5th Wedding Anniversary at Garden Cottages

To celebrate our 5^th Wedding Anniversary, my husband and I decided to spend a night in a tent in our property in Garden Cottages in Tanay, Rizal – since we don’t have a house there yet.  Actually, I’ve been wanting to sell the property for many years, but my husband fell in love with the place and kept on telling me not to…and I truly understand why.  So let me show you a glimpse of the subdivision.

This is the top view of the subdivision.  There’s a view deck on the side of the main road so tourists and travelers could get a birds eyeview of the subdivision.  

The view deck is right beside where I’m standing, but it was closed for some reasons not indicated.

The subdivision has two gates.  This is where we usually enter (Gate 1) and exit on Gate 2.  This entrance leads you to the zigzag road…

I would always feel like I’m on my way to Bicol via “bituka ng manok” everytime we thread this road only shorter.

At the end of this zigzag road, you will see a sign that shows three destinations: the nature pools, rock garden & clubhouse.

If I’m not imagining things (probably not), their clubhouse is as big as the DepED Compound in Ultra, Pasig. This is just, I think, ¼ of the entire “clubhouse compound.” I call it so because they have, I think, four clubhouses in this area. Let me show you some pictures of the location…

The structure which is partly covered by the trees is actually one of the clubhouses there.

 Oh, here’s a bigger picture of the clubhouse. (Uhmm..my husband is not the clubhouse...it's the structure behind him. He3x!)

Here’s another one.  I think there are two or three more but I didn’t get a picture of it.

From below, overlooking Masungi Rock. (Masungi Rock is actually one of the tourist spots in Rizal and part of Masungi is property of Garden Cottages)

So, after our trek to our lot, we were finally able to put up our tent.

Yep, that’s where we stayed overnight. Believe it or not, I wasn’t able to sleep well.  I would constantly hear footsteps and wake my husband up to take a look. Somehow I thought that what we decided wasn’t such a good idea. But it was fun.  Oh, about the footsteps, my husband said that they were Owls and Bats.  If you think that convinced me, well, it didn’t until the engineer managing the place told us that what I heard was probably Owls or Bats.

In the morning, the first thing we did after breakfast was take a picture with the very old and very big Balete Tree standing in the middle of the park just right beside our lot.  Oh yes, I want my property beside a park where I could see kids playing, just like our house in East Gate Village… If some people doesn’t like the noise – I do.

Our plan was to trek Masungi Rock then take a dip and have lunch at the Village’s Waterfall – Nature Pools. Yes – inside the Village is a waterfall – clean and unspoiled.

So, on our way there, we were actually surprised to see some developments inside the village, like, Phase 2 has already been developed and opened for sale – Php6,000++ per/sqm for a minimum of 500sqm…that’s what they told us.  Here are some of they model units they were constructing at that time:

I like Phase 2 a lot better than Phase I, but it’s also a lot more expensive.  I bought my lot for (more or less) Php2,700/sqm in 2002 or 2004 – haha! Memory Gap.  

After a short chika-chika with the developer, we set off for Masungi Rock.  One of the many features in the subdivision that truly fattened my heart is the Mahogany Stand which is actually a few hectares of mahogany plantation.  That fattened my heart already? Yup, it did.

The road that leads to Masungi is like the roads in Baguio, steep and scary. I thought we would not make it there…actually, I thought our car (Matchbox) would give up on us before we reach the spot.  Luckily, it didn’t.

Ahh…Masungi Rock.  Looks “masungit” from where we parked.  It also looks deadly, dangerous and hazardous…but we were surprised when we got to the main entrance …Yes! There is a main entrance to the mountain. Har3x! They actually charge entrance fees for a trek at Masungi! How funny is that! But of course, home/lot owners are free of any charges.

See, I told you there is an entrance…Cars not allowed from here.(that's our matchbox =p)

Below are some pictures we took while trekking Masungi Rock.  If you would be so kind to ignore our not so beautiful looks that ruins the stunning scenery at masungi rock, then continue browsing. He3x!

