CAGBALETE 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT ITINERARY JUNE 9-11, 2018

It was a calculated risk. June 12, 2018 was a holiday, a Tuesday at that. I immediately filed for a paid Leave of Absence for that Monday June 11, 2018 and it was approved. My thoughts turned quickly to an island off Mauban, Quezon. Cagbalete Island, with its famous sandbar, calm then wild waters and the oft-spoken of serenity that can be found on this island.

So here are a few of the pics taken during our trip there and here’s hoping you can appreciate the island even more.

So this is the view from our accommodations (MVT Sto. Nino). This part of Cagbalete Island is the most peaceful and tranquil (save for those karaoke music from quite the distance but you can hear them hahaha). When its low tide, the waters recede for miles on end.

When I’m lazing around the shore, this is what I see. This was taken @dawn.

Lying here alone, I’m dreaming, my mind keeps wan’drin’.

Off we go to Yang In sandbar. What’s really puzzling is the water’s real calm at this side of the island but on the way to the sandbar it was crazy rough.

The sandbar is about more than 500 meters fr the main shore and its real cool to experience it.

The sandbar is very popular, as you can see.

You can walk a hundred feet more and the water will still be knee high.

It’s like a salt bed because the sand is hard.

When we were there, a pool formed inside a pool.

You literally would have to carry a boat to deeper waters.

That hut right there was selling sodas and pansit bato (which was delish).

And we arrived at…what planet is this? Oh it’s Bonsai Island, visible only during low tide.

It was fantastic just seeing and being on it.

So there you have it.

A word of advice to those who wanna do DIY to Cagbalete Island: provisions there are very limited. Buy food that you can cook in Mauban, and pay your resort for cooking utensils / LPG / grill, etc. They charge very minimal for it. As usual, below is an actual itinerary with expenses incurred for two (2) people.

Hope this helps ‘ya’ll 🙂

DAY 1 JUNE 9, 2018 SATURDAY	EXPENSE
Taxi to JAC Liner Cubao	150.00
DEPART for LUCENA via JAC Liner	454.00
Arrive @ Lucena Grand Central
Van to MAUBAN	150.00
ARRIVE @MAUBAN
Buy Food @Public Market	978.00
Breakfast	200.00
Tricy to Port	100.00
Environment Fee	100.00
Public boat to Cagbalete	150.00
Check – in @MVT Sto. Nino	2,200.00
Habal-Habal to resort	160.00
Lunch (Paluto)	200.00
Swimming
Dinner (Paluto)	200.00
DAY 2 JUNE 10, 2018 SUNDAY
Breakfast (Paluto)	200.00
Yang-in Sandbar	1,500.00
Bonsai Island
Lunch (Paluto)	150.00
Dinner (Paluto)	200.00
DAY 3 JUNE 11, 2018 MONDAY
Public Boat to Mauban	150.00
Breakfast @Renato’s	200.00
-Museo ng Mauban	50.00
Lunch	500.00
Van to Lucena Grand Terminal	100.00
Bus to Cubao	454.00
Taxi to San Juan	150.00
GRAND TOTAL	8,696.00

Be kind to one another. Always.

EL NIDO, PALAWAN SHORT BUT SWEET FEBRUARY 16-19, 2023 4DAYS 3NIGHTS DIY

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Augustine

The quote urges us to just get up, pack our bags, travel and see the outside world rather than just being here in our neck of the woods.

Maybe so, but there are still so many beautiful places here in our country that the outside world will have to wait a while before I can get my fill.

There are still a lot of places I want to go see for myself.

EL NIDO

El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan island, famously known for white-sand beaches, glass-like waters, lagoons, coral reefs teeming marine life, and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands with steep karst cliffs.

El Nido’s “poblacion” or town proper, is composed of four barangays namely Brgy Buena Suerte, Brgy Corong-Corong, Brgy Maligaya, and Brgy Masagana.

To be exact about it, El Nido is nestled facing Bacuit Bay.

El Nido has been called, not once but many times, the best island destination in the world.

We just had to experience this for ourselves, even if it was just a while back that we were in Coron.

FINDING A PLACE TO HEAL

But more than just wanting to experience El Nido, my mind and heart needed to find comfort from a heavy cloud of grief and heartbreak brought about by news from Canada, about the passing away of my Tita Alma, my Mom’s sister, from a lingering illness.

Like my other titas, I love my Tita Alma, whose generosity of spirit and soul towards her children, nephews and nieces, grandsons and grand daughters, will be most missed.

HOW WE GOT TO EL NIDO

AIRSWIFT is the only airline we know of that has direct flights to El Nido from Manila, so we immediately booked tickets with them online.

The other airlines like Cebu Pacific and others land only in Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan, and you’d need to endure a close to five (5) hours land travel by bus from there to El Nido.

Our morning flight landed in El Nido Airport or commonly known as Lio Airport.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN EL NIDO

Definitely, El Nido has a lot in common with Coron when it comes to mobility.

You can rent a motorcycle or van.

There are also tricycles designed with “car” bumpers complete with emblems (fare is P50 per person) and zip around the barangays of El Nido Town Proper, where restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, dive shops, and bars abound, mostly along Hama St and Abdullah St., in Brgy Masagana /Buena Suerte and from those streets, it’s strictly a walking zone.

These places of “happenings” can be found a stone’s throw away from each other in these baranggays.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN IN EL NIDO

DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER. Buy bottled water and have this with you at all times. When ordering drinks with ice, ALWAYS ask if the ice is made out of purified water.
CREDIT CARDS are accepted only in major establishments.
CASH is KING in not-so-major-establishments like most small convenience stores, budget accommodations, food stalls, etc.
There are a lot of ATMs in El Nido.
BRING A SMALL AMOUNT of CASH during ISLAND – HOPPING TRIPS. You will need to rent a kayak or small boat to get to where you’re going.
THERE IS AN ORDINANCE BANNING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS.
LEAVE TIPS if you can afford it. Its a way of helping the locals out.
DO NOT LEAVE TRASH, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS. One thing you’ll notice when you roam the streets of El Nido, THEY.ARE.ALL.CLEAN!!! Help keep it that way.
BRING SUNBLOCK.

WHERE WE STAYED IN EL NIDO

After staying in a somewhat luxurious hotel in Coron, we thought it best to come down to earth and stay in a rustic, nondescript, safe, and clean place.

We chose Rico’s Beach Cottages located in M. Quezon St. cor. Hama St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, well, because of this view of BACUIT BAY:

*I wouldn’t mind waking up to this view*

DAY 1 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 THURSDAY

We’ve made arrangements in advance with El Nido tour coordinator Martin Burwell, a local who has been organizing tours for the past 30 years.

We agreed to a beach combing tour, and first stop was:

NACPAN BEACH

***I want to believe that heaven is like this…***

Late Breakfast @ the famous MAD MONKEY BAR

CHILLING ALONG THE SHORES OF NACPAN BEACH

I can only think of one word to describe Nacpan Beach:

MAGICAL !

The way the sand meets the sea kind of reminds me of the beaches of Pagudpod.

Nacpan is serene and solitary, given to just the sounds of the waves and wind, and the permeating quiet all around has a calming effect yet makes the soul come alive!!!

Our next stop: LIO BEACH

Lio Beach is located inside an Ayala Land development called the LIO TOURISM ESTATE.

And it is really nice and very picturesque here, so those of you who love to post on IG, this place is a must!

***Like Nacpan Beach, it is very peaceful here @Lio Beach***

There are a lot of very artsy RESTAURANTS @LIO BEACH

We had our lunch here at GLOBY TRAVELLING CHEF

Next stop: LAS CABANAS BEACH

Just walk to the end of a mall, and this is what greets you:

We shunned the Nagkalitkalit /Bulalacao waterfalls because we spent close to 3 1/2 hours at Nacpan Beach, and by this time it was already close to 3:00pm, so we headed to our accommodations to settle-in and rest up.

After freshening up a bit, we walked the streets of El Nido, Hama St. to be specific, and like Coron, foreign tourists seemed to outnumber local tourists at this time, be it on the beach or on the streets.

Don’t let this picture of a seemingly empty street fool you. The tourists, Americans, Portuguese, Italians, Spaniards, French, German, Indians, Pakistanis, South Americans and other nationalities are all inside the many roadside establishments.

We decided to comb the beach of Bacuit Bay during sunset:

We ended up having our dinner here at SAVA Beach Bar

The capsized yacht is a remnant of Typhoon Ursula. The owner never bothered to retrieve it, so it became some sort of attraction (?).

Our go-to drinks

We ordered RAGATONI and BEEF BURGER. Deliciously good!

At night, the streets of El Nido comes alive!

Had a bit of dessert @GUSTO

Called it a night by 9:30pm.

DAY 2 FEBRUARY 17, 2023 FRIDAY ISLAND-HOPPING

SUNRISE @BACUIT BAY

COFFEE FIX @HUB KITCHEN BAR COFFEE located in FRENDZ HOSTEL

EL NIDO “daungan”

1ST STOP: The BIG LAGOON

Getting inside the Big Lagoon is tricky.

Unless you are a really good and strong swimmer like a Michael Phelps type, you’re not allowed to swim into the Big Lagoon because of the waves.

You need to rent a kayak and paddle through undulating and choppy waves.

Because of this, we asked one of our boatmen, Dario, to help get us there!

***Our other boatmen Ricky and Boy taking a selfie***

Its a headscratcher, really, because once inside the big lagoon, the waters are very calm.

If you know where to turn, you’ll end up inside these rock formations!

You can alight from your kayak, swim and frolic only in the waters near the entrance to the big lagoon.

2ND STOP: SECRET LAGOON

What is it with these lagoons that they’re a tad bit difficult to get to?

First, your boat anchors down about 10 meters from shore.

Then you’d have to swim near rocky outcrops to get to shallow waters, all the while the sea waves are crashing down onto the cliff-side.

Then you’d have to fall in line in waist-deep waters trying to keep your balance at all times.

When it’s your turn to go inside, you’d need to hurdle a rocky outcrop, squeeze into an opening about 4 feet high and 3 1/2 feet wide!

***Its surreal inside, feels like it comes at you straight out of The Lord of the Rings*** ***or something to that effect***

The HIDDEN BEACH just off the Secret Lagoon

***Nature provides a natural cool shade from the sun***

LUNCH IS SERVED

***Shrimps, crabs, pork, chicken, mussels hot off-the-grill, with pansit, a veggie dish and fresh fruits***

LAST STOP: 7 COMMANDOS BEACH

So why is this beach called 7 Commandos Beach?

Its been said that seven (7) soldiers were stranded on this island until they were rescued.

This is the foreign tourist version, to which the locals disagree.

The locals say that there once was a fishing boat damaged by a storm, and that the boat made it to an island, stranded there for quite a bit of time. The fishermen made use of whatever they could find to repair the boat, they succeeded, and were able to make it back to their homes.

Many, many years passed and the island was rediscovered.

And carved into a rock were the words “7 Comando”.

It is said to be the name of the damaged boat.

***An afternoon rainbow while lying on white sands***

***The sand is oh so close but not yet quite like Boracay’s***

***After being on the sea for quite a lot of hours, an hour on the beach is a welcome reprieve.***

The island hopping tour started out 9:00am and we were back at El Nido by 10 minutes past 4:00pm.

We rested up a bit, freshened up, walked through Hama St., and scored a ref magnet and key chains for souvenirs.

We decided to have dinner at this place: BARKADA’s BUFFET

***Carbonara, chicken, pork caldereta, lumpiang shanghai, tinolang manok, crispy pork, sotanghon guisado, even siomai was on the menu***

We checked out this street near the munisipyo that’s packed with food stalls/bars that open every 6:00pm.

Needless to say, by the time 8:00pm comes around, this place is thriving!

We were exhausted and it was lights out for us by 9:00pm.

DAY 3 FEBRUARY 18, 2023 SATURDAY

CHILL OUT DAY

Not exactly sunrise but close enough. Woke up late because of being tired from yesterday’s island hopping journey and physical activities.

RICO’s FREE BREAKFAST

At about 9am, we walked along Hama St., and came across this quaint cafe, and we decided to try out their coffee!

Couldn’t resist ordering something

Tourists are now starting to flock to the daungan to board their respective boats to go on the island tours.

A total of twenty-two (22) island – hopping boats filled with tourists set sail that morning!!!

And then they were all gone!!!

Finally, a little peace and quiet sipping coffee!

You might say that this day is kind of like a cheat day when it comes to food hahaha :-D.

We had lunch here at a restaurant by the beach aptly called:

We went back to our accommodations at around 2pm and slept till about 4pm.

There were a number of sunbathers in front of our accommodations 😀

The sun was already starting to set by 4pm and true enough, the island-hopping boats started to trickle into Bacuit Bay one-by-one….

We freshened up and rode a trike to our final dinner stop located @Brgy. Corong-Corong:

BELLA VITA: This place is famous for its pasta, pizza, and sunsets

No two sunsets are ever alike

The sky is on fire

Its a beautiful sight to behold

What’s the point in watching a spectacular sunset without a drink or two? or three? hehehe

After dinner and drinks we headed back to Rico’s and I needed to cool down after three (3) shots of Jack Daniels.

So I made it (more like staggered) to the nearest convenience store and scored a cold one!

Well, needless to say, Jack Daniels and San Miguel knocked me out!

Lights out by 10pm.

DAY 4 FEBRUARY 19, 2023 SUNDAY

Checking in the day before our flight via online was a breeze with Air Swift.

The island of PALAWAN is PARADISE.

Thinking about our stay in Coron last Dec 31 2022-Jan 4 2023, and likening it to our short 4days 3nights El Nido trip, it’s impossible to compare the two because both has its own charm and beauty.

One thing is sure, though, El Nido, like Coron, is stunningly beautiful !

There are still a lot of breathtaking places to be explored via El Nido.

You can use it as a jump-off point to get to the equally spectacular Linapacan Islands.

If you wanna shorten your trip to San Vicente/Port Barton, those places are just 2 1/2 hours away from El Nido, compared to about 3-4 hours from Puerto Prinsesa.

If this is paradise, by all means, please whisk me away, again and again.

An apt quote for all you sun worshippers, sunset chasers, sand, surf, and beach lovers:

“Where the sand meets the ocean is where paradise can be found.“

Damn, there are still so many places to go to, so much to do, but so little time…

FINAL THOUGHTS

El Nido did help ease the pain (somewhat) of losing my Tita Alma.

While I was there, my thoughts would go back to my grieving cousins Ate Joy, who was with Tita Alma till the end, to Ate Rannie & Kuya Boyet.

What is it that they say about loss?

You never truly get over the loss of a loved one. You just learn to go on and live each day without them.

The memories of a life well-lived, how and why our titas and titos love us, hopefully, gives us the strength to live, to love the same way, maybe to be even better at these, and maybe, just maybe, this helps us find the peace that we all seek.

It never is easy.

Nor will it ever be.

So, not to take anything away from experiencing the grandeur beauty of El Nido, but thank you, El Nido, for a short and sweet stay.

PS: If you need help in arranging for a land tour or island hopping tour, contact:

MARTIN BURWELL CONTACT NUMBER: 09503107264

If you want to stay at a mid-range accommodation with a nice view, contact RICO’s BEACH COTTAGES @09266432114.

Below is a summary of expenses incurred for a 4days 3nights trip for two(2) to El Nido.

Enjoy, DIYers!

Be good everyone.

CORON 5DAYS 4NIGHTS DECEMBER 31, 2022 – JANUARY 4, 2023

“My favorite thing to do is to go where I’ve never been”

– Anonymous

Whoever said that is learned in the ways of the world, if you ask me.

There’s nothing like the thrill of discovering a place you’ve never been to, to see for yourself what you’ve read about, to experience firsthand the people, food, and sights.

A LITTLE BACKGROUNDER ON CORON

Coron is the third-largest island in northern Palawan. The island is part of the larger municipality of the same name. It is about 170 nautical miles (310 km) southwest of Manila and is known for several Japanese shipwrecks of World War II vintage.

Because of its unique ecological features, the entire area is protected by several legal proclamations.

DAY 1 SATURDAY DECEMBER 31, 2022

HOW WE GOT TO CORON

We scored tickets from Cebu Pacific.

There are also PAL / Air Asia flights that ply the Manila-Coron-Manila route.

Our flight landed at the Francisco B. Reyes Airport in the Busuanga municipality of Coron.

From there it’s about a 25-30 minute van ride to Coron Town Proper. The van ride was courtesy of the hotel where we were going to stay.

HOW TO GET AROUND CORON

You can rent a motorcycle.

Take a tricycle (fare is P30.00 per person, although we always gave P100.00 as our way of helping out the trike drivers) and zip around Coron Town Proper, where restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and bars abound.

The place of happenings (i.e. restos, bars, coffee shops, souvenir shops, dive shops/centers/ tour agents) can be found a stone’s throw from each other in CALLE REAL ST., or BURGOS ST., both of which are near the munisipyo.

WHERE WE STAYED IN CORON

There are a lot of options for those on a budget, as well as for those who can afford the more expensive resorts when it comes to accommodations. All of these can be found online nowadays.

It’s best to book your place of stay online and ahead of time.

We were able to book a great room with the amazing ZURI RESORT CORON:

I cannot get enough of this place.

Their staff were very accommodating, friendly, and you can feel their excitement at having you as their guest.

No wonder they are almost always fully-booked.

Aside from completeness of amenities in your room (cable TV, coffee, bottled water, mini-ref, toiletries in the bathroom), they offer good Wi-fi (with the occasional cut-signal but it was okay), hot showers, and clean bed sheets everyday,

The view of Coron Bay is very relaxing, with the hotel’s infinity pools seemingly spilling out onto the Bay itself, with plenty of open spaces where you can lounge, read a good book, or just soak in the fact that you’re in one of the most beautiful places in The Philippines, and far away from the urban jungle rat-race.

After settling in, we decided to explore Coron Town Proper and have a late lunch at EPIC Coffee, located at Calle Real St.

Check out the place:

TIME TO CHILL

After that amazing late lunch, we headed back to ZURI to soak in some sun and their pool, and take in a sunset view:

Uh but before that, lemme order first hahahaha couldn’t resist a pool bar

The back of ZURI HOTEL facing Coron Bay is being developed into a port.

Nonetheless, the sunset is still quite the spectacle.

An infinity pool behind me, ice cold beer, The Promised Land by Barack Obama to keep your thoughts occupied, this is bliss.

Later that evening, we had dinner at the hotel’s New Year’s Eve Buffet:

**Lechon, pasta, chicken, fish, salads, desserts, are all on the menu**

Later that evening still, @exactly 12midnight, a view of the fireworks display of Coron Town proper from the balcony of our hotel room:

DAY 1 is in the books.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

DAY 2 SUNDAY JANUARY 1, 2023

The Sun rises @Coron Bay

Time to try out the free breakfast of ZURI Hotel

PLACES TO VISIT IN CORON TOWN PROPER

ST. AGUSTIN CHURCH (since 1901)

Capturing still life @LUALHATI PARK

We sort of tried to get to MAQUINIT HOT SPRINGS (it was closed because, well, it’s January 1, first day of the year and right after a night of revelry) and Cabo Beach but the road traversed proved too much for a trike, and by 9:30am, we decided to call it a day with this land tour.

