Top 3 Muskoka Destinations for a one-day trip

Exploring Muskoka is like discovering few secrets of Mother Nature. I never heard of Muskoka before.  So when somebody asked me if I want to go with their group tour, I joined just because I want to visit various places in Canada without any idea the beauty of nature waiting for me to see.

It took three hours to travel from Don Mills subway station to Muskoka proper via tourist bus. We left at 8 in the morning. Along the highway around Cambridge south, we stopped by ONroute to do some leg stretching, refuel our stomach and have cup of coffee. 

They say you know you've reached the place once you see big Muskoka chairs around the area.

First Destination: Johnston's Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery - 1074 Cranberry Road,
Bala, Ontario. P0C 1A0

Our trip is very timely since it was also Cranberry Festival. We were able to do the following activities @$25 per head:

• Cranberry Plunge
• Wine Tasting
• Wagon Tour
• See the Harvest
• And of course walk around

Cranberry Festival 2017

This is the suit we wore before plunging on the pool of cranberries. It was an overall water-proof outfit with attached boots.

Cranberry Plunge Experience

The secret scenery hidden in the area,

On the rock with Cranberry Farm at the back

My 1st beautiFALL experience

Silent Sanctuary by the lake...nice heaven reflection...

Cranberry Farm

Second Destination: Lady Muskoka Cruises - 300 Ecclestone Dr Bracebridge, ON P1L 1G4

We cruise Muskoka River and Lake Muskoka via 300 passenger boat "The Lady Muskoka" launching from Quality Inn in Bracebridge. We took our snack before we get aboard/ The leader of the group brought pansit (stir-fried noodles) and pandesal (bread) for the group's snack. Though are also drinks  such as juice, tea, coffee, and beer available during the ride. By thew way, we are all Filipinos in the group around 50 pax coming from Toronto yet we are joined with other groups as we enjoy the one-hour cruise.  It was a joy ride by the water.

Here are the pictures I took while we flow along with grace of Muskoka Lake. Well it seems the cottage owners are not just rich with possessions but also lucky to have preserved nature and a tranquil location.

Millionaire's boat

Canada Beauty Beyond Belief

Third Destination is Souvenir Shops: The Shipyards - (908 Bay Street Gravenhurst, Ontario)

Truly, once discovered never forgotten,

I don't like apples...i love them...

September and October are months were apple and pumpkin picking is open at La Ferme Quinn 2495 Boul Perrot Notre-Dame-de-l’Ile-Perrot, QC J7V 8P4. It has been a great day to visit the farm while the sun is still out. This 110 acre farm is owned and operated by Quinn family.  Tons of activities are made available for everybody, from toddler of 2 year old up to all grown ups.  Animal barn can be visited. Tractor rides are available every 30 minutes on Monday to Friday and every 15 minutes  on weekends. You can pick your own fruits and have your own fresh baked goods as you go home.

During our visit last October, we focused on apple picking (though it officially ends November 6, 2017 for this season). We were dropped off by the tractor in the midst of apple trees. We were welcomed by our tourist guide and introduce variety of apples available in the farm. There are cortland, empire, lobo, Mcintosh, and spartan. I never thought that there are these variation of apple though probably I was only introduced to spartan apple way back home. I so love eating fresh apples whatever variety it is. We were told to simply pick the apples from the trees without twisting and eat them directly. The crispness and juiciness of these freshly picked apples satisfies my apple craving.

Here are some pictures of my very first apple picking experience:

Reasons why I love apple:

• I used to be eating apples since childhood, so my tongue has natural craving on it. Only on the fresh ones, not much on the baked items.
• Apple skin cleanse your teeth and is said to be able to whiten your teeth. The skin of the apple is the healthiest part. The most anti-oxidants (including Quercetin) are found in the skin. (It doesn't matter if it's proven or not but I do really love the apple skin...the crunchiness)
• An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. Nutritionally, apples contain no fat, no sodium and no cholesterol. They are a good source of fiber.
• Apples are brain food, it contain high levels of boron, which stimulates electrical activity of the brain and increases mental alertness.
• Apples may not be rich in calcium, but its high levels of boron make it a great food to prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones. These fabulous fruits also have the ability to boost estrogen levels in menopausal women.
• Eating apples can replace my usual lunch or dinner
• Apples are also good for the skin

First thing first: St. Joseph du Montreal

Upon arrival at Montreal, I asked my aunts to please bring me to the nearest church for thanksgiving on a safe journey to Canada.

