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When God Shows Up: My Real-Life Moments of Grace

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  In one of Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD’s books — Just a Moment — he asks a powerful question: “Was there a moment in your life when you experienced God in a very real and personal way?” My answer is a wholehearted yes — not just once, but many times.   I didn’t grow up religious. I wasn’t taught to rely on God’s grace. As a child, life felt messy, hopeless, and out of control. I wanted to grow up fast so I could fix the things I hated most — especially the way we were living. Back then I didn’t know it, but God was already working behind the scenes.   The first time I truly felt His presence was in 2008, when I passed the bar exam. That year, the passing rate was unexpectedly adjusted — something I saw as God’s perfect timing. Honestly, if that didn’t happen, I don’t know how I would have survived it. It was a turning point that made me believe God sees us, hears our whispered prayers, and knows how much we struggle. From that day, I promised myself to live ri...
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Our Weekend Staycation & Dinner Experience in Tagaytay

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After a week of prepping for our kids' quarterly exams (nothing too hardcore—just enough to keep them ready!), my husband and I decided it was time for a well-deserved break. So, we packed up and headed to Y&L’s Crib, Tagaytay for a relaxing weekend staycation.

Pre-Staycation Errands & Quick Stopovers

Before heading to Tagaytay, we had an early morning dental appointment for our annual check-up and cleaning. By the time we were done (around 11:45 AM), we were already starving—so of course, the kids had one place in mind: Jollibee! 🍗🍟 After a quick lunch, we finally hit the road to Tagaytay.

Aside from some much-needed downtime, I also had a business meeting. Plus, I got to catch up with our friends/ neighbors, Shirley and Mike. 

Dinner at Paragos, Tagaytay – First-Time Visit



For dinner, we decided to try Paragos, a restaurant located in Brgy. Maitim 2nd East, Tagaytay City, just five minutes away from our condo. We’ve seen a lot of great reels and reviews about this place, so naturally, we wanted to see if it lived up to the hype!

First Impressions & Ambiance

✔️ Spacious layout—ample parking and lots of dining space
✔️ Indoor & Al Fresco options—we dined inside since it was chilly outside
✔️ Clean & well-lit—perfect for families and big groups
✔️ Friendly staff—they were polite and accommodating, which left a great first impression
✔️ Bonus—they also have a resort, though we didn’t get the chance to explore it

What We Ordered & Our Thoughts

🍛 Yangchow Fried Rice Platter (₱360) – The serving was huge! It says it’s for 3-4 pax, but honestly, it could feed 5-6. However, the taste was a bit bland compared to other Yangchow fried rice we’ve tried, and it lacked some key veggie ingredients.

🔥 Pork Sisig (₱450) – This is Yuan’s favorite, but the portion size was too small for the price. The taste was okay, but the green bell pepper overpowered the meat. Compared to other sisig places like Giligan’s (not a paid ad, just our honest take!), this one didn’t quite hit the mark.

🐟 Sinigang na Tuna Belly (₱450) – Our favorite dish of the night! The soup had just the right amount of sourness, and the tuna was fresh and flavorful. Definitely a must-try!

🦐 Buttered Shrimp (₱550) – This arrived a bit late, but it was flavorful, especially the buttery sauce. The only downside? The portion was too small for the price.

🍹 Cucumber Lemonade Pitcher (₱350) – Not freshly made but still refreshing. It’s powdered juice-based, which is fine for some, but we were expecting something freshly squeezed.

🍰 Blueberry Cheesecake (₱195 per slice) – We all agreed that my sister’s homemade cheesecake is way better. This one had too much cream and lacked that rich cream cheese flavor we were hoping for.

Final Verdict

⭐ 3/5 Overall Experience – While some dishes impressed us, others fell a bit short in terms of flavor and portion size. Still, we had a great dinner and left the place full and satisfied.

After dinner, we headed back to Y&L’s Crib, and—no surprise here—the kids immediately jumped on the PS4. 🎮😂 It was a simple but fun weekend getaway, just the reset we all needed!


Tagaytay is always a great spot for a quick escape, whether you’re looking for a cozy staycation or a food trip. If you’re planning to dine at Paragos, now you have an idea of what to expect! 😉

Have you tried dining in Tagaytay? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments below!

#TagaytayStaycation
#WeekendGetaway
#StaycationVibes
#FamilyStaycation
#RelaxAndUnwind
#CozyRetreat
#TravelWithKids
#TagaytayEscapade
#TravelMoreWorryLess

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