured me that they were delighted 🙂 especially on tinolang isda. They also tasted the panga from Tinda Locale and even if its restricted from my brother-in-law’s diet, they still devoured it with gusto! hahaha Lami Gyud!

Knowing that Cebu is being surrounded with beaches and seas, we also thought that we would let them experience white sands and beaches and snorkeling and sardines. However, due to time constraints, this suggestion was not considered — but on second thought, since Mactan, is at proximity, why not visit one of Mactan’s beach resorts and let them peek the island’s beauty.

Just because we can’t get enough of @soleamactanresort we went there for day use only, hope to be back and enjoy the garden and beach resort more 🙂 #SoleaMactan #SoleaMactanResort #weekend #happiness #summerfeels #cebu #ceburesorts

A post shared by Shiella | Mommy After Work (@mommyafterwork) on Feb 21, 2018 at 5:27pm PST

Mactan is a major tourist attraction in the province as it offers its pristine beaches. It also offers island hopping and deep-diving and because there are plenty of resorts in the place, additional water activities are offered just like jet skiing, banana boat, sailing or kayaking. Plus these resorts also put up swimming pools and kid’s water playground for another option of recreation. Sounds fun, isn’t it?

Last minute inquiries to some resorts brought us to Solea Mactan Cebu Resort. The only option with an affordable price compared to other luxury resorts. Here, we were able to enjoy a Day Use package from 8am to 5pm, priced at P1800 per person and P900 (50%) off for 5 – 12 yrs old.

Inclusions for a Day Use package (as of Feb 2017) were:
– Entrance Fee
– Access from all its amenities from 8am-5pm
– Beach Towels and use of Shower Rooms
– Access to the beach and swimming pools
– Access to kiddie aqua playground
– Buffet Lunch at Earth Restaurant

The resort is remotely located at Barangay Alegria, Cordova, one of the islands in Mactan. Indeed! it is secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. We hired a taxi from Pacific Mall, Mandaue to the resort which amounted to P220.00 (metered) and an additional 40% of the total fare was given even though the driver didn’t ask for additional fee.

Receptionists were accommodating in giving lots of smiles to the clients. They gave me a detailed information on what we can avail on our Day Use package. No welcome drinks though (maybe not available for day use users, I haven’t got a chance to ask).

The resort has infinity pool, pool with lounges and kiddie pool with slides. Be aware that the tiles near the infinity pool is slippery that we have to tiptoe walking on it and be extra cautious. Though they have big fans that will help dry the tiles fast but then again, there’s no harm in being too careful and besides, children are not as mindful as parents, are they?

I personally like the pool with lounges. I stayed there enjoying while watching the father and son playing at the slide 🙂 For the kiddie pool, the kids love the slides, surprisingly the youngest is not afraid to use it. The best part was that its not too crowded that they can go back and slide again. We also checked their Aqua Playground and it was also a hit. Their lagoon was not available that day and because the beach is a bit far, we didn’t tried it.

Lunch buffet is available from 11:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Lots of food choices from salad, cold cuts, bread, pizzas, pastas, local dishes, chinese and korean dishes, sushis and sweet treats. Enough option to satisfy one’s hunger from swimming 🙂 Drinks are ordered separately though (not part of the lunch buffet package).

Overall, day use in Solea Mactan Cebu Resort gives a day of relaxation and enjoyment. Will definitely go back (if budget permits…hehehe) to try their rooms too for a much longer indulgence. Hopefully!

take us back to @soleamactanresort #weekend #cebu #ceburesorts #getaway #famban

A post shared by Shiella | Mommy After Work (@mommyafterwork) on Feb 18, 2018 at 4:58pm PST

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

The last climb I had was last February 2013. 5 yrs ago, we trekked to Cebu’s Osmena Peak and traversed to Kawasan Falls. I still remember how we faced the cold, windy weather, the sweat as walk our way to the campsite and then to the falls, the difficult trail, the muscle pains and the joy of reconnecting with nature. As a novice, I’d say everyone did a good job as the team completes the trek safely. Personally, completing it was self-fulfillment.

We started our ascend from Mantalungon, Dalaguete’s market with a fully loaded tummy. During that day, rain pours every now and then that it caused the trail to be muddy and slippery. Also, the wind slows us from our track too where hats and ponchos are blown from there and here. Then fog is everywhere that is gives us almost 0% visibility of our way. We could have used trailers but it could spoil the fun, besides only foot paths are available going to the peak.

Nevertheless, we made it to the camp site. It took us awhile to set up our tent, waiting for the pouring to stop. However, seems like the weather that day was not cooperating so with the rain and wind, we looked for a better location within the campsite. Well, you can’t run away from the rain and wind, can you? And oh, I remembered our friend’s tent that was taken away by the wind. We tried to recover it but to no avail as the wind is faster than us. Good thing some of us brought extra tents.

I love the energy of the our group. For first timers to trek on a not so good weather, its still uplifting to know that instead of complaining, they shown positive attitude on the situation enough to make dinner and still sit together and talk and share stories. This is what I love to some millennials — knows how to enjoy make the most of it despite the situation! As for me who can’t bear the cold air, I didn’t stayed long and went inside our tent. Even inside our tent, its still I can still feel the coldness though in fact it was one of my longest night ever. I’m not sure if I was able to sleep, everything is so cold. If only we have camping blankets like Montem, for a more comfortable sleep 🙂

The next morning, we get a chance to peek the surroundings as Mr. Sun appears briefly. A very rewarding scene indeed.

