Travel – Page 16 – Jellybeans in the City

What to teach kids about traveling

Traveling is a rewarding activity for many of us. Going to unfamiliar places broadens our horizons by exposing us to novel experiences, diverse cultures and to new friends.

It can be more so for kids; taking them on out adventures into the wider world affords us opportunities to teach them lessons that will prove valuable to them in the future, not just when they venture out on their own trips, but as they go through their daily life.

Here are some of the lessons that you can impart to your kids as you go on the road.

One: How to travel light.

There is a limit to what you can take with you as you move from one place to another. Whether it depends on what your body can carry or the luggage capacity of your means of transportation, this limit forces you to prioritize which of your possessions will be of most use to you as you travel.

You will need to guide your little ones as they pick and choose items for the trip such as clothes that are easy to clean, those that don’t take up much space in your luggage and their essential toiletries.

Two: How to keep themselves entertained.

Not every moment you spend traveling will be exciting or interesting. You can expect downtimes when you can either rest or find a way to occupy your time.

The little ones may get antsy or bored during long wait periods or while in transit. So it would be wise to plan ahead with them on how they can keep themselves entertained while still packing light. They will need to leave behind their bulky game consoles in favor of easy-to-carry books, a pack of cards, and, with your permission of course, mobile electronics.

You can also take the opportunity to point out the sceneries you’re passing through or fill them in on the places where you’re going to drum up their excitement or spike their interest.

Three: How to discover on their own.

Some kids are adventurous by nature. They will want to strike out on their own. Nurture this inclination by helping them identify interesting places where they can safely venture out by themselves such as parks or play areas, with you keeping yourself easily accessible to them should they need you.

Of course, you will need to equip for their quest. Teach them to read maps and road signs, agree on places where they can meet up with you and point out places they can go to in case they need help.

Four: How to keep themselves safe.

Foremost among our concerns as parents is the safety of our kids. When traveling, little ones should be instructed to always stay near or within your sight, to be wary of strangers and to keep your contact details handy so that they can ask someone to get in touch with you should you get separated.

Five: How to stay on budget.

A big consideration in traveling is, of course, our budget. There may be times when the things you want to buy or the activities you want to experience may be beyond your means. Usually, you prioritize those that are more affordable or you limit yourself to those that are essential to your travel experience.

Similarly, you need to help your kids understand that they won’t be able to buy all their hearts’ desires during the trip. You can negotiate with them on which purchases you can afford that they can still enjoy.

Six: How to be good guests.

Remember, no matter which place you visit, you are basically visitors there. You and the kiddies should therefore behave as good guests. Aside from being polite to the people that you meet, you would also need to brush up on the basics of local customs so as not to offend anyone.

Furthermore, it is important to respect the local environment by following their conservation laws and cleanliness practices. As the famous quote among travellers goes:

Leave nothing but footprints.

Take nothing but pictures.

Kill nothing but time.

Seven: How to be thankful.

Not everyone has the means and opportunity to travel. It is therefore important for the kids to realize and appreciate the fact that they are able to.

For me, the best way to be thankful for opportunities such as these is to make the most of them in terms of learning and enjoyment.

Planning a trip with the kiddies any time soon? Do share your tips for traveling with kids.

An immersive coffee experience at Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Seattle

Seattle, WA is the birthplace of Starbucks. My love affair with this coffee brand is well-known among my nears-and-dears (and well-documented on this blog, too!)

Well, on my second visit to the Evergreen State, this time with my family in tow, I made sure to drop by the mecca for coffee lovers right here in Seattle: the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.

Located just nine blocks from Starbucks’ original store near the Pike Place Market, it is one of the largest Starbucks outlets in the world, occupying 15,000 square feet of space, all dedicated to the company’s pursuit of coffee innovations.

Here, visitors can look forward to a unique and immersive combination of coffee experiences, such as witnessing the on-site brewing of rare Starbucks Reserve coffees, tasting an ever-evolving beverage menu, watching, tasting and learning eight distinct coffee preparation methods, perusing an expansive library of coffee-related tomes, and chatting with a staff of Certified Starbucks Coffee Masters who simply love talking about their craft.

The experience starts in the Main Bar where you can order your cup of choice or allow the Coffee Masters to recommend a perfect handcrafted drink for you, made with the store’s freshly roasted, rare coffee beans.

Here, the kids and I enjoyed 12oz glasses of Cold Brew Malt, a treat from my bro. This drink is a thick malted milkshake made with Starbucks’ cold brew coffee spindle-blended with Mora’s vanilla ice cream and chocolate bitters.

