The last time we are complete as a family was way back in 2007. That same year, around April, my sisters over seas (with my brother in law) went home for my brother's wedding. However, my mother passed away in October 2007. Hence, we can't be complete anymore.

As a family, we do travel as a form of bonding prior, or even after, my mother's death. Sadly, my father also passed away in 2011. Everytime our sisters go home from overseas, we do travel in different places but it stopped after 2016.

Our last travel bonding is memorable, and the most enjoyable one. We've been away for three days, and got to bond in different activities. Our destination has been the town of Bolinao, one of the towns in our province yet quite distant with around 2-3 hours of travel

River Cruise / Floating Restaurant

We left home around 9am, just in time for lunch as we arrived the town proper of Bolinao. A village nearby is the restaurant called "Sungayan Grill". My brother had it booked early along with the foods ordered for lunch.

Customers can opt for eating at the main restaurant or the floating hut which customers can enjoy the river cruise. It's an enjoyment of food and nature and the floating restaurant moves above the river's surface.

Initially, I thought it's unlikely to eat properly because of the possible movement of the hut as it floats. Surprisingly, the current at the river didn't affect our meal. Too bad I'm unable to capture the "before and after" of the table. You won't be surprised because of the delicious foods served.

There are so much greens at the sides of the river. It prevents erosion, and people nearby are protected. While we're cruising over the river, I closed my eyes and enjoyed the fresh air as I breath in.

The bridge from the picture above connects the western and eastern parts of Bolinao, as the sea can be seen just hundreds of meters from our location.

Done with the Balingasay river cruise, and we already finished our lunch. Sungayan Grill is located in Brgy. Balingasay. The name "sungayan" was derived from a fish with the same name being popular in the town. I haven't seen (and ate) that fish until we ate in the restaurant. By the way, if you happen to go there, don't be surprised if the locals nearby will collect parking fee. Just hand them how much you can give. Don't give in on their demands.

Staycation at Sundowners Vacation Villas

In Sundowners Vacation Villas, you can either rent room or an entire villa. My brother booked a villa for the entire family. It has three rooms but me, my two brothers, and my cousin slept at the living room.

Sundowners Vacation Villas is Santorini-theme comparable to Thunderbird Resort of San Fernando, La Union and Vitalis Villas of Santiago, Ilocos Sur. That time some parts are still under development, and at this time, more villas are available for accommodation.

During our stay in the resort, all we did is swimming. We have the option to go down the beach because there are stairs from the resort that will lead you there, but we decided to swim in the pool, which is at the edge of the hill.

My brother booked the most expensive villa because of the view around the resort. The villa is located at the top of the hill.

A great place to relax and view the sunset. But it's too cloudy to see the sun, and drizzling in the afternoon until the evening.

The living room looks so neat. This is where we slept for two nights, and never have I felt any discomfort.

The kitchen looks neat as well, but we expected a better stove (could've been gas range, 😆).

We stayed in the resort for two days, and it's the best staycation we had as a family. Sundowners Vacation Villas is located at Luciente 1, Bolinao, Pangasinan which isn't too far from the town proper.

Bolinao town has several beautiful destinations to visit including the Bolinao Falls 1, 2, and 3. Patar Beach, Enchanted Cave, and Cape Bolinao Lighthouse are worth visiting though it's quite far from the town proper.

Port in Hundred Islands

It's actually unplanned because we're just supposed to visit our aunt in Alaminos City. My brother decided to drive through the route of Hundred Islands which is around 1 kilometer from my aunt's house. We're still tired at that time so we didn't go for island hopping. We enjoyed the fresh air and the views though. At that time, the baywalk is yet to be constructed.

Hundred Islands is located in Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan.

Since the family trip in this post was the most recent one, I'm looking forward for the next one when my sisters go back home. It's unlikely this time as the pandemic continues. I would be very happy as I am now with the love of my life. 💕