Catigbian Mountainview

 August 31 was a holiday due to the National Heroes Day, in the Philippines.

Since it falls on a Monday, it was fit for a planned escape. Many months prior, I have been eyeing Catigbian Mountainview because of how it looks in  pictures from other people's travel. Lush, greens, flowers, semi-forests, and a pool. With two kids, what they have is a perfect combination for us. 

So, off we went! What was encouraging about their FB page was the prompt responses. When I said that I would like to book on this specific date, they never asked for an advance payment. That in itself tells me a lot.  It was a legitimate page. 

I booked for just a night stay there, how I wish we could have stayed longer though. But we were also wishing to go to Gia's birthday the next day, so we cannot stay longer. 

From the moment we step on the restaurant, I already know that the owner is a dog-lover. There were statues of dogs within the restaurant. I was in awe, it was overlooking the vast land planted with flowering plants, mainly pink and orange in color, a happy place to watch. 

 

 

 

It also has three pools to choose from. A mark says "Healing Pool". I learned later on, that it was because the water has white particles which is in itself - a magnesium, the owner explained. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

From the place, we experienced forest-bathing and just be surrounded and calmed by nature. The pool was also contributing to the kids' favorite and happy moments. 

 

 

I reminded them to always pause, stop and smell the flowers :)

Catigbian Mountainview is located in Purok 7, Mahayag Norte, Catigbian, Bohol. 

  

 

 

 

Cabilao Island With These Two ;)

 

This is the first time that I brought my kids at my favorite place Cabilao. I have been to this island many times that I lost count, yes! :)

I'm excited for them, because I initially plan to let them play and soak at the beach to their heart's content, especially at Punta Baluarte. 

But I was in for a shock. The hotels and hostels there are not accepting guests due to the water problem. One owner said that they don't have enough stored rainwater for their guests. Well, what can I do? Sad. 

But I am not the one to easily lose hope. Together with our motorcycle driver, the one that I hired, I told him to take us to Cambaquiz instead to check if there is someone who is willing to take us for the night. And he kept on saying "Ate Mila!". 

Indeed, she took pity on us. Ate Mila shared that she was moved by the kids being with me and my willingness to be a guest even with the water issues. I assured her that we will not bother her with that need as long as we have a bed to sleep on. Instead of her usual Php3,000.00/night, I asked her if she can just give it to me for Php2,000.00/night, given the water problem. Deal! Problem solved :) 

So I gained a friend that day ;) We went to Cambaquiz in the afternoon until 7PM.  We were able to talk to locals from the island until it was time for us to go back to Ate Mila's place. 

 

 

 

 

Happy Fiesta Tiptip 2026!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every time Tinang Brenda asks anything, I can't say no.
Simply because I would love to see Amarah too, her cutie. Or maybe because I miss her too, after she resigned from our company. Or maybe because among the people I met, she is one of the few who is deserving of my time.
And the kids love her mansion, lol ;)
So it was their fiesta again in Tiptip. She is so busy. A lot is going on in their house.
And darling Amarah was there, very bubbly and cute :)
The food was a lot!

Thank you Estardo family!
Happy Fiesta, Tiptip, Tagbilaran City!

 

 

 

Painitang Bol-anon : Date with Nat- (For) May 2026

 

I filed a leave of absence from work because of the event at Sush' school.
In the afternoon, I have to pick up Nat instead of him going to my office, while leaving Sush at home.
I decided to let him eat. He look starved and pretty much in sweat after playing at the ground. 

It’s heartwarming to see him longing for food and hungry because it compels me to feed him and let him choose what he wants. Along the way, we saw a vendor selling tapioca. I decided to buy one from him. It was too sweet, yes, but cold and really good. :)

I asked him if it is okay for him to have snacks at Painitang Bol-anon. He said “yes”.
I let him choose what he wanted. He said he likes two pieces of biko. 

He offered some to me but I was full, though I munch on a little too. 

 

This post on the wall was alarming because I brought in tapioca, but the server was too busy to care, lol ;)

In the middle of his munching, he complained that the biko was kind of hard to chew. I explained that it was expected because that type of biko is like biko dukot. Or something intentionally made to burn a little to add to its amazing taste. But a 7-year-old cannot tell the difference, of course, lol :D

Paw Has Crossed the Rainbow Bridge :(

    

 

 Paw was still breathing here  

                                                            burying Paw on a dawn time

                                                                  bye Paw :'(

Paw was given to us by M's friend who is a nurse. There were two of them actually, another one was Bolt. But unfortunately, we lost him a few months ago too. 

But Paw crossed the rainbow bridge today, sadly. With his symptoms, I guess it was caused by distemper. I always saw Paw guarding Sush and making sure that she is safe when on the road. That is how loyal dogs can be. 

This is their first time to see a dog die. Their first heartbreak.  

 

Sush is Back to School :)

 

  

 

M and I both agreed that Sush can go back to school today. 

However, even before 11AM, her teacher messaged me and informed me to better fetch her early because she seems very quiet and tired and would like to sleep. She also suggested that its better to just let Sush rest this time and let her come back to school on Monday.

 

Poor girl :( 

 

I'm still grateful for the teacher's advise and understanding.  

Resting And At The Office

 

 

Sush was advised to rest and take her antibiotics, an Amoxiclav. I'm just grateful because her fever subsided right away since last night, except for her cough that is not easy to listen to. 

Even if she should be home, no one is there to look after her, so I need to bring her to work.

She is almost back to her usual self, except for the cough and colds.  I can't be sure if she can go back to school by tomorrow. 

Sush Is Sick

 

checked by the pedia 

 

 

 Today is the first time that Sush has to be absent from school.

She has been having cough and colds these past days, and her meds don't seem to have its usual effectiveness anymore. 

She was crying from stomach pains. I just thought it would go away. But she was so weak, that I decided to inform her teacher. So much so that, she advised Sush to just rest. 

 

 

                                                                     too weak

                                                           the needle really hurts

But M was panicking while I was already at work. Sush was in so much pain and has high fever, she then decided to take her to the hospital. 

Sush wailed when the Medical Technologist wanted to draw blood for fear of dengue. M shared that it took two more people to hold her just for them to take blood samples. 

Poor Sushi. She was put on antibiotics. :(

Sush At Dunkin Donuts

 

 

 

I am not fetching Sush at school today because M is on a night shift.
So she is the one to see Such by 11AM.
Surprised and happy to see my baby with her donut. I'm glad :)
For sure, she has been pestered by Sushi's "I'm so hungry!" Lol :)

Adoption Requirement: Psychological Evaluation

                                                       the play room - before our turn 

                                                      thankful for this short distraction

The most awaited Psychological Evaluation for myself and Nat, happened yesterday at DSWD Bohol.

I'm so glad that the Psychologist came all the way from Cebu to Bohol for that purpose.
It was more convenient on my part allowing me to save more than P5,000 probably, had it been that I have to go to Cebu for that requirement. 

Miraculously, Nat was very fast and responsive when it comes to answering questions from the Psychologist. I thank God for that.  

This Evaluation was one of the requirements for the petition.