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by Erica Jahn

Photo Walk at Utsubo Park

In Uncategorized
February 5, 2015
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Earlier today I went to the park and snapped some
shots… I saw a lot of things that I found really interesting especially the
flowers called “Erika” and a very tall dog.

So this is the dog I am talking about… It is so tall!!! I found out on Google that it is a Borzoi, a Russian breed of sighthound. It is also called Russian wolfhound. It looks like a greyhound but with longer hair thus sometimes referred to as long-haired greyhound. 

I noticed that this Borzoi is tamed and quiet. But I found that Borzois are actually very athletic dogs they often joined to dog racing events. I wonder if this Borzoi has joined such competitions…

COMMERCIAL: I am just explaining here how to survive without tripod hehe
I succeeded with a groupie (yeah I am with the lovely Erika flowers)
ERIKA FLOWERS hehehe I wonder if they have special (medicinal) use or something..
twirls… these trees make me want to have vanilla ice cream twirl in a sweet cone
I forgot the name of this flower… it is ubiquitous in JP parks… Let me google… So this is Camilla!
I am happy to see these vibrant colors in winter… I think the monotony of the withered trees in the other side of this park could drain some of my energy~  
An interesting passage~
Reading a book here is perfect… minus the black crows @_@
Some more flowers
No actual people here
Make a wish!!!!

There! Hope you enjoyed the photos! 

Hmmm… I wonder what you usually see when you walk in the park, especially in an early morning… I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Author

Erica Jahn

Erica is a former PR pro turned entrepreneur. Her greatest joys are family, blogging, music, skin care and social justice. As a Muay Thai enthusiast, Erica prides herself on working with increased focus, humility and diligence. She believes in living a fit life doing everything with a flair of creativity and love! Stalk her social channels @thegirlwiththemujihat

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Ultimate guide on how to feel like a local in Los Angeles

In Uncategorized
December 27, 2017
0

Photo by Jeremy Bishop

It’s easy to be star-struck by Los Angeles itself, without even mentioning a chance encounter with a celebrity that lives in this iconic city. The City of Angels has been depicted, interpreted and miss-interpreted on the silver screen so many times that it is hard to step onto its sidewalk without a particular sense of trepidation, mostly rooted in sheer awe. 

However, if you have already seen the most iconic locations that serve as a rite of passage for newcomers, you might just want to try and blend in with the residents. If you are interested in how to accomplish this, here are ten ways to feel like a local in Los Angeles.

Food Choices

Photo by Jessica Henderson

If you want to start feeling like a Los Angeles resident, eat as the locals do. Juicy burgers and doughnuts are a staple of the city of stars, and it is easy to go gaga over Mexican cuisine too. This can sound jarringly paradoxical considering how renowned this city is for its health obsession, but this is where the beauty of local burgers lies – they take them very seriously and therefore offer some of the tastiest burgers of unparalleled quality. 

Gruyère is one of those places that are at the top of many people’s lists as it is home to the best blue cheese and bacon burger in town. Father’s Office boasts delicious burgers with sweet onion jam. As far as Mexican food goes, most of the locals will recommend Nina’s Mexican Food on Sawtelle Boulevard. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Kettle Glazed offers some of the most outlandish doughnuts in town, and Bob’s Coffee & Donuts offers the quintessential sugar-sweet experience. 

Meditation Sessions

Photo by Unplug Meditation

Once you take a look at the endless Pacific Horizon and the towering San Gabriel Mountains, it becomes obvious why mediation is such a popular activity in Los Angeles. It is just so much easier to find your inner peace amidst such beautiful scenery. As you may well know, there are many ways to approach meditation; most studios offer their own staple methods that come with a fee and a schedule, but Unplug Meditation offers an amazing drop-in option. 

If you want to feel like a local, you can just show up whenever you like and feel comfortable. The studio has gained quite a traction due to the fact that it offers classes for every level, even the biggest rookies, and you can drop-in, casually, any time of day. 

If you are in the shopping mood

Grand Central Market

Shopping and sightseeing is the best combo that will both help you feel like a local and experience new things. As you divide your time between visits to important cultural sights organized by DMC Los Angeles and impromptu shopping sprees, you will manage to capture the smells, tastes and feel of L.A. in an unprecedented manner. 

Blend in with the locals by browsing through Los Angeles County Store. It is filled with artisans, wares and accessories, and you will definitely find a unique souvenir there. Max and Moritz is another amazing boutique situated in West Hollywood. Of course, you can always visit Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. for a bustling mingle through the crowds in an informal shopping spree. The market itself underwent a huge revamp several years ago, and it offers some of the most interesting and exotic dining options in town.

So many beaches

Photo by Travis Yewell

On the one hand, you have not been to Los Angeles unless you have paid a visit to Zuma Beach and Paradise Cove. On the other hand, it is very popular among the locals, so you are welcome to feel at home as you strut on its softs sands north of Malibu. 

