I swung by Ayala Triangle Gardens after a long day at the office last week, and man, it was exactly…read morewhat I needed. Grabbed a spot on one of the benches under the big trees, cracked open a book, and just let the city noise fade into the background while kids ran around laughing and joggers zipped by. The air actually felt fresher in there compared to the rest of Makati--huge green escape right in the middle of all the concrete. Ended up staying longer than planned, got an iced latte from one of the cafes, and watched the sunset hit those colorful "Make it Happen, Make it Makati" letters. Felt so peaceful and alive at the same time. Five stars, no question--I'll be back whenever I need to recharge without leaving the CBD.

Just got back from a quick evening stroll through Ayala Triangle Gardens and honestly, it never…read moredisappoints. After being stuck in back-to-back meetings all day, I needed somewhere to clear my head without fighting traffic out of the CBD. Found a quiet corner near the fountain, plugged in my favorite playlist, and just watched the lights start twinkling as the sun went down. The place was alive but not chaotic--couples walking hand in hand, groups of friends laughing over takeout, a few serious runners circling the paths. Grabbed a cold calamansi drink from one of the stalls and sat there longer than I meant to, feeling the stress literally melt away. That big colorful "Make it Happen, Make it Makati" sign glowing against the skyline is such a vibe too. It's the perfect little pocket of calm in the middle of all the hustle. Easily five stars--can't wait to swing by again soon.

We took a bus trip from El Nido to the Underground River. The trip there was a little scary because…read morewe had to switch buses in a small area where there was only a bus stop. We weren't sure that we were in the right place. Once we got on the correct bus, we felt better. The bus ride was bumpy with a lot of turns. My son even got car sick. The town where you get the boats to the Underground River was packed with people. We had to wait in line for quite a while to get tickets. The tour included a lunch which was served in an outdoor tent like area. I even saw a rat! It wasn't very good food. The boat ride to the Underground River we really rough that day. Luckily it wasn't a very long ride. The actual tour of the Underground River was fabulous! My pictures speak for themselves.

When in Palawan, the Underground River is a must! I've toured this river in 2009 (without kids) and…read morein 2018 (with a 1- and 3-year-old) and it was effing amazing both times. It starts at a dock by Sambang Beach where you board a motorized (loud) outrigger boat with about 5 other people. Staff hands out hardhats and life vests. My hubs and I were the only folks who brought kids of any age and while they had childrens' life vests, they were too big for my kids. Yet, we made them work while holding adult hardhats on their heads. We were lucky that child protective services weren't watching. It's about a 20-minute ride to this other spot where you walk a little and switch to a simpler paddle boat you share with about 11 other people. Staff gives you an earpiece to listen to a recorded narration while your tour guide tells you more. It's a short and beautiful ride into a underground/cave part of the river. I don't have good pictures inside the cave because it was too dark, but there are lots of beautiful formations thousands of years old that your tour guide will illuminate with a flashlight within an incredibly peaceful ambiance. This part lasts about 45 minutes. My family really enjoyed it and I super recommend it! TIPS: **Wear rugged clothing (or stuff you don't mind getting f*cked) and waterproof/resistant footwear. **Expect to get your crotch wet. You have to wade at certain parts of the tour. **Try to bring a dry bag (brands like Earth Pak, Marchway, etc. which are also sold at stores along the way there) for your personal belongings. **Your tour guide will offer to take your picture with your own camera/phone. It's a good chance for a full family/group photo. **Life is simple around these parts including the toilet. Bring your own toilet paper for rest stops along the way. Hand sanitizer's also a good idea. **Bring cash to tip your boat crews and tour guide.

Mahagony Park is the type of place I'd go to when I want peace and quiet, no need for spending,…read moreunlimited fresh air; who doesn't like hanging around a play ground? It's the type of place you can hang around on late nights without fear of shady people or getting mugged. Their playground isn't only built for kids, there's even a section where you can "gym", they built makeshift exercise contraptions for those up for a workout or if you're too ashamed to be seen in the kiddie area. In the center is a beautiful Gazebo filled with benches where a big group can hangout and have picnics, play games, or do nothing together; it's the perfect place to just space out. The only problem is that mosquitoes seem to like hanging out there as well, so be sure to spray yourself thoroughly with insect repellant before you decide to visit.

Something about parks that always excite me. Even when I was a kid, I enjoy going to parks even…read morethough I don't really know I'm going to do there. I think it's more because of the ambiance that lures me to go the park multiple times. It's relaxing to be in an area that's full of greenery. Sometimes my friends and I would prepare snacks and create picnics at the park! I remember once when one of my photographer friends wanted to have a shoot in Mahogany because of the nice scenery! It's actually fun there. One side, kids (and not kids at heart) can play with the sand while the bigger kids can swing and slide. Every time I'm here I remember times when life was just so carefree. Oh how it's nice reminisce those good old days. Nowadays I see a lot more kids with her helpers in the Park. I'm glad that kids are not bound to their iPads and they're actually running around open field enjoying nature.

