La Bella Boutique Hotel Tagaytay

Several times La Bella Boutique had served as my refuge at times I needed to detox from week straight audits, traveling from point A to point X,Y,Z and to seclude myself in a place with negligible decibels measured. Situated westward from the corner of Tagaytay - Mendez and Tagaytay - Nasugbu road that guarantees cool and relaxing environment. La Bella Boutique gives Santorini vibes - it's buildings and rooms painted and ornamented in blues and whites, and with landscaped of pine trees and every greens documented in botany  textbook. 

It offers 5 types of room - studio room, studio deluxe, studio deluxe twin, family suite and studio room. Amenities - new air conditioning units, complimentary breakfast (plated - bangsilog, tapsilog, longsilog, etc.), designated smoking area, elevator (key card operated that adds security), Jacuzzi / hot tub (separate charge - Php 1,000.00), Library, outdoor swimming pool (which didn't brave enough to try because of coldness), Spa, enough parking space and even celebrated Sunday mass (when I stayed last holy week). 

There are 4 restaurant on site, El Cocinero - Spanish (quite pricey), Hirasei -Japanese (I had not tried) , Organico - Asian (they serve complimentary breakfast)  and Bodhi Mind & Body Shop (for waffles and tea). Last time, we drove to twin lakes for take outs and grocery and totally quarantined myself our room. 

Instagram spots at La Bella Boutique: 

How to get there: 

Area information - 2.5 kms away from Mendez Junction via Tagaytay-Nasugbo Highway. From Tagaytay rotunda, it's about 8.5 kms, and 4.5 kms from Tagaytay Skyranch. 

From Manila, you may take any of the Batangas buses. Get off at "unang kanto" Neogan and take tricycle going to La Bella. If you take Tagaytay buses or UV express, transfer to a jeepney going to Alfonso or Nasugbu from the Tagaytay Terminal and get off at "unang kanto" neogan. 

 

    

Pink Island - Sta.Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

Recently, National Geographic published 21 Best Beaches in the world and Pink Beach, the Sta. Cruz island made the cut. Located in Zamboanga City, I had traveled by air, land and water. Travel by air - from Manila or any other destinations (In Philippines) take local flight to Zamboanga City; then by land - take tricycle to Paseo del Mar Port, then take motorized boat going to Sta. Cruz Island. It will take 1.5 hours from airport to Sta. Cruz island that includes cueing and safety orientation. 

For preservation purposes, number of visitors are regulated, thus advance coordination is required with local government of Zamboanga. I arrived at port on Sunday at 7:30am, and was assigned a group number for safety, rules and regulations orientation which takes 15 - 30 minutes which I find informative and comedic on way it was delivered. Informative - pink sand was result from all the crushed red organ pipe coral that washes ashore; and that it takes year to regenerate this pink sand; and that contrary to safety concerns a military headquarter is stationed on the island to patrol and ensure the safety of every visitors. 

On rules and regulations - no smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages on the island, drunk visitors are strictly prohibited to travel, visitors are allowed to bring food and stuff but ensure proper disposal of garbage, no load music and/or partying and taking sand as souvenir is a big offense. Military personnel are given task to monitor and implement rules, and Php1,000.00 penalty is imposed for every violation. For sand souvenirs, if your will be caught at port, you need to rent your own motorized boat and personally return collected sand with Php 5,000 penalty. Also, maximum of 15 passenger is allowed per boat, and wearing of life jacket is a must. 

Afar, it was typical turquoise, blue, green and white color spectrum of an island, the promised pink sand is only visible on certain portion of shore, when sand is washed off and up close, yet, it was never a disappointment. The island gives enigmatic vibes - no traces of commercialization, invisible eyes of military personnel securing the island, the calmness and seclusion from limited visitors. Basic needs are available - comfort room, faucet and sink for washing, grilling / cooking station and villa (with table, chairs and roof) if you decides to take siesta, local vendors of squid, fish and crabs (free cooking) at reasonable prices, it was squeaky clean, and  Picturesque indeed - Instagram worthy, My day approve and vlogger material winner. 

The downside - (1) there is a sandbar 10 minutes away from the island with diverse sea shells, but only allows visitors 10 minutes stay for picture taking. (2) Island the shore is clothed with white-pink refined sand but on water its more corals than sand, thus, aqua shoes is recommended, (3) I also notice uneven shallow-deep portion, so extra precaution specially if you don't know how to swim; and lastly, (4) no overnight staying, you need to get back at port by 2pm and unlucky for us, wee need to leave after lunch at time of visit due to approaching thunder storm. 

Battle with PARVOVIRUS

Canine Parvovirus to me is synonymous to Cancer – an helpless case; so when I learned that my dog acquired the disease, I halfhearted accepted his demise. My ordeal happened last week of November 2016. Kendall was 6-month old, active and has a strong solid appetite as compared to his sibling Kylie.

