Fright Night at Nuvali NightSky Cinema

If I'm not mistaken, this is the third time that I've attended and enjoy a night of movies under the beautiful clear sky of NUVALI in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. This time, my experience is a bit different, because aside from spending the night with some former colleagues, well, what we had that night is something that scared the hell out me. Yes, just before the Halloween, I had a fright night at NUVALI NightSky Cinema.

Co-presented again by Sky Cable, this NightSky Cinema featured three thrilling and horroriffic movies that made everyone jump out of the cushion, covered their eyes and screamed at the top of their lungs. We had the  Zombieland, which is starred by Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin; then followed by The Sixth Sense by M. Night Shyamalan, which stars Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment; and finally, the most scary movie that night, The Conjuring, which starts Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.

This is the first time, if I remember it right, that Sky Cable and NUVALI offer the NightSky Cinema with such theme, I personally think that this a great idea to celebrate the approaching Halloween. But if you think that all of the stuff that we had there were all tricks, well, some movie-goers got to enjoy some treats from the games and food fair that this event hosted.

The Outdoors we call Camp N by NUVALI

Nowadays, we barely see kids or young adults having a great time basking under the sun and enjoying the wonders of the outdoors, which til all of them are having a hard time catching their breath, both because of running and laughing so hard.

Good thing, just two hours away from Manila lays a well-developed property which is thriving and evoliving - NUVALI. An Ayala Land Inc. development, NUVALI recently opened to the public its latest sports zone complete with activities set to challenge one's heart, mind and body - Camp N.

I was lucky to be at its opening day last April 26, together with a number of media personalities, who are excited as I was to try the amazing challenges that are put up for Camp N. This newest spot here in this lovely NUVALI community boast up with Obstacle Course, Aerial Walk and Rope Courses and Camping Ground that are purposely built to promote healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

That Romantic Spot at Eton City

Ever since that moment where I did the pre-nuptial photo shoot of my friend's best friend, I can't help myself but to see more aspiring romantic places that I think will look good in photos, most especially with those lovers clinging or holding hands while walking. And a few days back, I found another place again that I would love to be the back draft of my next masterpieces - and that place is in Eton City, Laguna.

Nestled at the very peaceful lot of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Eton City is one of the budding commercial and residential area that is going head to head with one of the hottest tourist hangout places now, Nuvali.

I've been to Nuvali countless times, and seeing how many people flock to this place now, it is hard to find it that romantic now. Good thing, with its less crowd and mostly untouched man-made structure in its vicinity, Eton City offers a much more romantic breathing spot that I would love to see again.

Post-Valentine Date at Nuvali Night Sky Cinema

While some of you had a great time spending Valentine's Day with your special someone, I, for one, being single, had a great time spending my "post-Valentine's Day at the very relaxing and nature-ish place of NUVALI in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Think of open sky, sunset, friends and good movie - isn't it a fun date, different from the ordinary dining out?

Last February 16, together with some of my blogger-friends, we were able to enjoy our "Valentine Independence" (single's way of celebrating Valentine's Day) on the grounds of Nuvali Field as we gather along with a number of single people, families, and yeah, still some lovers to the first ever Nuvali Night Sky Cinema.

A free-for-all cinema that features three of the world's best romantic movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Pretty in Pink and Like Crazy, everyone was treated to an afternoon and night of cool breeze, peaceful surrounding and a wonderful experience that I HOPE WILL HAPPEN AGAIN SOON!

Paete Reboot at Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences

Known for its artsy-artsy appeal to local and foreign guests of Makati City, Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences is happy to host a unique exhibit that display the magnificent and truly world-class talents our of artists from the beautiful and artistic town of Paete in Laguna in this Paete Reboot exhibit.

An exhibit prepared by Paete Artists Guild and curated by Mr. Glenn Cagandahan, Paete Reboot showcases that amazing talent that the town of Paete was known for - sculpting. With 15 artists namely Bayani Ray Acala, Phaern Afurong, Angelito Baldemor, Ely Kid Baldemor, Lell Baldemor, Patricio Balquiedra, Otep Bañez, Dhan Cads, Christine Cagandahan, Glenn Cagandahan, Odette Cagandahan, Nestor Cagayat, Benjamin Dailo, Bisoy Iglesia and Dominic Rubio, Paete Reboot will give you a glimpse of what more to expect from Paete, Laguna.

The main gallery of this exhibit is located  on the 4th level of Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences. Sculptures and other wood carvings by Angelito Baldemor, Phaern Afuring, patricio Balquidra, Dhan Cads, Glenn Cagandahan, Nestor Cagayat, Benjamin Dailo and Bisoy Iglesia are to be see in the his room.

NUVALI Welcomes 2013 with Light Up!

Another year has ended, and just like the the previous years, we should keep positivism on our side and keep hoping that the coming year will be as prosperous and as positive as we want it. And here in NUVALI, the thriving city in the heart of Laguna, they welcomed the promising 2013 with high hopes and brighter perspective through the first  Light Up - A Sky Lantern Parade!

I was one of the lucky 400 online people who got to receive a free lantern for this festival, and with the 399 remaining people, the Evoliving Center, which was the venue of the said event, was flocked by more almost a thousand of people who wish to see this amazing display of lanterns light and fill the air with wonderful wishes.

These lanterns have been a symbol of hopes and wishes to other Asian countries. They've been the sender of wishes of many of our Asian fellows, and as they make popularity here in our country, NUVALI promises not only fun lighting up but also a safe one for those who wish to have their dreams come true.

