Celebrating Friendships at Sonya's Garden

Last Palm Sunday, me and my college friends decided to visit Sonya's Garden in Alfonso, Cavite. Though it was a long drive, the bonding experience with the girls was priceless.

I was actually in the place a couple of weeks ago, and since we didn't get an reservation for a lunch, I decided to return to that place (with a reservation in tow). Here's the pic of the girls (all Mechanical Engineers) I'm with at Sonya's Garden.

(from Left to Right: Olive, Otly, Joy and Ka Kenny)

If you're into vegetarian food, Sonya's place is the place to be (parang wendy's lang jejeje) If only my crush agreed to have our date in Tagaytay, I should hvae brought her here. Kaso we parted ways before I even asked her out. (insert sad song here, lol)

(The main entrance of the Lunch Hall)

(Inside the Lunch Hall)
The place is full of organic/flower/plant-thingy, even on the shot glass! Gah, the ignorance in me complained to the waiter why there is a leaf on t he glass. Turns out it's some kind of a fly repellant. Wow!

(Sir di po ako dumi, pang-design po ako sa table.Duh! - dahon sa shot glass)

First meal course was the bread and ceasar salad. Since we arrived past 1:00AM already we we're patay-gutom na when they start serving the appetizers.

I think we had a second serving of the salad coz it was just totally delicious. yes i'm a sucker for green-and-leafy vegetables.

Second meal course was this fried salmon, though it was malaman, i didn't like it's taste =P.



But my biggest discovery in this trip is the so-called "taragon tea". The smell is so sweet and the taste is so sarap! One mistake though, i didn't bought a taragon plant at Sonya's. Shucks. Mental note to self: BUY TARAGON PLANT IN TAGAYTAY!!


When we we're in the place, there was a wedding reception to be held later in the afternoon, so we got a chance to see the intricate details and design of Sonya's Garden for wedding set-up. Look at this wonderful napkin design. At least you have an idea on how your table set-up would look like if you plan to hold your reception here =).






Oh this is not included in the wedding table set-up, this is our table lang, hehehe. I've notice also the design in the napkin is not the same as the other napkin. No two napkin are the same ( i think).




Outside the restaurant are the myriad of plants, shrubs, and flower where you can enjoy the relaxing surroundigns of the place. Also, you can buy freshly baked bread on their bakery and some pasalubong on the store. All are affordable in fairness.

(Sonya's store) (Flowers are abundant in the place, but no picking of flowers ha!)

(Roses are not always red, there's pink and white too)

(Inside the bakery for pasalubong)
(One fo the mini-water fountain inside the garden)

(Tourist buying pasalubongs)

Though the place are a bit far from Tagaytay rotonda where most of the restaurant are located, it is still worth the effort if you're really looking for a relaxing weekend get-away.

A Summer to Remember (International style)

Whew! Summer is officially here! Time to relax, have fun and sweat it out under the sun. I was doubtful if summer would really come this year coz over the weekend it was raining cats and dogs here in the South (especially in Tagaytay/Silang area) but my doubt was soon replaced by a astounding S-U-M-M-E-R-I-S-H-E-R-E when the temperature began to soar the followign day! Im sure most of you have your own cherish memories of summer. Well for me let me share with you some of my most unforgettable summer experience ever....

Summer adventure #1: The visitation to Persepolis (Islamic Republic of Iran)

I've blog about our visit to Shiraz and Persepolis here, here, here , here and here. It was summer of 2006, i think it was mid-September, when we visited the place. Lots of good memories when we're there, plus the fact that the food in Shiraz is soooooo good!!! it's like the gourmet capital of Iran! Would love to go bakc there given a chance.

 

Summer adventure #2: Road Trip to Hofuf and Judas Cave (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

It was a change of season (from winter to summer/spring) when we decided to visit Hofuf last 2010. There was a sandstorm over the area hence the dramatic shots i've taken. It was memorable because I forgot my Iqama (foreigner's ID) when we went there, and if ever the police would make a random checkpoint on us surely i've be detained on that day! Scary noh? Well, that's Saudi life!

Summer adventure #3: The Dubai experience (United Arab Emirates)

It's still connected to my 2-year stint in Iran, we need to process our working visa for Iran hence we apply (or rather the company applied) for our working visa in Dubai. Got a 3 day 2 night stay there while waiting for the visa. It was memorable for me coz it was my first time to be out of the country on my own and got a chance to roam the city alone! Scary but fun. It happened also during summertime in the middle east which explains he short hair and sweaty shirt! LoL!

Summer adventure #4: Al-Baher resort (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

Technically it was summer already when we headed to the resort of Baher but maybe the God of weather was against us that's why when we went to the place it was bitterly cold! Anyhow, the place is actually like a treasure found in dirt, knowing our place there's not too much locations where we can be totally "free" and have a good time, but in baher you can!=). Our trips to baher (together with my officemates) prove that friendships do become strong once your in a foreign land. Trips like this are like bonding moment with my officemates, whom until now are i still considered as good friends. Naks!

