Posts in Adventure

We Finally Found the Mysterious Café from CALAX! Casa Jardin de Mellizo Restaurant and Events place

Adventure Coffee Food Restaurant Recommendations

We honestly didn’t plan to end up here. One look at the traffic crawling toward Tagaytay, and we didn’t even think twice—we made a quick U-turn and took a random right turn without checking Google Maps. No destination, no expectations… just curiosity and the kind of mood that says “Let’s just see where this takes us.”

Funny thing is, we landed at Casa Jardin de Mellizo Restaurant and Events place in Silang—a place I had actually saved a long time ago. I totally forgot it was even on my list 🙃 Life’s little nudges, I guess.

Fun fact: I added this place to my saved list out of curiosity. As regular CALAX passers, we always noticed this spot uphill from the road—it’s such an eye-catcher! We kept wondering, “What is that place?” So, using my investigatory expertise (LOL), I did a little digging and found out it was Casa Jardin de Meliizzo. Without thinking twice, I hit “save” on Google Maps… and forgot all about it—until this detour brought us right to it.

The place was peaceful, open, and had that kind of charm that instantly makes you slow down. While the food wasn’t exactly unforgettable (it could use some improvement), the coffee absolutely made up for it. I had their caramel macchiato—and wow. Smooth, not overly sweet, and perfectly comforting. I’d come back just for that cup.

And I can’t deny—it’s really a beautiful place for all the events of your life. Whether it’s a quiet coffee date, a celebration, or even just a moment to pause, Casa Jardin de Meliizzo felt like it could hold memories.

Sometimes the best experiences aren’t the ones you plan. They’re the ones you stumble upon, exactly when you need them.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
– Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

Have you ever seen a place from the road and promised yourself you’d stop “next time”?
That’s how we found Casa Jardin de Mellizo. And we’re so glad we did.
📌 Share this with a fellow café hunter—you never know what gem you’ll find next.

A Day in Calamba: Walking Through History

Adventure Restaurant Recommendations Travel

Today was a beautiful reminder that you don’t always have to travel far to experience something meaningful. My bestie and I took a short but sweet trip to Calamba, Laguna. A little history side trip with a hint of Japan feels (arigathanks, Calamba!).

Our main stop? The birthplace of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It felt surreal to finally visit the Museo ni Jose Rizal, to walk through the very home where he was born and raised. I even got to check out his favorite books and had a quiet moment reading through them, imagining what kind of thoughts stirred his brilliant mind.

Stepping into his home felt like riding a time machine. From the rustic kitchen (that I now totally wish I had) to the antique furniture and wood floors, every corner gave us a glimpse into the past. We were both completely wowed by the preserved interiors. Such a rich piece of our heritage!

After the museum, we dropped by Calamba Baywalk, a peaceful little spot by the water. It’s a small bay where you can just park your car, take a breather, and savor the stillness. From there, we had a lovely view of the majestic Mt. Makiling. One of those quiet moments where time just slows down.

We also passed by the Jose Rizal Coliseum and wow, it was massive! We didn’t get to walk around the whole area because the heat was intense, but it looked impressive from the outside. Thankfully, there’s ample parking for a quick peek.

For lunch, we were craving something comforting and our taste buds led us to Ippon Yari, a Japanese restaurant that totally brought back memories of Japan. As someone who’s been to Japan, I have to say this place really gave off those authentic vibes. The ambiance was warm and cozy, like stepping into a quiet corner in Japan. The food was delicious and tasted fresh, just like how it is over there. We ordered Onomichi Shoyu Ramen, Gyoza, Mixed Tempura, Chahan, Nigiri Sushi, and Calpis Soda. They also served unlimited cold green tea (which was perfect in this heat) and a free salad that was absolutely phenomenal. The staff were all super friendly, courteous, and attentive. We’ll definitely be coming back.

We were actually hoping to visit the Makiling Rainforest, but since it’s already in Los Baños and would take us around 45 minutes to get there, we decided to save that for another time. So instead, we ended our trip with cups of coffee. One hot, one iced (because balance is life haha!) and called it a day.

There’s still so much more to explore in Laguna. With 24 towns and 6 cities, that’s a whole lot of stories waiting to be discovered. Pinas muna for us, not because we don’t dream of traveling the world (we totally do!), but we don’t have that luxury at the moment, especially since we can’t leave our furbabies behind. While everyone’s off flying abroad, we’re over here soaking in the beauty of our own country and honestly, we’re loving it.

As Rizal once said, “Well then, of all loves, that of country is what has produced the greatest, the most heroic and the most selfless.” And truly, loving our country doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with small steps. Obeying the law, caring for our environment, and simply getting to know our roots.

A Day in Paradise: Our Summer Escape to Virgin Beach Resort, Laiya

Adventure Resort Review Travel

This summer, we decided to escape the ordinary and spend a day soaking up the sun at Virgin Beach Resort. I had heard great things about the place, and since I’ve been craving the sound of waves and the feel of soft sand under my feet, it seemed like the perfect getaway.

🌊 The Highlight: The Stunning Ocean

The biggest reason I’d go back? The ocean! The shoreline was pristine, and the water was so clear that it felt like stepping into a postcard. Whether it was dipping our feet in the cool water or just sitting by the shore, taking it all in, every moment was peaceful and refreshing. It’s the kind of place where the ocean does all the talking—reminding you to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty around you.

😊 Friendly and Courteous Staff

Another thing that stood out was the warm hospitality. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure we felt welcome and comfortable throughout the day. It’s always a plus when a place not only offers natural beauty but also great service that makes you feel at ease.

🍽️ The Not-So-Perfect Part: The Food

If I’m being honest, the only thing that left me a little underwhelmed was the food. Our day tour package included a buffet, but the selection wasn’t as generous as I’d hoped, and the taste was just… average. I’ve visited neighboring resorts that served much better food, so I was a bit disappointed on that front. It didn’t ruin the experience, but I do hope they improve their food offerings in the future.

💸 Day Tour Price: Worth It?

We paid ₱4,500 for two people for the day tour, and despite the food not being memorable, I’d still say it was worth it. The views alone were enough to make the trip feel like a mini-vacation. Plus, they have a decent washroom, a small but important detail when spending the whole day at the beach.

🏖️ Will I Go Back? Absolutely!

Despite the food, I’d gladly return for another round of sun, sand, and sea. Sometimes, the beauty of nature outweighs the little things that don’t quite hit the mark. Virgin Beach Resort is a gem for anyone who loves the ocean as much as I do. Hopefully, next time, they’ll surprise us with a more satisfying meal to match their breathtaking views.

Here’s to more adventures and footprints in the sand! 🌅✨