weekends – Page 6

Relaxing at Puerto del Sol

We left our place at 7am in the morning. After several stop overs for some lunch at Jollibee, halo-halo by the hi-way, and asking for directions, we made it to Puerto del Sol a little before 2pm.

The whole resort is huge and very well maintained, the crews are all knowledgeable and smiling. I can already conclude that they are very used to customers.

At the information center, we were all given a lace necklace. Then we were asked to give a Php2000 deposit for incidentals, refundable upon check-out. After that, we we’re assisted to our Casitas.

This is the first time that I didn’t take a picture of our room so let me just describe it to you. It is a detached unit with two rooms and a small living area inside. Outside is a huge dining table which I assume is made of Narra wood. It has glass windows and sliding door giving the occupants a very nice view of the beach. Apart from being at the beach front, our unit is conveniently situated at the back of the swimming pools.

As soon as we have put our stuff inside, we head out to the beach.

The very clear shallow water.

The access to the beach

View from the small island between water.

Sister-in-law, Ayex and me playing under the heat of the sun.

A decent summer family picture.

My princess bakasyonista enjoying the water and not minding the sun’s heat.

After our quick view of the beach, we went back to the room to change for our swimming attire. You guess it right. It’s the little girl who is very excited to try the water/ We didn’t swim at the beach though due to low tide. Instead, we lounge by the pool. And since it’s a Friday, there were a few guests only. We were able to enjoy the pool by ourselves to the max!

The kiddie pool soloist.

The empty adult pool waiting for us.

Enjoying the pool as I watch over Ayex

We stopped swimming at around 4pm to eat some snacks then back again. We left the pool again and had dinner at the resort’s restaurant. The food is tasty and the serving is appropriate. As it is with resorts, the food is a bit pricey though. After dinner, Ate and I tried the Jacuzzi. By this time, Ayex is already with her Lolo and Lola back in our room, sleeping.

Owning the outdoor jacuzzi to ourselves.

The jacuzzi if pretty relaxing, specially for tired muscles because of the pressure it gives. However, we didn’t enjoy it that much because the water smells like old salt water. After the jacuzzi, we took another dip at the pool before cleaning up and calling it a day.

How did we end up at Puerto del Sol?

After almost a month, here I am now, finding the time to blog about our instant trip to Pangasinan where we explored Bolinao and Alaminos.

So how did it all happen?

It was the morning of Ayex’s pre-nursery graduation. My sister-in-law who will be going back to the US in two weeks time still haven’t had a decent relaxation after two weeks of being here in Manila. I am affected for her and I want her to have a vacation because that’s why she came home after almost 3 years of being away.

Rewind. Sunday of that week, we saw CWC and Caramoan Islands featured in Rated K. Sister-in-law said she want to go there. The next Monday morning, I was inquiring about packages with travel dates on March 19-21. With less than a week of planning, our chances was very little. Wednesday, I got an email saying the Caramoan package is already full.

A few months back, hubby showed me Puerto del Sol. My initial reaction was it’s a bit pricey. Since we cannot go to Caramoan anymore, we are in a lookout for possible summer destination once again. I think hubby really likes this resort as by Wednesday evening hubby told Ate about it. It was late night and we just came home from work via commute. We didn’t find time to show her the web site any more.

Thursday morning, we showed Ate the web site and finally a decision was made. We are going to Puerto del Sol in Bolinao, Pangasinan. We booked for our accommodations through phone. Ms. Evelyn of Puerto del Sol is very accommodating. By 11am, we left the house. We went to BDO where we deposited the full payment of our 3 days and 2 nights stay at the resort. My poor memory forgot to take note of the total amount we should pay for so to avoid discussions with hubby (because I know I’m at fault), we just deposited PhP20000. Thanks to Ms. Lovely of BDO, West Avenue for helping us fax our deposit slip to Puerto del Sol’s office in Mandaluyong. After the bank errand, we’re off to Ayex’s graduation.

During the graduation rites, we’re still not done with booking because we have not confirmed if Ms. Evelyn already received our deposit slip. Around 4pm, we have confirmed our reservation. The graduation lasted until 7pm in the evening. By the time we came home, we are already full since the rites offered early dinner for the guests. At home, we announced that we are going to the Pangasinan the next day. The next thing we know, everyone’s busy preparing stuff for the trip. Hubby, Ayex and I still went to the nearby Hypermarket to buy some grocery. My little one is very excited as she saw me prepare her swimming stuff. By 11pm, we’re all prepared for bed.

I could not sleep very well, probably because I am excited as well and I am very pleased that we were able to pull off a vacation in an instant. My father-in-law is a bit anxious about my condition since I’m already at my 7th month of pregnancy. I’m pretty confident though that I will be fine.

Aveneto Pizzeria Ristorante is Love

Last Friday after lunch, I suddenly felt craving for pizza. By 3PM, I received 2 dozens of assorted Krispy Kreme donuts from the boss. The donuts were the price of the betting game we both entered into last December during our Kris Kringle. So I had 24 pieces of yummy and sweet Krispy Kreme donuts. Of course I shared it to the team. We are 18 in the group. I already reserved 2 more pieces for my take home to the little girl since I was quite sure that the team will be able to finish the whole batch.

I was wrong. Many are into a diet after the holidays and are trying to shed out the weight they gained. And so I was left with 9 more donuts to take home (including the two that I initially reserved.

When I got home, MIL said she wanted pizza. This time, my pizza craving is back. Apart from pizza, she also likes some ice cream. I’m OK with just the first one. I am already willing to order pizza but the ginataang kalabasa with fried tinapa were calling on me. I can’t resist them! We end up just buying the ice cream for MIL and everyone else.

Saturday came. We head to Medical Center Parañaque from Quezon City. We are to see Dra. Oblepias, a dermatologist, because Ayex’s bite marks are still a bit reddish and itchy after 3 weeks. After that, I will see Dr. Oblepias, my ob-gyne, for my monthly check-up. We arrived at the hospital before 12PM and were listed to the derma at 11:49AM. She has so many patients that we were entertained at around 3:30PM! What a waiting time! Not too long, my OB came and after 20 minutes, we are on our way out of the hospital.

I’m still craving for pizza. We’ll pass by BF Parañaque going to Las Piñas so I asked hubby if we can stop by Aveneto. He obliged and I’m grateful he did. We end up bringing home the following, to be shared with everyone else at home.

This Meatballs Parmigiana has 2 giant meatballs and serves up to 3 people.

Hubby was the one who ordered this. He’s tired of red and white sauce so this is for a change. Both the pasta and chicken are delicious, he almost finished everything by himself. This can also serve up to 3 people.

I’m happy that they allow two flavors of pizza in one just like in Yellow Cab. I really like shrimp and veggies so I ordered Shrimp Pizza and Special Pizza in medium size. All Aveneto Pizza usually come in monster slices. The medium size usually comes in 6 slices, unless instructed otherwise. (If you are a frequenter of Aveneto, you know what I mean with the slices). Since the slices are too big, I cut each into two making 12 slices in all. The pizza was enough for 6 people.
I also ordered cheddar cheese balls for the little girl, which I forgot to take a picture of. She initially didn’t want to eat it but when I forced her to taste it (since I know she’ll like it), she didn’t stop eating them. She almost finished the 10 pieces by herself.

Aveneto never fails to satisfy me. Fast service with good food and reasonable price, what else can I ask for?

Aveneto Pizzeria Ristorante
BF Homes, Parañaque
Visayas Avenue, Quezon City
Trinoma Mall, 1st Level Quezon City