So there you have it, some of my favorite out-of-the-country-because-work-related-kaya-napadala-sa-abroad exerience. Now let's start doing memorable trips naman...the Philippines way...Abangan!!

"And by his wounds we are healed" (Is. 53:5)

Dear Lord, our heavenly Father

We thank you for this opportunity to listen and worship you on our retreat.

Thank you for the beautiful day, for clearing up our schedules, just to attend this retreat.

Lord, due to our hectic schedule in the office and personal life we often times forgot to talk to you.

As more and more time are being spent in the office, the less and less time i've been in touch with you with my prayer time and service.

Yet you never gave up on me. Your still there and waiting for me to be with you.

Thank you for sending me your servants, to constantly remind me that a prayer time is a good time to speak to you.

Thank you for giving me my friends who help me in my spiritual walk of life, most specially to Floro who 's always there through thick and thin. Thank you for the gift of friendship.

This retreat reminds me also the joy of serving you O Lord. I was awoken by the spirit of service and volunteerism once more. Thank you for showing me where my heart truly belongs O Lord.

Life has meaning when I help others, no matter how small or big it is.

Our life should be not centered to us. We belong to a community where we should care and be compassionate as Jesus was compassionate to others. Together, we will give glory and praise to you O Lord.

When you call us O Lord, you call us entirely. Even with our weakness and sins.

We respond to your call with astounding "YES" for we know you will take care of us.

  Thank you for realizing us that life is indeed beautiful. Being your humble servant we appreaciate more things about life.

The simple things in life is enough for us to be happy.

As we go to this journey, we will encounter trials and sufferings. We know this is worth fighting for. For we believe at the end of the day, your love will prevail like a flower in the vines.

Lord, lead us the way to your heart.

You have awoken my spirit, ignite the fire to serve.

Lord God I offer you my life, my strength and weakness, to fully serve you

and give glory to your name.

I am Ready Now.

AMEN.

(this is an excerpt of my prayer during our Lenten retreat last weekend @ Oasis Place of Prayer in Silang Cavite. May we all have a Blessed Lenten Season. Godbless)

Dear Mr. Zombies

Dear Zombies,

So kumusta ka naman? Nageenjoy kaba ngayon at napigilan mo ako sa Level 4-7 ng PvZ? Sa akin eh ok lang naman, though I have to admit I’ve spent a week working out on that level and even adjusting my sleeping time from 10:00 pm to 11:30 pm para lang matapos kita. Akala ko nung natapos ko ang Level 1-10 at nakakuha ako ng sunflower trophy eh natapos na kita. Pinagyabang ko pa nga sa facebook na natapos na rin kita sa wakas at nagplano na akong simulan yung laro na “Angry Birds” daw (Diko parin nga magets kung bakit nag-aaway yung mga ibon at baboy nay un!) Hay buhay nga naman, so complicated! Anyhow mabalik ako sayo Mr. Zombie (or zombies kung marami ang nakakabasa nito), may mga katanungan ako na humihingi ng kasagutan mula sa inyo. Feeling ko dinadaya nio ako and since I hate cheaters eh im giving you an opportunity to air your side and explain. So here’s my list questions to you:

1. Si Magnet-shroom supposedly eh mamagnetin daw yung mga metal object, hindi nia mina-magnet yung orange-triangle-na-parang-nilalagay-sa-highway-thingy. Di ba made of metal naman yun?


2. Buti hindi kayo dinemanda nung ginawa niong kampon ng kadiliman si MJ (with matching back-up dancer)?


3. Sa rooftop setting naman, ang daya nung biglang lumalabas na kaibigan niong zombie mula sa itaas. Wala naming scissor-shroom sa mga plants so hindi ko sha puede putulin o guntingin. Pakisabihan nalang yung mga zombies na yon na sa lupa lang sila lumaban para patas kamo.


4. Dapat pag tinamaan kayo ng bala ng snow pea eh dapat deadbol narin kayo just like the Peas shooter. Kaso hindi eh (tho bumabagal lang kayo at nagiging aysikels)

Hayz, madami pa akong reklamo sayo, saying hindi ko na maalala. Hayaan mo sa susunod na may reklamo ulit ako susulatan kita agad. Yes ako na mismo kokontak sayo kasi walang kwenta naman itong si Crazy Dave (bagay sa kanya ang name nia in fairness).

Please lang sana naman sa mga susunod na level eh hindi kana ganon kahirap patayin. Aba napupuyat nako kakalaro sayo ah!


