Utility for a Bargain

The Subaru Impreza 2.0i hatchback is suited for the occasion. This vehicle is one of the least expensive, top-performing SUVs available today. The hatchback model gives you the space needed to prepare for long journeys across the country side, but the additional room does not completely kill the fuel efficiency. The exterior styling maintains a unique edge while the fuel economy for the 2012 model is up over its previous incarnations by an average of 30 percent. Drivers also have the choice between a manual transmission and automatic four-wheel drive capability. The manual transmission splits the power between the front and back wheels right down the middle while the automatic transmission distributes power based on traction, acceleration, and deceleration.

Handling Torque with Precision

The Land Rover Freelander 2 excels in engineering and design. This car is ideal for getting out into the wilderness with the family and friends as the four wheel drive system handles power intelligently. It has a Terrain Response system that allows the driver to select one of four settings appropriate to the conditionsand adjusts the vehicle’s powertrain and traction control systems to maintain momentum. For the true outback experience for all types of terrains and the feeling of safety the Freelander 2 would defiantly be first choice and Land rover prices in general are appropriate for all you get in the one car.

Compact but Capable

If you are looking for power that is packed into a slightly smaller package, turn your eyes towards the Hyundai Tucson GLS. This car is one of the most fuel-efficient crossover vehicles currently on the market. Even when the engine is pumping on all cylinders to power its four-wheel drive capabilities, the fuel consumption is kept to a minimum. As a top safety pick, this crossover is appropriate for long outings with family. The value is a major selling point as well.

The Name Says it All

Why head to the outback in anything other than a vehicle that takes its name from the region itself? The Subaru Outback Limited 2.5i was named best in its class in 2012, making it an ideal choice for buyers that are concerned with value and performance. It also maintains its resale value better than the majority of SUVs that hit the market after their release. The Outback features symmetrical, all-wheel drive and comes in three different variations, each working uniquely with the engine and transmission to provide the most torque and power as efficiently as possible.

Powerful Options

Ford brings us the Explorer XLT, redesigned and ready for a variety of conditions. This crossover is another vehicle that takes advantage of incorporating the latest technology into its four-wheel drive capabilities. Power is automatically adjusted under all driving conditions; however, drivers also have the ability to change to pre-programmed settings that include variations for sand, snow, or mud. Each setting changes the throttle response, making this choice ideal for your adventures down under.

Author Bio: Marlin has been a mechanic for 8 years and is a complete rev head. His past time hobbies include redoing old cars, travelling, going to car shows and writing blogs about cars.

Think I’m in for some good rain tonight. 

If you wanted to travel and spend sometime outside your country without any form of headache or hassle, getting travel insurance is a must for you. It gives you all kinds of protection and security whenever you leave your home or country.

If you wanted to know more about travel insurance, check out the below information that explains a lot about its importance.

Luggage Protection

The most common incident that happens during a vacation or travel is “lost luggage”. With travel insurance, anything (or any amount) inside your luggage is secured and protected by them. So although you lost your luggage, you won’t lose it all (the things and stuff inside your bag) since your travel insurance policy is there for security and protection.

Health Protection

Whenever you leave your home for long travel and vacation, you are prone to common sickness and diseases that you can get while on the road or at your travel destination. For sure you can use your credit cards for doctor and hospital bills but it can be expensive and costly. With travel insurance, your health and wellness are covered by it while you are away from home. Travel insurance can pay for your medicines and doctor or hospital bills without causing any kind of hassle and trouble. Also take note that major travel insurance companies are affiliated with lots of hospitals and doctors around the globe.

Vehicle Protection

Road accidents do happen even if you are the most cautious and careful driver of this world. Damages done by such accidents are a bit costly and expensive much more if it includes high end cars or automobiles. With travel insurance at your side, you won’t worry that much about how much cash you have to dish out. Travel insurance covers almost any kind of road accidents and it pays the whole fee or prize of the property damages.

For sure after reading this article and knowing the information up above, you wouldn’t have second thoughts of getting travel insurance for a hassle-free travel and vacation.

Here’s some photos. Good thing a tremendous rain had just ended when the procession was about to start.

Here, the locals lined the roadside awaiting the procession…

Here they come…

The festival was held in honor of Our Lady Of Fatima, our community’s patron saint. truly immaculate in her shiny white gown…

Of course, a procession can’t be done without a commissioned band. They are worth the ovation applause for the great music they played during the parade.

And, here’s a glimpse of the Reyna Elena. Effervescent in her white bedazzle gown and sparkling jewels and a hearty smile thrown to revelers. Such classic beauty worthy to be the jewel of the Santacruzan.

Gotta love these oranges hovering above our roof.

Instead of be threatened by yet another rain, I sit and shoot.

So, to save on paying a lot on dining outs, try to avoid fancy restaurants. They offer nothing special, aside of course from aesthetically appealing food preparation. Yet, these are the types that will eat out most of your travel budget.

