Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Zoobic Safari Adventure Park

For his second birthday, we threw a small party for my nephew at home so he can blow candles and we can decorate the house with balloons for him to pop and play with. It was mostly family, close friends and neighbors who attended his merienda party. Since that same weekend coincided with the Chinese New Year Holiday (no school for me), the family drove him all the way to Subic so he can see the animals up close and personal. Because unlike most kids nowadays, my nephew loves watching the National Geographic more than the Disney channel.


Probably the most-visited spot in Subic Bay Freeport, Zoobic Safari has a total land area of twenty five hectares that serves as a natural habitat for exotic,wild and semi-domesticated animals.





Zoobic Safari is divided into 11 attractions so make sure to go in the morning so you'll have the entire day to explore the place at your own pace:

  • Zoobic Park A two-hectare forest wherein guests will have a mini-trekking experience to see exotic, wild and semi-domesticated animals in their simulated natural habitat. Have the wonderful chance to pet and feed these wonderful animals - parakeets, bear cats, camels to name a few.

  • Savannah A sanctuary of the wild that features a wide range of ostriches, potbellies, wild boars, and guinea fowls.

  • Serpentarium Get inside an old ammunition bunker where you will see a showcase of various species of reptiles like snakes, lizards and  turtles.

  • Rodent World Features an amazing collection of rodents. Be amazed in Mice Surprise area and you may even see some guinea pigs being groomed in the Rodent Salon.

  • Animal MuZOOeum A rare collection of real stuffed animals, bone collections and preserved animal skin.

  • Close Encounter A facility that allows one to take a close look at our Siberian-Bengal tigers only 2 feet away!

  • Tiger Safari Hold on to your seats as you enter a two-hectare enclosed area aboard our customized Safari Jeep and experience the thrill of being chased by full-grown tigers on the loose! 

  • Bird Walk Experience feeding the parakeets/love birds on the palm of your hand. Lovely!

  • Aetas' Trail Have a glimpse of the beauty of our Native Aeta Brothers' culture as they perform some of their traditional dances.

  • Croco Loco  Have the chance to feed our crocodiles!  Just dangle a chicken tied to a bamboo pole and see how high they can jump to get your treat!

  • Zoobic Cave and Forbidden Cave Bunkers used by the Americans before which were converted to house preserved/stuffed animals, animal robotics and an array of surprises. Watch out what you’ll see as you walk through the Forbidden Cave’s suspension bridges! -Source







My nephew had a blast watching the parade and animal show featured only during weekends and holidays every 1030H, 1330H and 1500H. I suggest getting a seat nearest to the stage so you can have a better view of the amazing show they have in store for everyone.
















Day Tour Entrance Rate:

Php495    -     Adult
Php395    -     Kids 4 ft. and below
Free        -     Kids 3 ft. and below

Note:  Purchase tickets online to avail 10% discount

Optional add-on for a more memorable experience:

Zooper Train - Php50/person
Animal Food Basket - Php100 (Zoobic Park)
Chicken - Php200 (Tiger Safari Ride), Php50 (Croco Loco)
Sky Safari (Zipline) - Php199/person
GirafZ Ride (Segway) - Php199/person
3D Movie (15 minutes) - Php69/person

~o~o~o~

Zoobic Safari Adventure Park
Group I Ilanin Forest
Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines
Tel.: (63929) 707-2222

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Shower of Snow at Camp John Hay's Christmas Village

Christmas in February? Why not!

This is a long overdue post, two months to be exact, but I figured that since it's not everyday that I get to experience snow and snowfall in the Philippines is next to impossible, I'm sharing this in high hopes of a bigger and better Christmas Village this year. I actually first heard of the artificial snow in Camp John Hay from my classmate who traveled to Baguio City back in November.




Entrance fee is Php80.00 for adults and Php40.00 for kids aged 4 to 12 years old (children below 4 is free of charge). Just be prepared to wait for your turn to get inside since they limit the number of visitors to avoid overcrowding. If the snow experience is what you came here for, make sure to go during the daily scheduled fall: 1030H, 1230H, 1500H and the best time between 1900H and 2000H when there's a shower of snow every 15 minutes.




The chilly weather that night made us fancy for some hot tea and delectable dessert. And since we usually associate Baguio with fresh strawberries, all restaurants we went to recommended Strawberry Shortcake as their bestseller including Everything Nice Cake Shop and Cafe, a home-grown restaurant serving Filipino and Western dishes.




