Kaliwaliw

There are days when my fiancée and I simply want to slow down and escape the noise of the city without traveling too far. One of our most memorable day trips was visiting the Blanco Family Museum — a peaceful, inspiring destination that beautifully blends art, culture, and romance. If you’re looking for a place where creativity meets scenic charm, this museum in Angono, widely known as the “Art Capital of the Philippines,” is truly worth a visit. Here’s how our experience went — from getting there, to what we saw, and where we satisfied our cravings afterward. How We Got There Coming from Metro Manila, reaching the museum was surprisingly easy. We took a scenic drive east toward Angono via Ortigas Avenue Extension. The journey itself was already enjoyable — the urban landscape gradually gave way to quieter roads, mountain views, and glimpses of provincial life. For commuters, we learned that you can take a jeepney or UV Express bound for Angono from areas like Cubao or Shaw Boulevard. ...

Traveling has always been one of our favorite ways to relax, reconnect, and create unforgettable memories together. As a couple who enjoys discovering unique destinations in the Philippines, my fiancé and I recently decided to visit the famous Lomboy Grape Farm in Bauang, La Union. Known for its lush grape vineyards and charming countryside vibe, the farm promised a refreshing experience away from the busy city. Our visit turned out to be both relaxing and exciting, making it a destination we would highly recommend for couples, families, and friends looking for a simple yet meaningful getaway. Getting There: A Smooth and Scenic Journey Our journey to Lomboy Grape Farm was fairly straightforward. Located in Bauang, La Union, the farm is accessible whether you’re coming from Metro Manila or nearby provinces. We traveled by car, which made the trip more convenient and flexible for us. From Manila, we took the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), connected to TPLEX, and followed the route going ...

When life in the city becomes overwhelming, my fiancé and I always look for places where we can slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy meaningful moments together. One of the most memorable destinations we visited recently was Paradizoo Theme Farm in Mendez, Cavite. Known as a mix of a zoo, farm, and recreational park, Paradizoo offers a refreshing countryside experience that is both educational and relaxing. Our visit turned out to be a delightful escape from our busy routine, filled with charming animal encounters, scenic views, and enjoyable farm activities. A Charming and Relaxing Ambiance From the moment we arrived, we immediately felt the peaceful countryside atmosphere of Paradizoo. The farm is located in Mendez, Cavite, an area known for its cool climate and lush greenery. As we walked through the entrance, we were welcomed by wide open spaces, colorful gardens, and well-maintained pathways surrounded by plants and trees. The fresh air alone already made our trip worthwhil...

When we first heard whispers of FUSION ALLEY Food Park Sampaloc, famously dubbed “Ugbo 2.0,” we were in different parts of Manila—some in the University Belt, others just passing by on errands—but all of us curious about the hype. The original Ugbo in Tondo had long been a food pilgrimage for adventurous eaters and night market lovers alike, with its endless rows of stalls, grilled skewers, exotic soups, and cheeky sweet treats. Now, this spirited concept has been reimagined closer to campus life, right between P. Noval and P. Campa streets in Sampaloc, just a short walk from UST and the rest of the academic hustle. From the outset, Ugbo 2.0 felt like a celebration of Filipino street food culture—but with its own Sampaloc personality. The streets come alive as the sun dips below the Manila skyline, and the aroma of sizzling grills and sweet fruit shakes fills the late-afternoon air. The first thing that strikes us when we walk along the vendors’ lane is the diversity of offerings: fami...

Baguio City has always been our go-to destination whenever we crave cool weather, pine-scented air, and a break from the rush of daily life. On our most recent visit, we decided to explore beyond the usual tourist spots and cafés—and that decision led us to one of the most comforting discoveries we’ve had in the City of Pines: Valley Bread Cafe. How We Got There Getting to Valley Bread Cafe was part of the experience itself. From the city center, we took a short jeepney ride followed by a leisurely walk. As we moved farther away from the busier roads, the noise slowly faded, replaced by the calming sounds of nature. The walk felt refreshing, with tall pine trees lining the streets and cool mountain air brushing against our faces. The route was easy to follow, and even as first-time visitors, we didn’t feel lost—only excited. When the café finally came into view, it felt like we had stumbled upon a hidden gem. Nestled in a quiet area, Valley Bread Cafe immediately welcomed us with its w...

One rainy late afternoon, we decided to go out for a late lunch or maybe have a heavy snack somewhere not-too-far yet not-so-near and not-a-typical-kind-of restaurant. We have been seeing a lot of posts on Facebook about concept resto’s and we really like to visit one 😉 We found ourselves loitering around PhilCoa, a busy place within Quezon City in the Philippines. We’re trying to find the infamous Rainbow Dreams Café. It’s supposed to be located at #80 Maguinhawa St. Well, a good map would be a great help besides Waze 😉 Just minutes away from Quezon City Circle, or if you’re commuting, best is from PhilCoa, rent a tricycle and just say you’re going to #80 Maguinhawa St. and they’ll take you there for less than 20 pesos. A resident on the place told us that there are a lot of Food Park within the area, well, not a bad idea to go back one day and even without any plans, just drop by and see what happens 😉 On a quick research, The Rainbow Dreams Café is co-owned by Ms. Alyss...