Early this summer, my best friend and I planned a hang out at Fort Bonifacio. We were both tight on…read morecash so we were brain storming on how we can save money on food and drinks but still hang out somewhere nice. We were joking around when my best friend said, "Why don't we have a picnic at Sky Park at SM Aura?" We started laughing but then stopped, looked at each other and smiled. It was actually a great idea! Now, we didn't think actual, full-fledged picnics were allowed, so we just brought some homemade cupcakes and lemonade to share. Sky Park is a little space of an oasis in the desert of the city. Where in a city, it's a concrete jungle, here there's pretty greenery, a nice fountain and fresher air. We spent literally hours their, having snacks, catching up, having fun and taking pictures. We ended up staying until night time and it's really pretty up there at night. You see a great view of the Fort with all the pretty city lights.

This is a safe place for children to play in. There are a handful of major parks in the Makati area…read morethat are great for children, among my favorites is Salcedo Park. On Saturdays, they hold the weekend market right beside it so you can spend a little time shopping and a few hours playing with your kid. I love their playground area because they use high-quality materials - none of those dangerous stainless steel slides that rust over time. They use fiberglass and plastic materials for most of their play areas. The flooring along the play area also uses cork material so even if kids fall or tumble, they are relatively safe. Then there's the wide area for grass and lush trees where you could have a nice little family picnic with your Salcedo Market purchases, just bring a blanket and you can have a great family weekend.

Perhaps it is because I grew up in the city and during the 90s, but I appreciate a good park. Not…read morethat I had a ton of parks around me growing up (back then we didn't need any), but because of the value that it offers today. You don't see young children running around and playing on the streets anymore. You don't see their parents hanging around them while they play. You don't have too many places in the city to enjoy fresh air, the outdoors, and what little greenery it has. The Salcedo Park provides all of these things. A visit on a Saturday afternoon will be nostalgic and heartwarming, more than anything. Its playground is a great place for children to be active, and to socialize. It may be good for adults also, as a convenient and refreshing workout spot outside of the gym.

In a country where there are more Condominiums and malls every 5 Kilometers, I'm glad that Ortigas…read moreand Company, the developer of Capitol Commons built a park between Estancia Mall and Royalton Condominium. The people walking around with their dogs, some are jogging at night. These things are just refreshing to see in the heart of a very busy business place in Pasig City. It just relaxes me after a long day when I roam around the area, just watching and sitting on the benches observing people (not the creepy type) especially their pets. I hope to bring my dogs here next time.

The new Capitol Commons park is a welcome oasis in the middle of the otherwise greenery-barren…read moreOrtigas. It offers respite to urban-dwellers who need a break from the city, to jog, play with their children (to make up for the sprawling home lawns that the city cannot provide), walk their dogs, or just chill out. It is busiest during the mornings for health enthusiasts, and then at night for that, and everything else. Just across the street is Estancia -- a new mall and development so fresh that only less than half of it is open. Although, it shows much promise, with the array of high-end retail stores and up-and-coming restaurant concepts that it offers. Parallel to the park are also other restaurants, which are great for families, but, for the most part, better as after-work and weekend watering holes for groups of friends.

Early Morning jog or night jog…read more Are the two decisions I have to make when going for a run at track 30 Beware sometimes can be over crowded if going at peak times. So I suggest a 5am run or a 10pm run perfect cool temperature so not many runners will distract your Also at these times you can avoid pollution from the traffic. Happy running!

Like what someone has mentioned before me, Track 30th is the older version of Terra 28th. The Kuya…read moreand the one upfront about his weight training to make pa-pogi to the chicas. Track 30th is part of my running routine as well. It doesn't have the quirkiness that Terra 28th has, but it has areas wherein you could do your free-weights training. I like how there were two structures there were assembled for pull-ups, sit-ups and stretching. There are labels on the wood installations, so don't fret! There's also a running track on another side of Track 30th. However, I don't think would deem suitable for anyone. Maybe for a kid, yes. There are also groups who do training sessions here. I've seen some who do arnis and dance trainings as well. But mostly free-weights training are ideal here. There's just so much space and you could bring your equipment, too!

I've actually only been here once in my entire life and never really knew that some Kasalikasan…read moreGarden actually existed just within The Fort area! The only reason why I found out about this place was because a friend of mine who happens to be a theater actress and invited me to come and watch her show "Into The Woods" just a few months back. The venue happens to be in Kasalikasan Garden, when I thought it was just going to be showed in the typical indoor theaters! I actually liked how they had it there instead because it was very adept to the theme of the play! And so when I got there, it was located in a rotunda which is a tad bit of a walking distance from Burgos Circle area. That was actually where I parked because it is quite difficult to find any parking nearby and you couldn't park by the sidewalks either. When I finally got there, it was definitely a nice and relaxing place and so surprising to see something like that amidst all the buildings nearby. I definitely think that the place is used for more than just having plays, it's really more of a multipurpose outdoor area free for everyone to enjoy if there are no events happening.

When Starbucks is full and when my friends and I are too lazy to walk to Greenbelt, we end up…read moresmoking in this place. If you haven't seen this place or have never been here, there's a small door between Starbucks and Timezone. Go through that door and you'll be in the smoking area that overlooks roads and cars and a park no one goes to. The only thing that makes it hard to light a cigarette in this area is the wind. So be prepared to curse the wind or look for a person with a Zippo lighter. There are no tables or chairs in this place. Some tired people sit on the ground and there are days you'll spot teens hanging out here. The good thing is that you can bring in food from any store and no one will shoo you away.