🏞️ How to Get to Spring Ground B&B in Cingjing, Taiwan (2025 Travel Guide)

🌄 Why Cingjing Was Our Favorite Stop in Taiwan

When we traveled to Taiwan in 2016, we skipped the usual first-day Taipei tour and went straight to Cingjing in Nantou County. It was a long ride, but completely worth it. For us, it was the most scenic and peaceful part of our trip.

We stayed at the charming Spring Ground B&B, a hidden gem just beside the Old English Manor. While they don’t have a website, we booked through Agoda and messaged the hosts directly to confirm. They were incredibly kind—even offering to drive us to Cingjing Farm!

🍗 Exploring Ximending Night Market: Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken Experience

As we wandered through the vibrant streets of Ximending, the heart of Taipei’s youth culture, we were surrounded by bright neon lights, trendy shops, and the mouth-watering aroma of Taiwanese street food. Every corner buzzed with energy — from locals chatting over bubble tea to tourists hunting for the best bites in town.

Our first stop? The legendary Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排) — one of the most famous street foods in Taipei and an absolute must-try in Ximending! 🍗

🧋 CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice – A Taiwanese Classic

🧋 Of Course — Milk Tea!

Another spot we absolutely couldn’t miss was CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice, one of Taiwan’s most famous milk tea brands that helped start the bubble tea craze across Asia. Long before milk tea shops flooded Manila’s streets, CoCo was already serving perfectly balanced blends of tea, milk, and chewy pearls in Taipei.

We dropped by the CoCo Ximending Branch after exploring the lively Hanzhong Street area, and the queue was already forming outside. The aroma of freshly brewed tea was irresistible — the kind of scent that instantly makes you crave that first sip!

🥔 Corn & Cheese Baked Potato – A Curious Ximending Street Snack

When planning our trip to Ximending, we stumbled upon the famous Corn & Cheese Baked Potato — a quirky street snack many travelers list as a must-try when exploring Taipei’s most vibrant shopping district.

At first, we had no idea where to find it. So we wandered through the neon-lit streets of Ximending, surrounded by the aroma of sizzling street food and the buzz of evening crowds. And as fate would have it, we eventually spotted a small stall selling this cheesy creation!

🔥 Blow-Torched Beef Cubes – Ximending’s Fiery Street Food

As we walked deeper into the Ximending Night Market, the food choices just kept getting better and more tempting. We had already tried the famous Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken and the Corn & Cheese Baked Potato, but one stall immediately caught our attention — the one where vendors were searing beef cubes with a blow torch!

The smoky aroma and sizzling sound were enough to draw a crowd. I was intrigued — they were cooking the meat using nothing but a blow torch! My curiosity got the best of me, so we decided to give it a try.

🍓 Candied Fruits – Taiwan’s Sweet & Shiny Street Snack

Wait — if you still have a little space left after all that savory street food, make sure to try Taiwan’s famous Candied Strawberry (糖葫蘆, táng hú lu). These shiny, sugar-coated strawberries are hard to miss in Ximending Night Market — glistening under the neon lights like tiny edible jewels on a stick! 🍭

They looked so irresistible that we just had to buy one — even though we were already completely stuffed from fried chicken, beef cubes, and milk tea. We picked the candied strawberry skewer, thinking it would be the perfect sweet ending to our night. Since we were too full to eat right away, we decided to take it to go and save it for later. Spoiler alert: that didn’t go as planned. 😅

🩷 First Time Mom at 44 – My Journey of Faith, Miracles, and Motherhood

🌸 A Long Overdue Story

I know it’s long overdue, but I still want to share how it is for me for becoming a first-time mom at 43.

It took me years to finally sit down and write this — not because I didn’t want to, but because I wanted to relive every memory and emotion that came with it. Becoming a mother at my age wasn’t part of my plan, but it turned out to be God’s greatest surprise for me.

