Destination Diary: Zamboanga del Sur

If you’re looking for a quick escape that’s still close to Zamboanga City for the year-end, Zamboanga del Sur is the best choice. Only about six hours away from the city, this itinerary is a two-day, one-night escape that’s very accessible and enjoyable for a family on a quick road trip.

Eriberta Spring Resort, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur

1. Stop By Eriberta Spring Resort in Mahayag 

Now this is an understated jewel in the region. Located in Mahayag, Eriberta is owned by a family friend. Only an hour away from Pagadian, it’s set to be a go-to destination for people who want to unplug from city life. Because there’s weak signal for most telecoms in the area, it’s a great place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Mini Falls in Eriberta Spring Resort

Accommodations are very affordable at only Php 800 for a cottage that can be occupied by 2-4 persons. Entrance fees are at only Php 50 per person. There’s a restaurant that can take orders which is very convenient for breakfast with a basic selection and instant coffee.

On February 14, the Infinity Pool and newer cottages shall start accepting guests that can accommodate up to 100 persons. However, reservations should be made two weeks in advance especially during the summer.

Mini clear pools in Eriberta Spring Resort

Most guests were Chavacano, because it’s really nearby and a good choice for a stopover on the way to Cagayan de Oro, especially during the year-end.

Mini Waterfalls in Eriberta Spring Resort, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur

If you’re someone who wants to unplug, go to Eriberta and experience the cold water spring to rejuvenate your tired body and soul from all the year’s activities. The trip will be worth it.

Eriberta has some fun stories for us, ranging from scary to the plain crazy. As for us, we’ve found another stopover and maybe we will be back before you know it. 

2. Dine at the Vine Cafe in Molave

After all the swimming and soaking, we decided to explore the rest of the area and get in touch with civilization (areas within cellular coverage), and came across Vine Café and Bed and Breakfast.

It has eleven fully furnished rooms and a café and bar on the ground floor, which is also an events place for the young. The establishment was also popularized by travel vlogger Kulas of Becoming Filipino. The interiors reflect a cozy bed and breakfast, and there’s a wide menu for meals and snacks too.  We ordered mostly comfort food and heavy meals, so that wound us up for our next stop. 

3. Experience the Christmas Icons Lights Display in Tangub Plaza

Maybe it was curiosity that led us to Tangub, but it was still a worthwhile stop during the evening. The city plaza has become an attraction for families who want to look at the Christmas Icons Lights Display. It is an annual display where replicas of popular monuments around the globe are arranged, decked with lights making beautiful showcases at night.

A walkable replica of the Cascada Monumenta

The replica is made of Capiz Shells

Capiz shells were used in the walk-in replica of Cascada Monumenta 

Each display charges an entrance fee, ranging from Php 10 to Php 20 depending on the size of the display. We spent a lot of time in the tulip garden display which mimicked the thousand roses display in Cebu.

Replica of a Holland flower garden with lit flowers

After walking around and admiring the displays, there are vendors selling cotton candy and peanuts and a corner offering meals and barbecue. 

All in all, it was a good time spent with my family and a road trip where memories were made. Plus, more stories to tell. I’m leaving you with a few reminders and observations too and greeting you all a Happy New Year! Here’s to more adventures in 2020! Thank you for your continued support!

Reminders:

• When taking photos inside the displays, be mindful of taking turns and respect elders. Don’t destroy the display just for the ‘gram.

• Be responsible travelers by disposing of trash properly and being courteous to those who you meet.

• Bring cash with you, not all establishments and vendors accept cards. Small denominations are convenient. 

Note: All input is based on my personal experiences in Zamboanga del Sur. This is in no way, a sponsored post.

*Photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A50.

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My New Year’s Resolutions 2015 Edition

Eventful.

 

That’s how I would describe 2014 as it comes to a close.

 

I’ve had some ups and downs. I’ve dealt with too much especially during the second half of the year, and it tested my patience to no ends. But I figured, it’s getting out of my comfort zone and doing a little sacrifice that will define where I will be in the years to come. If it is for the fulfillment of my ambition, then so be it.

 

But I’ve had emotional blows, even unnecessary comments coming from people whom I expected to support me and yet all I got was... meh

 

Still, there is a reason why I am moving on. And so, here are my resolutions for 2015 and may the Year of the Sheep be gentler to me.

