Anvaya Cove - Morong, Bataan

We wouldn't be able to enter this paradise without the help of our friend Mrs. Smith. Therefore, before I proceed, husband and I would like to thank her very much for the opportunity of reaching out and spreading her wings in finding the correct connection for us to be in this place for 4 days and 3 nights. Again, Mrs. Smith, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you very very much.

Lovely Day in Anvaya Cove

Our journey began when we left Filinvest Alabang at 9:30 am on 19th of December, 2016. Husband was offering to drive all the way to Bataan but I refused because I was emotionally prepared for the road challenge that could cast at anytime. He never drove here in the Philippines yet, so I do not want him to encounter the road challenge at this early stage of our vacation.

As I was the driver, there was no chance for me to capture a single photo of our complete journey :-(

We took the Skyway from Alabang to Magallanes exit to Edsa. Due to the Christmas season, I had the feeling that 4 hours wouldn't be enough crossing this 34 kms road. Most of the time when you have a very low expectation, you will never get disappointed. To cut the story short, we crossed Edsa for 30 minutes ONLY!

When we reached the toll and began to crossed NLEX, Husband keeps reading almost everything he sees on the road signage. 

MARULAS. 

SAN BARTOLOME. 

BAGBAGUIN.

VALENZUELA. 

MEYCA-Meyca--never mind... !

hahaha.... and he stop reading.

I visited Subic many years ago, the road were not the best. But now, I am amazed with the new infrastructure I witnessed. I really thought I was driving in an Autobahn in Germany, I felt a sense of pride that my country the Philippines is indeed recovering from the economic loss due to the market fluctuation and of course the severe corruption of the powerful politicians. It convinces me that soon this country will be back on track to full economic recovery and hopefully, the government will keep enhancing reliable and very good quality of infrastructures that can sustain the needs of its people for years.

First day in Anvaya Cove

I felt happiness with the infrastructure transition I witnessed in a very short period of time in the North. Total of three hours travel from the crowded city of Manila to Subic Bay Freeport Zone to Anvaya Cove is an amazing experience.

The beach

As we crossed the Subic Freeport Zone, we drove all the way to the top of the mountain. Green. Just green everywhere. Tall trees, short ones. Different kind of plants. We drove up and down. We trusted our instinct on the road we took. What amazes the most are the virgin forest and we recognized the noise of playful monkeys in the forest. Awesome!

The main pool

Me, paddling.

The Clubhouse

the golf club

Paddling at the sea shore

The beach

Our accommodation: Sea Breeze

Enjoying my Mai Tai under the heat of the sun

Husband's dream house model

Skydive Dubai!

That day. This day. Today. Friday, 11th November, 2016 at 12:30 pm. Yes. Oh yes, I just jumped out of the plane.

For some reason, I have always wanted to be where my comfort is. I am afraid to do crazy things. But height? Up there? This is never an issue to me. I love to be up there. Every time I am assigned to take aerial photos of events or site projects, I love to be there! I love to be that "one" up there...

I never imagine myself doing crazy stuff like jumping out of a plane with a range of 110-120 mph fast falling down to the ground. Risking my beautiful life for the sake of self adventure and for "just being up there" will be the last thing I would do in my entire life. But today, I did it.

A month preparation was necessary. First, I have to wait for my visa to Dubai be approved by the UAE Authorities. After seven long days of waiting, I booked a return ticket from Doha to Dubai.

I booked my jump from the website of Skydive Dubai and paid the 50% to confirm my slot.

And then, I sent a request from my company for an approval of an Exit Permit from Doha. Booked a hotel to Dubai and thankfully our friend Malky was willingly offered to be our chauffeur of our entire stay in Dubai (lucky us).

One thing I learned after this beautiful experience. "It changed my mindset, I came to realized that I can do anything, I mean anything...with no fear and I will be very good at it!

How and what I did?

1. I printed all the forms/tandem waiver stated in Skydive Dubai website and have them signed.
2. I arrived at the site 40 minutes before my scheduled jump time.
3. I went to the registration area, presented the signed forms along with my original passport.
4. They recorded my weight and height, paid the remaining 50% of the tandem skydive amounting AED 1,000.00
4. I waited for 20 minutes until my name was called. My life saver (professional skydive tandem) came, tied and hooked me up. She briefed me of the things I would do and what to expect up there. Her name is Lynette (I will never forget her name) she saved me!
5. A professional cameraman/skydiver named Frank came to me and interviewed me for documentation.
6. They asked nothing else but a big SMILE at all times.
7. After the interview, another 5 minutes passed and they are ready for me.
8. Rode a golf cart to the aeroplane and from then on, I don't know what else happened.