💉 Affordable Pregnancy & Baby Vaccination Tips in Metro Manila – 2025 Guide

🩺 My Journey to Finding Affordable Vaccinations

When my OB-Gyn first told me I needed to get vaccinated during pregnancy, my initial thought was, “Oh no, another hospital expense!” 😅

I knew how important vaccinations were — both for me and my baby — but the prices at hospitals were too much for my budget.

That’s when I started doing my own research. I checked online, asked around, and visited a few clinics. After several calls and price comparisons, I found a much more affordable option through Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD).

🚩 How to Get to Mercado del Lago & TLC Village (C6 Taguig) — 2025 Guide, Fares & Tips

Practical steps, real costs, and honest tips so you can plan a stress-free lakeside food + lights outing.

Mercado del Lago (a.k.a. “Mercato de Bay C6”) and TLC Village (Taguig Lakefront Community Park) sit side-by-side along Laguna Lake Highway (C6), Lower Bicutan. They make a perfect combo: eat at the floating nipa huts of Mercado del Lago, then stroll to TLC Village for lights, a playground, or an evening concert.

Below is a detailed, personalized travel guide with multiple ways to get there, estimated fares, timing, and practical tips — written to be copy-paste ready for your blog.

💖 TLC Village Taguig – A Lakeside Park with Lights, Food, and Love by the Lake (2025 Guide)

 💖 TLC Village Taguig – Lights, Love, and Lakeside Strolls

🌆 A Spontaneous Stop on Our Way Home

We discovered TLC Village purely by accident. It was Valentine’s Day, and we had just finished eating at Mercado del Lago nearby. On our way home using our e-bikes, we noticed a lively crowd across the road — lights, laughter, and the sound of music filling the air.

Curiosity got the best of us. We parked our e-bikes at the free parking area and decided to check it out. What we thought would be a quick look-around turned into a lovely, unplanned date night. ❤️

🥘 Mercado del Lago (Mercato de Bay C6 Taguig) – Floating Food Park with Nipa Huts & Lakeside Dining (2025)

🌱 A Personal Restart, A Local Discovery

Hi there. It’s been a while.

This was supposed to be my first post after a long break. I’ve been quietly dealing with a few personal battles — and though I’m not completely okay yet, I’m slowly finding my way back. ✨

In between moments of stillness, I found myself revisiting old travel memories, sorting through photos, and slowly reigniting that familiar spark for writing again.

We had this simple local adventure while we were still busy with our bazaar. One long holiday gave us the perfect chance to explore — and it led us to a peaceful lakeside food park I’d never been to before, right here in Taguig.

🏝️ Anawangin & Capones Islands: DIY Budget Camping Guide 2025

Updated 2025 • Compare DIY vs group tour for Anawangin & Capones Islands. See real costs, sample itineraries, and travel tips for your perfect weekend island escape.

💡Quick Answer:

“If you’re traveling with friends (2–6 people), DIY is the best way to explore Anawangin and Capones — it’s cheaper, more flexible, and gives you that raw island vibe that makes Zambales unforgettable.”

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🌅 Why I Wrote This: My Anawangin & Capones Adventures

My first trip to Anawangin Cove and Capones Island was with a group of mountaineers years ago — back when there were no resorts, no cottages, and just pure wilderness. We pitched tents, cooked over charcoal, and watched the stars with the sound of the waves crashing nearby.

I loved it so much that I went back — this time DIY style with two of my closest friends. No tour groups, no fancy setup — just us, a rented boat, and our weekend backpacks.

Anawangin’s pine-framed beach and Capones’ historic lighthouse still have that rustic charm, even in 2025.

🌴 Calaguas & Bagasbas on a Budget: DIY vs. Travel Tour (Complete 2025 Guide)

Updated 2025 • Practical steps, real costs, and honest pros & cons so you can choose the best way for your island escape.

 

💡Quick Answer:

“If you can join a small shared DIY group (4–6 people) — your cost will be similar (or lower) than a joiner tour. If you’re traveling alone and have to rent the whole boat, the group tour is usually more budget-friendly and far less hassle.”

