Showing posts with label beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beach. Show all posts

June 26, 2025

Father’s Day Getaway at Ybonita Farm and Villas

Last year, we only watched a movie to celebrate Father’s Day; this year, we had two celebrations. First, we had Fishing at Caylabne Bay Resort with my in-laws, and for my family, we had a Staycation at Ybonita Farm and Villas.


Actually, when we were at the Palm Beach Resort, we already discussed this trip and the only question lang is, saan kami pupunta? So in our family group chat, we are just sending suggestions, and I suggested the Ybonita Farm and Villas. It just so happened na lumabas siya sa newsfeed ko, and I saw their Group Getaway Promo. And nagkasabay pa nga kami ng sister-in-law na nag-inquire about the promo. 

Group Getaway Promo for PHP36,999 

Overnight stay at Yvatan Villa 
Sandbar Tour (Balsa rental fee only) Balsa Entrance fee, Balsa Parking Fee not included 
Binalot Lunch for 10 pax (Boodle Bilao) 
Dinner Set Meal 
Bonfire and S'mores Kit 
Plated Filipino Breakfast (Special Homemade Longganisa, Danggit, Egg, Fried Rice, and Freshly brewed Kapeng Barako) 

Additional person is PHP2,800.

For our family outing, we usually book a resort or private pool, so I told them, parang okay na rin yung package since may Sandbar Tour and Bonfire. There is also a free animal feeding activity at the resort. We’ve been to different farms na rin, and I already blogged about them except the South Farm in Panglao, Bohol. I will share about it when I post our 4 Days in Bohol series. Ybonita Farm and Villa is the recent farm that we visited. 

South Farm Panglao Bohol 

We booked this promo for 11 people, and to confirm the booking, full payment is required within 24 hours. They also added an Ecology Fee of PHP30 per person. I sent my proof of payment and valid ID. When we visited Nawa Wellness Calatagan, sa kiosk kami nagbayad ng Ecoclogy Fee.

Three days before our trip, I sent them the guest list, our preferred schedule for activities, and the menu for lunch and dinner. 

Sand Bar Tour - 10AM 
Animal Feeding 4-5PM 
Dinner - 6-7PM 
Bonfire - 7:30 - 9PM 
Breakfast - 8AM 
Secret Garden Slot - 8-10AM 

Our first activity is Sand Bar Tour, so I told them that we would arrive between 10-11AM. The first group arrived before 10AM, and we arrived after 10AM. My mom told me na nakalagay na daw sa van nila yung lunch, so in my mind, wow, on time sila. 

Sandbar Tour 9-3PM

One staff member guided us to our Sand Bar Tour. We arrived at the Hava Resort. We paid PHP50 per person for the entrance fee + PHP100 parking fee per car. Upon arrival, we filled out the Balsa Manifest Form, and after several minutes, off we went to our Balsa. The balsa has a life vest for each person.

Sandbar Tour Rate:
PHP4,500 for 10 persons
PHP350 extra person



On our way to the sand bar, we had lunch na rin kasi 11AM na, and we were a little bit disappointed when we saw the food. We paid for 11 people, but they only prepared for 10 people. Sa amin pa lang kulang na yung rice, drinks and utensils, paano pa kami makapagshare ng food sa boatmen. Good thing na may dalawang pack yung Ensaladang Mangga, and I brought cake so may nashare kami na food sa kanila. Actually, the vegetable on my invoice is Pinakbet, so I was surprised when I saw Ensaladang Mangga. 

Boodle Lunch (PHP650 per person): Chicken Adobo or Grilled Liempo, Pinakbet, Grilled Fish, Rice, Dessert, Drinks



If ever you avail this package, make sure to bring your extra utensils, paper plates, or if you want na magkamay, yung disposable gloves. Wala din kasi serving spoon yung packed food nila. I was thankful that we had paper towels and wet wipes na dala. 