Bro-in-law, on the other hand, a Matcha Teavana Tea Latte, one of the store’s non-coffee drinks.

Next, at the Scooping Bar, a Coffee Master can advise you on which Starbucks Reserve coffee best suits your taste and you can take home a freshly scooped bag.

At the Handpicked at the Roastery, your inner Starbucks fan can truly come out and play. With a plethora of carefully curated merchandise from Starbucks’ artisan partners, from coffee-brewing equipment from all over the world, coffeeware ranging from quaint-kitschy to posh and wearables that proudly announce your love for coffee, you can take a piece of Starbucks home with you.

At the Mixology Bar, get a shot or two of signature cocktails and spirit-free drinks inspired by Starbucks Reserve coffee and Teavana teas. I’ll probably return here – sans the little one – for a more spirited coffee experience.

Starbucks partnered with Rocco Princi to bring a taste of the Spirito di Milano to its customers. At Princi, you can treat yourself to artisan breads, freshly baked pastries and pizzas, as well as delectable desserts which are best enjoyed with your cup of Starbucks Reserve coffee.

Want to get lost in your own coffee story? Head on to the Experience Bar where you can go on themed coffee tasting flights, guided tours by Starbucks’ Coffee Masters where exploratory brew methods and immersive storytelling will only deepen your love for your favorite brews.

For a bookworm like me, the Coffee Library is a destination in itself. Climb up the steps so you can pore over 200-plus books dedicated to coffee. It also offers a great view of the entire roasting operation.

A trip to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is always a worthwhile activity for coffee lovers who find themselves in Seattle. I plan to return before my trip ends to have a more leisurely journey across the bars and stations.

This Starbucks Reserve Roastery is located at 1124 Pike Street, Seattle, WA, 98101, open daily from 7am to 11pm. For more details, call (206)624-0173 or visit www.starbucksreserve.com.

Check out my previous posts on Starbucks:

Check out the other restos I’ve tried in the Washington state area:

Immerse yourself in the world of Westeros at the SKY Alive at SM MOA until April 28

If your weekly dose of Game of Thrones episodes is not enough to fill your craving for your favorite TV show, why not enjoy your favorite scenes and characters in the flesh at the SKY Alive Tour at SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

Envisioned by SKY as a way to bring its exciting shows to life for its subscribers, the SKY Alive Tour, organized in cooperation with SKY’s channel partners, has been spotted in various malls throughout the country since 2015. This current SKY Alive Tour ongoing until April 28, is organized together with HBO, as part of the activities to promote the final season of the mega-hit TV series Game of Thrones. The show is slated to air its final episode on May 20.

At the SKY Alive Tour, attendees can look forward to Game of Thrones-inspired activities and attractions which include:

Riding the Dragon.

A GOT Pop Quiz.

Playing the Game of Faces.

Sitting on the Iron Throne.

Here, attendees will be serenaded with GOT tunes by the 4G String Quartet. They can also interact with cosplayers of GOT characters.

So head on to the SM MOA Atrium and immerse yourself in the World of Westeros.

New episodes of the eighth and final season of GAME OF THRONES will air in Asia same time as the U.S. every Monday at 9am, with a same day encore at 10pm, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO (SKYcable ch 54 SD | 168 HD in Metro Manila).

Based on the popular book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” by George R.R. Martin, this hit Emmy®-winning fantasy series chronicles an epic struggle for power in a vast and violent kingdom. Members of the ensemble cast for the seventh season included Emmy® and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Aidan Gillen, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams. Season seven credits: executive producers, David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger, Bernadette Caulfield; co-executive producers, Bryan Cogman, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis, George R.R. Martin.

HBO GO is HBO’s online streaming service that gives subscribers a chance to watch and enjoy the world’s best movies, HBO Originals and more through the website or the mobile app. Subscription to the app also gives SKY subscribers free access to cable channels – HBO Hits, HBO Family, and HBO Signature. To register your SKY account and subscribe to HBO GO, visit mysky.com.ph/hbogo.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Video Credits: SKYcable on Youtube

Photo Credits: Gail Dupalco of SKY for the pictures of cosplayers and the 4G string quartet.

All other images are mine.

Check out my other recent posts on Game of Thrones:

SKY treats subscribers to exclusive Game of Thrones events

SKY treats subscribers to exclusive Game of Thrones events

SKY subscribers who are die-hard Game of Thrones fans were recently given one-of-a-kind experiences: an ice skating spectacle inspired by HBO’s phenomenal hit TV series and an exclusive live screening of the final season premiere in one of the trendiest establishments in Poblacion, Makati.

