To celebrate Eco’s 30th birthday, we initially planned to go to La Mesa Dam Eco Park. But when we researched the activities and sights there, it seemed like we wouldn’t enjoy the day much—plus, it was raining like crazy. So we decided to stay home instead.

Then, around 2 a.m. on September 1st, Eco saw a post on social media about a Philippine Eagle staying at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, which was very close to where we live.

Here’s a fun fact about my husband: he’s an animal lover and, more specifically, a huge fan of the Philippine Eagle. We’ve been dreaming of going to Davao to see one in the flesh, but of course, traveling there isn’t easy and can be quite expensive. So when we saw the news and confirmed that the eagle was indeed still there and alive, we didn’t think twice—we went!

So here’s our experience…

Our trip to the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center was smooth. We booked a Grab, and the fare was affordable (less than ₱800) for a 6-seater vehicle. Upon arrival, we immediately bought our tickets.

Honestly, I think the Grab dropped us off at a different entrance. I was expecting to see the long pathway, but instead, we were greeted by a statue and a spacious parking lot.

The attendants at NAPWC were very accommodating—they even gave us a map to follow.

We headed straight to the “reservation center,” thinking the Philippine Eagle was there (LOL!). Instead, we saw various birds, snakes, crocodiles, and other mammals. Aia really enjoyed the parrots and ringnecks—she even shouted back at them as if trying to have a conversation.

As we roamed around, we explored different bird enclosures. We got up close with hornbills and admired several Brahminy Kites thriving in their large enclosure.

Not far from them were the big crocodiles. They looked healthy in their spacious habitat, and nearby were iguanas basking in the sun despite the gloomy weather.

Since we had walked so much, I asked one of the staff where we could find the Philippine Eagle. Thankfully, the staff knew exactly what we were looking for and told us to walk straight until we saw a huge sign with the name “Girlie”—the eagle’s name.

We followed the directions, and lo and behold—the Philippine Eagle!

She was breathtaking. All we could say was, “You’re beautiful!” I especially loved seeing my husband’s reaction. Eco was in awe—Girlie was majestic, much larger than I had imagined. I never thought I’d see a Philippine Eagle alive and in person. I gave Eco some time to admire her while I watched the kids, because I knew this was his long-time dream come true.

So, Was It Worth It?

Definitely yes! The location is spacious, so I highly recommend wearing something comfortable and choosing footwear designed for long walks. We honestly didn’t finish exploring the entire area and even missed some key highlights—like the lagoon and the bridge where most photoshoots usually take place.

Because NAPWC is so big, it didn’t feel crowded, even with several areas hosting martial arts classes, photoshoots, and families enjoying the natural surroundings. The only challenge we faced was finding a good spot to rest. Since it had rained the night before, the benches were wet, and the picnic tables were already occupied.

The map they gave us wasn’t very helpful since there weren’t enough signages scattered around. Of course, that’s not surprising because this isn’t a zoo. You really have to figure out your way to the areas you want to visit. I remember we walked a long way trying to find the bridge, only to end up near the parking lot by the exit. Instead of continuing the search, we decided to head home and just come back another time.

Once you’re inside, you’ll really immerse yourself in nature. It wasn’t too hot, but the place is definitely humid, which makes sense because the DENR has preserved the animals’ natural habitat. The towering trees, lush grasses, and dense plants create a true jungle vibe. But since there are so many plants, be prepared for insect bites. When we visited the Brahminy Kites, I ended up with a few bites—not mosquitoes, but something else. So, triple-apply your mosquito repellent!

We honestly didn’t have high expectations of NAPWC since it’s a conservation center for rescued animals. Naturally, it’s not the cleanest or most well-maintained place, and some areas were quite muddy.

Nevertheless, seeing the Philippine Eagle live and in the flesh was the cherry on top of the entire journey! It was absolutely worth it.

We’re already planning to go back once the rainy season is over.

Here's another month of aiming to ace my budgeting. 

But honestly, I am not doing a good job. 

I think most of us fail in terms of budgeting because we are not doing intentional spending and delaying gratification. Well, let's face it, as soon as we receive our pay, the last thing we want is deprive ourselves of a reward after a 2-week long (sometimes month-long) hard work of pleasing our bosses. 

I normally give myself a casual reward of stationery and pens as well as treating my family to a good lunch or dinner (if not at home, in a restaurant) but that's not really helpful at all, especially now that we're working on a tight budget. 

So here I am writing my low-buy list for this month, and I hope I can commit to all of them. 

NO MORE STATIONARY PURCHASES THIS MONTH

Over these years, I've accumulated so many office and school supplies that can last us 2 academic years. Did you know, I haven't purchased any single colored paper since my son enrolled in school 2 years ago? Yes, that's how much we have. 

So this month, I am not going to buy any more stationery, school or office supplies. After all, the school year ends in a month. Might as well save it up for the coming school year. 

NO MORE VINTAGE CAPS FOR NOW

We consider our small collection of New York Yankee Vintage Caps as a collection and investment. It is also a way for us to gain more brand awareness and attach our audience because they know they're buying vintage pieces from a real collector (aka US), but after we moved back to my parent's place. I realized there's no room for all of them here. 

For now, we'll try to keep it low. Not get any more New York Yankee vintage caps unless they're really a gem. 

