Pina Colina, Tagaytay

At PINA COLINA driveway 

 

 

 

 

After our stop over at Picnic Grove, we checked in at Pina Colina Resort located on a Pineapple hill, just a few minutes away. After tiresome and sweaty experience at Picnic Grove, we were welcome by a very inviting small pool, nice and relaxing venue with good ambiance, refreshing breeze, beautiful villas and accommodating staffs.

The small swimming pool with a kiddie pool

The 2 bedroom CASITA Good for 8-10 pax
Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and Holiday rates    Php 6500
Weekdays (Mondays-Thursdays)                                      Php 5850

The Log Cabin,Good for 15-18 pax
Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and Holiday rates    Php 8500
         Weekdays (Mondays-Thursdays)                                Php 7650

We rented 1 Log Cabin and 1 Casita. Both are spacious. The log Cabin has 3 rooms, 2 of it has 2 double deck beds which can accommodate 6 person, the other room has 1 queen size bed with a pull out bed which is good for 4 people. The sala on the first floor has a day bed with pull out bed, and there is a sala on the second floor too with the same day bed and pull out bed. The Casita, has 2 bedroom both with double size bed and a pull out, with 2 day bed and with a pull out also. If there is no maximum limit of occupants, we would be just fine with the Log Cabin. But since they have set a maximum number, we reserved for a Log Cabin and a Casita. With only 22 pax in our group with kids older than 5 but younger than 12, we were left with three vacant beds. Take note that there is a 10% charge for using the kitchen, whether you cook or not, as long as you used the plates and utensils, you must pay additional. ALSO, there is an additional charge for using the airconditioning unit. Additional 1,300php for Log Cabin and 1,000 php for Casita. Using The Jacuzzi will also cost you an additional 1,200php per hour. Additional person beyond their allotted number of occupants per unit will also be charge an additional 500 per pax. Actually, I was dismay because upon checking out, they were charging us an additional 10% for using the kitchen wares. As we brought cooked food with us already, some are left over from Picnic grove, and others were bought from Olivares, we decided not to use the stove not to incur additional charges because I was reminded by friends who had visited the place that they do charge a 10% cooking fee. I didn't know using the plates, and utensils were included in that. If I knew, we should have just used the stove and do the cooking there. Anyway, after talking to the staff and a call to JAMES MAHUSAY (Mobile Numbers: (Globe) +63927.576.545(Sun)+63923.996.6682), they made adjustment on our bill. Nevertheless, It's a hassle to a good day, talking your way out of paying additional 10% just for using the plates,utensils etc. I even overheard them talking on the phone, the staff to put a lock on the drawers of the kitchen next time (they were dead serious about charging the customers for using the kitchen wares).

Pineapple Hill

at the sun deck, at the back is the Jacuzzi

 The Place is really nice, spacious and beautiful. I personally like the ambiance. The swimming pool is small and the water's very cold but it's very inviting to us who loves to swim,specially to the little ones who loves getting wet. There is no lifeguard, so you better watch for your little kids.  The view of the pineapple hill is an added attraction. They have a wide, grass coated play area for badminton/ volleyball or for kid's just running around. Actually, I love the place. For a mommy like me, I could let my kids run around the area without the fear of them getting hurt. I like the accommodation, except for the clogged sink on the kitchen and slow draining sink on the bathroom of the Log Cabin. Unlike other Resorts and Hotels, there were no towels and toiletries. But its fine, i still Love the place. Their website says "Welcome to Piña Colina... your affordable Tagaytay hideaway! Experience the serenity of Tagaytay with our excellent accommodation and quality service at a very affordable price." but the thing is, unlike other Resort namely PURA VIDA, there is an additional charge for using the kitchen wares and additional charge for using the aircon. If you add it up, it's not really affordable, maybe even higher than other resorts. But then again, I still love the place.
 
It's really a Beautiful place, I just hope they will make a revision on their policies and make the rate upfront and all inclusive. Otherwise, I will still visit the place maybe recommend to my peers, but always with a reminder to bring extra money, just in case they decided to charge you additional.

