The wonderful Luneta Park and lessons you can learn from Jose Rizal

The wonderful Luneta Park and lessons you can learn from Jose Rizal

Rizal Park or Luneta Park

The Rizal Park commonly known as Luneta Park is a remarkable historic urban park located in Ermita Manila, Philippines.

According to Wikipedia, it is considered one of the largest urban parks in Asia, covering an area of 58 hectares.

This park serves an important role in the history of the Philippines. The execution of Jose Rizal (The Philippine’s National Hero) happened here on December 30, 1896. They named the park after him in honor of his patriotic act. His monument became the park’s symbolic icon.

Rizal Park is a favorite place for countless tourists, and people who lived nearby. They spend their free time doing leisure activities every weekend or holiday here.

Philippines National Hero
Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Y Alonso Realonda
Was born June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Philippines, and died December 30, 1896.

He fought for the Philippines’ freedom through his writings. A silent but a mighty way! He expressed his love and care for the Filipinos and the country through his essays, novels, and articles. Many Filipinos feel motivated and inspired by Rizal to achieve the freedom that each Filipino deserved.

The lessons you can learn from Jose Rizal:

  • Have the focus to achieve your dreams in life.
  • Time is very essential that we have to give it all and do what we can do at the moment.
  • Use your time wisely.
  • Learn about selflessness and sacrifice.
  • Love your fellows and your country.
  • Have the courage and will to do something that can give good benefits for all.
  • Truth must always prevail.
  • Freedom can be achieved through peaceful means.

What to do in Luneta park?

  • Sightseeing and learning about history.
  • Photo taking, take a picture with Jose Rizal’s Monument.
  • Brisk walking and jogging around the area.
  • Picnic activities! Enjoy food with your loved ones while telling stories and while enjoying the spacious area.

Beautiful scenery near Pico de Loro Philippines

Beautiful scenery near Pico de Loro Philippines

Nature's view near Pico de loro Philippines.

After dropping by the Kaybiang tunnel, we went to this nearby area where we captured these beautiful views. Clearwater, a peaceful environment, awesome land formations, and relaxing rays of the sun, just made this road trip as beautiful as we wanted it to be.

Mount Pico de Loro also known as Mount Palay Palay in the province of Cavite is a part of Region IV-A Calabarzon, Luzon, Philippines. According to Wikipedia, the mountain is about 688 m above sea level. The highest peak of the mounts Palay Palay- Mataas na Gulod protected landscape.

The 300-meter-long Kaybiang Tunnel was opened in the year 2013, and it was said to be the longest road tunnel in the Philippines as of this time. It connects the places of Ternate Cavite and Nasugbu Batangas through the mountain of Pico de Loro, also known as Mount Palay Palay. This place was very popular with motorists, cyclists, and riders from nearby cities or towns. It’s a great weekend getaway if you enjoy visiting different places and to see the beauty of nature.

The rays of the sun were so astonishing that it looks like a shadowing hope that enlightened nature!

Sightseeing can help you achieve peace of mind because you’ve got to spend time with nature and in a new environment. It allows you to unwind from your daily life routine. It relaxes and calms your body and helps you to think creatively.

This sweet escape from the city would teach you to slow down, appreciate the unappreciated, and love what is there.

Traveling makes you happy because it redefines your meaning of life and how you view and appreciate all things around you.

The Kaybiang Tunnel in the Philippines

The Kaybiang Tunnel in the Philippines

The Kaybiang Tunnel visit.

A tunnel is an artificial underground passage that was built through a hill, mountain, building, road, or river. It is usually used as a way to pass through.

The 300-meter-long Kaybiang Tunnel was opened in the year 2013, and it was said to be the longest road tunnel in the Philippines as of this time. It connects the places of Ternate Cavite and Nasugbu Batangas. Through the mountain of Pico de Loro, also known as the Mount Palay Palay. This place was very popular with motorists, cyclists, and riders from the nearby cities or towns. It’s a great weekend getaway if you enjoy visiting different places and to see the beauty of nature.

What to do in the Kaybiang tunnel?

  • Experience the beautiful view around the tunnel.
  • Pass through the tunnel.
  • Take photos as a remembrance.
  • Enjoy the fresh air of nature.

What to remember when in the tunnel?