Moving on, after eating, we started swimming na. I had no idea na ito pala yung Little Boracay in Calatagan na popular online. It was funny because hanggang dito marami nagtitinda ng food, drinks and souvenirs. We only stayed for 2 hours and went back to the resort for check-in. 


Upon arrival, the staff directed us to our villa. They allowed us to check in 20 minutes before 2PM. I already submitted our guest list online and ID, pero pinasulat ulit sa logbook nung staff, and picture of my valid ID. 

Yvatan Villa 





Here is the Ybatan Villa, inspired by the houses in Batanes. We’ve been to Batanes na rin, so may similarities nga yung design. There is a water dispenser, a TV, a radio for communication, and wifi. The rate is PHP 21,505 for overnight. 

We checked the towels and toiletries, and kulang ulit, so we requested for towel and pinarefill namin yung empty shampoo and body wash. After that, I messaged them to inform them that we paid for 11 people and only received food for 10 people. We received an apology and were given two options, one is a refund, and the second choice is to add items na lang daw. 

I chose add items na lang pero I am not sure kung may na-add ba na extra pansit and smores kit since may pansit canton naman kami talaga sa menu and hindi ko rin alam kung ilang smores kit ba ang binibigay sa group getaway promo nila. Also, there is free wifi but it is not working and ilang beses na nila inayos pero magkakaroon saglit then mawawala ulit. So yung movie bonding na mga pamangkin ko, hindi na nangyari.

Animal Feeding 

Animal Feeding is at 4PM and is free of charge. 


Dinner Set Menu 

We always eat early dinner, so we expected na 6PM talaga yung dinner since may bonfire kami na 7:30PM, but we started eating na past 7PM. Our menu is Bulalo, Kaldereta, Crispy Pata, Buttered Shrimp, Pancit Canton, Rice, Soda, and Leche Flan. 


Slow yung service because the staff travel from the kitchen to our villa back and forth, hindi ito malapit ha. So sana may transport service yung staff para hindi sila hirap magpabalik-balik. 

Bonfire and Smores 

After dinner, we informed them about our bonfire, and the staff advised us na sabihan na lang daw kami kapag ready na. We started our bonfire at 8:30PM, so we have marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers. Quiet hours are from 10PM to 6AM, so we only have less than 2 hours to enjoy the experience. 2 Smores Kit yung nareceived namin.

PHP450 - Bonfire with Smores Kit (good for 3 pax) 




Breakfast 

Breakfast is 8AM, and we’re thankful that it was on time. We had longganisa, danggit, egg, fried rice with coffee or juice. 


Secret Garden Pool 

Yvatan Villa has no private pool, but we can visit the Secret Garden to try their dipping pool. Lulubog ka lang talaga. Hehehe!We only stayed until 10AM so we could check out early. 


Overall, we still enjoyed our Father’s Getaway at Ybonita Farm and Villa. Kahit kulang yung food and late nagstart yung dinner and activities kasi mabait naman ang mga staff and masarap ang food. Memorable yung Balsa and Bonfire experience. 

November 04, 2024

Beach Huts Layered Craft

I’m back. After almost two weeks of no blog post because of Typhoon Kristine, we experienced a blackout and just returned from our Melbourne Australia Trip. Now, I’m back to reality and still struggling with the timezone difference. Antok na antok na ko, 5PM pa lang kasi ang aga ko din nagigising. 

Anyway, last week we visited Brighton Beach, one of Melbourne's iconic beaches. We don’t have a plan to swim because it is Spring Season but I still included the beach on our itinerary. We visited Bondi Beach when we went to Sydney Australia so I want to see the beaches in Melbourne too. 


I love to see the famous 82 vibrant and colorful bathing boxes. The bathing boxes were initially built for the privacy of women so they could change their clothes without problem but now it is used to store beach equipment and accessories or for family get-togethers. 