Our Group of 22pax with 6 below 4yo toddlers,at the backgound is the 2 units of log cabin and 2 units of 2bedroom cabin

 

 For more information: http://www.pinacolina.com/index.html
 For Location Map: http://www.pinacolina.com/contact.html

Picnic Grove, Tagaytay

Picnic Grove, overlooking Taal lake

We are 22 pax plus 6 below 4yo, we stayed in 2 huts

the hike up was fun, we did a lot of picture taking

It was a family outing we never thought would push through. The news keeps on flashing about typhoon "Chedeng" and we were hesitant about long driving through a typhoon but nevertheless we went through with it and we were glad we did. As we were traveling, we noticed all the billboards down and tarpaulin folded. I was amazed at how much preparation the Government is doing for the expected typhoon but I also took noticed of how high the rate gone up at SLEX (South Luzon Expressway), it is now 157php from C5 to Sta. Rosa exit. Just imagine those who use SLEX everyday, they must be in dilemma. With the high price of gasoline and toll gate fee, anybody going places who can afford it is lucky enough.

at the hanging bridge

Anyway, It's my Nth time visit to Picnic Grove (50php per pax,4yo below are free), this time, it's a bit different because of the zipline attraction. As usual, we brought cooked foods and drinks, we had 2 big cooler which was heavy carrying down to the 2 Huts we rented (cost 150php each). The weather was HOT, I had a terrible tan line only after 4hours of stay there. Next time, I will remember to put a sunblock lotion. Aside from the zipline, nothing much has change. It's still the same, with vendors swarming like bees, trying to offer boat ride (1,800php for 7 people), horsebackriding (200php for 1 hour), hawaiian mangoes (20 per piece, masarap naman), duhat (100, 3 small plastic, don't buy it! tasted too sour), sinegwelas (50 pesos per small basket). 

The Zipline

The zipline cost 200 per pax, one way with free picture. It's my 3rd time doing a zipline, the zipline in Tagaytay was the only place where helmets aren't a necessity and kids can ride on the back of their parents, free of charge. Of course, it was a safe ride, we wouldn't expose our children to harm if we knew it isn't safe. It's a short 30 secs or so zipline, but it was fun, more thrilling than the zipline at Club Manila East but lesser than the kick you'll get at Bohol Zipline.

the Tree my 3yo son specifically ask to have our picture taken

Me and my Husband and Taal Volcano

Overall, It's a great bonding experience for a big family. Having breakfast and Lunch overlooking Taal lake was fun. We all had a wonderful time. It was also a great exercise. Going down and up is not for the weak, I suggest you just use the huts at the top so as to skip the hike.





For more information zipline: http://tagaytayzipline.com/

For location map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=picnic+grove&fb=1&gl=ph&hq=picnic+grove&

For more information on the area:
http://www.tagaytay.gov.ph/

Club Manila East

New Era University-HS batch of 1993

April 30,2011: It's my 2nd visit to Club Manila East, Taytay Rizal. First time with my family just early this year, this time with my kids and my High School Friends and their loved ones. Entrance fee is 350php, for adult and kids more than 3ft. Cabana rate is 1,500php with 300 key deposit. March-May are the busiest month because it's the summer season so i suggest to make a booking before your visit to have a hassle free day. Or go as early as 7am, to skip the long lines and crowded reception area. Zipline is also available for 150php. Foods and drinks are not allowed, they have many stalls inside and an airconditioned restaurant which offers affordable menu.The waves are fantastic, your kids will definitely enjoy it.

visit their link for more info : http://www.clubmanilaeast.com/

Cabana where we stayed

My 3yo little boy

my 2yo princess

                     

Head Injury Recovery

 A Bad fall from the bed of my 3 yo.

Few minutes after the incident, after cold compress

few hours after the incident

After 24 hours, swelling more prominent

48 hours after, black and blue between the eyes developed

72 hours after, black and blue more visible

96 hours after, bump still visible,black and blue more prominent

5 days after, purple around the eyes still visible

6 days after

7 days after, almost back to normal but black and blue in between the eyes still visible

DR. GALANG: A Child's worst Pedia

My 3yo son had an accident falling from the bed and developed black and blue in between his eyes after few days. I decided to see a pediatrician to have my worries settled once and for all. Since it's a Sunday, Our usual pedia is not available, the Clinic is close, so I decided to go to Bernardino General Hospital at Zabarte, Quezon City where I have given birth. The OPD is jam packed, as usual, and we waited almost 4hours before we were called. Finally, it's our turn see the doctor. The Pediatrician, Dr. Galang, wasn't the usual lovable doctor that kids would love. She reminds me of a terror teacher in grade school. She seems full of herself, without even acknowledging the presence of my son, she goes on asking the reason why we came. So I told her it's about my son's bump on the head, how it happen, all my worries etc etc. And she seem irritated by my reason on seeing her, as if we disturbed her for nothing. Well, Hello!!!,The consultation is worth php250 not to mention waiting for our turn almost the whole afternoon. I mean, I am a worried mother, who deserve to hear consoling words other than "the black and blue is just normal, you should know better because your a Physical Therapist" or "you should practice your profession so you would not be paranoid by small things like this" and "practice makes perfect" etc. etc. She is the worst Pediatrician I have ever came to consult. She doesn't have the heart to treat kids, I wonder why she chose that specialization. Well, I will never ever see her again even if she's the last pediatrician in town. My kids deserve a passionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic pediatrician like Dr. Enrico Tan, our usual Pedia. Someone who talks to the kid, acknowledge their presence, do the usual evaluation (which Dr. Galang did not do, she seem lazy to even move on her chair), someone who understand the worries of the parents, someone who adores kids. 