We instead headed back and explored the town proper, and ended up at PACIFICO Bar & Restaurant, located @ the National Highway cor. Burgos St. Brgy. 2 Coron, where we tried out their delicious pastries:

***Chocolate Chip Cookie and Strawberry Cheesecake*** and they also serve lunch and dinner fares

OBSERVING THE TOURISTS: Walking along CALLE REAL ST. or BURGOS ST., it’s amazing to see so many tourists just walking around the streets rummaging through souvenirs, buying @ sari-sari stores, exchanging stories in cafes, having drinks in bars. I asked some locals if this is always the case, and they all said yes, it’s a normal thing.

The languages I overheard walking along CALLE REAL St. were a cacophony of French, Indian, American, Polish, German, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, etc.

Even in ZURI Hotel, the influx of foreign tourists seemed never-ending.

According to a shopkeeper in the Hotel, it wasn’t always like this. The pandemic really hit them hard here in Coron, and that it’s only now that they’re recovering somewhat.

Hehehe we took our time and bought souvenirs such as key chains (giveaways to office mates), a ref magnet, replenished our water. I bought a beach sandals for P780.00 because the old one deserved a military – style burial, if you know what I mean.

Before you know it, it was time for lunch, so we hopped aboard a tricycle, and we headed to:

***Funny thing is, we could’ve just walked as it was only about two blocks away***

Their Bulalo and Pansit Canton portions were awesome, and it was surprisingly delicious:

After lunch we made time to buy rice, fish, pork & chicken adobo ingredients at the Coron public market for our Island Hopping lunch of our Day 3 itinerary.

We went back to ZURI, slept till about 4pm.

I headed out to their pool lounge and swam to my heart’s content with a cold one:

Early on in that particular afternoon we would find out that all flights coming into the country since the early morning couldn’t land at NAIA, and that all domestic flights going to / coming from Manila, were all cancelled because the NOTAMS (Notice to Air Missions) navigation system of the NAIA experienced “technical malfunctions”. What a way to start the new year…

Oh well, it was time for another sunset:

After freshening up, we returned to the town proper to sample dinner fare, and we ended up here, @ CRABS & RIBS By CALLE BURGOS located at Corner Burgos St., Poblacion 4, Coron Town Proper:

Needless to say, the food served was delicious.

Day 2 was exhausting, probably because of the tricycle tour over the roughest road we’ve ever encountered.

Something should be done about that road if the municipality wants more foot traffic to Maquinit Hot Springs and the adjacent beaches.

We retired back to ZURI Hotel to rest for the Island Hopping trip for the next day.

DAY 3 MONDAY JANUARY 2, 2023

Sunrise

Early breakfast to get us going

After breakfast, we hopped aboard a tricycle at around 8:00am, headed straight to the port and out to sea. Don’t forget to bring cash with you to pay for the entrance fees of the islands you’re going to.

It’s a beautiful day to go Island Hopping:

Entrance to KAYANGAN LAKE, where the cliffs are made of karst-limestone

IT. IS. SO. AMAZING. HERE.

***We had it all to ourselves…for about half an hour only***

Our boatman, who goes by the name Rey, guided us to the view point going to KAYANGAN LAKE itself, for some picture-taking:

After this stop, its another sixty or so steps to get to the lake itself….

And when you get there:

A little bit of info, the water at KAYANGAN LAKE is a mix of fresh and salt water but it isn’t that salty.

What’s amazing is its proximity to the open sea.

It must have something to do with the seawater passing thru the karst limestone formations before it reaches the lake itself.

Some more pics of Kayangan Lake:

***Our boatman, Rey, actually took us inside a cave under the rock formations here in Kayangan Lake***

***The world is an oyster…and we are its pearls***

And after about an hour, it’s onto the next stop, about 5-7 minutes away: BARRACUDA LAKE

***What is it with all these hidden lakes being accessible only by taking hazardous, very slippery steps?!&^$%Q&^*** hahahaha

***It was named BARRACUDA LAKE because a large skeleton of a barracuda fish was found here***

***Plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving going on here***

***It’s like a giant sink hole***.
***Divers have said that the temperature of the water in Barracuda Lake changes after 4 meters deep, and that the waters change from***
***fresh water to salt water, and that the texture of the water is often likened to a drop of oil on top of water in a glass***.

***BARRACUDA LAKE’s razor sharp underwater cliffs***

***People are now starting to arrive at BARRACUDA LAKE***

So we needed to high-tail it out of there. Next stop is the BIG and SMALL LAGOON.

The Big and Small Lagoons are actually one water system separated by rock formations.

THIS IS THE BIG LAGOON

***The boats are anchored over there because that’s where the opening to the Small Lagoon is located.***

***This rock jutting out is called “mesa” or table, by the locals. After passing this area, during low tide only, your boatman will slide you under the rock formation opening to take you to***

The waters of both the Big and Small Lagoons are fed by the surrounding seas yet what’s amazing is both lagoons are much more fresh water than salt water.

The Small Lagoon’s waters every so often changes temperature, and you can feel it sort of pushing out cold water from below.

Its literally a “cool” and awesome experience, really.

After about an hour and a half of frolicking in the waters of the Small Lagoon, it was time to head out to

BANOL BEACH / LUNCH

This is where those who are on Coron island hopping tours stop for lunch, as this is a public beach with thatched roofs, tables, long benches, white sand and clear waters.

Boatmen usually start cooking lunches upon arriving in Barracuda Lake, and upon arriving here, lunch is ready to be served.

***Of course I swam here. This reminded me of the beach coves in Zambales and beaches of islands in Mindoro.***

***Grilled fish and chicken pork adobo for lunch***

We headed out onto CYC beach and it was way too CROWDED for us.

We stayed a while on our boat, bought some popsicles and decided to head on back to Coron.

It was about 2:30pm in the afternoon already, and we were spent.

We freshened up and slept-off what remained of the afternoon.

At about 6pm we took a trike ride to KAWAYANAN GRILL for dinner.

***Shrimps, veggies, Sinigang na Lechon Kawali***

Food @K-Grill was so good, guys.

Afterwards, more souvenir-hunting, and I bought a Coron T-Shirt here

We returned to ZURI and had a couple of drinks.

Lights out by 9pm. It was a good day.

DAY 4 TUESDAY JANUARY 3, 2023 CHILL DAY

I woke up at about 8:30am and took a few laps

Freshened up and had breakfast

Hopped a tricycle and headed to the drop-off point to hike up to Mt Tapyas View Deck.

Mt Tapyas is about 210 meters in height and to get to the view-deck, you’ll need to climb 720 lung-busting concrete steps!

Its a test of stamina and endurance, so bring along bottled water with you.

***Near the top***. A panoramic view of the ocean. Very cold and windy at the summit of this hilltop.

***People make pilgrimages to this place during Holy Week***

Going up Mt Tapyas sort of made me reflect somewhat that we all should be grateful to still be drawing breaths, that life, in all of its uncertainties and complications, is still full of roads (or steps for that matter) to take.

So stay on that road, take those steps, no matter how rough or steep, no matter what.

We headed back to ZURI, and I had a light workout at their gym because the adrenaline was still pumping so I needed to cool down.

We headed back to town to treat ourselves to this place, TRATTORIA ALTROV’E

***QUATTRO STAGNIANI (Cheese, Meat, Mushrooms, and Seafood Pizza)***

***GAMBERI e OLIO de OLIVA, sauteed shrimps with sundried tomatoes, fresh shaved red peppers and parmesan***

***ALLA CARBONARA, bacon, parmesan and mozzarella in fettucine noodles***

***FRUTTI DE MARE, shrimps in tomato sauce with a splash of white wine, garlic and butter***

TRATTORIA ALTROV’E in Coron serves amazing pasta dishes. Everything tasted delicious and served with pride. They may be pricier but it is worth it.

After lunch we decided to look for a nice place to have coffee, and we ended up in the farther side of town, in Two Seasons Hotel to be exact, at their BAYA Restaurant

Since it’s our last night in Coron, we decided to dine out at this place called SHARKY’S

***Just a simple sisig and chicken wings***

As I was reading The Promised Land back at ZURI Hotel, in my mind, I couldn’t help but go back the past three days.

It felt like a blur. At that moment, I wished I could stay longer. I sort of knew that there’s a lot more to do in Coron but alas! so little time to do all of the things that can still be experienced.

There were some things we missed out on doing.

The CALAUIT ISLAND SAFARI was one.

The other was SHIPWRECK DIVING.

We resolved to learn how to scuba dive this year 2023 ( well, at least I did, and I’ll try to save up for equipment and lessons).

DAY 5 JANUARY 4, 2023 TUESDAY

Having been to numerous beaches has taught me to wake up early to catch sunrises, as well as to wait for sunsets because no two of each are ever the same.

It’s a different feeling when you’re alone and you listen to the wind and the waves while everything is very still but slowly starts to be bathed in the sun’s natural light or the color of everything starts to fade when dusk starts to settle in.

There’s a certain peace and tranquility that soothes the spirit during those moments.

I close my eyes, listen for a while to everything around me, then just let out a sigh, then take a deep breath and exhale, sort of like my own little way of accepting that there are things that I still have to do and I need to go back to the city life and its everyday grind.

We packed the night before because our flight back to Manila was @11am.

BREAKFAST AL FRESCO this time around

ZURI HOTEL brought us to the airport and we were able to board with plenty of time to spare.

They are that good, guys.

I will take solace in the fact that there are more places like these that I still have in my bucket list such as Camiguin Island, Calaguas Island, Caramoan Islands, El Nido, Amanpulo (okay, Amanpulo may be stretching it a bit because of the cost involved), just to name a few.

CORON is definitely a must for those who are into really physical activities.

From climbing up Mt. Tapyas, to sliding under rock formations to get to a hidden lagoon, to swimming inside a cave in KAYANGAN LAKE, to snorkeling in BARRACUDA LAKE, it’s like a never-ending adventure.

CORON will challenge you, and you will find out if you’re up to it.

CORON definitely ranks high when it comes to places that should be visited more than once.

I said it before and I’ll say it again:

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING.

So for all my fellow DIYers out there, here’s a summary of expenses incurred for three (3) people.

Be good to one another.

BORACAY-CATICLAN Food Crawl OCTOBER 27-OCTOBER 31, 2022 The BEST and the NOT-SO-GOOD PLACES TO EAT?

This is our 2nd trip to Boracay this year. Please consider this as an extension of our 1st trip dated March 29 – April 2, 2022.

The SUBJECTIVITY of it all

Making a list of the best and worst places to eat in a tourist island like Boracay is very subjective. I’ve seen a lot of lists made by others, and most of the time, these lists centers on the whims, tendencies, and biases of the persons making the list.

We’ve been to Boracay twice this year (March and October 2022) and we have tried out twenty (20) places and honestly, I found it difficult how to rank them.

There’s this place that has an amazing view but the food that was served was just passable, so does this place rank higher than the place I ate where the food was great but the view was not so great?

SO WHAT’S THE BASIS OF THIS LIST?

Of course, affordability and taste it is!

There’s also that “I’m-going-back-to-this-place-and-eat-here-again” vibe, a kind of yearning for a particular dish you were served.

The places on this list includes establishments that serve free breakfasts (places we stayed in), those that serve all-day breakfasts, lunch and dinner fare.

If the place has a view to die for, the food is great, and is priced just right, then that’s the number one go-to-place, right?

Or it could be the fact that you just discovered this place that has great food and a great view, sort of like you just stumbled onto it? Doesn’t that deserve to be NUMBER ONE on your list, too?

FOOD COOKED WITH PASSION

There really is no secret to preparing and cooking food that will turn out delicious.

I’ve learned throughout my more than 25 years in the Food and Beverage industry, and from my Mom and my Titas, that the simplest of dishes can become a gourmet’s delight if prepared with the freshest of ingredients, cooked just right, and above all, cooked with purpose and passion.

HARD TRUTHS

It’s easy to spot a dish that’s been cooked and plated half-heartedly, cooked haphazardly (raw on the inside), or cooked with only production and profit in mind.

Those who operate like this never have in mind what the guest who tries them out will think or say about their place.

At the beginning, maybe one can get away with shortcuts, just to have something to serve.

But diners today are more knowledgeable, and remember if the bistro, restaurant, or hotel served good food at best, and definitely will come back if the food was great, as well as the pleasant experience that the guest had at the establishment.

Sadly, sometimes it feels like the customer is no longer the reason why a café, a restaurant, a bed and breakfast, or a hotel is put up in the first place.

It feels as if nowadays when an establishment receives a complaint / or a not-so-nice comment about its food, its facilities, or the manner by which a customer is dealt with, the establishment can turn the narrative around and blame the guest / customer, sort of like spreading fake news just to deflect the real issue at hand.

But unbeknownst to those who manage such establishments who do not value the customer, the customer has power.

Say for example a restaurant’s average check for a meal or a hotel’s per night stay costs about P1,000.00 per guest, and a guest had a very bad experience at the said restaurant / hotel.

The guest shouldn’t be expected to say anything because the guest walked into the restaurant and/or hotel EXPECTING to be satisfied with the food served and delighted with the service of its personnel.

“You should’ve said something at the beginning of your stay…” is a line that betrays what the restaurant / the hotel values, and that is itself only, and not the guest / customer.

It also does not help if the apology extended does not exude empathy but more of taking a defensive posture, explaining away all of its shortcomings.

So what does the guest/customer do?

There are customers who make a scene.

Then there are customers who won’t make a scene but just walks away and never comes back.

But that’s not the end of the story.

He/she will share this bad experience with a minimum of twenty (20) of his/her friends. His / her friends will share this experience with two (2) of their friends each. All in all, that’s about sixty (60) potential customers of the restaurant / hotel x P1,000.00 per guest, and the establishment has already lost about P60,000 in potential sales.

In this day and age, if you’re talking to one person, you might as well be talking to a hundred people.

THE WORST OF THE LOT:

20. GOLDEN PHOENIX HOTEL BORACAY

To be fair, their facilities are passable.

The room we booked was clean, fresh sheets, cold AC, free small bottled water, free instant coffee with electronic kettle (with a very short wire plug), free breakfast, and hot water in the shower. If you’re wondering if there’s a bidet in our toilet/comfort room, there’s none. The hotel gives you breakfast stubs.

On our 1st day, I asked for their tocino with eggs, and I was really disappointed because the sunny-side up eggs weren’t seasoned, there were four (4) tiny slices of tocino, a wee-small slice of tomato, and a piece of cabbage that even a rabbit would be disappointed in. The food was plated and it looked so sad.

I usually take pictures of the food but I decided not to.

It was that bad.

On our last day, I asked for their longganiza with eggs, same story. But this time upon slicing open the longganiza, it was almost raw.

Oh well, I guess it’s profit over customer satisfaction in this place.

If this is how breakfast is here at Golden Phoenix, imagine what their lunch and dinner fare must be like.

We didn’t dare try.

During our stay there, the hotel’s restaurant barely had lunch/dinner customers.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

When we cancelled a supposed one (1) day extension because we mistakenly thought our flight back to Manila was going to be cancelled, the said establishment did not want to give any proof that they will refund our overpayment.

We asked for the Manager and all we received was a shouting voice at the other end of the phone line. She was very rude.

As of this writing, after a good 3 weeks, we have been refunded the P2,000.00 over-payment.

Another red flag about this place: before we got there and when we were there, every time we made a payment (initial deposit via online banking / full payment for a 4days/3nights stay upon arrival / payment for an extension that we cancelled), we were never given any Official Receipt.

VERDICT: DO NOT STAY HERE and DO NOT EAT HERE.

BETTER ALTERNATIVES

19. BORACAY OCEAN CLUB

The room we stayed in at Boracay Ocean Club Beach Resort last March to April had a great pool view, cold AC, good housekeeping, toilet equipped with bidet, bed sheets changed every day, hot shower and with toiletries.

Boracay Ocean Club Beach Resort’s free breakfast, is definitely better than Golden Phoenix’.

There’s a little bit more variety in their offerings, is served buffet style, with corned-beef, eggs, spaghetti, fruits, silog meals, porridge, coffee, fruits, and fruit juices. It’s obvious that there was more care practiced when they served their breakfast fare, and taste was good enough but not really earth-shaking kind of stuff.

Their restaurant, when we were billeted there, had hotel guests as their patrons, and almost all tables are taken during lunch and dinner.

That says something about their lunch and dinner fares.

VERDICT: YOU CAN STAY HERE AND EAT HERE

18. BAMA GRILL BAR AND RESTAURANT

This place was saved by their Grilled Liempo, which was passable enough. I mean, I make a meaner Sinigang na Baboy than them. It’s a pretty straight up dining place with an open-air 2nd floor dining, which was not open due to the rains.

VERDICT: YOU CAN EAT HERE

17. TITA MAGZ

When we arrived in Boracay March 2022, I was starving and I went to the nearest place I can find, which was TITA MAGZ, just beside Boracay Ocean Club. Ordered their All – Day Breakfast fare Longganiza with eggs, and a Mango Shake. It was good enough. Bang for the buck, as they say, and thank God, the insides were cooked.

VERDICT: YOU CAN EAT HERE

16. CAFE DEL SOL

Cafe Del Sol is located at Station 2. Partook of merienda here, ordered their cappucino and their tiramisu. The place is tiny but quaint, just beside Aria Italian Cuisine. The tiramisu could use a little softening up of the coffee flavor in it. The coffee, though, was great. But alas, the cashier didn’t even bother to upsell me their Mango Cake, which looks delicious. Oh well, maybe next time.

VERDICT: YOU CAN YOUR HAVE MERIENDA HERE

DEFINITELY BETTER FOOD PLACES

15. SOTERA ROOFDECK CAFE in CATICLAN

Caticlan was a pleasant surprise. We didn’t know that it had hidden gems.

This roof deck cafe’ atop Navarro Hotel served tasty burgers and other fare and at reasonable prices, too. Presentation of the dishes were also nice. The 180-degree view helps, too.

VERDICT: YOU CAN EAT HERE

14. SENSI, The ITALIAN RESTAURANT

I was a bit confused with SENSI. The sign says Italian Restaurant but we ended up ordering mostly Filipino fare.

Oh well, to each his own, I guess.

Located at the ground floor of the Calypso Dive Center, the portions of the Pansit, Chicken Inasal, Chicken Tenders we ordered @SENSI were just right, and so was the taste, and the view from the resto was nice also.

VERDICT: YOU CAN EAT HERE

13. SHENZI CAFE

Another pleasant surprise from Caticlan. If you don’t look hard enough, you won’t find it.

Its located at EF Faderon Building, Candice Lucy Hotel , Tolosa St. Caticlan, literally hidden from view.

