Review of Villar Children's Farm in BFRV, Las Pinas

We live close to Villar Farm which is located inside BFRV, Las Pinas which is why we decided to visit this place last Mother's Day and then yesterday. Thankfully, things have improved since our first visit. 

When we first went, there was a fee for everything. Parking, feeding the cows, feeding the horses, playing in the playground, zipline, and just about anything. Nothing was free. 

This felt like a bummer because it felt like it was just about the money. This is also why even though it's really near my place, we didn't go back for months. 

Yesterday, we decided to give it another shot because our little one has been obsessing over horses, birds, and cows. Thankfully, Villar Children's Farm had all these animals and this time, feeding them was free. You can simply make a donation. 

They also have a bird cage, a rabbit cage, and a stall for goats now. Khali enjoyed feeding the cows so much, he tried going over the railing. Good thing it was set high so it was safe. 

The birds were all very active and Khali enjoyed interacting with them though I'm sure some of the birds may be deaf now because he kept yelling "BIRDS! BIRDS!" 

Khali also enjoyed feeding the goats and calling the rabbits. Just seeing the smile on his face made going here worth it. 

They also have a playground (Php100 for an hour) where children can play. It has a slide, seesaw, swing, trampoline, and an open space for kids to run around. 

After playing, we had pizza which was pretty cheap because we got it for their afternoon promo. Cheese and pepperoni were only Php99 each as long as you ordered before 5pm. We ordered at 4:53pm. Whew. 

The pesto pasta on the other hand was a little too expensive but thankfully, Khali ate all of it. 

B ordered a strawberry drink which was also a little high on the price point but he enjoyed it so it's all good. 

And here is my husband and I. 

Will we be back? For Php100 per hour on the playground and the free feeding of the animals, let's make this a regular thing so that Khali has outdoor playtime and is exposed to a few animals aside from cats and dogs. 

I'm glad that the Villar Children's Farm is now more friendly regarding price points and that they are keeping the animals healthy and clean. 

PS. They also have a pet playground where your pets can run free for an hour. It's also Php100 and located right across the Villar Children's Farm. 

PPS. Make sure to get your parking ticket validated at the restaurant after making a purchase or you will have to pay Php30. 

Make Peace with YourSelf

When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world. You realize that there are so many things that are not worth your time, your effort, and your emotions. 

Things that used to rile you up will no longer have that power over you. 

Things that used to hurt you will no longer be able to do so for a prolonged period of time. 

Things that used to crush you will no longer be able to hold you down. 

When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world. You make peace with the fact that sometimes, things just happen. People will hurt you for no good reason. Life is unfair. 

And all of that is okay. 

• The friend who turned out to be envious of you
• The person you loved who did not appreciate you 
• The people who barely know you but hate you
• The friend who wasn't a friend but pretended to be one to get dibs on you
• The naysayers who keep telling you you can't do it
• The bashers who try hard to put you down 
• The relatives who only want to use you
• The family member who doesn't believe in you or belittles you

They will no longer matter because you know who you are. You know what you are capable of. You know the real you. 

So their words, their thoughts, their ideas, and their very existence will no longer hurt you as much as they used to. It may sting but you can easily go past it. You can easily shake it off because you know the truth.

When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world. And at the end of the day, this is all that matters. 

Camella Alfonso in Cavite : Live Right Next Door to Tagaytay

Without a doubt, Tagaytay is irresistible. The cool winds and the dreamy fog that can blanket the city on a good day are perfect for chilling, cuddling, or simply snoozing. They are a beguiling lure away from the heat and noise of the Metro less than an hour away. Then there are the many gastronomic choices that pepper that getaway city, not to mention the bewitching greenery that welcomes visitors as they ascend to the ridge. The leisure stops are hard to resist as well: from campsites to glamping sites, to picnic grounds, to horseback tracks, to spas, and resorts––how can one not love Tagaytay?

Wouldn’t it be Perfect to Live Right Next Door?

Nestled shoulder to shoulder with Tagaytay, is the town of Alfonso. Its proximity to that much-loved weekend escape means that not only are the charms of Tagaytay easily accessed, but it also means they share the same climate and tropical greenery. While Tagaytay is hailed as the main tourism center, Southern Cavite, in general, is considered the province’s key touristic hub and favorite events and wedding destination, boasting as well, quaint little towns that take one back in time heralding ancient crafts, inherited cuisine, and traditions past. 

