Bestfriends Forever

We grew together. We were neighbors. She is one of my childhood bestfriends. 

High School Photo

Their family left our place when we were in high school. She went to Japan and started a family while I was in college.

I miss her terribly while she's gone. But God is so good, He always finds a way to reunite us.

She is very generous eversince. Her generosity is endless, limitless and fathomless. She gave lots of cute and memorable things to me. I still have them today. I got my first (polaroid) digital camera because of her. She gave me a gold ring, shoes, boots, bags, stuff toys, chocolates, ramen and lots of treats.  

Just few days ago, she gave me an absolute lovely free trip to Cebu, a day trip in Plantation Bay and an overnight stay in Gaite Ranch Resort. 

I learned from her a lot. She is a blessing to me and to everyone around her. I can't repay her for everything she gave me except my friendship. I hope one day I could treat her too. And I'm wishing to travel with her someday.

Her name is Marites Taping. We fondly call her IT-IT.

She is beautiful inside out.

Gaite Ranch Resort

I have known Gaite Farm through a friend who posted her review in tripadvisor. I was curious then and had the urged to experience the place. The reviews were positive.

I found this place just in time when my childhood bestfriend, Marites Taping offered a summer treat for me, Edward and Edger. She chose Cebu. I was tasked to make the itinerary so I counted Gaite Ranch Farm in my list.

On our second day, five of us went to the farm in Toledo City. Its two hours drive from Lapu-lapu City. From Cebu City you will reach there in one hour. There were no road signs yet leading to the resort so we asked directions few times until we reached the place.

It was so sunny and bright when we arrived. No signs of the building yet, it made us hesitant if we were really on the right place. Just when we parked, the security guard welcomed us and helped us carry our luggages.

The lobby was nice with unique ceiling light.

The interior of the hotel was impressive. The restaurant was rustic. I love the kitchen. The cabinets are made of hardwood, antique style. Dining tables and chairs are hardwood too.

We ordered lunch. Food were superb. The price were just right, not expensive. The ladies who attended us were so amiable and sincere.

After lunch, we treated ourselves for an afternoon sleep since it was too hot to swim or tour the farm.

Around 5pm, we walked to the ranch. The horses were so healthy, tall and beautiful. We horseback under the sunset where colours of the clouds changed. When the moon stole the beauty of the sun. It felt so good.

After the short stint of being an equestrian, we had our dinner. I still love the food Then we enjoyed the swimming pool until 10 in the evening.

While having dinner we met their ever friendly chihuahua, Laika. She is a very sweet dog and everybody's friend.

Zzzzzzz.....

On our next day, Mr. Arvin Donan, the manager was very hospitable since we arrived, guided us to the farm.

They have an aviary where a cockatoo melted our hearts. She danced a lot and we were laughing hard.Indeed she was a performer.

They also have roosters. Lots of them. Not for sale, I think its for cockfighting.

Bees, birds, flowers, trees and more dogs made us relaxed.

And they have a bee farm. From the bee produce, they are selling pure honey bee and soap made of honey too.

The manager was kind enough to take our photos. He never failed us as our photographer. And these are the photos he got for us.

Customer service is excellent. I hope they will maintain it.

When you are living in the city, Gaite is a place to relax especially when you love nature. It will be best to visit there a year or two from now when construction is done and all facilities are in place.

Bravo Gaite Ranch Resort!

Young Coconut

I spent my Holy Thursday at home. On Holy Friday, I, my sis, nieces and nephew decided to visit our hometown. We went to our farm with our Mama & Papa and our dog, Pikkles and Midnight.

                                 

My Mama on our way to our farm

My Papa with Pikkles ahead of him

Of course my dogs were very excited. They walked so fast.

Pikkles and Midnight waiting for my Micah, Dane and Eman

When we arrived, my father went directly to harvest pineapple while we rested for awhile.

My Nieces and Nephew Resting

My sis and I went to harvest young coconut for our consumption. We were having a hard time identifying the young ones that we tried many times and failed a lot. But with persistency, we were able to get the right one. I always love coconut juice so I consumed a lot of it.

Eman, my nephew enjoyed eating using a portion of the coconut as his spoon while Pikkles watching him salivating.

Eman and Pikkles

Eman enjoying the young coconut

Midnight run everywhere. She enjoyed the free big space that she don't have in the city.

Midnight running under the heat of the sun

 

It was hot. Pikkles and Midnight found a shade and rested while we were finalizing our harvest.

Pikkles and Midnight resting under the shade

Youoie stayed in our farmhouse. It was unusual of him. He usually explores wherever he is but this time he stayed. He was afraid of ants. The ants bit him when we arrived. He dug a hole, burried himself there to save himself from the ants and to cool himself.

Youoie resting

We were engrossed to harvest the matured coconuts. We harvested a lot. Micah and Dane carried the coconuts to our farmhouse. Coconuts were tied together and slip into the wood pole.

Micah and Dane hauling coconuts

Michelle helped her Lolo hauled the pineapples.

Newly Harvest Pineapples

After lunch I jumped to the hammock and rested. Pikkles never missed her sunbathing. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. She easily feels cold and have a heat-seeking behavior.

Pikkles under the heat of the sun

Dane went around doing photo safari. And these are the photos she got.

orchids

Orchids

 

Mayana

And she tried to get a good photo of this butterfly.

We have this cute calf that came to me and licked my hand and forearm while I was resting in the hammock. Eman was afraid at first and finally touched her.

Doing farmwork is difficult. But in some way it made me relax. Its completely different environment. It definitely keep my stress away for awhile.

But really it is difficult. It's a physical job. I just could not imagine how I did it when I was young. And I could not imagine how my Mama and Papa did it. And yet they are still doing it...

I salute you Ma and Pa.