philippine postal heritage walking tour

My husband and I have long wanted to do a walking tour of the Old Manila. We have attempted several times but have failed due to laziness, lack of knowledge how to go about the tour and the unpredictable weather. About a month ago though, I chanced upon the blog of Lakwatsero.com and realized a group of stamp collectors conduct a free heritage walking tour of the Intramuros area. In an instant, I found myself registering for the tour.

An image of the Aduana (customs house) which was later on called the Intendencia or the Philippine Mint --- the predecessor of the Central bank of the Philippines

Tours are conducted every 3rd Sunday of the month. Assembly time and area, 12:30-1:00pm at the Liwasang Bonifacio Fountain area, just infront of the Manila Post Office. Bring your camera,water, umbrella and wear light clothes for the walking tour.

The day my husband and I joined the tour, these were the areas we visited: Aduana (Customs House), Puerta Isabel II Monument & Gate, Metropolitan Theater, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila Cathedral, Postal Museum & Library, Plaza De Sto. Tomas, Plaza De Roma, Bahay Tsinoy, Plazuela De Santa Isabel.

The interior of the once famous Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET)

A group of artists is trying to raise funds for the restoration of MET. Former PGMA, we were told, gave monetary help during her term. But MET has a long way to go before it can be fully restored. Despite the empty rooms, dark hallways, decaying walls and moldy smell, we all know that the structure is world class. I hope the government finds a way to restore its glory.

To experience the Philippine Postal Heritage Walking Tour, contact Lawrence. D. Chan at l_rence_2003@yahoo.com or lawrencechan15@yahoo.com, Filipinas Stamp Collector’s Club – V.P. P.O.Box 2986,Manila Central Post Office.

View complete photo session HERE.

a primer on magalawa island

We all need a weekend off from stress and the Metro's hullabaloo. And Magalawa Island in Palauig, Zambales is a perfect location to just lounge around and commune with nature. My cup of creative juice is now refilled!

A detailed story shall be up soon!

tour of marikina

The world knows how typhoon Ondoy flooded Marikina in September 2009. Almost a year after, the city looks like it has fully recovered from the heartbreaking catastrophe. Revisiting the place 11 months after the typhoon, who would have thought we would find a lot of interesting corners we never knew existed before. Acting as my tour guide and an instant model, Mai Cembrano introduced me and my husband to worth-visiting nooks in Marikina City.

Shoe Museum

Pan De Amerikana

Photo Session: LIFESTYLE - Tour of Marikina
Venue: Marikina City
View complete photo session HERE.

All photos taken by Labski Fotografi. For photo session inquiries, send an email to labskifotografi[at]gmail.com.

a child at play

You would have to do a lot of prompting before Terrence, my husband's nephew, poses for the camera. He loves to jump and move around, thus, making it really challenging for the person behind the camera to take a picture of him. But this holiday season, Gino and I discovered an easy way to trick Terrence. Play, explore and discover!

As he played, explored and discovered his grandmother's backyard in Sto. Tomas Batangas, Terrence acted as if he was in a whole new world! He gamely posed for the camera, unmindful of insects that crawled on his legs. He remained animated the whole time we were there as he discovered various organisms! With his Tito Gino acting as his Science teacher, I was beaming with happiness as I captured every discovery they made!

You can discover more about a person
in an hour of play than in a year
of conversation. - Plato

Title of the Photo: A Child at Play
Date Taken: December 27, 2009
Camera: Canon EOS 400D

View more Christmas photos with the Magtoto family HERE.

december 2009 desktop calendar

With a number of photos from our Coron, Palawan escapade, I devoted my Sunday staring at each, thinking which one to use as my December desktop calendar. Calamian Islands Travel and Tours introduced us to various tourist destinations in Palawan. Recalling our vacation which happened last week, I asked myself which among those islands was on top of my list.


Without a doubt, my favorite spot would be the Black Island. Not because it was where Koh Lanta Palawan (Survivor France 2007) happened. Situated near Calauit Island, I loved Black Island because of its pristine water and its rich marine life. Add to that the mystery of the Black Island cave. I can still feel the coldness of the water when we swam in the cave. With that extraordinary experience, I chose this photo of me and my husband for my December 2009 desktop calendar.

the surprise coron, palawan vacation

It was March of this year when I planned and booked a 4-day surprise vacation for me and my husband. Our destination? The pristine Calamian Islands in Palawan. With the help of my 2 buddies from UP, I blocked the dates and kept mum about the trip.