While much of Cavite is quickly becoming highly industrialized, Alfonso still enjoys cleaner and cooler air, the surroundings are richer and greener, neighborhoods are calmer and more peaceful, and the people — friendlier. 

This is why Camella has long realized that many Filipinos and their families will find living in Tagaytay’s sister city a dream come true.  The location is not only perfect for one’s forever home but also a  very appealing weekend or vacation home as well.

Find Your Dream Home a Stone’s Throw Away from Tagaytay

Set to become the next tourist destination after Tagaytay, Alfonso is a first-class municipality in the upland portion of Cavite. Only 20 minutes away from Tagaytay, Camella Alfonso is also about 40 minutes from Nasugbu, Batangas––another favorite weekend destination owing to the beaches that line the Batangas coast. If one is looking for a laid-back lifestyle, Camella Alfonso is a community that offers just that. The Iberian-themed community offers a roster of the same home models available in each Camella development in Cavite. Each home is exquisitely Mediterranean, offering at least two bedrooms, two bathrooms, beautiful living and dining areas, and highly-functional kitchens.

If one is looking for a laid-back lifestyle, the Iberian-themed community of Camella Alfonso offers just that.

Beyond the added charm of being very close to Tagaytay, the Camella properties in Cavite are the perfect homes and communities to create the most wonderful memories, make dreams real, and build the most incomparable tomorrows.

Camella Alfonso's location is perfect for one’s forever abode and appealing for a weekend or vacation home as well.

Building Communities Where Dreams Become Real

Fully understanding the necessity of accessibility, the Camella properties in Cavite are strategically located near major expressways like the South Luzon Expressway, Cavite Laguna Expressway, Manila Cavite Expressway, Cavite–Tagaytay–Batangas Expressway, and other major roads and highways. This makes the Southern Cavite Camella developments not just wonderfully close to Tagaytay, but also easily accessed from Metro Manila and the other southern and central    Luzon cities and provinces.

Camella properties in Cavite are the ideal homes and communities to create the most wonderful memories.

To know more about Camella communities and their developments in Cavite, visit https://www.camella.com.ph/ and follow @CamellaOfficial. 

Citadines Benavidez Joins The Makati Skyline

The Ascott Limited Philippines has announced the opening of Citadines Benavidez Makati, located in the heart of Makati City. The latest addition to the Citadines brand will complement the mix of Ascott’s properties in Makati which include Ascott Makati, Somerset Millennium Makati, Citadines Salcedo Makati, Somerset Central Salcedo Makati, and the soon-to-open Somerset Valero Makati. The property offers a vibrant and comfortable living experience, equipped with top-notch facilities that cater to the needs of modern travelers.

Citadines Benavidez Makati caters to the lifestyle of active guests who collectively share a love for experiencing the city. The property offers 207 units, ranging from Studio Deluxe, Studio Premier, One-Bedroom Deluxe, Two-Bedroom Deluxe, and Two-Bedroom Premier. Each unit boasts a modern design and is equipped with a kitchen, comfortable bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.

Once guests are ready to take on the city, Citadines’ own Citazens are on standby to provide guests with the best tips to ensure everyone gets the ultimate local city experience. The Citazens also double up as baristas, so coffee lovers looking for a quick caffeine fix can count on these amazing people to always satisfy and deliver.

The property is equipped with a wide range of amenities that allow guests to enjoy themselves without leaving the comfort of the property. Its all-day dining restaurant offers a wide selection of local and international cuisines, perfect for travelers looking to indulge in a culinary adventure. For business travelers, Citadines Benavidez Makati also features a meeting room that can accommodate up to 20 people, complete with audiovisual equipment and high-speed Wi-Fi. Fitness enthusiasts who want to get a quick workout can easily put their routine at the Fitness Corner or take a dip in the Swimming Pool, which is both conveniently placed on the property’s rooftop overlooking the breathtaking view of the city. For those looking to keep their clothes clean and fresh, the launderette is readily available on-site.

