Birthday Dinner at Mint Cafe

I was thinking of something special to do for this milestone-ish birthday so I took my family to a restaurant in a hotel, something we had never done before. My siblings and I grew up not having too much but I also did not feel like we had too little.

When we were so much younger, my parents would always throw birthday parties for us. A party would mean having to blow candles on our cakes with friends and relatives around but as we grew older, the gatherings became simple. You know, life happened. :) Cakes would sometimes be absent but there was always something because in this family, every birthday is a milestone worth celebrating.

I made a pact with myself that on my birthdays, I'll take my family somewhere special rather than throwing out parties ('cause I am not really the party type. Hihi.) . Mint Cafe at Greenleaf has this luxurious feel but friendly on my pocket. I honestly wouldn't have cared paying a little extra because it was my gift to my family but really, this restaurant is budget friendly. 

I like looking at my mama watching her family happy and noisy during a meal. I like how my papa wants to copy a recipe from every restaurant we go to. This here, my friends, is what I live for. I am the giver type of a person. I love making my loved ones happy. That makes me the happiest human being. 

Oh, thank You God for the 30 beautiful years. I am deeply grateful! Thank you to the people who made me a part of their lives and for making this day extra special. My heart is full. The photo below pretty much sums up my birthday wishes. :)

Have a happy heart friends! :)

Take A Walk

Into the woods. If you know what you want, then make a wish. Ask the trees and you shall have your wish.

I wished for a lovely walk one morning and I was taken into this beautiful spot in the neighborhood! Fifteen-minute walk from our house in a subdivision and I was in another world. How exciting mornings can be if you only decide it. :)

When I came home, my little lady niece was already awake so I took her out for a short walk, too. There was a chapel nearby with this grand tree. I love playtimes with Caela.

Don't be afraid to take unfamiliar paths. 

Sometimes they're the ones 

that take you to the best places.

Sanchez Peak

A baby trek according to the pros but this definitely was one of the adventures of my life. My friends and I took the 3-hour trail from Brgy. Olympog to the highest spot in General Santos City. We were armed with 3 plastic bags of food, a liter of water for each, two tents, a trekking stick we picked up along the way, and Fres candies with such motivational words. Those words helped. Really!

For a non sporty human being, the trek was a challenge for me. A month of jogging and leg exercise kept me alive. It was no joke but the view was all worth the pains. We started at 3 pm and reached the top shortly after the sunset then set up the tents. We woke up at 6 am (but it's best to wake up at 5) to see and savor the amazing view of mountain ranges.

MSU Travelbugs we are!

To wake up to this beauty. How great is Thou art!

We are on top of the world!!!

Probably the steepest part of the trail. Thus, the hardest.

Overwhelmed!

Almost there!

View from the peak at sunrise.
Mt. Matutum is hiding behind the clouds.

Just yesterday we were there.

Let us dance the day away.

Breathing in the serenity.

Worshipping Thy wonderful works

We are such a tiny part of this world.

I was here.

Take a walk and enjoy the path.

We made it. Hurray!

My favorite photo. Surreal!

Magnificent Gensan city lights at night.

It is time to go home.

First-timer tips:

1. It is better to take the Olympog trail because of the existence of several trees that will shelter you from the sun. :)

2. You won't really need too much food. There is a small sari-sari store at the peak for some midnight snacking. Bring extra water instead if you have a sensitive stomach. The store does not sell bottled water.

3. Keep yourself warm. It is cold and windy at night until dawn.

4. If you are not a sporty person like me, give your legs and lungs a little warm up days before the trek.

5. No proper restroom. Ooopps. The store sells water for washing for Php 40 per gallon.

6. Enjoy the journey. Do not rush in making it to the top. It really is the journey, not too much of the destination. :)

P.S. I hope the local government will help take care of this beauty. 

Have an exciting climb friends! 

MSU Travelbugs

Our travel barkada just got more awesome with the addition of three new members. Trips have never been so much fun and exciting but this post is not about another getaway. This is a photo diary of that one random night of craziness and seriousness caught on cam. Enjoy!

P.S. Say hello to my short hair, the shortest I've ever gone. :)