The place itself is quaint and comfy, sort of like a Mom & Pop’s place, and you can tell they take pride in what they serve to their guests.

The food was delicious, the presentation was on-point, and price is reasonable.

Lunch for two (2) persons consisted of All-Day fare of Bacon & Eggs / Aglio Olio shrimp pasta / watermelon/mango shakes / fries.

VERDICT: YOU MUST EAT HERE

12: LA-UD BUFFET

Situated at Station 2, Boracay Island, @Hue Hotel, La-ud Buffet is a must-try. Everything’s here. Meat, pork, chicken, soup, seafood, desserts, it’s here. If you want to be really full-to-the-brim so to speak, this is the way to go.

VERDICT: YOU MUST EAT HERE

11. LEMONI CAFE

This cute and colorful place is actually famous for its desserts fare, and yes, I wholeheartedly agree with its reputation.

Located a stone’s throw away from the beach at Station 2 inside D-Mall, Lemoni Cafe has a very positive vibe to it.

The colors of its airy interior looks very inviting. You can tell it was built with functionality and comfort in mind. And they not only serve desserts but also lunch and dinner fare as well.

We just decided to check it out after having dinner at SPICE BIRD. We ordered their Blueberry Cheesecake and Mango Madness. Heavenly delicious.

VERDICT: YOU DEFINITELY MUST HAVE DESSERT HERE

10. JOE’S RESTAURANT

Right beside Maruja’s is JOE’S Restaurant, and we had dinner here before.

The CAJUN BOIL PLATTER is the go-to food if you’re here. Crabs, squids, mussels, scallops, it’s definitely a must-try. Also ordered their sisig, had Heineken, a few other cocktails afterwards, and listening to live acoustic music soothes tired nerves after a day of frolicking in the beach.

VERDICT: YOU DEFINITELY MUST EAT (and DRINK) HERE

9. PARAW BEACH CLUB

The place, physically, has definitely seen better days but what we really came here for was the view, and the bohemian-style dining experience, low sofas with the powdery white sands of Boracay underneath your feet.

We grabbed the low corner table near the bar (hehehe), the best table I might say.

Swam at the beach to my heart’s content, ordered shakes, chicken adobo, and their sisig. Nothing really earth-shattering about their food but I liked the spiciness of the sisig. Its great to eat with a view like Paraw’s.

VERDICT: YOU DEFINITELY MUST EAT HERE

8. EPIC BORACAY

Located at Station 2, this place is always packed. Better get there early if you want a table.

The place also has a great sunset view. The food is delicious. Dinner for three (3) consisted of Salmon, Hot Spicy Chicken Wings, Steak, their famous Cheesecake for dessert (if there’s something I’m going to go back for, it’s their Cheesecake), and shakes.

VERDICT: YOU DEFINITELY MUST EAT HERE

7. ARIA ITALIAN CUISINE

Their QUATTRO STIGNIANI pizza is something else.

There are eight slices, with two slices having a distinct taste from the other: 2 slices of pepperoni and ham/meat pizza, 2 slices of sardines/squid/scallops, 2 slices of at least three cheeses, and and 2 slices of mushrooms.

It was fantastic!!! Their carbonara was cooked just right, and it was a winner!

VERDICT: YOU DEFINITELY MUST EAT HERE

6. MAYAS FILIPINO and MEXICAN CUISINE

Located at Station 1, this nondescript beachfront resto is one of the oldest establishments in Boracay.

We had dinner here, and really wished it was lunch time because the view would’ve been divine.

Their sinigang na baboy was cooked really well, the grilled liempo superb, and the oysters were delicious (their Baked Oysters is the dish I’m coming back to), and their presentation of their dishes was well-thought out.

VERDICT: YOU MUST EAT HERE

5. SPICE BIRD

Located at D-Mall Station 2, SPICE BIRD surprised us.

I was only expecting something like ala Mang Inasal but I was wrong.

Their Piri-Piri Grilled Chicken is great, served with Java Rice, bread, greens, grilled corn, and sauce.

The portions were spot-on.

Definitely bang-for-your-buck with SPICE BIRD !!!

VERDICT: YOU MUST EAT HERE

4. VILLA CAEMILLA BEACH BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Tucked away at Station 3, their restaurant serves all-day English breakfasts, silog meals, and other Filipino fare.

We opted for the English Sausage and Beans Breakfast and Longganiza Tongkatsu, and it tasted really good!!!

Washed down with Pineapple / Watermelon shakes and yup, it’s money well spent.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

NIGI NIGI NU NOOS E NU NOO NOOS BAR & RESTAURANT

Upon arriving at Boracay for the 2nd time this year, October 2022, we needed a pick-me-up.

We proceeded to have coffee, specifically pressed brewed coffee and a mango shake @NIGI NIGI NU NOOS E NU NOO NOOS.

Then I took a dip at the beach waters right in front of it. It can’t get better than that, guys, believe me!

I also had a blast drinking beer and talking to foreigners on the 2nd night of our October stay.

VERDICT: YOU HAVE TO DRINK BEER/ COCKTAILS HERE

JONAH’S FRUIT SHAKES

These shakes have been around a long time here in Boracay. It is a must-try.

VERDICT: YOU MUST TRY THIS DRINK

TOP THREE PLACES TO EAT

No. 3. TWO SEASONS BORACAY RESORT Restaurant

This beachfront boutique resort is located in Station 1, Boracay Island, and their restaurant is on a first-come, first serve basis.

It’s almost always full, morning, noon, especially night time.

The view from the restaurant is special.

And the food, especially the Beef Stroganoff, is something I won’t mind coming back to for more.

It’s simply divine.

No. 2. SUNNY SIDE CAFE

We can’t seem to get enough of this place.

The Kitayama Beef Tapa is just superb, really tender. Their Chorizo and Eggs are delicious. The Champorado comes with bacon, ice cream, and ripe mangoes in it. Their Bacon Slab is so delicious and filling.

I’m always going to eat here whenever I am in Boracay.

Give me their Classic Pour coffee, or even their Iced Latte and Ensaymada, and just let me sit in the peace and quiet of the mornings here.

VERDICT: YOU MUST EAT HERE (AGAIN AND AGAIN)

No. 1. TRUE HOME BISTRO

We chose this as Number One because we just discovered or shall we say, stumbled onto this place!!!

Clean, well-maintained, homey place? Check!

Great view? Check!

Food and drinks prepared and cooked with fresh organic ingredients, and cooked with passion?

Check! Check! Check!

Their Bacon and Eggs is really, really, good!!! Ditto with their Coffee fare!

VERDICT: Definitely will be our go-to-place the next time we visit Boracay! We can’t wait to get back here and try out their Lunch and Dinner fare.

So there you have it.

Boracay is a truly beautiful island one can go back to over and over again.

Till next time.

To my co-DIYers, here’s a list of expenses incurred, or more specifically, how much it cost to eat at these places.

Be good!!!

BORACAY 5DAYS 4NIGHTS ITINERARY MARCH 29, 2022 – APRIL 2, 2022

HOW WE ENDED UP IN BORACAY

We really wanted to go to Coron, Palawan. At the time when we were planning to book for that trip, RT-PCR tests were still needed, and the cost of the said tests were a little prohibitive at that time. So we ended up deciding that it was time for my daughter to see Boracay (’cause we’ve already been there before).

WHERE & WHAT IS BORACAY?

If you’ve been living under a rock, Boracay is a resort island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It lies 0.8 kilometers (0.50 mi) off the northwest coast of Panay Island.

HOW TO GET THERE

The best way to get to Boracay is via PAL, Air Asia, or CEBU PACIFIC. Book online with them.

HEALTH PROTOCOLS

The Aklan Local Government Unit (LGU) limits the number of people coming into the island on a daily-basis. You’ll need to apply for and download an Aklan QR Code Tracker, Health Declaration with QR Code, have a soft copy of your Vax Cert/Vax Card, and a soft copy of your accredited accommodations (place of stay). By the way, as of this writing, there is a mask mandate on the island.

WHERE TO STAY IN BORACAY

There are a lot of places to stay in the island, from high-end, mid-end, to budget hostels, they abound in Boracay. But it is best to book online in advance. We chose to stay and checked – in to our accommodation, the Boracay Ocean Club Resort in Station 3.

ARE THE BEST DAYS OF BORACAY BEHIND IT? MAYBE…but MAYBE NOT

With all due respect to Siargao, Boracay is still probably the most famous island destination in the Philippines.

Tales of food havens, pub crawls, and rave parties till the wee hours of the morning abounded in its heyday. It definitely was the epitome of what a party island should be.

All of this set amidst the most sparklingly clear sea waters and soft, powdery, creamy white sand.

So much so that in a 2016 poll of 300,000 travelers from ALL OVER the world, none other than Condé Nast Traveler put the island at the top of a list of 20 best beaches in the world, besting places such as Tahiti, Santorini, and Bali for the top spot.

Well past this writing, SIARGAO has also been bestowed with the same accolade already.

SUCCESS COMES AT A COST

A mere two (2) years after being bestowed such a prestigious accolade, the island was shut down to tourists April of 2018, due to an imminent threat to nature herself. Businesses encroached the shores of Boracay. A lack of waste management by the businesses led to garbage and sewage spilling onto the waters of Boracay, so much so that President DU30 himself labeled the island waters, “a cesspool”. It was hard to “un-see” the image of garbage strewn on the waters of Boracay.

I have never been a fan of Pres DU30 but, as much as I hate to admit it, he was right.

WHAT I REMEMBER

I recall coming to the island 17 years ago, Year 2005 (the precise date escapes me now…sis, can you DM me when we were here last?) courtesy of my sister, Dawn. I remember the spectacular sunsets, the seafood spreads, breakfast buffets, the creamy-white powdery sand, the music permeating the nights, the Boracay Regency, and not a lot of people….yet…

Of course, para-sailing, jet-skiing, banana-boating, paraw-sailing, scuba-diving were already there but kite-boarding wasn’t a thing yet. Yeah, it was that long ago that we’ve set foot on the island.

**Taken using an old camera with film. There were no Smart Phones yet back then**

Boracay had a certain magic to it then because it was less dense, just a few shops here and there, pubs didn’t really turn-on music full-blast just to let tourists know they were there, exceptional food can be had but first you had to get there to get a table because locals and foreigners alike knew the go-to places to eat such as KASBAH, EPIC, and many others. My sister and I didn’t really venture far from where we were billeted (Boracay Regency).

This time, though, I made sure to capture awesome sceneries and places to go to here in Boracay.

MARCH 29, 2022 TUESDAY DAY 1

THE CHANGES I NOTICED

When we first came over to Boracay, Jetty Port, where you pay Environmental Fees, get a boat ride to the island was just a not-more-than-5-minute-walk from the airport. Now it’s a seven (7) minutes tricycle-ride away. The port today was, shall we say, bustling with people wanting to get to the island. There’s a system in place (pay environmental fees / pay boat fares) but controlling the crush of people needs to improve. Calling on Jetty Port authorities, please do something about this.

All boats from Jetty Port to Boracay now drop off passengers at Station 3, whereas before, we were dropped – off at Station 2 itself, where the Boracay Regency was. The reason behind this is that making frequent boat trips to the main shore line of the island may damage the waters and the beach itself.

Hey, you got my vote on this, guys!

Nowadays, to get to your accommodations, you have to take an E-Trike, which are very environment-friendly, less noisy, and literally no smoke emissions. Again, it’s a great idea! The ride takes you along the main road, the Boracay Circumferential Road, where almost all businesses, hotels, shops, stores, marts, malls, are situated.

Another noticeable change: beach front establishments are now at least 10-15 meters away from the shores and sands of Boracay.

LATE LUNCH

After checking in, we had a late lunch at TITA MAGZ just a few minutes walk from BORACAY OCEAN CLUB, where I ordered a “silog” meal:

At about 3pm, we walked over to the Food Hub Festival near Station 2 to sample Jonah’s Fruit Shakes. These shakes are famous in Boracay:

**souvenir shops abound before entering the Food Hub**

At about this time, we were walking along the beach making our way to D’Mall to check it out and I must admit, closing the island to tourists for 6 months was probably the best thing for the island.

The sands along the beaches of Boracay are, I am at a loss for superlatives, really…

Sunset-watching on the shores of Boracay reminded me of that movie-scene in City of Angels, where the “angels”, clad in all-black get-ups, would flock to the shores of the beach to strain their ears and listen to “music from God”, but in this case, to watch the sun set over the horizon:

***just listen to the waves gently lapping the shore now***

***I made my way up to Boracay Ocean Club Resort’s rooftop infinity pool* *to get these shots***

We were famished come 7pm and we made our way to TWO SEASONS but unfortunately because of an overflow crowd, they had no choice but to impose a cut-off, that only customer pick-ups and deliveries are to be served.

We made our way to nearby MAYA’s and partook of their sinigang na baboy, inihaw na liempo, and baked oysters, and it did not disappoint:

**it’s a Mexican resto but we wanted something closer to home…**

Day 1 is in the books, guys.

MARCH 30, 2022 WEDNESDAY DAY 2: ISLAND-HOPPING

I’m an early riser.

I like to beat everyone else just to get that tranquil and relaxing feeling of being alone with my thoughts and nothing in front of me but the ocean, feel the cool breeze on my cheeks, breathe, and just listen to the waves:

Walking along the shore, I chanced upon SUNNY SIDE CAFE opening their store, ordered a pour, a pastry, and sat down fronting the ocean.

Heavenly.

I went back to the resort, just in time for their breakfast buffet. Leni, anyone?

I befriended a local and he goes by the name Boy Godly (yep, that’s the name he gave me), and he became my contact for the island-hopping we planned to have today.

After going through the routine listing at the manifest, and checking-in with Coast Guard, our island-hop itinerary took us to:

CROCODILE ISLAND

**The sands are so white it hurts the eyes**

The island-hopping tour started out 8:30am and ended about 3:00pm. We made our way back to the resort and slept till about close to 5:00pm.

We made our way to EPIC-BORACAY @Station 2 for an early 6:00pm dinner watching the sunset:

Dinner @EPIC Boracay consisted of:

**my go-to drink of choice when in the islands**

That dinner @EPIC- Boracay made us want to just walk-off our full stomachs and it was quite a ways-off to Station 3, and we took our sweet time getting there, taking in the sights and the sounds of Boracay @night.

I couldn’t help but go back with my thoughts to the beaches of PUKA and Crystal Cove, as they certainly swept us off our feet.

In case you missed it, a few years back, there were news that a conglomerate was planning on putting up a !!@$#$%!!! casino right at PUKA Beach, and thank God that never got off the ground due to vigorous protests from locals and environment groups. I couldn’t imagine having such an edifice smearing the beauty of PUKA Beach.

Back at the resort, I needed a night cap, so I ordered a double Jack Daniels straight up with ice, and yep, that knocked me out.

MARCH 31, 2022 THURSDAY DAY 3: LAND TOUR

Take a look at this sunrise:

BREAKFAST @SUNNY SIDE CAFE

This time we made sure we ate breakfast here:

**This place is quaint but famous for its breakfast dishes**

After breakfast, Boy Godly set us up with an E-Trike for a land tour of Boracay. First stop was:

**This bent coconut tree is a famous INSTAGRAM spot**

Next stop was The Grotto. The sand here is ridiculously white, even under the water:

3rd stop of the day: NEWCOAST and its spectacular panoramic views:

The KEYHOLE rock formation

4th stop of the day: Ilig-Iligan Beach

5th stop: DINIWID BEACH

The land tour ended at around 10:15am, and we were able to score a table at TWO SEASONS:

We ordered their famous Four Cheese Pizza:

Their Angus Beef Stroganoff is to die for:

After that great lunch, we took an E-Trike back to the resort, where we rented a paddle board and soaked up the sun and surf:

**you can have Manila, I’ll take this place anytime**

We returned to our accommodations to rest up a bit, and I fell asleep for about two (2) hours. We freshened up and made our way down to CAFE MARUJA / JOE’s Restaurant for dinner.

Ordered their CAJUN BOIL SEAFOOD PLATTER:

Acoustic night music was great, so…

**I know, Scott, I should’ve went for the TIGER but there wasn’t any**

Back at our accommodations, we were treated to a fire dance:

We retired to our room and talked about extending our stay for a few more days hahahaha because we felt like we haven’t really seen all that Boracay has to offer.

APRIL 1, 2022 FRIDAY DAY 4 CHILL DAY

Just watching the sun rise and how colors react to the play of light:

Got breakfast at Boracay Ocean Club Resort’s buffet:

**porridge, eggs, beefsteak, corned beef**

My daughter made her way to CHACHA’s SUNDOWN Cafe:

Took some more still photos:

Hit the waves

Finished off with 10 laps at the resort’s rooftop infinity pool, I had it all to myself that morning

Freshened up and had Lunch @SENSI besides CALYPSO Dive Center

Lunch with a view of the beach

After the late lunch that day, I went back to our accommodations, and slept till about 5pm. We freshened up and decided to try out a buffet dinner at LA-UD Restaurant located at the HUE Hotel Station X:

**Hotel lobby with a pool smack in the middle**

**fresh fish, chicken, kare-kare, shrimps, desserts**

That night, we seriously considered and talked about extending our stay for at least two (2) more days but ultimately decided against it because of, of course, the need to go back to work (my fault, really). The night was spent talking about the days spent on the island amidst packing for tomorrow’s flight back to Manila.

APRIL 2, 2022 SATURDAY DAY 5

I just had to see you one more time…

Our flight back to Manila was scheduled 11:45am that day. We had an early checkout so that we could have one more of the same breakfast we had at SUNNY SIDE CAFE.

**Champorado with a twist**: **with mangoes / vanilla ice cream / bacon!!!**
**wow just wow**

We took the boat from Station 3 back to Jetty Port, hopped on a tricycle to the airport, checked in and took off just in time. Cebu Pacific is awesome.

MUSINGS

When I came back to Boracay, I honestly did not know what to expect.

Now I know why my daughter chose a Station 3 accommodation. It was for the peace and quiet.

I was kind of shocked on our first day when we were walking along this path as we made our way to Jonah’s Fruit Shakes.

When we were nearing Station 2, it was wall-to-wall souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels, scuba diving academies, tattoo shops, paluto stalls, hawkers offering services such as massages, hair-braiding, sunglasses, island hopping, paraw-sailing, paddle-boarding, para-sailing, banana boating, jet skiing, and the like. It was, well, noisy.

The Boracay Regency is now the Henann Regency.

The brand Henann seems to be everywhere in Boracay.

And I haven’t even described D’Mall yet. It’s an alley way with wall-to-wall of the same: restos, shops, dive centers, drug stores, 7-11s, the works. It certainly felt like a mall: blaring music, smoke from ihawan, pet dogs, pet cats, lots of people, like Divisoria during Christmas season. Everything’s there, even a cellphone repair shop.

Station 2 can be likened to the ultimate tambay-place. And that’s putting it mildly.

