Palmridge Private Resort in Pansol, Calamba, Laguna

For me, nothing beats the pleasure and comfort of staying in a private place while having the benefit of swimming in a pool reserved only for your family’s exclusive use. That is why I love the private hot spring resorts in Laguna. For our most recent Laguna escapade, we chose to celebrate my mother in law’s birthday at the Palmridge Private Resort. Palmridge Resort is one of those private hot spring resorts that can be rented in Pansol, Laguna. Palmridge, however, has a pavilion that can hold up to 100 guests, making them a good pick for parties like birthdays, weddings, baptismal, or just a plain family get-together.

Here are Palmridge’s facilities which I truly like:
1. Bedrooms - The resort has 3 fully air-conditioned bedrooms. Each has its own toilet and bath.
2. Pavilion - Like I said, it’s ideal for parties! There are also round tables and monoblock chairs (free to use) to complete your party needs.

3. Swimming Pool – Their hot spring adult and kiddie pool are both facing the pavilion. No one will be left out in the scene and parents need not worry about their children’s safety while swimming in the pool.

4. Kitchen, Grilling Station, and a Refrigerator - very clean I must say!

5. Secured Parking – a must, especially if you’re not certain on parking outside the resort. By the way, Palmridge parking area can accommodate up to 2-3 cars.

6. Karaoke – unlimited use of Karaoke and very up-to-date list of songs available.

I had a chance to meet Mr. Eric, the owner of the resort. He told me that it used to be their family’s vacation retreat before they open it to public. No wonder it was well-kept, well-maintained, and elegantly designed. I kept telling Mr. Eric how we loved their Mediterranean inspired villa and how perfect it was for our planned party. Everyone in our family admired their private resort. I guess, this is the best private resort we’ve been to in the hot spring resort town of Pansol in Calamba City.

Palmridge Private Resort is located in Purok 1, Bgy. Pansol, Calamba City, Laguna. For their latest rate, you may get in touch with Mr. Eric at (+63) 917-500 1141 or (049) 8332084. You may also drop them an e-mail at rice_elz@yahoo.com.

How to get to Palmridge Private Resort:
Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Exit through Calamba toll gate, turn right at the last stretch of the SLEX until you arrive in Calamba Town proper. At the crossing or Rotonda, turn right (landmark – Chowking). Go straight through the main road / hi-way. You will pass by two railroad tracks. Look out for nearby landmarks like Batis ng Makiling and Luisa Ridge Resort. When you see the establishments, you are already in Pansol. Watch out for Barreto Elementary School on the right side of the road. Further down the road, turn right at the corner of Wonder Spring Resort. Now, follow the direction in this map:

Related Post:
A Laguna Private Pool Party (Celebrating Mama Cel's 60th Birthday)
Laguna Hot Spring Resorts

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A Laguna Private Pool Party (Celebrating Mama Cel's 60th Birthday)

As you may have noticed, I seldom publish a new post for this blog for like few weeks already. There are a lot of events I let pass like the very first Nuffnang-sponsored movie premier of Burn After Reading and the invitation to the sneak peak of Dinos Alive World Tour. How I wish I have more than 24 hours each day. I missed a lot of things lately because my day job has been very demanding and hectic that often times, I have to stay late in the office and work on weekends. I love writing and updating Pinoy Lakwatsa but honestly, I was just too tired (and sleepy) when I get home. On top of this, I have been busy co-organizing a very special party for my dearest mother in law’s 60th Birthday on November 22.

The venue, Palmridge Private Resort, is a charming place to celebrate your private parties

First of all, the party was planned to be a surprise. Mama Cel has no idea of what would really transpire on this day. All we tell her is we’re going to Tagaytay to dine in one of the restaurants there. Without her knowing, me and my sisters in law, who were both in Baguio, secretly arranged a party which will be held in a private resort in Laguna. There have been lots of good choices for a private resort, but I just thought that Palmridge Private Resort is the ideal venue for our plan. Palmridge is big enough to accommodate our family and guests who by the way will also stay overnight in the resort with us.

The birthday celebrant, Mrs. Cecilia Guevara - amiable, kind-hearted person and a doting mother

As early as 7:30 in the morning, Paul and I left home to fetch our neighbor guests, pick-up most of the food, and set-up the place with flowers and balloons.