You can just imagine how tormenting it was to keep the adventure from my husband for 8 months! Whenever I hear him mention the words travel, beach and island hopping, it was too difficult to shut my mouth. I couldn't even write about the vacation because he reads my blog. But I was successful! He only knew about my surprise for him exactly 4 days before we boarded the Cebu Pacific plane bound for Busuanga!


From the morning of November 27 until the afternoon of the 30th, we were lost in the beautiful islands around Coron. The whole time we were in that trip, made possible through Calamian Islands Travel and Tours, Gino and I were able to appreciate and love the Philippines more. It isn't surprising to know one of the islands was a venue for Survivor France in 2007 dubbed as Koh Lanta Palawan. No words can ever describe how pristine the place is. Palawan is truly a paradise.

Despite having cough and colds, I was in high spirits the duration of our vacation as I marveled at the beautiful islands of Palawan. Add to that my husband's indescribable joy. A detailed story shall be posted soon!

of cars and driving

After buying me my Canon dslr camera, my husband has been vocal about living a frugal life in the coming months. He wants to save up for a bigger expense which he hopes to happen late next year. So what is he obsessed about? That would be buying our own car! I love the idea of him saving up for it. He intends to buy just a sedan, but I prefer a pick-up for traveling purposes. To drive a maroon-colored Chevrolet Silverado won't hurt! It's big and bulky and is a good all-around truck conducive for a rough ride.

This early, I have reminded him to brush up on vehicle issues such as maintenance, auto repair and brake job. We are both clueless on this area so reading on it will be beneficial for us. I have heard friends discussing stuff such as brake pad, spark plug, exhaust and emission --- and I admit, my head spins whenever the pantry topic switches to that.

A friend who lives in Dallas, Texas recently bought her Ford SUV. The photos she has sent us leaves me green with envy because of 2 things: the liberty she enjoys as she confidently drives plus the knowledge and experience she is gaining on auto maintenance. She honestly tells me though, that she is still dependent on Dallas auto repair for major car issues. As for me, first-hand experience on driving will have to be put on hold. I'll have to be bookish for now as I read on stuff about cars and driving.

a simple act from forest club

It must be Forest Club's way of thanking me for promoting them on my blog. Giving back, they featured my post in their website too! There's nothing much to it, really, except that they linked back to my blog entry entitled Forest Club: An Earthly Terrain.

However simple this act is, I truly appreciate what the owners of Forest Club did. If you look at it, this small act works both ways. Travelers will get to read about my experience at the place which means more visitors in my blog. And at the same time, Forest Club gets a reliable endorsement. You may want to see this simple act HERE.

If all vacation destinations we visited give back to its guests like this, then we will definitely keep coming back to those places and promote them too, right?

forest club: an earthly terrain

A month before my mother-in-law's birthday, Gino and I thought of giving her a surprise birthday treat. We considered dinner at a fancy restaurant offering authentic Filipino cuisine. But then, that is not something out of the ordinary. We searched the internet and found this not so new tourist destination in the heart of Laguna. The next thing we knew, we were confirming our reservation for a daytour package for 6 adults and 1 child at Php525 per pax inclusive of 3 meals!

Gino and I loving the rainforest ambiance
at the Forest Club

The Forest Club is an earthly terrain found in Barangays Puypuy and Masaya in Bay, Laguna. A family owned resort, once you enter the gates of Forest Club, you will feel the warm Filipino hospitality with the way its staff welcome you. You will feel quite lost in the vast landscape with tall trees, abundant flowers in various hues and the sound of cascading water on the hot-spring pool.

My quiet moment by the hot-spring pool
with the sound of cascading water
from the man-made falls

The Forest Club has various activities for its guests depending on a group's needs. An ideal teambuilding venue, eco-adventure programs such as Survival, Trust and Field, Filipino and Pool games may be availed at a reasonable rate. Imagine facing your fear of heights by traversing a 10-foot high canopy walk. Or braving a mud-filled 25-meter long crawl course. How about testing your strength by pulling yourself at the bamboo raft floating on the 2-feet deep man-made lagoon?