The frugal me would always try to look out for restaurants that not only offer good food, but, prices should be affordable, too. And, what better way to find restaurants with a great bonus -great ambiance with a romantic feel and soft music was playing along courtesy of knobs from reidsupply.com.

If I can find a restaurant with all of the above-mentioned factors, dining would be a greater experience for me.

This river was part of the Pampanga River basin. Major tributaries includes Pantabangan river which fed most of the rice fields in nearby Nueva Ecija townsvia the Casecnan irrigation project.

Going here on this side of the Rizal river made me reminisce my childhood. We used to go swimming (along with my cousins) in that watershed. We didn’t go nearer the watershed because road that leads to it was through another Barangay. We don’t want to spoil the few remaining hours we have because the two kids were too eager to swim in the fresh water.

According to my Aunt, this area of the Rizal river (Poblacion Norte) is becoming popular with picnic-goers. Water is clean and clear -there were shallow areas where the little kids can frolic, there were areas too that is deep enough for good swimmers to enjoy. Late afternoon was scorching hot, yet, local bamboos abound the area that provide shade to picnic-goers where they can do ihaw-ihaw (barbecuing). There were quite a number of people (locals and visitors) picnicking and enjoying the cool water.

While the kids were swimming, I opted to do the usual photo opps I really wanted to collect pretty pieces of colorful pebbles and/or small rock pieces -may be next time when our transport can accommodate additional weight

Summer in this place means river’s calmer not unlike when the rainy season and the most dreaded typhoon months when this river area is filled with water.
I’m glad, we came at the most opportune time. Lovely day. Really. My shutter’s can’t help but go clicking…

Clouds dancing across the skies which makes the surrounding area abundantly come alive with more colors.

The colorless yet worn out rocks makes an awesome contrast to the natural aura of the area

One local said, the water’s safe to drink…I wish the locals and visitors, and yes, the local government could protect the place so that it could maintain the cleanliness around the area -that’s tantamount to safeguarding the cleanliness of the water, as well.

Is it safe to swim, as well? For those who knew how to swim. The two girls just content themselves swimming in their waist-high water level.

They do have a blast!

They do not want to leave the place. That was the same thing I pleaded to my parents as a child swimming in the same river. The clear water’s just too inviting…

For non-bathers like us, we found these bamboos a perfect shade to munch on Skyflakes and Rebisco sandwiches and bottle of litro Pepsi’s we bought in a nearby sari-sari store.

Such a perfect spot for more camera clicking…and people spotting

Sweet mother and daughter washing dishes, pots and pans, and, a good time to take their baths…and their two dogs, too

Auntie Conching finds a hard settee and did her thing: “Nalunod na yung tabo ko!.” (My dipper’s been washed away!) Lol

Simple place. Simple life. Simple abode by the river.

These small wild flowers added more contrasting colors to the simple place which dramatically change the overall setting.

What else is there for us to do? Be a shutter bug…

And, enjoy the silhouettes…

Sun is setting…
Time to bid goodbye. See you again sometime. Summer’s longer, still.

PS. I wished my mom could see this post. She’ll be extra proud seeing her hometown, this river, amid the lenses…Missed you more, Mama. Happy Mother’s Day.

View of the cathedral from Porta Vaga Mall where we stopped by to munch the famed “Dynamite“.

The inscribed Ten Commandments…

The cathedral was conferred the name Our lady of the Atonement as a dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary was as magnificent as its rose-colored exterior walls -which makes a great complement to the bluest of the Baguio summer sky- and, of the rustic colored twin spires, was what perhaps what lures the tourists into visiting the iconic structure.

Baguio City Cathedral
A Roman Catholic church located at Cathedral Loop
Upper Session Road
Baguio City Philippines

We were doing brisk walking earlier on the main road and we happen to catch sight of the beautiful cloud color transformation.

Never let this beautiful moment pass by…

Love the summer landscape.

Leaving grandpa and grandma at home while the rest of the family goes out for fun is a bad, bad idea. So that nobody is left behind, here are few tips that you can use when travelling with seniors.

See the Doctor First

Seniors should set a check-up meeting with their doctors before they go on travel. This is to ensure that they are on right physical well-being to endure the rough works that are sure to happen during the trip. It is best to see the doctor a week before the schedule trip so that the physician may administer whatever medications that will prepare the seniors’ body for the trip.

Bring Enough Medication, Miscellaneous Items

Take all the necessary medications with you during the trip. Medications for headache, motion sickness, colds and flu are the most important ones to bring. Of course, when your grandparents are taking maintenance medications such as those for hypertension, bring these along as well. Also, bring enough drinking water, although this can usually be availed in any destination. Most importantly, do not forget your first aid kit!

Always be on the Lookout!

Just because they’re seniors doesn’t mean they should fend for themselves during the trip! You, their child or grandchild, should always be on the lookout for grandma and grandpa the whole time. Assist them when boarding and alighting vehicles, and most especially when taking long walks.