We may be travelers at heart but we are also homebodies. Since March 14, 2020, we have stayed pretty much at home and just roam around the house and our little garden because of Covid-19. That is one of the reason why I became serious with my gardening—to add more plants and make our home cozier. But the moles on our feet itch a bit some times, so we were thankful that we were loaned the Ford Ranger Raptor. We took it to some scenic spots in Negros Occidental. Here are some of our photos.
Taking the Family Out in the Ford Ranger Raptor
Hubby was so stoked to get behind the wheel of the Ford Ranger Raptor. When he went with the Ford Media Test Drive last year, he told me that he was only able to drive the Performance Blue Raptor for a few kilometers. But he wanted to spend more time in it because he found it really spectacular.
And so he was so happy to get behind the wheel of the Raptor for three days.
Due to Covid-19, the places that we could visit in Negros Occidental were very limited. Since we are from Bacolod City, only a few cities and municipalities allowed us entry. We were turned down at several checkpoints, even if we said that we were only there for a photo shoot.
So we have to abide by the laws since we are already living in the new normal.
Instead of wallowing in what-could-have-been, we focused on making the most of what we had at the moment. And so we ventured from the mountains to the seas of Negros Occidental with the Ford Ranger Raptor.
Majestic Mt. Kanla-on
The beautiful wonder of nature that is Mt. Kanla-on is surrounded by the North Negros National Park. With the lush greenery surrounding it, you cannot help but marvel at the wonder of God’s creation. This tall, active peak is breathtaking on its peaceful and calm days.
But when it gets angry, it spews lava and sprays volcanic ash all around the province. It has a scary might that will also make you reflect back on how big God is.
Both our children have read about the legend of Mt. Kanla-on, so it was an awesome opportunity for them to see it up close.
We also discussed that story as well as other Philippine legends and folk tales while we were on the road. That’s another learning opportunity for them. As we are a homeschooling family, we get creative about teaching our kids and we do not limit their learning.
Fishing at MCC Seafood Restaurant
One of the most memorable moments that we had during this trip was fishing for tilapia in a pond at MCC Seafood Restaurant in Silay City.
The kids enjoyed fishing out the big tilapia from the pond using earthworms as bait. Then we opted to have the fish fried as well as grilled for our lunch.
Since the threat of Covid-19 is still around us, we let the kids wear face masks and practice social distancing from the other people who also went fishing. We were at least 1 meter apart from the next person. Although this is an outdoor activity, it is still better to be safe.
We also ordered other seafood dishes at the restaurant and had a late lunch in one of their cottages by the tilapia breeder pond.
- Related: Seafood Rice Recipe: A Complete Meal
It was an awesome experience for the kids, as they sampled different seafood dishes. While Achi Shawna’s palate has expanded, Shane still has food limitations. So I was glad that she ate well during our lunch. We were surprised that she especially liked squid.
You may just go fishing at MCC Seafood Restaurant and pay for your catch of the day. Or you may ask them to cook and you dine there.
FB Page: MCCSeafoodRestaurant
Kikai Beach Resort, Silay City
While the kids miss swimming so much, we don’t really have much choice on the matter. Moreover, most beach resorts in Negros Occidental were closed during our road trip.
Related: Preparing Your Kids for Summer Swimming Lessons
The only place near the beach that we had access to was the Kikai Beach Resort in Silay City. Shane was already happy to play on the sand. Though it wasn’t really a feasible place to play, we just allowed her because this kid missed playing with sand so much.
Meanwhile, I just watched the waves rolling to and fro while inhaling the sea breeze. It’s good for the lungs.
At home, we just simulated the salted sea air with the Himalayan salt lamp in our bedroom.
- In another light, here are some tips to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Over the Mountains and the Seas
Seeing the beauty of God’s magnificent creations up close once again just made my heart flutter in worship. Traveling, even just a road trip, can do that to me.
Covid-19 is changing us from the inside and we begin to appreciate the little things that we used to take for granted.
When things seem so tough in front of us, let’s look up to God and let our faith rise.
- Related: Praying for Kids to Tell the Truth
May these verses from Psalm encourage us all:
“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.”
Psalm 95:1-15
Listen: I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever
Here’s a version of the song, I Could Sing of Your Love Forever. God bless us all and see us through Covid-19.
Ford Negros
Interested to buy or test drive a Ford Ranger Raptor? Visit or call the Ford Negros Dealership.
Ford Negros Dealership
Contact person: Trecia Javier, Branch Manager
Contact No.: 0917 351 9127
Address: Talisay Highway, Negros Occidental
Budget-Friendly Recipes
Meanwhile, here are some family budget-friendly recipes that you can prepare for your family. This pandemic has forced us to become more creative in the kitchen, so I included some novel ways of incorporating sardines into your meals.
- Do you like pancit canton? Try to Make a Pinoy Budget Meal with Payless Instant Pancit Canton and Chicharron ni Mang Juan.
- Make this appetizing salad using the common weed called Pansit-pansitan. Check out my Sardine and Salted Egg Salad Recipe for a Budget Meal.
- Is there a birthday party coming? Instead of the usual birthday spaghetti, try this: Sardine Spaghetti Aglio Olio Recipe: 50-Peso Dish During Family Quarantine
- Here is a yummy meal in one: Sardine Java Rice: A Filipino Family Meal Below P50
I’m sure kahit di na bumaba si hubby mo sa Ranger Raptor during the whole trip, okay lang sa kanya. 😅🤣
Hahaha true. He loves the feel of the Raptor. I am more inclined towards the Wildtrak, though. haha
Wow sarap ng family bonding na yan mommy.. at mukhang tuwang tuwa si daddy sa dala nya pong sasakyan
Yeah sis, the Ford Raptor is really nice. Too big lang for our garage.