Gino trying the bamboo raft

My mother-in-law had an incredible time at the Forest Club last weekend. It gave her another chance to bond with my mom. As we left the gates of this tourist venue from our daytour trip, we all had one and the same judgement for Forest Club: at a reasonable rate, the experience it provides its guests is world-class!

More photos HERE.

The Forest Club is found at Barangays Puypuy and Masaya in Bay Laguna, right after University of the Philippines in Los Banos. It is about a 2-hour travel time from Manila. To see instructions on how to get there by private or public transportation, click HERE. To know more about the Forest Club, visit their website HERE.

hippie mommies

It is amazing to have mothers like them --- spirited and passionate! Spirited because they gamely battled the mud-filled soil of Forest Club, oblivious of the fact that their once brightly-colored toenails turned into an ugly shade of brown. Passionate because of the enthusiasm seen through their eyes over the grand display of hued flowers, blooming plants and aged trees. In short, my mom and my mother-in-law are hippie mommies!

Mama and Nanay during one of their
bonding moments in Forest Club

It was a surprise birthday treat for my mother-in-law. Obviously, she was blown away with the daytour adventure we had in store for her. She did not expect such a rare surprise! But looking at this photo of her with my mom sitting at the poolside casita made me realize it was I who had the biggest surprise of my life! The realization of having 2 hippie mommies is amazing. They are my real gems!

the coffee farmhouse: a hushed sanctuary

Tucked in the outskirts of Tagaytay lies a hushed sanctuary unknown to many travelers. Located in Alfonso, Cavite, the Coffee Farmhouse is a laid-back destination that provides its guests a domestic and friendly setting. Owned by Bert and Bebet Arenal, the vast landscape was acquired by the retiring couple in 2002 as a vacation destination for the family. With friends and relatives constantly persuading them, Tito Bert and Tita Bebet finally decided to open the gates of the farm for explorers to experience serene days in the farmhouse.

Gino in his quiet moment by the hammock
(this would make a lovely flyer of the farm)

Blessed with lush coffee trees and flowering plants, the scenery itself in the Coffee Farmhouse casts a spell of tranquility to a tired and weary soul. It is a place where one would enjoy walking on the dew-filled grass while admiring colorful flowers spread out everywhere. Hammocks, age-old wooden benches and swings made from tree branches are found in various nooks for guests to rest, reflect and give praise to God. Outdoor and indoor activities for the able-bodied may be enjoyed too.

The dew-filled grass and the finer details
found in the Coffee Farmhouse

A very reasonable overnight rate at Php2,075 per head provides guests the use of adequate amenities and facilities. The rate is inclusive of 7 appealing buffet meals --- 3 snacks, lunch, dinner, breakfast and lunch the next day. With the abundant supply of coffee beans available in the farm, guests get to enjoy a warm cup of coffee anytime of the day.

Gino and I with Tito Bert Arenal

Above everything the Coffee Farmhouse offers, what separates them from the rest of vacation destinations is the homey feel the owners generously provide their guests. From picking you up in the main road of Tagaytay down to cooking your delightful meals, Tito Bert and Tita Bebet will be there to serve you with all humility.

More photos HERE.

The Coffee Farmhouse is located at #23 Palumlum-Matagbak Road -Brgy. Palumlum, Alfonso, Cavite, about 2-hour drive from Manila. To get there by public transportation, ride a van bound to Nasugbu via Tagaytay. The terminal is at the Starmall parking lot in Crossings, EDSA. Tell the driver to drop you off at Splendido. By private car, take Sta. Rosa exit in South Super Highway. Head straight to Tagaytay Rotonda. Familiar landmarks would be the Casino, Robinsons Mall, Mushroom Burger and Mendez Market. Stop by Splendido. From here, whether you have your car or commuting, Tito Bert will pick you up. For reservations, call 0928-5000599 or email thecoffeefarmhouse@gmail.com. Accomodations are as follows: daytour with buffet lunch, snacks and free use of facilities at Php725 per head, an overnight stay inclusive of 7 buffet meals, free use of facilities and room accomodation at Php2,075 per head. Both packages come with an overflowing cup of coffee. Visit their website HERE.

a quiet farmhouse

A domestic and friendly setting in a quiet farmhouse with a lush of coffee trees and flowering plants. That was how I described our weekend destination in my previous post. Now that my husband and I are back in the city after the overnight experience, would I describe it the same way? You bet I will!