I was then brought to 3800 Queen Mary Rd, Montreal, QC where St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Real is located. It was near Notre Dame College. Since there was no mass at that time, I just lit candle and utter my prayers. The location for candle lighting is so solemn. There were dim lights around giving emphasis on the glow from lighted candles.

The oratory is one of the National Historic Site of Canada. It is a Roman Catholic Church and said to be Canada's largest church. After Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Côte d'Ivoire, the church dome is 3rd to the largest in the world. The shrine is also known for association with Brother Andre Bessette who possess healing powers through his Josephian faith with oil oinyment given freely to its people.

This is the view of St. Jospeh church from afar. This is one of the most beautiful church architecture I have ever visited so far. Not yet done roaming around, definitely I'll go back here more once I got chance. It has a greenery around it's vicinity.

This stairway leads to the dome at the top of the church.

All the bells of all the churches in Montreal ring at 9:00 a.m., the basilica rang its bell in celebration as well.

I will look forward on attending an English mass since I don't know French as of now.

My Manila to Quebec first time travel...

Having my last day at work on a Friday and leaving my hometown coming Tuesday is no joke. It was the 3 craziest days of my life so far.  But still thankful as one of my dreams is now fulfilled, that is to land in country of fortune (as most people say)...Canada.

August 29, 2017 marks this special day. My flight was scheduled 7:45 pm that day so I need to be at Terminal-2, three hours before flight, where Philippine Airline passengers are accommodated. That morning we still scout for bank or money changer where we can buy Canadian dollar. We checked on Chinabank, Metrobank, BDO, and Western Union within the area. Unfortunately, these are supposed to be requested 3 business days prior. I overlooked this and thought it was as easy doing foreign exchange. So I have no choice but buy CAD at the airport. Quite lucky as the selling price is not far above trend, it's 41.75 that time.

After I checked my two luggage with 23.6 kilos and 22.4 kilos and pay tax amounting to Php 1,600, I went out again to say my goodbyes to my sisters, papa, husband, and son. I hate to see them with tears but what can I do. Leaving my son even for the meantime is so sad as he kept on embracing and kissing me without him understanding the next would months after. Plus seeing my husband weep truly breaks my heart. I just tell myself that we wishes for this and this is for our betterment besides they will be coming over shortly.

The 1st screening of my luggage and things were done upon my initial entrance at the Philippine airport. After which I passed by immigration officer for some interrogation regarding my purpose of visit in Canada. Then second screening of hand carry and personal stuff happened on the next gate.

Prior boarding, I made sure I won't be bothered by hungry stomach so I ate spaghetti carbonara and grab coffee at French Baker nearest my boarding gate. My flight then was PR116, gate B13. It was a 12 hour 35 minute flight going to Vancouver.

I'm an economy class passenger yet the seat with arm support is just right for me to feel comfy. The seat can be tilted partially to relax body while sleeping. Passengers have individual touch-screen personal television where we could select movie or tv series, play games, listen to music or simply check on map and monitor flight. You can also choose language preferred. It is a fully digital in-flight entertainment, Audio Video on Demand enables passenger to pause, rewind, or forward any video program using the remote or touch screen.

That slot with cable wire is where the remote is located. You have the option not to remove the remote there or keep it in your hand, whatever makes you comfy. 

See those little lights below the monitor, I was sleeping once in a while so kept the remote in place.

Here's the PAL menu:

I had beef pochero for dinner and Vigan longganiza for breakfast.

Beef Pochero - Stewed beef slices in sweet tomato sauce with fried banana, cabbage, bell peppers, and steamed rice with green peas. This comes with bread roll and butter, eggplant vinaigrette salad with egg and tomatoes plus dried mango. After meal delight is cassava cake. Refreshments come with your choice of soft drinks, juice, tea, wine, coffee, or water.   

Vigan Longaniza - Garlic-flavored chunky pork sausages with spiced vinegar dip, with scrambled eggs, mushroom, tomato and garlic fried rice. There are also pandesal and butter, seasonal fresh fruit slices, yogurt with granola, and dried mango included in the breakfast served. 

Replenish of food is allowed feel free to ask the steward/stewardess.

Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, I took picture first of my touchdown and inform my family that I landed safe and sound. Pictures were taken by a Filipina whom I seat with during the long travel. All airports are assigned a three-letter identifying code. Most Canadian airports begin with the letter Y (there's a couple Zs). For example YYZ is Toronto, YOW is Ottawa. Some make more sense than others. So, for YVR, the Y is an indicator that it is Canadian, and the VR is a sort-of abbreviation of Vancouver. There is a 240 minutes free wifi, you only need to register. Click on this link.