If you happen to visit this place, please be reminded to respect and show some love. Avoid littering and making unnecessary noises. People going here are blowing their horns for historical or superstitious beliefs. It’s fine, and we all respect that because we have our own beliefs, but making it too much or making noises already isn’t good also as some people aren’t too comfortable with it.

During our visit, there was a checkpoint in the area. Police officers were there to keep and maintain the peace and order of the place.

Traveling improves your knowledge because it helps you to explore the realities of life and be able to experience it.

Exploring Baguio City Philippines

Exploring Baguio City Philippines

Baguio City Philippines

If there’s a place to spend a staycation in the Philippines that could provide you a good ambiance, good environment, and a pro-nature? It could be Baguio City! Personally, Baguio City is one of my recommended place to visit in the Philippines. This place promotes a clean and green environment, thus providing you a fresh air to breathe.

It was also popularly known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines because of its cool climate and also called as the City of Pines because there are lots of lovely pine trees around the area.

During our stay last June and the recent years, I can say that this place maintained its superb beauty! It would take you a few hours to reach it if you are traveling from Manila and using your vehicle.

Here are the places that you can visit in Baguio City, Philippines:

  • Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City Philippines– has a twin spire and stained-glass windows, which attracts tourists who are visiting Baguio City. It was believed that it served as an evacuation center during the second world war under the Japanese occupation.
  • Burnham Park Baguio City Philippines– is a wide and green park located in Jose Abad Santos Dr, Baguio City. You can see lots of trees, specially Pine trees around the area which provides shade and fresh air for the visitors who want to spend a few hours of their time with nature.
  • Mines View Park in Baguio City Philippines is an overlooking area which provides a unique view of Benguet’s mining ground, and the beautiful mountains! It is one of the most visited tourist spot in Baguio City. Every time we visit Baguio we always find time to drop by to this place because the view is nice, and it can provide a good background for photo taking!
  • The Orchidarium in Baguio City Philippines is located in Shanum St. Baguio, Benguet. This is a garden like set-up store of different varieties of plants that are being sold depending on the kind of plant that you wish to buy. From cactus, ornamental plants to fruit bearing seedlings, you have lots of choices!
  • The Strawberry Farm in Baguio City Philippines is located in the town of La Trinidad Benguet, Philippines. The Strawberry Farm is owned and maintained by Benguet State University. The area is very spacious, and the ambiance is very calming.
Exploring Baguio City, Philippines

Exploring Baguio City, Philippines

Baguio City Philippines

If there’s a place to spend a staycation in the Philippines that could provide you a good ambiance, good environment, and a pro-nature? It could be Baguio City! Personally, Baguio City is one of my recommended place to visit in the Philippines. This place promotes a clean and green environment, thus providing you a fresh air to breathe.

It was also popularly known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines because of its cool climate, and also called as the City of Pines because there are lots of lovely pine trees around the area.

During our stay last June and the recent years, I can say that this place maintained its superb beauty! It would take you a few hours to reach it if you are traveling from Manila and using your vehicle.

Here are the places that you can visit in Baguio City, Philippines:

  • Our lady of atonement – has a twin spire and stained-glass windows, which attracts tourists who are visiting Baguio City. They said that it served as an evacuation center during the second world war under the Japanese occupation.
  • Burnham park- is a wide and green park located in Jose Abad Santos Dr. Baguio City. You can see many trees, specially Pine trees around the area which provides shade and fresh air for the visitors who want to spend a few hours of their time with nature.
  • Mines view park- is an overlooking area which provides a unique view of Benguet’s mining ground, and the beautiful mountains! It is one of the most visited tourist spot in Baguio City. Every time we visit Baguio we always find time to drop by to this place because the view is nice, and it can provide a good background for photo taking!
  • The orchidarium- at Shanum St. Baguio, Benguet. This is a garden like set-up store of different varieties of plants that are being sold depending on the kind of plant that you wish to buy. From cactus, ornamental plants to fruit bearing seedlings, you have many choices!
  • The strawberry farm- in the town of La Trinidad Benguet. The Benguet State University owns and maintains it. The area is very spacious, and the ambiance is very calming.
The Orchidarium in Baguio City Philippines

The Orchidarium in Baguio City Philippines

The Orchidarium in Baguio City Philippines

This post is all about the Orchidarium in Baguio City and the health benefits of plants in our lives.

