Summer is already here! It’s that time of the year where every people are looking for a great place to spend their summer memorable with family and friends. If you guys didn’t know, last February, we went to Alfonso, Cavite to spent our weekend in a famous destination there. I’m talking about Camp Benjamin.
Entrance gate of Camp Benjamin
ABOUT CAMP BENJAMIN
This 4.7-hectare multi-purpose facilty with an adjacent 9.1-hectare integrated and natural farm opened on July, 2011. This is one of the famous one-stop destination in Alfonso, Cavite, not only for Filipinos but for foreigners as well.
Facilities and amenities in Camp Benjamin
Here are the things you can do inside Camp Benjamin.
Dig in at their restaurant that serves sumptuous dishes. All the ingredients are came from their farm.
2. Dine under the stars with your special someone
Looking for the best romantic place to celebrate something special? Reserve a slot here and enjoy their full-course menu. Check our full experience here.
Love to stay in the middle of trees and greens? Then this place is for you. Their cabana suites is located far from the main building of the hotel if you want to connect more with nature.
4. Spend your ultimate Garden Wedding here
Ringing the bells soon? Camp Benjamin also offer weddings, such as garden wedding. This is just near the cabana suites area. You can have your honeymoon after.
5. Celebrate various events at The Center
Celebrating Christmas Party in your company? This might be a great place for your event. The Center is a huge place that established perfectly for big and special events.
6. Take a quick game at their Basketball Court
Yes, they also have a court for ballers out there. You can borrow a ball in the front desk of Shalom Hotel.
7. Have a farm visit at WIN Farm
Yes, Camp Benjamin has a farm inside. It’s called WIN Farm. All the ingredients they are using at Mon’s Restaurant comes from here.
They are also selling local products here. #SupportLocal
8. Take a dip at their infinity pool
Come on, guys. We came here because it’s summer. Never miss a chance to dip in their infinity pool. It comes with a kiddie and adult pool.
9. Have some outdoor activities
Try their, wall climbing, bubble slide, and zipline!!! It’s all fun! They also offer obstacle course if you’re here for teambuilding.
10. Of course, take good pictures around Camp Benjamin
I must say, Camp Benjamin is a really nice place. Every corner is perfect for a photo ops. Make sure you bring your camera with you, always. HEHE.
OVERALL RATING
Room –
Rates –
Service –
Amenities –
Location –
I agree! This place is your one-stop destination! All that you’re looking for are in here. Hope I can come back again real soon and hopefully, they have more exciting offer and activities to try soon.
Last Saturday, we went on a Saturday night out with friends. I really need that because I’m too stressed at work lately. Thank God it’s a long weekend. And our chosen location that night was the newest KTV bar located along Congressional Ext. Few minutes away from my work. Yay!
This is said to be the first modern gastropub KTV in Quezon City. They opened last 2016 and now starting to make noise as they offer good food, service, and place.
I’m so stoked upon entering their place. Their interior is so simple yet very entertaining.
Located in the lounge is their mini bar area.
Note that their room rate is 70 php per hour/pax. Also, no minimum person per room. But I suggest that you avail their packages instead.
Before entering the KTV area, strike a pose in this beautiful hallway. Perfect for your instagram feed. Lol.
Let’s go and see what’s inside in their KTV area.
