Historical Memory Lane at the Aguinaldo Shrine

I cannot honestly remember when was the last time I've been here, and if it's not for the buzz created by the Metro Manila Film Festival entry "El Presidente", I, and probably most of us, wouldn't heard anything about this historic house in Cavite again that had and will always be a witness to the sovereignty of our country - the Aguinaldo Shrine.

When was the last time you visited the Aguinaldo Shrine?

Last week, as the first week of 2013 welcomed us in a really peaceful manner, I was invited to check out the house built by the former president General Emilio Famy Aguinldo for his family. Who would've known that this simple house built for his wife Hilaria del Rosario and their children Carmen, Emilio, Jr, Maria, Cristina and Suntay will be a historic landmark not only in their town in Kawit, Cavite, but also in the entire country?

I can't barely recall any memory of my first visit here, so it was actually like a first-time visit again for me last week. The whole place looked so taken cared of - thanks to National Historical Commission of the Philippines, because it made me feel that I've been the original house that didn't suffer during the colonization of Spaniards and Americans.

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.

Poinsettia Hunting in Tagaytay City

When I visited Tagaytay some few weeks ago, aside from my goal of having a relaxing weekend there, another goal that I have in mind on my visit there is to bring Christmas to our home. It was 30 dasy til Christmas then, and  what better way to greet the upcoming Yuletide season than to bring Christmas at home!

Reaching the Rotunda or the Olivarez Circle in Tagaytay City is so easy. It is the most widely used thoroughfare in reaching the remaining municipalities of Cavite and the rest of Batangas. And though it is always traffic in this part of the province, there are really a lot of things to do, and I'm sure that you'll have a great time dining, shopping and having fun here.

Aside from the salivating line of well-known restaurants in the area, Olaivarez also holds the public transportation terminal that may take you to Tagaytay's top tourist spots, like the People's Park and the Picnic Grove.  You may opt to take a tricycle which will cost around Php60.00 to Php80.00 per ride, or a jeepney, which cost Php11.00 per ride, per person.

That weekend, I paid a visit to one of its most relaxing hotel, the CrossWinds Resort Suites. And since the whole experience there was so Christmas-y, one thing that pops into my mind when we went out to buy pasalubongs are Poinsettia.

Happy Christmas from Rammmpa!

No matter where you are, I hope that my greeting of Happy Holidays reach you in time! All I'm wishing for fellow travelers this Yuletide season is keep you all safe and enjoying!


I really don't have much to offer to all of you, but I do hope that my friendship is enough to keep you smiling everyday! And may this simple e-card be enough to say how thankful I am to have you guys in my life this year! Thanks you for the inspirations and guidance too!

May we all have more fun and learning travels next year! Cheers!

Happy rammmpa!

The Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando, Pampangga

A kaleidoscopic festival indeed! Twinkling through the beats of wonderful Christmas carols filled the view of thousands of viewers as Robinson Starmills hosted once again the annual festival in San Fernando, Pampangga that display the true craftsmanship of their fellows on this year's Giant Lantern Festival or the Ligligan Parul 2012!

This is my first time to truly experience this very colorful festival in this part of the country. And even though I'm alone on this journey, I had a wonderful time finding some familiar places on the venue that added more colors to this trip.

Last Saturday right after my "raket", I immediately take the ride going to Victory Liner in Caloocan to reach the earliest possible bus ride bound to Olonggapo. Yes, Olonggapo bound buses takes the Starmills route, so it was kinda easy to go to this festival actually.

Christmas at CrossWinds Resort Suites

A lot of us are dreaming of a White Christmas, or maybe something not Oriental this Yuletide season. I can't blame you, guys, because I do too, despite of my love to our country, I still think, something different to end the year ain't that bad. Hehe. And I guess, it's just normal, we Filipinos, love seeing the world - having a lot of options. And while we are saving for that wonderful dreams of ours, did you know that you don't need to spend that much and travel that far to experience a different kind of Christmas?

