Spot The Difference: Aninuan,Talipanan,White Beach

"Take Vacations, Go as many palaces as you can, You can always make Money, But you cant always make memories"

If you want a more peaceful and relaxing vacation with a loved one or with the whole family, this place my bet...

Famous Spot in Talipanan

 If you want to spend some time alone, Then this place is the Best...

Aninuan Beach less visitor more locals 

Aninuan Sand The Finest of them all

Aninuan 

Abandoned Establishment between Talipanan and aninuan 

Another space that is left behind 

sandy and rocky part of talipanan

these foreigners are going to cross the rock boulders to watch sunset in aninuan 

As i noticed, Talipanan is a combination of sand and pebbled beach while Aninuan has finer sands. i can say its Aninuan has the best sands in Puerto Galera but less accommodations. While White Beach is more famous and more crowded part.

locals getting food to eat usually small crabs and shells

But if your looking for party life, more options, then this place is better.

A livelier White Beach with more choices of activities

Other wise it is you who make your vacation more memorable and fun...

Around Puerto Galera and White Beach

 There are lots of things to do in Puerto Galera. Name it from banana boat ride to para sailing,snorkeling, island hoping chasing falls, hiking, scuba diving, jet ski. We could have done atleast one of those but we prefer to just chill,eat,swim,play on the sand, and chasing sunset and sunrise... so here are some of the pictures we take from day 1 to day 4.

First day play in the sand 

dip in the water with nanay and kids

Beach bumming with my girl

Girl in Pink

Sunset in Talipanan

Sunset in Aninuan

silhouette shot taken by my husband in Aninuan

Couples shot still in Aninuan

Aninuan Sunset

Luca by Night

Sunrise in Talipanan

sunrise in Talipanan with the sleepy head

Infinity and beyond 

We go hiking too when the tide is high since we cannot walk on the shore. We went to white beach by just plain walking i think more or less 45 mins from Talipanan.

Along the high way

View from the top

White Beach has wider shore line and more space

There are lots of food outlet and souvenir shop in white beach 

a little gloomy day in White Beach

It's easier to go to white beach by walk if its low tide.

My Favorite part of our stay is...

Chillin' in the afternoon with my husband while listening to music watching people passes by and enjoy the beach view under the palm tree... Just an amazing moment spent with my loved one. Memories to keep and cherish and i would like to have more in the future...

Family Summer Get Away 2017 in Puerto Galera

"An ocean breeze puts a mind at ease"

FAMILY GOAL: Spend a little quality time,out of town with the family at least once a year. (hopefully)

It's the first time for our family to spend an out of town vacation this summer. We have to consider the location, travel time and budget since we have kids and of course we have to budget the hard earned money.I do the research and end up with the "Poor man's Boracay" as some says, It's Puerto Galera. We didn't make an advance reservation. I wanted to haggle when we get there but fingers crossed since it's peak season...


I made a list of resorts and contact numbers just in case we find it hard to look for accommodations.I haven't been there ever. So everything will be first time and exciting. Thanks for the information from travel bloggers.

It took us about 4 hrs travel from Dasmarinas Cavite to Talipanan Puerto Galera. The boat ride was kinda rough and took us about 2 hrs. From Batangas Port the only shipping line available that time going to Talipanan is Father and Sons. 600 pesos/person if you availed the round trip ticket fare. The drop off point is at Muelle Port and a van is waiting for transfer to Talipanan.

We arrived in Talipanan at around 11-12nn kids are hungry and so are we. But we haven't find any accommodation yet. So we decided to eat lunch first in Luca Cucina Italiana & Lodge .

hungry kid enjoying LUCA's spaghetti carbonarra

mozzarella and rosemary pizza @270 pesos (servings are big)

Infairness, their food is good even if it looks simple. Also i am surprise by the amount of serving. Pizza can fit 2-4 person as well as the pasta. My boy is picky and hard to feed and im glad he was able to enjoy carbonarra.

After lunch we walk around to :

1.El Canonero (2500/nyt) i like their place and they have a private pool too. The owner were nice and friendly as well.(i really like this)
2. Bamboo House (3000/nyt) we ask for discount if they can give us since we are also Filipino but their offer was until 2700/nyt only (not my choice, lol) but their place is nice as well.
3.Luca Lodge (2500/nyt) with free breakfast is a nice deal already. i haggled still and grab it for 2000 per night but no free breakfast ( we have food anyways ) Luca wins :)

So here's what we got from Luca Lodge:

- Fully air conditioned room with queen size and double size bed
- Hot and cold shower bathroom
- Hot and Cold drinking water supply
- Refrigerator
- free wifi access
- And this beach front view

One thing i noticed about the resort (Talipanan in general) is the shore line has little space since we arrive during high tide. It is not what i expected. There are less people around, majority of the guests were foreigners unlike in any other beach I've been to.

hardly seen a soul... that's El Canonero a little low tide now but during high tide water level reach  that balcony.

