We had a very fun family outing at Dona Jovita Garden Resort in Calamba, Laguna last Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27, 2010. We planned this special event for the following reasons: (1) it’s Nanay’s 59th birthday on March 31, (2) it’s Nanay and Tatay’s 39th wedding anniversary on March 31 also, and (3) we have a new nurse in the family; Justin’s Ate Ayie, my niece, passed the December 2009 Nursing Licensure Exam and has recently taken her professional oath.

This swimming party was a success because we had 100% attendance. We rented one cottage, which was enough to accommodate all 16 of us (13 adults and 3 kids). We brought our own home-cooked food (grilled fish and pork, chicken and pork adobo, spaghetti, and ensaladang mangga at kamatis [green mango and tomato salad]). We all enjoyed dipping in the various pools at the resort and just being with family.


From left to right: Nanay, Tita Meann, Tito Orlan, Ate April with Kuya Ron, Ate Ayie with Justin, Tetcha and Ate Hazel (front)


Tetcha and my niece Ayie, our new nurse!


Justin pretending he knows how to swim. LOL!


Dennis, Meann, Ayie, and Tetcha


Justin’s cousins: Ate Ayie, Ate Tin-Tin, and Kuya Ron (Where’s Ate Hazel?)


Justin’s Daddy and Tito Dennis


Charlie’s Angels: Ayie, Meann, and Tin-Tin


All of us before leaving the resort
Nestled at the foot of Mount Makiling, Dona Jovita Garden Resort has an assortment of pools and Jacuzzis that can be supplied with Hot Spring water as desired. The pools can also be reserved for exclusive use. Ornamental plants and trees adorn the place as well, which makes for a more relaxing vacation. You can also enjoy a game of billiards with friends, sing your heart out with the resort’s videoke machines, or go horseback riding around the area. Admission fees are as follows: Children below 3 ft. (free), children 3 ft. to 3.9 ft. (Php130.00), children 4 ft. and above and adults (Php150.00).