My sisters in law, all set for the pool party

Kids enjoying the hot spring pool all day.

It was a weekend filled with laughter, tears of happiness, eating, drinking, playing, swimming, and singing. I finally got to recharge myself from all the stress I have been experiencing lately. And most of all, I was in high spirits to see my dear mother in law, and the rest of the family having so much fun last weekend.

Happy 60th Birthday Mama, We love You!
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Spying Over Burn After Reading

Nuffnang, Asia's First Blog Advertising Community, will be having its very first movie premiere entitled Burn After Reading on November 18, 2008 at the Robinson Movie World, Robinsons Galleria.

Honestly, after learning that the movie will feature none other than Brad Pitt and George Clooney, I was like a bit confused if this is a sequel to Ocean’s series. I mean, I will be more than excited if it’s really a follow-up to one of my favorite movies of all time.

But no, it’s a totally different film. Burn After Reading is a 2008 comedy movie written, produced, and directed by brothers Joel and Ethan Coen. The first film to follow their Academy Award winning picture No Country for Old Men. Aside from Pitt and Clooney, the movie also stars John Malkovich, Tilda Swinston, and Frances McDormand.

If there’s one reason why I would go and see this film, it’s definitely because of Pitt and Clooney. I’m crazy about their tandem and I’d like to see both of them in different roles aside from the one they play in Ocean’s. Let’s see, if I don’t get to see the movie premiere with my fellow Nuffnangers, we’ll definitely find ways to watch the world’s Sexiest Men in the Funniest Spy Film of the Year - Burn After Reading!

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Tagaytay City: Another Popular Tourist Destination

Every time we have a foreign consultant or colleague coming to visit our Manila office, they normally make it a point to include at least a day of sight seeing tour in their itinerary. And what else could be the most pleasant city to explore when time and location is a constraint? Nothing else but Tagaytay City.

Tagaytay City is considered as the Philippines’ most popular tourist destination because of its accessibility from Manila. Due to its high altitude (688 meters above sea level), the city is blessed with a very crisp and cool climate. No wonder it is now considered as the second Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City being the first of course.

Tagaytay City is most famous for its panoramic views of the Taal Volcano which is located in Batangas. Considered to be the world’s smallest but most active, the volcano is situated in an island within a lake called Taal Lake.

If you will be visiting Tagaytay, make sure not to miss seeing the breathtaking view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. There are so many available sites to have a panoramic view of this scenery. Palace / People’s Park in the Sky, Taal Vista Hote, Picnic Grove are among the places that offer the best view of Taal.

If you want a closer encounter though, a lot of locals there offer a round trip boat journey to Taal Volcano (approximately 20 each way). You can easily find them because they always hold a sign which says “Boat Trip to Taal Volcano”. They normally charge P1200-P1500 (depending on how good you haggle) for renting the entire boat already.

Aside from providing the best view for Taal Volcano, this city is also popular for its picnic spots, fruit plantations, flower farms, delectable restaurants, retreat houses, resorts and private gardens, bed and breakfast, golf clubs and casino facilities.

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Manila Zoo: Animals in Despair

It was one lazy Saturday morning. I have nothing to do, so I asked my husband if he could drive me to some place where I could shoot some pictures to enhance my skills in Photography. I’m thinking of a place which is not expensive, very near our residence, and most of all, a site that has lots of good subject for my photo shoot . Beside, I only need an hour or two as I also want to immediately come back home and work on some articles for my blog.

Well, we ended up revisiting the Manila Zoo.

Now, what I thought would be a morning of capturing good pictures gave me a moment of disappointment. I left the place with a little concern in my heart.

Prior to the existence of all this huge malls and amusement parks (where families nowadays practically spend their time to have fun), some popular places to sight see in Manila before (and that includes my generation) were historical parks like Luneta, Nayong Pilipino, and of course, Manila Zoo. Now that I’m older, I don’t remember the last time I went to these places. In this age, admit it, some would even tease you jologs or inday if they caught you leisurely walking in Luneta. Some would say -- why settle for Manila Zoo if we could go to Zoobic Zafari, Paradizoo, or the Manila Ocean Park?