The Coffee Farmhouse is our newest vacation discovery in the outskirts of Tagaytay. Located in Alfonso, Cavite, this farmhouse is a laid-back destination which makes you forget about the pressure attached to city living. Time will be the least of your priorities the minute you step in the farm as you are at a liberty to do whatever you want. Outdoor activities are made available to guests who enjoy physical games such as badminton, basketball, volleyball and swimming. Bikes and scooters may also be used. For mentally-stimulating activities, boardgames, billiards and darts may be tried. These varied activities offered by the Coffee Farmhouse make the place highly inviting to anyone who hopes to find a quick get-away from the city. Oh, and have I mentioned the bottomless coffee for their guests?

Hungry for a detailed account of our weekend stay in the Coffee Farmhouse? I am still sorting my thoughts and the several photos I took. A narrative journal will be up soon!

caught guilty

It was absolutely a perfect sight to see as my husband took joy in the powder-like sand of Camiguin's White Island. Like a child exploring his new discovery, Gino could not stop himself from playing as he would roll by the sand. Just like a child caught guilty of misbehaving, that was how he looked like when I took a photo of him!


Title of the Photo: Caught Guilty
Date Taken: July 7, 2007
Camera: Canon Powershot A530

post birthday celebration

Microsoft Excel deserves a standing ovation! My husband and I have finally decided where to go for my post birthday celebration. With the help of Excel, Gino compared 3 of our folksy destination choices.

A reasonable overnight accommodation rate. Adequate amenities and facilities. Appealing buffet meals. Homey and provincial feel. These considerations filled out 4 columns of our excel file which he labeled as Post Birthday Celebration. Was it helpful? 101% it sure was!

So where are we headed on August 29-30? It is very near Tagaytay. This laid-back destination is situated somewhere in Alfonso, Cavite. It's a quiet farmhouse with a lush of coffee trees and flowering plants. Gino and I are counting the days until our toes touch its domestic and friendly setting. Until then, let me leave you wondering of this new intimate discovery of ours!

vacation destination

A couple of months before our second wedding anniversary, Gino and I had to brainstorm on things we had to consider in choosing a vacation destination. Three A's were taken into consideration --- accommodation, amenities and activities. Among the shortlist of vacation rental locations made available in the internet, the cozy ambiance Balay Indang offers won our hearts. Its main house filled with colors and fine details is shown in the photo below.

Vacation is what you take
when you can't take
what you've been taking any longer.
-Anonymous

Title of the Photo: Vacation Destination
Date Taken: May 02, 2009
Camera: Canon Digital Ixus 80 IS

survivor israel in caramoan

Caramoan, a secluded paradise off Camarines Sur, has attracted every corner of the world after it was first featured in the Survivor French edition. After several months, the Bulgarians conquered the island next. Finally, curious of what the paradise truly offers, Survivor Israel has shot their own version of the reality show at the Caramoan Peninsula.

The shoot was conducted during the scorching heat of the summer months from March to April with a production cost amounting to a whooping $7 million. Survivor Israel brought in the Caramoan island 25 castaways plus a hundred-plus production crew. So what did the Philippines get from this reality show, aside from the world-wide exposure? Locals were asked to support the crew, with about 80 Filipinos coming from Manila and close to 200 native Bicolanos getting hired during the duration of the project. Now that's tourism at its finest, employing Filipinos while showcasing the country's vast and rich landscape.

Watching that interesting teaser above, my feet begins to feel itchy. It makes me want to drag my husband and friends to the island and have our very own survivor Caramoan experience!

Trivia: Survivor Israel will be shown (not in the Philippines) on October 2009. It shall be called Survivor Philippines, the first time ever for the show's season to be named after the host country.

