Home Staycation at Lily of the Valley Organic Farms in Benguet

We traveled to La Trinidad, Benguet several times but only to go to Strawberry Farms. We never knew that there is a place called Lily of the Valley Organic Farms and Homestay until it was featured in Kris TV last January 1, 2016.

In the span of 3 months since then, we tried to book a room for the weekend but the reply we would get is “we are fully booked over the weekend”.

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7 Things To Do at Prado Farms in Lubao, Pampanga

The place was once a sprawling sugarcane plantation owned by three of the prominent families of Pampanga. It has its own airfield and back then having one was of course synonymous to vast financial capacity.

In the 1960’s, it was acquired by the husband and wife, Victor Gutierrez and Amanda Ocampo. In 1970s, They converted the frontage of the property into an LPG refilling station.

The LPG refilling station is long gone. What remain is the gate made of “LPG tanks” which is just the tip of what lies inside Prado Farms.

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Prado Farms, A Gem of a Farm in Lubao, Pampanga

Through the years, much had been written about Prado Farms but the one thing that’s common is the gate made-up of “old LPG tanks”. And if my memory served me right, it was even featured in one of the episode of Korina Sanchez’s Rated K.

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JADSpirits Travel Log

JADSpirits Travel Log is our way of chronicling our travel footprints with links to specific blog post as available.

Also included are our own photos with some of the best travel quotes that sums up the reason why travelling became an integral part of our lives.

We are not rich...as Jonjie will always say "may kaya lang kami"..."may kayabangan". But kidding aside, in our travels...most were unplanned...we seldom splurge. 

We always chose the cheapest lodgings. The few times we were able to stay in a good hotel  because it was booked months ago at a discounted rate. And right after we we arrived in our destination, the first agenda is to ask around...from the hotel or lodging staff or tricycle drivers...the best karenderia in town.

THE ROAD TO ADVENTURE. Taken last March 24, 2016 along the Quirino Highway during our trip to Naga and Albay.

2016

03.23~27 – Camarines Sur (Naga) & Albay (Legaspi, Daraga, Camalig, Polangui)

03.05~06 – Benguet (Baguio, La Trinidad)

02.06~08 – Rizal (Antipolo, Tanay)

01.30~31 – Pampanga (Lubao)

01.01~02 – Benguet (Baguio, La Trinidad)

THE BOATMEN. Bolinao, Pangasinan taken last April 04, 2015

2015

12.30       – Camarines Sur (Naga City)
12.29       – Leyte (Tacloban, Palo)
12.28       – Samar (Allen, Calbayog, Catbalogan)
12.27       – Albay (Daraga, Camalig)
12.26       – Sorsogon (Donsol)
12.05       – Batangas (Lipa City - Our Lady Mediatrix Parish)
10.10       – Laguna (Santa Rosa - Enchanted Kingdom)
08.29~31 – Cagayan (Tuguegarao, Iguig, Piat)
08.29       – Nueva Vizcaya (Dalton Pass)
07.12       – Camarines Norte (Paracale - Pulandaga Beach Resort)
06.13~14 – Benguet (Tuba - Sitio Pungayan / La Presa)
06.13       – Pangasinan (Our Lady of Manaoag Church)
05.23~24 – Pangasinan (Dagupan City - Leisure Coast Resort)
05.23       – Pangasinan (Balungao - Balungao Hilltop Adventure)
04.18       – Pampanga (Candaba - Lola Corazon, Leisure Farm)
04.12       – Pampanga (San Fernando - Villa Alfredo’s Resort)
04.02       – Tarlac (Visita Iglesia 2015)
04.03       – Pangasinan (Visita Iglesia 2015)
04.04       – Pangasinan (Bolinao)
01.10~11 – Benguet (Baguio City)
01.01~03 – Aurora (Baler)

THE CARABAO AND THE CART. Villa Escudero, Tiaong, Quezon taken last January 3, 2014