Hey, I am for progress. But sometimes there is such a thing as over-commercialization of an area. It’s all so…“touristy“ now.

The one thing I really noticed that was good. even great, and I can’t reiterate this enough, is how far back from the sands and shore these establishments are now situated. And people seemed to be really aware to throw garbage at the proper bins, as BORACAY’s shoreline, beach, and the walk ways are very clean.

This is now the new BORACAY community, commercialized and all. And it’s somewhat of a turn-off for me.

But that’s just me, who still recalls the Boracay of ‘yore, when it wasn’t all that crowded. And for this reason, for the moment, I’ll choose the community of SIARGAO, where people are more ready to give you a smile, more approachable, more laid-back, and seem to genuinely care about what you think of their island.

On our second day, I ventured out at about 2:30am all the way down to Station 2 from Station 3 and you could hear a pin drop.

It was that silent. Gone are the days of the pub crawl and beach parties that lasted till sunrise.

BORACAY is paradise for the food junkie. The food at the places we ate are reasonably priced but so, so good.

EPIC-Boracay? Don’t forget to try out their EPIC Cheesecake. AWESOME dessert.

SUNNY SIDE CAFE? Go for the Champorado, Kitamaya Beef Tapa.

SENSI? The Chicken Inasal was really good.

CHACHA’s SUNDOWN? Try their iced-coffee.

CAFE MARUJA / JOE’s Restaurant? The CAJUN BOIL platter was superb.

TWO SEASONS? Four Cheese Pizza and that Angus Beef Stroganoff, again, is to die for!

MAYA’S? Their Inihaw na Liempo is fantastic, grilled just right.

BORACAY’S NATURE OFFERINGS

I’ve been to SIARGAO, and the sands of DAKU Island are made up of crushed corals and is soft and almost fine. I’ve seen the white sand beaches of BANTAYAN Island, specifically Sugar Beach, and it is also made up of fine white sand, coupled with the fact that BANTAYAN Island has both fantastic sunrises and sunsets. KALANGGAMAN Island also is such a sight to behold, both for its sand and the waters surrounding it.

But BORACAY’s powdery sand is definitely superior in terms of how it feels to the bare feet, and BORACAY’s crystal-clear waters reminds me of the waters surrounding KALANGGAMAN, she with a deep blue hue, turquoise-green, and crystal clear color once the waters hits the shores.

For me, BORACAY’s powdery white sand and sparkling waters are still the best I’ve experienced.

So ARE THE BEST DAYS OF BORACAY BEHIND IT?

I would not bet against this jewel of an island making a grand comeback.

And to all of you DIYers out there, here’s a list of expenses that we incurred for a group of three people:

Whoever said that “It feels good to be lost in the right direction” is a genius.

Till next time. Be good to one another.

LEGAZPI, ALBAY-GUBAT-MATNOG, SORSOGON 5DAYS 4NIGHTS JANUARY 21-25, 2022

WHY GO TO THE BICOL REGION?

I have a mechanic – friend, Romeo, who is from the Bicol region and he swears that the beaches there are some of the country’s best-kept secrets there is. He would often mention to me if I ever saw pink sand beaches, and he would say that I haven’t seen anything yet if I haven’t yet laid eyes on a pink beach. I would tease him that I would like to go to the Caramoan Islands in Camarines Province but he would tell me to just go to Mayon Volcano first then make my way to Sorsogon.

One day, out of the blue, my daughter messaged me that Legazpi, Albay accepts fully-vaccinated local tourists (which we are), that a Vaccination Certificate or Vaccination Card would suffice (which we both already have). Before planning for this trip, we already had our sights set on Iloilo-Guimaras but the pandemic requirements got in the way. Again.

So why not Bicol?

I WAS ON EDGE THE WHOLE TIME WE WERE IN LEGAZPI CITY

The underwater volcano eruption off the coast of the island nation of Tonga was still very fresh in my mind when we finished planning a 5days 4nights trip to Legazpi-Sorsogon in the Bicol region.

You see, Legazpi City in Albay is just spitting distance from where the Philippines’ most famous and active volcano resides, Mayon Volcano.

And all those satellite pictures and videos of that underwater volcano eruption, and the devastation it brought, only made me really feel so uneasy, actually, so fearful that Mayon Volcano may just as well erupt also.

Well, I guess you only live once…so what the heck, let’s go!

HOW TO GET TO LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY

BY LAND TRAVEL / BUS / VAN (Commute)

If you are planning to commute from Manila to Legazpi City, taking the bus going to Legazpi City is the cheapest and most readily available option for you. DLTB offers Manila to Legazpi bus trips and vice-versa. Their airconditioned buses leave for Legazpi City from their Pasay City terminal 9:00 AM, 6:00 PM, and 9:30 PM.

Fare is at around P900+ one way, and travel time is a body-jarring 12-14 hours.

There are also private vans plying the Manila to Legazpi route leaving from Mall of Asia-Pasay. You can find this mode of transport in Facebook.

BY PLANE

There are regular CEBU PACIFIC (CebGo) flights to and from Manila and Legazpi City. The flight takes approximately an hour and ten minutes. You can score your round-trip flight from Manila to Legazpi, and vice-versa in their website. Travel time is one (1) hour to one (1) hour and twenty (20) minutes, even less so.

HOW WE GOT THERE

We booked a round-trip flight to Legazpi and back to Manila with an 8:00am-9:30am departure, and arrived at Legazpi thirty (30) minutes early.

ALBAY LGU TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

At the time of our trip, Albay accepts fully-vaccinated local tourists.

Upon departure from Manila domestic airport , you have to show either your Vaccination Card / Vaccination Certificate and Boarding Pass.

Sidebar: the amount of red tape the government thinks of is, well, very off-putting if you ask me…I mean, why not issue a Vaccination Card with a QR Code already so it can’t be faked?! Why do you need to make people get a Vaccination Certificate when you already have a Vaccination Card, eh?

Upon arrival at Bicol International Airport, they would ask for the VaxCard/VaxCert again, as well as require you to open the TRAZE app on your phone.

HOW TO GET AROUND LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY

From the airport, you need to pay an airport shuttle service fee of P220.00 per person to get to SM Legazpi.

Once we got to SM Legazpi City, we befriended a local, of course.

Rustom, or “Tom” plies a tricycle at the transpo terminal in SM Legazpi, and we negotiated for him to tour us around Legazpi City’s famous landmarks.

DAY 1 JANUARY 21, 2022 FRIDAY LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY LAND TOUR, 9:30AM onwards:

DARAGA CHURCH

The Bicolanos are a very hardy and religious people. I would be, you know, religious, too, knowing I’m residing and going about every day life less than 10 kilometers from an active volcano. Daraga Church goes way back to the 1700s. This magnificently designed church was built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries at the time when Daraga was a part of Cagsawa. This church doesn’t just serve as a place for worship but also serves as a shelter whenever there are Mayon Volcano eruptions.

*Mayon Volcano (right side of the image) partly covered in clouds*

*Even if she’s partially covered in clouds, Mayon Volcano is an imposing presence*

CAGSAWA RUINS

This is probably the most photographed and most famous of all Bicol landmarks, the Cagsawa Ruins. The Cagsawa Ruins (historically spelt as Cagsaua) are all of what remains of a 16th-century church of the Franciscan order, the Cagsawa church. It was said to have been built in the town of Cagsawa in 1587 but was later destroyed by Dutch pirates in 1636. It was, on record, rebuilt in 1724 by Fr. Francisco Blanco, but was destroyed again, along with almost the entire town of Cagsawa, on February 1, 1814, during the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

It has been said that more than 2,000 people died that day.

*Mayon Volcano is ever-present, slowly coming out of the clouds…there are also souvenir shops here where I bought a shirt and “sili” keychains*

*There was a cool breeze in the air but the ground @Cagsawa was, well, warm…Mayon Volcano is scary, really…*

SUMLANG LAKE

Sumlang Lake is another attraction that’s a popular place for weddings, pre-nuptial shoots, birthdays, events like concerts, product launches, etc.

But it wasn’t always as pretty as it is now.

The lake was once filled with filthy waters and overrun by water lilies. It was like that for decades, never holding a candle when it came to competing with Mayon for attention. It was completely ignored for years. Then , in 2014, a “bayanihan” was held, sorta like a SAVE SUMLANG LAKE thingy, and the residents decided to clean and clear the lake of debris. I believe it has been profitable ever since. You can now go kayaking, eat in a balsa in the middle of the lake, there’s a Socorro’s restaurant for food-lovers, and take in a Mayon Volcano view up close and personal.

*Mayon Volcano’s reflection in Lake Sumlang makes for a pretty picture*

*Lake Sumlang is a pretty laid-back and relaxing place*

*Nothing like sipping a frappuchino @Socorro’s while waiting for Mayon Volcano to show herself*

EMBARCADERO DE LEGAZPI

Embarcadero de Legazpi is actually a mall. We had lunch here @Grill Station consisting of Pansit , Barbecue, and rice. Embarcadero de Legazpi is situated along a popular night haven called Legazpi Boulevard.

It was here that Mayon Volcano decided to give us a peek:

Only one word came to my mind when I saw all of her for the first time:
Majestic

Mayon Volcano is a highly active volcano with recorded eruptions dating back to 1616. The most recent eruption happened in early January 2018, and with it came phreatic explosions, steam-and ash plumes, lava fountaining, and pyroclastic flows.

Today (as of this writing, at least) she sleeps, hopefully, peacefully, for a long time.

WHERE WE STAYED IN LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY

After the late lunch, we were a bit tired and we decided to head to our one (1) day accommodation, a resort that’s bordered on my left (this was when I was lying down on a duyan) by Mayon Volcano, and to my right, after a 20-second walk, the sea: VIENTO DE MAR BEACH RESORT in Bacacay, Albay.

Our room accommodation was spartan and simple, as we were only staying for a night. Check the place out:

*Black volcanic sand beach of Bacacay, Albay*

Dinner that night consisted of Fried Chicken, Tocino, Rice, BBq, Tropicana orange juice.

It was lights out for us by 8:00pm.

DAY 2 JANUARY 22, 2022 SATURDAY

I woke up early, and had coffee (3 in 1) at the resort’s store. Tom arrived 7:00am to pick us up and take us back to SM Legazpi City Terminal where we boarded a UV-Express van to take us to Sorsogon City.

Those UV-Express van drivers bound for Sorsogon drive like maniacs, often exceeding 90-100kph whenever the road’s wide open.

Anyway, by some miracle, we made it to Sorsogon City alive after that harrowing van ride. The van driver hooked us up with another tricycle driver to give us a tour of Gubat, Sorsogon tourist spots, and after negotiations, we rode to our first stop:

SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH CHURCH

The first Gubat, Sorsogon parish church was said to have been built in Cogon. Gubat became a parish separate from that of Bulusan very much later. In 1777 the parish of Gubat was finally separated from Bulusan and Fray Geronimo Cabello, a Franciscan missionary, was assigned as the first parish priest. It was said that it was also the Franciscans who translated the bible and mass from Latin and Spanish into local Bicol language.

Fr. Cabello constructed a church of bamboo and nipa in Cacogonan, (now Barrio Cogon), but this was destroyed by typhoons. He constructed another church of lime and stone which he dedicated in honor of another Franciscan missionary of world renown – Saint Anthony of Padua – most probably in commemoration of one June 13 morning in Year 1731 when the first missionaries first set foot on Gubat.

During the earthquake which preceded the disastrous eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814, the new church crumbled. Its reconstruction was led by Father Eulalio Prudencio who opted to transfer it to the site of the Pueblo, in a place called Pinontingan. But because the place was quite swampy, Father Prudencio chose to build a church, also of lime and stone, on the outskirts of Pinontingan, where it still stands to welcome all worshippers to its fold.

ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH and BARCELONA RUINS PARK

In the early 1800’s, the Spaniards arrived, staked and claimed, or more popularly known as colonizing, an entire community in Sorsogon, which they later named “Barcelona”, in honor of then capital town of Spain which is Cataluna. They later constructed St. Joseph’s Church, now popularly known as Barcelona Church, which is just across the Barcelona Ruins Park.

We were supposed to make our way to Bulusan Lake but unfortunately the road leading to the lake was closed. We decided to ride out the road at the side of the mountains to our accommodations for the next three (3) days:

SUKI BEACH RESORT and LODGING, Suki Beach, Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon

*The pink sands of Suki Beach is caused by crushed red corals swept by the sea onto the shores.*

We ordered a late lunch of Chicken Teriyaki and Sinigang na Baboy (we were famished) and rice. Took a quick dip in the resort’s pool. For dinner, we partook of Chicken Adobo and Rice.

We were lights out by 8:00pm.

DAY 3 JANUARY 23, 2022 SUNDAY

MATNOG ISLAND HOP to CALINTAAN ISLAND, JUAG FISH SANCTUARY

The day before, we befriended Charlie, brother of resort staff Josie, and negotiated for him to bring us to the port town of Matnog, Sorsogon, jump-off point to Calintaan Island. It certainly was a beautiful day to head out to:

SUBIC BEACH, CALINTAAN ISLAND

*Can’t help but feel amazed* *by nature*

After about 2 hours we set off to JUAG LAGOON FISH SANCTUARY. It is privately owned and maintained. Despite being such, the owners decided to open it up to educate the public. The sanctuary prides itself with a wide variety of marine life including lobsters, coral fishes, giant clams, grouper, sea turtles and many others. Each enclosure holds different aquatic creatures.

*It literally is a lagoon smack in the middle of a small islet*

*There were literally hundreds of fish, and all seemed to be used to the presence of man.*

*In fact, they seem to flock towards us, and they seem to know we come bearing “feeds”.*

*Once you throw the feeds into the water, it is a feeding frenzy.*

We were forced to return to Matnog Port Terminal because we didn’t want to risk crossing San Bernardino Strait to get to Tikling Island, which is still a good 30-45 minutes away according to our boatmen. So we headed back to have a (very) late brunch at Bistro De Bantigui, a very quaint cafe like place:

Charlie picked us up and we headed back to Suki Beach Resort and Lodge, where we cleaned-up and slept the afternoon off.

Our dinner consisted of a repeat performance of the resort’s Adobong Manok because it was so good!

Lights out by 9:00pm for us.

DAY 4 JANUARY 24, 2022 MONDAY

WFH for my daughter, CHILL OUT DAY for me

*to just to listen to the sounds of the wind, and the waves*

*there’s something about deserted beaches in the mornings….not a soul in sight…*

After a breakfast of rice, longganiza, and eggs, I took a dip at the resort’s pool for about an hour:

*Their pool was looking really good to swim in. I’m gonna have fun here 🙂*

*Did about 10 laps at the big pool then rested here*

It was 11:00am when I got out of the pool, ordered Pansit Guisado, and dug in:

I slept in the afternoon for a bit while my daughter tried out the jacuzzi again, and it was her turn to use and have the pool all to herself. Dinner that night was simply Fried Chicken and rice.

We were lights out by 9:00pm.

DAY 5 JANUARY 25, 2022 TUESDAY

We had an early checkout time, 6:00am to be exact, as we had to return to Legazpi City to catch our 2pm flight back to Manila. Sta. Magdalena is a good 2 1/2 hours away from Legazpi City, so its best to be early.

Charlie took us to Brgy. Trese crossing, arriving at around 7:15am. It was there where we were able to hail a van ride straight to Legazpi City. We arrived at SM Legazpi City at around close to 10:00am. We took a tricycle to Ayala Mall, where we had brunch at BIGGS:

*This place has a view of the volcano but unfortunately that morning, Mayon was very shy*

*BIGGS platter for me: chicken, spaghetti, barbecue, garlic bread, pineapple juice*

*carbonara, pizza slice, and chicken for my daughter*

My daughter rested for a bit @BIGGS while I scoured the mall for and scored 4 pouches of Salted, and Crispy Pili Nuts (gotta have these).

Took a cab to the airport by 11:45am, and checked in. Our flight left early and we arrived in Manila 30 minutes earlier than expected.

Our trip tp Albay-Sorsogon was not without its challenges, so its best to remember the following:

The places you want to see may be quite the distance from each other, so its best to plan ahead on how to get there, i.e. research on mode of transport to take, where to alight, etc. etc.;
Befriend the locals. Bicol folk are generous and kind, and it’s best to be that way towards them, too. Be respectful.
The beaches we visited were very clean. Let’s help keep it that way.
Summer months are the best time to visit but the heat could get really stifling, so always hydrate.
SMART is the dominant telco network in Sorsogon. The other networks have intermittent signals.

The Bicol region definitely has a lot more to offer.

I just wish that we had a lot more time to spend in the provinces of Bicol.

It would be epic to start from Albay, make your way to Matnog, then to the Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur, all the while sampling local dishes such as Pinangat, Bicol Express, Sili Ice Cream, stay and chat up a storm with the locals, even have a drink or two with them, while you make your way to wherever in Bicol your feet would take you.

One day maybe I’ll come back and be able to do just that.

These contacts may also prove to be useful to our co-DIYers:

Charlie (Sta. Magdalena) 09702374644
Eddie Evasco (Boat Rental in Matnog) 09261404577
Suki Beach Resort & Lodging in Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon 09614309091
Rustom (Tricy Driver in SM Legazpi) 09306254158

In the meantime, for your reference fellow DIYers, here’s a list of all the expenses we incurred for our 5days 4nights Albay-Sorsogon trip:

Cheers!!!

SIARGAO DIY 4DAYS 3NIGHTS NOVEMBER 1-4, 2021

This trip was supposed to have occurred last Year 2020 but we all know what happened.

My daughter and I planned this again before the summer season of 2021 for us to avoid the crush of people, and then another lockdown happened. After the first lockdown (or Enhanced Community Quarantine, ECQ for those of you who are into acronyms) was lifted this year 2021, we were able to squeeze in a Bohol trip, which was cut short because of the passing of my father in-law.

And then another lockdown happened, which is what Philippine bureaucrats seem to know as the only viable solution to this wildly unpredictable affliction called SARS-COVID 19.

This Siargao sojourn of ours was supposed to be for 6days 5nights but we had to cut it short again, which I’ll explain why later.

HOW WE GOT TO SIARGAO

Book a flight online via either Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. You have the option of flying directly to Siargao, or via Cebu with a connecting flight to Siargao Island, which may have a 1-3hours layover.

We chose a Manila-Cebu-Siargao / vice-versa flights via Cebu Pacific.

WHAT ARE THE SURIGAO DEL NORTE-LGU REQUIREMENTS WHEN TRAVELLING TO SIARGAO

You’re required to secure a Saliva Test 72 hours upon date of arrival, from the Philippine Red Cross that shows a Negative Result for SARS Covid 19;
You’re also required to have a Confirmed Hotel Booking accommodation document with an LGU accredited place-of-stay;
A clear copy of a government-issued Identification (ID) card.

