A few days ago, Tito Billy Gualberto invited our family to his resort for the day because he heard through Diego’s Lolo (they are golf buddies) that it was his 8th birthday. We had wanted to keep his birthday low key and had originally planned to go wake boarding with just a few close friends so it was easy to make alternative arrangements to meet them at a later date and celebrate together when it would be convenient for all of us.
We packed the kids up in the car for the day trip to Batangas and headed south early Sunday morning. Whenever we take a road trip it’s an adventure where everyone helps out by taking care of their assigned responsibilities. I task each of the kids to help pack their own clothes with their checklists in hand. I double check what they bring out, and since it is part of our routine already, the kids are actually pretty good at putting their outfits together and making sure their toiletries are complete.
We don’t usually eat fast food, but being on the road doesn’t always offer the healthiest of choices, so of course, there are exceptions. Sunday morning, we decided to meet up with Nino’s family at McDonald’s after Mamplasan on SLEX. While I was waiting for our order, I heard a bit of a commotion only to turn around and see our very good friends Arlu and Anthony! We always love spending time with A & A and whenever we get together we try to make it as fun as possible. You can read about the time we all had a pizza party here.

This was Gelli’s first (pancake) Happy Meal, complete with her Hello Kitty toy that dispensed stickers. I think she liked it.
After we were done with breakfast we continued on the road to our final destination of Klub Keluarga. The Klub is actually only open to the lot owners of Kota Keluarga, but since we were Tito Billy’s guests, we were able to use the facilities. There are parts that are open to the public which are quite affordable and you can use the beach and rent rooms for overnight or weekend stays. Once we arrived the kids were super excited to get into the water, soak up the sun, and play in the sand.

All the boys were quick to get into the water! Gia was pointing out the little fish that were swimming around us.
Tito Billy had lunch prepared for us, but because I was so hungry, I forgot to snap pictures of all the yummy fresh dishes. I did, however, make sure to get a picture of the clam soup that Tito had specially prepared for us. I was so intrigued because he said that the long bumpy string bean looking veggie was his favorite. Upon asking, I learned that the name of the vegetable was Himbabao. I want to think it grows much like sitaw. (another kind of string bean readily available here) The challenge will be to find it here in Alabang!
After lunch and while kids were playing in the surf and sand, Tito Billy toured us around the rest of the 650 hectare property. We were able to visit his home and the cottages where guests stay when they come for a sojourn. I really enjoyed all the stories behind the home that he has made for his family and the fun he had in building it from the ground up.

One of the things that amazed me was the fact that Tito had these giant clam shells carbon dated by the Smithsonian Institute, only to find out that they are 2.2 million years old!
The house that they stay in is actually two different houses dating back to the early 1890’s. They were both dismantled and brought from their original location and pieced together here in Laiya! When Tito was sharing the stories of how the house became their home, with all the attention to details, it was easy to see the creativity and thought behind the interesting conversation pieces scattered through out the house.

I love all the little details in the nooks and crannies of this house. Here are two owl friends that were just hanging around.

This was the view from one of the cottages on the property for guests. It sits on a cliff overlooking the water. It was calming to just sit here for a bit. Nino’s parents stayed here the last time they were invited to spend some time with Tito Billy and Tita Edita.
After the tour of the property, we had merienda and got ready to make the trek back home. We wanted to stop on the way and have dinner for the birthday boy where he would be happy. Through out my years of parenting and teaching, I have learned that you can give your kids choices. You pick the two restaurants you are willing to go to, and they choose from the two options you have provided. It’s a win-win situation, you can dictate (somewhat) what everyone will be eating, and your child feels empowered that he made the choice. I do this with outfits, veggies (you have to eat two colors from the table at dinner) and pretty much everything in between when guiding my kids to make the right choices. It’s one of the first things you learn in your discipline classes to become a teacher. It’s all about the choices!
Of course the day wouldn’t be complete without the birthday boy blowing his candle out for his cake.
Birthdays are always really special in our family. Some birthdays are spent with lots of people who join in helping us celebrate and others are spent with just the family in a fun filled afternoon. Regardless of the type of celebration, it is always an opportunity for me to thank God for another healthy year for one of my children. I Thank God for Diego everyday, but most especially on his birthday because that’s the day that he officially became MINE to love.
Happy Birthday J-Bird. I love you so very very much.
Totally enjoyed our surprise reunion at Mickey D’s — Always great seeing you guys! Love the portrait of Gelli, by the way! Her first Happy Meal?!? That’s super momentous… I’d be flashing my pearlies too! Hahaha! Big hug to everyone! 🙂
Thanks Buddy! You know me…always trying to make everything home made for this little girl. She did enjoy the pancakes tho. Looking forward to our date on Monday!
what a great way to spend the birthday! i love the house with the shells, so wait they’re from the age of the dinos?!
happy birthday diego! happy 1st pancake meal gelli! 😀
It was a great day Nevs. The house with the shells was amazing. Funny thing, is that Tito Billy explained to us that he dug those out of the side of the mountain!? That means that the area where his house sits was actually deep waters that many years ago! Amazing isn’t it?