The Orchidarium is located in Shanum St. Baguio, Benguet. This is a garden like set-up store of different varieties of plants that are being sold depending on the kind of plant that you wish to buy. From cactus, ornamental plants to fruit bearing seedlings, you have lots of choices!

If you are a certified nature or plant lover, you will enjoy here! Just don’t forget to bring with you your money in case you want to buy some of these beautiful plants.

Below are the health benefits of plants in our lives. I have a separate post regarding this, you can check it out here.

Plants play a vital role in our lives:

  • They absorb carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, which is essential to humans and animals.
  • They help to absorb rainwater, preventing floods.
  • Edible plants (fruit bearing and vegetables) are great sources of daily food.
  • Herbal plants are important in making herbal medicines or herbal supplements.
  • Ornamental plants improve and beautify our surroundings.
  • Plants are a great stress reliever, they have a good calming effect.
  • Not only that, plants can improve a person’s creativity and productivity.

What to do while you are in the Orchidarium?

  • Take a look and enjoy the beauty of different plants. Remember not to pick the plant’s flowers unless you would buy it.
  • Buy some of these plants as remembrance, and beautify your home.
  • You can take a photo of these plants. If you are a photo collector, you would enjoy this activity, as there are lots of different kinds of plants that you will be able to see here.
  • Learn about the plants’ names.
The Orchidarium in Baguio City, Philippines

The Orchidarium in Baguio City, Philippines

The Orchidarium in Baguio City Philippines

This post is all about the Orchidarium in Baguio City and the health benefits of plants in our lives.

The Orchidarium is located in Shanum St. Baguio, Benguet. This is a garden like set-up store of different varieties of plants that are being sold depending on the kind of plant that you wish to buy. From cactus, ornamental plants to fruit bearing seedlings, you have many choices!

If you are a certified nature or plant lover, you will enjoy here! Just don’t forget to bring with you your money in case you want to buy some of these beautiful plants.

Below are the health benefits of plants in our lives.

Plants play a vital role in our lives:

  • They absorb carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, which is essential to humans and animals.
  • They help to absorb rainwater, preventing floods.
  • Edible plants (fruit bearing and vegetables) are great sources of daily food.
  • Herbal plants are important in making herbal medicines or herbal supplements.
  • Ornamental plants improve and beautify our surroundings.
  • Plants are a great stress reliever, they have a good calming effect.
  • Not only that, plants can improve a person’s creativity and productivity.

What to do while you are in the Orchidarium?

  • Take a look and enjoy the beauty of different plants. Remember not to pick the plant’s flowers unless you would buy it.
  • Buy some of these plants as remembrance, and beautify your home.
  • You can take a photo of these plants. If you are a photo collector, you would enjoy this activity, as there are many different kinds of plants that you will be able to see here.
  • Learn about the plants’ names.

Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City Philippines

Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City Philippines

This post is all about the Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City, and an inspirational life lesson that we should inculcate in our hearts based on a priest’s homily.

Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City Philippines

Our Lady of Atonement has a twin spire and stained-glass windows, which attracts tourists who are visiting Baguio City. It was believed that it served as an evacuation center during the second world war under the Japanese occupation.

Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral is commonly known as Baguio Cathedral, it’s a Roman Catholic Church that is located at Cathedral loop adjacent to Session road in the City of Baguio.

The passage above is all about the History of the title of Our Lady of Atonement. Hope you can read this and be able to learn why it was given this kind of title.

Luckily, there is a mass exactly when we visited this church. We’ve attended it, and be able to listen, reflect and learned something about it. So, the homily of the priest is all about this topic, “Don’t forget to be good at all times”.

This is not a simple task that we can actually do in a day or two. This is a challenge for all of us because honestly, we are just humans with feelings and emotions that sometimes being carried away by many factors including environmental, different personalities, attitudes and beliefs, mood and emotional factors, stress, anxiety etc. These factors which trigger our negative side brings lots of added problems. Sometimes we thought that our pride and selfishness could make us strong and even better, but honestly, it only makes us weaker! In the sense that we find ourselves experiencing more disappointments, negativities, and struggles in life.

That’s why it really pays to be good because you’ll never know! As they say, the tire is round, and comparing to life -sometimes you are up and there are times that you’ll going down.