"We are thrilled to open the new Citadines Benavides Makati as part of our continued commitment to providing world-class accommodations and services to our guests," said Philip Barnes, Country General Manager for The Ascott Limited Philippines. "Our latest property in Benavidez is strategically located in the heart of Makati City, providing guests with convenient access to key business and leisure destinations. It is also designed to complement other Ascott properties in the area, including Ascott Makati, Somerset Millennium Makati, Citadines Salcedo Makati, Somerset Central Salcedo Makati, and the soon-to-open Somerset Valero Makati. Together, these properties offer a range of options for travelers looking for serviced residences in the central business district of Makati."

Citadines Benavidez Makati is set to open its doors in August 2023 and will mark another milestone achievement for The Ascott Limited as they continue to grow in the Philippines. 

For reservations and updates about The Ascott Limited’s Citadines properties, visit the official website and its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.  

PMCC (4th Watch) Launches Nationwide Bloodletting Activity in Partnership with Philippine Red Cross

With the beginning of the month-long observance of National Blood Donors’ Month, the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) or PMCC (4th Watch) reiterated the life-saving importance of blood donations during its National Bloodletting Activity last July 8.

The blood drive was launched at the Philippine Red Cross main office in Mandaluyong, and was conducted simultaneously across 30 locations in the Philippines, including Cavite, Quezon, Mindoro, Aklan, Bacolod, Davao, and Metro Manila. 

Volunteers donate blood during a bloodletting activity organized by the
Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross at the
AATF Sports Complex in Imus, Cavite on Saturday, July 8.

Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol, the church’s Chief Executive Minister, along with Bishop Jonathan Ferriol, Deputy Executive Minister, led the launch of the National Bloodletting Activity with the support of Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard “Dick” Gordon. Local government units and advocates also expressed their support for the church’s blood drive.

Bishop Ferriol underscored the important duty of the church in uplifting the lives of everyone in the community. “As the PMCC (4th Watch), we firmly believe that churches have a vital role as partners within the community, dedicated to bringing positive change and serving the needs of the people,” he said.

Volunteers donate blood during a bloodletting activity organized by the
Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross at the
AATF Sports Complex in Imus, Cavite on Saturday, July 8.

For its part, PMCC (4th Watch) has established partnerships with local governments, community leaders, and organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross to strengthen the church’s outreach efforts across the country. The church has also opened its outreach activities to the general public, regardless of their religious affiliation.

“Our aim is to unite Filipinos in a collective effort to create a healthier and more vibrant community, highlighting the universal values of compassion, service, and solidarity,” Bishop Ferriol explained.

Then-President Fidel V. Ramos declared the month of July as National Blood Donors’ Month under Proclamation No. 1021, signed on June 9, 1977, to spread awareness of the importance of blood transfusions and to encourage more Filipinos to donate blood. 

The bloodletting activity, dubbed “Give Love, Give Blood, Save Lives,”
is a simultaneous event held in several locations in the country.

Bishop Ferriol noted the connection between the life-giving nature of blood donations and the transformative power of the Gospel. “Both endeavors aim to bring new life, whether through the spiritual nourishment of the Word or the physical revitalization through blood transfusions,” he explained.

The church’s blood drive is also part of its ongoing 50th-anniversary celebration, which will include another series of medical missions to underserved communities in the Philippines and a number of prayer and healing crusades around the world. This will culminate in a National Convention and a Golden Anniversary Celebration at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on August 27.

Bishop Ferriol, however, maintained that the church’s milestone is not a reason to boast. “It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to give back to the community that has supported and collaborated with us over the years,” he said. 

Review of National Classic Tenya Day

I honestly didn't know that there was even such a thing as National Tenya Day but boy am I glad that we were able to see the banner informing people about it since Tenya is actually one of the few places that we enjoy our Tempura from. 

Sadly, I wasn't able to take a photo of the banner because we were busy trying to make our way inside. 

We ordered two of the large classic tendon and one regular classic tendon. The photo below is a regular one. I realized that the difference between the two sizes was just a bit of extra rice. 

We also ordered this cheese dumpling which my husband and youngest son approved of so much so that I wasn't able to have a bite of it. 

We also had the classic tempura maki. This was really good. I ate 4 pieces without feeling any guilt haha. 

I also ordered the spicy spam musubi. This was also pretty good. The kimchi rice gave off a nice kick. 

Our meal costs less than Php1600. It was really great because I thought we'd go over Php2000. This is all because they had a buy one take one for classic tenya day. We ordered 3 and we got 6. Absolute happiness! 

Happy tummy. Happy Mommy. 

