I've always thought of random parking lots or big spaces with walls all graffiti-ed up as something…read morelike a movie set. You know, a place where a really hot chick will dance hip-hop or random cool gang fights between super sexy dudes. For some skaters, it's the perfect venue to play, practice and perfect their tricks. I didn't know if these kinds of places existed until I found out about Concrete Jungle Skate Park. Located at the strip of Felix Avenue in Pasig, Concrete Jungle is a venue where skaters meet up and well, skate. I got the chance to see the place myself when I did a segment on skateboarding before and one of our choice subjects who was a pro skater suggested we shoot there. Just seeing the park is enough to make me feel like I'm part of some movie. The gate, the walls with graffiti, and the unfinished structures - it was all just so cool to see. Enough gushing about the place, though. The real reason I want to talk about it is how well skaters use this place. The skate park was a hit because of how big the space is. They also have bars and planks for skaters to practice their tricks on. The best part is, the skate park is open to everyone - no fees, no nothing! If you're a photographer needing a dose of urban Manila, a skater who wants a new space to conquer, a producer looking for a really hip location or a random person who wants instagram-worthy photos, check out Concrete Jungle Skate Park.

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.

Kids today are more indoors than ever before. Pollution, crime and the heat are making parents…read morerethink their child rearing ways. Tablets and other gadgets are being freely given to these kids and in turn, they become perfectly content with staying in their rooms all day. Our outdoor culture is already diminishing and what better way to bring it back than to take children to the farm? Holding baby pigs, fishing, riding carabaos, feeding rabbits- these are just some of the things that your kids can experience at the Sta. Elena Fun Farm. I see this place as a quick retreat from the city, a breather from the traffic, buildings and all the asphalt that has enveloped Manila. It doesn't take so long to get there and once you reach the place, you'll fall in love with it. Tips: 1. Take the kids here on a weekend complete with a picnic basket. 2. Entrance is P300 for kids and adults. Any kid below 2 years old is free. 3. Lolos and lolas get discounts too!

One of my best friends had her son celebrate his second birthday at The Fun farm at Sta. Elena for…read moreseveral reasons: 1. the little boy loves animals 2. the weather during that time of the year was suitable for an outdoor/al fresco party She had decided on a theme reminiscent of barns, the countryside, and good old fashioned country living. The Fun Farm was perfect with it's main hall made of wood exuding an earthy feel, wooden tables and benches perfect for picnic set-ups, and of course, the venue was surrounded by horseback riding trails, rabbit houses, a pond where kids and their daddies can take a swing at fishing, and other animals that kids and adults can enjoy seeing up close. She was also allowed to bring in her own caterer which was very convenient as they preferred all sorts of food and got a few suppliers for several kinds of items they wanted to serve, like grilled chicken, lechon, pansit, chicken drumsticks and other food everyone gets to enjoy at kiddie parties. It turned out to be a simple but very memorable afternoon, not just for the kids but for adults like me, too.

The place is just an hour and half away from manila. You just neeed to take the South Express way,…read moreexit on Santa Rosa tollway, keep right as you exit turn right, then follow the National Road going to Tagaytay. After Vista Mall, you will see Nuvali on your left. What I like about Nuvali is that, even though it is an hour away, the environment is completely different from Manila. Apart from the malls and outlet stores, there are so many activities you and your family can enjoy while in Nuvali. You can bring your bike and ride their trails. You can jog with your family and have a picnic. Seda Hotel is also nearby so you and your family can stay over for a weekend gateaway from the hustle of the city. Right beside Nuvali is another mall called Solenad. Just walk over there and there's more to see and do especially during weekends. A day or two is good enough if you want to explore that area. Also, there is a huge pond beside the restaurants where you can sit, relax, and people watch. If you are with your kids, buy some fish food and see hundreds pack together when you feed them!

A few years back, my cousins and I decided to go on a road trip to Tagaytay on a weekend. Nuvali,…read morethen newly opened, was part of the itinerary. Since we left very early in the morning, we arrived there around the opening time. We had many other places to visit but we stayed in Nuvali for an hour or two. After having light snacks, we tried some lake activities - riding a boat and feeding fish in the pond. The school of fish in the pond were amusing to watch. Like a mob, they huddled in the area where fish feeds fall. The victor would then open its mouth - yes, you could actually see their mouths open - and eat the prize. But, the more exciting one of the two activities was riding the boats. Since it was very early in the morning, the wind was cool and fresh; I enjoyed how the wind touched my face as the boat transported us from one end to the next. After one roundtrip, we left Nuvali for we had to visit other places too. Our stay was only short but it was definitely fun.

You know how Superman has his Fortress of Solitude he retreats to every now and then? Well, I have…read moremy own, too. Granted, it's not made of ice and doesn't have a statue of Jor-El and Lara holding a globe of Krypton, it is my place of solace. Post-class hours, pre-class hours, and sometimes even during class hours, you'll find college me here. To say that this park is beautiful is an understatement. Seriously, it's almost offensive! Freedom Park (aka F-park) is beyond beautiful, it's ineffable. Anyone who's ever been, can attest to this. But hey, you don't have to take our word for it, go on a roadtrip to Elbi this weekend. Bring a blanket and a telescope. You're welcome.

