Matthew's Educational Trip 2017 (Part 2): Tagaytay Highlands

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After having a short stop at Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the next destination is at Tagaytay Highlands.

Along the way, the weather suddenly shifted and began to rain.

We had a short snack at Summer Garden located in Highlands China Palace. Also, I framed some view in the area. Check other photos below.

After the meal, we had another short stop at the Animal Farm located also in the area. Animal Farm is a "petting zoo and home to miniature animals from different parts of the world."

The track in the area is easy to follow that you can roam around even no tour guide assists.

There is a llama as soon as you enter the park.

Matthew is afraid of touching animals. But look at him with the bunnies, are they having a secret conversation?

There are also aquatic animals in the area.

Meet Chino the Orangutan. He seems to behave but beware, he is just preparing to spit you. Silly one, right?

There are also other animals in the park. Tiger, native pigs, snakes, guinea pigs, peacock, ducks, and civet cat are just a few of them.

Here are other views I framed during our stay at Highlands China Palace.

Can you spot the bird?

I think this one is the lodge and spa. View taken from the Highlands China Palace.

Next post is our experience at Tagaytay Sky Ranch.

Have you been to Tagaytay Highlands?

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Matthew's Educational Trip 2015 (Last Part): Hansa Hand-Crafted Creations

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Hansa Hand-Crafted Creations

In Part 2 of Matthew's Educational Trip, I mentioned that Hansa Hand Crafted Creations helps in saving Mother Nature.

How?

They are recycling plastic bottles to become fiber fill and used as fillers in stuffed toys. From the name itself, the majority of the processes in making stuffed toys are made by hand.

The guy on the top left is the owner of Hansa (I forgot the name)

The stuffed toys are really adorable. Not only kids but parents and teachers were also fascinated with all the things around them. We can take unlimited photos, touching the items are strictly prohibited.

Though Hansa is operating in the Philippines for more than 20 years already, their finished products are for export only.

Here are the photos taken from Hansa Hand Crafted Creations.

Matthew and the toys

In the two bottom photos, Matthew's smile is different. He is actually afraid of the big and black monkeys and the very huge spider on his back.

Who love dogs by the way?

Dogs

Look at Matthew imitating the dogs pero ang totoo, natakot sya nung nag-bark at gumalaw 'yung isa. Yes, some of the animals are moving and making sounds.

Matthew imitating the dogs at the back

What to go back in Dinosaur era?

Matthew and the T-Rex

How about experiencing winter or north pole with these animals?

North Pole

The Penguins

Or a white Christmas with these white reindeers?

White Reindeers

What are the animals boarded in Noah's ark?

Noah's Ark

Want to visit Safari and mingle with wild animals?

The Lions

Safari

Or the Rainforest nearby?

The Rainforest

Who's talking with the polar bears? Yes, these two polar bears are having conversation about Hansa.

Mommy and Matthew

Looks who enjoyed most of the toys.

Time for me to take a pose with these life-size or giant animals. 

He wants to have a selfie too. lols

Most field trips are not complete when this next destination is not part of the itinerary – shopping. Since we are in Clark, Puregold Duty-Free is the last destination. No pictures this time since I need to leave my camera in the coach.

Matthew taking a nap on our way to Clark

After the long, tiring but fully packed day, I know that Matthew is very happy joining this year's educational trip. He even asked us: “Saan po kaya ang susunod na field trip?”

That's the end of Matthew's education trip 2015.

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Matthew's Educational Trip 2015 (Part 2) : Ocean Adventure

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After the short visit to San Guillermo Church, we headed directly to Subic Ocean Adventure. We are lucky to arrive in time before the first attraction starts.

Ocean Adventure, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

The first attraction is all about the wildlife. But we were first taught how to make a fire by using a bolo and bamboo. Different animals like white rats, owl, civet cat, hornbill, bear cat, bat, phyton, and, of course, man’s best friend – dog were presented with some information about it.

How to start a fire demo

One funny part of the presentation is when they told everybody that their phyton was missing and it was in a black backpack placed in the audience area. Everyone was surprised and started to panic thinking that it was under their seats.

Top: Owl and civet cat
Bottom: Bear cat and horn bill

Top: Bat and horn bill
Bottom: Friendly dog and phyton

Who are familiar with Talentadong Pinoy’s Zion Show? How about the Velasco Brothers of Pilipinas Got Talent? They are the artists of the second attraction. Actually, I was a fan of these two groups. I was hoping to have a photo opportunity with them after the show. Unfortunately, we need to go to the location which is our lunch.

The Velasco Brothers and Zion Show

Balancing acts of Velasco Brothers

By the way, food and bottled drinks, except water, are not allowed to be brought inside though going to Ocean Adventure includes a free lunch.

After having our lunch, we proceed immediately to the third attraction – the Dolphin Show. This part is one of Matthew’s most awaited. He even asked us to go down the platform and have the ride with one of the dolphins.

This is not just an ordinary Dolphin Show. It has a short comedy skit showing the skills and characteristics of the said warm-blooded mammals. One of the students from Matthew’s school had a chance to have a close encounter with the dolphins.

The Dolphins

I uploaded a video on the last part of the show in YouTube. Please bear with the quality of the video since we are seated on the middle part of the stadium.

Last attraction is the Sea Lion Show. Sea lions and seals are commonly identified as one. It identifies differences between the two. Of course, different skills of sea lions were presented.

Simba and Sophie the Sea Lions

They even asked one of the audiences to have a challenge with the Simba, one of the sea lions. Unfortunately, the volunteer got wet when he slid on the floor and fell into the pool. He got free clothes and shoes from their souvenir shop.

I also uploaded a short video in YouTube.

The wet volunteer afraid to touch Simba

After the different attractions, mini-museums were also shown to us.

Sea Trek Museum

Ocean Discovery Aquarium

One thing Ocean Adventure wants to impose on minds of every visitor which parents must let their kids understand is to preserve Mother Nature to save and protect lives of different wildlife either in land or water. A simple act of waste segregation can really make a great impact to our environment.

Another best time to visit this place is on summer. I hope that they are going to add other attractions that fits the season. Adult inline skating is another great way to enjoy the summer and learn a new sport, check out Skates HQ to see their reviews for adults.

Here are other random photos in Ocean Adventure:

Mommy and Matthew

Matthew and his classmates

Friends/Enemies

Kids, Parents and Teachers

Speaking of saving the earth, our next stop is in Hansa Hand Crafted Creations located in Clark Field Pampanga which is will share on my next post.

Have you visited Ocean Adventure too?

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