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🌅 Why I wrote this: DIY vs Group Tour

Calaguas Island is paradise — white sand, turquoise water, and quiet nights under the stars. Bagasbas Beach adds surf vibes. 

The biggest question: Do you DIY and handle logistics yourself, or join a joiner tour and let someone else manage the details? Below is a clear, side-by-side breakdown so you can choose. 

🌙Ximending Night Market Taipei 2025 – Best Street Food & Travel Guide🍡

🌙 Exploring Ximending Night Market — A Feast for the Senses 🍡

One of the things I was most excited about during our Taiwan trip was visiting their famous night markets. Taiwan is known for its vibrant evening scene — streets filled with delicious food, trendy shops, and a lively mix of locals and tourists. Compared to the ones in Manila, Taiwan’s night markets are cleaner, more organized, and packed with unique, mouthwatering street food.

🏞️ Exploring Xinshe Castle, Lavender Cottage & Sea of Flowers – A Fairytale Escape in Taiwan

There’s something truly enchanting about Xinshe, Taichung — a place where misty mountains meet endless gardens, and fairytale-like spots seem to appear around every curve of the road. During our trip, we spent a full day exploring three of Xinshe’s most magical destinations: Lavender Cottage, Xinshe Castle (The Summit Resort), and the colorful Sea of Flowers Festival. 🌸🏰🌺

🌸 TaiwanDering Four Day 2: Old England Manor | Lavender Cottage | Xinshe Castle | Xinshe Flower Carpet Festival | Ximending Night Market

🌄 Waking Up in the Clouds of Cingjing

There’s something special about waking up in the mountains of Cingjing—cold air sneaking in through the window, soft mist outside, and the promise of a full day ahead.

🚆 Getting Around Taichung and Xinshe: A Practical Travel Guide with Tips and Local Insights

If you’re planning to explore central Taiwan — especially Taichung and the scenic mountain town of Xinshe — transportation can be a little tricky, but it’s definitely manageable with some planning! Whether you’re chasing lavender blooms, fairytale castles, or colorful flower festivals, here’s a guide to help you move around smoothly (plus a few personal tips from my own experience).

🏰 Xinshe Castle (The Summit Resort) – A Fairytale Escape in Taichung

Our next stop for the day was Xinshe Castle, also known as The Summit Resort, and honestly, I was extra excited about this one! From the photos I’d seen online, it looked absolutely magical — especially the waterfalls cascading beside the stone bridges. It took us about 30 minutes to get here from the Lavender Forest, and despite the rain, my excitement never wavered.

💜 Lavender Cottage (Lavender Forest) – A Purple Dream in Xinshe, Taichung

Our 2nd day in Taiwan was one of the most eventful. We had it all carefully planned — a full-day adventure from Cingjing to Xinshe, where we’d explore Lavender Cottage, Xinshe Castle, and the famous Xinshe Sea of Flowers Festival.

🌸 Evening Glow at Xinshe Sea of Flowers | A Magical Floral Wonderland in Taichung 🌅

🌸 Sea of Flowers in Xinshe — A Magical Ending to Our Day

When we left The Summit Resort (Xinshe Castle), it was already getting dark. By the time we arrived at the location of the Sea of Flowers, the festival grounds were quiet and partly wrapped in twilight mist. Even though we couldn’t explore everything, the moment felt surreal.

🚍 How to Get to Xinshe District from Taichung City | Taiwan Travel Guide 2025

When we were planning our trip to Xinshe, we discovered that it’s actually easy to reach from Taichung City — whether you’re taking the train, bus, or even taxi. It’s one of those scenic routes where you can enjoy the countryside views before arriving at the beautiful flower farms and tourist attractions in Xinshe.