Lynette and I

Below: Palm Jumeirah

I am just a girl who decided that I will go for it.

Below: Dubai Marina

The beautiful Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Lynette saved me! And very much excited to touch the ground again.

15 minutes passed after the jump, my photos and video was ready for collection at the merchandise counter.

Based on my experience, I would suggest that don't go for a jump when you are full or hungry. Too much coffee intake up there can make you vomit. You might faint when you are hungry. For me, it was the small piece of black chocolate helped me fight the dizziness. Thank you Charisse!

Charisse and I inside the Dubai Metro

My experience won't be that amazing without my friend and work colleague Charisse. Also, the support I got from our friend Malky! You two are super awesome!

My short skydive video, to view click here

The overall time spent in Skydive Dubai was 2.5 hours which includes all the experiences and waiting time.

To be honest, I do not know how to describe the experience. You just have to do it to understand the real feeling of it. But one thing I remember, I was super afraid when the door of the plane opened up for the challenge. The heavy and strong wind touches my face reminds me that "this is it". And the last thing I said, "Oh my God, this is Awesome!"

Yes. Oh yes, I definitely will do it again!

The Bomb Dome, Hiroshima

As I stepped in front of the dome, I can't help myself thinking the harsh reality and the dark effect of war in mankind. 

As I walked around it, I saw at the other side of the structure, a display of the before and after photo of the dome. It was in the heart of the city. Busy. 

By preserving the ruins of this historic dome, it can remind everyone... I mean everyone, how war can ruin lives. Over the years, the effect of the radiation can still be seen even to the new generation with cancers and birth defects.

The atomic bomb killed several hundred thousands of people by the nuclear fire. Lots of people suffered from minor to major injuries and the radiation sickness. 

That day, 06 August, 1945...

(A local having his lunch in this perfect weather) 

I encourage leaders of all kind, weak and strong, you must visit the Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, you will find what you're looking for. BE THE PEACE YOU SEEK.

The Hiroshima Castle

The Hiroshima Castle remain as they were in the old days and the entire castle is designated a Historic Site in Japan.

This is my favorite castle in Japan.

Of course, I didn't leave the castle without taking a selfie.

The Camera Man

Do you see him?

Most of the time, we don't notice them - they are the "invisible artist".

Shukkei-en Garden, Hiroshima, Japan

I finally found the place to find my inner peace.

(Me, playing and feeding with the fishes)

Shukkei-en is a historic Japanese garden in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum is located adjacent to the garden.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Husband went for work, so I took the chance to see the paradise up in the mountain. I took a cable car right from feet of the Crown Plaza Ana Kobe where we stayed for couple of days.

What amazes me, is that everything in this place are clean and well maintained. I have so much trust with the Japanese, tbh. I wasn't even afraid of my safety while riding a cable car all alone; that might break down anytime while I'm up there. LoL.

(this is paradise)

(City of Kobe, Japan)

(I had a real hard time taking this photo of me, all by myself!)

LOVE.

(the couple were trying to save that moment's of love in a photo)

The gate.

Nature's beauty.

Can you imagine, what was in my head while walking down this place? Nothing but Peace. 

Yes, PEACE.

I took this photo, imagining that I was sitting in the chair and on the other side was my husband.

That could be such a lovely day.

more photos of the city from above

Ok, that's the caterpillar which will soon becomes a beautiful butterfly.

All in all, I enjoyed every inch of this garden.

How to get there:

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
1-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0002 Japan
TEL: +81 78-271-1160

By Shinkansen Bullet Train
Get off at "Shin-Kobe" sta., then 5 min. on foot

By Kobe Municipal Subway
From JR, Hankyu, Hanshin Railways and Kobe Municipal Subway "Sannomiya" sta., to "Shin-Kobe" sta., then 5 min. on foot

By Kobe City Bus
Get off at "Nunobiki" bus stops by bus #2, 18, 90 or 92, or get off at "Shin-Kobe" sta. bus stop by bus #64 from "Sannomiya" sta.

By City Loop Bus
Get off at "#11 Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway" bus stop