A Year by the Sea 2026! - 'For April' at San Pedro Public Beach - Bingag, Dauis

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm still obsessed with going to the beach every month, for hopefully a total of 12 beach time this year.

So we went. But it did not happen without a warning from our neighbor that our public beach is infested with jelly fish. I still said "okay". 

When we arrive, I was expecting not seeing anything because the usual jellyfish that I see is just white in color. However, this time, the ones floating are very small and its a LOT. Just staring at it made me have goosebumps. It looks itchy! I never seen those types before. 

But Sush and Nat still found a way to enjoy the place even with what little they have and a friendships they create along the way. 

 

 

Happy Birthday Gia!

                                                           This is Gia - my cousin :) 

                                                    Gia, Mama Edig, Nanay, Dada and Me.

 

                                                         Gia turned 4 last August 30!

 

                                                                Guests outside their house.

                                                                I can play at the mango tree.

                                                         Kuya was asking for 'Mirinda'. 

                                                               Near the outdoor kitchen, at the bukid. 

We arrived late on August 30 at Gia's place. Since we came from Catigbian Mountainview. It was quite a travel too, and we were excited because of the food. It was her 4th birthday!

Happy birthday, Gia! :)

At almost 2PM, there were still people, we were hungry and the food was almost gone ;)

But we were happy to see Gia and of course Sush was happy to play :) 

 

 

Nat's Careless Ways :(

 

                                                             Catigbian Mountainview pool

 

 Don't blink!

This video is not for the faint of heart. You will even notice that I did not react anymore, there is no urgency on my side for him. This is my daily scene, his hurried, careless act that always puts him in danger zone. 

Raising a child whose energy seems to have no limits can be a constant challenge.  There are days when I question myself, worry if I’m doing enough, and quietly wonder if everything I’m seeing is simply part of who he is, or something I should be more concerned about. 
 

And in those moments, I’m deeply grateful for the men who I met at work, or co-parents, who have raised sons themselves. They have a way of saying, “It’s okay. We’ve been there.” 

Somehow, those simple words carry so much weight. They calm my anxious mind, ease my worries, and remind me that raising a boy is not always meant to be understood from the pages of a book. It is sometimes learned through patience, experience, and simply letting them grow.

 

 

 

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!