Cancelled future mini-travels

Sorry that I have been slacking off with my travel blog lately. I didn't have the inspiration to blog about travels anymore. If you've been reading my other blog, you probably have been aware of my current condition. I couldn't spend too much time on the computer anymore as I feel sick most of the time. Since we're expecting our first ever angel in our lives, I think we would not take a lot of vacations this year. As a matter of fact, I could forget about our plan to celebrate our 3rd anniversary in Florida in October. Yes, we made plans about going. I've done some research on which beach to visit. But by that time, hopefully I'd be around 7-8 months preggo already and I don't think it's wise to travel at that point. So that has been cancelled. However, come Memorial Weekend though, we plan to drive to Branson or Springfield, Missouri and probably do some maternity clothes shopping along with a brief mini-vacation. Another trip that has been cancelled as well was my supposedly visit to my sister in Illinois in June for my nephew's 5th birthday bash. Jeff couldn't go with me because of work so we originally intended to just have me catch a plane to Chicago and my sister will pick me up there, but in my condition, I don't want to fly alone. I need all the rest I could get for my baby. I'll probably just see them some other time.

A Paradise Away From Home

It's pretty funny that some of my Facebook friends thought that we own Hisoler's Beach Resort located in Bogo, Cebu. Everybody was asking for some discounts, hehe, so I had to correct the misconception. Though, I wish we have a small private vacation place by the sea in the province to relax and unwind but for now, it'll remain as a dream, lol! Maybe someday when we're nearing retirement, haha! Well, anyway, we happen to be related with the respectable owners of the said resort. Our last name Hisoler is not very common so when you know somebody sharing the same last name with ours, they got to be related with us someway, somehow.

Even way back then, I have already heard of Buddy and Evelyn Hisoler from my Dad and his relatives. The couple has been successful with their business ventures in their own right in Cebu City and Bogo. They own and manage several businesses which includes public transportation, money exchange service, beach resort and probably more that I'm not just aware of. There had been several occasions in the past that my Dad and some of his siblings got the chance to meet the couple either in their vast house in Maria Luisa village or in Samboan province. I've always been shy about the idea of meeting them in person. So I only hear stories from Dad of how graceful and kind this couple are. I never thought I'd be able to get the chance to meet them myself until we have the opportunity to get them as one of the principal sponsors at my wedding.

Jeff and I personally handed our wedding invitation to them at their residence. They were such gracious hosts. We were served with yummy chocolate cakes and some "boongon" that they've insisted to take home with us after we told them we couldn't eat more of it because we're already so filled up, hehe! We were glad and honored that they took the time to be at our wedding. It was a privilege to have met two affluent but very down to earth individuals during our vacation last year.

As I've mentioned above, they own the newly-built Hisoler's Beach Resort in Nailon, Bogo. It is situated 3 hours North of Cebu City. We were invited to visit the resort but things got hectic after our wedding. Besides, we've already made reservations at Plantation Bay several months before I arrived in the PI. But on our next visit to the Philippines, we would definitely take the time to visit Bogo and relax in this cozy resort. Although we have not been there yet but the pictures themselves speak of a paradise away from home. I love the blue skies and crystal clear seawater. I just thought of sharing it with you just in case you need a new place to chill out in Cebu.

Sometimes, stress from work and life itself can take its toll on you. So if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, forget the negative vibes and just bask in the beauty of nature, take a vacation at Hisoler's Beach Resort in Bogo. Bring your family and friends and have some clean fun at this haven by the sea. You don't even have to worry about your budget since the room rates are very affordable. The big rooms that are good for 8-10 persons only cost Php3,000.00, while the small rooms good for 2-4 persons cost Php2,000.00 only. They also have kiosk (cottages) for those who do not want to stay overnight. The big and small ones cost Php700 and 300.00 respectively. The amazing deals does not end there. If you're thinking of group, company outing, or even an intimate wedding reception, Hisoler's Beach Resort is also the way to go. They accept catering service in their spacious and clean Function Room. Depending on the menu, the rates per head ranges from Php250.00 to 300.00 pesos. Amazingly affordable, isn't it? If you are interested, you can call these numbers 032-516-2187 / 032-416-1117 / 032-346-1200 / 032-344-3641 and look for EVELYN.

Check out the resort photos below courtesy of Britz Hisoler and May Colina.

First Peek of Spring

I've been through a tough time last week. My uncle passed away and it gave my mom so much heartache that it pains me so much to hear her crying and sobbing over the phone. As if it's not enough to dampen my spirit, Jeff came home one afternoon so upset and troubled about something his co-worker said about me. It was meant as a joke but if you ask me, it was a stupid and disrespectful remark towards somebody you have not even seen in person. It shouldn't have bothered me since the opinion came from an unrespectable asshole himself with obviously no respect on women, but unfortunately when Jeff told me about it, I was hurt too. It felt unfair to be judged by someone you have not even met personally. Jeff works with jerks and as much as possible he tries to tolerate most things that goes around at work so he'd get along fine with the group as long as it doesn't have anything to do with his personal life. Things will have to change on how he deals with his co-workers starting tomorrow. He does not want to distance himself with the other guys at work but after what happened last Thursday, he feels that he has to set a wall once again in order to protect me and our relationship against racial discrimination and unfair judgments from idiots who think lowly of foreigners.

Because of the drama that's been going on with my life, I thought about canceling an out-of-town trip that has been decided few weeks ago. But Jeff feels that taking this trip to get out of the house will somehow help us not dwell on the bad things too much and will give us fresh perspective on things. I'm glad we pushed through with the trip. It rejuvenates me to see the undeniable beauty of spring around us. We were invited to go to a family gathering to celebrate April Genevieve's 1st birthday. On Good Friday, we thought of stopping by Pinnacle Mountain to do some reflecting, soul-searching, nature exploration and picture-taking. The weather was fantastic. We sure had a great time. I felt better. I thank God for the beauty of nature and for a wonderful husband. I decided to leave the bad things behind and move on to greater things in life. For life is indeed beautiful!

The birthday celebrant with her Mom

Brad and April

April Genevieve Lord turns 1