By the way, all the food we had were super good! We ordered all their best sellers and they didn’t disappoint us! Here’s what we got:
Nachos Casserole (300 php)
Toasted nacho chips on the side of baked carnitas, salsa, beans, mushrooms and olives, topped with melted cheese
Double Cheese Baked Mussels (280 php)
Herb and butter, garlic and mussels topped with two kinds of cheese and a drizzle of cilantro dressing
Overload Pizza (450 php)
Hungarian sausages, bacon, meatballs, drizzled with sriracha sauce and sour cream
Creamy Seafood DiabloRoast Beef (420 php)
Roasted beef belly with sauteed mushrooms and gravy, served with cherry tomato confit and buttered veggies
Sinuglaw (280 php)
Grilled pork liempo in a kilawin coconut vinegar with mixed vegetables
Left: Tequila Sunrise (200 php) Right: Blue Hawaiian (250 php)
We definitely enjoyed our stay here singing, eating, and bonding! Yay! 🙂
OVERALL RATING
Food – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambiance – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall, it’s really a perfect place to celebrate any occasions or just a simple bonding with your family and friends. I swear, all the food were good. Plus the services they offer too. Will definitely be back here since it’s just few minutes away from my work. Good job!
Contact Numbers:
Mobile: 09458454086/09185168482
Landline: 7386711
E-mail: monkeymic.ktv@gmail.com
Operating Hours:
3:00 PM-3:00 AM, Monday to Thursday & Sunday
3:00 PM-4:00 AM, Friday & Saturday
Address:
Blk 3 Lot 8 Congressional Ave. Extension, Quezon City
Last November 30, since it’s a holiday (Rizal Day to be exact), we decided to have some massage to release all our “lamigs” and stress from work and also to regain ourselves from all the trips and travels we had for the past few months. We paid a visit to this highly recommended spa located in Katipunan, Balay Hilom Spa.
ABOUT BALAY HILOM SPA
A local spa that is located in Katipunan, focuses on spreading indigenous traditional healing in the Philippines. Yes, they offer traditional “hilot” that came from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as well. They also called as “House of Healing“.
Here are the services they offer:
Upon entering to the place, you’ll immediately feel relaxed with the ambiance it gives because of the lighting they have plus the traditional background songs they are playing. They designed the whole place like a Nipa Hut or “Bahay Kubo” style. The interiors of the place are almost made from bamboo.
Also, upon seating at the lobby, they will give you a complimentary cup of tea. Well, they will ask you if you want water or tea, in my case, even though I really don’t like tea (but I love milktea, does it even makes sense? lol), I still gave it a try. And guess what? I loved their tea!!! I can drink it all day, I guess? LOL.
Heirloom tea…
A brew of organic, locally sourced ingredients from a recipe passed down through generations (best served with Hilot Balay Hilom)
I super loved the taste! Not too sweet and not too bitter. Just right! It actually tastes like the syrup of taho! Or is it just me? HAHAHA.
After having a cup of tea, your feet will soaked in a warm water before the traditional hilot. Uggggh, we’re just getting started but I already feel relaxed!
We tried their signature massage which is the Hilot Balay Hilom (450 php/70 mins).
Hilot Balay Hilom – With every hagod,inat, and diin, our signature deep tissue massage increases blood circulation, improves breathing, and frees your body from lamig, helping rid you of stress and leaving you feeling revitalized.
I really loved how they press their hands into my body and break all the colds that I have. In my previous massage experience, I got bruises in my body after the massage. I got a little bit nervous thinking that I will get some again but fortunately, no bruises after the massage! They were so great! I actually slept during the massage, fyi. HAHA.
Also, I loved the smell of their spray!!! We asked them what kind of spray they are using and they only answered “peppermint spray”! Now I want to search where can I find and buy that one. LOLJK. But seriously though, I really loved the smell.
After the massage, they will ask you again if you want water or tea and ofcourse, I went for tea. Hihi.
OVERALL RATING
With the experience we had, I could really say that we had a great time at Balay Hilom Spa! Can’t wait to go back and try the other services too. And ofcourse, their Heirloom tea which I really loved. LOL.
Address
Ground floor, FBR Arcade Building, Katipunan, Quezon City
My close friends knew that we love having staycations to chill and relax coming from a stressful work. You can see it in my page that we’ve been to a lot of cozy and insta-worthy hotels around the Metro. But when I saw a post from my feed that there’s a newly opened glamping site in Benguet, I immediately jumped over to their page to check out on them and I found Valleypoint Campsite.