The size is smaller than a standard car park but the price is around $450,000. It is the price of one bathing box that was sold in 2023. It is so expensive and only local Bayside residents can purchase these bathing boxes. It is considered a lifestyle investment for rich people so for an ordinary person like me, icraft na lang for souvenir. 



I made these Beach Huts Layered Craft before our trip and I was happy because the color and look are quite similar. I used the following SVG files. 3D Nautical Bundle and Beach Huts Shadow Box.


September 12, 2024

Where to Stay in Da Nang Vietnam: Sheraton Grand Da Nang Resort

I am about to blog about our quick getaway in Davao last year but I just realized that I haven’t finished my Vietnam series. We visited Da Nang, almost two years ago and I hope I can still remember what happened. Hehehe! 

We had a 5-day trip in Vietnam and stayed at Sheraton Grand Da Nang Resort. When my husband said that this would be our accommodation, I was looking forward to our trip because it is a five-star luxury resort and according to our tour guide, this is one of the best hotels in Da Nang so we would enjoy our stay. 


Of course, before our trip, I already knew what to expect but when we arrived, napa-wow pa rin ako, true to its name, the resort is grand. I’ve been to a few Sheraton hotels or resorts and this is the biggest that I visited so far. If you are in Vietnam, you will notice that their hotel or resort rate is much cheaper compared to the Philippines rate. 



Since we arrived late, the connecting room was no longer available so yung 2 reserved rooms namin, magkaiba ng floor; one room on the second floor and one room on the third floor so we ended up staying in one room. Ayaw maghiwalay sa pagtulog. I think once lang natulog si hubby doon sa isang room, nung nag dinner sila ng colleagues niya. Ayaw ko na kasi bumangon para magbukas ng double lock ng room. And para hindi kami hintayan sa bathroom na may bathtub, nagpupunta si hubby sa isang room. hehehe!

After check-in, the staff ushered us to our room via golf cart so medyo malayo-layo rin ang lakad from our room to the lobby. 



Sheraton Grand Da Nang Resort Deluxe Rooms 

This is the room on the second floor with a partial sea view. 




This is the room on the third floor Deluxe Pool View King. The two rooms are pretty much the same, we have a king-sized bed and the bathroom has a separate shower, bathtub, and toilet. 






Table 88 Restaurant 


The room includes complimentary breakfast at Table 88 but since we stayed here for 5 days, I will share our breakfast meals in a separate post. I already blogged about our International Dinner Buffet at Table 88 before. 


Since the weather was not good, we were too lazy to go out so we just ate at the hotel for lunch and dinner. (room service). There are few restaurants inside the hotel, there is La Plage, Table 88, Poolside, Tea Lounge, and The Grill


Things to do at Sheraton Grand Da Nang Resort 

This resort is nestled on Non Nuoc Beach so you have a beach and pool. But during our stay, we were not able to swim on the beach because of the bad weather. 



Sheraton Grand Da Nang is popular for its infinity pool because it is the longest pool in Da Nang about 250 meters long. Sa laki niya, pwede nga magkayak. 



If you have kids in tow, there are classes that you can join like a cooking class, pizza-making class, lantern-making class, and others. There is a mini water park and playroom too. 


Fitness, spa, and golf are also available but we did not visit. 




Sheraton Grand Da Nang 
35 Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, 
Ngu Hanh Son District, 
Danang, Vietnam, 550000

July 11, 2024

Day 4 in Sydney Australia: Bondi Hop-On-Hop Off Bus Tour

We have a lot of beautiful beaches in the Philippines so whenever we travel overseas, I don’t usually include beaches on our itinerary. But after watching the Instant Hotel series during the pandemic, nacurious ako sa Bondi Beach. When we went to Sydney last year, I added an extra day for our Hop-On-Hop-Off tour to see Bondi Beach. 

I purchased the Essential Ticket of Big Bus Sydney Tour via Klook which is good for 48 Hours. You can read our Sydney Route here. 