UPDATE (July 28, 2009): As of press time, Youtube has deleted the teaser video.

an attempt of food photography

Amazed at how professionals artistically create mouth-watering photos, I have always wanted to try Food Photography myself. Armed with a point-and-shoot Canon Digital Ixus camera and a little amount of confidence at my photography skill, below is what I have on my first attempt on food photography. These are chosen photos from the buffet meal served to me and my husband in Balay Indang.




Here are 6 of the general tips I have read on food photography, some of which I forgot to consider.

1. Choose a setting that doesn't distract you from the food. Use a plain background.
2. Experiment and rotate the camera --- take shots from the top, left and right angle.
3. Zoom your lens and come closer to your subject to magnify details.
4. Use the rule-of-thirds to make the photo more interesting.
5. Take photos of colorful meals, forget about dull and earth-colored food.
6. Shoot and snap! Enjoy the shoot and take lots of it!

So there goes my first attempt on food photography. Would you be kind enough to give me some feedback? Oh, by the way, see how I made my watermark on the photos? I love it!

balay indang: a cozy retreat

Leaves playfully falling on the ground during daytime and cricket sounds filling the air at nighttime. I would call these nature sounds as beautiful music and only people who visit Balay Indang gets to experience it. This kind of music is what makes Balay Indang a cozy retreat to an overworked individual. With cabanas and hammocks beautifully arranged in the garden, you would naturally find your spot and take a breather in this soothing landscape.


An impressive array of interior with fine details will greet you as you enter the dining hall and its kitchen. Imagine the wall filled with mirrors in various sizes and designs. Imagine the dining hall ceiling covered with an oversized native banig, a large mirror and Christ's Last Supper. While you lose track of time admiring the fine interiors, Balay Indang's amiable staff tells you it's meal time. In this very same dining hall, a tummy-filling set of sumptuous buffet meals is served on 5 occasions --- lunch, afternoon snacks, dinner, breakfast and morning snacks.


Just after dinner, it feels relaxing to go for a cold swim at the pool. With the stars watching over you, you would feel safe and at ease. You would naturally feel tired after a few swimming laps and would wish to retire in your bedroom. Just the sight of its clean bedsheets and rustic interiors makes you want to run to dreamland. With a well thought of interior, the room is amazingly big. The bathroom, designed with stones, unfinished flooring and white curtains, you would wonder if you're really in a bathroom. As you lie in bed, you would eventually ask yourself why you discovered this place of cozy retreat just now.


More photos HERE.

Balay Indang is located at Indang, Cavite, about 2-hour drive from Manila. By public transportation, you may reach it by going to Tagatay Rotonda. From there, ride a jeepney with a signage that says Indang. Tell the driver to drop you off at Balay Indang (also known as otso-otso). By private transportation, take Sta. Rosa exit in South Super Highway. Head straight to Tagaytay Rotonda. Familiar landmarks would be the Casino, Robinsons Mall and Mushroom Burger. When you see Mendez Avenue, turn right. When you reach the dead end, turn right again and drive until you see Balay Indang on our left. You won't get lost, just look for a big wooden gate with the number 88. For reservations, call 0917-8374261 and look for Sonia or Marge. Accomodations are as follows: daytour with buffet lunch and free use of facilities at Php550 per head, an overnight stay inclusive of 5 buffet meals, free use of facilities and room accomodation at Php2,400 per head.

piece of heaven

It was the most peaceful and undisturbed weekend spent in a secret garden off the corner of Tagaytay in Indang, Cavite. I am referring to Balay Indang, a piece of heaven that puts you on a spell of calmness. The very second your foot steps on its soft soil, you know you are in for heaven's unruffled way of life.

Hubby & I in the lobby of Balay Indang's main house

Much as I want to narrate to you a detailed account of our anniversary weekend, I can only share a general description as of this time. We have bags that need to be unpacked and a load of photos begging to be viewed. For the moment, I hope the photo above makes you anticipate a comprehensive journal of our piece of heaven experience in Balay Indang!

quiet and rustic Balay Indang

Countryside. Quiet. Rustic. Spacious. Greenery. Convenient. Not really in order, but these were the things we had to consider as we looked for the-to-go-place for our anniversary weekend.


We've researched. We've made reservations. We've packed our things. Now, we're off for a hush weekend in a quiet and rustic home right at the corner of Tagaytay. Balay Indang, here we go!