So inlove with this place!
In case you missed it, I already experienced glamping and we had it in Bulacan. Read our first ever glamping experience here.
Read our 2nd time experience at Valleypoint Campsite! Read here.
ABOUT VALLEYPOINT CAMPSITE
This campsite opened last August, 2018. This is the first glamping site in Tuba, Benguet. You will encounter an ultimate camping experience though glamping. Don’t worry if you can’t take the coldness outside, they have rooms too.
This is only 30 minutes away from Baguio City. So if you’re looking for a side trip, why not take a visit at Valleypoint Campsite, right?
ATTRACTIONS
What I really loved about this place is the view! A breathtaking view. Never in my entire life that I saw a view like these. Every corner is a perfect spot for a photo ops.
Plus, witness how the fog covers the whole place in just seconds.
Wait for the sunset… It’s amazingly beautiful. These photos just didn’t do justice. Hehe.
Look how peaceful and quiet this place can be at night…
Valleypoint Campsite at night
ACCOMMODATION
We availed their Glamping accommodation wherein you can experience to stay in a dual-layer tent. It has a foam, pillows, and thick blankets to comfort you when you sleep. They also have a storage box to secure your belongings.
Their tent is spacious. It can accommodate up to 4 people.
We definitely had a good sleep because of the cold and breezy weather. YAY!
Just woke up faces LOLSelfeet!
CAMPER’S CHILL AREA
Only campers are allowed here. But I’m not sure if that is being implemented well. You can just literally chill and kill some time here. They have books and board & card games inside too.
Super enjoyed and inlove with their big bean bags. I’m thinking of owning/having one in the future. Hehe.
This is how we enjoyed the bean bags. HAHA. Literally our fave area!
NOTE: Camper’s Chill Area is open until 10:00 PM only.
RESTAURANT AND BAR
Their restaurant got all you need. So don’t need to worry if you want some drinks or beer before you sleep. They have a mini bar inside.
Plus, the food were all good and really affordable. They have combo meals and ala carte.
These were the dishes we had for dinner. Take note that you can refill the soup, too. Hehe
Inclusions: – Waterproof, dual layer tent – Uratex foam/s – Blanket/s – Pillow/s – Bed sheet – Flat sheet – Storage box – Unlimited brewed coffee – Free breakfast – Airsoft coupon 150 rounds riffle – Access to camper’s chill area, board games, card games, darts, books, campsite, restaurant and bar, hot and cold shower, view deck – Free parking
– BACKPACKER PACKAGE –
Check in – 2:00 PM Check out – 11:30 AM
Rate: 750 php/head
Inclusions: – Bed bunk – Blanket – Pillow – Curtain divider – Personal lighting – Personal locker – Unlimited brewed coffee – Free breakfast – Airsoft coupon 150 rounds riffle – Access to camper’s area, board games, card games, darts, books, campsite, restaurant and bar, hot and cold shower, view deck – Free parking
NOTE: They have 3 types of rooms available for backpackers with capacities of 4 pax, 6 pax, and 10 pax. Beds are single or double decks. The room may be shared with others if a group is unable to fill the maximum capacity of the room.
– Accepts walk-in visitors – No entrance fee – Reservation is required for groups of 10 pax and above only – Food prices range from 99 php to 259 php – Free parking
OTHER SERVICES
– BAGUIO CITY TOUR –Rates varies (starts at 500 php)
Destinations: – Burnham Park – Botanical Garden – Wright Park – The Mansion – Good Shepherd for pasalubong – BenCab Museum – Tam-awan Village – Diplomat Hotel – Lourdes Grotto – Strawberry Farm
– SHUTTLE SERVICE –Duration varies (included in special package) – Pick up/Drop Off from any point in Baguio – Pick up/Drop Off during city tour – Pick up/Drop Off from airport
HOW TO BOOK?