The first bus on the Bondi Route started slightly late compared to Sydney Route. The first bus leaves Central Station at 9:30AM and at 9:45AM at the Australian Museum. We are fortunate that Hyde Park Inn is just a few minutes walk from the Australian Museum so less travel time.  

Archibald Fountain 



Since we were a bit early for the bus schedule, we went to Archibald Fountain and Hyde Park Barracks first. You can see the Sydney Eye Tower at the back of the fountain. 

Hyde Park Barracks 


Just like the Anzec Memorial, we were not able to visit this museum even though this is just a few minutes walk from the hotel. There is no entrance fee but we need to prebook the ticket and I don’t know what time we are going to finish our Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour so I couldn’t prebook a ticket. So we just checked the place and took a picture outside the museum. 

It is open every day between 10:AM to 6PM except Good Friday and Christmas Day. Last entry is 4:30PM because a visit would take 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

Hyde Park Barracks is a former barracks, hospital, convict accommodation, mint, and courthouse. It has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2010. 

After taking a photo, we went to the Australian Museum bus stop. The Bondi Route bus was not on time so we left the Australian Museum, around 10AM. One complete tour of Bondi Route is 1 hour and 30 minutes but we decided to get off at Bus Stop 30 which is Bondi Beach. The Blue Route bus trip is less frequent so we didn’t want to waste our time waiting for the bus. 


Bondi Beach 

Bondi beach is one of the famous beaches in the world. It is popular with locals and tourists because of its proximity to the city. It is known for its golden sand, surf iconic waves, and blue water. This is where you can see the Icebergs, Bondi Graffiti Wall, Bondi Story Room, and Bondi to Coogee Walking Path.



The beach is about 1km long so dito pa lang mapapagod ka na maglakad. We were there during springtime so it was cloudy, windy, and cold but we did not waste any opportunity, we checked the sea water and walked on the sand. 

Bondi to Coogee Walk 

One of the most scenic ways to see Sydney is to walk from Bondi to Coogee but the famous coastal walk is 6 km and we didn’t want to drain our energy. 

Bondi Beach to Bronte Coastal Walk



Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach is a popular coastal walk with 2.5 km walking trails. You have an ocean and sandstone cliff view. It was a long walk where you could see Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs, Mackenzies Point, Mackenzies Bay, Tamarama Beach, and Bronte Beach. 


We tried to walk up to Mackenzies Point but we did not continue anymore kasi baka wala na kami energy na maglakad pabalik. Hehehe! So we just walk kung hanggang saan lang kaya ng energy namin.

Lunch at Grumpy’s and Bondi Kahve 

Actually, I planned to eat Fish & Chips and Calamari & Chips but we didn’t know where to go so we just ended at Grumpy’s and Bondi Kahve. We just ordered Grumpy’s Meat Lover’s Pizza for AUD29 and Nuggets and Chips for $12.50 (Kid’s Menu).



I remembered the kid’s meal that we ordered at House of Canteen, the serving was big but here, pang kids lang talaga. Hehehe! The pizza is also small too. We just finished our food and we went to the bus stop. On our way to the bus stop, we found a restaurant that serves fish, calamari and chips, etc. Waah! Kung sinipag lang pala kami maglakad, nakain ko sana yung gusto ko kainin. 

We rode the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus again and got off at the Australian Museum so we could go back to our hotel and rest. 

Australian Maritime Museum and Darling Harbour 

Even though we wanted to rest na, we still pushed ourselves to go out so we could maximize our ticket so we went to the Australian Maritime Museum and Darling Harbour. You can visit SEA Life Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife Zoo and Madame Tussauds here but we were not interested so we just walked and enjoyed the view. 




Then we walked to the nearest bus stop; we were supposed to go to Chinese Garden pa but we were tired already so we got off near our hotel. We dropped by at the grocery and David’s Kitchen for our food.

End of Day 4, we needed to sleep early because our next day's itinerary was Blue Mountain.

Klook.com