Batagaytay Trip

The family took advantage of the long weekend, and decided to have a short trip away from the city. We initially wanted to go to the beach. And Batangas seemed the closest place from Manila to unwind.



After an overnight hunt to find a beach resort with reasonable price range, we ended up at Bernabeach Resort. Our travel time took about three to four hours. Sadly, due to the holiday, there was unbearable traffic along the way. Nonetheless, we still had a great time. The resort was not grand. It only had one big enough pool for all guests. But it was still a satisfying place to relax, even only for a day. We spent the whole afternoon swimming, after having our late lunch. It was also our little angel's first time to swim. So it was memorable for everyone of us.






The next day, we visited Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church. I had been to the place before. But it was nice having a silent moment of prayer on a Sunday. Along the way, we bought so many plants and flowers. There were so many beautiful shops in the road, you would not be able to resist buying them.




Before we finally took the road back to Manila, we dropped by at one of the branches of the famous Bag of Beans restaurant. The place, not surprising, was full of people. Their food was glorious. I definitely understood why most travel for hours just to eat here. The ambiance was really cozy. And their pretty interior made the dining experience even better.



We arrived home quite late—again, because of the traffic. There were many closed roads due to the APEC summit held here in the Philippines. It was still nice to have a short break after so many months. The view was always satisfying.



PHOTOS: iPhone // Credits to Jam

READ MORE

The Pinto Experience

Finally. The family and I were able to visit the famous Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo. And it was definitely worth the long wait, and the long weekend.

The museum was filled with people, though. Good for business. Bad for me. I would have taken better photos—even if I was only using my phone—if there weren't too many people crowding every corner. But it is expected, anyway. Because 1) it's the holiday; and 2) with its exquisiteness, it's really no wonder people flock into this place.



Currently run by the Silangan Foundation for the Arts, Culture, and Ecology, Pinto is owned by art enthusiast and neurologist Dr. Joven Cuanang. Its gate was first opened to the public in 2010. Since then, it gained widespread attention on the internet, and attracted over a thousand visitors.

In a local online newspaper, Museum Manager Mikey Blanco, said the owner shared his private collection of artworks to the public in order to give them the opportunity to better appreciate art and culture.




The art sanctuary is built on a 1.2 hectare property, composed of 7 art galleries. The whole afternoon may actually not be enough to explore the place. But wherever you go, you will surely be left in awe. Because aside from the obvious reason that it displays beautiful artworks, Pinto, further appeal to masses because of its southwestern-like architecture and natural garden surroundings.




The moment you walk into its entrance until you reach the very last gallery, Pinto failed not to pleasure the eyes and the minds of its visitors. Filled with various contemporary masterpieces, and indigenous arts from local artisans, its overwhelming beauty is truly worth the attention it's getting.




Pinto also knows that a lot of walking drains energy. So while taking a break, you can still enjoy the view and dine in Cafe Tan-Aw by Peppermill. They offer a variety of cuisines from pizza, pastas, desserts, burgers, to Japanese favorites. I was starved, I was not able to take photographs of all the food we ordered. But I assure you, their food satisfies the senses.

The experience is definitely priceless. You don't only get to discover local artists, but you get to enjoy the beauty of nature as well. With a full, satisfied stomach too!

Expansion of the galleries is already underway. So expect more visual and intellectual treats when you visit.





Pinto Art Museum is located along Sierra Madre Street in Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo City. It's open Tuesdays through Sundays, from nine to six. Regular ticket costs 180 pesos. While entrance fee for senior citizens and PWDs is 150 pesos. And children and students with valid IDs for only 100 pesos. For tour schedules and more details, visit their official Facebook page.

(c)

READ MORE