On April 12 and 13, they witnessed Fire or Ice: A Musical Spectacle at SM Megamall’s Skating Rink.

There, they were treated to the outstanding performances by the country’s top figure skaters Joel Minas and Sofia Guidote. Minas, who has bagged over 30 gold medals in various local and international skating competitions, masterfully brought King in the North Jon Snow to life on the ice. Guidote, on the other hand, in her role as Mother of Dragons Danaerys Targaryen, displayed the grace and athleticism that helped her bag the gold medal for the third year in a row at the Philippine National Competition. Together, they gave absolutely stunning performances.

This remarkable event was made possible by SKY’s partnership with SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc.

On April 15, selected SKY subscribers were invited to an exclusive live viewing party at the Johnnie Walker House in Poblacion. SKY partnered with Diageo, the company behind the Johnnie Walker brand, in hosting the event. Guests were treated to a sumptuous breakfast with food items that whimsically reference Game of Thrones characters and locations. Ten bottles of White Walker, Johnnie Walker’s limited edition Scotch whiskey inspired by the show’s most chillingly enigmatic of characters, were also raffled off to lucky winners.

Of course, the real highlight of the event was the live screening of the Season 8’s premiere episode in full high definition on HBO HD (SKYcable ch 168), all the better for attendees to see (and obsess over) every detail as they happen onscreen.

During both events, attendees were asked to choose their side: vote for their choice on who will sit on the Iron Throne and rule over the seven kingdoms by the series’ end.

They were also serenaded by 4G String Quartet who performed their own haunting renditions of the show’s theme songs and musical scoring.

Cosplayers from Westeros Cosplay PH also graced the events, bringing the show’s lead characters to life, and gamely posed with the show’s fans for selfies and photo opps.

With these two events, it is certainly a great time for a GOT fan to be a SKY subscriber!

Game of Thrones fans can look forward to more immersions into Westeros with the upcoming SKY Alive event at the SM Mall of Asia on April 27 and 28. Here, they can participate in games and contests, interact with their favorite Game of Thrones characters through the attending cosplayers, be entertained by more performances by 4G String Quartet, and experience what it’s like to sit on the Iron Throne!

Video Credits: SKYcable on Youtube

All other images are mine.

Check out my other recent posts on Game of Thrones:

5 reasons why Novotel is your family’s staycation destination

Now that the holiday rush is over, I felt that the family deserves a treat. That’s why we hied off to Novotel Manila Araneta Center for our first family staycation.

This hotel is the first Novotel in the country. Situated in the hectic commercial district of Cubao, it provides a haven where the metro’s denizens and visitors alike can enjoy great food and outstanding accommodations.

There is a quite a number of hotels in the city but let me give you five reasons why Novotel is your family’s staycation destination.

One: Luxurious comfort in simple yet elegant surroundings

Upon entering Novotel’s well-appointed lobby, we were enveloped by a sense of welcome: from the clean lines and soft lighting of the interiors, soft music playing in the background, the hassle-free check-in process and the friendly assistance from the hotel staff – especially towards my inquisitive little boy – we were impressed by the feeling of warm hospitality and comfort.

We opted for a Superior Twin Bed Room, perfect for our family of four. It is tastefully designed to have a modern yet homey feel with earth colors accented by cool blues and greens. The beds have nice firm matresses covered in cool and smooth white linen sheets that made me want to snuggle in under the covers with my kiddies while watching movies on the big-screen TV. The couch by the window is also the perfect place to catch up on my reading.

A spacious closet is on hand to store clothes and other personal belongings with a mini-fridge built-in with complimentary bottles of drinking water for the guests’ convenience.

If you forgot to bring your personal items, don’t fret because Novotel supplies guests with eco-friendly toiletries in keeping with the hotel’s advocacy for global sustainable development.

Two: A wide variety of exercise and recreation options

As he is already a pre-teen, my little boy eschewed the the hotel’s Kids Club and headed straight for the pool. There, he was able to splash around to his heart’s content. (And I was able to teach him how to float!)

Hubby, on the other hand, preferred to continue his workouts at In Balance, the hotel gym the next day. Equipped with various exercise equipment, the gym is an excellent option to burn off those calories.

I joined him for a while and worked on achieving my 10k steps on the treadmill.

Afterwards, we each retreated to the male and female locker rooms to get a relaxing steam bath before rejoining the kiddos in the hotel room.

Three: A myriad of food choices within the hotel

When we hied ourselves over here, we brought our appetites with us; fortunately, Novotel has a great selection of restaurants to satisfy our cravings.