All of the above should be in JPEG format so you can load these onto the s-pass.ph online site, after which you’ll be able to secure an Approved Travel Coordination Permit that looks like this:

By the time some of you read this, these restrictions may have been eased somewhat already or maybe even removed altogether, in line with the so-called lowering of Alert Levels by the Infectious Diseases Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

HOW WE GOT AROUND SIARGAO ISLAND

Alighting at SAYAK AIRPORT in Siargao Island, there are already tourist vans waiting to take you to your accommodations. Fare is P300.00 per person, no more, no less.

We booked our ride to our accommodations and back to Sayak Airport when we departed the island, with ARNEL (09365010921). Travel time from Sayak Airport to General Luna, Siargao and vice-versa, is roughly 35-40 minutes.

There are a lot of options to get around the main island itself.

You can either:

rent a scooter; Fair warning, though, to scooter fanatics. You’ve got to be a real good rider in order to avoid becoming a statistic. A lot of accidents have happened on the roads of Siargao due to over-speeding on wet or dry roads.
hire/rent a van;
hire a tricycle for a land tour;
or pay for a tour with a local tour guide (there are a lot of signboards offering land tours and island hopping tours).

One thing I noticed when we arrived: gasoline was P70.21 per liter, and when we got to Day 3, it was already at P71.40 per liter!

For our Land Tour of some of the island’s popular destinations, we contracted RENCE (09079788198). He also hooked us up with island tour boatmen Bryan and Piloy.

SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN IN SIARGAO

One thing to remember is that there are quite a few nice establishments such as places-to-stay and places to eat that aren’t really very far from each other. A lot of times, in the mornings. I’d walk to LUNARES CAFE for my morning coffee fix. When taking a tricycle, for example, fare shouldn’t exceed P20.00 per person to reach a place to eat or see that is just 2.5klms. away up to 5klms;
DON’T DRINK THE TAP WATER unless the resort staff of the place where you’re staying says it’s safe to do so;
BEFRIEND and be RESPECTFUL of the LOCALS. They’ll help you out for land / island hopping tours, and they may even broker for you a sweet deal;
BE GOOD TO NATURE. DON’T BE A TRASH MONKEY. LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS;
DON’T EXPECT A REALLY FAST INTERNET CONNECTION. It is intermittent, at best, so you’ve got to make do with what you get, ‘man;
TEMPER YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF THE ROADS IN SIARGAO, some are paved smooth but most are rough also;
Book and pay for your flight / resort accommodations / tours early and online. This is to avoid the stress of winging it as you go along.

WHERE WE STAYED IN SIARGAO

When going to Siargao, it is best to stay in GENERAL LUNA, where all the accommodations, places to eat, and where the action can be found.

We stayed at KAWILI BEACH RESORT because all the other accommodations that we scoured for were fully-booked already because of the long weekend holiday (Saturday October 30 to Monday November 1, 2021).

There are a lot of high-end, mid-end, budget accommodations at Siargao but we chose Kawili because of its proximity to restos and it being just walking distance to the beach, and also because we’ve already put down a 50% deposit before for their SURF SHACK.

Unfortunately, because of the two (2) lockdowns of the year 2021, we weren’t able to use SURF SHACK and our deposit was forfeited. The only accommodation available was for their DORM ROOM shared with 4 other people who also had bookings for those dates of our stay. So we took it.

View from Kawili’s quaint lounge, kitchen, billiards, pool area

DAY 1 NOVEMBER 1, 2021 MONDAY

After settling in at Kawili, we immediately contacted Rence, and he took us to the COCONUT TREES VIEW DECK, about 25 minutes away from General Luna:

About 2 minutes away was the MAASIN BRIDGE BENT COCONUT TREE & RIVER SWING in Brgy. Maasin:

A further 3 minutes away, we went to the NEW BRGY. MAASIN BRIDGE:

After taking in these sights, we went back and got to the famous CLOUD 9 Surfing Area:

The place was packed with surfer wannabes and selfie-seeking tourists, both foreign and local.

Time to get in some refreshments at SHAKA CAFE

while I was a bit more adventurous, trying out their Bom Dia, which has banana, mango, acai, muesli, pineapple, and berries. It was heavenly.

We returned back to our accommodations and planned to have dinner at KERMIT Restaurant.

Unfortunately, KERMIT Restaurant had a long waiting list that night and we were famished already, so we tried out the home-made pasta at LA CARINDERIA, and they did not disappoint.

We called up Rence to make arrangements for our pickup to do the Tri-Island Hopping the next day.

It was lights out for us 9:00 pm, as we were flat-out tired from the flight and sight-seeing.

DAY 2 NOVEMBER 2, 2021 TUESDAY

LUNARES CAFE

I accidentally discovered this cafe’ when I was walking along Tourism Road in General Luna, looking for a place where I could score a hot cup. I had coffee and freshly-made croissant at LUNARES CAFE, and I tell you, their croissant looks, smells so good, is hot, and is so delicious, that for the next few days, I got up from bed 6am sharp to head straight for LUNARES CAFE. You must try out their Croissant and Coffee Americano:

TRI-ISLAND HOPPING TOUR

Rence picked us up and took us for a 5-minute ride to the port of General Luna. After paying P100.00 Environmental fee, I rented out snorkeling equipment, and Rence introduced us to our boatmen, Bryan and Piloy.

And off we went.

First stop was the MARINE SANCTUARY, and here are some screen grabs from my GoPRO:

I was scared as hell as it has been a long time since I snorkeled hahaha but the corals were worth watching, really

NAKED ISLAND

DAKU ISLAND

The sand, sea, and surf here takes your breath away. The waters were so good, and of course I swam to my heart’s content out here.

DAKU ISLAND is famous for its boodle fight food setup,
but my daughter didn’t want it.
So why would I boodle alone? Not much of a fight if you ask me hahahahaha, so I settled for just a light longganisa breakfast

This one took me by surprise. Mango shake with Ice Cream. Need I say more?

GUYAM ISLAND

A small yet beautiful and oh so pristine island

Back at General Luna, where we had LATE LUNCH AT BRAVO RESTAURANT, after spending 6 hours on the islands

After lunch and after buying some souvenirs, we came across this (sorry, the gear head in me had to include this), a pristine-looking Toyota MR2. SWEET.

That night, we had dinner at ARKA HAYAHAY and I had about three bottles of beer to go with dinner

Hummus for me, Filipino food for my daughter

DAY 3 NOVEMBER 3, 2021 WEDNESDAY

Siargao seems to stir slowly awake as the sun rises

MAGPOPONGKO ROCK POOLS AND FLATS

It pays to start early.

After leaving my daughter to do her work-from-home thing, and after having coffee and croissant at CAFE LUNARES, Rence and I started our trip to MAGPOPONGKO ROCK POOLS and FLATS at 7:15am and arrived 8:11am, and I had the place all to myself:

Already had a dip but I can’t wait to try out this pool

Here are some screen grabs of what it’s like under the pools:

At around 10:15am, a lot of people were arriving and that was my cue to leave. I left at around 10:24am and arrived back at General Luna 11:15am, and had a late lunch at a place called CASHEY’s PLACE. and it was both instantly regrettable and forgettable. DO NOT EAT HERE.

Later that evening we had dinner at WHITE BANANA BEACH CLUB and the ambience, with its techno-trance music, was so chill and cool. The food was simply divine. You should eat here:

Craved for Hot Chocolate and dessert so we stopped by at Tom N Tom’s Coffee:

DAY 4 NOVEMBER 4 THURSDAY

I would walk down a sandy alley and emerge from it to this…

We rebooked our return flight to Manila for today Thursday Nov. 4, 2021.

Flight leaves @12:20 noon time. We contacted Arnel for an 11:00am pick-up.

Before preparing to leave, I had my by-now customary coffee/croissant fix at CAFE LUNARES, showered and freshened up after, and we made our way to LAS PALMAS Restaurant for brunch. You must eat here:

Filipino breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juice

WHY WE HAD TO CUT SHORT OUR TRIP FROM 6DAYS 5NIGHTS TO 4DAYS 3NIGHTS

There is a directive from Surigao Del Norte LGU that if you stay for more than 4 days in Siargao, before you can leave the island, you would have to undergo testing for C-19, and result should be negative. If the result is positive for the virus, then you can’t leave and you’d be quarantined for 7-14 more days. We knew this before going to Siargao.

What really rankled me was when we went to a local clinic (that I won’t name), no one can give us a definitive answer as to how many cases there are in the island as of the moment, and its staff’s seemed insistent that even if we just spent 4days there, we should be tested before leaving, saying something about us testing negative 4 days ago, October 30, 2021. Even KAWILI resort owner Robert said it was all about making money for the LGU. I’ll leave it at that.

Also, we’ve noticed that the internet connection seemed to go on and off all of a sudden.

Our plan was to go sightsee on Days 1-2, then my daughter will work-from-home on Day 3 Wednesday. then go on Leave Day 4 Thursday to continue sightseeing. But seeing that the internet connection is what it is, and the threat of us not being able to go back to Manila to our jobs, we decided it best to rebook our flight back scheduled for Saturday to Thursday November 4, 2021.

The end-result was I wasn’t able to go surfing, and we weren’t able to visit Sohoton Cove, Coconut Grove, Corregidor and Mam-on islands anymore.

But it doesn’t matter. We will come back for the things we were not able to do next year, as soon as we get Iloilo-Guimaras done hahahaha…

Siargao is an island of super-friendly locals. Siargao is so vibrant but at the same time so laid-back, so much so that it allows you to move forward living the island life at your own pace, and that is probably Siargao’s most alluring appeal, aside from the spectacular sights, surf, sand, and island beaches.

Oh before I forget, if you’re a group, you can actually hire an open party van blaring your own music whilst you go on an all-nighter around the island!

Siagao did not and will not disappoint!

This was a do-it-yourself trip for 2 persons, and I’m sure you guys can do better, so here’s a list of expenses that we incurred for a 4 days 3 nights stay:

Antigen Saliva Test (Oct. 30 Saturday)	3,123.00
Sashamae / Spike Allowance	1,000.00
GRAB ! To Domestic Airport	401.00
CEBUPAC AIR FARE	14,119.00
Taxi fare & BREAKFAST @McDONALD’s LAPU-LAPU, CEBU	650.00
Van from Sayak Airport to General Luna (P300 per pax)	600.00
Check-in to KAWILI BEACH RESORT	2,700.00
TRICY /LANDTOUR:	1,200.00
SHAKA CAFE Smoothies	490.00
DINNER @LA CARINDERIA	750.00
BREAKFAST @LUNARES CAFÉ	180.00
ISLAND HOPPING FEE	1,710.00
Tricycle to Port of General Luna	100.00
Paid environmental fee P50.00 per person	100.00
Tricy fare back to KAWILI	40.00
Late LUNCH @BRAVO	900.00
Tricy to and from Arka Hayahay	80.00
DINNER @ARKA HAYAHAY	725.00
BREAKFAST @LUNARES CAFÉ	180.00
Hired Tricycle to Magpupungko Rock pools	400.00
Entrance	70.00
Tricycle Parking	30.00
Guide Fee	100.00
LUNCH @CASHEY’s Place	550.00
GLOBE LOAD	200.00
DINNER @WHITE BANANA (plus tricy going P50 and back P50)	1,420.00
Dessert @TOM and TOM’s Coffee	260.00
Tricycle fare from White Banana/ back to Kawili	80.00
Coffee @LUNARES CAFÉ	180.00
Brunch @LAS PALMAS	920.00
Van Pick-up & Depart for Airport	600.00
Paid Environmental Fee @Sayak Airport	40.00
LUNCH @CEBU airport (The BREW ROOM)	564.00
Miscellaneous expenses incurred (water, beer, cigs, souvenirs, etc)	1,101.00
GRAB ! to residence in San Juan, Manila	476.00

TOTALS	36,039.00

Be kind to yourself and to others.

PANGLAO, BOHOL 4DAYS 3NIGHTS JUNE 26-29, 2021

I don’t know where to start, really.

It was really stressful just to get here.

We needed negative results for Covid-19 via Red Cross Saliva test (this had to be taken a good 72 hours before arrival at your destination), had to have a confirmed resort booking accommodations, roundtrip tickets, all of which are to be uploaded to the Panglao – LGU.

We had to make numerous calls to our hosts in Panglao to follow up on their LGU to issue an Acceptance Letter, as well as how to go about getting their QR Code.

All of these need to be done the day before the flight to Panglao.

We learned about my father in-law’s passing when we touched down at Panglao’s airport.

It was heartbreaking news…

We sought CebPac’s ground personnel to inquire how to re-book, as we had to cut short this trip of ours, and they were not much help. My daughter and I decided to figure it out for ourselves, although we were advised to return to CebPac office so that they can help us out.

We were in a daze, really. Sort of like in a gloom and in grief because my daughter was my father in-law’s favorite grandchild.

She was inconsolable on the first day.

We had to just sort of “wing” this trip to get our minds and hearts right, for the meantime…

DAY 1 SATURDAY JUNE 26, 2021

Our accommodation’s version of sizzling pork.

Our accommodations @Hayahay Resort.
It was very nice.
Airconditioned room (cold), ref with goodies, complimentary bottled water, shower with great water pressure and heater, bidet, towels, the works.

Light Dinner, Pasta Carbonara and fries.

I’ve seen a white moon rising from the horizon in Calatagan, Batangas but this one came up and it was a sight to behold,
as the moon was much larger and brighter than usual.
Spectacular sight, really.

DAY 2 SUNDAY JUNE 27, 2021

We literally had to drag ourselves off the beds (we just wanted to lay on our beds, each one deep in thought thinking about Tatay Greg), but we’ve made reservations for a land tour the day before so…

Our itinerary were as follows:

Site where the Blood Compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi took place

More than 400 years old Baclayon Church

Bilar Man-Made Mahogany Forest

Tarsier Wildlife Sanctuary and Buttefly Garden

Chocolate Hills

Bacon and Omelette Breakfast @Pyramid Restaurant
before we left.

Inside Baclayon Church.
This church is more than 400 years old.

Man-Made Mahogany Forest.
The trees are more than 60 years old, planted by students of Bohol,
and it was cold and airy underneath its canopy.

Entrance to the Tarsier Wildlife Sanctuary.

A scene straight out of
The Twilight Zone.

*Musang –* wild cat endemic to Mindanao.

The *Alamid –* a shy mammal endemic to Bohol.

Definitely the star of the Sanctuary, the Tarsier.
It’s so small and fragile, and is easily stressed out
that we literally had to talk in whispers when we were in its vicinity. The Boholanos are environmental heroes, as they have succeeded in breeding more than 100 Tarsiers in the Sanctuary alone, not an easy thing to do.

@Chocolate Hills.
After seeing the sights, we were feeling a little better.

It is 220 steps to get to the top view deck.

Late lunch @Henan Resort.
Their Nilagang Baka is superb.

I just lied down on Alona Beach’s powdery white sand
and soaked in the sun.

The sea was surprisingly serene and tranquil
during this *habagat* season.

Calm, cloudy, and grayish Panglao Sunset.

DAY 3 MONDAY JUNE 28, 2021

We were able to figure out via online re-booking how to get back to Manila and we decided to return to Manila on Tuesday June 29, 2021.

DAY 4 TUESDAY JUNE 29, 2021

WHERE TO EAT IN PANGLAO

Pyramid Restaurant is the way to go, affordable yet delicious.

Panglao in Bohol certainly gave us its magical moments.

She was, throughout our short stay, very peaceful, and people always had a ready smile for us.

However sad we may have been because of the passing of my father in-law was somewhat soothed by Bohol and Panglao’s nature, which is so beautiful and picturesque.

God bless you, Tatay Greg.

Thank you for touching our lives with your love and presence.

We love you and we will surely miss you.

For the DIYers, below is a summary of expenses that we incurred.

Be good to yourselves and to others.

	TIME	COST
JUNE 24, 2021 THURSDAY ANTIGEN TEST		4,000.00

JUNE 26, 2021 SATURDAY (DAY 1)
Prepare for trip
Sasha / Spike allowance, house cleaning		1,000.00
GRAB! to NAIA Domestic	630am-7:00am	500.00
Manila to Tagbilaran	11:00am-12:30nn	9,700.00	Rebooked
Transfer to accommodations	12:30nn-1:30pm	400.00
Check-in Hayahay Beach Resort		4,500.00
Restup
LUNCH @Hayahay Resto	2:00pm-2:30pm	745.00
Chill by the beach (merienda)
DINNER @COCO VIDA	7:00pm	730.00
JUNE 27, 2021 SUNDAY (DAY 2)
Wake-up call	6:00am
Breakfast @PYRAMID	7:00am	815.00
BOHOL COUNTRYSIDE TOUR		2,500.00	Rent car/driver
Blood Compact Shrine	9am-2pm	no entrance
Baclayon Church (no entrance)
Bilar Man-Made Mahogany Forest		no entrance
Phil. Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary	200.00	entrance fee
Butterfly Shrine
Chocolate Hills	100.00	entrance fee
Back to accomodations
LUNCH @HENAN	3pm	600.00	food
Chill @beach	4pm-6pm
DINNER @JASZ RestoBar	7:00pm	995.00
JUNE 28, 2021 MONDAY (DAY 3)
Wake up call	6:00am
Breakfast @JOLLIBEE	7:00am	286.00
LUNCH @LOST HORIZON (this was regrettable, don’t eat here)	12:00nn-1:00pm	365.00
DINNER @PYRAMID	7:00pm	710.00
JUNE 29, 2021 TUESDAY (DAY 4)
Prepare for trip back to Manila
Breakfast @PYRAMID	7:00-8:00pm	790.00
Travel to Airport	11:00am-11:20am	400.00
Check in
Flight to Manila	1:05pm-2:35pm

GRAB to San Juan	3:20pm-4:00pm	500.00
Miscellaneous expenses		1,246.00

		31,082.00

4Ds 3Ns CALATAGAN, BATANGAS

Talk about cabin fever, my daughter and I had just about had it being cooped up at home.

When the opportunity for a quick escape came up via the shift from ECQ to GCQ here in the metro, we immediately scoured the nearest available beach resort, and it was this place called Lago De Oro Resort and Wake Park.

We gathered documents needed to make the trip, made reservations for a May 21 Friday to May 24, 2021 Monday stay, packed, and off we went.

DAY 1

FRIDAY

MAY 21, 2021

It was smooth ride to the South (amazing roads, really!) and we got to test AutoSweep and it worked like a charm. We were a bit worried about checkpoints but we never gave it much thought, anyway. We stopped over a quaint place with a library / hidden resto feel to it called Bag of Beans in Tagaytay for breakfast, and it was great, both the ambience of the place and the food!

Their breakfast food portions were enormous!!!

When you drop by this place, you have to try their Shepherd Pie, it is A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!!!

So off we went to Calatagan with a very full stomach.

We encountered a checkpoint in the entrance to Nasugbu but we had proper documents with us so there really was no problem. At the entrance to the numerous resorts in Calatagan, there’s another checkpoint where Tourism personnel check for confirmed bookings, and we encountered no problems there, too.

