Our morning in Izmir began with a fresh, relaxed vibe after a cozy stay at IBOŞ Hotel. Before heading to NASA Space Camp Turkey with the Philippine Robotics National Team, we decided to explore the nearby attractions on foot. Around 10 AM, we left the hotel to enjoy a peaceful walk toward Konak Pier, a scenic spot that perfectly blends coastal beauty and city charm.

Walk from IBOŞ Hotel to Konak Pier

The morning breeze along the way made the short walk extra refreshing. Konak Pier greeted us with its beautiful seaside view, charming shops, and the relaxed atmosphere of locals and tourists enjoying the waterfront. The structure itself, designed by Gustave Eiffel, showcases a mix of heritage and modern style. It was the perfect warm-up stroll before exploring the heart of Izmir.

Heading Toward the Clock Tower

From Konak Pier, we continued our walk to Konak Square. The moment we reached the area, the historical Izmir Clock Tower came into view. Built in 1901, the tower stood gracefully in the center of the square. Its intricate details and the surrounding pigeons made it a postcard-perfect scene. Nearby was the Konak Yalı Mosque, small yet beautifully decorated with blue tiles. Just a few steps away, the elegant Hükümet Konağı added a grand architectural presence to the square.

Exploring Kemeraltı Bazaar

After taking photos and enjoying the lively surroundings of the Clock Tower, we headed into the historic Kemeraltı Bazaar. The bazaar welcomed us with colorful shops, narrow alleys, and the rich scent of Turkish spices. From textiles and souvenirs to handcrafted jewelry and traditional sweets, every corner offered something unique. It was exciting to witness the local culture in such an energetic marketplace.

Where We Ate Beef Rice Meal

All the walking made us hungry, so we looked for a local food spot inside the bazaar. Near Aslan Jewelry Shop, we discovered a place called Başkent Dönercisi. We ordered a beef rice meal, and it tasted delicious with tender slices of beef mixed with flavorful Turkish spices. It was the kind of simple, authentic dish that makes you appreciate local cuisine even more.

This entire morning adventure from IBOŞ Hotel to Konak Pier, the Clock Tower, and Kemeraltı Bazaar was the perfect prelude to our scheduled visit to NASA Space Camp Turkey. The cultural immersion, scenic walk, and satisfying local lunch completed our experience before joining the Philippine Robotics National Team for an exciting day ahead. It made the whole journey even more memorable and meaningful.

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We recently purchased the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 laptop at Thinking Tools SM Cebu City for my son, who is actively involved in programming and international coding competitions. This laptop is a powerful and future-ready choice, perfect for his growing needs in programming, gaming, and competitive computing.

Why We Chose the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9

The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is packed with features that support both performance and expandability. Here are the key reasons why we selected this model:

1. High-Performance Processor

   It is powered by an Intel Core i7-13650HX, a 14-core processor designed for multitasking, fast compilation, and heavy computing work. This ensures smooth performance during coding, testing, simulations, and even gaming.

2. Strong Graphics Capability

   The laptop comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB graphic card. This supports graphics-heavy tasks, machine learning experiments, visual simulations, and high-quality gaming.

3. Expandable Memory and Storage

   The LOQ 15IRX9 includes 24GB DDR5 RAM in dual-channel configuration and can be upgraded up to 32GB.

   It also has two M.2 SSD slots, allowing storage expansion beyond the included 512GB NVMe SSD. This is important for future coding projects, large datasets, and additional software installations.

4. Smooth and Clear Display

   It features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This provides a crisp, clear, and smooth viewing experience that is great not only for gaming but also for coding and visual work.

5. Modern Connectivity and Ports

   The laptop offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, plus essential ports such as USB-A, USB-C with power delivery and DisplayPort support, HDMI 2.1, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. This makes it flexible for external monitors, coding setups, and stable wired internet, especially during online competitions.

6. Durable Build and Portable Design

   With its Luna Grey finish and durable PC-ABS material, the laptop is built to last. It is reliable for school use, travel, and competitions, and even includes MIL-STD-810H certification for added durability.

7. AI-Enhanced Performance

   The Lenovo LA1 AI chip helps optimize system performance and power efficiency. This improves responsiveness while running multiple programs or doing competitive programming tasks.

8. Audio, Camera, and Input Features

   It has 2x2W stereo speakers with Nahimic Audio, dual-array microphones, a 720p HD webcam with privacy shutter, and a white backlit keyboard. These features support online classes, video calls, and long hours of coding comfortably.