Take Food Exchange, for example. The site for sumptuous lunches and dinners became our first stop for breakfast after a restful night.

Food Exchange, Novotel Manila Araneta Center

It featured a wide sampling of breakfast and dessert dishes from various cuisines. I absolutely adored the kind of cheesebread served; I’ve only tasted this kind of fluffy, sweet and salty pastries when I went on a Pampanga Food Crawl with my fellow bloggers last year. It’s perfectly matched with a cup of rich hot choco.

My little boy was over the moon for getting his favorite food – pizzas! – for breakfast. The fact that he ate them immediately after downing a bowl of milk and cereal still astounds me.

Indulge, the hotel’s ice cream bar, was my kiddos’ request from Day 1. And why not? We made sure to treat ouselves to some decadent gelatos and premium ice creams before we left the hotel.

Alas, a nightcap at Sabor Bar de Vinos with Hubby would have to wait until our next visit. He would surely love its distinguished wine collection, while I would love to sink my teeth into its signature tapas.

Other foodie destinations within the hotel that I’d like to explore include the Gourmet Bar, a 24/7 lounge and and laid-back restaurant serving a gamut of dishes from breakfast treats, power lunches to midnight munchies, and The 6th Pool Bar, a relaxing venue where people can unwind beside the pool while enjoying the bar’s signature drinks and snacks.

Four: Proximity to various points of culture

This part of Quezon City is simply awash with things to see and places to go to.

You can catch concerts and theatrical plays at the Kia Performing Arts Theater, while a short distance away is the Art in Island Museum where visitors can take their pictures against wondrous 3D backdrops.

Within the immediate vicinity is Sining Kamalig, a contemporary Filipino art gallery within Ali Mall, which has become the home of works by the country’s finest artists.

A little further off are university-based galleries Arete in Ateneo de Manila University and and Vargas Museum in the University of the Philippines. Both have extensive collections of native and contemporary art.

Five: It’s loyalty program will make you feel welcome each time you stay.

By signing up as a member of Le Club AccorHotels, you will earn rewards points and status points for every stay at any of the 3,600 hotels in 100 countries where the AccorHotels group operates. Rewards and experiences that await you include premium packages reserved exclusively for members, frequent flyer points with major airlines and other partners, unforgettable experiences such as attendance to sports and cultural events in A VIP box.

As a new member, I was able enjoy online check-in and fast checkout, making the whole experience of our family staycation completely hassle-free.

My family and I had a great time with our staycation in Novotel, and we would definitely be back to enjoy more of its offerings.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is located along General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City. For inquiries, call +63 2 9907888. For more details, visit novotelmanilaaranetacenter.com. You may also book your stay via Klook!

Room rates for 1-2 persons are:

Superior Room: Php6,641 (room only) | Php7,274 (bed and breakfast)
Deluxe Room: Php7,274 (room only) | Php7,906 (bed and breakfast)
Executive Room: Php9,804 (bed and breakfast)
Executive Suite: Php12,966 (bed and breakfast)
Presidential Suite: Php189,750 (bed and breakfast)
Additional person: Php1,265 (room only) | Php1,898 (bed and breakfast)

Disclosure: My family and I enjoyed a complimentary stay in a Superior Room, thanks to a voucher I received from the hotel.

Fantasies brought to life with Victoria Court Suites’ themed rooms

Motels came out of the need among motorists for places to stopover and rest. A portmanteau of the words “motor” and “hotel,” motels are usually located along higways with no-frills – almost spartan – rooms immediately facing the parking area to give motorists immediate access to their vehicles after their stopover.

Over the years, however, the concept of motels has deteriorated to one mostly related to illicit activity.

Victoria Court, one of the more premium motel brands, has taken steps to go beyond the seedy impressions of its business. It began by transitioning its service concept from a motel to a drive-in hotel with bigger rooms, luxurious amenities and a classier atmosphere that guarantees privacy, courtesy, prompt service,and world-class facilities and housekeeping.

A few years ago, Victoria Court began to offer themed rooms – large quarters decorated and laid out with outlandish concepts in mind – thereby expanding its potential clientele to include those looking to have themed parties, engagement revelries and bachelorette bashes. With this innovation, Victoria Court has cemented its appeal beyond the usual market among motels, while retaining the hint of naughty mischief. (I organized a very memorable bachelorette party for a friend here a few years ago precisely for this reason.)

Victoria Court continues to innovate of this concept, regularly introducing new themed rooms inspired by pop culture.