What does the priest means when he said this homily? He means that in whatever you do, whatever you say and wherever you are, the goodness within you should always take into consideration. You need to choose to be good, be righteous and everything that you’ll do will be fulfilled without regrets, worries and misery. Always treat people the way and how you would like to be treated. Of course, we would like to be treated fair, loved and respected! Let’s give it to one another. With self-control, mindfulness, sympathy and empathy we can do it. We just need to train our mind and heart to be a better person.

In one area, you can also see this reminder about the Ten Commandments, that each of us should learn and embrace by heart.

Note: Please respect our religious beliefs as we respect yours. We may have different religious beliefs and opinions regarding different religions, but what is important is that we have to carry good values that our religions taught us. Always remember that respect and love should exist in our heart to achieve peace and harmony that every one of us really deserves.

Visiting Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio is a very fulfilling activity that you should do, specially if you are a Roman Catholic. If you are a non-Roman Catholic, you can also visit and are also very welcome in this place. You might be interested also in knowing about our religion.

Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City, Philippines

Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City, Philippines

This post is all about Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City, and an inspirational life lesson that we should inculcate in our hearts based on a priest’s homily.

Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City Philippines

Our Lady of Atonement has a twin spire and stained-glass windows, which attracts tourists who are visiting Baguio City. It served as an evacuation center during the second world war under the Japanese occupation.

Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, or Baguio Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic Church that is located at Cathedral loop adjacent to Session road in the City of Baguio.

The passage above is all about the History of the title of Our Lady of Atonement. I hope you can read this and be able to learn why it was given this kind of title.

Luckily, there is a mass exactly when we visited this church. We’ve attended it, and be able to listen, reflect and learned something about it. So, the homily of the priest is all about this topic, “Don’t forget to be good at all times”.

This is not a simple task that we can actually do in a day or two. This is a challenge for all of us because honestly, we are just humans with feelings and emotions that sometimes being carried away by many factors including environmental, different personalities, attitudes and beliefs, mood and emotional factors, stress, anxiety etc. These factors which trigger our negative side brings countless problems. Every so often we thought that our pride and selfishness could make us strong and even better, but honestly, it only makes us weaker! In the sense that we find ourselves experiencing more disappointments, negativities, and struggles in life.

That’s why it really pays to be good because you’ll never know! As they say, the tire is round, and comparing to life -sometimes you are up and there are times that you’ll going down.

What does the priest mean when he said this homily? He means that in whatever you do, whatever you say and wherever you are, the goodness within you should always take into consideration. You need to choose to be good, be righteous and everything that you’ll do will be fulfilled without regrets, worries, and misery. Always treat people the way and how you would like to be treated. Of course, we would like to be treated fair, loved and respected! Let’s give it to one another. With self-control, mindfulness, sympathy, and empathy we can do it. We just need to train our mind and heart to be a better person.

In one area, you can also see this reminder about the Ten Commandments, that each of us should learn and embrace by heart.

Note: Please respect our religious beliefs as we respect yours. We may have different religious beliefs and opinions regarding different religions, but what is important is that we have to carry good values that our religions taught us. Always remember that respect and love should exist in our heart to achieve peace and harmony that every one of us really deserves.

Visiting Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio is a very fulfilling activity that you should do, specially if you are a Roman Catholic. If you are a non-Roman Catholic, you can also visit and are very welcome in this place. You might be interested also in knowing about our religion.


Mines View Park in Baguio City Philippines

Mines View Park in Baguio City Philippines

The Mines View Park is just a short drive from the downtown of Baguio City. Located at Mines View Observation Deck, Baguio, Benguet.

Mines View Park in Baguio City Philippines

Mines View Park is an overlooking area which provides a unique view of Benguet’s mining ground, and the beautiful mountains! It is one of the most visited tourist spot in Baguio City. Every time we visit Baguio we always find time to drop by to this place because the view is nice, and it can provide a good background for photo taking! According to some, the park got its name from the mountain where gold, silver and copper were once mined by local diggers. It was said that the view was a mining area before.

What to do in Mines View Park?

  • Enjoy the beautiful and breathtaking scenery at the view deck. If you are a nature lover, you will find it very captivating and refreshing.
  • Feel the cool and fresh air that the area provides.
  • Take a photo of the beautiful nature as remembrance.
  • Wear the Igorot clothing and take pictures out of it, (I saw these group of travelers who were enjoying their photo taking moment with the Igorot’s traditional clothing). Take note that there is a fee that you have to pay before using the traditional Igorot’s clothing.
  • Buy souvenirs such as wooden crafts, printed clothing, traditional sleepers, soft broom etc. and food products such as strawberry jams, sweetened candies and a lot more that you can take as pasalubong or gifts to your loved ones when you go home.
  • If you are a plant lover, you can buy some cute plants that are being sold near the area.
  • You can also take a photo together with these two lovely pets! A colorful horse and to this adorable dog. You also need to pay a picture taking fee for each of them.

