Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to another update from our life here in the Philippines. Today, I’m taking you along for a much-needed break as we head to Cebu City for a little Dahl Family vacation. We decided to take a long weekend—four nights from Thursday to Monday—just to relax, do some shopping, and enjoy each other's company away from the usual routine.
The journey started with a bit of a rainy ride, but that actually made for a very peaceful trip. Liam was out like a light for most of the drive, which is always a "lucky" break for a dad on a long road trip! We finally arrived at the Mandarin Plaza Hotel, which is right in the heart of the city and just across the road from Ayala Mall. It’s a fantastic location, and at 2,700 pesos a night, including a full buffet breakfast, it felt like a really solid deal.
As soon as we walked into our room on the 20th floor, Liam was sold—he found the bathtub immediately! The room was spacious and comfortable, and I was even able to move the TV around just like I do at home. For our first night, we kept it simple and walked over to Ayala for some Mongolian food. It was delicious, and it really set the tone for a relaxing trip. We stocked the mini-fridge with some Sprite and snacks, although Jessa joked that she didn't need snacks because she has me!
The first full morning was all about that buffet breakfast. They have a massive spread that changes slightly every day, and we definitely made the most of it. After breakfast, the day was pretty low-key. Jessa had some errands and video editing to catch up on, so Liam and I had some "boys' time." We spent the morning splashing around in the hotel pool, followed by a good nap. Later, we met up with Jessa at the mall for some toy shopping and ice cream. Seeing Liam so happy and excited is really what these trips are all about.
The rest of our vacation followed a similar, wonderful pattern: good food, relaxing, and a little bit of "me time" for everyone. Jessa took some time for beauty appointments, like getting her eyelashes done, and I managed to pick up some new clothes. We even had a very special meeting at Bo’s Coffee with a new sponsor and his wife. We ended up chatting for a couple of hours; they are a lovely couple, and I’m really excited about a new project we’re working on.
We saved the best for last with our final dinner at the Puso Restaurant in the Quest Hotel. This place holds a very special spot in our hearts because it’s actually where Jessa and I first met! We stayed there for three weeks when we first got together, so going back for their 1,100-peso dinner buffet felt like a full-circle moment. The food selection was incredible, and the memories made it taste even better.
This trip wasn't about filming every single second or chasing "adventure"; it was about being present as a family. We ate well, relaxed a lot, and just enjoyed the city life for a few days. It was the perfect recharge before heading back home to the mountains.
Thanks for following along with our family's little getaway. If you're ever looking for a great place to stay in Cebu City with a perfect location, I definitely recommend checking out the Mandarin Plaza. Until the next one, bye-bye!
