Travelling is harder for me now because I can’t carry heavy things anymore. I already have to bring my walking stick, a water bottle, umbrella, jacket, hat, sketchbook, pens, watercolour, sunscreen, and sunglasses … the list never ends.

So I decided to stop bringing my camera whenever I travel. My phone is my travel companion now, and taking photos with it has become the norm for me. Thank you, Tina, for being our host this week and asking us to post photos taken with our phones. I am using my iphone13 Pro Max phone. (It may be old but it does the job for me). I am also linking this to Jo’s Monday Walk.

This was my day in Villa Escudero, situated at the border of Tiaong, Quezon. We left early at about 6 am so as not to catch the traffic. We hired a van and Jack, Pat, Tim, Leigh and I left before sunrise for a full day adventure. Sleepy but excited.

We passed rows and rows of coconut trees … such a peaceful way to start the day.

After about two hours of travel, we finally arrived at the entrance of the Villa Escudero Plantation and Resort. The day officially begins. The staff that welcomed us were all wearing traditional Filipino clothes, adding to the cultural feel of the place.

I wanted my kids to experience, appreciate and have even just a glimpse of the tradition, the costumes, the food and the beauty of the Philippines.

Our day was a combination of walking, riding the traditional carabao driven cart (while being serenaded with Filipino love songs) and the big jeepneys … slow, simple, and fun.

Stepping into the pink museum felt like going back in time. Quiet and nostalgic.

So many stories inside one museum. Even more special knowing these pieces are movable and are part of real fiestas and Holy Week celebrations yearly.

This is a magnificent silver-carved altar, which was formerly part of the old Quiapo Church. Obtained and restored by the Escudero family, this historic altar serves as the proud centerpiece of their private museum,

This wide array of portraits showcases different women of different ethnic tribes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao by the amateur painter, Macario Santos.

Inside the AERA Memorial Museum at Villa Escudero, I found out that “AERA” stands for Arsenio and Rosario Escudero, the founders of the estate. It opened in 1987 and is filled with historical, antique furniture and cultural pieces, plus personal items they collected from their travels and from Philippine history. 

After all the history, we stepped outside to enjoy nature for a while. The lake looked so calm, with little rafts floating quietly. It felt so peaceful.

The sculptures scattered around the place showed men and women wearing national costumes, and they were beautiful. There was so much culture in every detail.

Loved seeing these signages in the entrance to toilets.

Villa Escudero is famous for its unique dining experience where visitors eat at bamboo tables in the flowing waters of Labasin Waterfalls.

Enjoyed a traditional native lunch … simple food but so good.

Of course, we had to stop for photos anywhere we can.

Another museum, more stories from the past. So many interesting finds. With this second museum which opened after lunch, The Escudero Ancestral Home felt like a living museum to me. It had old furniture, artwork, clothes samples, and personal collections from generations of the Escudero family. 

Ended the visit with the cultural show — colourful, lively, and fun to watch.

From sunrise to sunset… Going home tired but happy. 🌅