Snow (or more like bubble shower) and sweet hot tea with delicious dessert in 16-degree weather -- it was definitely a night to remember!

~o~o~o~

Everything Nice Cake Shop and Cafe
Baguio-Ayala Land Technohub
Mile Hi, Sheridan Drive, Camp John Hay
Baguio City, Philippines
Tel.: (63917) 506-2614

Friday, February 14, 2014

Love > Distance


We may be thousands of miles apart today but it was never a hindrance for you to make me happy and feel very special. Thank you for the much-desired pampering, just what I needed to recuperate my tired mind and body ♥ ♥ ♥


All of Me by John Legend

What would I do without your smart mouth
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down

What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright

My head's underwater
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you

How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood

You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing in my head for you

My head's underwater
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you

Give me all of you
Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it's hard

Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you
I give you all of me
And you give me all of you

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Jack's Grand View Hotel, Baguio

"The room must be clean and comfortable and hot water in the shower is a must."

I thought we would be spending more than half of our budget on accommodation because the requirements specified would instantly mean that we need to stay in at least a 3-star hotel that commands a minimum of Php3500 per night on a weekend stay. As I was browsing the internet, I came across Jack's Grand View Hotel, a relatively new hotel in Baguio City with a lot of potential.



The drive to the hotel is mostly steep uphill (thank goodness I'm not driving!) and quite far from the main road, away from the traffic noise and pollution. Save for the smell that emanates from the kitchen, it was love at first sight the moment we stepped inside the hotel.




We got the deluxe room for Php2,500 per room per night (inclusive of breakfast for two) located on the second floor of the building. If you're traveling with your parents who have difficulties taking the stairs, I suggest getting a hotel with an elevator or has rooms on the ground floor. The steps from the parking to the lobby is an effort as it is then you have to climb another batch of stairs to your room which makes it not very elderly-friendly.


Our room was pretty basic with a comfortable double bed, an LCD television with limited cable channels that they probably forgot to hang on the wall and most importantly, a working hot shower! It was impossible to take a bath or even brush you teeth with almost freezing water since it was mostly 16 degrees when we were in Baguio.



But hey, that was the main reason why we chose to drive all the way there in the first place. And so I can wear my jacket, scarves and boots that's been stored in my closet for months!


~o~o~o~

Jack's Grand View Hotel
58 Montinola Subdivision, Kisad Road
Baguio City, Philippines
Tel.: (6374) 422-0638

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Khay's Desserts and Cafe


I arrived 30 minutes earlier for my appointment since we only had a seminar to attend to that Saturday morning in school. And because I already ate brunch with my classmates, I thought of looking for a dessert place where I can wait and satisfy my sweet cravings at the same time.

As I was going around the mall, I saw this ridiculously cute place called Khay's Desserts and Cafe.





Since I was the only customer that time, I was able to snap photos of Khay's dainty cafe. One will instantly fell in love with the freshly-baked and gorgeous-looking cupcakes neatly stored in the glass cake display cabinet. Did I mention that the entire cafe smells so good too?


What a brilliant Valentine's Day gift idea!


A bouquet of cake pops that will surely put a smile on your lovey's face!


I asked the staff at the counter which of the cupcakes is their bestseller and she recommended for me to try either Salty Albert (Chocolate Cake frosted with Dark Chocolate Ganache topped with Rock Salt) or Little Red Riding Hood (Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese frosting).



Little Red Riding Hood - Php75.00

I decided to go for the Red Velvet Cupcake since it had been too long since I ate one. I had high expectations with all the build up from the friendly staff but after one tiny bite (it was too pretty to eat), I knew my choice was wrong because it was too sweet! I like my frosting more on the cheesy side than all sweetness that its like eating sugar bite after bite.


Lychee and Peach Tea - Php75.00

Is it just me or everything tastes better with dainty cups and mason jars?


Just for the pretty chairs and friendly staff, I will be back to give Khay's another try. And this time, for the ultimate bonding experience with my girl friends -- Afternoon Tea with all the works!

~o~o~o~

Khay's Desserts and Cafe
The District Ayala Mall
4103 Imus, Cavite, Philippines
Tel.: (6346) 543-0573
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