🏰 The Old England Manor in Cingjing – A Fairytale Hotel in the Clouds

 

🏰 The Old England Manor – A Fairytale Hotel in the Clouds of Cingjing

When we were planning our Cingjing itinerary, I stumbled upon this stunning, castle-like hotel that looked straight out of a storybook — The Old England Manor. It’s just a few minutes away from the bed and breakfast we were staying at, and I immediately thought, “We have to stop by there for an afternoon snack!” ☕

🐑 TaiwanDering Four Day 1: Cingjing Farm | Small Swiss Garden | Bee Pollen | Carton King Shop & Restaurant

🏔️ First Day in Taiwan – Foggy Trails, Carton Meals & Chocolate Kindness

Since I can’t travel these days (thanks, pandemic 😔), I’ve been revisiting my past adventures and turning them into stories. Taiwan has always been one of my favorite countries, so here’s a little throwback to my very first day there—cold, foggy, funny, and sweet in every sense of the word.

🌫️ Mist Plaza (清境遊客休閒中心) – The Heart of Cingjing

After our foggy adventure at Cingjing Farm, we hopped on a bus and asked the driver to drop us off at the Small Swiss Garden in Mist Plaza. By the time we arrived, it was already late and dark, so we missed seeing the garden’s flowers and attractions in daylight. But that didn’t make our visit any less magical—we were greeted by twinkling LED light displays that lit up the misty night, creating a whimsical and dreamlike atmosphere.

🐝 Bee Pollen | Carton King Shop & Restaurant (紙箱王) – Dining with Carton Art at Cingjing Mist Plaza

After arriving at Mist Plaza, we were starving since we hadn’t had a proper meal since the airplane ride. We headed straight to Bee Pollen | Carton King Restaurant, right next to the Small Swiss Garden. Before ordering, we couldn’t help but wander around and admire the quirky carton displays inside the restaurant—everything from tables, chairs, lamps, and even decorations made entirely out of cardboard! It felt like stepping into a paper wonderland.

🌼 Small Swiss Garden (小瑞士花園) – Taiwan’s Little Switzerland in Cingjing

The beautiful Northern European atmosphere at the Small Swiss Garden has given it the name of “Taiwan’s Little Switzerland” and “Paradise in the Mist.” Surrounded by conveniences like Carton King, 7-Eleven, Mos Burger, and Starbucks, it’s a popular stop for travelers heading to Cingjing Farm or Hehuanshan.

🐑 Cingjing Farm Travel Guide: Taiwan’s “Foggy Eden” in Nantou

Known as a “Foggy Eden” far away from the bustling city, Cingjing Farm in Nantou is a mountain paradise where visitors can enjoy fresh air, rolling green pastures, friendly farm animals, cherry blossoms in spring, and breathtaking starry skies at night.

🌿 Cingjing Spring Ground B&B Review – A Cozy Stay in the Mountains of Nantou, Taiwan

When we traveled to Taiwan, our first stop was Cingjing, a scenic highland area in Nantou County. It’s quite a distance from Taipei, but I’ll say this upfront: Cingjing was the best spot we visited during that entire trip.

🌊 Puerto Galera & Calapan Travel Guide: Family Adventure & Travel Tips

✨ Puerto Galera & Calapan: A Family Travel Story

I’ve been to Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro twice before our family trip, and I’d say I love it there. Not just because it’s nearer compared to Boracay, but because it reminds me of my own province, Marinduque. I first heard about Puerto Galera on a radio station I listened to in high school, and ever since, I’ve always wanted to visit.

🍢 Mercato Centrale at Acacia Estates: Your Newest Night Market Spot

📍 Location: In front of Rosewood Pointe, just beside Sungee Fruit Store
🗓️ Open: Thursday to Friday, 3:00pm to 10:00pm until December 2025

Last Friday, on my way to Grace Residences, I noticed something new — Mercato Centrale had just opened right in front of Rosewood Pointe, Acacia Estates! I was so excited that I told my husband right away, but since it was raining, he didn’t want to go. We also didn’t want our baby boy walking in the rain.

But when the rain stopped and he started feeling hungry, I suggested we check it out — after all, it’s just a 5-minute walk from our place. The moment we got there, the smoky smell of freshly grilled barbecue filled the air and instantly made us hungry. 😋

My husband grabbed a big serving of nachos for ₱100, while I went for a refreshing melon fruit juice, also ₱100. Simple but satisfying — and honestly, it felt nice to just enjoy a casual night out so close to home.

