Lipa resort – ancore!

Our little one woke up almost as soon as I was ready to get outside.

Those purple flowers open each morning then close in the evening. Do you know what they’re called?

The ‘mountain cat’ welcomed us the previous night and greeted us in the morning. Kitty lingered until we checked out.

When our little one was told that lumpiang shanghai (spring rolls) weren’t available, the threenager replied, “No problem.” The restaurant manager smiled.

The breakfast didn’t sit well with our little guy’s tummy but that didn’t stop us from having a great day still!

We explored the Pueblo del Amor field and gathered dried leaves for our online playgroup that Thursday.

Mt. Malarayat paints a picturesque venue for team building or family outdoor exercises.

*Makahiya* or Touch Me Not plant. Various studies show these are medicinal.

Nature has a way of inspiring us to be a better version of ourselves. It invites one to slow down and reflect on the things that really matter.

Pueblo del Amor not only inspired and recharged me; it reminded me of the kind of adventures I’d like our family to have. I’d surely love to go back.

I remember it like it was only yesterday: our first-ever quick getaway – on our own – as a family of 3.

It took me several days to prepare our luggage for a 3D2N stay. When you have a toddler, it’s “better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it,” as my sister would say.

I found the property on GoogleMaps and made reservations thru their FB/Messenger. I booked 1 cabina (w/ free breakfast for 2) for Wed-Fri and availed of their discounted off-peak rates.

Wednesday: Helpful people

Kuya Allan, our favorite iDol Taxi driver, picked us up from our sunshine home and dropped us off at the resort.

Safe ride from Batangas City to any point in Region 4A/Calabarzon.

We were late for check-in but it was hassle-free. Shortly after paying for our accommodation, we were ushered in to the Bonifacio Cabina.

We moved the three beds together to make a huuuuge one.

Unfortunately, my OC tendencies failed me. We missed the in-resort restaurant (they were open only until 5pm). And I forgot hubby’s swimming gear!

We had a few minutes before sundown to explore and take a few photos.

Hubby thought it will be safer if he left us in the cabina while he searched the vicinity for food and water. I felt otherwise so I insisted that our son and I tag along.

The sun was setting and we were getting hungrier by the minute. Signal was weak, foodpanda was unavailable. We waited by the gate of the resort for public transportation. Zero. We started walking.

Then… God.

God sent help. An angel – a tricycle (or trike) driver – passed by and took us to a water refilling station. It was closed but the people were kind enough to sell us 5 gallons of mineral water in a blue jerrycan with faucet.

Kuya trike driver also took us to an area of the neighborhood where food was sold. Hubby got cooked rice, lechon manok, lechon liempo and pinakbet. Thankfully, there was also an Alfa Mart, so we bought 7 liters of Wilkins Distilled Water for our little one.

In my short chat with Kuya trike driver, I learned that he was a barangay police. He was actually on his way home when he saw us. He could’ve simply said “No” when my husband waved at him but he went out of his way and asked how he can help us.

It was dark by the time we returned to the resort. We blessed Kuya trike driver as he went back to his family. We DIY-ed our way to dine al fresco on a moonlit night.

Then…I found out I forgot to pack our eating utensils! Thankfully, Tatay Cito, Pueblo’s caretaker, lent us some. He also helped us connect to the resort’s internet.

After tidying up and a quick man-to-man talk between hubby and our little one, lights out.

Thursday: No problem!

There’s nothing better than waking up to a reminder that God is always there for you, ready to help when you need it. Beholding the wonders of His creation is an added bonus.