weekend trip

I went to THE ateneo this morning to request for a transcript and there was really no intention of going on a trip. It's just that one thing led to another and next thing we knew we were having a weekend trip. Coming from THE ateneo, i asked dadi if he could drive me to UP. her sister asked me to get UPCAT application form for her daughter and since we're ALMOST there already, we decided to pass by the Office of the University Registrar. I can't remember when I last visited UP. As far as i can remember OUR was somewhere after Home Econ Building. But the road led us to a new building called Office of Admissions. and that's where the OUR is. anyways, UPCAT forms are not yet available until May according to Kuya Guard. With nothing else to do and lunch was almost near, we decided to eat at UP. dadi was craving for bbq stuff. I suggested eating isaw but he said it's too early for the vendors to cook isaw. So we decided to eat at Beach House.

We had 3 bbq, 3 rice, sopas, ensalada, fresh lumpia, coke and mountain dew. It was so good to go back there and reminisce that familiar taste and scent. Although they have become a little pricey, the taste and the size remained the same.  The rice still has the same texture, not hard, not too watery and still served hot.  And the fresh lumpia was overflowing with peanut sauce.   When went back to Barney, we were still savoring that good ol' bbq taste *tsalap* .

dadi was still in the mood to drive and he thought of bringing us to La Mesa Ecopark.  I thought he wasn't serious when he said he'll take us there but when he started driving towards Commonwealth that's when I knew he was serious.  I was excited.  And I hated jaims for not bringing a camera.  That's why we just have to content ourselves with a cellphone cam.  Jaims always say it doesn't really matter whether you're holding a DSLR or just a plain cellphone camera.  It's the photographer who matters.  [or was he just trying to justify his senior moment]

There was a wedding near the lagoon so we were not allowed to go near the vicinity.  Entrance fee to Eco Park costs P50 per head.  Sofi was still FREE.  Our first stop was the Super Ferry Boating Lagoon -- P100 for 30 minutes.  Not bad.  You oar the boat yourself and you're free to roam the 4ft deep lagoon.  For some parts, I volunteered to row the boat and it's a sure way to burn some calories.  It was fun.  From the lagoon, you can see those people who were rappelling down a zip line.  On the other side were concrete barriers, I guess to keep the water from raging when the dam gets filled up.

[caption id="attachment_96" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="boats "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_99" align="alignleft" width="202" caption="terraces"][/caption]

After 30 minutes, we went back up to check more sites.  On our way to the Lopez Picnic Grounds, we hitched on a electric jeepney.  We were so mesmerized by the reporter inside doing her spiels that we weren't able to take a picture of the jeep.  We passed by the swimming pool but didn't bother going inside, may bayad kse -- P80 per head.   We went straight to the Shell Flower Terraces and challenged ourselves to climb it.  This means we have to consider carrying Sofi to and fro just in case she gets tired.  Surprisingly, Sofi was very energetic.  We stopped first at the second level to scan the area and continued with the hike afterwards.  By the third level, Sofi was already tired and you could hear her gasping for air.  But we managed to get to the top.  It's a pity that there was a gate right after the stairs but the dam was still viewable.  the terrace, apparently, was the wall of the dam.  Below the steps were opportunist ice cream vendors who are grabbing the opportunity to market there products to hungry sharks.  I told Jaims to buy two cones only but he said he wanted to get Sofi her own ice cream, so I gave the cone I was holding to Sofi and waited for the vendor to hand me the third cone.  Sofi was already licking the cone when she saw the vendor hand me the new cone.  You know what Sofi did?  She returned the already licked ice cream to me and pulled the new cone from my hand :)

[caption id="attachment_100" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="ice cream monster"][/caption]

While walking we passed by an Orchidarium and a sign that says "This way to Petron Fitness Trail".  My excuse was I needed to go to the CR, but the truth is I was tired already and Jaims did not insist -- I know he was more tired than I am.  We decided to rest for a while at the picnic grounds, buy some water and change Sofi's clothes.  At 2:30PM we decided to end the trip.  Sofi was so tired that She fell asleep right after she drank milk.  She didn't even noticed that I slid her at the back seat so she can stretch comfortably.  By the sound of her snore, we knew she was so tired. 

There are still a lot of sites to see around La Mesa Ecopark.  I know there is a wall climbing site and a butterfly garden but that can wait.  I don't think this is the last time. :)