Then, declaration of items brought were done on kiosks allotted.  Previously, this is done manually. 

On carousel 21,  I picked up my luggage and proceed to immigration officer to get my study permit. In less than 5 minutes, I'm done.

The Immigration officers are on the area near "Information" sign.

So I went to the next gate where I will be boarding going to Calgary. It was quite a long walk but it's fine. I checked in my 2 luggage again. This time, pick-up will be directly at my last destination, Montreal. WestJet offers check in of hand carry luggage for free so I availed it and only one big bag was left with me. 

At Calgary, I met another Filipina, we were checking at our boarding gate since the ticket is saying Gate 17 yet the monitor at the airport says Gate 13. When confirmed it was Gate 13, we had our Tim Horton coffee and sandwich while waiting to board again going to Montreal. We left Calgary at 1am and arrived 7am at Montreal.

It's been a long flight indeed.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

As I attend 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Teach-back Session for the 2nd time around after almost 7 years, I realize that things do change. Priorities years ago are different. Challenges are more complicated and achievements become more meaningful. What keeps intact is my core values.

Just to share what Stephen R. Covey presented in his book,  7 Habits of Highly Effective People which is very much helpful for personal effectiveness


The Seven Habits move us through the following stages:

1. Dependence: the paradigm under which we are born, relying upon others to take care of us.

1. Independence: the paradigm under which we can make our own decisions and take care of ourselves.

1. Interdependence: the paradigm under which we cooperate to achieve something that cannot be achieved independently.

• Habit 1: Be Proactive

• Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

• Habit 3: Put First Things First

• Habit 4: Think Win/Win

• Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

• Habit 6: Synergize

• Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw

The first three habits are:

Habits 4, 5, and 6 then address interdependence:

Finally, the seventh habit is one of renewal and continual improvement, that is, of building one's personal production capability. 

Part of this session is to write personal mission statement. I was able to give myself opportunity to re-write my personal mission statement since the same activity was done during the 1st time I took it.

Here it goes...

For my son, I will dream big with him and make it happen. But for now, let me be his playmate.  We'll enjoy each day of his childhood.  I will create good memories and experiences that he could look back when time comes. I will be with him visibly or not along the way.

For my husband, I may not be better than the best wife, who cares? I love him more than anybody knows.  Ours is not perfect but genuine. And I promise to keep it that way forever. We'll continue to do the household together, eat and get fat together, sleep and dream together, plan and execute together, and get old together...see the reality of the world til death do us part.

For my parents, I'll uphold the integrity and dignity they installed in my heart and mind. They are not asking but I'll try to give back the favors they've given me during my younger years.  I am lucky for having them and I owe them for who I am now.

For myself, I will continuously be strong for myself.  I will conquer my fears.  Cancer won't stop me from doing better. In fact, it drives me to realize urgency in executing my goals and consider time is of the essence.  My body is the temple of my soul.  In the name of longevity, I'll not take it for granted and keep it healthy, not only for myself but for my family and friends. I'll pursue additional studies and  sharpen my weapon.  I will build sturdy financial account for the future.  I will establish relationships and keep connected to people. I'll make sure I provide inspiration through service to others in my own little ways.  I hope to touch lives even with small level of impact through sharing thoughts, charity and gratitude.

In the end, I will enjoy the breeze, laugh heavily, and savor each day. 

Sis Lunch at Daang Hari...

It was one weekend when my sis craved for eating seafoods. So we decided to go on lunchout at the nearest Seaside. To get away from the trafik along Alabang area since we're from the south, we decided pass by DaanHari. We took the Magsaysay road at San Pedro, Laguna and Victoria.
Upon arriving at the Seaside Area, we were welcomed by various teasers from various restaurants along the area.
We chose Sis Restaurant where they offer 20% discount. You have to market for the seafoods to be cooked. One good thing is that Sus have their own maeket where you could bargain as well.
We are 6 in the group and come up to this menu spending 3k net.
1/2kl buttered garlic shrimp
1/2kl tempura
1/2kl spicy crab
1/2kl ginataan crab
1/2kl salmon belly sinigang sa miso
3 rice platter
It was great late lunch. We get fully enjoyed.
Take note:
● They accept debit and credit caeds but adds 5% more to your gross bill.
●TV and Videoke are available free of charge.