Kindly message them the following information to make a reservation: – Name – Number of guest/s – Contact number – Date of arrival – Date of departure
From Cubao, ride a bus going to Baguio and drop off at Green Valley, the landmark is Petron.
From there, ride a taxi going to the campsite. Upon going to the campsite, you’ll ecnounter a checkpoint but tell them you’re going to Valleypoint Campsite. The estimated fare is around 100 to 120 php. You can also avail their car pickup service. Just inform them beforehand. Travel time is 10-15 minutes.
OVERALL RATING
So far, we did enjoyed our glamping experience! Will I recommend it to everyone? Definitely YES! This is a unique way to unwind from a stressful work.
Thank you Valleypoint Campsite for this unforgettable glamping experience! <3
I’m really eyeing on this one ever since I saw their post on my feed in Facebook. But unfortunately, the tickets are really pricey. So I patiently wait for their promos and even joined contests (yea lol) just to get here.
Last March 19, they had a promo. For only 550 php, you’ll get a chance to satisfy your cravings in the sweetest museum in Manila today. This promo run only from March 19 to April 4. So I immediately pushed Ian to go with me. HAHAHA. And last March 31, we finally went to one of my favorite museums, I guess? Lol.
Even the tickets were picturesque!
ABOUT THE DESSERT MUSEUM
This is the newest and currently the favorite selfie spot today. It is a 12,000 sq. feet museum that has 8-themed rooms. At first, I thought it’s just only a colorful room designed for sweet tooth and insta-addicts (like me). Hehe. But it isn’t because in every room, they have a colorful trivia about the dessert that inspired it.
Note: Ready your cute OOTD’s guys. It is a must! LOL.
Where to book?
You can choose whether to book online or just walk in. But I highly suggest to book it online.
Note: There is a minimum time only. They are very strict when it comes to booking because aside from the limited time, they also have a minimum number of persons allowed inside (20 people every 15 minutes). This is to prevent the place from being crowded which is a good thing. Plus point for this!
These guys brought happiness to our lives. Let us thanked them. LOL.
Upon entering, they will give you a badge that you will need to claim your free desserts. Take note that in case you lost it, you’ll need to pay 300 php. So take care of it.
8 Dessert-Themed Rooms
1. DONUT ROOM
The most impressive room for me. Who doesn’t love donuts, btw? HAHA. But be careful, the donuts here were solid, as in! I actually hit by some of them. LOL.
You can either walk down the steps or slide into a sugar to enter in this room.
2. MARSHMALLOW ROOM
My second favorite! As you enter, thousands of imitation marshmallows hanging from the ceiling will welcome you.
And, get your 1st dessert! A jumbo marshmallow with a choice of your dip.
3. CANDY CANE ROOM
The cutest room! HAHA. Before entering, you’ll be asked which one do you want—are you naughty or nice? It will lead you through a corridor of either pink or blue candy canes, no worries, you’ll end up in the same room.
You can also swing in this room.
Get your 2nd dessert here! I thought we’re going to have candy cane but we had given French macaroons, instead.
4. ICE CREAM ROOM
I guess this room was (quite) disappointing for me. The lightning was not bright. The room looks unfinished compared to the others.
But don’t worry, you can get your 3rd dessert here. A free popsicle with several flavors.
5. BUBBLE GUM ROOM
I enjoyed in this one too! A giant replica bubble gum machine. You can enter inside with lots of balloons hanging around.
Also, they have some trivia as their wall background.
You can also stand in one of their platforms while a guide will make some giant bubble around you. Yay!
6. GUMMY BEAR ROOM
Giant gummy bears will welcome you as you enter in this room. Gummy bears everywhere! Here, get your 4th dessert, about 5-6 mini gummy bears only.
Aside from gummy bears, they also have mini trampolines and colorful bath tubs filled with colorful balls and toys.
