Tips on Rekindling Romance

So you have found stability with your partner. Years of being together had somehow given you the security and comfort you seek from a romantic relationship. Your romantic partner has evolved into your best friend, your guardian, your pet and sometimes your enemy. The challenge now is how to keep the fire burning after all the excitement in the getting-to-know stage and after all the sweetness in the honeymoon stage.
Here are some ways to stoke the embers of romance and keep them aglow with fire:

1. Plan small surprises such as an unplanned visit to your beloved's place or office. Bring a bouquet of flower or food for lunch in an ordinary day. Send a sweet or a passionate message (whichever you prefer) in your partner's email. Text a simple "I love you" during an unexpected time of the day. These simple suprises are thoughtful reminders of your feelings for each other. They break the monotony of routine which you may have developed during your years of being together.
2. Try new things together. New situations help you see the other person in a new light. So plan out some activities together which you haven't done before. It can be as simple as ice skating or as drastic as joining a regular ballroom club . It can also be as trivial as doing funny faces in a photo booth. The key is that both of you are willing to try out something new for the sake of being together.
3. Get-away from everything once in a while. A weekend devoted to your partner alone can revive all those passion you've felt at the start of your relationship. Leave all your work behind for a day or two and simply rediscover each other. Remember the times when your partner was at your top priority list. It would be better if you can plan going to some place. You'll be surprised of how a different setting can help you see your partner in different perspective.
4. Dream and reminisce. Couples who have been together for a long tme have the tendency to assume that they know each other too well. The years of togetherness also relagated their relationship at the back seat. Take time to dream and reminisce together. Sharing your dreams is like inviting your partner to your future. Taking the time to reminisce how you were together in the past helps remind the two of you of the things you've gone through together as a couple.
5. Have a regular Me-time. Your partner loved you before because you were you. And admit it, being with someone can somehow drain you emotionally. Replenish your spirit by having a regular time for yourself. Buy something for yourself. Hang out with friends. Indulge on a hobby or on a luxury. As much as you are part of a couple, you are also an individual person who needs some space from time to time. Boosting your individual spirits also boosts your relationship as a couple.

Photo Credits:

Picture 1: http://www.jimjamzoo.com/special-valentine-photos/
Picture 2: http://www.fotosearch.com/CRT526/15594-86dg/

Bohol Trip Day 3: Countryside Tour

Aside from enjoying the beaches in Panglao, don't miss the scenes in the countryside of Bohol. Environmentally and culturally, Bohol countryside tour has a lot to offer.

It was on the third day of our Bohol Trip when we went sightseeing the countryside of Bohol. We went around Bohol with a hired van cum tour guide. He is Manong Fidel whom we contacted through Paragayo Resort. We spent P1000 for the countryside tour package.

Based on a friend's advise, we decided to see the farthest place. Here are the places to visit:

1. Tarsier

I must admit I was a bit disappointed with the place where we saw the tarsier. I thought we're going to some woody place. However, we just drop by a cottage along the way to Chocolate Hills and lo and behold! The cottage is actually a tarsier sanctuary.

2. Chocolate Hills

You've never been to Bohol if you won't visit this. That's it!

3. Man-Made Forest

Along the way to and back from Chocolate Hills, spend a few minutes at the Man-Made Forest. It is part of a road in which mahogany trees are planted along the sides. What's admirable with this place is the fact that people who planted these trees took the time to take care of the environment.

4. Butterfly Farm

This is a small butterfly sanctuary where you can find various breeds of butterflies. What I admired here was the local guide's knowledge on all the butterflies in their place. This is also good for picnics or to have a snack.

5. Hanging Bridge

After admiring the stunning chocolate hills, drop by at one of the numerous hanging bridges along the area. Cross the bridge for some sense of adventure.

6. Loboc River Cruise

Have buffet lunch at Loboc River and just feel the beauty of nature. There's a cultural show at the end of the river where kids and adults dance, sing and play local songs.

7. Baclayon Church

It's old and architecture is old making it historical. They have a museum inside and some frescoes.

8. Largest Snake

Drop by at the house of the largest snake in the world. According to the care taker, the snake's abnormal growth is due to the love and care it received from the family.

9. Souvenir Shop

Just see the goods but no need to buy. You can find cheaper souvenirs along the way.

10. Blood Compact Site

It's historical and that makes it worth to see. The view from the site is also worth seeing.

11. Bohol Bee Farm

End your day with an early dinner at Bohol Bee Farm!

Where to Go to Bataan: Lhasa Cove at Bagac

Looking for a quiet, low-cost and white-sand beach to swim? Try to explore Lhasa Cove in Bagac, Bataan. It is about 2-3 hours from Manila. It is a small beach camp with white sand and clear waters. A local named Kuya Michael offers a 2 day, 1 night package for only P1800. It includes buffet meals, tent or cottage for the night and a guide from Balanga, Bataan- the province's capital. This is ideal for group of friends or company outings.

How to get there from Manila:

For those using public transportation: 

1. Ride a bus from Victory Liner, Cubao to Balanga or Mariveles Bataan. 

2. From Balanga, ride a shuttle to Morong, Bataan. Inform the bus conductor that you will take off at Bagac. Actually, this won't be a problem. Just inform Kuya Kel the time of your arrival and he will send someone to meet you at Balanga. 

3. From the highway, prepare to hike for about 15 to 20 minutes  to the beach cove. 

You can also use private vehicles. You can still contact Kuya Kel to meet you at Balanga. 

Things to Do: 

The cove is basically a place for quiet relaxation. The water is clear and calm for a swim even at night. The sea floor is also smooth with only small stones and some grass. Sunbathe or take a nap on the hammock along the beach. There are also a few boatmen who can take you around for island hopping for about P100 per pax. You can haggle if you are a big group. They also have horse back riding along the shore. 

At nighttime, Kuya Kel will invite you for some fun social activities. After dinner, you'll be playing 20 questions and truth or dare. Just join them and you'll have fun. 

You don't have to worry about food. Kuya Kel's group will provide you sumptuous buffet native meals. They also have a small store if you missed to bring some necessities. Security is also not a problem. 

Amenities: 

Lhasa Cove is a beach camp. It has no electricity and no luxurious facilities. You can stay at a tent or cottages during the night. They also have basic and common washroom but don't expect high-end amenities. Make sure to bring insect repellant to keep away the small insects at night. Other than that, just bring your clothes and some sense of adventure!

For more information: playalacaleta@gmail.com