November 26, 2016 (Saturday), routine breakfast was pedigree beef in gravy (puppy); Kylie immediately finished her bowl, while, Kendall ignored his. A bit unusual, but Kendall was at his usual hyperactive state. By lunch time, he just smelled his share of boiled chicken breast and was later eaten by Kylie. I read online that it’s normal for a dog to loose appetite on a day or two, and so I relaxed.  Same scenario by evening, but he drank water and chewed pedigree lamb strips.

November 27, 2016 (Sunday), breakfast was neglected by Kendall but he was still on active mode playing and harassing his sibling Kylie. Lunch time he was neither eating nor drinking, but, he obliged to respond when I call him. I left the house in the afternoon to attend Sunday mass, when I returned by 11 pm, I was worried stricken when he approached me with unstable walk and vomited – yellowish bubbly saliva; This prompt me to make an emergency call to Kendall’s Vet.

November 28, 2016 (Monday) 1am, Kendall weighed 7.1 kg, his temperature was normal at 38^oC and was evidently weak. Initial findings was Parvovirus based on symptoms (1) severe vomiting (2) loss of appetite (3) Kendall was only 6 months old (canine 1 year old and below are susceptible to virus). To be 100% sure, we opted to use Parvovirus Antigen Test Kit.

Sampling swab was inserted to Kendall’s anal to coat thin layer of feces; feces-coated swab was immersed into the tube of predispensed sample extraction buffer; after vigorous swirling, drops of samples was transferred to kit and after 10 minutes the result showed two (2) lines to confirm positive of Parvovirus.

 

Parvovirus Test Kit; 2 lines means positive 

Will Kendall survive? Was my immediate question; and I was assured that parvovirus today is curable and 60% chances of recovery. Immediately shot of immunoglobulin, energy booster, antibiotic and IV fluid was administered to him. This scenario was physically tiring and budget draining for it had caused Php 3,750.00 (for initial treatment).  I was advised to confine Kendall for a minimum of 1 week, but after learning that he will be confined together with other sick dogs in one room, no lights from 6pm to 8am, and no assigned personnel at that shift, I decided to take Kendall home for he deserve better on battle such this.

November 29, 2016 (Tuesday) went back to Vet same medications were administered; I also brought Kylie for Immunoglobulin shot for immune defense. Kendall was quarantined in my room and he seemed to understand the scenario that he either tried to pull off his IV or moved out from his station. I placed a bowl of water by his side, but every time he drinks he will throw up double the volume he intake. Vet advised no need for water since IV fluids will sustain him from dehydration. Same day, a strong foul smell enveloped the house and it was coming in my room. Kendall had defecated dark brown liquid, but thankfully no traces of blood, I pity Kendall. Since parvovirus is highly contagious, can be transmitted with contact with an infected dog’s feces, highly resistant can live in environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects we threw all pillows and cases, beddings, towels and washed my room walls and furnishings with 50:50 water-zonrox solution.

I did my own research and watched YouTube Videos posted by canine owners who experienced and survived parvovirus through home remedies. Critical phase was life threatening dehydration; and that the virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. From what I had learned, I opted and tried (1) Yakult drink in aid and strengthen digestive system priced at Php 60.00 for half dozen (2) Pedialyte to help prevent dehydration and replace nutrients and electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea priced at Php 130.00 (3) D-Glucose Monohydrate a water soluble powder energy supplement Php 60.00 available in drugstores (4) The common and important remedy I appliead was the physical contact and affirmation of your love and support to you pet, which I could have not done if he was confined in the clinic.

November 30, 2016 (Wednesday) first thing I checked was Kendall’s diaper and it was dampened as sign he urinated and he is hydrated. We went back to the clinic for daily administration of medicine; Kendall had gained weight from 7.1 to 7.5 kgs. I consulted my Vet about my home remedies I had administered: 5 ml yakult, 5 ml Pedialyte and 5 ml D-Glucose Monohydrate hourly using syringe; she was upset and advised to stick with prescribed medication.

At home I continued my devised treatment and trusted my guts; vomiting was still observed for span of 8 hours, until he defecated but this time less foul smell and in semi-solid state.

December 1, 2016 (Thursday), routine shots of medications at clinic and reported developments. IV fluid was removed and decided it will be administered orally since Kendall was already mobile that it irritates him. For solid meal Hill’s Prescription diet Sante Digestive was recommended but advised to continue medications at clinic. Kendall continuously gained weight from 7.5 to 7.9 kgs.

December 2, 2016 (Friday), Kendall wake me up for he needs to pee, I was surprised as he ran downstairs as I opened the door. He barked and started running and playing with Kylie; I fed him the whole day with recommended Sante Digestives (diluted with water) administered orally through syringe. He drinks water without vomiting, poops with wet but in solid state. Every visit at Vet I pay Php 2,500 and decided not to bring him that day and continue my home medication.