7. COTTON CANDY ROOM
I don’t actually find it cute. Because the cotton candy designs looked like nerves in our body. LOL. Just a reminder, you are not allowed to touch anything in this room because it is more fragile than in other rooms.
Also, you can get here your 5th dessert. Of course, it is cotton candy! Yay. After nth years! LOL.
8. CAKE POP ROOM
And last but not the least, the cake pop room! This was one of my fave room too. You can get your 6th dessert here, a cake pop! Yummers!
You can be Miley Cyrus (wrecking ball pose) on the giant cake pops at the back.
Or shoot free throws with fluffy basketballs.
Before leaving the place, they will give you a free balloon and you can shop at their store.
Final verdict:
Is this worth it? In my case, yes! Because millenials like me who’s active in social media will enjoy this. The place is very instagrammable like every corner! I suggest you guys to give it a try! Hehe.
Location:
S Maison Mall at Conrad Hotel Manila, Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
My work and stress became my bestfriends for the past few weeks when suddenly a friend of mine posted that she’s selling her daytour pass from Ten Cents to Heaven that she got from a contest. Apparently, I became interested and without any hesitation, I bought it even though it’s day tour only. Com’on! This is already a big break for me. LOL.
Our daytour pass includes entrance fee for two, free access to swimming pool, and hanging bridge. Btw, got it for only P250. Such a good steal, right? HAHA.
This 30-hectare stretch is located at Sitio Mayagay II, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. Either you are looking for a day escape or planning to go overnight, this is the perfect place for you. I think this place have it all. From the scenic and gorgeous view, outdoor activities, cute and chic lodgings, swimming pool, onsite resto bar, etc.
This is perfect for team buildings, reunions, celebrations, or even corporate events and meetings. Even a wedding or any special event will do!
VICINITY MAP
From their website
SCENIC AND GORGEOUS VIEW
Imagine yourself waking up to these view with a cold weather, take note. LOL.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Perfect for team buildings, reunions, etc. You can also have a fish spa if you just want to relax.
Hanging Bridge
Rappelling, Free Fall, and Rock Wall Climbing
Shooting Range
Team Building Area
Fish Spa
SWIMMING POOLS
Dipping in the pool with a beautiful view and a cold weather. Would you take the challenge? Because we didn’t. LOL. So cold! Brr.
CHAPEL
Also perfect for weddings! Such a beautiful ambiance.
RESTO BAR
And of course, if you will have your wedding here, you can also do the reception here. The food were so good. My picks were the turones and dynamite! A must! Don’t worry, the price is very affordable and reasonable!
MENU
OTHERS
And super cute lodgings. Very instagrammable place!
ACCOMMODATIONS
Glass house
For families traveling together or for business travelers needing to conduct private meetings, Glasshouse Accommodation offer the facilities to satisfy the discerning guests.
Big house
These rooms are ideal for guests who would like to enjoy and experience the natural breeze of Tanay, Rizal. It is equipped with its own receiving area, ideal for group outings or romantic getaways.
Cabanas
Situated near the pool area, is their Cabanas, which are small huts made out of bamboo and wood. It is ideal for relaxing during the afternoon or for camping overnight that has a sight of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges and Laguna de Bay.
Tents
Campsite is located near the Team building Area and under large shady trees equipped with water and electricity. This is ideal for guests who would like to spend a night out in the great outdoors and experience all the things that mother nature has to offer.
RATES
Ten Cents to Heaven charges a general admission fee of P300/head for adults and P200 for kids for day tour. This includes a choice of any one of the activities plus use of hanging bridge. Other rates are as follows:
HOW TO GO THERE?
From their website
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
Route 1: via Marcos Highway
Course through Marcos Highway. You will pass through Masinag, Cogeo, Boso-Boso Resort, Foremost Farms, Palo Alto, Garden Cottages, and Brgy. Cuyambay. Ten Cents to Heaven will be on your right.
