“We learn in the past, but we are not the result of that. We suffered in the past, loved in the past, cried and laughed in the past, but that’s of no use to the present. The present has its challenges, its good and bad side. We can neither blame nor be grateful to the past for what is happening now. Each new experience of love has nothing whatsoever to do with past experience. It’s always new.”

— Paulo Coelho, Aleph

Biksa Coffee

Hooray for this two-day vacation! To those who are asking why, we, in Antipolo (and in Rizal) don't have work today because of "Araw ng Lalawigan" and as we all know, tomorrow's Independence Day. It feels like weekend again and I told myself to dedicate at least few hours of that long 48 hours to update my blogs that's why here I am, trying to make up with the past year's happenings.

I just read (and I don't know if it's true) that this place is already closed. If so or if not, I just want to share this so good place with awesome interiors. You will definitely be "WOW-ed" upon entering the place. 

The lights

The curtains (Yes, it's almost Valentine's Day when we went there)

 Wall decors

Chairs and tables

And my favorite...

 "THE" Couch. I really insisted to get to that couch for us. Sorry for my bag and phone. Hihi :))

These are what we ordered:

 I forgot which sandwich is this (with chips on the side)

Carbonara (My default pasta order)

Chocolate Milkshake

The place, especially our place on the couch was so cozy. I guess people come to this place not just because of the food and coffee but also because of the place which is just so relaxing.

Our couch photos:

See? We really love it! :)

 Their Logo :)

The place is really perfect for relaxing while sipping a cup of coffee or just trying their in-house specialties. The ambiance is great and can make you feel at home.

***

Biksa Coffee

#18 Gil Fernando Avenue cor. Dragon St.

Brgy. San Roque

Marikina City

Ristorante Bigoli - Eastwood

Eating is one of our favorite things to do. We both love to eat in different restaurants, food chains or anywhere where we think has good food to eat. So expect a lot of posts about food in this blog.

Walking around Eastwood one night, we saw this restaurant which was a bit familiar to me, the Ristorante Bigoli. I remembered eating at Trinoma branch of Bigoli. This made me asked him if he have tried eating there and since he haven't, we both tried eating at Bigoli Eastwood Branch.

These are what we had for dinner:

Garden Salad, Minestrone Soup, Italian Chicken, Slices of Cheese Overload Pizza, Spaghetti Marinara, Italian Rice, Orange Juice and Coke

Ready to eat! :)

Spaghetti Marinara was good though I liked Italian chicken and rice more. Very delicious and tasty.

Bigoli also offers free unlimited garlic sticks. What wasn't that good is that, you have to wait for the staff to give you some unlike in Trinoma branch where you will be given a basket of garlic breads on your table.

See how addicted he was with the garlic sticks? He really loves it.

***

Ristorante Bigoli

Center Plaza, Citywalk 1

Eastwood, Quezon City

https://www.facebook.com/RistoranteBigoli

La Mesa Ecopark

Located in the heart of Quezon City is where a man-made park called the remaining forest inside the Metro Manila, the La Mesa Ecopark, resides. As its name suggests, it was built around the La Mesa Dam/Watershed, the primary drinking water reservoir of the Metro.

If you want to leave the city but don't have enough time to travel, La Mesa Ecopark is the best place to go. In it, you will feel like you're far from the bustled city when in fact, you're just a short-ride away. 

Now let's go into details.

This is what will welcome you if you wish to go inside the park: big trees and good security.

Before going inside, one must be briefed in this area:

Residents of Quezon City and Senior Citizens have discount upon entering the park but if you're not, do not worry because the entrance fee is just P50.

It's my third time when we went there. It's his first that's why he's more excited than I am.

Big trees are everywhere which made us feel like we really like inside a true forest. It was lunch time when we got there so we first ate lunch. Since we don't have packed food for lunch, we just bought lunch on food stores at the park's food station. We had tilapia and pork with free salted egg and tomatoes. We also decided to eat using our hands and under those big trees instead on those tables around. I missed eating like that. I missed doing picnic.

After eating, we rested for a while before going around.

First stop, La Mesa Dam.

We have to take those steps just to see the dam.



It was so hot that's why it was a bit exhausting to go up but  it was all worth it after seeing what we want to see plus the beautiful flowers on both sides of the steps. Everyone is restricted to go near the dam so at the end of the steps, there are fences for safety.

Then, we went around and the following will surely make you love the place:

 The Lagoon

Picnic Areas :) 

If you wish to have a private place to eat, nipa huts are also around but you have to pay for it.

 You can do horseback riding.

 Different activities can also be done in this big activity area.

and the Forest.

Do not worry about losing in the place because you have these guides everywhere:

So, if you're a nature lover or just want to be away from the "busy-ness" of the city, you don't have to go that far, visit the La Mesa Ecopark in the East of Fairview, Quezon City and surely, your mind will be rested and refreshed.

And for us, we will definitely come back here. 

***

La Mesa Ecopark

La Mesa Dam Compound

Greater Lagro, Quezon City 

430-4051/430-5207 (Telefax)

http://www.lamesaecopark.com