Below is the schedule of Department of Pediatrics in Bernardino Gen. Hospital 2. which may help choose days and hours of consult that's not on the worst Pedia ever!!! 

physician	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
DR. C. ROQUE	8-10am	8-10am	8-10am	8-10am	8-10am
DR. E. ROQUE		10am-3pm		10am-3pm		10am-3pm
DR. GALANG	5-7pm		5-7pm		5-7pm		10-4pm
DR. GURAY	1-4pm		1-4pm		1-4pm
DR E. DELA CRUZ		5-8pm		5-8pm		5-8pm
DR. VILLARICA	4-6pm	4-6pm	4-6pm	4-6pm	4-6pm
DR. RED						8-11nn	9-11am
DR. E. TAN (Nephro-Pedia)	12-1:30pm		12-1:30pm		12-1:30pm
DR. ANUPOL (Cardio-Pedia)		10am-12nn	10am-12nn	10am-12nn	10am-12nn		2-7pm
DR. JAMERO (Pulmo-Pedia)	10am-12nn						8-10am

A Bump on the Head of my Toddler

my 3yo son and the bump on his forehead

It was the usual morning, my 3yo son in front of the telly watching Nick channel in the 1st floor bedroom, me checking my Facebook and Email and my 2yo daughter playing her toys in the 2nd floor. I heard a loud bang then the cries of my son, saying he fell off the bed. I rush towards him and held him in my arms. I saw the big bump on his forehead and I was shaking as I tried to comfort him. Sure, he had accidents before, bumping on to almost anything as clumsy as he is, he even fell off the stairs. But this time, I was terrified, his bump was so big, it's like an egg or o giant egg for that matter protruding on his left forehead. I was praying as I tried to calm him down. I ran to the fridge and got a cold frozen Tocino and put it on the bump. I asked him heaps of questions him if his dizzy, hurting,  his name, his age, what happen to him etc etc. He was able to speak, answering my questions while crying. I sent text messages to people who could advise me on what proper action should I do next. I am already preparing to leave for the hospital, I was really scared, but was able to calm down when i got messages that I shouldn't worry too much. My son's bump has decrease in size, thanks to the frozen tocino and ice, he already stop crying and begging me not to go to the hospital. But as moms, we tend to over react sometime, I was persistent to go the hospital. We got on the car, me, my son and daughter and my adult niece, with the hospital on my mind. But since my son was so persistent that he doesn't want to go to the hospital, we ended up going to the mall instead. He asked for a toy, which a guilty mom could afford. We had lunch and bought some stuffs and went home. The bump was still visible but have decrease in size considerably. by the time we get home. He was back to his normal playfulness but i haven't got my nerves off. I still worry a lot although I have medical background, I still have to be sure. And sites on the internet and words from trusted friend and family help ease my worries. I hope the following will help you in case you get in to the same situation.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD BUMPS HIS HEAD:

1. Don't panic. Stay calm. If your child sees you remain relaxed, he is more likely to calm down.
2. Cold Compress. Ice,ice,ice. If your child will let you, gently hold an ice pack (a "boo-boo bunny") to the bump (bag of frozen vegetables works great!). This will decrease the eventual size of the bump. Apply the ice for 20 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, then 20 minutes again. Offer your child a treat to eat during the icing to console him.
3. Many children will kick and scream if you try to apply ice. You can decide if it is worth it. The main benefit from ice is cosmetic appearance. Rarely, a large bump will leave a tiny pea-sized residual hard calcium deposit felt under the skin. Applying ice may help prevent this.
4. Stop the bleeding. The skin on the face and scalp is extremely rich in blood vessels. Cuts on the face and scalp will bleed much more than other areas of the body. Simply apply gentle pressure to the cut using a cloth (may have ice inside it). The bleeding will stop with time. Children virtually never lose too much blood from a cut or bump, even though it may seem like a lot.
5. If there is a cut over the bump, wait for the bleeding to stop, then examine in closely if it needs stitches.
6. Acetaminophen. When your child has calmed down, you may want to give a dose to relieve the headache that might start. 
7. You need to observe your child's mental status as explained below. Try to keep him awake for at least an hour. After that, you can allow him to take short naps, but no more than 20 minutes without observing him.
8. Observe your child. If your child is alert and conscious, walking, talking, playing, and acting like she was before the fall, administer a dose of parental sympathy, apply an ice pack to the cut or bump for twenty minutes, and begin a period of observation before calling your doctor. The reason for the period of observation is because doctors often rely more on how the child behaves after the injury than what happened at the time of the injury. If the brain has been injured, signs may show immediately, or they may appear slowly during the next twenty-four hours. After the period of observation, depending on your baby's condition, you may or may not wish to call the doctor. Besides any when-to-call-the-doctor list there is an overriding inner voice. Trust this monitoring system as much as the most sophisticated electronics. If it tells you something's not quite right, call your doctor to report baby's condition, seek advice, and above all tell the doctor why you are concerned. 

WHEN TO WORRY:

Bumps on the head, even large ones, don't always warrant a trip to the ER or even a call to your doctor. However a hard hit may shake up the brain – called a concussion, also blood can slowly leak out from a damaged blood vessel beneath the skull, called a hematoma that push into the brain tissue. A small hematoma is not dangerous, but larger ones can push into the brain tissue. This can either happen very quickly within an hour, or it can take two or three days. This is an emergency and requires a CAT scan of the head to diagnose. Remember, considering the many times children hit their head, injury to the brain is unusual. Most bumps on the head, even large ones, are not serious. Here are some signs to watch for that warrant a call to the doctor or the ER immediately:

1. Loss of consciousness. If your child blacks out, even for a few seconds, this can mean that the force of the bump was strong enough to cause a hematoma. A reassuring sign is that you either hear or see your child start to cry immediately after the bump. This means he did not lose consciousness. If your child is unconscious, but breathing and pink (no blue lips), lay her on a flat surface and call emergency medical services. If you have cause to suspect a neck injury, don't move the child but let the trained experts in neck injuries transport her. If she is not breathing, apply CPR, or if she's having a convulsion, keep her airway clear. Sometimes, if baby is sensitive and prone to temper tantrums, she may be pushed into a breath-holding spell, which could be mistaken for a convulsion. This scene naturally pushes panic buttons and gets baby rushed to the hospital. Even if this turns out to be unnecessary, it is better to be safe. When in doubt, take baby and sit in the waiting room of the local hospital emergency room.
2. Vomiting. Many children will vomit once or twice after a big bump on the head, either from crying, coughing and gagging, or just from the shock to the skull. This is expected. However, if your child vomits three or more times, he should be looked at in the ER. As a precaution feed the recovering faller clear liquids for a few hours. Breastfeeding is therapeutic.
3. Altered mental status. This means that your child won't focus on you, look you in the eyes, or respond to questions or commands. Fighting you when you try to apply ice are actually goods signs that he is okay.
4. Loss of balance while walking. Many children may complain of dizziness. This is expected. But if your child actually loses is balance and repeatedly falls over while walking, he needs to see a doctor. Watch your child's normal play. Is he doing everything the same after the fall: sitting straight, walking well, moving arms and legs normally? Or is he off balance, wobbly, dragging a leg, or becoming increasingly disoriented? In the pre- walker, do you notice any change in sitting or crawling skills or in manipulative hand skills
5. Prolonged crying. If an infant continues to cry inconsolably for more than an hour after a good dose of acetaminophen, he should probably see a doctor.
6. Severe headache. If a child continues to complain of a very severe headache you should consult a doctor immediately.
7. Eye signs. The eyes mirror what's going on inside the body, especially inside the brain. In fact, the back of the eye is so intimately connected with the brain that your doctor looks at the backs of the eyes for evidence of brain swelling while examining a child following a head injury. A child's signs are more difficult to assess, but here are the call-doctor cues:
   • Crossed eyes or rolling eyes
   • One pupil larger than the other
   • Behavior such as tripping or running into things that indicates baby's vision is diminished
   • In the older child, add complaints of seeing double and blurred vision to the worry list
8. When in doubt always seek medical attention.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR OVER THE NEXT 12-24 HOURS:

 

Check your child frequently for any of the above signs. Also check for:

Changes in baby's sleep behavior. Babies normally retreat into sleep after trauma, which makes the usual admonition to "watch for a change in consciousness" an anxiety-producing instruction for the parent. If a head injury occurs near night or nap time in an already tired child, you may be confused about whether the drowsiness is due to the injury or whether it's just time for sleep to naturally overtake the child. And it may be impossible to follow the advice "Don't let baby go to sleep." Let baby fall asleep, but awaken yourself every two hours and do a baby check. This is what to look for:

1. Change in color. From pink to pale or, even more alarming, blue.
2. Change in breathing. Periods of very shallow breathing, ten-to twenty-second periods of stop-breathing episodes followed by irregular breathing, or gasping episodes (remember that newborns normally have irregular breathing).
3. Twitches. On one side of the body involving a whole limb.

If baby's color and breathing patterns are normal (no change from usual) and your parental instincts sense nothing's wrong, there's no need to awaken baby unless advised to do so by you doctor. The deep sleep from a head injury is nearly always associated with shallow, irregular breathing patterns that you are unlikely to have seen before.

If, however, you are uncertain or child's appearance sets off a "not normal" alarm, do a partial arousal. Sit or stand your child up and then put her back down. Normally, a child will fuss a bit and thrash around in the bed to resettle. If your child does not act like this, try to fully arouse her by sitting or standing her up, opening her eyes, and calling her name. If she awakens, looks at you, fusses or smiles, and struggles to be left undisturbed, you can go back to sleep without worrying. If, on the other hand, she does not protest, can't be awakened enough to begin fussing, is pale, shows irregular breathing, and is drooling profusely, or shows any of the signs of brain injury listed above, seek medical attention immediately.

 

AMANA WATERPARK

AMANA WATERPARK AT PANDI, BULACAN

EXECUTIVE COTTAGE 2,500 FOR DAY USE

It's our second time in Amana Waterpark , a year apart, and many changes has taken place in the resort except the rate which is still the same. Last year we rented the VIP room plus a boracay cottage, this time it's an Executive Room cottage for us which is 900 pesos cheaper. Although, it has no shower it still suited us just fine. The aircon room suited the babies when they were sleeping and the oldies who wants to watch TV.. There were 4 swimming pools open,  the wave pool, infinity pool, Batanes pool and the kiddie pool. The Avatar pool with slide is still under construction. You can also do horse back riding for a reasonable price. There were 2 Henna tattoo station, a clinic, and lots of Marvel characters figures all over the resort. The kids will definitely enjoy the wave pool, it is not comparable to the big waves of Club Manila East but it is better than no wave at all. The Resort is well- maintained, clean and it doesn't feel crowded even if all the cottages are occupied. Very spacious and the people so accommodating. 

THE WAVE POOL

Guest may bring in their food,  Bringing in of softdrinks, juices and any alcoholic drinks are not allowed (beverages are available inside the resort). Canned Beers are worth 50 pesos each. I suggest you bring water and ice and just mix the powder to make the juice when inside the resort. Hint: renting of VIP rooms will let the user bring the car inside the resort, parked in front of the VIP room. You can then trick the guard and the resort and bring as many liquor and beers you wish.. They were not really strict in checking of  bags, so bring beer and liquor and soft drinks at your own risk.. Just be talented in hiding them. For more information please check their website http://www.amanawaterparkphilippines.com/
By the way, 2yo and below are free so bring in as many toddlers as you can. 

RIO MOVIE

So it's not even weekend yet, but since we went to the mall to do shopping for tomorrow's family outing, we decided to see RIO. Me and my hubby doesn't really mind watching animated movies, actually we do love it as much as the kids does. So it was a fun time for us plus RIO is actually a good movie. It has a very engaging story, delightful characters, enchanting animation, and a vibrant musical soundtrack.When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams.It's definitely a feel good movie. I highly recommend it to all mommy's out there... go watch it with the whole family.

My Summer April-2011

Well, it is summer once again, the weather just makes us wanna go somewhere. And we are faced with the dilemma of finding a place that suit our budget. It takes a lot of time browsing the net, great skill in knowing how to get good deals and patience waiting for a reply on our inquiry. We should also know friends who knows friends that can suggest great place for a family bonding or just time with friends. Now, where to go is not the priority nowadays. It's how much budget you have...

For the summer month of April, I have lined up a weekly activity that me and my children will enjoy... hopefully!!

Our Family Summer Outing,April 15- http://www.amanawaterparkphilippines.com/

With College Friends, April 23-http://www.momarcoresort.com/

With High School Friends, April 30- http://www.clubmanilaeast.com/

Will definitely update you on how it's gonna be...