Mines View Park is a good option to include in your itinerary when visiting Baguio City. Just don’t forget your money to buy some products, cameras, your water bottle, and umbrella in case you happened to visit the place during the rainy season, (June to December).

Mines View Park in Baguio City, Philippines

Mines View Park in Baguio City, Philippines

The Mines View Park is just a short drive from the downtown of Baguio City. Located at Mines View Observation Deck, Baguio, Benguet.

Mines View Park in Baguio City Philippines

Mines View Park is an overlooking area which provides a unique view of Benguet’s mining ground, and the beautiful mountains! It is one of the most visited tourist spot in Baguio City. Every time we visit Baguio we always find time to drop by to this place because the view is nice, and it can provide a good background for photo taking! According to some, the park got its name from the mountain where gold, silver, and copper once explored by local diggers. That view was a mining area before.

What to do in Mines View Park?

  • Enjoy the beautiful and breathtaking scenery at the view deck. If you are a nature lover, you will find it very captivating and refreshing.
  • Feel the cool and fresh air that the area provides.
  • Take a photo of the beautiful nature as remembrance.
  • Wear the Igorot clothing and take pictures out of it, (I saw these group of travelers who were enjoying their photo taking moment with the Igorot’s traditional clothing). Take note that there is a fee that you have to pay before using the traditional Igorot’s clothing.
  • Buy souvenirs such as wooden crafts, printed clothing, traditional sleepers, soft broom etc. and food products such as strawberry jams, sweetened candies and a lot more that you can take as pasalubong or gifts to your loved ones when you go home.
  • If you are a plant lover, you can buy some cute plants that are being sold near the area.
  • You can also take a photo together with these two lovely pets! A colorful horse and to this adorable dog. You also need to pay a picture taking fee for each of them.

Mines View Park is a good option to include in your itinerary when visiting Baguio City. Just don’t forget your money to buy some products, cameras, your water bottle, and umbrella in case you happened to visit the place during the rainy season, (June to December).


The Strawberry Farm in Baguio City Philippines

The Strawberry Farm in Baguio City Philippines

The famous strawberry farm in Baguio City, Philippines is located in the town of La Trinidad Benguet, Philippines.

Strawberry farm in Baguio City Philippines

The Strawberry Farm is owned and maintained by Benguet State University. The area is very spacious, and the ambiance is very calming.

What to do in strawberry farm?

  • Sightseeing -looking around the area is a good activity which can dig your soul with the beautiful nature.
  • Take a look at the Strawberry plants that are patiently waiting for their fruits to come out!
  • Take a look at the quiet and peaceful community houses around the nearby mountains.
  • Enjoy starring at the trees which embraces the high mountains.
  • Feel and breath the fresh air around the strawberry farm.
  • Photo taking- take a photo for every angle which captivates your soul! You would love seeing this as time goes by, specially if you were the one who took the photos.
  • During our visit in the strawberry farm, I saw these beautiful work of arts hanging at the fence before the farm. If you are an artwork lover, you can buy one, and be able to help them as well.
  • Souvenirs shopping- you can see these souvenir stalls before the fence going to the farm, these are products produced by the people of Baguio City, some products are handmade coin purse, wooden products, printed t-shirts, soft broom, keychains etc.
  • Buy their food products- be able to try their food products, these include strawberry jams, fresh strawberry fruits, crinkles, honey, sweet products etc.
  • Strawberry picking during their pick season- we went here during the month of June, and unluckily it isn’t a pick season for strawberries. If you prefer to enjoy picking strawberries you should go here during the months of March, April or May according to the strawberry seller. She added that between the months of November to May are also preferable because June to October are already off season, or there was a low produced strawberries already.

The strawberry farm in Baguio City, Philippines is a good place for sightseeing and photo taking! So if you are interested in visiting this place don’t forget your cameras, money to buy their handmade products and be able to taste their food products, and most importantly your appreciative heart and soul! To be able to enjoy the simplicity and captivating nature of this place.