However, if you do not want to feel like a naïve visitor, it would be better if you avoided tourist infested regions of Santa Monica and Venice. Spending a few hours at a calm and hidden beach might be exactly the thing you need to decompress. You can always venture even further north to visit the picturesque coasts of Topanga State Park. Additionally, you can always go on a walking trail along Lake Hollywood Reservoir. It will give you a whole new perspective on the Hollywood sign.

As far as shows go

Broadway Theatre District

Here is something that will definitely not surprise you – Los Angeles is filled with exceptionally talented people that flock into this city from every corner of the world. Many famous stars have started their career on a stage in the Broadway Theater District, so why not catch a show and get a chance to brag about seeing a famous celebrity in an intimate environment before they shot to stardom? 

Additionally, Los Angeles has venues with comedy shows around every corner, and some of the talents hidden in these dimly lit joints are quite amazing. If you want to feel like a local, make sure to go out on the town and enjoy some of the plays and comedy shows “on the menu”. 

Parting Words

So many locations of Los Angeles are scorched into our irises and brains, it is hard to resist visiting them and spending most of the time thinking about how our lives would look if we lived in this coastline city. 

However, when the star-struck magnet within us stops pulling us to iconic buildings and landmarks, we realize that Los Angeles is truly a city with a beating heart – with cracks and crevices which are genuine and which give it a touch of warmth and familiarity. This side of Los Angeles is just as easy to fall in love with as its more famous locales.

Have you been to LA? What are the top things you like to do there? let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort in Balete, Batangas

In Airports, Uncategorized
September 21, 2018
0

From time to time, we need to get away from the stress of daily life. My kind of escape is the one that reconnects me with nature and pampers me with good food. That is why I am a fan of glamping. 

Glamping is basically camping minus the inconveniences from uncomfortable bed/ blanket/ sleeping bag, tent set-up or location. When you glamp in a resort, you can sleep, eat and bath comfortably, as well as have the freedom to use all other resort’s amenities.

Hotels promoting glamping or “glamorous camping” are plenty and accessible from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or from nearby provinces like where I am from, Rizal. Nayomi Sanctuary Resort is among these splendid properties, where I got to experience glamping a week ago. 

Oh clouds!

Glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort 

It was a rainy afternoon when I arrived at the resort. I was welcomed by the friendly security and was helped with my backpack by Grace, one of the resort’s cheery staff. At the reception, which is a small room just near the huge entrance gate, I needed to fill out the check-in form and present my ID. Afterwards, I was escorted to my glamping tent that is a few minute walk from the reception.

During the short walk, I took the chance to ask Grace some questions about the resort and gladly she responded. I found out the resort’s owner is the celebrity family, Prats. Yes. Sarah ang Munting Prinsesa a.k.a. Camille Prats, John Prats, their parents and other family members. The resort was built exclusively for family use but was opened to the public in 2015. I was also told Camille Prats held her wedding ceremony and reception in the resort the weekend before my stay. Wow! That explains the wedding packages I saw at the reception. The resort is actually ideal for big, intimate gatherings as such.

After the chit-chat, we arrived at my glamping tent. It’s tent no. 3, good for 6 people, nested on an elevated deck with wooden balusters, and overlooks a refreshing view of Batangas mountains.

One of Nayomi Sanctuary Resort’s elevated open decks where my glamping tent is beautifully situated

Inside my glamping tent

The bell tent is spacious, carpeted and in itself, glamorous. What you can see inside are: 3 double beds with 2 pillows each, wooden chest for storage, a huge stand fan, 3 power outlets, a night lamp, a door mat, blanket and towel for each guest, and a pole at the middle – definitely for support and not for pole dancing! The pole also holds a Dream Catcher that provides a dreamy touch inside the tent. 

Glamping beds at night

How’s my sleep?

I was able to sleep cozily inside my glamping tent despite the relatively lower temperature. Thanks to the snugly blanket! I skipped on the fan and slept to the sound of raindrops against the tent, some crickets and the wind rustling the leaves. These gentle noises sort of completed a campground experience. However, if you feel like you wouldn’t be able to sleep to these sounds, bring ear plugs.

The Girl with the Muji Hat inside Nayomi Sanctuary Resort’s glamping tent

The bathroom

If you worry about where the bathroom is or whether you’d need to share the toilet with other guests, well worry not. Each glamping tent has a private comfort room that’s a few steps away. The bathroom has a cold shower, toilet, and a mirror. There are no hair dryers nor toiletries provided. You need to bring your own. But if you happen to forget, you can request from the resort for a reasonable price. 