In its recent event held at its Panorama property in Pasig, #VCTwistedFiction, it showcased some of its popular themed rooms by inviting bloggers and cosplayers to bring their fantasies to life. Bloggers collaborated with the cosplayers in setting up and photographing the rooms in dramatic or playful scenes in the featured rooms.

Curious yet? Check these out:

Bachelor’s Pad. Ladies, invade your men’s space by having your girls’ night out here, playing pool or pretending that the the boys are in the kitchen, making you a sandwich.

Cirque. If you ever dreamed about running away to join the circus, here’s your chance. In this room, you can be the ringmaster of your own show.

Venice. Here you can picture yourself as the muse of a Renaissance artist and daydream among the romantic canals surrounded by works of the masters.

Moulin Rouge. Step into Satine’s opulent budoir and relive the heyday of Paris’ colorful demimonde.

Oval Office. See what it’s like to be the most powerful person in the Free World for a night.

Princess Jasmine. In this Arabian Nights-inspired room, you can get on a magic carpet ride and explore a whole new world.

Victoria Court has certainly come a long way from the original motel concept into a venue for outlandish and fantastic revelries.

Victoria Court’s Panorama property is located at #1 Canley Road, Oranbo, Pasig City. For inquiries and bookings, call +63 2 6719782 to 84 or +63 917 VCSERVE (8273783). For more details, visit http://www.victoriacourt.biz.

Five-hour stays in the themed rooms are priced at:

Php12,000 (Cirque, Princess Jasmine, Venice, Oval Office, Moulin Rouge, Space Wars and Fifty Shades); Php1,200/hr in excess of 5 hours
Php8,000 (Bachelor Pad, Hive (Big), Asgard and Chips); Php900/hr in excess of 5 hours
Php5,000 Divine and Hive (Small)); Php900/hr in excess of 5 hours

Corkage Fees:

Food: Php2,000
Drinks: P2,000 (bringing of beer is not allowed)

A calesa tour of San Fernando, Pampanga’s historical attractions

San Fernando, Pampanga was founded in 1754, carved out of neighboring towns Mexico and Bacolor during the reign of King Fernando III of Castile and Leon. Since then, the city has been both a witness and setting for many of the region’s significant historical events.

In a recent trip to the city sponsored by its tourism office, I was able to get a peek into San Fernando’s past together with fellow bloggers through – of all things – a calesa ride!

There’s something about the feeling the balmy morning hangin amihan on my skin and hearing the clip-clop of hooves against the pavement as we circled around San Fernando’s Heritage District in an old-timey horse-drawn carriage. The calesa drivers are friendly and have been trained by the city’s tourism office to serve as tour guides.

Our tour started at the Heroes Hall, which showcases the statues of eight local and national heroes, including those of Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Jose Rizal, Don Tiburcio Hilario, Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos and of Nicolasa Dayrit-Panlilio who, in March 1899, led a group of Kapampangan women to prevent a violent altercation between Generals Antonio Luna and Tomas Mascardo. (Yey for girl power!)

The hall, which used to be the municipal office, now functions as a government office and conference hall.

The park in front of the hall is decorated with life-size lanterns depicting people celebrating a Kapampangan holiday. The pieces were provided by the award-winning RolRen’s Lanterns which also supplies the parols used during the Metro Manila Filmfest and in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

In the Heritage District, we passed by the houses of some of Pampanga’s notable historical denizens such as the Lazatin Residence, the Tabacalera House, the Hizon-Singian House and more. I would have loved to spend more time gossiping about the descendants of the historical figures who lived there but, alas, our time was limited.

We also passed by the San Fernando Metropolitan Cathedral, a stone church founded by the Augustinians in the late 18th century. It was burned, along with its convent, by the Philippine Revolutionary Army on the order of General Antonio Luna in 1899 buy was restored by Kapampangan architect Fernando Hizon Ocampo in 1948.

Other historically notable structures we passed by include the City Hall Building built in 1917, the Pampanga Capitol Building which is currently the seat of the provincial government and the Presidio or the Pampanga Provincial Jail which was originally designed in 1907 as the Court of First Instance.

The final stop of our calesa tour is the ruins of the San Fernando Train Station. Opened in 1892 as part of the Bagbag-Mabalacat stretch of the Manila-Dagupan Railway System, it marked the start of the region’s economic growth due to massive growth in the Pampanga’s sugar industry.

In mid-1892, national hero Dr. Jose Rizal made a stopover in San Fernando to recruit members for the La Liga Filipina. Ironically, the train station was designed by Engineer Charles Henry Kipping who ended up marrying Jose Rizal’s childhood love, Leonor Rivera. His visit is commemorated by a statue of the national hero seated on a bench seemingly awaiting his friends or the Kapampangan woman he was rumored to be courting at the time, Rosario Joven.

