Tag: staycation

Unusual Monday Morning

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Tune Hotel

Tune Hotel

Tune Hotel

Tune Hotel

Tune Hotel

There was this moment, waking up in a room at Tune Hotel on Monday morning, that was strangely familiar. It happens every time we’re in an unfamiliar place, and I look around to see my little family, and I suddenly have this overwhelming rush of emotions, and I know right then that home is right there with me.

Power went out at past 7:00pm Sunday night, in the middle of a storm, and we found refuge in a nearby hotel where we evacuated for the night. Have you ever tried out Tune Hotel? Very affordable and impressive, I must say. Even though we only stayed half-a-day, the price was very reasonable and certainly worth it. The room was small but very clean. There weren’t a lot of amenities, but the pillows, sheets, and towels were top quality. For an emergency accommodation, we sure got our money’s worth.

We heard the electricity was restored in our area at around 2:00am, but D and the girls were already sleeping soundly by that time.

I woke up on Monday morning, sunshine coming through the glass windows of our small room, and I knew I just had to preserve that moment. I said a quick prayer to God, thanking Him for keeping us safe, and warm, and dry; and for being our shelter in the time of storm, both literally and figuratively.

I looked at my family, still sleeping, squeezed in a queen-sized bed which was our home for the night, and my heart swelled with so much love. Will I ever get used to this (not so) new life? The girls have grown so much, and D and I have been living together for over 3 years, and yet, it still sometimes feels like it hasn’t really sunk in yet. (Are they really my daughters? Is he really my husband? Is this really my life now?)

Anyone can relate to this feeling? Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels this way.

Canyon Woods Batangas Baby Moon

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From our anniversary weekend. Here’s more, just because we have tons of them. :)

The resort was huge, and we had it all to ourselves! Because the place was so huge (Have I said that yet? Oh yeah.), we had to take a shuttle to go around from our cabin to the clubhouse to wherever in the vicinity we want to go.

The clubhouse. We had meals at their empty lounge, with a beautiful view of pine trees and the sky. The food can be pricey in the lounge though, so we had one of our lunches in Tagaytay proper, more or less a 30 minute drive away.

The casitas. Although the rooms and the facilities are old and a little worn out, I think it adds to the rustic and country-feel ambiance that Canyon Woods is all about.

And I just looove the floor-to-ceiling glass doors/windows!

The indoor pool. The highlight of our stay has got to be the indoor pool, which we had all to ourselves! They turn on the heater only in the weekends though, so if you’re planning to come here for the indoor pool, definitely schedule your trip on a weekend.

Say hello to my huge belly, at 26 weeks. :)

I think swimming really did me well, especially for my muscle cramps and back pains. 

The outdoor pool. It was pretty much ours during our stay, too. Although it wasn’t heated, the sunshine on our backs evened out the cold water, which made our outdoor swim a really nice experience as well.

Canyon Woods is always mistaken to be in Tagaytay, but it’s basically in Batangas already. We love it and we definitely recommend it! Like I said, we seemed to be like the only guests at the time, but they’re not under-staffed and we were taken care of really well.

A tip: Best if you go there with coupon deals, we got ours from Cashcashpinoy. ;)

I’d love to come back soon, but my tummy is getting bigger and bigger, and we’re getting closer and closer to our due date. I guess this is my last trip, at least for now.

This weekend on Instagram: our first wedding anniversary

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Obligatory instagram post of our weekend at Canyon Woods Resorts:

(1) For the first time the whole week, the sun was shining brightly and we spent our weekend without a hint of dark skies and rain! (2) We woke up on our first morning with sun rays through our room’s glass windows, what a sight! (3) We had our breakfast of eggs and bacon with a beautiful view on the side; (4) ..and we can’t help but stare at the two empty seats in front of us, thinking that soon enough, two little girls will occupy those seats; (5) I’m so thankful my husband is a good swimmer. I’ve always loved swimming, and I’m glad to have someone who’s game to swim anytime! (6) The indoor pool was practically the highlight of our stay, we had it all to ourselves the whole time we were there! Seriously, no other guests but us! (7) My big bulge didn’t stop me from swimming, yeah! (8) Posing by the highway, just because; (9) Pretty casitas by the lake, one of which was our love nest for the weekend; (10) Gotta love having a husband who’s ready with a camera all the time; (11) Waiting for our ride back home, after 3 days of rest; (12) Pasalubongs from Tagaytay.

We couldn’t help but compare how different this August was from last year. How we were surrounded by lots of people, family and friends, on our wedding day and on the days before and after it. This time, celebrating our first wedding anniversary, it was just two of us. And it was really just the two of us, literally, as it seemed like we were the only guests in Canyon Woods that time. The only times we’re reminded that we’re not alone were those moments when I feel tiny kicks in my belly, and we realize that we have two little girls tagging along wherever we go.

The place was beautiful, the moments were precious, and it was just the kind of weekend where we keep marveling at how huge and how wide God’s love is. And yet, in His Greatness, He’s still mindful of the personal details and the little things in these small and short lives we live.

A Day at The Malayan Plaza Hotel

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Going out of town is one of my frustrations lately. Traveling is something I’ve always wanted to do with my husband, but we haven’t done so much travelling since Boracay. I thought having a permanent travel buddy would give me more courage to explore and go places,  but our current schedule is just too loaded. There’s always somewhere to go, tasks to finish, clothes and dishes to wash, and an 8:00-6:00 job to do everyday. By the time we find a free day in a week, we’re too tired already to even consider getting out of the house, lol.

That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to know that for busy people like us, we don’t have to go far to have some rest and recreation after all! Last week, during the Chinese New Year holiday, my husband and I decided to check-in at The Malayan Plaza Hotel at Ortigas Center. His cousin from New York was visiting Manila, so I was secretly happy to have found an excuse to finally try out this hotel.

Swimming in the rooftop pool was pretty much the highlight of the day for my husband and his cousin. The two of them spent the whole afternoon taking laps, enjoying the cool water and the warm afternoon sun.

I took a swim in the pool, too. But mostly I just lounged around and enjoyed my grande Caramel Macchiato. I love love looove that there’s Starbucks right beside the hotel. I watched the two boys,  held on to their towels, and took photos of them, yes, like a Mommy.

When we got back to our suite, a bag of cookies was waiting for us courtesy of the Malayan Plaza crew. I know it’s just a simple thing, but getting something more than what you paid for is always a treat, even if it’s just a bag of snacks.

We spent the rest of the night watching movies, and enjoying the free wifi. Yes friends, Malayan Plaza Hotel has free wifi. THEY HAVE FREE WIFI! In this age and time, a hotel without free wifi should consider closing down, really. I’m glad Malayan Plaza is a wifi zone, you just have to inquire in the front desk and they will generate a user access for you.

Husband wants to go back for the swim.

I want to go back for the quiet.

I think we found our happy place.