Traversing Majayjay Falls of Laguna

If I'm not mistaken, the first and so far the only waterfalls that I've seen was the back-to-back falls of Daranak and Batlag of Tanay, Rizal back in 2009. And the last hike that I did was when I went to see Mr. Pinatubo last 2011. These two nature trips were unforgettable, not only because such efforts were exerted, but also I barely went out to see such natural beauty as these two. And this year, alongside the fun and knowledge that organic agriculture has shared to us, I had a chance to take the road of Majayjay, Laguna to see one of its precious sights - the Majayjay Falls.

This falls is called in three different names actually - there's the Majayjay Falls, taken from the name of the town where it belongs; the Taytay Falls, which is the actual name; and there's the name Imelda Falls, in honor of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who according to the people there financed the promotion of the tourism in this area.

So, okay, two hours from Manila, one can enjoy this stunning gift from nature flowing like a wonderful sheet of silk from the mystical mountains of Mt. Banahaw. But before you get to see this, though the roads to get here weren't really that treacherous, you have to walk some 10 minutes passing along the scenic and comforting cemented path of Mt. Banahaw. Not bad, eh?

Nature and Me at Costales Nature Farms

Driving down south to see Majayjay Falls, one will see a sign first saying Costales Nature Farms just before you reach the detour to Mayjay Falls. A 5-hectare land acquired by Mr. Ronald Costales last 2005, this farm has evolved through time from just being a simple farm to a tourist destination in this part of the country now. And guys, this is where I spent one of my long weekends last August. 

It's time to go back in time again and feel the love and care of nature through Costales Nature Farms!

A 3-hour drive from Manila, Costales Nature Farms served as our nest when we were invited by the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) for their organic farming campaign. An advocacy that is now pushed by the department for us to have not just have delicious meals on our tables but also to live a healthy and safe life too, DA-ATI shared this farm, one of the credited organic farms in the country, for us to commune with the nature and experience an ideal organic life, even just for a day.

Wild Bird Watching at NUVALI

If you think that catching a glimpse of those wild birds will take so much effort, money and time, well you are so wrong. Because now in NUVALI, the captivating and thriving city down south, a fun and easy way of wild bird watching is waiting for those who wanna try something different and natural.

Despite of the sad announcement that summer is over, here in NUVALI, there's still a thousand and one ways to enjoy the rainy season. May it be  pigging out from their amazing line of food stalls at Solenad, dirt racing at their mud-filled fields, or splashing some more water at their newly opened water park, NUVALI made sure that every guests of this green town will leave with smiles on their face. 

And now, with the cooperation of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, NUVALI opens its reserve and protected area to those individuals or groups who find exploring and appreciating the beauty of nature interesting. With this new activity, which is also good for kids for them to know more about nature, NUVALI promises a worth-while leisurely walk around the bird sanctuary that is now a home to 62 bird species and 76 fauna species.

A Dip into Pakil's Turumba Spring Resort

Aside from the majestic and picturesque San Pedro de Alcantara Church, Pakil, Laguna is also a great place for some cooling, relaxing and affordable summer getaway. With their another priced possession - and truly a wonderful gift of nature - Turumba Spring Resort is a great summer destination just around town.

Just a few steps from the town's plaza, one can take a plunge into this amazing treat from this part of the country. Taking its name form their famous Turumba Festival, which is a 9-day festival in recognition to Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba, Turumba Spring Resort is open from morning til night for all the locals and tourists of this small, lovely town.

I had a wonderful chance of visiting this place last Holy Week. And albeit I didn't have a real experience of taking a dip into this natural cooler, I witnessed how the the sweet people of Pakil bond and enjoy a free-spirited summer afternoon of nature's gift. Realizing that they have these two wonderful spots, it was actually nice to know how this - Turumba Spring Resort - and San Pedro de Alcantara Church make the people of Pakil be so close with nature, God and with one another in a very relaxing and easy way.

A Memorable Visit at San Pedro de Alcantara Church

Last Holy Week, I was able to visit more than a dozen of churches. From classic to contemporary, one thing that I can't deny, my heart skips a beat every time I see one beautiful Philippine church. And one of those many churches that I visited that really left a mark of good memory in my heart and mind is Pakil, Laguna's San Pedro de Alcantara Church.

This church albeit housing Saint Peter de Alcantara is more popular for its miraculous Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba or Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba.

On my first-ever visit on this church last Good Friday, I was able to walk at every passage of this church and hear its very uplifting and truly mystifying stories. We know how the life in the provinces in our country works, and here in Pakil, there's no exception.

Pakil, Laguna: Small Town with a Larger Than Life Gems

I'm sure a lot of us have heard of Pakil, Laguna but haven't actually set foot on it. Well, this blog is hoping to inspire you to visit this hidden gem of Laguna and see how its treasures shine so bright even on a Good Friday.

Pakil or Paquil in Laguna is one the many Laguna provinces that is laying right beside the famous Laguna de Bay. With San Pedro de Alcantara Church at the heart of this town, Pakil is enriched with wonderful religious and historical stories that I heard right from the very mouth of the people who were born and raised there - an experience I wanna do over and over again.

During Holy Week, I'm one of the many Manilenos who were stuck here in the metropolis. Thankfully, I have some good loving friends who took me with them last Good Friday to experience the Holy Week in this heart-warming Pakil way.