In 1941, the Japanese Army bombed an ammunition train said to be parked in front of the station, causing significant fire damage to some portions of the building, which are still evident from the black stains on the structure’s walls.

In 1942, train station served as the last stop of the Bataan Death March, wherein thousands of tired, hungry and ill Filipino and American POWs, after walking 102 kilometers from Bataan, were stuffed like sardines into box carts and transported to Capas, Tarlac. The horrendous event is commemorated by a diorama of life-size statues depicting soldiers consoling fellow prisoners and gearing up for more hardships that they are to face.

The calesa tour is a memorable way to take a step into the past, revisit some of the events and areas of interest in the city’s history and appreciate how far we’ve come since then.

For inquiries on the calesa tour, call the San Fernando City Tourism Office at +63 045 9615684 or email ctipo.csfp@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Together with other bloggers, I participated in a tour and food crawl sponsored by the city government of San Fernando, Pampanga. The experiences provided and food served were not paid for by the attendees including myself.

San Fernando, Pampanga keeps the tradition of handcrafting Christmas lanterns alive

San Fernando, the provincial capitol of Pampanga, is a bustling city that houses the provincial presence of some of the country’s largest retail outlets, financial firms, restaurant chains, manufacturing companies and more. The city also plans to further expand the modernization of its infrastructure and services.

Despite its drive towards modernization, the city also stays true to its roots as the home of Christmas Lanterns, as manifested by its support to its handcrafted parol industry. San Fernando Pampanga’s parol makers are known for their grandiose creations: colorful and ornately patterned lanterns which light up and blink in cheery rhythms. Largely because of this, San Fernando, Pampanga has been hailed by CNN as “Asia’s Christmas capital.”

The Kapampangan tradition of handcrafting lanterns can be dated back to the 16th century when the Augustinian friars started the practice of holding processions honoring the town’s patron saints leading to the cathedral. This practice coincides with the Misa de Gallo, or dawn masses held for nine days leading to Christmas. The processions would later evolve and become locally known as Lubenas.

During these processions, the candles held by the devout would sometimes get blown out by the hanging amihan (cool northeast wind). The enterprising Kapampangans took to covering their candles to protect the flames from the breeze, thus making them lanterns. And since Kapampangans are also characterized by their appreciation for beauty, joy, grandiosity and pomp, the lanterns grew in size and complexity of design as the years went by. They evolved from being made of simple bamboo and other indigenous materials to incorporating dancing lights as well as the use of colored plastics and fiberglass in the design.

This interesting origin story of the parol was retold by Rolando Quiambao, the lantern maker/designer behind RolRen’s Lanterns and General Merchandise. The parols of this home-grown business have enjoyed not only national, but also worldwide acclaim. If you chanced upon the bombastic parols used during the Metro Manila Filmfest or those gracing the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), chances are, these were supplied by RolRen’s.

RonRel’s also produces lanterns for Saipan, Korea, Guam, Taiwan, Palau and more. While its products geared towards the international market retain the Kapampangan parol at their core, the execution of these lanterns reflect the culture of the country they are going to. Palau-bound lanterns, for instance, depict the nipa huts and boats used in local culture.

Recently, RolRen’s supplied San Fernando’s Heroes Hall with colorful life-size depictions of the Paskong Kapampangan (Christmas in Pampanga).

RonRel’s has also incorporated innovations in parol into its parol design. Its designers worked with computer programmers to facilitate choreographed blinking of the parol’s various lights via rotors, for example. Previously, these lights were manipulated using on/off switches.

Mr. Quiambao shares other interesting snippets of trivia as well. Did you know that what sets the Kapampangan parol apart from other Christmas lanterns are its component parts which are steeped in tradition? These are:

The middle portion called the tambol (base drum) so named because its round shape resembles that of the drum
The star-shaped portion after the tambol is the pito-siko, named after the way the star’s corners resemble bent elbows
Surrounding the star is the palimbon from the Kapampangan word for procession that circles the town on the way to the cathedral
The outer layer is called the ponteta, from the Kapampangan word punta, which refers to it being the final component of the parol.

The artisans of RolRen’s don’t have a monopoly of Kapampangan parol-enthusiasm either.

With the approach of the holiday season, amateur lantern makers from various barangays in the city are gearing up for this year’s Giant Lantern Festival. Already on its 110th year, the festival displays the artistry and passion the Kapampangans have for their parols as representatives from participating barangays contruct lanterns up to 20 feet tall to compete with those from other barangays.

