We traveled to Zimbabwe with one mission – to see one of the Natural Wonders of the world – the Victoria Falls ?? Truly magical ?? It is halfway the Zambezi river and can be viewed from Zimbabwe or Zambia. They say the best side is Zimbabwe. You walk through a rainforest and this rainforest is the only rainforest in the world that gets rain 24/7.





This falls was once known as the “Smoke that thunders” until Livingston, the first European to discover the falls and named it after his Queen – Queen Victoria since they were under the British




There are 16 viewpoints to see Victoria Falls from the rainforest in the Zimbabwe side.
But for the month of June there are 10 good views since anything after 10 is already very misty and you cannot see the falls. Here are the first 10 views #victoriafalls #h2hsafari #a2asafaris#naturalwondersoftheworld
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We saw a rainbow on the side in the first viewpoint which is the edge of the falls. Rainbows are reminders on how blessed we are and that we have a God that created all the magical wonders of nature?? Truly amazing 
Starbucks, Teach for the Philippines improve students’ lives, one classroom at a time
For many Filipinos, education plays a vital role in improving the quality of life. Despite this, many children struggle with their studies as they find themselves in tightly-packed, poorly-ventilated classrooms with dilapidated tables and chairs.
The Department of Education (DepEd) estimates around 29 million students are attending classes this school year, an increase from the 27 million enrollees last year. As the student population continues to grow because of the K-12 program, the classroom shortage and inadequacy of school facilities has become an urgent issue that the country faces.
Among other factors, a school environment can affect a child’s learning. Comfort and safety are basic considerations for a conducive learning environment, while stimulating surroundings with colors and creativity is also said to improve attendance, concentration and motivation.
Teach for the Philippines (TFP), a non-profit organization that provides Filipino children with access to quality education by providing teacher support and development, has been helping address classroom shortage and inadequacy with the help of their Renovate to Educate (rED) program. This enables TFP to connect education champions with public schools who need help in classroom and facility rehabilitation.
“Helping improve their learning environment is just one of the ways in which we hope students will be excited to go to school and learn,” said Clarissa Delgado, TFP co-founder and CEO. “Quality education is what will propel our children to succeed in life; and it’s when we work with like-minded partners like Starbucks that we can make this possible.”
Starbucks Philippines, a TFP corporate partner, recently helped refurbish the facilities of Pateros National High School in Metro Manila and Col. E. De Leon Elementary School in Parañaque City. The volunteer Starbucks partners (employees) were tasked to rebuild classroom chairs and tables, repair classroom doors, repaint comfort rooms and even fabricate blackboards and book shelves.
“We recognize the importance of education in our country and we see an opportunity to support this through Teach for the Philippines,” said Noey Lopez, Starbucks Philippines president.
For the past four years, Starbucks Philippines has been supporting TFP through various initiatives, including the yearly Starbucks Planner promotion. Through their partnership, fourteen (14) public schools from Manila, Laguna, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro City have been renovated and rehabilitated, with the help of more than 800 Starbucks partners (employees).
“It has always been a passion of mine to help people especially those who are in need. Fortunately, Starbucks is able to connect us with our community through Teach for the Philippines and Renovate to Educate. Through each build activity, I feel that I have made a difference by creating a better environment for the future generation”, said Ana Mendoza, store manager, Starbucks Reserve 14 Jupiter.
Now, more and more Starbucks partners look forward to rED events as they deepen their commitment to help grow communities and improve lives.
Aside from rED events, Starbucks Philippines also supports TFP’s Fellowship Program wherein young leaders are enlisted as Teacher Fellows to teach in public schools for two years; as well as Flipped, a program wherein public school students are brought on educational trips.
With Renovate to Educate, Starbucks Philippines and Teach for the Philippines remind us that “education is everyone’s responsibility” and that we should all be doing our part in making a positive impact.
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About Starbucks Philippines
December 4, 1997, the Philippines had its first taste of the Starbucks Experience with its very first branch at the 6750 Ayala Building in Makati City. Starbucks has since won the hearts of the Filipinos. The opening of the 6750 Ayala store marked an important milestone in our history – the Philippines became the third market to open outside North America. The tradition of warm hospitality, constant need for connection, and love for coffee – these are the qualities that make Starbucks Coffee and the Filipino people a great culture fit.
To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.ph
About Teach for the Philippines
Teach for the Philippines is a for-purpose, non-stock, non-profit organization that works to provide all Filipino children with access to relevant and excellent education. We enlist some of the country’s most promising young leaders to teach for 2 years in public schools throughout the Philippines. Through training and experience from the classroom, Teach for the Philippines transforms them into leaders who will advocate for education equity.
About Renovate to Educate
Renovate to Educate facilitates renovation projects between public schools and private organizations. The results of our thorough assessment of a selected public school’s needs are matched to the corporate social responsibility expectations of the partner private organizations.
At Victoria Falls River Lodge – there is an option for a game drive or a boat ride. Upon arrival we chose the sunset river cruise 🙂
Sunset river cruise cocktails by @victoriafallsriverlodge along the Zambezi River which is the 4th longest river in Africa. Across the river is Zambia The river traverses 6 countries which includes Angola , Namibia , Botswana and Mozambique We saw crocodiles and hippos and several boats cruising – #victoriafallsriverlodge #zambeziriver#h2hsafari #a2asafaris
We had our own private boat 🙂 
With cocktails 🙂 Very important 🙂 