December 3, 2016 (Saturday), Kendall’s appetite was back to normal he ate half kilo of boiled chicken breast for lunch and half roasted chicken for dinner. But, the sad part, Kylie showed symptoms of parvovirus. Since she had shots of immunoglobulin, we decided to do home medications by giving her hourly dosage of (leftover) IV fluids administered orally with use of syringe (needleless), Yakult, Pedialyte and D-Glucose Monohydrate.  After 3 days, Kylie had recovered without visiting Vet; and Kendall had fully recovered. 

Shop For A Cause

Doing and completing my Christmas shopping, I added the concept of Sustainable Development to be carefully considered in buying gifts for my beloved.  I listed down products that I find innovative, a value for money and at the same time from organizations with great sense of social responsibility that gives back to the community and the environment.

Boracay Bamboo Shades

Sunglasses will forever be fashion staple! I chance upon this trendy stall in Boracay that sells Shades made from 100% bamboo wood. Facts about bamboo – 100% biodegradable, sustainable, naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and naturally hypo allergenic; for only 699 php it’s the greenest way to be cool!

National Book Store – Project Aklat

Project Aklat founded on 2005 and have been an annual book drive that aims to raise books for donation to the libraries National Bookstore Foundation, Inc establishes; for as low as 30php you can already buy a book that you can donate to help in youth education.

Photo Credit: fabscoop.com

Books is a brilliant gift to offer making it accessible develops more readers and encourages to love books, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all” – Jacqueline Kennedy. 

Photo Credit: gedcarpizo.com

McDonalds – #ShowYourStripes

To dream that you are wearing socks signifies warmth and comfort a perfect analogy for Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), builds daycare centers in areas that are in need of a safe place for children to learn and play while their parents are at work.

The Striped Socks is McDonald’s limited-edition socks inspired by the iconic red and white stripes of Ronald McDonald. Buy a pair of McDonald’s striped socks for 100php and all net proceeds will go to Ronald Mc Donald Bahay Bulilit. I bought a pair intended for our kris kringle (something to be inserted) but find it very chic that I ended using it.  

Cotton On – Empowering Youth

Since Cotton On arrived in the Philippines on 2013, I instantly fell in love with it – 100% cotton comfort of tees, youthful graphics and prints, Isla Sola shorts, bags and accessories. Learning further about The Cotton On Foundation – Empowering Youth makes me want to marry it.

The Cotton On Foundation is the Cotton On Group’s philanthropic arm, funding projects in Australia and overseas through a unique partnership with customers and employees. The Foundation partners with communities to provide long term opportunities across education, health, sustainability and infrastructure.

At times when guilt strikes on spending, I just think of the proceeds goes back to Cotton On Foundation to support those most in need, with projects based on four pillars; health, education, sustainability and infrastructure. These pillars are derived from the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. It is as simple as that.

 Banana Peel – #SaveSomeGreenForMe

Photo Credit: Banana Peel Facebook Page

Living in a tropical country you can never flop by giving flip flops! Banana Peel had teamed up with WWF as they launched the Monde Green Collection – flip flops made of 100% rubber, Eco friendly and Non harmful materials from the thong down to the sole. Non-toxic paint is used to produce their signature trendy prints.  

Photo Credit: Banana Peel Facebook Page

The World Wildlife Fund – the leading organization in wildlife conservation and endangered species; WWF also works on climate change, sustainability, habitats, and species like panda and tigers. 

Peter Pan Peanut Butter

Peter Pan Peanut Butter (extra crunch) had long been an effective therapist. Some gain feelings of pleasure, comfort and gratification from eating chocolates, for me the act of eating peanut butter is hedonistic.  For friends seeking pleasure and alleviating pain, Peter Pan Peanut Butter is best gift.

Photo Credit: www.diynatural.com

I recommend Peter Pan Peanut Butter for their Environment and Sustainability Initiatives:

A “Child Hunger End Here” program allows me in simple way to create impact in fight against child hunger. Each jar has the red pushpin and code. Go to ChildHungerEndsHere.com and enter codes. 1 code = 1 meal donated.

In addition, Peter Pan had gone green by reducing carbon footprint, which helps foster cleaner air and cleaner water; redesigned packaging material that utilizes 9 percent to 12 percent lee plastic per ounce.  Organization’s effort enables them to save enough plastic to fill more that 24 garbage trucks with solid waste each year; energy savings could power 253 homes per year; and removing greenhouse gases equal to taking 233 cars off the road each year.