9. Peace of Mind with Warranty

   The laptop includes a 2-year Premium Care support package. This features onsite service, which means Lenovo can send a technician for servicing when needed. This was a huge plus for us.

Purchase Details

The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 was available through cash or through a 0 percent installment plan for 12 months at its SRP price. I opted to use my Security Bank credit card for the purchase.

We also received free add-ons: a gaming keyboard and a gaming mouse, which are great for both programming and gameplay.

My son has been joining international programming competitions such as the International Computer Science Competition and HKICO 2025 (Hong Kong International Computational Olympiad), where he earned Gold in the heat round and Silver in the final round. He just finished the final round of the ICSC and is waiting for the official results.

With all these achievements and upcoming challenges, he needed a reliable, powerful, and expandable laptop. The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 supports his current needs and gives him room to grow in the future as he takes on more advanced projects and competitions.

This laptop is more than a device; it is an investment in his passion and his future in the world of computer science and technology.

From November 12 to 14, 2025, the Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus (PSHS-CVisC) once again showcased young minds and their groundbreaking ideas at the Regional Science and Technology Event 2025, held at SM Seaside Cebu, Cebu City. The annual event gathered some of the most talented junior and senior high school students across the region, competing in various STEM-related categories that celebrated creativity, innovation, and scientific excellence.

The Regional Science and Technology Event is one of the most anticipated activities organized by PSHS-CVisC, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It aims to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education by engaging students in competitions that challenge their analytical, technical, and inventive abilities. This year’s theme centered on “Innovate. Integrate. Inspire.” emphasizing the role of youth-driven technology in solving real-world problems.

Throughout the three-day event, participants joined research exhibitions, robotics contests, and technology demonstrations that filled the venue with energy and excitement.

We are extremely proud that our two sons took part in different categories of this year’s competition — each showcasing their unique skills and passion for innovation.

Project Helios: A Smart Fire-Response Robot

Our eldest son Mike Terence, a senior high school student from STEC (Science & Technology Educational Center), led a team for their research proposal titled Project Helios. Their project was among the 10 shortlisted proposals chosen to present during the Research Proposal Competition held on November 12.

Project Helios is a robot designed to immediately respond to small fires before water sprinklers are triggered, helping minimize property damage and prevent larger fires from spreading. The innovation reflects both technical ingenuity and social awareness — a smart solution for safer homes and establishments.

Our youngest son, Meachel Terrin, represented the junior high school from Marigondon National High School, competing in two thrilling categories — Line Tracing and Sumobot, both held on November 13.

In the Line Tracing Competition, 13 teams competed in a fast-paced, precision-based challenge where robots raced through a black line course using sensors and programming logic. Rain’s robot demonstrated excellent control and accuracy, winning two out of three games, earning him a 2nd Place finish.

The atmosphere at SM Seaside Cebu was electrifying. The crowd’s cheers echoed through the activity center as robots moved swiftly across the arena. Students, mentors, and parents gathered around, excitedly watching the robots in action — every beep, push, and turn adding to the thrill.

Each match was filled with both tension and joy as competitors tested months of preparation and teamwork. The PSHS-CVisC organizers did a fantastic job maintaining fairness and excitement throughout the competitions, fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie among all participants.

At the awarding ceremony, the winners received certificates, medals, trophies, and valuable prizes as recognition of their hard work and innovation. Beyond the awards, it was a moment of inspiration — seeing young inventors and robotics enthusiasts stand proudly for their achievements.

Learn More About the Event

For official competition rules, guidelines, and updates, visit the official Facebook page of the Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus.

Their dedication, teamwork, and love for science make us hopeful for the next generation of inventors, engineers, and scientists who will continue shaping the future of technology in the Philippines.

A Heartfelt Lunch at Hukad – Ayala Terraces, Cebu

Last weekend felt extra special. After the awarding ceremony at Golden Prince Hotel & Suites (which we still can’t stop celebrating!), we headed to Hukad at Ayala Terraces in Cebu City for lunch — and it became a convivial family moment we’ll remember for many more years.

What made it so memorable? My mother — the “Lola” of our children, the steady hand who cared for them when they were young — joined us for those few precious hours, and we gathered around a table laden with favourite Filipino dishes, laughter, stories, and gratitude.