Yup…Yup. Yes… Yes.  Well-Paved Road…which made trekking a lot-lot-lot easier and more-more-more convenient.

From where we’re standing is the first step to the 500 steps that lead somewhere on top of the mountain.  How far we got? Haha! Only a hundred…It’s not that we didn't want to, we were instructed not to without a guide.  Yup, not guides on Sundays.

The shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a mark that you reached the 100^th step.

That thin (almost skeleton like) tree in between me and my husband is actually the tallest tree we’ve ever seen. True.

Since there were no human being on site, (actually, we have not seen one since we left phase 2) we decided to take some photos of us - naked. Harharhar! Well, I don’t want to elaborate on this one nor show you a picture as I might cause you to vomit.  Lol!! My point is, this is a very secluded area.  So, if you want to relax, be away from the stress people bring and be one with nature less too much hassle, then this is the best place to be.

Anyway, after the trek at Masungi Rock we went straight to the waterfall but to our dismay, the developments there were almost washed away by storm Ondoy.

The road that leads to the parking area was blocked. We had to walk to our destination.

I didn’t mind the heat! Grrr!!!

Where on earth is the waterfall?  It used to be here, now it’s covered with rocks.

Would you believe when I say that there used to be a swimming pool here that collects water from the falls?  Well, there used to be one, but now it’s gone.  Hardly any trace of it.

But that didn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves…

Not so many pictures in this part of the subdivision. Medyo tag-tuyo ang waterfalls e. He3x!.

After our refreshing dip in the almost dry yet "extremely" cold waterfall a.k.a. creek (he3x!), we set for home.  We exited the village through Gate 2.  Earlier, I promised to show you some pictures of gate 2…which has no impressive views yet provides an easier access out especially for those with old model cars/vehicles….kasi hindi matarik.

I think it was already 4pm when we left the subdivision.  

Now that makes me think...I can't remember where we had our dinner. Har3x! I think I’m getting old and my son’s not even a year old yet.  Ciao!!

Nice Place to Eat in Angono, Rizal

My husband and I just found a very nice place to eat in Angono. Finally, a nice (cute), decent yet not so formal place to bring our family and friends when they visit us. We chanced upon a place called Johnny & Jenny's Original Tia Maria's Kinulob na Itik while looking for a not so crowded restaurant to celebrate Valentine's Day. We actually have our mother and 4month old son to celebrate with us.

It is a small restaurant, the set up of which is similar to Cloud 9, (if you've been there) years before it was renovated - Made to create a "garden"-like ambiance (so do not expect airconditioning units).  Huts surround the main restaurant to accommodate more guests, ideal for those who just want to "chillax" - relax and hang out with family and friends. We could see the kitchen from our table and it looks pretty clean. No problem with the parking space, the only problem we see at that time is the limited manpower...they only have one waiter - but standing ovation for the sole waiter, because despite the pressure & stress he managed to perform well, fast & keep his cool.

Since it was our first time in that place, we ordered their specialty: Kinulob na Itik (Php300+). Then we added Chopseuy (Php120) and Bulalo (Php300) to the menu. Each order is good for 2-3 persons, according to the manager.  But when our order came, I'm pretty sure it's good for 3-4 persons.

We especially loved their Kinulob na Itik and Chopseuy.  Their bulalo tastes ordinary, though. So, if your looking for something new to taste, I suggest you try out their kinulob na itik.  We did not order their pancit because we're not a fan of pancit, but I guess their pancit is good because almost all of the customers ordered it.  So, my husband and I decided that we will try their pancit the next time we visit the place - which is a definite.

Condoms or Lashes

Population Boom?? Is this really the problem??  E anu naman kung madami ang bilang ng Pinoy kung lahat naman ay kapaki-pakinabang? The thing is, hindi.

