https://cdn.steemitimages.com/800x640/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmabLcroqBk1G72hjBcahYrLETYvzSWUpEtJrx41zmwn9f/6edfdb01-6af9-4c99-8452-552d4296c640.jpeg) It was a long family plan, and finally, it happened. This bonding serves as our family gift after all that hard work. We've decided to relax a little since summer is making way for what's next. We are looking for a place near us to avoid the hustle of travel. After talking with my husband, we decided to book early at Mactan Newtown. Our kids are more excited than us when they hear about our plan. We paid 6,000 pesos or 740 steem for our room. https://cdn.steemitimages.com/800x640/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPriysp9QPtQRZiGmBqRiygJVEtya8bfsDxMbcwZkjSsT/b7817e5e-9aba-4eae-a1e4-8e371d0b414c.jpeg) ^{Pizza for lunch costs 150 pesos/box or 18 steem/box} The hotel staff called us and we are scheduled to check in at 2 in the afternoon and our check-out time is 11 in the morning the following day. We have our quick breakfast at home and prepare a little food and groceries to bring since our reservation doesn't include any meals. My husband picked up my nephew, and we brought them along. It was so nice having them there, it made the day feel even more special, and also the best time to spend together. We arrived at noon, we first ate the pizza that we bought on our way for lunch.

![fceeb967-c564-46a0-aea3-d45d1b23725c.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmcrYuc4RLB6QbXtSYN77gRZ7AFWsunkaWCPsszT5UWTDC/fceeb967-c564-46a0-aea3-d45d1b23725c.jpeg) ^{pool for adults}

![e1620cfc-e5b7-43d2-9f9a-8bb959cd5277.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmSrfVVcseMmyLdEDgJJLTZ51BT8uBMDp4PE9WbEgVwWHm/e1620cfc-e5b7-43d2-9f9a-8bb959cd5277.jpeg) ^{kids pool}

Now, rolling up to our room, the kids kept asking where the pool was. Imagine, we've just arrived, our bags unpacked yet, but the kids are already bouncing by the door chanting "Pool! Pool! Pool!" Like, was there ever another option? We practically tripped over, rushing to where the water was. The second we saw, they’d thought of everything, separate splash zones for kids and adults, and a lifeguard constantly scanning the area. My shoulders relaxed... also, no sunburn worries, thanks to those skyscrapers playing bodyguard with their shade. Just the sound of laughter echoing off the water, that vacation feeling sinking into your bones… This is why we work so hard all year, you know?" https://cdn.steemitimages.com/800x640/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmULosPoqEiWTcToXEfuq2oTFfu8n7KXB3ULT1RhFY2xca/804cd699-e523-416d-8fdc-9f621e5f7370.jpeg) ^{Dinner at eat all you can buffet costs 399 pesos/person or 50 steem/person} At night, we visited Doenjang Korean Restaurant. A short step is all it takes to reach there from the condo where we stayed. We've paid 399 pesos. This is an all-you-can-eat restaurant. That offers more than 30 kinds of menus of your choice, like kimbap, ramen gyoza, and of course, various types of meat are ready for barbeque. What I loved most was that they had Filipino food too, if you’re not really into the spicy Korean dishes. At first try, you can already tell their meat is fresh because it’s well-marinated and has no weird smell. Their barbecue meat is sliced thinly, which makes it easy to cook and juicy when chewed. It was a perfect choice because my kids were starving after burning hours swimming and playing in the pool. After we finished eating and felt full, we headed straight back to the condo to rest. ![c8b643c7-c6bb-4a88-9de5-32dd84194348.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTAAMHZpffzox75xo2pf91p2NgQyWTBSFuL3dtuCzGutr/c8b643c7-c6bb-4a88-9de5-32dd84194348.jpeg) ^{Morning walk strolling around the amazing heights at Mactan New Town} So the night passed, and we slept in a very cold room. Waking up early, as I am used to at home, I just wandered around with no plan of where to go. And wow, everywhere I looked pleases me. The buildings are so tall! It made me think that I used to walk past this place, always curious, and now I am inside, discovering every glamour it holds. This day wrapped me in happiness, and I know I’ll carry its glow with me always. Cold and early, while savoring a cup of coffee, my husband reminded me with a smile, "It's checkout time. Let us head out now so we don't get charged extra!" Life is everything when my family is around. Every day is a mix of laughter, love, and simple little joys! I am inviting @kyrie1234, @jes88, and @tonyoi23 to join this contest. Google Map: [Mactan Newtown](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JBM2He9uPED4h9pS7) *** My Steemit introductory post [I am @bisdako A Public School Teacher](https://steemit.com/newcomers-community/@bisdako/achievement-1-verification-through-introduction-i-am-bisdako-a-public-school-teacher) I shared this post on my [Twitter account](https://x.com/bisdako2010) ***