The Setting & Why We Chose It

Located at Level 2 of The Terraces, Hukad’s Ayala Terraces branch has been well-reviewed for its cozy family atmosphere and hearty Cebuano-style menu. We knew for our little celebration — post-award, with Mom in tow — this would be the right place: familiar, friendly, and with enough crowd-pleasing dishes to keep everyone happy.
It was also a treat that the food felt festive without being overly formal — just right for our “special but relaxed” lunch.

What We Ordered (and Loved)

Here’s a rundown of our feast — heartfelt, home-style, and plenty to go around:

• Crispy Pata – A star for the group: crunchy skin, juicy meat, perfect for sharing.

• Pochero – Comforting, warm, with rich broth and savoury beef/pork chunks (depending on the version).

• Squid Calamares – Light, crisp-edged rings, the kind everyone reaches for.

• Pork Sisig – Sizzling, a little tangy, great with plain rice.

• Ginataang Monggos – For a change of pace: creamy, mellow, subtly indulgent.

• Tuna Panga – Meaty tuna jaw/cheek grilled (we opted the “panga” version) — seafood lovers’ delight.

• Tinolang Shrimp – A soothing soup-dish to balance the richness.

• Platter Plain Rice – Unlimited rice is a comfort (and can feed a hearty table).

• Lemon Cucumber & Iced Tea Pitchers – Refreshing drinks for the group, approachable and familiar.

• Dessert: Ube Ice Cream Buko Delight – We ended the meal on a sweet high, and the “Lola” especially enjoyed this treat.

It was a full-table spread, but that’s what a celebration lunch is about — good food, full plates, and full hearts.

Why It Felt Even More Special

• Having my mother present made the meal deeply meaningful — she helped us when our children were little, and this lunch was a way to honour and thank her.

• Coming after the awarding at Golden Prince Hotel & Suites, the lunch felt like an extension of celebration: the milestone was achieved, and now we relaxed together over food.

• The choice of Hukad meant we weren’t in a formal banquet hall but still opted for an elevated family-style restaurant — so everyone felt comfortable, from Mom to the kids.

• The shared dishes invited conversation: “Try a bit of this crispy pata,” “Have some ginataang monggos,” “How’s your drink, Mom?” — the kind of interaction that nourishes as much as the food.

Menu Highlights at Hukad

While every branch may vary slightly, Hukad’s menu offers a robust range of Filipino favourites. According to their site: “Over 100 dishes to choose from.”
Examples include:

• Fresh starters (calamares, baked scallops)

• Soups and comfort dishes: sinigang, tinola, ginataang monggo

• Meat-centric main dishes: crispy pata, pork sisig, lechon varieties

• Seafood platters and grilled specials including tuna panga.

• Desserts and refreshing beverages: from halo-halo & turon to fruit shakes.

Because our lunch featured a mix of these (crispy pata, sisig, monggos, tuna panga, etc.), we were able to sample a broad swath of the menu and satisfy everyone’s appetite.

Operating Hours & Address

Here are the details for the Ayala Terraces branch:
Address: Level 2, The Terraces, Arch. Reyes Avenue & Bohol Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines.
Operating Hours (typical): 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
It’s always wise to call ahead especially for larger tables or special occasions (we did!).

This lunch at Hukad wasn’t just about eating out — it was a milestone-marker. Our family — three generations sitting together — post-award, sharing dishes, laughter, thanks. The food was hearty and familiar, the environment comfortable, and the company priceless.

For anyone visiting Cebu City, looking for a place that does Filipino fare done right, especially in a group or family setting, I’d highly recommend Hukad at Ayala Terraces. If you go, relish the crispy pata, try a soup dish, share some seafood, and don’t forget dessert.

Thank you, Mama, for being there. And thank you to Hukad for accommodating us and making our lunch feel like more than just a meal — it felt like celebration.

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Cozy Weekend Stay at Crown Regency Residences Davao

We stayed at Crown Regency Residences Davao for 2 nights, from September 29 to October 2, and it was a relaxing part of our short Davao trip. We checked in around 3 PM after visiting my Tita’s place nearby, and the process went smoothly.

Our accommodation included free breakfast, which was a nice deal since it normally costs around ₱450 per person if not part of the room package. On our first morning, we had a hearty meal of egg, longganiza, watermelon, and coffee — a Filipino classic. The next day, breakfast was ham with toasted bread, watermelon, and coffee, which kept us energized for the day ahead.