I know, I’m also guilty of this mentality.

Mali, a 33 yr old elephant

Stork in the Zoo

When we get inside the zoo, I tried recalling how this place looked like in my childhood. I definitely can’t bring those days to my mind anymore. One thing is certain though, the condition of those animals were definitely better before.

Are we paying Manila Zoo to sight see them?

Don’t you hate it when a place you once enjoyed as a child is now characterized as an establishment that offers a cheap form of recreation? But how can you blame this people? Look at the condition of the animals in Manila Zoo? They looked sick and miserable. I wonder what kind of nurture they get from those people who run the zoo.

Skinny Horse

I hope as visitors, we should also give our fair share of accountability. Don’t you think that most of these animals might die once they swallow anything plastic like bottles and candy wrappers? Let us not forget as adult, we should stop children from taunting these animals by throwing these kinds of objects just to get their attention. The zoo strictly implement a “No Feeding” policy, so let us all adhere to that.

Preschoolers with guardians lining up for their Manila Zoo field trip

You know what’s even more disturbing for me? The place remained to be a popular preference for educational field trips, especially for our preschoolers. Just imagine how these young minds would understand the proper way of treating animals if what’s being shown to them were really unpleasant to the eye. Children are fond of animals. But the way I see some of the animals’ condition? They’re not really enjoyable.

A more than 20- yr old Orangutan is sharing a cave with a Cat

It’s so sad. I don’t regard myself as an animal lover but I really pity those animals. Manila Zoo’s dismal facility is not really helping these living creatures. I hope the local government do something about this issue. Let’s not forget that Manila Zoo has been one of Manila’s famous landmark for so many years. Let’s try to regain that old pleasurable place again. Please give those animals the care and place they deserve. After all, they are not only animals. They are also creations of God.

Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden
Adriatico St., Malate, Manila
Contact Number: (632) 400-1884
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Life is a Journey

I know, Pinoy Lakwatsa is supposed to be just a chronicle of all my travel and leisure trips but forgive me if I can’t help but update this blog with my personal journey. God has been showering me with so much blessings and I want to praise Him by sharing all of these wonderful things with you. So with this, I will now be adding a new category to classify my post about married life, career, aspirations, sorrows, frustrations, advocacy, and hopefully, on motherhood. I will call this new category as – On Life’s Journey.

And this blog will undergo a slight reformatting:

Pinoy Lakwatsa! – Travelogue, Photography, and Life’s Journey

They say, Life is an Endless Journey. And just like all my travel and tours, I’d like to relish each moment. Learn from it and share it with you.

God Bless Everyone!

PS. Watch out for this site's new banner, soon :)
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Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2009 Planner

They finally arrived! Here’s my first look at the planners (yup! 3 colors to choose from) and Starbucks is making it easier this time. All we need is just 16 stickers and you can already have that limited edition 2009 Starbucks Planner.

Starbucks 2009 Planners

Starbucks Christmas Traditions 2008 Mechanics
1. A customer can avail of a Starbucks Christmas Traditions promo card from Novemeber 4, 2008 to January 6, 2009.
2. Holder must accumulate a total of sixteen (16) stickers, one sticker for any of the featured products in each category, to get 1 Limited Edition Starbucks Coffee 2009 Planner

Holiday Featured Beverages - 8 Stickers
Choice of any of the following: Dark Cherry Mocha, Toffee Nut Latte, or Praline Mocha (hot, iced or Frappuccino blended beverages)

A Starbucks beverage of your choice – 8 stickers
(Except bottled beverages, bottled water and fruit juices)

Honestly, I got delighted after learning that there are only 16 slots for the stickers and there are 3 colors to choose from. So together with my officemates, we rushed to the nearest Starbucks Coffee this morning. But after personally seeing them on display, I’m quite disappointed with the overall look of the planner. It’s not leather bound anymore unlike the previous designs. Although it was also mentioned to us by the baristas that the pen is better this year compared to the previous years.

So up to this time, I’m still not convinced to get myself one of these. How about you guys? Are you planning to get this year’s Starbucks Planner?

Related Post: Starbucks 2009 Planner

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