Higher Than Pine Trees

Baguio just got a new reason for tourists to take the road trip up the mountains of Cordillera -- not just the sweater perfect weather, or pink-haired horses, nor the strawberries -- there's a new kid in town and it takes guts.

Treetop Adventure now opened its doors in Camp John Hay last November 2010 and opening to a new level of adventure too!

It is located near the Historical Core and at the back of the Bell Amphitheater all the way overlooking Happy Hallow where the old Yellow Trail used to lie.  They offer five activities to choose from ranging from easy to daredevils:

Superman Ride, a 250m zipline, 150m high, which zooms you like a super hero flying on top of pine trees while you enjoy the vast scenery and actually feel the wonders of nature (or let the moment pass you by cos you're too scared to open your eyes!)  Ride lasts one backwards and one forwards.  Farthest from entry point, takes about 5-10mins leisure walk along a track to get to the superman tower.  

The Silver Surfer ride is described as an exciting 150m ride at a 45 degree angle, up and down the mountain.  Good to know: on each leg the "surfer" stops and swings back and forth --- this I found a bit too uncomfortable.  Ride lasts 3 sets of back and forth motions.

Now this is the most relaxing of them all (except if you have acrophobia), the Canopy Ride will bring you to a tour of the pine forest canopy while suspended on ropes from one steel tower to another.  You will transfer three times to three towers.   

Last but not the least, the pièce de résistance, the Tree Drop Adventure, love the feeling of falling?  Well this one is for you and for adventure seekers alike, walk the Skywalk then  prepare as you free fall from a 60ft to zero in under 2 seconds.  According to the staff, you can go in three positions: ala mission impossible, rapelling style and upside down!  I have yet to try head first, maybe next time!


Not to forget, Trekking Adventure, the name says it all, with a tour guide to come with you.  Trekking schedule as follows: 10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00.

Adventure Rates start at 100php to 300php for each activity.

Superman Ride, 300php

Silver Surfer, 200php

Canopy Ride, 200php

Tree Drop Adventure, 150php

Trekking Adventure, 100php

They also have packages which is the most reasonable thing to do, plus you save on a per activity too.  We took the Package G which consists of all the zipline activities for only 800php.  Or all activities, including trekking for 850php. 

They are still in soft opening as we speak, but I overheard they will have a grand opening on 12/13 February 2011 (not sure of the exact date).  Other TreeTop Adventure sites: TreeTop Adventure Subic and TreeTop Adventure Circulo Verde.

You just gotta love the rush you get, the feeling of life and of wonder!  We all had a fantastic experience and I bet you will too!  So yes, here's to another reason to go up north, Cheers!

Wheeee,

Justine

OPA!

Only in my dreams. 

Opa! greek.

       a. Good life and happiness; statement of euphoria

       b. Often used during celebrations 

I’ve always wanted to go to Santorini. AH… The white façade of the landscape overlooking the crystal blue water… Nothing but pure amazement. Imagine just strolling in the little alleys, drinking wine, having a taste of the Mediterranean life at its best, with joyous people around you. Everywhere in anytime would seem like there is a grandeurs celebration. But as of now, only imagination and day dreaming would bring me to that place. 

Dream closer to home. 

Though Santorini is located in Europe and is roughly about half a days travel from Manila, God is generous enough to provide a nearer “Santorini” in the country. In the islands of Marinduque, lies the country’s very own miniature version of Santorini in the paradise of Bellaroca. 

Bellaroca Island Spa and Resort is a luxurious private resort where one could relax and really feel like VIP. It is an island enriched with cliffs, valleys, springs, and of course the beach. Everywhere you go, you will be greeted with the calming view of the clear blue ocean. For people with a heart for thrill and adventure, there are also caves for you to explore. 

You might be thinking, what the heck would I do in an island for days? The island does not just boast with nature’s beauty and it’s Santorini inspired look, but it has lots of activities and amenities lined up for you: (taken from the official website of the Bella Roca)

Entertainment Room

Fully-equipped Gym and Fitness Center

Bellarocca Spa 

Meditation Sanctuary

Tea House

Hotel Lap Swimming Pool

Seaside Swimming Pool

Natural Hot Spring Pool

Aqua Sports Center

Picnic Grove

Pristine white sand beachfront

9-hole Par 36 Golf Course and driving range

Kayaking

Jet ski

Banana boat

Windsurfing

Hobie cat sailing

Trekking/hiking

Fitness Walks/Jogging trails

Oh and before I forget, for you internet junkies, they also offer internet connections for you. But hey, the island is too beautiful to miss out on. Leave your laptop! Enjoy and relax!

A friend once asked me, why do you think people love going to the beach, give 10 reasons. I thought for a while then said, “to relax?, to enjoy?” And he nodded in agreement. So I asked, “what about you, what do you think is their reason?” without hesitation he said, “there’s only one reason. It’s to escape.”

Escape. Celebrate life. OPA!

Up Up and Away!

Kookie

Whimsical Sunday

Last Sunday, I had breakfast brunch with my girlfriends back in College as our "Christmas Get Together".  It was unanimously decided -- from choices between Flapjacks, Cafe Breton, and Pancake House -- to have our catch up at Cafe 1771.  Now, I haven't been there, or so I don't recall, but it definitely had me at my first step inside and you'll be sure I'll be coming back for more.

Chateau 1771 back in the day, is now known as Cafe 1771 which is more relaxed and less formal with three new sections -- Whimsy, The Lounge and The Winebar.

The Whimsy evokes European flair with charming blue and white interiors with silver and fushcia accents.  Food is not allowed in your local library (it does look like one!), but dining is what The Lounge specialises.  And as much as I wanted to check out what was upstairs, there was a banquet going on at The Winebar.

Anyway I had French Toast with Bacon and hubby had the Baguio Longanisa na Sabog.  I love it how they mix Western choices with local dishes.  My girlfriends ordered the Tinapang Bonuan Bangus.  Everything looked good and even better, tasted amazing.

Next time, I'll be back for their lunch and dinner!

Dress: Forever 21; Tights: Target; Shoes: Louboutin; Ring: Diva; Pearls: Vintage.

Like them on Facebook: Cafe 1771.  Café 1771 in El Pueblo Real de Manila, ADB Avenue cor. Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, is open from 7am to 10pm every Monday to Saturday and 7am to 3pm on Sundays.  The Winebar is open from 6pm t011pm Monday to Sundays.  Reservations are highly recommended call 631-7340.

Toddles,

Justine

Look Who's Coming to Town!

And when I say town, I mean here in AA.  


It's not Santa, come on, give the guy a break!  Keep posted, as our correspondent from Down Under graces us of her presence.  :)

Cheers,
Justine

What Happened?

New Year and Christmas happened.. :D

Wishing you all had a Happy Christmas and a Banging New Year!  2011, this is it!

We will be back to our regular blogging soonest!

xoxo