Because just two hours away from Manila, specifically in Tagaytay City, lays a fine looking Swiss-inspired community that bears nothing but tranquility, serenity and luxury - yes, all rolled into one at CrossWinds Resort Suites.

A few days before December hits the whole world, I and two of my friends, had a wonderful and relaxing weekend here at CrossWinds. It's a community brought up by Brittany, and I actually had seen it from the outside before, so I know that it's really beautiful even before finally having a chance to stay there for a night.

Ayala Triangle Lights Up Enchantingly

As the Christmas season comes nearer, the amazing lights and sound show of Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City is now considered one of the must-sees in the metropolis during this festive cheers. And just like they always say "Make It Happen, Make It Makati", this year's show is made more magical and enchanting with its beats all created by renowned lighting designer Voltaire De Jesus and acclaimed musicians and composers Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso.

Last November 16th, amidst the busy rush hour of Makati City's Central Business District, people paused for some 10 minutes to witness the premiere of the well-lauded Enchanting Lights and Show at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. 

Transformed into an extravagant spectrum of dazzling dancing lights and sounds, Ayala Triangle Gardens joins the fun of welcoming the Yuletide cheers with its symbolic lighting event. And though the help of Voltaire De Jesus, Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso, this years show is made mo exciting and wowing compared to the previous years that they had.

Gran Prix Manila: Worth Revisiting

It was last year when I was first introduced and experienced Gran Prix Hotel and Resorts. With branches in Manila, Quezon City, Pasay City, Tarlac, Cebu and Boracay, it is no wonder that this chain of hotels has become a home-far-away-from-home to travelers, may they be on a budget or not, and may they be local or  foreign in a very short amount of time. And last week, as I was given another chance to enjoy its hospitality in a Bloggers' Night that they hosted, it is just so nice to indulge in to something that gives you happiness and fulfillment even in a glimpse of time.

For more than 12 hours, I get to experience again the simple beauty that Gran Prix Hotel and Resorts has to offer. From its simple but welcoming reception area to its hall ways that gives nothing but breathable spaces, down to its rooms that encapsulate simple yet decent appeal, Gran Prix Manila is indeed one friendly brand giving value to every visitors of this colorful city.

Makati Lights Up for Christmas 2012!

Once again, the country's  most prestigious Central Business District (CBD) has turned itself in to another captivating and splendid sight as its lights up for Holidays 2012! Yes, boys and girls, it's Christmas time now here in Makati City!

Joined by the local government officials, Makati Central Business District personage, headed by Mr. Jaime Zobel de Ayala, once again added glamour and prestige to the ever developing business district of the country by lighting up over a million of dazzling LED lights to celebrate the forthcoming for Holidays 2012.

From the ever busy thoroughfares - Ayala, Makati and Paseo de Roxas Avenues - these millions of LED lights will be the spectacle that one should catch on this exciting and merry season of Christmas. Designed by the country's renowned floral designer, Zenas Pineda interpreted the vibrant character and continuous growth of the district by utilizing designs that relate to Makati's leadership nature, breaking free from the traditional expectations but maintaining its commitment to protect and cherish the environment.

Souvenirs from Laperal White Haunted House of Baguio

Who would've thought that a beautiful and peaceful looking American-inspired house like this could be that haunting and really scary at night? Well, stories say that a girl as white as ghost is seen on its windows at night looking at the passersby. Yes, you are now staring at the haunting Laperal White House of Baguio City.

Last week, right after our tree planting activity at Mount Bosol in Baguio City, my friends and I decided to pay a visit to one of the the haunted houses that's nestling just inside the City of Pines. Located at  #4 Leonard Wood Street, just a few step from another haunted place - Teachers Camp, Laperal White House is said to be one of the oldest and haunted structures in Baguio City.

Stories say that it was constructed just before the Japanese occupation. But when the Japanese started invading this city, the owners Mr. and Mrs. Laperal were slayed inside this house, then the the Japanese soldiers made this beautiful house as their headquarters and raped and killed more people.