Over all, the beach is not extravagance or superb but if you prefer a quite place to relax, this place is perfect specially for family and kids. The beach is shaded with mountains and you can swim even if its super sunny day. Sea floor are a little rocky but does not hurt. Mornings are high tide and in the afternoon are low tides. That the time you can observe more people coming from different hotels walking on the shore exploring the island crossing the boulders of rocks visiting talipanan,aninuan and white beach just by walking. We're one of them and it's fun. we're chasing sunsets.

Day 1: Sunset in Talipanan in front of veronica inn bed and breakfast

Just in case you consider going to Puerto Galera, Here's How:

Pala-Pala to Batangas Pier (Van) - Php160/person
Batangas Pier to Talipanan (Boat) - Php 600/person roundtrip
Batangas Pier to White Beach (Boat) - Php 500/person roun trip or Php275 single route

Shipping Lines:
1. Gallerian - straight to Talipanan
2.Father and Son's - muelle port then van transper to talipanan
3.Minolo Shipping Lines - White Beach/Muelle Port

Note:
 Children 3 and a half age and below are free

Relax and have fun once in a while cuz life is good and God is Good :)

Here's More:

* Around Puerto Galera
* Spot The difference 

Oven Toaster Baked Cake

I don't own an oven right now. And i'm putting it in my wish list this year. But anyways, there are still ways to bake. My oven toaster is always busy not just for heating breads but for making cakes in a small amount too.

this has been my oven toaster since 2006

Okay, i'll start with banana cake. This is one of my favorite to bake.It is soft and light and a little sweet. i used to bake in a small loaf pan. But i switched to this aluminum cup cake mold since its easier for the cake to cook.i just cut it out to make 4 cup cake so that it will fit in the oven toaster. 

after 10 mins. charan!!!

BANANA CUP CAKE

Here's what you need:

1. Maya banana cake mix (200g)
2. 3 pcs ripe banana
3. 1 pcs egg
4. half cup water
5. 3 Tbs. butter or oil 

Now my kids are ready to eat this :)

-Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. 
-Mashed the banana in a separate bowl then add it to the cake mixture.
-Pour the batter in a cup cake or loaf pan.Bake for 10 mins or until done. ( check it with unused tooth pick )

* you can add cashew nuts (or any nuts u want), raisins, or chocolate chips.You can also use hot cake mix instead of banana cake mix.

you can make 12 cupcakes with this recipe.

CARROT CAKE

Here's what you need:

1. Maya carrot cake mix (200g)
2. 1 pc Big carrot
3. 1 pc egg
4. half cup water
5. 3 Tbs. butter or oil 

-Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. 
- Grated carrots in a separate bowl then add it to the cake mixture.
-Pour the batter in a cup cake or loaf pan.Bake for 10 mins or until done. ( check it with unused tooth pick )

* you can add cashew nuts (or any nuts u want), raisins, or chocolate chips.You can also use hot cake mix instead of carrot cake mix.

you can make 12 cupcakes with this recipe.

Ready to eat :)

i have added chocolate chips and cashew nuts in this recipe.My kids super love this.

Planner For 2017

I am not a plan ahead person. My husband is. So, i started learning from him slowly. I put up BIG PLANS for 2016, listing our major and minor goals. But i started using a planner at mid year of 2016 inspired by creative home keeper and young wife's guide. That time i started writing down our family budget, meal planning, scheduled cleaning, things to do, bill due dates, and more. The fact that i am fond of colorful pens, pretty papers, washi tapes, and i love to write, it was fun. Most of all, i enjoyed the outcome. I love flipping the pages of my colorful Ardium Light Planner in mint green. And most of all the achievements i made in each plan.

THE THINGS I USED IN 2016 FOR PLANNING:

1. Bulletin board with my inspirations and aspirations (hanging at the back of my room's door)

i have cut outs pictures and pinned it over the board.( 2016 was a success.We achieved our target, Thank you Lord)







2. Beautiful notebooks and colorful pens ( i love using DONG A Hexaplus fine liner pen in multiple colors.)

3. Ardium Light Planner (undated) in mint green color. This planner is the simplest planner I've known. Super easy to use and it is cheaper than any other planner in the bookstore. ( i have bought this in whole sale which is minimum of 6 planner in different colors.I sold the others.)

