Too sad that we weren't able to visit The Villages, also known as the Garden of Eden Restored last December to witness their Christmas Festival. I have been hearing a lot of positive feedback about that event and I regretted a lot. But when my brother-in-law alerted us that The Villages will be celebrating Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, we didn't hesitate to visit a couple of weeks ago.

As soon as we got there and while waiting for the nightly event which is Chinese Parade and Lion Dance (just to mention a few) we explored right away the entire place. Here are our photos.


Upon entering the place, we were greeted right away by the enticing Chinese decors which are in line with the theme. The warmth and hospitality of the people working there were also remarkable. We fell in love right away with the place so we took pictures non-stop.






Our kids really enjoyed running and chasing each other. The landscape is obviously well-maintained and wherever we go, I've seen lots of staffs doing their designated tasks.

We waited for almost two hours to witness the Chinese Parade which is the highlight of the event.  But it's worth the wait when they turned on the lights simultaneously with a count-down. The night was so surprisingly magical and we've never experienced like this before. Only HERE!
No idle moments had happened because 30 minutes later, they started right away the Dragon Dance Presentation and Chinese Parade.  Watch the full video in my Instagram post.

One thing that really impressed us was the 3D Mapping show (video here). They turned off the lights in the area before they started it but we felt secure because there were plenty of uniformed men watching over the place.  All in all, the production was impeccable.


An event like this is something you shouldn't miss with your family.  We love everything here from the place, people, customer service and foods. Oh yeah, I forgot that they also have food stalls in case you get hungry.

The Villages is located in Tamayong, Calinan, Davao City. It is 11 kilometers from Calinan proper and the road is well-paved and can be accessed easily by small cars or even tricycles. It is owned by Pastor Apollo  Quiboloy, founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Here are the details of the festival:

The CHINESE NEW YEAR & SPRING FESTIVAL 2019 at the Villages is until FEBRUARY 28, 2019.

Featuring:

Lion Dance Performance, Chinese New Year Parade, New 3D Mapping Show, Lighted Lanterns, and many more...

Village Hours:

8:00 am to 9:00 pm

TICKET PRICES:

P350 for adults
P150 for kids 6 to12yrs old
60 to 64 yrs. old 20% discount if with senior citizen ID
FREE 5 yrs and below
FREE 65 yrs old and up

For booking and inquiries, visit their Facebook page.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks.” 

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.