My First Vlog and A Beach Trip with my Dogs
Life isn’t about rushing from one task to the next. It’s about giving yourself the grace to slow down and notice the little things that make each day meaningful. The calm in between challenges, a quiet moment with your thoughts, or even the laughter shared with loved ones—all of these matter. It’s about slowing down enough to truly experience the present moment. It’s about finding balance—between work and rest, effort and ease. Remember, you deserve to pause, breathe, and celebrate the small wins along the way. Even the simplest acts of rest and reflection can recharge your spirit and keep you moving forward with clarity. Reward yourself, not just for the big milestones, but for showing up every day. Balance is the key to joy, and joy is the true reward
Hey guys, I’m Lemon! This is my first vlog of the year and I’m super excited to share my adventures — from being a proud fur dad to my life as a creative designer.
Quick intro! My full name’s Fleener Lemon, but just call me Lemon — it’s catchy and easy to remember. Right? I was born and raised in Manila. I work full-time as a design engineer, and on the side, I do creative consultancy. I’ve worked with startups and big companies, both local and international, providing them with impactful branding, websites, UI/UX designs, and marketing materials. Maybe in a future vlog, I’ll give you a sneak peek of my works and share my creative process.
Outside of work, I love traveling, trying new food, exploring cities, catching up with friends, and spending beach days with my dogs. Speaking of dogs, let me introduce my crazy crew: Milo, my 5-year-old Shih Tzu–Jack Russell mix, is the eldest, the tiniest, and the most protective. Then there’s Forest, my gentle giant Golden Retriever who’s 2 years old—the biggest of the bunch and completely obsessed with playing ball. He’s also the clingiest dog ever; he follows me everywhere… yes, even to the bathroom. And finally, Ulap, also a 2-year-old Siberian husky, is the troublemaker of the group—full of drama, chaos, and energy—but also super affectionate and, if I’m being honest, the most handsome of them all. They’re my three stress relievers, my home buddies and my boys.
The Preparation
It’s been a while since our last dog beach trip in Batangas back in April, so we decided to plan another one — not just for us humans, but for them too. Time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beach!
We packed all the dog travel essentials such as dog food, leashes, poop bags, diapers, toys and of course, treats. For myself, I packed clothes, keys, wallet, hygiene kits, slippers and gadgets.
The Trip to Batangas
We left Manila on Thursday morning to avoid the rush of people going on their trip on Friday and over the weekend. As expected, there was no traffic.
After 1 hour and half of driving, we stopped over to have lunch at Lipa Grille, a pet friendly restaurant in Lipa, Batangas. They have a nice nipa hut alfresco area, perfect for fur babies to rest before another long drive.
We ordered several dishes from their menu: kare-kare, chopsuey, pasta, and more. The food was great! Rating it 4 out of 5 – The overall experience was great! Then we continue our drive through the beautiful province of Batangas. The dogs loved sitting by the window, breathing in the fresh air.
Arriving at Acuaverde
As we entered the resort, the staff greeted us warmly and even gave the dogs welcome loot bags. The place is lush and green, with a cozy, nature-filled vibe. The villas are a blend of local charm and modern beach house style. And in just a few steps, you’re already at the beachfront.
Exploring the Resort
The resort has amenities not only for humans but for dogs too. They have a play area and grooming station for pets. The beach is pet-friendly, and they even lend out life vests for dogs who can’t swim, like Ulap (who hates water), unlike Forest, who loves swimming, and Milo, who enjoys rolling in the sand.
The boys had a blast playing and swimming at the beach - except Ulap 😅. Forest enjoyed it the most; the moment he saw the water, he pulled me toward the shore. That priceless smile when he was in the water was the best reward for me.
One challenge we usually face when going to the beach is drying the dogs, but Acuaverde has a dedicated wash and grooming area for pets, complete with a bathtub, drying table, vacuum, and grooming tools. It felt like being a pro groomer! This was definitely one of my favorite amenities. After grooming, it was time to rest and play in our room.
Food
The food at Acuaverde was delicious. Our package included buffet breakfast and dinner, and for lunch, we dined at their restaurant. Everything we ordered was tasty and appetizing. The food is 4 out of 5 for me.
Thoughts
Our short 2-day trip to Acuaverde was more than just a getaway—it was a reminder of balance. We got to slow down, breathe, and escape the busy city, while the dogs enjoyed splashing, swimming, and playing in the water. It felt good to reward ourselves with rest, laughter, and simple joys. Because balancing life means not only working hard, but also creating moments that fill the heart. This trip was definitely one for the books, and a beautiful reminder to keep rewarding ourselves along the way.