After we were able to get enough of Osmena Peak’s beauty, we started our trail to Kawasan Falls. It was more or less 6-hr walk. It started out exciting but then becomes painful. Thankful for the daily short walks towards the mall near our office during lunch times, as this helps me endure. I am tired but as soon as I hear the rushing of water from Kawasan, I become excited and determined to reach the place.

It was worth a climb even with muscle pains that lasts for a week. Memories are stamped and will never be erased. Sadly I was not able to visit the peak again…hopefully soon and hopefully, I could bring with me my kids in exploring the mountains and nature 🙂

Photo Credits: Michael Jay Abalos of Tainted Stains

As the seasons change, so do our lives. Whether it is summer, autumn, winter, or spring, we look to make positive resolutions that better the lives of ourselves and our family. There are ways to improve the relationships with our families at the start of every season, so with summer still on us, let’s take a look at four activities and habits that you can share with your family.

Personal Paradise

The outside of your home is just as important as the inside of it. Utilising nature is one of the best ways to enjoy your time spent outside for the development of your children. However life’s simple luxuries are not important to only children, but adults as well. We sometimes get lost juggling between family and job or work responsibilities that we forget to enjoy the fresh air and greenery around us, and there is no better place to do this than in your own garden.

Your home garden is the perfect place for you to wind down and clear your mind after a long day of hard work. One of the most important parts of an enjoyable and well-defined outdoor living space is furnishing it comfortably to suit your style with items such as Bridgman garden furniture. Fill it with life and a natural perfume scent to match by planting vibrant flowers and fruits. Landscaping and adding stone pathways or ponds are also things you may be able to consider, but they are fairly costly renovations that need to be planned in advance in order to be ready by summer.

Photo Credit

An Apple a Day

With summer just around the corner, now would be a great time to alter your diet. As tempting as grabbing a bowl of ice cream may sound during the hotter months, try curving your desires to a more healthy choice. Everyone’s favourite fruits and vegetables are in season during these months including apples, bananas, strawberries, oranges, and more! Do not miss out on eating the refreshing healthy foods you enjoy while they taste the best. There are lots of unique ways to prepare meals and snacks with fresh fruits and vegetables in mind for your family.

Photo Credit

Around the World

The start of summer signals the closing of schools. Your children are free from drowning in homework assignments and after school activities are over for the next few months. Spending time with your family is made easier so take advantage and go on a vacation together. Travelling to see sites as a tourist, attending amusement parks or special events, or going to beaches, camping trips, and cruises are all family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy.

Reflect and Learn

Recall previous resolutions you and your family made and bring them back to life this summer. Reflect on how your goals went for the spring season and how you can revitalise and improve them in the coming months. Share them with your family and work together to accomplish the new obstacles. Coming together and discussing what everyone would like to accomplish over the summer season can spark new creative ways you and your family can move forward.

(Image Credit)

Nowadays, fewer kids are getting experience the thrill of the great outdoors and mother nature. Cities are becoming less green. And, more people are living in cities than ever. So, to make sure you kids get their fill of the natural world; you have to force them into it. This might not be easy. And, you might have to spend a little bit of money along the way. But, it will be worth it when you see your kids enjoying something so simple with such vigor. To help you out, this post will be going through some of the ways to get your kids outside. And, why it’s so important that this is a part of their life.

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First, you should think about the spaces away from home. It’s very unlikely that you have a woodland or forest attached to your property; especially in the city. But, these are some of the best places for kids to enjoy nature. They enable your child to see things that they would never see at home. And, they give your child a chance to explore something they may have only seen on television. Along with wooded areas, beaches can be great for kids. These spaces are usually nice and safe; as long as you keep your eyes open. You can do a lot of this for just the price of travel. This is much cheaper than most modern days out. And, it will provide your kids with much more.

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Next, you can start to consider the space you have at home. Your kids will spend a lot of their time in the garden. They will want to be outside for a lot of the time during summers. And, they will enjoy having somewhere to play with friends. Your garden provides a great place for you to let your kids run free; without having to worry about strangers. Of course, you have to make sure that the space is safe, though. To start, it’s a good idea to talk to a landscaping company. They will be able to work on your garden to make it as safe as possible; while still making it look nice. Having this work done for you will give you a chance to think about the other parts of your garden; like swings and other toys for the kids.

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Kids who spend more time outside will almost certainly have a more fulfilling childhood. The time that they spend in these places will teach them about the importance of nature. Hopefully, it will give them a strong feeling of empathy towards animals. And, it could even have an impact on their education. Screens and digital devices aren’t the most enriching ways to entertain yourself. Instead, it’s better for a developing child to have to deal with natural challenges; not digital ones.

Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what can be done to give your kids as much outdoor time as possible. This sort of work will be greatly beneficial to your kids. And, they might not know it; but, they will appreciate the work you do into their later years.

Kudos to mommies who love outdoor adventures and bringing with them their children when exploring the nature. 🙂