I lovr this place. You can bring your own food then enjoy the scenery of the campus. There are also…read morelots of people around so it is easyto meet new friends

People's Park in the Sky in Tagaytay had some really nice views. It was originally a partly-built…read moremansion called Palace in the Sky (from the Marcos era) but was converted into a hilltop park at the highest point in Cavite. It has panoramic views of Tagaytay, Taal Volcano, & Taal Lake. It was super windy the day I came but beautiful views. It can get foggy here. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for all the walking.

Back in the day, this place is a must go to tourist destination. We were here about 15 years ago…read moreand the place was already poorly kept then. It was much worse with our current visit. With only 2 nights in Tagaytay, our itinerary was limited to what we decided to see - one of them was this. Although the view remains spectacular, that was pretty much it. The place was obviously poorly kept and under maintained. The structures were dilapidated. It was sad to see that this was once a beautiful place of interest and now seemed no longer taken cared of. I wish the tourism governing body of this city would spend money to rehabilitate this it's former glory. This would have great potential for tourists here and abroad. Not recommendable.

This is a must see in the tourist city of tagaytay. Tagaytay is a very common day or weekend trip…read morefor people who live in Manila - it's a great escape from the warm weather as it is a bit cooler with a great breeze! This picnic grove offers a beautiful view of the Taal volcano, which resides in a lake which is essentially its own caldera. There are multiple restrooms on the premises and there is a restaurant indoor which offers a great view with wonderful large windows. There are of course, multiple places to picnic that are shaded and there are prices based on how larger the place is that you want to rent. There are also many souvenir shops as well as candy/snack shops in the area. You can also come here without renting a place to picnic and spend some time enjoying the view, flying a kite, or walking around. You will need to pay a small fee to enter and a small fee to park! There is also zip lining here as well as horseback riding, but I just came to walk around, enjoy the views. I would absolute come here as a day trip from Manila or even if you are just passing by!

How do you give his place anything less then 5 stars? We were here 5 years ago before I started…read moreYelping and we revisited it again 02/14/18. Tagaytay is a volcanic crater that has filled with water over the years. Inside of the lake is a small cone near the center of the lake, basically a cone inside the lake which is the crater of the volcanic. This is an incredible natural wonder that definitely warrants a visit. I went here with my wife and some of her High School classmates from her reunion this time. The last time I was here 5 years ago I flew across the park on a zip line taking pictures and videos of Tagaytay which is still an active volcano, but fortunately dormant at this time. I had some great shots, but the next day I ended up in the pool in a Batangas Resort and lost all of my pictures. Here's some new ones. Ever see an elephant fly?

If only for their staunch belief in establishing a sustainable community that both contributes and…read moregives back, Nuvali Evoliving has captured my heart from day one. I love coming here as it's only about an hour's drive from the city and when the weather is just right, what you get is wide, open, GREEN spaces that are rarely seen and experienced in Manila, unless you are fortunate enough to be located in the Fort or Makati. There are numerous restaurants here to choose from no matter what you have a taste for. There's also a nail spa, massage spa, hair salon if that's what you're in the mood to do. Alternately, you can also opt to feed the fish or go for a boat ride on the "lake". Fun, fun, fun. That's what Nuvali Evoliving offers and in a responsible fashion at that.

Nuvali is a great place to stop by if you're heading to or fro Tagaytay. It's also a great place to…read moretake your family, pets or barkada during the weekends. It's the perfect balance of an urban and rural atmosphere. This property emphasizes on environmental sustainability which I believe every city should adapt. There's greenery, fresh air, a lake and a shopping center. Solenad 1 is the first strip mall of Nuvali where the lake is located. You can have a boat tour around the area, feed the coy fishes and eat by the lake. There are bike lanes as well for leisurely or exercising purposes. With the countless activities, shops and restaurants you can choose from, I can definitely see this place being incorporated in a lot of peoples family days or weekends.

I am not afraid of heights and I was so excited when my then boyfriend and now husband, took me to…read morethe Tagaytay Ridge Zipline and Cable Car at the Picnic Grove to celebrate our first anniversary. Back then, I see myself as a fearless woman, ready to go on any adventure. I was so psyche to take the plunge and tick another item on my bucket list. My husband and I were feeling giddy as the crew bind and attached the safety harness on us. I must admit that I was a bit terrified of what we were about to do at that time when I looked down and discovered at how high we were in. I just consoled myself thinking that if something bad happens, there will be a lot of trees that would hopefully break my fall. Thankfully, that didn't happen. After the briefing, the crew gave us a little push and we were cruising the zipline in what seemed to me as slow motion. I was half screaming and half laughing as we go on the line to conquer that uninvited timidity. It was one exhilarating ride and I was so proud of myself for having the courage to finally do that. If you happen to be in Tagaytay this weekend, visit the Picnic Grove and go try out the Tagaytay Ridge Zipline and Cable Car for that one of a kind adventure.