We finally made it to our destination, and it was literally a breath of fresh air (and a sight for sore eyes)!!!

We spent about 2hours 54 minutes actual travel time, about 130klms., and counting the 1 1/2 hours stay at Bag of Beans Tagaytay, we were a bit tired.

Before checking into our room, we had lunch at the resort’s restaurant consisting of their version of Buffalo Wings, and Pansit Canton, and no complaints because we were famished!

We went to our room and surprise! it was nice and cool with a view.

After resting for about 2 hours, it was chill time by the beach.

The view was simply beautiful, just because we missed the beach and the sea so much !!!

Get a load of this view

Still full from the heavy breakfast @Bag of Beans, and lunch at the resort’s resto, we decided just to have their Nachos, San Miguel Lite Beer (only for me), and just watch as the sun went down beneath overcast skies.

No sunset show today.

Perfect drink for the beachside bum, though.

DAY 2

SATURDAY

MAY 22, 2021

There’s something about staying at a beach front place.

I tend to gravitate towards the waters very early in the morning, wade in, and feel the cool sea beneath my feet, and just take in what the sea and the shore can offer.

When you’re all alone, you hear the stillness of the wind, see reflections in the water clearly, feel the warmth of the sunlight during mornings, gaze at the clouds above, obvious of the footprints you leave behind.

It all is simply magical.

Al-fresco breakfast consisted of coffee, sliced fruits, your choice of fruit shakes. We had tocilog and corned beef.

It was superb.

Great food, drinks with little umbrellas, sand, beach, waves, swimming pool, peace and quiet…what’s not to like and smile about?

After breakfast, I tried my luck with wake boarding.

Suffice to say, I need to work on my balance on the board hahahaha.

After about 4 rounds, my body was sore hahahaha

My daughter, though, was better at wake boarding than me.

Lunch for our second day was a simple sinigang na baboy with patis, sili, calamansi.

The sun finally gave a show today. What a sunset!

We decided on a light dinner, and pepperoni pizza it is hahahaha and retired for the night.

DAY 3

SUNDAY

MAY 23, 2021

Damn, that wakeboarding session sure hurt my body all over, so much so that I didn’t wanna get up…

After a quick bath, I made my way to the beach to catch some morning light and still life photos

Per usual, breakfast was ordered and served, beef steak and bacon and eggs.

Slept all the way through lunchtime. Woke up to take more still life photos under the afternoon sun

For the 2nd day in a row, we were treated to a spectacular sunset show

For dinner, we feasted on sizzling sisig w/ egg, pansit canton, rice, fruit shakes, and called it a night.

DAY4

MONDAY

MAY 24, 2021

It’s our last day here in Calatagan, and we woke up early to swim in the beach for an hour, and another hour at the resort’s pool. No breakfast or lunch as we were still full, and we planned on having lunch in Tagaytay. Just took in some more sights and sounds of the sea.

We packed up our stuff, paid our accomodations, and set out for home, stopping by for lunch at Leslie’s Bulalo in Tagaytay, and it is worth the trip. The beef was succulent and soft, through and through. To top it off, we ate lunch in a restaurant with a spectacular view of Taal volcano!

The Calatagan trip was worth it even if it was just for a couple of days.

This pandemic thing really put a damper on travel plans.

I guess we just have to be thankful for what we have, and that we’re still here.

For the DIYers, here’s a list of expenses for two (2) persons for the 4day 3nights stay at Lago De Oro Resort and Wake Park in Calatagan, Batangas:

MAY 21, 2021 FRIDAY (DAY 1)	COST
Prepare for trip
Sasha / Spike/ house cleaning staff	500.00
Gasoline: Fulltank	1,455.00
Breakfast @Bag of Beans, Tagaytay	1,028.00
LUNCH @Lago de Oro Restaurant	1,018.00
Check-in @Lago De Oro 4d3n	10,000.00
DINNER	826.00
MAY 22, 2021 SATURDAY (DAY 2)
Wake-up call
Breakfast	827.90
Wake Boarding	300.00
Lunch	1,095.00
Misc expenses	220.00
Dinner	1,018.00
MAY 23, 2021 SUNDAY (DAY 3)
Breakfast	827.00
LUNCH	1,026.50
DINNER	985.00
Misc expenses	220.00
MAY 24, 2021 MONDAY (DAY 4)
Wake up call
Swim @beach and pool of resort
Depart for Manila
Misc expenses	220.00
LUNCH @Leslie’s Bulalo	1,120.00

TOTAL:	22,686.40

Here are some more sunset pics for your viewing pleasure

Be good to yourself and to others.

CEBU-BANTAYAN ISLAND-KALANGGAMAN-MALAPASCUA ISLAND 6D 5N TRIP DECEMBER 25-30, 2019

It feels awkward to be writing about this trip in the aftermath of Typhoon Ursula that wreaked havoc on these very areas. Maybe it explains why when we were there, both my daughter and I were muted in our delight to just being there in the first place. Much more is the mere fact that we were able to make the trip at all, because of the numerous flight cancellations happening.

Anyway, I planned this trip in advance. Scored Air Asia tickets to Cebu. My daughter and I made the necessary bookings for accommodations.

But Typhoon Ursula made us adjust our itinerary as she was still lashing Northern Visayas.

HOW WE GOT THERE

Our Manila-Cebu flight, thankfully, was not cancelled, and after about an hour-long flight, we touched down at Mactan International Airport. The airport is amazingly clean and mall-like. I mean, this is what airports in our country should look like.

DAY 1 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25, 2019

2:30AM

We followed our original itinerary, boarded a van-for-hire and headed straight to NorthBus Terminal. Unfortunately, all trips to Hagnaya Port were cancelled, as all RORO trips to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island have been cancelled by the Coast Guard due to rough seas. We hailed a taxi and asked to be taken to Kiwi Pension House (where we reserved a room albeit for December 29, 2019), and unfortunately, all rooms were taken that night. I called up Mike Reyes, a long-time friend and Cebu resident, and he picked us up. We stayed at his place till about 5:00am, made a couple of calls and we were able to get a room at Hotel Stella in Gen. Gil Garcia St., Mandaue City. We hailed a taxi and headed straight to the hotel, checked-in, and rested up. Hotel Stella is nice with basic amenities like hot water shower, wifi, a cafe, cold ACU, toiletries, and towels.

11:00AM

We woke up at around 11am and decided to book a Cebu City Tour with Cebu City Travel and Tours, and requested that we be picked up at around 12:30 noontime. We made our way to the famous barbecue capital of the Philippines, the Larsian sa Fuente, where we had our lunch.

Chicken bbq, lato (or as Ilocanos call it, ar-ar-osep), nilaga, grilled chorizo, and rice for only P300.00. It was delicious.

Our ride, a Toyota Innova, and our driver, Vincent, picked us up at Larsian sa Fuente. We went straight to Sirao Flower Farm, a place up in the mountainous region of Lahug.

2nd stop was a place called Tops Lookout, an observation deck with a city panorama view.

We stayed for a while at Temple of Leah. This Roman-inspired temple was built in the Year 2012 by a husband as a symbol of his love to and of Leah Villa Albino-Adarna.

Damn that guy pushing that torotot to my ear sorry couldn’t resist it eh

Next on the list is the Cebu Taoist Temple, located inside Beverly Hills Subdivision, built in 1972 by Cebu’s Chinese community. Heavily-guarded, and photo-taking is limited, the intricate designs are something to behold, really.

We then made our way to the Cebu Heritage Monument, built by sculptor Eduardo Castrillo. An imposing monument to the history of Cebu, it was designed so that you’d look up to it set against blue skies. Its made of cement, steel and bronze, its sheer size is intimidating, and once you see it up close, it is truly an amazing work of art.

Lapu-Lapu has never been depicted so accurately than this.

Right across the street is the Yap Sandiego House, said to be the first Chinese house built outside of China, sometime in 1675. The locals call this house balay nga bato ug kahoy because its built out of corals and wood. The guide inside the house told us that the house was originally owned by a certain Don Juan Yap who later on married a local woman named Dona Maria Florido, and their eldest daughter married Don Mariano Avendano SanDiego. The house has since been passed on to ten (10) generations of Yap-Sandiegos.

The window panes are made out of mother-of-pearl

A very popular landmark in Cebu is Magellan’s Cross, located in the town plaza, next to the munisipyo. The cross itself is encased in tingalo wood to protect it from the elements, as well as from people who chip away parts of the cross because they claim that it has miraculous healing powers. Ferdinand Magellan ordered his Portuguese crewmen to plant the cross upon arriving in Cebu. Some people believe that the cross encased in the tingalo wood is but a replica planted by Spaniards after successfully christianizing the Philippines, as the original cross is said to have been destroyed.

The Basilica de Sto. Nino was full of people that day so we did not go inside anymore. This church is said to be the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country as it is said to have been built in the year 1565. It is said that the church lies on the spot where the image of the Sto. Nino was found during the expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Housed inside the church is said to be the icon of the Child Jesus, presented by Ferdinand Magellan to the then chief consort of Rajah Humabon upon their christening in the Year 1521.

The Rajah Humabon monument, situated near the Metroploitan Cathedral, was built as homage to the said Rajah, who later was baptized as Don Carlos. Information on the Rajah was culled from Magellan’s chronicler, Antonio Pigafetta, who wrote that Humabon was Rajah of Cebu, an indianized Philippine political clan.

Our luck ran out as the Fort San Pedro was closed that day. Fuerte San Pedro was a military garrison in Cebu built by and under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. It is in the area now known as Plaza Independencia. It was said to be made originally of wood but later on made into concrete to repel Muslim raiders. It is said to have been the center of Spanish settlement here in the Philippines, and this dates back to 1738, making it the oldest bastion fort in the country.

We made our way back to the hotel, paid Vincent our tour fee, and rested a bit. Later on that evening. we made our way to Rico’s Lechon Restaurant. Lechon in Cebu is not dipped in sarsa but in suka, and believe me, it is delicious. Their chorizo, much like what we ate in Larsian Fuente, is also delicious.

DAY 2 THURSDAY DECEMBER 26, 2019

BANTAYAN ISLAND

We found out that there were now trips going to Bantayan Island via the said municipality’s FB page. We checked out of Hotel Stella at around 1:00am and hailed a taxi bound for NorthBus Terminal. We immediately boarded the HAGNAYA ACU bus, paid, and slept during the 3-hour trip. We arrived at Hagnaya port and waited a bit until tickets were being sold. We paid the terminal fee, boarded the RORO bound for Sta. Fe, Bantayan, and slept some more during the 1 hour trip. Upon disembarking, we paid another set of terminal fees and boarded a tricycle which took us to our accommodations, Budyong Beach Resort. We spent the whole morning settling in and just taking in the view. Despite Typhoon Ursula hitting Bantayan Island, her scenery is still breathtaking.

We decided to take a late brunch at quaint TapaMaster @MJ Square.

By now, we were able to score a tricycle tour to take us to 3 popular spots in the island. We did not include St. Paul Church anymore because it is quite a ways off from where we are located.

OBO-OB MANGROVE PARK / CAMP SAWI

Be sure to stop by the wayside where the open sea can be viewed and spend some time there, because this is what you see.

We headed for Paradise Beach, and unfortunately, it was levelled by Typhoon Ursula, with seaweed all over the place. Locals say it’ll take months before it can be returned to its pristine state. Well, it is what it is.

For our last stop, we went to a place called The Ruins, and you can see why it’s a popular place for those who want to take photos for their IG stories. It also offers stunning views and panoramas.

We went back to the resort in time for a late afternoon swim, and caught the awesome sunset. Here in Bantayan Island, you can catch both spectacular sunsets and sunrise.

Later that evening we had dinner at Cou Cou Bar and Restaurant. The Chicken Fingers and Ribs were good, the carbonara was passable.

DAY 3 FRIDAY DECEMBER 27, 2019

HILANTAGAAN-SILION (VIRGIN) ISLAND HOPPING

We scored a boat ride and boatman to both Hilantagaan and Virgin Island, which were both hit hard by Typhoon Ursula. Woke up early that morning to get my coffee fix at TapaMaster. And of course, watch the sunrise from the resort. You be the judge when I say that Bantayan Island offers spectacular sunsets and sunrises.

The sand here in Bantayan is really so white.

We boarded the motorized banca and off we went.

We didn’t stay that long in the fishing village of Hilantagaan, where I just had a cup of coffee, biscuits, and hung around with and chatted with some locals.

Virgin Island, however, is simply magical.

Stumbled upon an octopus!
Ya’ll lookin’ ‘fo Nemo, ‘bruh?

We headed back to Bantayan and had lunch at Aloha Tika. Sisig/Pork Adobo/Ramen. Not so good. Perhaps because they’re exhausted because there were a lot of people served but still…well, you know what I’m saying

Relax. Chill. Breathe. Swim. Watch the sunset. Repeat. Relax. Chill. Breathe. Swim. Watch the sunset. Repeat.

What I’d give to wake up to a view like this…

Later that evening, we had a light dinner at the Kota Beach Resort resto next door, and it was great. Spaghetti Boulagnaisse for me, Chicken Fingers for my daughter.

DAY 4 SATURDAY DECEMBER 28, 2019

BANTAYAN TO MALAPASCUA

In our haste to make it to Malapascua early, we decided to take a motorized banca ride from Bantayan to Malapascua. We were assured that the weather would cooperate and the twin-engine boat can get us there. Forty-five minutes into the trip, my daughter was panicking, as the waves were a bit choppy. We decided to dock at Kawit, take a trike to Maya Port, and a boat ride to Malapascua. Lesson learned. We will never do that again (2 hrs boat ride in open sea).

Our Kalanggaman Island tour contact, Bimbo, constantly kept in touch with us, and met us at the shore of Malapascua Island, told us to check-in later, and escorted us straight to another boat that took us to Kalanggaman Island (another 2 hr trip, but this time in a much bigger and more powerful boat but it was sort of buwis-buhay also hahahahaha).

What we saw when we arrived at the island was just simply so spectacular, I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it. I posted in FB that Virgin Island was the best place in Cebu but I take it back because this is truly WOW (technically Kalanggaman Island is a municipality of Palompon, Leyte but I’m not complaining, after all, I want it for myself, too, hahahahaha) !!!

I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. They did a good job of cleaning it up after Typhoon Ursula. The waters surrounding the island is still so clear, the sand so white it hurts the eyes (good thing I wore sunglasses), its ridiculous, really. I never thought such a place existed. When I tell you to better come see this, you better come and see this.

Lunch that day (care of the tour organizer) consisted of grilled pork, grilled chicken, rice, a huge grilled fish, pansit canton, watermelon, and bottled Coca-Cola (this one seemed really out-of-place, oh well). We arrived at Kalanggaman at around 10:37am and left at exactly 2:00pm, and arrived at Malapascua just in time to check-in @Malapascua Blue Water Dive Resort, chilled at the beach, chatted up some of the locals and foreigners (told them where happy-hour was) and watched the sunset.

See the roof destroyed by Typhoon Ursula?

Later in the evening we dined at the Little Mermaid Dive resort and their Little Mermaid pizza is awesome! and so was their carbonara. We made our way back to our accommodations and lights out by 10:00pm.

DAY 5 SUNDAY DECEMBER 29, 2019

I woke up 5am to have coffee and watch the sunrise here in Malapascua.

The outdoor cafe /resto where I had coffee this morning had its roof ripped-off and its supports damaged by Typhoon Ursula.

My daughter and I had breakfast here in Iroha Japanese Bar and Restaurant. Food was delicious and affordable.

We bought a few souvenirs (a T-shirt and local bracelet for me, sarong for my daughter), and had an early lunch (pansit/adobo/onion rings) at Ocean Vida Dive Resort (not great but not bad either).

We left Malapascua that day 12:20pm. Arrived at Maya Port 1:05pm, and took the 1:30pm bus to Cebu City. We arrived at Cebu City at around 6:18pm because of traffic at the Liloan area. We checked-in at Hotel Stella again because they were very accommodating and the rooms and amenities were good and affordable enough. Later that evening we went over to my friend Mike’s house and we had dinner consisting of salads, lechon, rice, and siomai (they reside in Tisa, the siomai capital of Cebu). We stayed at Mike’s place till 9:30pm and made our way back to the hotel.

DAY 6 MONDAY DECEMBER 30, 2019

We checked-out of the hotel at around 7am, headed straight to Shamrock Pasalubong Center, bought a few of those yummy otap, and had breakfast at McDonald’s Fuente Circle. We booked a Grab car to take us to the airport at around 9:30am and arrived at the airport a little past 10:00am. We immediately checked-in and waited for our flight. While inside the deparure area, we again bought a T-shirt and key chain as part of our souvenir haul. We boarded our flight 12:25pm, took off 12:45pm and arrived in Manila 2:15pm.

We explored only the northern part of Cebu. If only we had more time, we could’ve gone to Southern Cebu and went swimming with whale-sharks in Oslob, experience canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, and maybe even scuba-dived to see the thresher and hammerhead sharks get cleaned by fishes in Kimud Shoal 14kms off Malapascua Island.

So many things to do in Cebu, so little time.

Maybe next time. In the meantime, Cebu occupies a special place in my heart.

We truly have a gem of an island right here in the Philippines, in Cebu.

Here are some contact numbers that can be useful to DIYers out there who get to read this:

HOTEL STELLA – 09176381333

BUDYONG BEACH RESORT – 09994949473

CEBU CITY TRAVEL & TOURS (c/o Josh) – 09055030499

MALAPASCUA BLUE WATER DIVE RESORT – 09178213127

And to the budget conscious, I didn’t forget about you, as expenses incurred for two (2) people are enumerated below (not included is round-trip airfare Manila – Cebu – Manila).