This pop-up night market will be here until December 2025, so I’m definitely going back to try more stalls. There’s a mix of everything — barbecue, Mongolian bowls, biryani, shawarma, fresh juices, and more — perfect for a quick dinner or a fun food trip with family.

🌳 Calapan Nature Park: Eco Trail, Zoo & Outdoor Adventure

🌳 Calapan Nature Park: A Green Escape in the Heart of Oriental Mindoro

Our next and final stop for the day was Calapan Nature Park, formerly known as the Recreational and Zoological Park. At first, we didn’t expect much—just a simple stroll to end the trip. But as soon as we walked in and saw the life-sized animal statues, our inner child took over. I even climbed onto a statue of a tamaraw with the Mangyan figures and laughed like a kid again. Sometimes, it’s the little surprises that make a place memorable.

📸 How to Convert Your Phone Photo into a 2x2 ID Picture Using Photoshop

When I was asked to provide a half-body 2x2 photo, it honestly stressed me out. Not only because I couldn’t find anyone willing to take a “half-body photo that fits in 2x2”—but also because I got teased: “How can a half-body shot fit into such a tiny square?”

🚤 How to Get to Puerto Galera from Manila (2025 Updated Guide)

✨ Visiting Puerto Galera has always been one of my favorite trips from Manila—it’s close, affordable, and offers a perfect mix of beaches, waterfalls, and mountain views. But if you’re a first-timer, figuring out how to get there can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’ve been through the whole process (tricycles, ferries, and even water taxis!)—so here’s a comprehensive, updated guide to help you plan your trip.

🏛️ Calapan City Museum: A Window into Mindoro’s Past

✨ The first time I walked into the Calapan City Museum, I didn’t expect much—it’s tucked away inside the New City Hall complex in Brgy. Guinobatan. But what I found was a treasure trove of stories: photographs of leaders who shaped the city, coins and stamps that survived wars, and even a life-sized ossified statue of the tamaraw 🐃—Mindoro’s most iconic creature.

🌟 Top 9 Must-See Attractions in Calapan City | Oriental Mindoro Travel Guide

🌟 Must-See Attractions in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

Every city has a heartbeat—and in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, you’ll feel it through its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From heritage museums to nature parks, from a quiet trek to Lamesang Bato 🌄 to the colorful underwater world at Harka Piloto Fish Sanctuary 🐠, Calapan is a place that invites you to pause and explore.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Calapan City – Complete Food & Restaurant Guide

Calapan City, the capital of Oriental Mindoro, is not only the gateway to the island but also a melting pot of flavors. Whether you’re looking for traditional Filipino comfort food, freshly grilled seafood, trendy cafés, or international dishes, Calapan has something to satisfy every craving.

🏨 Where to Stay in Calapan City: Hotels, Resorts & Inns

 

✨ Whether you’re in Calapan City for a quick getaway, a family visit, or as a stopover to other Mindoro destinations, finding the right place to stay is key. What I love most about Calapan is that accommodations here may not all be grand, but they’re full of warmth, local hospitality, and that Mindoreño charm.

🏨 Where to Stay in Puerto Galera: Best Resorts, Contact Info & Travel Tips

Puerto Galera, a gem in Oriental Mindoro, is one of the Philippines’ most loved island getaways. With its white sand beaches, world-class diving spots, and laid-back coastal vibes, it’s no wonder why both local and foreign travelers keep coming back.

🧭 Ocean Park Hong Kong Extras | Giant Panda, Souvenirs & Seasonal Events

✨ Welcome to the Other Side of Ocean Park: Where the Little Things Make a Big Impact

Sure, Ocean Park is known for its adrenaline-pumping rides and wildlife wonders—but the “in-between” moments? They’re often just as memorable.

From cuddly panda encounters (or at least the hope of them!) to quirky food, fun merch, and festive events, these hidden corners added surprise and delight to our visit.