Well, true..milyong "gusgusing Pinoys".  And why is this?  Bakit hindi "smarte or good-looking Pinoys"? Well, this is too much for my "shallow" mind to fathom. But let me spill out some of my evil thoughts....pls. bear with me. =)

Talks on whether to pass the RH bill or not has been on the news for several weeks already.  I'm not saying that the RH bill will not do "some good." But, I actually dont believe that the "solution" the govt is proposing is the "right way" to solve our problems (I dont think they are even looking at the problem seriously or if they even understand it at all). I have always believed that the country's problem is not "children being born" but how these kids are being raised/cared for by their parents and by the community.  For centuries, we have failed to raise them well.  That is why a lot of Pinoy are "gusgusin," unproductive and "pal.." ng gobyerno...gusto lahat libre.  Surprisingly, the country's culture for several generations has been to especially care and nurture them to become bigger "gusgusin" and "pulubing" Pinoy because we distort our understanding and the teaching of the church when they say "higit lalo silang mahal ng Diyos."  Didn't God also order us to use our 'talents" to be productive? And that, it is a "sin" not to do so?  So, that kind of thinking has to end.

What I suggest the govt needs to do to solve this centuries old problem is to proactively impose responsible parenthood and give more focus on ensuring the protection of the rights of a child so they become better / smarter adults than us. Children's rights are often violated and the gov't has been lenient with the violators, blaming it on lack of education & poverty. Stricter laws & punishment against these violators should be made and implemented well. Just like in Singapore, Dubai, et.al.  

Irresponsible parents who starve, abuse & let their kids beg in the streets should be castrated, serve several days in jail and receive certain number of lashes - No Bail. Gasgas na ang idahilan ang kahirapan sa pagiging iresponsable.  Maniwala ka, hindi totoo yun.  Tamad lang talaga ang maraming Pinoy. Then, the government thru barrangays/LGU should monitor these parents to make sure that they are caring for the kids that they already have and every time they commit an offense, they should be sent to jail for several days and receive lashes.  Also, those who conceive a child out of wedlock should serve jail time and receive lashes as well. This way, people will have second thoughts before doing sex & having kids beyond their capabilities to raise well.  

Children with hopeless parents and orphans with no relatives to adopt them should be taken and cared for by the government and private shelters to secure their rights.  This is where government funds should go.  Hindi sa pamimigay ng condom.  Para silang namimigay ng candy na ilang milyon ang halaga pero ilang minuto lang tunaw na, wla pang nutritional value.  Hindi ba nila alam, libangan ng mga tamad at walang trabaho ang sex, kaya kahit araw-araw sila mamigay ng condom, hindi nito mapipigilan ang pagdami ng populasyon. Dadami lang ang STD nyan.

Individuals who abuse/violate children, more importantly: pedophiles, kidnappers, rapist, syndicates, et.al. should receive the most gruesome punishment: Bitay/Garote sa plaza miranda.  The more effective way to lessen our population is not to let the children die in the hands of abusive people but to remove these abusive people from our population...believe me, napaka dami nila. Sila pa lang, solve na ang problema natin sa populasyon at marami pang iba.

More funds should be provided for Food, Medical and Health Care of infants and children to ensure their health because they are the real victims of poverty and they are helpless against it.  The government is wasting/unwisely using Billions of funds for food and medical/health care of irresponsible adults.  No medical support should be given, example,  to a Cancer patient who has a record of smoke, drug and/or alcohol abuse. Ang lagay, may pambili sila para sa bisyo  pero, sa pang gamot wala. And, hayaang mamatay ang nagpapakamatay...that way, mababawasan pa ang populasyon.

Sabi nga ni Rizal, "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan."  Iyon ay kung pag-iingatan natin ang kanilang kamalayan upang di mabiktima, matulad at maakay sa hukot at bulok na pag-iisip at argumento na walang kaabog-abog na isinasaboy at ipinamamalas ng kasalukuyang henerasyon.  Otherwise....alam nyo na.