DECEMBER 25, 2019 WEDNESDAY (DAY 1)	TIME	COST
Sashamae’s & Spike’s allowance (HEY i LOVE MY DOGS!)		1,000.00
Prepare for Cebu flight	4:00pm
GRAB! To NAIA Domestic /Dinner	6:30pm	514.00
Dinner @Yang Chow	7:30pm	614.00
Depart Manila for Cebu (Mactan airport)	12:10am
Arrive at Mactan airport	1:25am
Van to Northbus Terminal (no trip to Hagnaya Port)	1:50am-2:20am	360.00
Taxi to Kiwi Pension House (fully-booked)	2:20am-2:42am	180.00
Stayed @Mike’s place	3:00am-4:50am
Check in to Hotel Stella	5:25am	1,585.00
Restup	5:30am-1130am
LUNCH @Larsian sa Fuente	12:00-12:30pm	300.00
City Tour c/o Cebu Travel & Tours	1:00pm-5:00pm	3,180.00
– Sirao Flower Farm (entrance fee P100 each)		200.00
– Tops View (entrance fee P50 each)		100.00
– Temple of Leah (entrance fee P150 each)		300.00
– Taoist Temple
– Cebu Heritage Monument
– Yap-Sandiego House (entrance fee P100 each)		200.00
– Magellan’s Cross
– Cebu Municipal Hall & Plaza
– Basilica de Sto. Nino
– Rajah Humabon Monument
– Fort San Pedro
Back to Hotel Stella	6:30-7:30pm
Dinner @Rico’s Lechon	7:50pm-8:45pm	680.00
Taxi back to Hotel Stella	9:25pm	100.00
Lights out	10:00pm
DECEMBER 26, 2019 THURSDAY (DAY 2)
Checkout @Hotel Stella	1:00am
Taxi to NorthBus Terminal / misc	1:50am-2:10am	180.00
Ceres Bus to Hagnaya port	2:17am-5:17am	360.00
Pay Terminal Fee		40.00
Miscellaneous purchases @Hagnaya Port		180.00
Purchase tickets / ride ferry to Bantayan Island	5:30am-6:30am	380.00
Arrive @Sta. Fe Port, Bantayan Island / Pay terminal fee	7:25am	80.00
Tricycle to accomodations	8:30am	40.00
Check-in: BUDYONG BEACH RESORT		3,300.00
Breakfast / Miscellaneous	8:57am-9:00am	200.00
Late Lunch @Tapamaster in MJ Square	12:00noon	570.00
Purchase souvenir shirt /ref magnet		300.00
Hire Tricy for Bantayan Island Tour	1:00pm-4:00pm	500.00
– Obo-ob Mangrove Ecopark (entrance fee P60 each / P15 hat)		150.00
– Paradise Beach (entrance fee P50)		100.00
– The Ruins
Back to RESORT	4:00pm-4:30pm
Beach Bumming / Swimming/sunset-watching	5:00pm-6:15pm
Dinner Cou Cou Bar & Resto	7:00pm	705.00
Lights out	9:30pm
DECEMBER 27, 2019 FRIDAY (DAY 3)
Wake-up call	4:00am
BREAKFAST / miscellaneous / sunrise watching	4:30am	417.00
ISLAND HOPPING	6:00am – 12:00pm	800.00
– Hilantagaan Island
– Silion Island (Virgin Island entrance)		500.00
Back to RESORT
LUNCH @Aloha Tika/ misc	3:00pm	803.00
Back to RESORT	4:00pm
Rest / swim / sunset-watching	4:30pm-5:58pm
Dinner @Kota Beach Resort	7:00pm	400.00
DECEMBER 28, 2019 SATURDAY (DAY 4)
Wake-up call	4:00am
Checkout of BUDYONG RESORT	5:00am
Boat to Kawit/tricy/boat to Malapascua	5:30am-7:30am	2,800.00
Day tour to KALANGGAMAN ISLAND / LUNCH c/o tour org	8:00am-4:00pm	2,100.00
Check-in to MALAPASCUA BLUE WATER BEACH & DIVE RESORT	4:36pm	2,000.00
Restup / sunset watching	4:36pm-5:56pm
DINNER @LITTLE MERMAID RESORT & BAR	6:00pm	620.00
Lights out	9:00pm
DECEMBER 29, 2019 SUNDAY (DAY 5)
Wake-up call	5:00am
Coffee / sunrise-watching	5:15am	40.00
Breakfast @Iroha Japanese Bar & Restaurant	4:30am	380.00
Lunch @Ocean Vida Dive Resort	10:00am	850.00
Checkout from MALAPASCUA BLUE WATER BEACH & DIVE RESORT	11:45am
Purchase Souvenirs		500.00
Boat ride back to Maya Port	12:17pm-1:05pm	500.00
Bus ride to Cebu City	1:30pm-6:18pm	400.00
Lastday checkin Hotel Stella	6:30pm	1,550.00
Taxi back & forth to Mike’s place	7:40pm-9:30pm	370.00
Lights out	10:20pm
December 30, 2019 MONDAY (DAY 6)
Wake-up call	6:00am
Prep for flight to Manila	6:30am
Pasalubongs	7:00am	1,300.00
Checkout/GRAB! to Mactan airport	7:00am-8:00am	319.00
Arrive @airport	10:00am
Depart Cebu for Manila	12:45pm
Arrive @Manila	2:10pm
GRAB to San Juan		375.00

TOTAL EXPENSES (for two (2) persons)		P 33,422.00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER.

Dinadiawan 3Days 2Nights August 24-26, 2019

So there was this upcoming long weekend coinciding with the birthday of my daughter and she decided to spend it somewhere less crowded and less polluted. We’ve been reading rave reviews about a place 5-6 hrs from Manila just about 45minutes from Baler. A place called Dinadiawan in Dipaculao, Aurora to be exact. It didn’t hurt that the reviews said that for less than P10k, you can have beachfront accomodation, seafood, and peace and quiet.

But what really had me worried about this trip was the weather, as a typhoon just passed by Casiguran (well, technically it was 800 kms. off the coast of Casiguran but it did bring rains). We decided to go for it.

Before setting out, we booked a non-ACU small hut / wooden house for P1k a night @Pacific Villa and Ms Evita (owner of the place) was very helpful with our text inquiries. She told us that we needed to do marketing of food for our 2-day stay, and we could rent cooking (LPG and small stove included)/ eating utensils for P500 for the whole duration of our stay.

HOW WE GOT THERE

First off, we tried to book a bus to Baler by being chance passengers via Genesis Bus Line in Cubao but those in – charge were not very helpful. They could’nt even tell us with certainty if we could get on a bus to Baler @11pm that August 23 Friday night! They didn’t even list our names down as chance passengers! Someone offered us a van ride all the way to Baler for P600 (which we thought was a good deal) but we thought it kinda sketchy as we were told that we’d wait for another group of 10 to arrive at around 10pm.

So we decided to inquire at ES Transit just beside Genesis if they had buses that go directly to Baler. We were advised by their very friendly personnel to take the 3-hr Cabanatuan route, then take either a van or another AC bus to Casiguran, which we were assured, was aplenty once we get to Cabanatuan.

Needless to say, we took this route. Fare to Cabanatuan was P220 each (the bus was nice and clean and had chargers for CPs and it was less than 3hrs because of less traffic) and true enough when we got there, ACU vans to Casiguran were waiting. Fare was P300 each and the trip was about 2-3 hrs tops. We left Manila via ES Transit at around 8:30 pm, boarded a van to Casiguran by 11:30 pm and arrived at Pacific Villa close to 4:00 am in the morning of August 24, 2019. It was a long and lonely trip from Cabanatuan to Casiguran simply because it was dark and raining a bit. But we got there pretty much safe and sound.

PACIFIC VILLA

We knocked at the caretaker’s house and caretaker Jojo welcomed us (we actually woke him up but he was kind enough to lead us to our accomodation and set it up). Jojo stated that he’ll be providing us with our cooking/eating utensils at about 8:00 am, and that if we wanted to, we could just ask him to take us to the marketplace via his tricycle and we could store what we bought at their refrigerators.

My daughter and I took to the beds (clean sheets and cold weather) and had about 3 hrs of much-needed shut-eye after a long trip.

Little did we know that Dinadiawan was going to show off its beautiful sunrise that morning.

Simple accommodations / give me a hammock-by- the- sea anytime and I’m good

DAY 1 SUNRISE

mid-morning view after taking a dip in the sea and walking barefoot in her white sand

Rock-strewn shores made by the sea. By early afternoon, these rocks disappear back into the ocean, literally lapped back by the sea a few meters from the shore.

Couldn’t pass up the chance to make a wish

We were the only ones there, and we had it to ourselves that morning.

LUNCH

So like Jojo said, I asked him to take me to the marketplace and I was amazed how affordable seafood was. I bought hipon for about P120.00 only, liempo for P70.00, chicken for about P80 and ingredients for sinigang / adobo (for dinner).

Seasoned with salt and pepper, nothing too fancy

DINNER

I prepped a can’t-go-wrong chicken pork adobo for a 6pm dinner

DUSK @DINADIAWAN, AURORA

Looking at the sea before it disappears into the night

No Tiger beer here just same old reliable SMB Light for my nightcap

DAY2 SUNRISE

Mornings in the beach are simply magical

We swam in Dinadiawan’s waters in the morning and she swept me around hahaha ‘man, her waters are rough at this time of the year but refreshing still, really.

Success again! This time it;s pork sinigang hahahaha

DAY 3

How small we are in the grand scheme of things

Dinadiawan in Dipaculao, Aurora might not appeal to those who seek more glamorous vacation spots but Dinadiawan is a nature lover’s dream destination. As the pics show, it exudes a quiet and peaceful vibe, away from the stresses of living in the city and engaging in the proverbial everyday rat-race.

Fresh sea breeze, calm morning waters great for swimming, white sand at your feet, just listen to the waves crash the shore, and be amazed at how the light and colors change from the break of dawn to the rising of the sun.

It is simply a spectacular sight to behold. It’s like watching the Creator paint the sky, and you’ve got a front row seat to it.

I will come back to you one day.

You’ve left me wanting for so much more, and for that alone, I miss you already.

As usual, for DIYers, below is a summary of expenses for two (2) people. Till next time.


AUGUST 23, 2019 FRIDAY	COST

Sashamae/Spikymae allowance (our dogs!!!)	500.00
Grab! San Juan to Cubao (Genesis Bus Terminal)	150.00
Dinner	300.00
Cubao to Cabanatuan (P220 each)	440.00
Cabanatuan to Dinadiawan (P300 each)	600.00

DAY1 AUGUST 24, 2019 SATURDAY
Check in @ Pacific Villa	2,000.00
(2 DAYS for 2 PAX)
Beach Bumming
Lunch	500.00
Beach Bumming
Dinner	500.00
DAY2 AUGUST 25, 2019 SUNDAY
Breakfast	100.00
Lunch	500.00
Dinner	350.00

DAY3 AUGUST 26, 2019 MONDAY

Checkout from Pacific Villa
Dinadiawan to Baler (via Jojo’s tricy)	600.00
Harvest Peanut Butter / other souvenirs	450.00
Lunch @Chowking Baler	500.00
Baler to Cubao (Van)	1,200.00
Dinner	500.00
Grab! Cubao to San Juan	300.00

	9,490.00

MARINDUQUE, HEART OF THE PHILIPPINES, 4DAYS 3NIGHTS ITINERARY APRIL 16-20,2019

” I once embarked on a journey. I was alone, searching for stories I’ve never witnessed, collecting as many moments as I could.” – Cholo Laurel, filmaker, writer.

When one hears of Marinduque, the Moriones Festival comes to mind. We’ve often heard of it, yet, as the above quote states, we’ve never witnessed nor experienced it. But Marinduque has more to offer, and such was the motivation behind this sojourn to the island dubbed as the heart of the Philippines.

From the moment we disembarked till the time we had to return to the city, Marinduque certainly gave us its moments. It evoked thoughts of finding and keeping one’s faith, wonder at the beauty of nature, bemuse at the colors exploding around you, silently remember those who have come and gone, be amazed at getting to know the people of the place, to discover the place itself for the first time, and to simply just let Marinduque take you to where it wants you to be.

HOW TO GET THERE

Before the Holy Week even arrives, BOOK YOUR TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATIONS AHEAD OF TIME AND VIA ONLINE.

Communicate with your planned place to stay and be very clear as to the duration of your stay. Do not take a chance that you can get accommodations during the Holy Week. You might as well sleep on the road as there are local and foreign tourists who flock to Marinduque during the Holy Week.

We opted to go by land & sea.

BY LAND & SEA

We booked JAC Liner via Biyaheroes (they are legit) for the routes Kamias, Cubao, QC – Sta. Cruz, Marinduque departure date and time April 16, 2019 4:00 pm, and Sta. Cruz, Marinduque – Kamias, Cubao, QC, departure date and time April 20, 2019 2:00 pm. All terminal fees paid to Montenegro Lines are taken cared of and are inclusive in your payments. The trip is about 10-12 hrs., so stock up on water and snacks.

VIA CEBU PACIFIC

There is another option and that is by air via Cebu Pacific. The plane lands in Gasan, Marinduque, and land transportation (jeepneys / vans) abound just beyond the gates of the airport.

HOW TO GET AROUND and ABOUT IN MARINDUQUE

You can bring your vehicle via the Montenegro or Starhorse Roro at Dalahican port (passenger fare plus cargo fare / vehicle matrix). If you’re going to do this, bring a Utility Vehicle, as the roads tend to be rugged and steep at some points. A pick-up truck would be perfect.

You can hire tricycles for land tours to sightseeing spots, or rent scooters. The sightseeing spots are quite a ways-off from one another, so a means of getting around is necessary. For P2,000.00, we scored this comfortable enough and souped-up ride for our ’round Marinduque land tour.

There are also a lot of jeepneys to get you from one point to the other, but best to get an early start if you’re gonna take this option, as the jeepneys tend to wait until the vehicle is filled with passengers.

Tricycle fare in Sta. Cruz, going to and fro from your place of stay, to, say, the town plaza or restaurant, is P12.00-P14.00 per person.

REGRETS BUT MAYBE NEXT TIME

We weren’t able to chase waterfalls’ Kawa-Kawa, Busay, Paadjao Falls, visit caves, and trek up to Luzon Datum anymore, as we were pressed for time, but you may want to include this in your itinerary.

So without further ado, here are some pics of our stay in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque.

All photos posted are without any filter / filters whatsoever.

Enjoy.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 CHECK-IN and LAND TOUR

VILLA ‘D ARCO.
It’s not flashy but the ACU room was great. Clean CR. Comfy beds.
Unfortunately, because I did not reiterate clearly to the owner that we’d be staying for 4 days, we could only stay overnight at this place. The owner, Melqui, however, set us up at another place.

You know you’re in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, when you see this enormous statue of a Morion. The people of Marinduque, during Holy Week, celebrate the Moriones Festival based on the story of Longinus.
It is said that it was Longinus, blind in one eye, who stabbed Christ’s side with a spear when He was upright and nailed to the cross. When the blood of Jesus fell on his face, his sight was miraculously restored. A converted believer, Longinus started preaching the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the Romans did not take kindly to that. Longinus was hunted down, and eventually captured.
Legend has it that Longinus was asked to retract everything he said to those who listened to him, to which he declined, and thus was put to death by beheading.

Our ride arrived and our first stop was the Balanacan View Deck in Mompog.

It is said that upon arriving in Marinduque, one has to give thanks and a prayer to
Our Lady of Peace and Safe Voyage
located at the Balanacan port.

Old houses, called heritage houses, abound in Boac.

Eight of these old houses burned last 2015.

The townsfolk of Boac are very proud of their old houses.

It’s like being in Vigan, only less grander and much simpler.

The people of Marinduque are so nice, warm, and friendly, always asking if they could help.

When you’re in Boac, you must eat here @Kusina sa Plaza.

After lunch, I chatted it up with some locals and took a selfie with them. Like I said, they’re really nice people.

Photography works of Cholo Laurel was on display.

We looked for and dropped by at Boac’s 10 y.o. Cafe.

TORRIJOS FREEDOM PARK by-the-sea.

Marinduque State College Sunflower Farm @Torrijos.

In the middle of it all.
It’s not as grand as Quezon’s Sunflower fields but it is uplifting, nonetheless.

Sunset @Poctoy White Beach with Mt. Malindig in the background.

Plenty of shops here, drinks, food, tents. cottages, accommodations, and resorts

I had a great swim here. The waters were cool.

HOLY THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 ISLAND HOPPING

Fortune favors the brave.
In this case, it was still really dark when we were about to go to Palad Sandbar, the 1st stop in our island hopping.
We were delayed a bit because someone asked us to accommodate a family of four who also wanted to go island-hopping. We obliged, as this would bring our cost down from P2,150.00 for 2 persons to go on an island hop of 3 destinations, to P1,160.00.

At first the sun seemed to play a game of hide and seek.

Nature is beautiful. She permitted me to capture this shot of her.

Unfortunately, what nature giveth, nature can take away. When we arrived at the Palad Sandbar, she’s already disappeared under about a half-foot of water. In the middle of nowhere, there’s this crush of people standing on the sand bar, putting immense pressure on her. Hope the sand bar does not buckle under the weight.

I did alight from the boat to take a couple of photos

And I thought we were the only ones going to be here because we set out early…

From Palad Sandbar we proceeded to Mompog Island to see the Ungab Rock Formations brought about by millions of years of erosion.

Being in Maniwaya island gives you this vibe that you’ve been here before or wish you had.
Its beautiful here.
It’s like seeing a friend whom you haven’t seen for ages.

There’s a resort here named Wawie’s Beach that has great accommodations.

Great cool and clear waters and I swam for almost 2 hours here under the scorching sun
but underneath the waters, it was exhilirating!
I’ll just let the pictures do the talking now.

Remember when I mentioned that we had to check out of Villa D Arco the day after we arrived?
Well, this is what Sir Melqui, and Ms. Karen, Villa D Arco owners,
scored for us as ACU rooms accommodations for our next 2 days @P1500 / day.
Thanks also to the owner of the place, Ms. Beth Fidelino.

I’m not complaining. It’s a sweet deal.
We had late lunch.
Maniwaya Island restos’ were fully loaded that day,
then we slept from 2pm until 8pm in the evening.

Later that evening we visited this place called Rico’s Inn and Restaurant and had pansit / kare-kare for dinner.

GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2019

This old house beside the church used to be a convent.

When in Sta. Cruz, this is where you should eat.

Although choices are somewhat limited, the taste is alright. Go for their pasta/noodles/sandwiches, but not the pizza, as the crust needs improvement.

Before the procession started,people jostled for positions where they could join the procession.
Almost all those who would join the procession were barefoot and in their Sunday best, so to speak.
Locals say most of those who participate are from Sta. Cruz, who arrive from other parts of the country together with their loved ones, part of a yearly atonement (panata).
Some join because they believe it brings them luck.
Others take part for the first time and once experienced, the locals say they keep coming back.
Scenes like this are happening simultaneously all over Marinduque.
Here in Sta. Cruz, from this vantage point of mine, it took close to an hour before
all the people were able to join the procession.
There must have been more than 5,000 people in the Prosesyon de Santo Entierro.

I ordered chicken, fries, and bread later that evening while my daughter had lechon kawali.

BLACK SATURDAY APRIL 20, 2019

We had lunch at Roby’s again. This time I ordered Lomi while my daughter had pansit.

Had to bulk up as the land and sea trip back home is about 10-12 hrs.

Before we headed out to sea, Marinduque gave us another of her stunning moments. No filter.

What I will remember about Marinduque, aside from its stunning beaches and spectacular sceneries, is the warmth and friendliness of its people.

Our host for the last two days, Ms. Beth, a native of Marinduque (from Mompog), always has a ready smile for us, and is always asking if we are doing fine. Ditto with Ms. Karen de Luna of Villa D Arco. Even passerbys, if they notice that we’re somewhat at a loss as to where to go, always seem to be ready to help. Our land tour guide, Jeh, is always there for us. Even their native tongue seems pleasing to the ear.

Marinduque certainly has its moments, moments that are worth remembering.

