Hitch-hiking in Bamban (2009)

My Thesis Life back in 2009. Is truly one of the most exciting and equally exhausting last phase of finishing college. Those are the days when you'll need all the help and support you can get from mentors, friends and family to finally march on and graduate with the degree of Bachelor in Science in Architecture, a full five year course which sounds as many math subjects you don't want to think of.


Taking out one day from it, I with some of our friends helped out do a site visit in Bamban, Tarlac, along the boundary of Clark and Tarlac. Didn't know what I was getting myself into, it was very random and I'm always up for an adventure :)

Straight from a hidden paradise in a remote area in Gawad, Kalinga, Bamban, Tarlac

Experience Asian Buffet Dinner at ABC Hotel, Angeles City

Another get together night celebrating the Christmas season in 2012. This particular night, we chose to put on some casual clothes and dine in a lavish hotel at Angeles Beach Club Hotel, more commonly known as ABC Hotel for locals.

Note: Vari Asia isn't usually packed but you might want to make a reservation if you're planning to dine here on holidays, else you might end up frustrated. Be sure to have your second option if plan A doesn't work out. 

Caleruega Church, Nasugbu, Batangas

Finally! Romantics and soul searchers this one's for you! A candidate for the most favored wedding destination in the Philippines or simply one of the most sought-out pre-nuptial shoot location because of its refreshing beauty of commingled influences in Architecture. This multi-function complex also serves as a sanctuary for families and friends. Although it takes a bit of effort to reach its best kept secret at the top, it's all well worth the hike!

I know, this is not located anywhere in Tagaytay, but it pretty much is along the boundary between Tagaytay and Batangas and is in proximity to most of the places I've shown you in the previous series. 

Green Ats Bulalohan, Tagaytay

Tagaytay is well known for serving the best tasting Bulalo (Filipino Bone Marrow Stew) in the whole of Philippines. It might have even originated in Tagaytay, no one really can say where this dish started but definitely it's from the south, either Batangas or Tagaytay.

To end our merry day, Ian took me to a good Bulalo Restaurant, Green Ats. A comfortable indoor/outdoor dining experience where you can have a beautiful view of Tagaytay and overlooking the roadside (Aguinaldo Highway) on the other side. 

Tierra De Maria, Tagaytay

Welcome to the home of Mama Mary's 50-foot image standing tall welcoming everyone with her arms wide open at a quaint corner along Tagaytay-Calamba Road in Tagaytay. Such a serene and heavenly place, I felt blessed and spiritually cleansed by the time I left. It has garnered thousands of devotees all over the Philippines and describes itself as a HOME for everyone, meaning "Heaven Of Meditation and Enrichment".