That’s the clean, private bathroom just near the bell tent

The resort staff

My impression is that Nayomi Sanctuary Resort has the friendliest staff. From the security guard who welcomed me with full smile to the gardener who greeted me good morning when I was on my way to have my breakfast, down to the other staff I met and interacted with namely, Ms. Lhen and Ms. Pia. I felt really at home.

Photo Opp with Ms. Len Zara of Nayomi Sanctuary Resort

Activities to try


 Nayomi Sanctuary Resort promises to take all your worries away. It plans to do this by letting you “Eat, Sleep, Relax, Repeat”. But of course, as I have mentioned earlier, when you are glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort, you have the freedom to use all the resorts amenities, which I did even when it was cold ad rainy!

I guess I was cold during this shot
Just relaxing!
In between my swims
The pool was even more inviting come night~

If you are feeling more active, you can try outdoor activities such as wake boarding, banana boat, fly fish, hike to Taal Volcano, visit to Marian Orchard. The resort has package for guests wanting this kind of adventure. 

Other activities to try at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort

The food


 Nayomi Sanctuary Resort is a Filipino food haven. If you are hosting foreign friends or simply craving for Filipino food such as Kare-kare, Bulalo, Sinigang, Sizzling Sisig, Lomi and other Filipino dishes, you’ve come to the right place! The resort serves these flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients. If you are lucky to be in the resort during the mango season, you’ll have death by mangoes! I mean, you’d enjoy mangoes with fermented shrimp, ripe mangoes, mango salad, ripe or green mango shake – all freshly picked from the mango trees teeming all over the resort. Don’t miss on other fruit shakes though. Like the Soursop Shake (Guyabano Shake) I tried for my late merienda.  

Guyabano or Soursop Shake
Baby Back Ribs
Leche flan for dessert

You can dine by the pool. There is a Nipa Hut you can use and tables in the pool side. but at night, I recommend dining inside the Anahaw restaurant.

I was too full with my heavy merienda all I could add was this Garlic Kangkong

Breakfast 

For breakfast, guests can indulge on Filipino garlic fried-rice and fried egg combos such as tapsilog, bangsilog, cornsilog, longsilog, etc.. I had Daing na Bangus with garlic friend rice, sunny side up, pickled vegetables, and fried bananas. Also, coffee for my drink.

    

Hello coffee
Here’s the menu
Filipino breakfast at Anahaw Restaurant 

How to Get to Nayomi Sanctuary Resort


 If you are commuting, take a bus going to Lipa or Lemery Batangas. In my case, I took JAM Liner from EDSA Star Mall. The fare was Php 124.00. If you are coming from Quezon City, you can opt to take any bus headed to Lipa City from bus stations near Ali Mall. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Jollibee. It’s the one along President P. Laurel Hi-way just after Calabarzon expressway toll. You’ll know you are there because the traffic would get slower in that area.

After getting off the bus, cross the street and take any PUJ going to Robinsons or SM. The fare is Php 7.00. Ask the driver to drop you off at Starbucks near Shakeys. You can get off just before the footbridge. Take any tricycle from the terminal near Starbucks. Tell the driver to take you to Nayomi Sanctuary Resort. Once they hear Nayomi, they already know. The ride is Php 200 for at most 4 people. If you with your friends, you can share but if you are alone, you’d need to pay the full amount. It’s a long and bumpy ride by the way!

If you have a private transportation, it’s much easier to locate. You see the address and the map below? It’s approximately 1 hour 58 mins away from SM Megamall.  


Address: JM Katigbak Street Barangay Alangilan Balete Batangas, Philippines 4219

Contact No.: (02) 645-3092 | (02) 986-5487 | 470-2708 | 240-3478 | 240-5021 | 470-9334

Email Address: nayomiresort@gmail.com

Parting Words


 Glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort is perfect for family, group, couple or even solo getaway – the glamping tents’ charm is in its effort to please both children and adults. I recommend the resort for guests wanting to be a few hours away from Manila, yet in a calm, quiet and well-manicured garden setting. At Nayomi Sanctuary Resort, the staff cordially connects with each guest and assures a stress-free, memorable stay. The restaurant menu features scrumptious food with fresh ingredients for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in-between snacks. With the its recreational activities, food, and location, this nature preserve is “a sure escape from the urban world”.

I rate my glamping experience at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort as one of the best in the South. I felt a homey-esque vibe overall when I glamped at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort. I enjoyed my stay and would always remember the short laughs I had with the resort staff, the days I marveled with my favorite Mango trees, and the relaxation I got being unplugged and glamped in a beautiful sanctuary. I cannot wait to go back, preferably during the Mango season! I also invite you to try glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort or try a family staycation in their Himalayan House.

If you want to know more about Nayomi Sanctuary Resort, check out their official site here. 

Do you want to go glamping? Have you glamped before? What do you think about glamping at Nayomi Sanctuary Resort? Share your thoughts below. And if you find this post helpful, don’t forget to share!

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