Our #NerisNotSoSecretGarden Visit

I've been following Neri Miranda on Instagram for a while now. Why? Well, I admire her energy and enthusiasm towards life, business, and family. That's how I knew about Neri's Not So Secret Garden. I wanted to visit it because from the photos, the place looked so relaxing and just somewhere nice to spend quality time with the family. 

Neri's Not So Secret Garden: Our experience

So, a few weeks ago, we decided to visit and dine at Neri's Not So Secret Garden. It's pretty easy to find, well, because of Waze (and Google Maps). We looked for the blue door because I was following Neri's instruction from one of her posts. And there it is. 

Upon entering the establishment, you'll see the yummy pastries on display. I was very excited to try Neri's famous brownies. The reviews that I've read about these brownies were mostly positive so I was happy to finally taste it. It was sooooooooooo good, let me tell ya. 

You can choose to dine at the rooftop or at the not so secret garden. 

What did we order? We were tempted to order a lot but decided to just order what we can devour at that time. 

I ordered the Gourmet Tuyo Pasta (salted dried fish pasta). 

Hubby and kiddo had the tuna steak. 

They were delicious! The brownies were soooooo good. OMG. The Neri's Gourmet Tuyo pasta was definitely tasty and I felt like I can order one or two more because it's that good. 

Relaxed and comfortable ambiance here. We definitely enjoyed our visit at #NerisNotsoSecretGarden! 

What happens at TULA?

As parents, we all want what's best for our kids. We learn to be patient and understanding to our kids' needs. I'm no expert when it comes to parenting; up until now, I still believe I have a lot to learn as a parent, and it's definitely interesting to learn more about my kid. So, if I think there's a program out there that can help my child grow, teach him wonderful things, and just get the additional educational support that he needs (that aren't necessarily highlighted at school), I'm in! 

I discovered TULA Philippines from a Facebook sponsored post. The phrase that stood out to me the most when I saw the ad was the "build stronger character". I'm curious as to the kind of learning that will happen and I would love to see what my kid can get from this. 

I signed up for a free trial and scheduled a visit to the nearest center. My husband and I didn't know what to expect, really. Or if it will work. We're just happy to try and see if my kid will like it there. 

At the free trial, we were asked to leave our kid at the center for the free session, which was for two hours. After that, one of the coaches, Coach Ian, talked to us about TULA Philippines, what it's really about, and how he thinks he can help my son. 

I also asked my son after the free session to see if he liked it there. He said he's very excited because the coaches are nice and he thinks it could be fun. So for us, that's a really good thing. We went ahead and enrolled him in the program. 

We're very impressed because we learned that TULA's goal is to help kids grow and reach their full potential. Who wouldn't want that for their kid? :) I think as parents, we do have the same goal. 

Founded by James Centenera and Fenton Whelan, two education entrepreneurs, TULA's learning models are innovative and fitting for kids of the 21st century. They have this international-based curriculum called CASK. 

Tula Philippines CASK

Looks really interesting, right? BUT does it work? 

Based on what I can see from my child, I think it does. It works. The effects of the tutorial program are very positive. My son is 9 years old now and he's at that 'shy type' stage. Curious but a little shy when it comes to getting himself out there. TULA's coaches and learning program are definitely helping him be more 'out there'. Try new things, be more positive, see the positive things in life, be more passionate, and think about future goals. It certainly is a process. But it is progress. My husband and I see progress and we're ecstatic. I can't tell you how much we appreciate the changes that we're seeing. 

We completed one quarter (Q4) so last week, there was a Creators Studio Culminating Event and we, the parents, were invited to join. It's a celebration of what the kids have learned and since writing short stories was a part of Q4, they will be showcasing some of the unique stories the kids have written. 

James Centenera, Tula's Founder, and my kid

TULA Coach Ian and my kid

TULA Coach Cam and my kid

It was fun and we're very proud of all the kids and what they have accomplished for the quarter. I'm also very happy about my kid's performance, telling us a story about Pikachu and how he handled Raichu (the bully in his unique story). It was entertaining and we're happy because he has his own Storywalk, which is like a mini station where he can tell parents about the unique story he's written.  


So, what's next? At our nearest TULA center, they have the Business Bootcamp Summer Program. 

Photo credit: TULA Facebook

This looks like FUNNNNN!

For the other centers, they have Art Attack Summer Program. Whoa!

Photo credit: TULA Facebook

If you want to learn more about TULA Philippines, please don't hesitate to message them on their Facebook page or SIGN UP here for a FREE TRIAL.