NO OVERSPENDING ON GROCERIES

After my family and I moved back to my parent's place to help them financially, I realized how much money we spent on groceries. We tripled our expenses on food. 

Let me be clear, we're not depriving ourselves of food. However, I realized that we consume more unhealthy processed foods which cost us more instead of buying fresh produce in the marketing and cooking actual meals that are healthier. 

I realized too that after we moved back here, Edmund usually looked for unhealthy junk. In the past, I always cooked pasta, made sandwiches, pancakes from scratch, and all that jazz, but now, he's into instant noodles, chocolates, chips, etc. I know he's just a kid but I also know that if he forgets eating healthy, hearty meals, he'll crave more unhealthy foods later on. So this has got to stop. 

This month, I'll only spend and purchase mindfully. Focus on what we really need to save money and cut costs on processed foods. 

NO EATING OUT

With the new viruses coming out, no, never going to happen. We're still opting to stay at home and casually go to the park as soon as Aia's pediatrician allows us to. Not to mention, we have family outings (in a private resort) piled up this coming May, so might as well take advantage of that. 

We're into a low-cost, great time with family, more food, and sleepovers. YAY!

This low-buy challenge this month is not a way for me to deprive myself of enjoying the perks of working hard, but instead enjoying the things my family has. 

Have you ever thought of having a low-buy list? Share what it looks like. 

Ahhh! Ang init! Ito na talaga ang pinaka-mainit sa mainit. 

Di ko na talaga kinakaya, kayo ba, kamusta naman? 

Let's have a quick story. 

We had our first air conditioner when I was in Grade 2, around 6 or 7 years old at that time. It was considered a luxury by some because, let's face it, it wasn't that hot back then, and not all families could afford an air conditioner.

I was under the impression that my mom was so frugal because she always limited out air conditioner usage. We only used the air conditioner at night and, if I was lucky, every weekend during the afternoon. So I told myself, "When I have my own place, I'll make sure to have my own aircon and never turn it off!"

As I grew older, got married, and finally had a house of our own, when our budget permitted, one of the first things we bought was an air conditioner because that had been my frustration growing up. I was diagnosed with scalp dermatitis, and during hot days, my scalp would flare up, causing me to literally scratch my scalp until it bled. 

It was the worst.

From frustration, it turned into a necessity for our small family because I couldn't sleep, think, work, or even sit without my air conditioning; otherwise, my scalp would flare up, and I'd be irritated throughout the day, even with medication that would make me groggy. 

After a while, the weather worsened, the heat got stronger, and electricity bills became higher. But did I limit my air conditioner use? No. 

For our small family, aircon is our life. 

I can't sacrifice our comfort for a little amount. See how much the electric bill goes up?! I was always thinking about how much we could save if we turned off our air conditioner, but I guess if we have the correct HP of air conditioning for the size of our room combined with the correct power-saving settings, electric bills can be manageable. 

I'd rather pay for a high electric bill than a hospital bill. I had a friend who died from heatstroke a couple of days ago. The first thing I said was, "Gosh, she still has young kids." I know that there are different causes of heatstroke, but if these things can be prevented, why not, right? 

While expenses can be higher due to air conditioners, we can't compromise our health and comfort. How about you, is aircon a necessity? 

Power up your pre-holiday shopping spree with the True Value-Handyman PISO SALE, exclusively available via MetroMart app and website. From September 24-26, 2022, select items can be purchased for only  ₱1.00 when you order and get it delivered via MetroMart across select branches of True Value and Handyman. 

The tandem PISO SALE of True Value and Handyman will have various items available within a scheduled time per day, and the promo can be availed until supplies last. The selections include kitchen tools, different food storage containers, storage solutions, and more. The first 200 orders from True Value and Handyman will also get FREE Delivery when they meet the minimum order spend.

“As all Filipino families gear up for the holiday season, our MetroMart family wants to provide these amazing deals and discounts, working together with our merchants and partners. In our own way, we help bring the Christmas celebrations, plus the spirit of giving and family togetherness, to fruition.” Stefano Fazzini, CEO and co-founder of MetroMart, said.

The True Value-Handyman PISO SALE promo is applicable to New and Existing Users of MetroMart. A min. spend of ₱2,000 is required in order to avail the 1-peso sale items. Only completed checkout of orders within the sale period can avail the discounted items.

New to MetroMart? Get a ₱200 discount for a minimum order of ₱2k. Use the promo code “MMNEW” on the MetroMart app or website upon checkout. This is applicable across all stores and supermarkets for New customers, valid for one-time use until October 16, 2022.

MetroMart is the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. Our grocery partners include  S&R (with or no membership card required), Robinsons Supermarket, Landmark, The Marketplace, Shopwise, All Day Supermarket, Merrymart, Super8 Grocery Warehouse, Ever Supermarket, UltraMega Supermarket, and over 500+ specialty store retailers like Pet Express, Baby Company, Toy Kingdom, Toys”R”Us, National Book Store, Office Warehouse, Southstar Drug and AllDay Rx. Customers can order from their favorite stores on the MetroMart app and have it delivered to their door in 2 hours! For more updates on MetroMart, like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @metromartph. Order groceries online or download the app via https://bit.ly/DownloadNowMM