Long Weekend: What to do?

I was waiting for the elevator in the lobby Thursday morning, when our Managing Director came. He was going to use the elevator too. When we're in it, he commented "Easter season is coming!" and I was hesitant to replied,"Yes, and Im looking forward to it!". "Are you going home to your province?" he asked, I said Yes though Im only spending time just a few miles away from Manila. I ask him where he would spend his, and he replied "Im going on a trip. I bet Manila will be quiet then." and I said "It will be, without traffic." He laugh.
It was a very unusual conversation but a good one too. When I got to my table, I was wondering and really looking forward to that long vacation. From time to time, between my busy work, I was wondering what to do with my vacation. So I came up with TO-DO list for me to enjoy my vacation.

I will be sharing this so anyone who will read this will also have an idea what to do during long weekends.

• Read. When we're busy with school projects or office workloads we ignore those books we wanted to read for a long time. Now is the time to get involve with your Judith McNaught or John Grisham novels.
• Raid your Closet. Let's admit, we don't really pay attention on the clothes we have on our closet until we cannot closed the doors anymore, or clothes are bursting out when you open it. This is the right moment to make evaluations on what to keep and what to toss on our wardrobe. We do know it's hard to let go of our favorite stuff even though it doesnt fit us anymore but, unless you lose or gain weight in order to wear it again, this fave outfit must be tossed off your closet.
• Organize a Garage Sale. Once you've done cleaning up your closet, you can organize a garage sale. You can also sell other items stocked in your attic or other stuff aroung the house no longer needed or use. This way you can generate income without investing or doing anything rather than cleaning!
• Be artistic. You're done with you book and you have cleaned up your closet. You have sod other stuff but there is other things left unsold. You can use it on scrapbooking or crafting! You can work on arts or projects to show the artistic side of you!
• Vanity. It's time to pamper ourselves. Do not let the vacation go by without visiting the spa, or salon. Afterall, vacations are also known (for girls) as beauty rest.
• Movie marathon. Are you missing your co-actressess like Meryl Streep or Julia Roberts, well, a bonding with some dvds will get you face to face with them once again.
• Picnic at the park. The best and oldest way to bond with your family without spending too much. And you can get in touch with the nature too. You can get updated with what's going on with your sister's life or the graduation day of your nephew or a little jumping rope with your niece. Plus, you get to have a taste of your mom's delicious desserts.
• Social Responsibilities. Look for NGO's who need a little help. You don't need to donate big bucks but your assistance will surely make a difference. It feels good helping other people without asking or waiting for something in return. Plus you become part of something that brings hapiness to those in need. You also get a chance to broaden your network by meeting other people.
• Planning ahead. Of course, your long weekend will end and you will be facing tons of work when you get back to office. So instead of having a hang over or a shock on the day you went back to work, why not prepare yourself to it by planning things you need to do,a step by step guide so you will not be overwhelm with the mountainous paperworks waiting for you at your desk. Schedule this the night before you report to work, so you will know what to prioritize when you get back.

The key points here is to have a one-day plan. One day for yourself, one day for your family and friends and one day for your career.
So I hope to have a good weekend ahead. Can't wait to do these things and I hope this will be of good help to those who were looking for suggestions or ideas. There still a long list out there, and you probably have tons of great ideas too, at least we have something to start of this vacation.
Have a nice and fun-filled weekend to everyone!!!

Summer Getaway: Amansinaya Mountain Resort

Amansinaya Mountain Resort

March 10-11,2012

Thanks to my fabulous and adventurous sister Minda, who always have a getaway gimmick every now and then. She loves swimming and she practically visit every resort near the city. And now, we are invading the San Laurel Batangas. She found the place in the famous Metro Deal website were she can have half the price of the entrance fee at the resort. Since the package includes trekking to a falls and an adventure camp, she loves the idea of a thrill, fun-filled, action pack getaway so, she grab it.

Of course, being the opposite of my sister who just love a safe and sound relaxation at home or just have some fun with friends at a nearby resto-bar, was not at first thrilled with the idea. I search for a review for the resort, got some pictures, and blogs and viola, I found myself pretty excited to do it too (just for the benefit of summer adventures I could call my own).

So came the plans, we grab stuff at the grocery stores Friday night, we packed things and headed on the highway by morning the next day. We're bound to Rotonda Tagaytay City were there is a short-cut as they say it to Talisay road. The short cut they say seem a lifetime for me, coz it's a long way high way to hell. Hell, coz I feel a lot of stomach ups and downs due to blind curves and super twisted road.

It was like cannon road of Baguio City. Though its smaller and the road were not a usual main road coz I have seen very few light vehicles passed by. I wonder what it would look like in the evening. On the roadside the scenery is remarkable.

At 9am we arrived at Patio Filipino where the restaurant and admin office of the resort is located. There is a pool there they called infinity pool which is from 2ft. to 5ft. deep. There are tables and chairs beside the pool where you can have your breakfast, lunch or dinner.
We have registered and reserve ourselves a lunch before we joined the group who will trek that morning.

While trekking, we saw the streams of water, tall trees, carabaos, horses and rice fields. Typical countryside scenery. So if you are a nature lover this adventure is really for you. Down the roads you will cross parts of the river so the chance of getting wet is there so be sure you wear sandals or slippers or expect your shoes and clothes to get wet.



After a 45-minute trek, you will surely enjoy the wonders of nature. Ambon Ambon falls is definitely one good scenery to adore.



When we got back to resort we checked in to Casa Aman, one of the Casatel of the resort. The place is very cozy. We add 2 mattress to accommodate all of us. The room is big it can accommodate 4 to 5 persons. It has a refrigerator and a television with cable.

Each Casatel has a pool of its own.



Pugad Lawin Adventure Camp is also a wonderful experience.

Adventure Camp is very suitable for team building and camping. There is obstacle course and other exciting activities to enjoy with.

It is the first time I tried mud slide. I was hesitant first, but I enjoyed my first try. I wasn't able to try zip line because of security restrictions. You cannot ride it when you're wet because the harness might slipped and it is not safe.

Surely this is one fun-filled, action packed getaway I have for 2012. And most of all, I have a great bonding with my family. It is not so often you get to be at one with nature and be adventurous like this one.