2014
11.01       – Camarines Norte (Daet - Bagasbas Beach)
10.05~06 – Benguet (Baguio City)
10.04~05 – La Union La Union (San Juan))
08.21       – Metro Manila (Quezon City - St. Pio Church)
08.18       – Camarines Norte (Paracale - Tabas Watermelon Plantation)
08.18       – Camarines Norte (Paracale - Labnig Beach)
07.19       – Bulacan (Bulacan (Malolos - Barasoain Church)
06.07~09 – La Union (Bauang, City of San Fernando, La Union)
05.04       – Pampanga (Porac - Sandbox @ Alviera)
05.03       – Pampanga (Pampanga (Clark - Haduan Falls)
04.16       – Bataan (Visita Iglesia 2014)
04.05~06 – Zambales (Candelaria - Potipot Island)
01.11~12 – Benguet (Baguio City)
01.05       – Tarlac (San Jose, - Monasterio de Tarlac)
01.02~03 – Quezon (Tiaong - Villa Escudero)

THE WINDMILLS, THE SHADOW AND THE PEOPLE. Bangui, Ilocos Norte last March 29, 2013

2013
12.21       – Pangasinan (Our Lady of Manaoag Church)
12.21~22 – Pangasinan (Alaminos - Hundred Islands)
10.12~13 – Bataan (Bagac - Las Casa Filipinas)
05.07       – Bulacan (Pandi - Villa Concepcion Wet and Wild Waves)
03.28~29 – Ilocos Norte
03.28       – Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Visita Iglesia 2013)
03.27       – Ilocos Sur
02.24       – Pampanga (Clark 18th Hot Air Baloon Festival)

THE SHIP AND THE LIGHTS. Symphony of Lights in the Avenue of the Stars, Hong Kong taken October 13, 2012

2012
10.11~13 – Hong Kong
04.05       – Tarlac (Visita Iglesia 2012)
02.12       – Pampanga (Clark 17th Hot Air Balloon Festival)
01.22       – Tarlac (San Jose - Monasterio de Tarlac)

THE ZIPLINE AND ME. Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon last October 16, 2011. I couldn't help but include this. I have a fear of heights, as in, but I was able to brave  Asia's 1st Longest Dual Zipline

2011
11.06      – Tarlac (San Jose - Monasterio de Tarlac)
11.01      – Pampanga (Clark - Nayong Pilipino)
10.16      – Bukidnon (Manolo Fortich Pineapple Plantation and Dahilayan Forest Park)
10.15      – Cagayan de Oro
04.22      – Bulacan (Marilao - Divine Mercy Shrine)
04.02      – Pampanga (Porac - Poracay Resort)
02.12      – Pampanga (Clark 16th Hot Air Balloon Festival)
01.27      – Metro Manila (Manila Ocean Park)
01.01      – Bataan (Pilar - Mount Samat Shrine)

THE COVE. Anawangin Cove, Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales taken November 29, 2015

2010
11.29     – Zambales (San Antonio - Anawangin Cove)
11.13     – Cavite (Tagaytay - Picnic Grove)
10.03     – Tarlac (Gerona - Isdaan Floating Restaurant)
07.18     – Pangasinan (Our Lady of Manaoag Church)
07.03     – Pampanga (Clark - Zoocobia and Paradise Ranch)
04.02     – Bulacan (Visita iglesia 2010)
04.01     – Pampanga (Visita Iglesia 2010)

The Crossroads. Taken last January 1, 2015...we left the house...ready to travel...but no definite destination.

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Year In Review: A Look Back At 2014, A Peek At 2015

Picture taken last January 02, 2015 at Sabang Beach during our trip to Baler, Aurora

“All endings are a chance to rest, to breathe, to reflect on the conclusion of the journey in preparation for the new one.”

– Author Unknown

Goodbye 2014…Hello 2015! Another year has ended and a new one is already unfolding. And I am trying to write my very first year in review… But just like with every first, I am struggling. I’d been meaning to start it as early as December, but it’s the busiest season for completing the Christmas list, parties, reunions, so I stalled. Then, we took advantage of the long weekend after New Year and went on a 3-day road trip, so it was put off again.

