Another mission checked off our family’s list this year—we finally renewed our passports! It had been over a decade since we last had them updated, and this time, it was extra special because our youngest applied for his very first passport. Back when we were just a family of three, our first (and last) trip abroad was to Hong Kong. Our eldest was just a year old then. Since that trip, life got busy, and renewing our passports kept getting pushed back—year after year. Booking a passport appointment these days isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Everything has to be done online, and every time I checked the DFA website, the slots in the satellite office near us were always fully booked. Eventually, I gave up trying—until a colleague mentioned DFA San Pablo City in Laguna. It's about an hour and a half (or two, depending on traffic) from our place. Out of curiosity, I checked their schedule and, to my surprise, found several open slots. I didn’t waste a second—I booked o...
Every Christmas, our family has a cherished tradition: gathering for a reunion to celebrate the holidays and commemorate the birth of our maternal grandmother, Nanay Dideng, in their ancestral home. Alongside honoring her memory, this occasion has always been intertwined with the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. However, during the pandemic, restrictions on gatherings forced us to rethink our traditions to keep everyone safe.
After the pandemic, our family decided to embrace a change by celebrating Christmas exclusively with our immediate family. This shift led us to Pine Suites in Tagaytay City, where we created new memories. Our family of four stayed in our cozy "crib," while my siblings, mother, nephews, and nieces shared two-bedroom units rented from Shesam. Pine Suites has become our go-to spot for unwinding and enjoying relaxing staycations. Surrounded by pine trees, the property offers a serene, child-friendly atmosphere complete with a playground and a swimming pool nestled between its three towers. Each unit feels like a home away from home, equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay.
While Pine Suites is tucked away from the main highway, it remains accessible. For commuters, a "bokyo" ride from terminals at Magallanes Drive or Waltermart gets you there conveniently. If you’re driving, the Tagaytay-Alfonso bypass road in Brgy. Maitim 2nd West provides a quicker route, skipping holiday traffic. Nearby dining options such as Balay Dako, Memory Lane, The Farmer’s Table, and Hiraya make it easy to explore local culinary delights.
On Christmas Eve, each family contributed delectable dishes for our Noche Buena feast. The celebration included fun games for both kids and adults, and even a little drinking session. My brother-in-law, an OFW who happened to be on vacation, added to the joy of the evening. We stayed up past midnight, sharing laughter and heartfelt conversations.
The next morning, the kids braved the chilly Tagaytay breeze to splash in the pool and enjoy the playground. Some family members extended the adventure by heading to Batangas, while others returned home to prepare for the workweek ahead.
Though our staycation was brief, it was undeniably memorable—our first time celebrating Christmas out of town and in a more private setting. This experience marked a meaningful shift in our family’s holiday traditions, blending the warmth of togetherness with the excitement of new beginnings.
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