Review of Riot Kid in BFRV, Las Pinas

I've heard about this place a few times and have passed by it many times but there was only enough pull to try it out two weeks ago. After getting a massage, I saw this place and realized I was hungry so my husband and I finally tried it out. Good thing that it was open even late at night. 

The place is not that big. It's enough to sit 12-15 people max. I liked the design of their logo though I don't understand why they called it Riot Kid when it's a karate kid on the logo. 

The chairs are not the most comfortable to sit on but I think it serves its purpose of a fast food type of place. 

The price point is reasonable for a burger place. It wasn't exorbitant so that was a good thing. 

The cheese sandwich was really good. It offered more than just cheese. It felt like a burger that was turned into a panini. 

The burger was also really good. I enjoyed it and my husband devoured it. 

As for the chicken wings, these were definitely the winners of the night. It was fantastic. Definitely a must-try! 

We were happy that we gave this place a try. In fact, the husband actually ordered the chicken wings again a few days after we ate here. He liked it that much! 

Review of That 70's Kimchi in BFRV, Las Pinas

This was a sponsored post that I kept seeing posted everywhere. It finally caught my attention, but I found it hard to find initially. Thankfully, one time we were passing by, and we finally saw it. 

It is along Gloria Diaz Street, but it is tucked away in a corner. It's two stores down from Dunkin Donuts and this is the easiest way I can describe the location.

It's quite small inside. It sits roughly 12-16 people comfortably though I'm not sure if the air-condition will be able to manage a full house. Thankfully, when we visited, there was only one other table that was occupied. 

We decided to order their best sellers. I had doubts, truth be told, but I was also curious. I figured that if it didn't taste as good as they said it would, then we'll never eat here again. 

This is probably the most underrated beef stew that I have ever had. Don't mind the rice or soup on the side, even the veggies that were overcooked. The beef stew was AMAZING! 

The taste was on point and the beef was soft. It literally almost melts in your mouth. The beef stew alone is reason enough for anyone to go visit That 70's Kimchi.

The Bibimbap was also pretty good. It was very filling and for the price, worth the money spent. 

I think the sukiyaki was the one that fell short of my expectations. This was a little bit of a downer for me. It was good but after having the beef stew, this one paled in comparison. 

Overall, we had a great time at That 70's Kimchi. I can say that I would definitely be back here and having a go once more at the beef stew and bibimbap. 

Review of Pizza Telefono in Las Pinas

I have seen the green lights against the black backdrop advertising to the public its existence. Pizza Telefono stands out in a sea of neon lights and the fact that it is open 24 hours is what drew us to it the most. 

However, it did take us a few months to actually give it a try but finally, we did. 

The place is pretty spacious. The seats are are not cramped and spaced evenly. I loved it about this place however, the one thing that I hated were the flies. 

One or two would have been tolerable but there was just a lot and the staff didn't really care for it anymore. It was something that they seemed used to but this is a food place so it shouldn't be that way. 

I think it's because the place is actually situated near a garbage dump site. They need to do something about it though. It's discouraging to dine in. 

This is their menu. 

This is their specials. I decided to go with Meal C because I wanted to be able to try everything as much as possible. 

The pasta was good. In fact, my little one ate almost half of it and the other half went to my first born. I barely had a bite but I had about 4 pieces or so which gave me a fair idea that it was good. 

This margherita pizza is one of their best sellers. For me, it was okay but nothing spectacular. I'd like to try their other pizza's when I order for delivery. Yes, delivery. I don't see myself dining in again because of the flies. 

The Creamy Spinach Pot Pie was the best seller of the night. Everyone loved it, from my Mom, sister, husband, and son. It was hands down the best thing on their menu. 

The Asian spring roll was supposed to have bagoong inside it but I barely tasted the bagoong. This was pretty okay. Again, nothing amazing but okay. 

This breakfast waffle was a little disappointing for me. The sausage was really good but the waffle itself was a little bit dry. I wish it was creamier. I felt like it lacked a bit of milk and butter. 

Overall, the experience wasn't horrible but it wasn't as ideal as I would have liked. We'd definitely order food from Pizza Telefono but I wouldn't eat at this branch because of the flies. 

Thankfully, my family and I still had a great time so I'd say that perhaps if they clean up their fly problem, I'd recommend trying them out. 

Pizza Telefono is located along Alabang Zapote road, near Times.