Carmina Villarroel and her family’s recent trip to Osaka, Japan during the Lenten season was a fulfillment of Carmina’s childhood dreams.

“Dream ko talagang makakita ng cherry blossoms since I was a child… Kasi wala tayong ganyan. Parang natutuwa lang ako, kasi ‘yong cherry blossom sa atin, naamoy mo lang sa perfume, sa cologne. Gusto ko lang mapuntahan talaga,” says the actress and TV host.

This month, Carmina talks to YES! and shares exclusive photos of her dream vacation.

The family visited Kema Sakuranomiya Park, a cherry blossom-viewing spot in Osaka famous for its abundant cherry trees.

“Pag gabi, maganda din ‘yong mga cherry blossoms, kasi iniilawan nila, parang Christmas lights. Ang ganda!”

Aside from the white blossoms, Carmina also took twins Mavy and Cassy to Universal Studios theme park.

While their kids enjoyed the rides, Carmina and Zoren confess that they are not fans of roller coasters and thrill rides.

Carmina even shares one unforgettable experience when she tried The Adventures of Spider-man 3-D simulation ride.

“No’ng time na nasa Singapore kami, wala pa no’n. Kaya sabi ko, kahit ano pa 'yan, sakay ako. Hindi ko naman alam na paikot-ikot pala ‘yon! Diyos ko!”

She adds, “Napansin ko sa mga Hapon, hindi sila tumitili! Nakakaloka! Imaginin mo nga, ando’n ako sa Spider-man, panay siya akyat-baba-paikot-ikoy, ako lang ang sumisigaw -- ako lang!”

The family also took the public transportation train; shopped in Shinsaibashi-suji Street, the longest street of retail stores in Japan; and tried authentic Japanese food.

Every year, it has been a tradition for the family to take a vacation.

As early as now, Carmina is already planning their next trip.

She tells YES! that Australia would probably be their next travel destination.

“Wini-wish namin, sana Australia. Dream ko din ‘yon ever since. Sila din, excited dahil do’n sa Australia Open, dahil ‘yong mag-ama ko, nagte-tennis.”

Carmina also gives travel tips and even shares interesting facts about their twins! Get to know more about the family with over 60 photos documenting their trip abroad.

The June issue of YES! also features Annabelle Rama’s resort-inspired residence in White Plains, Quezon City and the celebrity homes of DJs Chico Garcia and Delamar Arias, hosts of the widely-popular radio show The Morning Rush with Chico & Delamar on Monster Radio RX 93.1.

Plus, Katrina Halili and Kris Lawrence open up about their love story and their excitement over her pregnancy.

YES! is available in all newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide for only P100.