One of my favorite parts of our stay was spending the early morning by the pool. The water was clean, not overly chlorinated, and refreshingly cool — perfect for a quick dip. Before swimming, I even did a quick headstand by the poolside, though it didn’t last long because the sunblock I was wearing made my arms slippery, reducing friction.

We also dropped by the hotel gym before heading out on our second-day itinerary. It’s not large, but it’s enough for a quick workout. The restaurant and reception areas have a classic design theme, with elegant wooden furniture and warm lighting that adds a nostalgic charm.

Our room was cozy and clean, with a window that let in natural light every morning. The comfort room was also tidy, though it could use some fixture updates. One minor downside was that we missed room service cleaning — when we returned from a day out, the bedsheets were unchanged and there was no refill of toilet paper. Still, it didn’t spoil our overall stay because the room remained comfortable and relaxing.

Overall, Crown Regency Residences Davao is a nice place for a short couple stay — clean pool, cozy rooms, good breakfast, and a warm, homey atmosphere. A few updates on amenities and housekeeping routines would make the experience even better, but for its price and location, it’s definitely worth considering for your next Davao getaway.

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Traveling to Davao City has always been more than just a getaway — it’s a journey back home, filled with family memories, warm reunions, and heartfelt moments. Our 3 days and 2 nights trip to Davao City was both emotional and refreshing as we visited my grandmama in Mintal and my brother’s family in Mandug, while exploring some of the city’s must-visit destinations.

Day 1: Early Flight to Davao and a Heartwarming Reunion

Our adventure began early morning with a 6:00 AM flight, and after about an hour of travel, we landed safely at Davao International Airport around 8:00 AM. Since our check-in time at Crown Regency Hotel Davao was still at 2 PM, my Aunt kindly fetched us and brought us to their home in Mintal.

On our way, the tempting smell of fresh durian caught my attention. We stopped by a stall and bought the Puyat variety, one of the creamiest and sweetest durians in Davao — absolutely a must-try for fruit lovers.

When we reached my Aunt’s house, I finally saw my grandmama Nanay Loreta after a long time. She’s now 86 years old, bedridden, and still recovering after being hospitalized a few months ago. It truly broke my heart seeing her so frail and dependent on her caregiver. Yet, my heart was comforted when she recognized me and my husband despite her fading memory. We shared lunch together, enjoyed the durian, and spent a few precious hours talking and reminiscing.

In the afternoon, my Uncle drove us to the hotel for check-in. Crown Regency Hotel may not be modern, but it has a rustic charm — with its vintage furniture, spacious lobby, swimming pool, and gym. We took the rest of the day to relax and unwind.

That evening, we dined at Coco Bar, located just outside the hotel. Their buko pie and sisig meals were delicious, the perfect way to end our first day in Davao.

Day 2: Food Trip, Souvenirs, and Adventure in Davao City

The next day, we started our Davao adventure by riding a jeepney to Poblacion Mall, where we visited the famous Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp. — a well-loved restaurant known for their heavenly desserts. I also grabbed a few souvenirs to bring home.

For lunch, we went to Penong’s Grill House, one of the most popular local restaurants in Davao serving authentic grilled dishes that truly capture the Davao taste.

Day 3: Philippine Eagle Center and a Tearful Goodbye

On our last day, my Uncle picked us up early from the hotel and we visited the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Baguio District. Entrance fee was ₱300 per person plus an environmental fee of ₱5. A student tour guide warmly welcomed us and led the tour, introducing us to the majestic Philippine Eagles, reptiles, monkeys, and other wildlife.

We saw Vigo, the famous eagle featured on the ₱1,000 bill, and learned about their conservation programs and how people can “adopt” an eagle by donating. We also saw the Burmese python, crocodiles, monkeys, and even a massive Lego-built Philippine Eagle frame — truly impressive. Before leaving, we bought souvenirs and fed the fish at the pond.

By 1:00 PM, we were already on our way back to the Davao International Airport for our flight home, hearts full of love and memories.

Final Thoughts

Our 3 days and 2 nights in Davao City was a meaningful mix of family reunion and local adventure. From the taste of fresh Puyat durian and flavorful Penong’s grill dishes to the heart-touching moments with my grandmama, every part of this trip reminded me of the beauty of family and the richness of Davao’s culture.

If you’re planning a family trip to Davao, include People’s Park, Davao Museum, Crocodile Park, and the Philippine Eagle Center on your itinerary. But above all, don’t forget to reconnect with your loved ones — because no journey is more memorable than the one that brings you closer to family.