Beautiful sunset!!
While on the river cruise we passed by the newest lodge of @victoriafallsriverlodge – it’s @victoriafallsislandlodge They opened 3 years ago. I ?? living in different types of homes ? #victoriafallsriverlodge #h2haccomodations #h2hsafari #a2asafaris


My favourite boat 🙂 cruising the Zambesi river
Arrived at our next home in Africa – Victoria Falls Lodge @victoriafallsriverlodge in Zimbabwe. We took a boat to the lodge passing the Zambezi river#victoriafallsriverlodge #victoriafalls #h2hsafari #a2asafaris #h2haccomodations



Family Cottage
Another cottage



You can choose to shower indoor or outdoor – I choose outdoor during the day 🙂
Bar

Click below to go to their website
STARBUCKS X BAN.DO
The Starbucks X ban.do exclusive collection channels L.A. vibes just in time to add a fresh breeze to your mood, wardrobe and drinkware. The limited-edition merchandise will be available starting July 3 at participating Starbucks stores throughout the Philippines. The summer 2018 Starbucks X ban.do drinkware and accessories are pretty much what summerdreams are made of.
THE COLLECTION
Nothing depicts an L.A. attitude better than bright prints showcasing summer favorites – mouthwatering fruits and tropicalflowers. With these summer icons found on the 2018 Starbucks X ban.do drinkware and accessories, get ready to experience the
quintessential L.A. fun and relaxed summer scene.
Starbucks X ban.do Cooler Bag – Beat the summer heat with a watermelon cooler bag to help your treats beat the heat.Made of water-resistant matte leatherette with microfiber lining, this insulated cooler bag helps keep your beverages cold this summer season. Price: ?1,995
Starbucks X ban.do Icons Cold Cup (16 oz) – Sip your favorite cold beverages in this double walled cold cup with dainty floral prints and fun summer icons. The double wall construction helps keep cold beverages cold and eliminates condensation. Comes with a colorful reusable straw. Price: ?725 
Starbucks X ban.do Double-Walled Mug (12 oz) – Bright floral prints adorn this mug with a pink plastic lid. Completing this mug is a hand-painted gold rim. Price: ?1,295 
Starbucks X ban.do Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler (16 oz) – A double wall stainless steel travel tumbler with a fun fruit totem artwork and a leak proof flip lid. Perfect for cold and even hot beverages. Price: ?1,395
Your 2nd home in a safari is your jeep. And this jeep comes with very good guides who drive you. In Sasaab Samburu @thesafaricollection #safaribug they have a spotter. The spotters also assist in everything – bush breakfast etc.
Each jeep has many masai kikoi which you can wrap around yourself if its cold. It’s perfect so you don’t need to layer clothing. Just use the kikoi because it gets hot at around 11am.
The jeep comes with books and you can research and read about the animals you see. And ofcourse there’s a bush kit ? and sunblock and mosquito repellent #sasaabsamburu #samburu #h2hsafari






Check out today’s @philippinestarlifestyle @philippinestar and make sure you visit Cafe Casablanca at @rustansph Thank you for bringing the best of Moroccan cuisine to the Philippines #rustansph #h2hrustans #philippinestarlifestyle #h2hphilstar #morokrew ( Click below to go to the website)

Have an authentic Moroccan meal at Cafe Casablanca at the 5th flr of @rustansph makati! Chef Moha from Dar Moha in Marrakech. The restaurant is the former home (dar) of Pierre Balmain. His food is amazing!!! Come over and try it this whole month of August at Le Coeur du Maroc Tita Nedy was there too and she invited me to try the food with Ambassador and Mrs. Fassi from the Moroccan Embassy #rustansph#h2hrustans #morokrew
































Snack or tea time in the lodge every afternoon 🙂


On the last day, we had a different kind of tea time
Beautiful!!! A Kudu!!
We climbed a bit to get up
To this!! WOW!!! This is what I mean when you have the whole place to yourself!! The best sundowner ever!!!Sundown at the top of the rock?? Amazing!!! Sasaab has a private reserve so they are the only lodge in the West Gate. So being on top of the rock meant having the place all to ourselves! We hiked a bit – even my 70 year old parents did it – to get to the top. It was worth it!! A 360 degree view of the Samburu with freshly cooked delicious Kenyan sausage. Photo session galore ? because its super beautiful! So blessed ?? @thesafaricollection #safaribug #samburu #sasaabsamburu
Our guides as usual set up the kitchen 🙂 and cooked delicious African sausages!!
One of our best trips!! Truly one to remember!























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