AGUINALDO SHRINE - KAWIT, CAVITE

As the saying goes “Its better late, than never” – It took me a decade, concreting of coastal into expressway, and the booming of Cavite population before I had the chance to literally spend a day in Kawit Cavite. Shocking in a sense that I’m a legitimate resident of Bacoor – a neighboring municipality of Kawit that is 9.00 php bus ride away.

Feeling Patriotic, I decided to visit Kawit’s famous landmark – the historic Aguinaldo Shrine, site of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. According to historical marker installed (at the entrance gate of shrine) – On June 12, 1898, Philippine Independence was proclaimed from the center window (now converted into balcony) of the original house of the family of General Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the first Philippine Republic and leader of the revolution against Spain and America. Through the reading of The Acta De La Proclamacion De La Independencia Del Pueblo Filipino by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, during this occasion, the Philippine flag made in Hong Kong by Dona Marcela Marino De Agoncillo was officially unfurled as the band of San Francisco De Malabon proudly played the March Nacional Filipina (now the Philippine National Anthem) Composed by Julian Felipe.

Window turned balcony where Philippine flag was first unfurled

The shrine is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am – 4pm; I was advised that March – June is the perfect months to visit shrines with no visitors from school field trips. Entrance is free of charge but be generous enough to make donations (donation box located at souvenir shop). Visitors are required to register, and soon a guide will promptly assist you all the way. But first, some rules and regulations: (1) Picture-taking for personal use is welcome, for commercial purposes, please inform shrine personnel; (2) No pets allowed; (3) Food and drinks are strictly prohibited; (3) No Smoking Policy; (4) Restricted areas and glass casings are off limits.

According to our guide, Aguinaldo shrine is the biggest amongst other shrines, and that General Aguinaldo re-modeled his house from 1919 – 1920. The story of the Revolution is “written” in its architectural details and interior design. Before his death, he donated the estate to the Philippine government to perpetuate the spirit of the 1896 Revolution. As part of his last will, he wanted his remains be buried on his lot.

Some of the re-modeled architectural and interior designs: (1) The spacious reception hall has a three section ceiling, featured are the dove, the sun motif and mother Philippines – icons referring to the Filipino desire for an independent nation. (2) Formal Dining Room – on the ceiling is a relief map of the Philippines; Cavite was painted red because it was considered the center of the Revolution; above the window are paintings on glass portraying his wives and children. (3) The center window where Philippine Independence was proclaimed was converted into balcony.

Shrine has its preserved heavy wood; capiz windows; balusters and concrete that had served witness history in making. Ground floor enshrined collected memorabilia from plate number dated 1896; Rayadillo Uniform – blue and white rayadillo uniform used as official uniform of revolutionaries; canons that had mightily fought for our freedom; books that had tactically utilized by revolutionaries to outsmart their opponents; the bowling alley which is first in the Philippines; and images that documented story of history worth remembering.

The second floor is like General Aguinaldo welcomes us and opens books on personal note. The spacious and grandiose scene had made me conclude that Aguinaldo’s as wealthy family – Grand piano as center piece; Reception room – where journalist, politicians and important guests requiring a private audience with the General were led to this room (sometimes it was called the Music Room because the family radio was here; Formal Dining Room – Aguinaldo’s special guests dined on the massive table during important occasions and parties; Kitchen – also found the servant’s quarter on the mezzanine; with ice boxes built into the wall; The Balcony of Sinners – The General playfully named the balcony as such because it was where the Revolutionaries plotted military strategies; the balcony also served as the family’s lounge on lazy afternoons, and according to family stories, courtships leading to marriages began in balcony of sinners; Bedroom of the Aguinaldo Daughters – The rooms of Cristina Suntay, Maria Poblete and Carmen Melencio was in fashion in the early 20^th century with furnishings and accessories with mixture of European, Chinese and Filipino styles; A mezzanine library is where musicians played for the General’s grand parties, that overlooks the living room; Ambassador’s Room – Ambassador Jose P. Melencio, Carmen Aguinaldo’s husband, used it as study; Swimming pool – though it was not covered with tiles but white painted plain concrete, still they have swimming pool!; The uppermost bedroom belonged to the General (which happened to be restricted area).

The Shrine also raised intrigued and curiosity with those secret doors that led from one room to another such as the Dining Table - to make a quick escape, one must raised the dining room’s heavy table top revealing a passageway to the underground shelter; One wall panel of the music room is a hidden door leading to the upper floor of the house.

Exiting is view of marble stone with engraving “Emilio Aguinaldo 1869 – 1964” with eight (8) Philippine flags proudly waving; this tells me that my tour had ended but my freedom and independence as a Filipino lives forever and I owe it to hero – General Emilio Aguinaldo and the Revolutionaries.

As mandated by Republic Act 8491, The Flag and Heralding Code of the Philippines, the Philippine flag shall be permanently hoisted on this site 24/7 throughout the year and shall be illuminated at night.