Can you believe it’s 2019 and we’re already ending January? Time flies so fast when you are a busy, working mother of young kids like me.

In addition to my busyness, I have been updating myself of what's happening in the world through social media and one thing that caught my attention was what others were sharing on their status, and that's about #onewordfor2019. To keep up with the trend, I write mine here on my blog (should have written this early January, hehe)

What would this be?
My one word is as the same as others that I came across online, and it's the word PATIENCE! And I repeat PATIENCE.  

I've encountered a bunch of situations where my patience is being tested. One of which is waiting for others.  For example, when my relatives and I agreed to meet up for an outing and when they arrived late, I easily got upset. I don't like waiting for others especially when I know I am on time.

When it comes to my kids, I am impatient at times too. Most especially when they don't listen to me and seem to disregard my teachings. I also got angry easily when they misbehave and distract me at work.

In terms of being a wife to my husband, I am sometimes moody, cold and not a good listener. I easily get irritated when things don't turn out well as I want it to be.

There are actually other things that I become impatient of  (which I won't mention) and I already feel ashamed for being one.

Over the years, I've felt like I am being swallowed by this negative attitude which may have ruined my relationship with my family and others.  I have been praying hard that through God's grace, I will practice patience in all aspects of my life this year 2019. So help me God!

Before the New Year kicks off,  one of my goals this 2019 is to bring my family to different places and explore whatever gems they may have hidden. Of course, I should start with the local places here in Davao.

So last Sunday was our first outing of the year at the same time Chesska's 7th birthday. We decided to have the celebration on the 13th (supposedly 14th) since her birthday falls on school days. She loves outing twice as much as I do, so we opted to celebrate it here in Miyaki Inland resort, which is more accessible from where we live. Before I give my feedback, I will show first our photos.

Red Ribbon Best-Selling Cake

Can't believe I have already 7-year old

Hanging bridge connecting to the next community (I assumed). Not sure if the resort is safe.

Infinity Pool

Function Hall

Entrance going to c.r. and shower room

Exclusive pool to those who avail their rooms

The river beside Miyaki resort

Location: If you are living in the south, this resort is pretty near. It is just a little hidden and located within a residential area. If you plan to commute, just drop off at the corner Holy Cross, Mintal and tell the tricycle to bring you to Miyaki resort.

Swimming Pool:  The resort consists of two swimming pools. One for day-tour and the other one is exclusive to those who book their rooms. The swimming pool is relatively small as compared to other resorts I've been to. So I surmise,  it will become more crowded during peak days. However, I love the ambiance as it's facing nature which brings a breezy atmosphere.

Facilities: They do have a function hall for special events. They also have plenty of rooms for those who wish for an overnight stay. Space for parking is also enough for several cars.

Price: The entrance fee is 150 per head and the cottage we got just near the swimming pool is P500. As seen on their Facebook page, if you book a slot, they are asking for a minimum of 10 persons. We were only 8 at that time but they did not let us pay the remaining two. Just make sure to book for your event beforehand to reserve the slots.

Foods: As of now, they don't have yet a restaurant. You can bring your food and no corkage at all except for soft and hard drinks.

Customer Service: So far they are accommodating and polite. I have only one complaint, I've seen no staff cleaning the litters around the resort. I also haven't seen a garbage bin near our cottage where we can dispose of our trash. There was also a poop of a dog near the pool and I had to call the staff to clean it off. No security guards to oversee the safety of the customers.

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Our stay was pleasant and enjoyable. We had a great time taking pictures, trekking downhill, exploring the hanging bride which I think one of their main attractions.

If you are planning to book for an event at Miyaki Inland Resort, just call 09126753275 or 233-4716.

Getting through a rough road and traveling for two hours with kiddos is all worth it when you reach this one-of-a-kind hot spring from Maco Compostela Valley. This is a sulfuric hot spring where folks there claimed to have natural healing properties. The mist in the background is coming from the streaming water. When you first dipped your feet, you would feel the burning sensation but you would get used to the temperature by and by.



Tips in Going to Mainit Hot Spring

1. You must come early so you can avail their cottages. We arrived there before 7am but the area was already crowded. We were not able to get a cottage and we got disappointed because we just had to eat in the car.

2. Some parts of the road were uncemented and imagine traveling for almost an hour with a bumpy and rough road. Though the road can be maneuvered by a small car, it's best if you travel by a big car for safer and more convenient purposes.

3. Bring your own foods and water. Though there are vendors selling foods on the sidewalk but we can't assure whether they are clean or not.

4. If possible do not bring along your kids. My kids did not really enjoy because the water is really hot.

5. It's best if you come when the weather is cold or come at dawn. Otherwise, the hotter the weather is, the hotter the water it will be.

6. Many people are flocking on the weekends so I advise you to come during weekdays.

I almost canceled Psalm's birthday party reservation with Mc Donalds Toril as the assigned crew (whose name I won't mention) messed up the schedule. They were supposed to host Psalm's birthday at the party venue but then another crew accepted another reservation from a big event on the same day. I only availed the mini-birthday-party package (minimum of 10 guests) which is maybe one of the reasons why they prioritized that event over me.  I was hurt knowing how important that day was for my daughter. In spite of that, Psalm's birthday was pushed through.

Cake from Goldilocks

This is what I meant of the mini-birthday-party package. For a minimum of 10 guests, you can avail 10 balloons, 10 hats, 10 loot bags, 10 activity mats plus a party host and candle blowing. For foods, they have four food mixes to choose from depending on your budget.

via: mcdonalds.com.ph

We occupied the play area exclusive for us where Psalm's guests (mostly children) were having fun playing. The area is small and just enough for guests of 10-15.

McDonald's Loot Bags

My experience with McDonald's was not a total blast, but if you are on a tight budget and wanting a simple party, then I would recommend this mini package from McDonald's.

I used to teach in a private school for over five years. In fact, teaching had been my bread and butter so I devoted my time and energy to this profession. In a span of five years working, I slowly realized that I was no longer happy with it.  It not only drains me physically and mentally, it also takes away much of my time that I'm no longer able to enjoy my weekends and holidays as they are already scheduled for making lesson plans and checking papers.

When I got married, I decided to quit teaching. My husband, who is a web developer, introduced me to online job. He first trained me to create a website from the scratch using only css and html.  I became eager learner my first time. It suddenly occurred to me that this is the kind of work I am passionate about. After two months of training, I bought a domain and built my first website through the WordPress platform, thinking that having a portfolio increases my chance of getting hired. True enough, my portfolio landed me on my first online job which is my job for almost seven years now.  If you would ask me what made me inspire to stay in this job, here they are.

1. Salary is Better than Teaching

For five years in the teaching profession, the highest salary I received was only P11, 000 minus the tax and benefits (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig, etc.). But when I got my first online job, I was right away compensated P10, 000, which inspires me to cling on my job. I won't mention now how much the raise after 6 years but I assure you it's higher than a teacher working in the government.

3. I Can Spend Quality Time with My Family

Working from home allows me to be part of my family's routines. I can play with my 2-year old,  help my older daughter answer her assignments when she gets home from school, and cook my husband's favorite lunch. The amount of time I spent with my family was indeed quality.

4. I Enjoy My Weekends and Holidays

After I left the teaching profession, I have more time blogging, reading books, cooking meals for my family, and traveling. Yay!