A Fun Day At Nuvali

Last March 4, we had one of those spontaneous family days that turn into unforgettable memories. My mom’s close friend, Tita Tess, invited us to visit their rest house in Tagaytay and “house hunt” along the way. Although it was a rainy afternoon and I wasn’t feeling my best, I decided to go with my three kids since Anthony was away on a provincial audit.

Ayji Landen, as usual, was brimming with excitement, complete with his ever-loyal puppy bag in tow.

Thankfully, my anxiety didn’t act up that day. I have a real phobia of riding in fast cars, so I was relieved when Mom reminded Manong Jay (or was it Jim?) to take it slow. Smooth driving saved my nerves and kept the ride enjoyable.

Our first stop was the Nuvali multifunctional lake in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. We arrived around 5 PM, but the rain and early darkness limited our exploration and I realized I forgot my kids’ jackets!

What instantly captured my heart was the refreshing, fragrant air and lush greenery everywhere. Nuvali felt like a clean, green sanctuary, perfect for my daughter, whose asthma makes air quality a priority.

Our first activity? Feeding the fishes! At only 15 pesos per pack, it was a small investment for big fun. As I tossed the feed into the water, I noticed something fascinating.

Ayen, my curious little one, asked, “Where are they going, Mommy?” and decided to follow the fishes. At first glance, they looked like ordinary golden fish but they were actually KOI, the colorful Japanese carp. Watching them feed is oddly hypnotizing. Each fish has a distinct personality, and some Feng Shui experts even consider them lucky. Ayji couldn’t resist tossing his whole bag of feed, sending the KOI into a feeding frenzy!

After that, we went for a boat ride, a surprisingly peaceful moment in our otherwise busy day. Even my kids were hooked.

I found myself completely relaxed, almost meditating while drifting on the calm waters. This serene corner of Nuvali is perfect for anyone looking to slow down and soak in nature.

As evening approached, hunger struck. Tita Tess suggested we dine at Domo Tomo, a cozy Korean restaurant she frequents. The ambiance was calm and perfect for a family dinner.

We ordered a variety of dishes:

Mabo Tofu for Gabby, Tita’s goddaughter.

Yakisoba for a taste of classic Japanese flavors.

Gyudon-Tempura Bento for me, Tempura is my favorite indulgence, and thankfully, antihistamines were on standby just in case!

The meal was delicious, relaxing, and the perfect ending to our lakeside adventure.

Before heading home and while waiting for Gabby’s mom at Serendra, we stopped by Fullybooked. Child-friendly bookstores like this make it easy to let kids explore without stress, and my kids had a blast browsing books while I sipped coffee.

All in all, it was a perfect family outing filled with laughter, nature, and good food. Next time, Anthony will definitely join us. Nuvali has a magical way of making even a rainy day feel like an adventure.