Route 2: via Sampaloc in Tanay
Take Sampaloc Road. You will pass by the street to Daranak Falls. Go straight until you arrive at a junction. Turn left. Follow this scenic road. It’ll be a 45 mins to an hour ride. You will pass by Sierra Madre resort on your right. Ten Cents to Heaven will be on your left.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Route 1: via Cogeo
Ride a van or jeepney going to Padilla/Cogeo Gate 2. Get off at Gate 2 and from here take a jeep bound to Sampaloc in Tanay. It’ll be the same route as Route 1 in private transportation. Get off at at Ten Cents to Heaven.
Route 2: via Tanay
Take a jeepney to Tanay town proper. In the Tanay Public Market, there are jeepneys that go directly to Cuyambay. If there are no jeeps available, you can take a Jeep to Sampaloc, get off at the junction and take another jeep bound for Cogeo. Or you can hire a tricycle to take you to Ten Cents to Heaven Tricycle fare is 500 one way but can be haggled down to 350. Alternatively, you can hire a tricycle up to the Sampaloc junction. There are jeepneys going to Cogeo that’ll pass by Ten Cents to Heaven.
NOTE: In Tanay Public Market, trips to Cuyambay are available as early as 5AM and as late as 5PM. Jeeps to Sampaloc are available up until 10PM. Jeeps and vehicles are rare once you get to Cuyambay. You could spend up to an hour waiting for a jeepney. Plus, jeeps are often filled to the roof when they pass by here. So please take note of this.
I was looking for a perfect place to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday. Luckily, I found this hidden sanctuary near Manila. Literally a great place if you’re a nature lover whose in need of some relaxation and an adventure junkie because of their land and water activities.
What really catches my attention is their Glamping with a Twist accommodation. With this, your tent will be put inside a raft located in the river. What a wonderful and one-of-a-kind experience, indeed.
PLACE
This place is truly a gem! You will experience nature and adventure in one. The place is really big. Actually, I didn’t have enough time to explore the whole area because we lacked out of time. Daytour problems hehe. Upon entering the place, one of the staff will accommodate you immediately and will assists you all throughout your stay. When we went there, some of the facilities we’re still under construction like the floating pool.
For the accommodation, they have:
Glass Villa
Glass Tree House
Glass Cottage
Regular Glamping
Glamping with a Twist
Day & Night Kubo Cottage
Available in daytour, night tour, and overnight.
PS: Glamping with a twist area is a bit isolated to the main area of the resort. But don’t worry, one of the staff will leave his/her number for you to reach him/her in case you need further assistance.
PRICE AND SERVICE
As I inquire, it took me days before I got a reply from them. After confirming my booking, they required us to deposit 50% of the package we got to their account to secure our reservation.
For the rates, I was quite surprised with their pricing scheme because for a Daytour package (11 hours), it’s really expensive. But we still decided to give it a try and we’re happy that we did. It was worth it.
Services offered:
Accommodation
Team building
Prenup
Debut celebration
Water and land activities
PS: We availed the Glamping with a Twist Daytour (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
In our case, we were allowed to bring food. NO CORKAGE FEE.
They have a restaurant inside. You can pre-order your meals before going to the place.
Perfect for company outings, prenups, photoshoots, and even a perfect place to have your honeymoon.
They also have a river cruise tour.
TIPS
Their swimming pool is surprisingly deep. HAHAHA.
They observe pool dress code. But when we got there, the rules weren’t enforced strictly.
Don’t try kayaking at noon (like we did). It will burn your skin. LOL.
Be careful when you try the Floating Bridge challenge. I got a wound after because the bridge was destroyed that time. LOL.
Be sure to go to the CR before 5:00 PM to avoid long lines. (If you availed a day tour package only.)
LOCATION
Brgy. Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan
How to go there?
Take the Baliuag bus in Cubao (75 php per way) and alight at Baliuag town proper. Then ride a tricycle that will take you to the resort. (150 php per tricycle)