 

1.       Consume Only The Good (What’s good for the mind and body)

 

On the more obvious side, I would want to stick to only organic products and highlight them. I am making a conscious effort to live a healthier and greener lifestyle. On the other hand, I have the choice to believe what I want to believe. I can feed my mind and body with positivity and not let the negatives get to me in any way, no matter who they’re coming from. Which leads me to....

 

2.       Learn To Say No

 

Because people around me know that I like to be kept busy and that they can play up my contributions, I am now aware that I have the power to say no. Many times this year I have been approached and asked to do things that didn’t even benefit me or the direction in which I would like to take. In short, it all meant wasted time. But I learned to choose my priorities and the people who are really close to me.

 

3.       Keep Moving, Keep Going

 

This applies both ways. I have to physically keep moving and to keep going so that I am not affected by the negativity that comes my way. Sure, everybody around me is entitled to be an expert, but after they have said their piece, that’s done and I learn to move on. I have relatives who apparently have an opinion on everything, and sometimes it is just a reflection on how unhappy they are in their lives. I keep these thoughts to myself of course, because I don’t want to appear arrogant, but the aura overflows from their pores.

 

For the record, I pretty much stuck to last year’s resolutions. There were only two of them and I’m proud to say that I stuck with them:

 

Save Up- I’m now smarter when it comes to handling finances and I saved up! Better to start early. Money has to be earned and a portion of it saved for the rainy days. The spending portion has to be budgeted.  

 

Do Some Art- this one was easy and I’m still doing some now. I have transitioned from colored pens to paper cut-outs and now I have a set of acrylic paints to go crazy over. It’s my therapy.

 

But this year I made new friends and gained new experiences and also discovered that I have a meaningful ability and vocation where I am good at. I am also able to thrive very well in a place of my own, and it only goes to show that I can do well when I leave the nest.

 

For 2015, I know that I am going to overcome really big challenges like never before. If I want to go places, I know that I have to adjust and that I have to give my best shot it securing qualifications that mean something to me. I know that I have to go after my dreams and not someone else’s image of what success looks like. I can be happy.

What are your resolutions for 2015? How was 2014 for you?

January Hauls, Bits and Pieces

The first month of the year, I thought I had enough time to wrap things up and take it slow, but it's not what I expected. I'm currently going after my personal goals and realized that it takes courage to do all the things I really want and that I have to trust in myself.  It's really no use holding on to the things that weight me down when I want to fly. 2013 was a year of hits and misses, but at least I am mature to realize what I should be prioritizing and what I should be accomplishing this year. My goals may be difficult but still doable.

Starting the year, it's all a mixture of re-energizing and indulging in comfort (as you can see in photos of my favorite food) and the things that I enjoy. Throughout this week I was kind of feeling pressured, but now, I feel relieved and encouraged somehow. I find strength in the least expected places and I am glad to know that there are people who truly value me as a person.

There will be more to come here in my corner, albeit I struggle to find time to let you know what's happening with me so far, but I'm still going to make it a point to come back on every now and then.

From me to you, thank you for making my time here truly memorable.

xoxo

Raisie

Kung Hei Fa Tsai

So after distributing tikoy to my non-Chinese colleagues, I had to give out a sigh and wondered what I was doing in the studio so early this Monday morning. Because it's Chinese New Year today, every body else is on holiday, (thanks to a President with Chinese roots, we now observe 3 New Years) except for our firm. Being in the media profession has its ups and downs. But there are definitely opportunities which cannot be found elsewhere.

So I'm away from my family this morning, for the second Chinese New Year in a row (last year I was out of town on assignment) and facing the computer. But 2012 promises a good year for those born in the Year of the Dragon, in all aspects (mine being 1988). But the Water Dragon has started its work already, with the city most of the time being drenched in rain. However, I'm grateful that it's not always hot here. I've learned to appreciate the rain as a heavenly blessing.

I've got tons to do so maybe I will continue blogging after I complete the script which is needed tomorrow for the morning taping. (So help me, Lord.)

One more thing, I'm halfway with my book, The Onion Girl by Charles de Lint and I might finish it this week. To everybody, Happy New Year.

Kung Hei Fa Tsai!