I was able to write a few words last January 5, but found it is not as easy as I think it is. And here I am again, trying to arrange my jumbled thoughts.

1. Highlights…what went well last 2014?
2. Lowlights…what didn’t go so well?
3. What am I looking forward?

HIGHLIGHTS

Writing. After several years of contemplating to write and just saying it to myself and to my husband, I finally started this blog. Hitting the published button with my first post was exhilarating…as in “whew”. Then I had some doubts if I can really continue writing, especially when I read some of the posts of the seasoned bloggers. Afterwards, I will be inspired to write again. The last 6 months since I hit “Publish” last June 9, 2014 was like a roller coaster ride. There were times my mind and my fingers are so in-tuned that I can finish a post in just a few minutes. But there were times, when I just sit in front of the computer and…nothing. But in the end, I would gladly say all went well, because I keep writing.

Traveling. We started and ended 2014 with travel. And most were unplanned…destinations not final until the day before or on the day, no booked accommodation…just the three of us, our luggage and our ever reliable green car. We seldom splurge during our travels. Mostly, we depended on the post of Pinoy bloggers for best value lodging. And when we reached the area, we ask the locals for the best karenderia or turo-turo.

Visited eight (8) provinces, not including our trips to nearby towns of Pampanga.

• January – Quezon (Tiaong) and Baguio City
• April – Bataan and Zambales
• June – La Union
• July – Bulacan 
• August – Camarines Norte (Paracale)
• October – La Union and Baguio City
• November – Camarines Norte (Daet)
• December – Laguna and Camarines Norte (Daet)

Running. Though I only joined 2 running events in 2014, still I considered it as one of the highlights because I ran my first ever half marathon (21K). And, I did it again, which means, that I was halfway through one of my “bucket list”…to run a full marathon before I die.

• Janiary - GGLC Aetropolis Half Marathon (SCTEX Challenge)
• March - Clark Animo Run V Marathon

And ever since I discover the MapMyRun apps on mobile phone, I've been using it during my every run. Last January 14, the website released my 2014 End of Year Summary:

• Total Workouts – 16
• Total Calories – 6,679 (That's equal to 3 Pizzas)
• Total Distance – 106 Kilometers (That's equal to 2.51 marathons)
• Total Steps 167,658 (You climbed Mt. Everest 2.89 times)
• Total Runs – 11
• Fastest Pace – 2:52 min/km
• Longest Run – 22.3 kilometers
• Average Pace – 9:17 min/km
• Average Run – 9.57 kilometers
• Total walks – 5
• Longest walk – 5.24 kilometers
• Average walk – 3.29 kilometers

LOWLIGHTS

Death of my Mother. This was one of most devastating time of my life. My siblings and I did not see it coming. My mother was a strong and energetic woman, she rarely got sick. When she does, she bounces back in no time. But this time, it’s different. She was hospitalized for almost a month and succumbed to death after a major operation. I guess no one really recovered from a death of a loved one. The pain will haunt you whenever and wherever...I missed her so much.

• Farewell, Dearest Mother
• Remembering Mother A Day Before My Birthday
• Dearest Inay…I Remember You

Sickness in the Family. First it was my daughter last March, her very first hospitalization in 9 years. June and July, it was my mother. And when we thought, it was over, last November I was hospitalized after 15 years.

Running. Though it is one of my highlights but I also considered it as my lowlight. After my second 21K run, I was advised by the Medic to see and consult with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. I did not, at first, but when the pain on my knee became intolerable…I had to give in. I was diagnosed with Torn Meniscus Membrane on my right knee. I had to undergo 6 sessions of physical therapy. I was also advised to rest my knee for a while. Simply put…stop running.

WHAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD

Write regularly. At least 2 posts and 5 daily logs a week.

Run regularly. At least 3 times a week.

