Sun, Sand, Sea & Shiko

It's Shiko's first summer as a toddler and Mike and I were very excited to bring him to the beach. We had a booking at  Pico De Loro but we decided to cancel when we learned that Pico Sands Hotel is not beach front. We checked for other possible options until we decided to go for La Luz Beach Resort in Laiya, San Juan Batangas. We booked their Premier room because we need a bigger floor space for Shiko to roam around. It was very timely, because last minute, Mama beck decided to come with us. La Luz doesn't allow bringing and cooking your own food because they have a mandatory meal package which costs 1,710php per head (inclusive of lunch, pm snack, dinner, and breakfast), so we thought that this is a perfect opportunity for Mama Beck to relax too! :) 

Shiko's longest road trip experience was 12hrs. That was when we went to Ilocos when he was only 7 months. I knew it was going to be different now that he's more active, so I wanted to prepare him even if it was just going to be a 4hr-drive. The night before we left, I explained to Shiko that we were going to the beach and told him that he needs to behave in the car. He understood and said, "Gogogo!" with giggles.

It was the Monday right after the Holy Week vacation and we anticipated that the traffic was going to be heavy so we left Pasig at 5am. We had to arrive at the resort before noon time since the first meal to be served will be lunch. Shiko was very cooperative. I have hoped that he would stay in the car seat during the entire trip (because when you're traveling with a toddler, it's like winning the lottery!), but he didn't. He sat there during the time that we were in SLEX and Startoll though. Not that bad, since he slept during the whole time that he was on my lap.

We arrived at La Luz before 10am. Check in time was 1pm so we had to wait at one of the cabanas. We maximized the time by taking pictures. 

The beach never felt crowded during our entire stay

Shiko enjoyed playing in this sandbox while our room was being prepared.

Their staff were very nice to allow us to check in as soon as our room became available even if it was before 12nn.

 Good for 4pax, but they allow up to maximum of 6 with extra charge.

At exactly 12nn, buffet lunch was ready. The food was delicious! We're glad we decided to push through despite reading some not-so-good reviews about the food in La Luz, because for us,  their mandatory meal package was worth it! (and this is speaking for all the 8 meals that we had during our 3-day stay).

Shiko enjoying his lunch!

After eating lunch, it's time to swim! Shiko was amazed at the sea that he went for a dip  with Mike immediately. He loves the pool so maybe he thought it was going to be the same, however, when a wave hit his face, he was surprised! I think he tasted the salty water. After that, he was afraid to go to the water anymore so he prefered to just play at the shore. He missed his regular noon time nap because of too much excitement.

Snack was served at 3:30pm. I wasn't able to take pictures because by this time, Shiko was already very drowsy, he even slept while eating pansit. Dinner was served at 6:30pm. 

The full moon illuminating the sea was very stunning that night. Shiko and I gazed at it until he fell asleep on my lap. Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture because my camera wasn't with me when I took Shiko for a walk. 

We woke up early the following morning and enjoyed the morning sea breeze while waiting for our breakfast to be served at 7am.

We planned to rent a kayak or a jetski, but since Shiko was being very clingy to me, we changed our minds because we wouldn't be able to maximize them. We spent the rest of the day swimming, playing on the sand, and fish feeding. Yes, La Luz has a very nice marine sanctuary. We didn't even need to rent snorkling gears. We just threw small pieces of tasty bread on the water and the fish came to us even while we were just near the shore. They were beautiful! I told Mike we have to buy a GoPro so we would be able to capture moments like these next time. :)

Shiko learned some new words during our vacation. "Da-gah" (dagat), "Pe-bow" (pebbles), "Ga-gey" (goggles). Shiko saw some "Je-je" (jellyfish) too as there were some  near the shore around late morning and noontime. 

The pebbly sand of La Luz

What I loved the most  was that Shiko was able to freely play on the sand and explore the place, though we had to keep a close eye on him because he kept on trying to eat the pebbles from time to time! I've read that letting the children experience the sun, sand, and sea at an early age is very healthy for their brain development and overall well-being even if they wouldn't remember everything about it when they grow up. 

Going on vacations like these is also healthy for the relationship of the whole family. We are grateful to God these moments!

Photoshoot ops with Shiko