Trip to Marian Orchard: A Serene Place for Refection

If you're searching for a place to reflect at this coming holy week, then check this place called The Marian Orchard. You can also make this one of your stops if you'll be doing Visita Iglesia near Brgy. Malabanan, Balete, Batangas.

Solemn, peaceful, beautiful - just some of the few words that can describe this place. Located near the Taal Lake, nature lovers will surely enjoy this as plenty of greens can be seen, the wind blowing at your face is fresh and clean; flowers bloom in different colors.

For those who will be venturing this Holy Week, be informed that many flock here also. The entrance is just P20 for a great place. There is a small store/eatery near the entrance if you get hungry. 

Upon entering the gate, you will be greeted with the picturesque view just like the picture above. On its side is a small chapel that can accommodate around 50 persons based on my estimate. Holy Mass is scheduled weekly at 4:30 in the afternoon and during holy occasions.

At the foot of the stairs near the chapel is a stairway to the Stations of the Cross, although you can also see small stations on the way. The path is not that visible so you would want to wander a bit and explore. Here are some views we saw during the walk:

Here's a 'Ruin' from an unfinished building found its way to blend with nature.

The start of the trail seems confusing. But trekking in this small hill is fulfilling and fun as well.

The path of the stations is not that easy, literally. You may want to leave your high heels, bring umbrella, and a bottle of water.

There are also cages with playful monkeys and birds inside it. Make sure to remind the kids not to hurt them. After the stations, you can go to the garden of saints with a few more climb. Here's an interesting signage I saw on my way:

Sa mga mag "syota" - bawal dito maglambingan. Pumunta sa chapel at magdasal, umiwas sa tukso.

Meeting of Angels

In the garden you can find more sacred statues and kids happily playing.

Don't forget to climb the tower to see a breathtaking view of the whole Marian Orchard and of course the famous Taal Lake. You can see the beautiful sunset here and take selfies with a scenic background. There are also displays and statues as you go further in the garden.

The garden is just a few minutes drive from the highway of Lipa city. We went here easily with the use of Google Maps. But be sharp in searching for it because the signage is small and you may miss it.

Take Advantage On Your Android's Location-Based Reminder

Forgot to buy something at the mall? Or do a homework as soon as you arrive at home? Then take a look on what Location-based reminders can do to help you remember those tasks you have to do.

Google Keep

First of all, let me present you the app in spotlight -- Google Keep. This is an app that many android users sporadically use, or still, nonexistent in their app drawers. Basically, it allows users to take notes, checklists, photos, and remind you to do your tasks on the right time or at the right place. Pretty helpful, right? And it syncs perfectly across your devices using your Google account. It's not too late to take advantage of this powerful tool, here's a link of Google Keep on Google Play.

Location-Based & Time-Based Reminder

I'm certain you are already familiar with time-based reminders as it was present in the early waves of mobile phones up to now wherein you just set the alarm time, edit the label, and wait until it rings. In the progress of technology, location tracking paved way for location-based reminders. With this feature, you can now be reminded to pay bills as you arrive at the mall, feed your pet upon going home, buy things as you pass by the grocery store, etc. The notification comes in when you reach the location you entered in the app. Neat, but creating a location-based reminder is not that straightforward and some might have not noticed this feature does exists.

Creating Location-Based Reminder on Google Keep

First of all, you should have Google Keep installed on your smartphone. Launch the app and feel free to explore the simple yet smart UI. Let me help you dig into the app.

1 Click to add a simple note with title, description and reminder settings

2 Shortcut for adding a list, (or checklist), useful for buying grocery items

3 On a rush? Just speak and let Keep transcribe it

4 An image would make you feel remember better, aside from the aesthetics. This will let you take a picture or choose from the phone gallery and add a note with it

Aside from that, you can share your notes to family and friends with Google account. Furthermore, you can view and edit them across all your devices: laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.

Creating a Location-Based Reminder

1. Open the app, and make a note. It can be a list, picture, simple note...
2. After creating one, click Remind Me.
3. The default setting is a Time reminder, so, click the clock icon to see the other option.
4. Upon clicking the clock icon you will see something like the image below. 
5. Select Location reminder. Type in the location you want to be reminded at and select based on the search results given.
6. Click back and it's done. 

Take note that you have to turn on Location access on your settings for this to work. Battery saving option will work as long as you turn the WiFi or data on (based from experience). The only concern I can see for now is that you have to enter a valid place and choose one from the suggestions that will be given. However, plenty of places are already listed (such as malls, schools, some streets and subdivisions). If you see that place on Google Maps, then it may also be available on Keep. 

Google Keep is a good tool for our everyday routines. Location reminder is a cool feature that can save us time and effort when used effectively. It's really download-worthy at the moment and we look forward to more updates in the future.