Regular bonding moments with Dada and with Daniz. Last year, it was always the three of us. But for the few times that Jonjie and I had our “just the 2 of us” moments, we had fun and we want to do it regularly. Not to be left out, Daniz and I will have our own “girl bonding” moment.

Explore Philippines more.  

• Mt. Pinatubo and Mt. Arayat. We have been in Pampanga for 10 years and these mountains are just a few hours away.
• Banaue and Sagada. Ever since we got married, we have been planning to go on a vacation to the Mountain Province. 15 years after, still a plan.
• Tuguegarao. It all started when I watched “The Mistress” and saw the church wedding held at the church inside the Callao Cave.
• Palawan. We have to see up-close and personal one of the New7Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Underground River.
• Boracay. Foreigners are raving about Boracay Island and was even awarded as the best island in the world last 2012...we have to experience it ourselves.
• Batanes. To explore the breathtaking beauty of the land...and marvel in its unspoiled wonders.

Own a land in Pampanga. I will continue praying real hard that before 2015 ends, we will be able to find our “dream land” here in Pampanga. I am declaring and claiming that it will happen. But in the end, I will abide by our Lord’s plan for us…His will be done unto us.

Year In Review 2015. To write it as early as I can and post it as early as the 1st Week of January 2016.

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10 Things To Do in Clark and Angeles City in 4 Hours

Yesterday, Jonjie had a visitor from Malolos, Bulacan...Ms. Icecycles Florentino. She was one of the members of Mapua Dabarkads. She took a UV Express Van from Malolos and Jonjie picked her up at Dau Bus Terminal. She arrived at around 10:30 am.

At 12:00 pm, we had our lunch courtesy of Jonjie and Ate Bev in our humble abode: Baby Back Ribs, Baked Stuffed Green Bell Peppers, Potato Salad with Raisin Bread and Fruit Salad in Light Syrup for Dessert.

At 2:00pm, we left the house and then the start of the 4 hours countdown…

1. Sightseeing inside Clark

We started with showing her around Clark through the Mabalacat Gate.

• From Gil Puyat Ave passing the Clark Jeepney Terminal on the left.
• Clark Picnic Ground where the Dinosaur Island is located and little ahead is the El Kabayo.
• Turning right to Panday Pira Ave are two of the biggest manufacturing companies: Texas Instruments and Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines, then Clark International Speedway. 
• Turning left to Prince Balagtas Ave along the Clark Perimeter, we passed Fontana Leisure Parks and FA Korea CC Golf Club
• Left again going down to Jose Abad Santos Ave and left to CP Garcia are the Clark Development Offices and 
• Then to R.C. Santos, left of the Clark Parade Ground are the restaurants,The Red Crab (not in the map) and Cafe Mesa and turning right are the Clark Museum and Rendezvouz Restaurant.
• Crossing the street to S. Osmena is the Clark Public Safety Department and ahead are Starbucks, Jollibee and C' Italia.

We turn left to Jose Abad Santos Ave and right to Manuel A. Roxas Hwy. We exited Clark through the Friendship Gate.

2. Visit Deca Clark Wakeboard Park

Deca Wakeboard  Park is open to everyone form Mondays to Sundays and even holidays. For details, please visit http://www.clarkwakeboard.com/getting-here.html.

3. Pray at Carmelite Monastery

Mass schedule at Carmelite is 6:00 am Monday to Saturday and 6:00 am and 8:00 am every Sunday. But it is open the whole day for those who wants to pray and meditate.

4. Visit and Pray at Apung Mamacalulu Shrine

Apung Mamacalulu (Merciful Lord) or the Santo Entierro (Holy Burial) of Angeles City, is a statue depicting the burial of Jesus Christ and is enshrined at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Christ our Lord of the Holy Sepulchre in Barangay Lourdes Sur, Angeles City. Thousands flock to hear the special Holy Mass celebrated every Friday. 