REASONS FOR USING A PLANNER:

1. Physical Reminder

I'm such a forgetful, absent-minded, scattered brain person. Planner is a great help to keep me on track.

2. Time Management

Better use of time by using a schedule. Listings of what to do and when to do the things need to get done.

3. Keep a visual records

You can review every now and then your brilliant ideas, goals, things to do, calendars, schedules, anniversaries, birthdays, due dates, name it.

4. Goals achieved are highly satisfying

That feeling of satisfaction when you hit your target makes you crave to achieve more. Analyze and find ways on things you fail and how to improve in reaching your aspirations.

5. Pretty things are motivating

Pretty pens, papers, stickers, and washi tapes are motivating. I bet not everyone will agree, but for me it works.


This time, i'll do it better. I will continue using a planner for the whole year of 2017. Pursue planning, aiming, and working hard to fulfill it. But this time, i'm gonna use free printable planners using my EPSON ME340 printer. There lots of free printable s over the web that you will surely admire but most of all fits your lifestyle.

I have tried making my own lay out using WORD 2007. I have downloaded scrapbook papers and embellishments but its time consuming for a mom of 5 and 3 years under. So i decided to choose the one from The Hand Made Home  her planner is beautifully designed feminine looks and light colored. 

Inside the planner:

• GOALS
• TO DO LISTS
• CALENDAR VIEWS
• WEEKLY VIEWS
• YEAR AT A GLANCE
• CONTACT/EMERGENCY NUMBERS
• BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
• CLEANING SCHEDULES
• MENU PLANS
• DIVIDERS WITH GREAT QUOTES 

What i did was i printed the design I've chosen in a yellow glossy paper and then have it ring bind in the nearest book binding outlets. i paid Php60 for a 100 pages size A5 with clear plastic on top and hard card at the back...

There are lots of options to choose from but here are the best choices I've seen so far:

1. Shinning mom

2. scattered squirrel

3. miss tiina

How To Set Goals That Will Change Your Life

First let us define the word Goal based on Wikipedia...

A goal is a desired result that a person or a system envisions, plans and commits to achieve: a personal or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed development. Many people endeavor to reach goals within a finite time by setting deadlines.

I have listed here some links to read the full article for more articulate explanations...

Setting goals and giving yourself a focus allows you to decide how to spend your time and gives you permission to spend time on what you value

3 LIFE CHANGING REASONS TO START SETTING GOAL

By: smartmomsmartideas.com

1.Goals Refine your Purpose

• your goals will show you what you value most in this season of your life. you will set priorities and make decisions based on purpose you define for yourself.
• you can refine your goal as a mother
• you can develop similar goals for your work or your relationship with your spouse or your friends.

2. Goals sets your Focus

refining your purpose allows you to set focus in each area of your life.

• you can focus on the area of motherhood you feel are important
• you can focus on growing your relationship with God
• or you can focus on spending time with your spouse
• your focus may also be on your work. do you work outside the home but you want to be a stay at home mom? have you set goal to build a business that will allow you to accomplish this goal?

3. Goals allows you to design an action plan

• a goal without action plan is just a wish. goal with action plan can be life changing...

A goal is a dream with a deadline - Napoleon Hill

Here's How to Set Goal (a lesson from Napoleon Hill Think and Grow Rich)

by: keepinspiring.me

1.     Determine exactly how much money you desire - don't be vague

2.     Determine exactly what you intend to do to earn the money you desire -

3.     Establish an exact date - when you plan to possess the amount money you desire

4.     establish a definite plan - for achieving your desire and start right at this moment whether or not you feel you're ready

5.     write out a clear statement - of how much money you are going to acquire (the amount from step 1) what you intend to do in exchange for that money (the value from step 2) the date you will acquire it (date from step 3) and your specific actionable plan for reaching the desired monetary goal (plan from step 4)

6.     Read your written statement daily - visualize yourself executing on your plan and visualize the money in your possession.

The S.M.A.R.T way of setting goals

• S - Specific (significant)
• M- Measurable (meaningful)
• A - Attainable (action-oriented)
• R - Relevant (rewarding)
• T - time bound (track able)

Setting a lifetime goals gives you the overall perspective that shapes all other aspects of your decision making. to give a broad balance coverage of all important areas in your life, try to set goals in some of the following categories:

• relationship with God
• family
• financial
• career
• education
• attitude
• pleasure

KEY POINTS:

Goal setting is an important method of:

• Deciding what you want to achieve in life
• separating what is important from what's irrelevant or a distraction
• motivating yourself
• building your self-confidence, based on successful achievements of goals.

Alright! Let's get! MOTIVATED! Now is the time to:

I have listed mine on my journal... Have you started yours too?