Our Visit to Palazzo Verde

For a quite a while now, my husband and I have been wondering about the dome-like structure that we've been seeing when we're at Evia Lifestyle Center. The place is near Evia so we can see it from there. We originally thought that it was a church, and promised to visit it one day and hear mass from there. 

And that day came; kind of like a little adventure one Sunday morning. 

We visited this place without knowing what it actually is. We thought that it could be a church, and while entering the place, we saw that sign that says 'Notre Dame De Vie Chapel' so our initial thought was validated. Sort of. 

Right away, we saw the enormous and kingdom-like exterior that's really pleasing and wonderful to look at. And then we found out that Palazzo Verde is actually a venue. A wedding ceremony and reception venue. 😅😂

But they do have a chapel, which we were not able to visit because the Holy Mass was over. It was at 8 am to 9 am (we later found out), and we arrived there at around 10:30 am. 

We saw that the Coffee Bar was open so we took advantage of this and had some delicious cappuccino for my hubby, cafe latte for me, and water for the kiddo (he just had breakfast and didn't like to order). 

Located in a pocket garden with outside seating, all I can say is that the view was magnificent.

And if you look up,

WOW, right? 

It was a very relaxing coffee bonding for our family. It was peaceful there. 

Oh, and there's this Koi pond just beside the cafe but I believe it's a part of the canal where newly weds can experience a Venetian Gondola ride. More photo opportunities! 

Here's a quick look of the Grand Conservatory, which is one of the ceremony venues. Imagine a red carpet in the middle, wedding decors, and more flowers. This is a very beautiful venue. 

And we found this charming carriage that they apparently use for weddings, too. More memories!

With my super excited son. 

I love our little outings because we discover a lot of things, structures, and for this matter, a wedding venue. 

How about you? Have you heard of Palazzo Verde before? Much later, I found out that some celebrities and famous people held their weddings, parties, and even a concert here. The place is huge and just totally captivating. Let me know of your experience - comment below! :) 

Pin-up Bowling in Bornheim: Food

Entertainment for the whole family in Bornheim? Check out Pin-up bowling in Bornheim. Even if you don't bowl, there are other options. You can either play billiards, darts, other games, or just EAT. 

Guess what we chose. 

Yes, you can get something to eat. Great food, too. 

Take a look >> 

Their spaghetti bolognese is just soooooo YUM. I can finish the whole thing. Plus this pizza. (sorry, not sorry)

My son loved this pizza with bacon! We also tried this pizza >>> 

Yes, with olives. My mom likes it! I don't really like olives in my pizza but I can eat them if someone will give it to me. I'm not picky. I'm just saying that if, at all, can be prevented, I will not add olives to my pizza. 

And of course, a Schnitzel with side salad and fries (pommes). Happy tummies! 

Churches in Germany: St. Joseph and St. Laurentius

As I've mentioned in my last post, we did visit some Catholic churches when were in Germany. Today, let me feature St. Joseph an der Höhe and St. Laurentius. 

St. Joseph an der Höhe is actually a monastery church located in Bonn. 

Built in 1883 - 1887, the monastery was said to be one of the most popular wedding churches in Bonn. 

We were able to go inside and pray for a little bit. 

After a few days, we visited St. Laurentius Parish Church (Pfarrkirche St. Laurentius). 

Found in Niederkassel, this church has that yellow colored tower. Take a look. 

And that green colored church door. 

Lovely exterior and interior design, for sure. 

We are forever thankful simply because we were able to visit these churches. Praying is something you do everyday even when you're not in a church. I'm just sooo happy to share these and definitely so blessed to have the opportunity to visit these notable churches found in Germany. 

Churches in Germany: Bonner Münster

So... been back home for a REALLY long time now. Super late blog posts because too many things to do, not enough time. 

When we were in Germany, we visited a few Catholic churches. It's amazing how wonderfully created and designed these churches are. Glory to God! 

Let's start with one of the famous churches in Bonn and one of the oldest churches in Germany - Bonn Minster (Bonner Münster). 

Majestic, isn't it? And look! There's the door. 

Huge door, by the way. Well, it is a Basilica, 81.4 meters high! 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help corner here. 

We visited this church a lot and yes, we would light a candle. Candle is 50 cents a piece. Not sure if it changed after two years. 

Here's a bronze statue of St. Helen. 

This is the cross located outside the Basilica. 

Here are the sculptures found outside the church, lying in the open area. The heads of Saints Cassius & Florentius. These sculptures were created by Iskender Yediler. 

And here's my son's photo with the church. 

He was asking me if I'm done taking his photo. 😂😂😂

Ever been to this Bonner Münster? Share your experience in the comments below, or let's talk on Twitter.