Hello friends, as promised, I will share to you my recent solo journey to the Treehouse in Medellin, Cebu. So come along with me as I tell you my experience. Let’s go!!
June 30, 2024. One Sunday afternoon, I ticked off one place listed in my bucket list, the Treehouse by Manna Grill in Antipolo, Medellin.
I discovered this gem online specifically Instagram way back 2020 during the height of pandemic. It caught my interest because of the following reasons: 1. The nature – as it is a treehouse, the view is overlooking the mountain. I am a sucker for nature. 2. The sunset - I am an Opacarophile - a woman who loves sunset. Not just sunset but also sunrise or whenever the sky changes its colors. It excites me. 3. It’s a café – I love coffee and sweets. Need I say more?
I have been meaning to visit the treehouse however, it’s too far from my hometown and I don’t have the means of transportation at that time. Fast forward to 2024. You know this feeling when you own a motorcycle, you have this strong urge to do long rides and visit places. That is where I created a bucket list of places and cafes I wanted to visit within North and South Cebu and Treehouse by Manna Grill is definitely one of them.
So I decided to visit the treehouse alone (again) on June 30 which is the end of the month. This will serve as my month-ender escapade, a celebratory getaway in finishing my June strong. June has been very cruel to me and it was one hell of a ride and I strongly believe I deserve this. After taking my lunch, I prepared all the essentials needed for my travel such as my phone (of course), powerbank, earpods, wallet, raincoat in case it would rain during my ride. I was glad that the weather was on my side on that day. My ride to Antipolo, Medellin was smooth and a success. But prior to going there, I studied the road first via google map because I’m telling you, I am bad with directions. Oh! The irony! I love to travel especially solo travel yet I’m bad at directions even google maps sometimes confuse me. (Hahahaha)
Just about 30 minutes to an hour ride from my hometown, I finally arrived at the treehouse. I could not contain my happiness the moment I saw the sign of the Treehouse and the proud feeling I had knowing that I reached the café.
The sign - right side of the road going to Antipolo, Medellin from Bogo City.
This is their entrance and the parking area.
I then parked my motor and went straight to the cafe. At that time, it was only me and two customers so it was not crowded, enough to have my solitude moments. Just when I entered the café, it started to drizzle. However, the staffs greeted me with a smile and happily welcomed and accommodated me. They gave me an umbrella because I wanted to sit at the top corner of the treehouse so that I could see and enjoy the view. One of the staffs said that the spot (top corner) is more beautiful during sunset which even delights me. I could not wait for it to experience.
This is the top most corner of the Treehouse.
I ordered a platter of sour cream fries, a blueberry cheesecake and a French vanilla. While waiting for my order, I was appreciating the view that surrounds me. Since I am at the top corner of the treehouse, I have the overlooking view of the mountains and the neighboring island. The rain stopped and the sunshine returned. I could not stop taking pictures and I must say that the photos are an underestimate of the beauty it possesses in person. The calm sea, the rays of the sun, the luscious green leaves of the trees and the serene surrounding brought me inner peace and joy. Indeed, How Lovely is your Dwelling Place Oh, Lord!.
It felt like heaven is within reach.
I should have brought a journal and a pen (very old school right?) with me and write down to express my feelings and ideas- maybe on my next visit. Oh! Another fact about me is that I prefer notebook and pen than a laptop when it comes to writing. I could express myself more in writing through the pages of the notebook. Anyway, going back, so instead, I watched Rush Hour 3 starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker on my phone. It was a comedy action movie and I had a good laugh. Minutes later, my order arrived.
And my food.😋
The platter of fries was good for the health – kidding aside. It was good for 2-3 persons but since I’m all by myself, it’s only good for me. The blueberry cheesecake and the French vanilla look mouthwatering. I immediately took a sip of the coffee because I got thirsty but to my dismay, it tasted like my homemade coffee. I was expecting for a creamy and sweet French vanilla just like what I had in different cafés but nonetheless, it is still good for its price. By the way, their prices on their menu are very affordable. The platter of fries only costs 99PHP and you can choose barbecue, cheese and sour cream flavor. Their coffees range from 79 to 180 PHP while their cheesecake is around 150PHP to 180 PHP. I was not able to take a picture of their menu. This shall be a reminder for me on my next travels.
A proof that I am happy and enjoying. Photo credits to the staff for taking this picture.
I was munching the fries while watching the movie laughing. Chris and Jackie is a good pair in the movie and did not fail in making me laugh. I stayed there until the sun sets which is one of the main reasons for visiting.
Hours later, I finished the movie and it was so timely that the sun began to slowly set. I just sat there and enjoyed each moment while listening to the café’s music. Their playlist was perfect for the view – Boyce Avenue’s songs. I enjoyed being in solitude. I enjoyed being in my own company. The joy it brings me when the sky turned to orange from blue. The scenery made me forget my problems for a little while. The sunset indeed healed me. I am at loss for words appreciating the beauty in front of me.
This is my view - the sunset. 😍
And of course, a photo opportunity with the sunset for memories. 📷
And another one. Look how happy I am!!! 😃
With this, I am reminded that ending and goodbyes could still be beautiful. Goodbyes don’t mean the end but instead a blessing. It means that you are getting closer to what you have been praying for. It is His divine protection and redirection. Always remember that when one closes, another will open. When someone leaves, someone else is about to arrive. Hence, embrace endings and goodbyes despite its pain and remain optimistic.
And the sun had set.
Another day had ended thus, tomorrow is another day.
A new beginning.
A fresh start.
After that, I decided to go home, refreshed and the smile did not leave on my face.
And that's the Sunset in Treehouse.
Hope you enjoyed reading this blog.
With so much love - XOXO,
Bev 😘