Barangay San Jose, in particular, is represented by the Ambrosio family, the only team that has a female lantern-maker, Mary Anne Torres. (The lantern makers of the other contest entries this year are all male.)

This year’s entry from San Jose will reach up to 19.8 feet and will requires 10,000 lightbulbs.

Barangay San Jose’s last win in the Giant Lantern Festival was in 1991. Their winning piece was later displayed during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

The Giant Lantern Festival Competition will be held at the Robinsons Starmills on December 15, 6pm at the Robinsons Starmills. Participating barangays include Calulut, Del Carmen, Del Pilar, San Jose, San Juan, San Nicolas, San Pedro, Sindalan, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Nino and Telabastagan.

Want to take part in this fun and light-filled event as well as check out the local delights that San Fernando, Pampanga has to offer? Check out these packages centered around the competition night from tour operators accredited by the city government:

M.A.G. Travel & Tours

Tour Highlights: Giant Lantern Grand Competition Night, visit and learn how to make giant lanterns, Kapampangan cookery and food crawl, learning indigenous ways of preparing and cooking meals, a visit to the Sunken Church of San Guillermo Parish, a visit to the San Fernando Train Station
Rate (with overnight stay ay Imerex Hotel): Php5,650 (single)/Php4,280 (twin)
Contact Details: +63 2 3598699; +63 045 4995139; +63 917 6311459; +63 920 1172333; and +63 923 4258888

Don’t Skip Manila

Tour Highlights: Early Buffet Dinner of heirloom Kapampangan recipes; lantern-making workshop and factory tour; Giant Lantern Festival Show
Rate: Php2,000 pax
Contact Details: dontskipmanila@gmail.com

CultureShockPH

Tour Highlights: Early Buffet Dinner of heirloom Kapampangan recipes; lantern-making workshop and factory tour; Giant Lantern Festival Show
Rates: Php3,000 (discounts will apply for multi-person booking, students and children age 12 and below)
Contact Details: +63 917 7146737 (Osep Reyes)

LQM Travel

Package Inclusions: round trip transportation (pick up from Clark or Angeles); entrance to Clark Museum and VIP Seat at the Giant Lantern Exhibition; Lunch and Dinner; Souvenir T-Shirt and Licensed Tour Guide

Rate: Php3,000 (discounts will apply for multi-person booking)

Contact Details: +63 045 3311036; +63 045 3311356; +63 906 0660521; or +63 919 8744984

Disclosure: Together with other bloggers, I participated in a tour and food crawl sponsored by the city government of San Fernando, Pampanga. The experiences and food served were not paid for by the attendees including myself.

Adventure time in ZOORI, Tagaytay

ZOORI (Zoo at Residence Inn) is a perfect spot to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Taal Lake and Volcano while having some fun with exotic animals amidst lush surroundings.

I visited the place recently together with fellow bloggers as well as candidates of the Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide 2018. First, we enjoyed a very Pinoy lunch of Chicken Pork Adobo, a Zoompia (their gigantic version of a spring roll) and Puto Bumbong. We had our repast at the restaurant gazebo while taking in the majestic view.

Afterwards, we discovered that we were in for a treat: an animal show in which the Miss Tourism candidates from different countries gamely interacted with the featured critters which included snakes, lizards, a tarantula and more.

After the show, we explored the many attractions that the ZOORI had to offer: from the mini-zoo with an interesting collection of birds and livestock, the zip line which the beauty queens lost no time in trying out, and the cable car for us who were decidedly less adventurous.

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Yes, the girl screaming like a banshee was me. #cablecar #acrophobia #fearofheights #adventuretime at @zoomanity . . . . . . #wheretogoph #wheretonextph #goplacesmanila #zoomanity #zoori

A post shared by Jellybeans in the City (@beingjellybeans) on Oct 24, 2018 at 1:14am PDT

Before we left, I went to the shops and scored some good finds: a wolf hat for my baby boy, a couple of scoodies and a long cardigan for me.