Nagmamahal,

Kapitbahay ni crazy Dave

Trekking @ Mount Pinatubo and What Not

I heard a lot good reviews about trekking in Mount Pinatubo. Luke and JC went there last year and was jealous seeing them riding those 4 x 4 trucks, err and the crater of Moutn Pinatubo din pala. Luckily Dom organized a trip for Pinatubo a couple of weeks and as soon as I read his announcement I immediately texted him and ask for a reservation. Was suprised also that Rosa

and her AG are joining the trip. Ang saya! The more the mannier! Jejejeje

Meeting time is 4:14 AM @ Shell McKinley. Shucks! Ang aga! Went home from PM around 11:00PM na then eat (i asked my nanay to cooked porkchop bbq even on a friday!) and watch a movie pa till 12:30AM. Then woke up before 3:00AM for Rosa to pick me up and Che then go to Kuya Ef house for our service to Makati.

The trip to Dau took us 1 hour then spend a couple of minute to buy pack lunch and then rode the 4 x 4 trucks (yes!) all the way to Capas Tarlac! 

Nasagap ko ata lahat ng usok along the highway! Jejeje

On the way to Pinatubo

After 2 hours we arrive to this Pinatubo Spa Town where Dom need to register us trekkers and gave us some time to go to the bathroom and freshen up before our trek.

Welcome powh!

4 x 4 All line-up

After making chikka with other people and putting our protective gears for the dust (errr..sila lang pala kasi wala akong dalang pangprotekta) we start our drive to Pinatubo. The first pit stop is a very wide space na puro buhangin and small streams of water. The place looks like this...



According to our guide this place used to be a vast sugarcane fields but it vanished after the eruption. Then I remember the proposal project that I made 2 years ago for Capas Ethanol project, and i was like "where the hell are they going to get the sugarcane to use for this Ethanol plant". And yesterday I sit down corrected. The thing is tarlac has sugarcane sources pala! Now I know jejeje.

The walls of lahar

Sabi ni guide, the place is the location shoot for those GMA-7's sci-fi telenovela a few years ago. (Forgot to ask what's the name though). The place reminds me of the sand dunes of Saudi, minus the water streams of course =D

Che inspecting her camera

After a couple of hours driving we finally start our trek to Pinatubo crater. This is the part i've been waiting for. Good choice I wore a trekking shoes instead of a sandals coz konti lang naman ang mga streams of water we've encountered (plus i dont have sandals! waaaa!).

The lahar wall and me

Parking lot of 4 x 4

During the trek it's hard to find a place to sit down and take a rest, unlike in Batulao where there is a shack after 15 minutes of walk. And it came as a suprised to find a Kubo in the middle of the mountain. Yehey!!! Pahinga galore!

After 20 minutes of trekking again, we've finally arrived at the crater! Wohoo!! And this thing greeted us a the entrance..

God's reminds us on how he can create and destroy life with just one snap

Welcome po sa crater!

In fairness, daming tao sa crater! Met a whole family, a balikbayan, a retires US servicemen (from Clark i suppose) and a lot of young professionals. It's like a pasiklaban ng mga DSLR! Did the DSLR convention moved to Pinatubo? Jejejeje

Thank you Lord for the good weather=D

After eating our lunch and made some acquaintance we descend to the crater lake for the boating. According to our guide its a 170 steps daw. It was easy going down but it was hell going up!!!!

Kuya Ef made it to the other boat coz puno na boat namin. Good thing coz at least we have picture from other the other side. Dom was with him as well. And Josh ,the nice kid we've met (i say kid coz he relly looks so young, eventhough he's working na as a accountant) at the trip.

At the other side of the crater we descend, Faith tried to feel if the water is really hot, and indeed it was true. Nope i didn't tried to touch the waters coz paranoid ako sa mga acid thingy things. LoL! Crazy me noh?

I have to admit the place is awesome! It's like your in the magical world of LOTR. Winner!!! Would love to go to that area where there is sandlike slopes kaso it's on the other side of the crater. So far from where we deck. =(. But still it's nice to view them from afar.

KE, ang huma-hardcore photographer!


That's the area i want to explore sana!
River (lake deep) Mountain high!

A lot of vegetation flourished on the crater lake, wonder how this plants live on this type of water.

Fact: Walang isda sa crater, di ata kaya ang sulfuric acidity level ni Pinatubo.
False: Hindi puedeng maligo sa Pinatubo.
Fiction: Kaya kong languyin to the other side of the lake.

Bato sa buhanginan


Yay! Uwian na!!

All in all the trip is awesome. Btw, before we went to the crater we had a small outreach for the Aeta's living in Pinatubo. We brought clothes, books, school things and some small snacks for the kids. It was heartwarming to see the smiles in their faces upon receiving the gifts. Didn't took photos during the event coz i was handling out the clothes to the adults. I hope they appreciate the little gifts that we've gave them.

Special Thanks to Dong Ho for oganizing the trip, to Shy's AG for the food and kwento, for KE for the service, to our guide Rennan for helping Shy and Dory make it to the top, to the mamang bangkero (pic below) for the safe trip on the other side of the crater, and most specially to all the trekkers who joined us thank you for being a sport. Thanks so much!

Naks! Si Kuya all smiles (kasi puro chicks kasama nia sa bangka)

Thank you and godbless you all!