To know more about "Apung Mamacalulu", please visit http://jadspiritsfamilylifeadventures.blogspot.com/2014/08/shrine-of-miraculous-apung-mamacalulu.html

5. Pray at the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Rosary Parish Church




We visited this Blessed Sacrament three times already but I am still in awe...of the peace and serenity that it radiates.  With the calming sound of flowing water and the gentle swoosh of the bamboo leaves just outside the chapel.

6. Shop at Nepo Mall

Perfumes, bags, clothes, shoes...name it and they have it at Nepo Mall. Everything at low prices...and if you are good at bartering then it can still be lowered. 

7. Buy pasalubong at Rosing’s Pastry Shop


  

Yema Balls...one of my favorites. They will only make it upon order...so you have to wait for several minutes or come back later.

We've been introduced to Rosing's pastries four years ago by my sister-in-law, who ironically is from Las Pinas. She said one of her colleagues mention it and together we searched for its location. They have all kinds of pastries which, up to now, are being made the old-fashion way.

8. Pass The Quad at Nepo Center



The Quad at Nepo Center was dubbed as “the biggest convergence of locally grown restaurant brands”. It is the new "in" place among locals and tourists alike as it offers the best of Kapampangans' cuisine. We dined in one of the restaurant named Donwtown Cafe and for the details, please visit http://jadspiritsfamilylifeadventures.blogspot.com/2014/07/just-two-of-us-at-downtown-cafe-quad.html.

9. 40 Kph Leisure Drive at Air Force City

Private cars are welcome to use this road but there is a need to maintain the speed at 40 kilometers per hour.

10. Eat at Creamline Ice Cream House



Creamline was built adjacent to the ice cream factory and serves different types of banana splits, sundaes, smoothies, frappes. They are open Mondays to Sundays and even holidays. The price are reasonable.

• Ms. Icy ordered Chunky Monkey Sunday (P100)
• For Daniz, its Strawberry Stripes (P100)
• For Jonjie and I, Nutty Banana (P150)

One of their bestsellers is the Pinatubo consisting of 8 scoops of chocolate ice cream with chocolate and strawberry syrup with cherry on top and cost only P250.

Footnotes:

• A few minutes after 6:00pm, we dropped Ms. Ice at Dau Terminal.
• 4 hours exclude dinner time. To dine at The Quad would take at least 2 hours.
• All pictures were taken using iPhone4S

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Baguio Road Trip: 252 Steps to Lourdes Grotto

Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and is located on a high hill in the western part of the city. As it is in many other similar shrines, the grotto was constructed to commemorate the numerous visions of the Virgin Mary by a 14-year old French girl named Bernadette Soubirous that happened in 1858 from February 11 to July 16 in the town of Lourdes which is in southwestern France.

The Grotto can be reached by climbing the 252 steps. A narrow, winding and steep asphalt road for light vehicles was constructed to pave the way for Devotees who do not have the capacity to climb the stairs.

After settling to our room in the Summer Place Hotel, we decided to immediately start enjoying Baguio and the cold weather. Our first destination is the Lourdes Grotto. And since this is the first time that we are using our own transport, we have to rely on Waze (one of the world's largest community based traffic and navigation apps) plus trying to recall landmarks based on our previous visits.

Jonjie and I felt the strain of climbing the stairs while our energetic Daniz is already halfway the 252 steps. We need to call her several times and request her to go back so we could take her picture.

After a few rests to try to catch up our breaths, we were able to reach the top. We offered a silent prayer to Mama Mary.

Then it is picture taking time...

And then Jonjie and I brazed ourselves for the return trip...and for Daniz urging to make it faster. 

Footnote:

• It is best to visit the place early in the morning especially if you want to take photographs.
• The road a little further up and behind the Grotto will lead you to see a strip of Naguilian Road and a beautiful panoramic view of a part of the province of La Union. 
• When the sky is clear Lingayen Gulf and portions of the province of Pangasinan are also visible.

Please also visit:

• Road Trip to Baguio...A Celebration for Bev

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