Unfortunately, we ran out of time. I would have loved to check out ZOORI’s other attractions such as Wall-Climbing and Horseback Riding, or had an eat-all-you-can Korean Barbecue at Samgyupsalamat. But those are what return visits are for. 🙂 Still, it was a fun afternoon that showed me and my fellow bloggers more the entertainment and recreation possibilities available in Tagaytay. ZOORI is located KM 65 Barrio Neogan, Tagaytay City, open daily from 8am to 5pm. To commute going to ZOORI, take a bus ride from Cubao to Alfonso, Balayan or Nasugbu. Alight at Residence Inn Tagaytay along the National Highway. Rates:

Adult: Php249
Child (3 feet to 4 feet): Php199
Children below 3 feet free of charge

Special Packages:

Entrance with Paradizoo: Php299
Entrance with Paradizoo and Set Lunch at the Gazebo: Php499
Entrance with Paradizoo and Samgyupsalamat: Php699
Entrance with Paradizoo, Samgyupsalamat and Photo with Birds: Php799
Entrance with Paradizoo, Samgyupsalamat and Zipline: Php899
Entrance with Paradizoo, Samgyupsalamat, Dessert & Coffee and Zipline: Php999

Here’s a tip: you can get discounted tickets to Paradizoo Theme Farm by signing up for a free YOGO customer account and ordering tickets via the YOGO PH app (download now on Google Play or the App Store). You can also enjoy savings when you book your tickets via Klook. For inquiries, email zoomanityonline@gmail.com or call +63 046 4131244 | +63 966 1938965. Know more about Paradizoo and other Zoomanity’s attractions at zoomanity.com.ph. For queries, call +62 046 413 1244 or +63 02 847 0413. Disclosure: Together with fellow bloggers, I was invited by the Zoomanity Group to tour and experience the attractions at ZOORI. The tour was sponsored by the company and was not paid for by the attendees including myself.

Green space musings at Paradizoo Theme Farm in Mendez, Cavite

Life in the city can feel somewhat stifling: modern life enables you to do so much but most of them require you to be sedentary, cocooned in air-conditioned rooms with your eyes glued to device screens, or traversing the drab concrete jungle. Sometimes, we just crave for a bit of green space, areas with verdant life that refreshes the mind, body and soul. Several studies have already cited the health and social benefits of green spaces, which include stress reduction, enhanced mood and improved social interactions. Just outside the metro in Mendez, Cavite, one can find Paradizoo, one of Zoomanity Group‘s theme parks. Here you can find green spaces in abundance, with 12-hectares of land that offers a combination of Paradize and Zoo that makes each visit uniquely relaxing and entertaining.

Inside the park, your eyes are treated to wide expanses of greenery with attractions such as: Vegetable Garden. Paradizoo employs best faming practices, particularly in vermiculture, bokashi soil, hydrophonics and composting, to produce fresh and organic vegetables. Flower Garden. Horticulturists and lovers of decorative plants will love the sheer variety of colors and shapes of flowers to be found here.

Meditation Garden. A quiet and peaceful place where one can relax and reflect, this is a boon to busy professionals who want to unload themselves from the cares of city life for a while.

Families will also welcome the opportunity to enjoy some time playing in the great outdoors with activities such as: Archery Attack. An instructor will teach you the proper way to aim at and hit targets, which you can later use when doing mock battles with your companions.

Farm Frenzy. Meet and cuddle up (and let out your inner Disney Princess, hehehe!) as you meet new animal friends like rabbits, hamsters, birds, goats and other critters.

Plant Me Home. Want to take a bit of the greenery home with you? In this area, you can select flowers and vegetables from garden plots that you can buy and bring home.

Fun Z Bubble. Roll across the fields with the kids in this fun and exhilarating activity.

And when you’re parched or famished from all the exercise and outdoor activities, drop by the Paradizoo Cafe for some well-deserved snacking. You can also check out the cool souvenirs that you can buy and bring home with you.

As much as I love the city, it’s sometimes important to take a break from it for a while and get some respite in amidst the sunshine and greenery. Afterwards, I feel like I’m ready to face life in the city again, refreshed and re-energized. Paradizoo is located along the Mendez-Tagaytay Road in Mendez, Cavite, open daily from 8am to 5pm. To commute going there, ride a bus to Tagaytay City or at Olivarez terminal. Afterwards, then ride any jeepney or bus to Mendez and inform the driver to drop you off to Maglabe Drive. Lastly, take a trycicle ride to Paradizoo. Rates:

Adult: Php199
Child (3 feet to 4 feet): Php149
Children below 3 feet free of charge

Book your eco-farm journey by emailing zoomanityonline@gmail.com or by calling +63 046 4131244 | +63 966 1938965. Know more about Paradizoo and other Zoomanity’s attractions at zoomanity.com.ph. Here’s a tip: you can get discounted ticketsto Paradizoo Theme Farm by signing up for a free YOGO customer account and booking via the YOGO PH app (download now on Google Play or the App Store). You can also book your tickets via Klook Disclosure: Together with fellow bloggers, I was invited by the Zoomanity Group to tour and experience the attractions at the Paradizoo Theme Farm. The tour was sponsored by the company and was not paid for by the attendees including myself.