Of course, I did not forget my co-DIYers. Below is our actual 4 days 3 nights itinerary together with expenses incurred for two (2) people.

Be good to one another.

Happy Easter to all !!!

DAY 0 APRIL 16, 2019 TUESDAY	COST
Sashamae / Spike Allowance (our dogs hehe)	500.00
Taxi to JAC Liner Kamias	273.00
JAC Liner to Gasan, Mdque from Manila / Biyaheroes	2,181.00
Late Lunch / miscellaneous expenses	645.00
Arrive at Lucena / Dalahican Port / Dinner @stopover	150.00
DAY 1 APRIL 17, 2019 WEDNESDAY
Dalahican Port to Balanacan Port, Mogpog, Marinduque
Arrive at Balanacan Port
JAC Liner to Sta. Cruz
Check in @ accomodations (Villa D’ Arco)
Advance BDO Bank payment for Villa	1,500.00
Early checkin /breakfast	600.00
Preparation for Land tour (Miscellaneous expenses)	150.00
LAND TOUR via Tricycle c/o Villa D’ Arco	2,200.00
1. BALANACAN VIEW DECK
2. OUR LADY OF PEACE & SAFE VOYAGE	50.00 Entrance
3. BOAC CATHEDRAL
4. BOAC MUSEUM
5. BOAC HERITAGE HOUSES
6. LUNCH @Kusina sa Plaza	560.00
7. Coffee @ 10 y.o. Cafe	185.00
8. SUNFLOWER FARM @MSC
9. TORRIJOS FREEDOM PARK
10. POCTOY WHITE BEACH
Return to Villa D’ Arco
Dinner @Rico’s Inn, Free Time	373.00
Lights Off
DAY 2 APRIL 18, 2019 HOLY THURSDAY
Wake up Call
From Villa D’ Arco to Buyabod Port (tricy /misc)	423.00
Boat rental c/o Villa d’ Arco for Island Hopping	1,160.00
Depart Buyabod Port to:
11. PALAD SANDBAR
Swimming, Photo-ops
12. MOMPONG ISLAND / Ungab Rock Formation
Swimming, Photo-ops
13. MANIWAYA ISLAND
Wawie’s Beach Resort / , halohalo / others	100.00
Photo ops / swimming
Boat ride: return to Buyabod Port
Tricy back to Villa D’ Arco
Checkout from Villa D Arco / transfer to Fidelino residence	3,000.00 (2 nights)
Dinner @R. Centro	273.00
Lights Off
DAY 3 APRIL 19, 2019 GOOD FRIDAY
Wake up Call
Lunch @Roby’s / Miscellaneous	560.00
14. Explore STA CRUZ CHURCH
15. PROSESYON DE SANTO ENTIERRO
Dinner @Rico’s Inn	540.00
Lights out
DAY 4 APRIL 20, 2019 SATURDAY
Wake up Call
Checkout from Fidelino residence
Prepare for return to Manila
LUNCH @Roby;s	500.00
Depart for Plaza Sta Cruz / JAC Terminal	48.00
Arrive at JAC Terminal
Check in @JAC Liner
Depart to Lucena/Dalahican Port via Biyaheroes	2,258.00
ETA Lucena/Dalahican Port
Dinner /Miscellaneous	500.00
Travel time to Manila (3hrs)
ETA Manila
Dinner	500.00
TOTAL	19,279.00

ZAMBALES 3DAYS 2NIGHTS ITINERARY FEBRUARY 23-25, 2019

When Mt. Pinatubo erupted decades ago, what was shown to us was the devastation it brought. Many years after the said tragedy, Pinatubo has brought forth a miracle in nearby Zambales. The ash fall from the eruption has transformed what were once barren terrain and rock strewn shores into agoho tree laden mountain trails and beach havens. So much so that whispers of paradise-like coves abounded, and that slowly but surely these coves were being transformed into camping sites and trek trails and what have you.

This year we decided to check this out on our own.

Zambales is really beautiful. Who knew that a place like this existed a mere 3 hours away from Manila? We had a short but sweet stay. And while we were there on our first day, an earthquake struck :-D, it literally felt like it was “passing through” but it shook! In spite of this, after 2 days, we wanted to stay longer but….gotta do what you gotta do….

We just chilled around on our first day, and we visited the coves like Nagsasa and Talisayin Coves on our second day.

On the 3rd day, we made our way to Anawangin Cove, Capones-Camara islands and it was a really great sightseeing and beach experience.

And the sunsets at Pundaquit Beach are really postcard-worthy 🙂

Time to let the pictures do the talking:

February 23, 2019. After checking in @Wild Rose Beach Inn, we decided to check out Pundaquit Beach. Pundaquit Beach is the jump-off point if you want to explore the coves.

So much so that Capones and Camara Islands beckon on the horizon.

Ohana Art Cafe is where we had meyenda after having lunch @Cafe Pundaquit @another resort, Canoe Beach Resort.

That evening, we made our way to Double Suds restaurant frequented by tourists.

Chicken

February 24, 2019 With the help of Mam Tess of Wild Rose Inn, we scored a boat and skimmed over the waters for close to 45 minutes and landed here, Nagsasa Cove

After staying at Nagsasa for about 2 hours, we made our way to Talisayin Cove.

After travelling to the coves, we went back to Pundaquit and I had to have my coffee again.

This time, after lunch, I had to have this dessert.

On our 3rd and last day. refreshments, and breakfast before heading out to Anawangin Cove.

Anawangin Cove is **the** most commercialized amongst the coves in Zambales. There’s a tent city here, literally, hundreds of them.

Sheer rock walls
Beautiful shores with crushed corals as its sand

We made our way to Capones Island, a desolate place but a great place to swim nonetheless, and a lot of IG-worthy scenery.

While Camara Island is a bit calmer, and Zambales in front of her.

Before journeying home, we passed by Casa San Miguel in San Antonio, a school for music and arts for children and teens.

Casa San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales.

Its own rooftop view. Don’t forget to pass by here and avail of the tour.

So there you have it, our 3days 2nights stay at Zambales. As always, below is an actual itinerary and expenses incurred for two (2) people.

But before anything else, let me tell you that Pundaquit Beach sunsets are amazingggggg!!!! and no two are ever alike !!!

Like a ball of fire falling slowly from the skies, Pundaquit sunsets are a show of its own.

Sunsets are a reminder that even if you had a bad day, the day always ends beautifully.

Stay good everyone.

FEBRUARY 23, 2019 SATURDAY DAY 1	COST
Sashamae / Spike Allowance ( we now have 2 dogs!!!)	300.00
Grab! to Cubao Victory Liner	176.00
Bus fare to Olongapo	570.00
Van to San Antonio	500.00
Arrive @San Antonio Municipal Hall
Tricycle to Pundaquit	60.00
Check-in to Wild Rose Beach Inn	2,400.00
Early Lunch @CAFE PUNDAKIT	555.00
Rest up
Coffee / Merienda @OHANA ART CAFÉ	329.00
Sunset Watchng @Pundaquit Beach
Miscellaneous Expense	120.00
DINNER @Double Suds	555.00
FEBRUARY 24 2019 SUNDAY DAY2
ISLAND HOP Boat rental	2,500.00
Depart for Nagsasa-Talisayin
Arrive at Nagsasa Cove
Breakfast @Nagsasa Cove	50.00
Picture taking @Nagsasa bluff (pay entrance)	40.00
Swimming @Nagsasa Cove
Depart for Talisayin Cove
Swimming @Talisayin Cove
Return to Pundaquit accomodations
Merienda @OHANA ART CAFÉ	437.00
Sunset Watching @Pundaquit Beach
Miscellaneous Expenses	150.00
DINNER @Cafe Pundakit	555.00
FEBRUARY 25 2019 MONDAY DAY3
BREAKFAST	240.00
ISLAND HOPPING Boat rental	1,500.00
Arrive @Anawangin Cove
Entrance Fee @Anawangin Cove (P70 per head)	140.00
Depart & Arrive @Capones Island
Picture taking @Capones Island Rock formations
Arrive @Camara Island (swimming /picture taking)
Return to Pundaquit accomodations
Lunch @Wild Rose Inn	415.00
Checkout @accomodations
Tricycle to San Antonio to Casa San Miguel	200.00
Sightsee @Casa San Miguel (Entrance Fees)	200.00
Purchase Pasalubongs @San Antonio	450.00
Bus to Olongapo	140.00
Arrive @Olongapo
Bus to Cubao	570.00
Stopover at Travellers Depot /Merienda (misc)	160.00
Arrive @Manila
Dinner @Chowking Cubao	327.00
Taxi to San Juan	150.00
TOTAL: PHP 13,789.00

PUERTO GALERA 4DAYS 3NIGHTS ITINERARY DECEMBER 30, 2018 – JANUARY 2, 2019

There was this long December 2018 weekend and the thought just popped into my head: we’re going to Puerto Galera!!! I vaguely remember the time I was there with my youngest sister Dawn, and cousin Jet, and it would be nice to show the place to my daughter. I heard stories that the place was now too commercialized, but I was hoping Puerto Galera still has some magic in her hidden somewhere, not unlike when I first visited wayyyyy back then. I remember secluded beaches against a backdrop of a mountain where the sun only really showed up past mornings. The crystal clear waters, swaying coconut trees, and cool morning breeze. At night, White Beach explodes with life and pitchers of Mindoro Sling abound. This time, though, it would be a more muted visit, and I looked forward to soothe my weary body and mind after a really tough but rewarding year.

As always, a few pictures for first time DIYers to get an idea of where to go while in Puerto Galera, followed by an actual itinerary with expenses incurred for two (2) people. Book your accommodations in advance as there are a lot of tourists all-year-round. Explore. Get off the beaten track. Enjoy ‘ya’ll.

December 30, 2018. As we made our way to our accommodations, we befriended a tricycle driver named Billy (a good guy who ekes a living to send his siblings to school) @Balatero Port and asked him to be our land tour guide the next day. I asked him for a place with a view, and this is where he took us to, a view of White Beach.

We alighted at our destination in Bgy. Talipanan, and thanked Billy, who would pick us up the next day. Bamboo House Beach Lodge and Restaurant was where we booked in advance. It’s clean, the staff are very nice, with air conditioned rooms if you choose to have this type of accommodation, free breakfast, wi-fi, and great food.

Your view every morning is always going to be different. It’s a mindset thing.

Later that evening, just beside Bamboo House, we made our way to Luca Cucina Italiana. You have to eat here.

The Carbonara was delicious and plentiful.

The Contadina was simply superb and is actually good for 4 people. You should order this. You won’t regret it.

December 31, 2018. Before heading out for the land tour, Bamboo House served us breakfast.

I had a mild headache that morning but still the food was delicious.

First stop was Tamaraw Falls, the twin waterfalls. The falls were raging at full strength when we got there.

For the land tour on our 2nd day, we made our way to a Mangrove conservation area.

Virgin Beach, so called because it had a Virgin Mary statue looking over the sea.

We also walked towards the nearby Mangyan Village @Talipanan.

That December 31, 2018 New Year’s Eve, Bamboo House served a buffet spread consisting of roasted pork, spaghetti, beef stew, chicken BBQ, buttered shrimp, and desserts. For P600 per head, it was worth it. Bye 2018!!! Hello 2019!!!
Happy New Year !!!!

January 1, 2019. Off we went to Minolo Port for our island hopping.

Fed fishes and snorkeled with them @Coral Garden!

This is easily my favorite beach: Bayanan Beach!!!

After island hopping, I needed coffee again to perk me up.

We then proceeded to go up to Ponderosa. We were supposed to visit this as part of Billy’s land tour on our 2nd day but we decided against it but as the weather now cooperated, we went for it, and this view was our reward.

We went back to our accommodations, slept for a while, and had dinner consisting of bulalo,

It was hard to go but we had to get back to the city. But I needed to take one more look at where I was, at that moment.

You will always be on my mind, Puerto Galera.

As promised, here’s the complete itinerary with expenses incurred for two (2) people.

DECEMBER 30, 2018 SUNDAY	COST
Sashamae Allowance (she’s our dog!)	700.00
Taxi to Cubao Jam Liner	150.00
Depart Cubao for Batangas	450.00
Arrive @Batangas Pier
Starlite boat fare to Mindoro (1130 AM for Balatero)	450.00
Arrive @ Balatero port
Lunch: Batangas Lomi / Tocilog/more	240.00
Tricy to Bamboo House Beach Lodge	95.00
Check in to accomodations	5,100.00
Rest
Dinner @Luca Cocina Italiana	880.00
DECEMBER 31, 2018 MONDAY DAY2
Coffee	25.00
BREAKFAST (Free)
LAND TOUR c/o BILLY BOY	1,500.00
Tamaraw Falls
Bulabod Beach
Virgin Beach
Mangrove Conservation Spot
Island Sandbar
White Beach
LUNCH @Terminal BBQ & Ribs	440.00
Coffee @Cafe Marco	249.00
Rest @Bamboo House
DINNER BUFFET @Bamboo Beach House	1,200.00
JANUARY 1, 2018 TUESDAY DAY3
BREAKFAST (Free)
Tricycle to Minolo Port	150.00
ISLAND HOPPING / SMALL BOAT / SNORKELING GEAR	1,900.00
Bread	50.00
Coral Garden / small boat (transfer)	200.00
Haligi Beach
Maniknik Beach
LUNCH	480.00
Bayanan Beach
Back to Minolo Port
Tricy to White Beach	50.00
Travel to Ponderosa Golf Course c/o Billy
Back to Bamboo House
Walk to Mangyan Village
DINNER	825.00
JANUARY 2, 2018 MONDAY DAY 4
BREAKFAST (Free)
Check out	800.00
Tricy to Balatero Port	150.00
Boat ferry tickets to Batangas	400.00
Depart for Batangas
Arrive @Batangas
Bus to Manila	450.00
Arrive at Manila
LUNCH @Tokyo! Tokyo!	463.00
GRAB! to San Juan	210.00
TOTALS	Php 17,607.00

Be good to one another. Always.

LA UNION 3DAYS 2 NIGHTS ITINERARY August 24-27, 2018

As Arya Stark said, the North remembers. How can one not remember the North, especially La Union?

Surfing has exploded in La Union, or Elyu, as it is fondly called. Urbiztondo Beach is its hotbed. Whether it’s the time of “habagat” or “amihan”, surfers flock to La Union to frolic in its waves, and partake of its nightlife. La Union boasts of unique restos for foodies, live music for the audiophile in you, treks for the avid mountaineer, and of course, the waves for beginner or champion surfer. It’s easy to get to, just ride a Partas Transit and get off at San Juan, La Union but book your accommodations in advance because if you plan to go on there during long weekends, you’d be surprised that almost all accommodations are full.

For my daughter’s birthday, I decided that we should go to La Union and take in the surfer and culture vibes La Union has to offer.

A few pictures are below so you can appreciate the beauty and great vibes of Elyu.

After arriving and checking into our accommodations, we headed to Midway Grille and ordered Ribs / Veggies / Pork BBQ for lunch

After lunch, we set off for San Fernando and made our way to Ma-Cho temple. The temple is said to have been built to celebrate Filipino-Chinese friendship.

This is a place where people from all walks of life come to ask for luck from a Chinese deity named Ma-Cho.

Well after 2 hours, we took our tricy to The Pindangan Ruins. These are the remains of a church built in the 1700s. Locals say this place is haunted. It certainly had a chilling feel to it.

The church was said to have been the binding of two villages: San Vicente and San Guillermo.

After staying for quite the time at both Ma-cho Temple and Pindangan Ruins, we made our way to and sampled the famous Halo Halo de Iloko.

The back part of the place was packed, the front was quaint, and you can tell it’s an antique place. We bought souvenirs here.

We made our way back to Urbiztondo Beach.

After resting up, we headed to Surf Shack and ordered Bocnotan Pizza, Chicken Wings, and a cold one for me. Delicious and affordable.

Surf Shack is the place to be for music, food, and drinks.

The next day, before going to Luna, La Union, we discovered Tipple & Brew. You should eat here.

Roasted chicken, iced coffee for breakfast.

First stop on our Luna trip: Namacpacan Church, said to have been built in 1587.

Walking distance from Namacpacan Church is the 400 year old Balwarte Watch Tower, which has stood guard over the centuries against marauding pirates and dangers coming from the sea.

The Watch Tower’s renovation was completed in 2015. Before that, it was cut in half by Typhoon Lando.

Also in Luna, La Union, is the famous Bahay na Bato where art works carved in stone are found.
*Here’s the original house before it was expanded* up the front of the property.

The inside of the original “bahay na bato”.

You’ll pass by this part of the compound before getting to the original house.

When we visited, there was a pre-nup pictorial going on. Apparently, a lot of that happens here

Here’s a head-scratcher: all these rocks & pebbles were washed ashore by the sea.

So we made our way back to San Juan from Luna, and we ended up partaking of meryenda @Beach Bum Food Park.

The next day oh did we ever need coffee.

Breakfast @El Union Roastery was simply perfect.

As usual, our actual itinerary and actual expenses incurred for two are also below.

AUGUST 24, 2018 FRIDAY
Sashamae 2 days Allowance (that’s our dog)	260.00
11:00 PM Taxi to Partas Transit Cubao	150.00
12:30 AM Depart for San Juan, La Union	1,086.00
AUGUST 25, 2018 SATURDAY DAY 1
5:30AM Arrive @San Juan, La Union
Check-in @San Juan accomodations	1,800.00
Jeep to / Lunch @Midway Grille 11:15am	530.00
Tricycle Tour (San Gabriel / San Fernando)	500.00
Ma-cho Temple 12:30nn-1:30pm
Pindangan Ruins 1:45pm-2:15pm	50.00 entrance fees
Meryenda @Halo-Halo de Iloko 2:47pm – 3:30pm	477.00 we had fries and bought souvenirs
Tricy back to Urbiztondo, San Juan 3:45pm-4:22pm	150.00
5:00 pm Catch sunset @Urbiztondo Beach
Tricy back to accomodations	50.00
Freshen up 6:30pm
8pm Dinner @SURF SHACK	542.00
Drinks @Surf Shack 8:15pm-10:15pm	200.00
Lights out 10:30pm
AUGUST 26, 2018 SUNDAY DAY 2
5:00am – 5:30am prep for Luna, La Union
6:00am Breakfast @Tipple & Brew	506.00 so good to eat here
Jeepney to Luna, La Union 6:20am	80.00 its 40 kms. to Luna so buckle up
7:00 am- 3:00pm Tricy Tour	300.00
– Namacpacan Church	25.00 (Donation)
– Baluarte Watch Tower
– Bahay na Bato
(Entrance Fee Bahay na Bato)	140.00
– Luna Pebble Beach
Back to San Juan via Viron Transit Bus	200.00
Merienda @Beach Bum Food Park	300.00
5:00 pm Catch sunset
Swimming @Urbiztondo
Dinner & Socials @Beach Bum Food Park	1,198.00
AUGUST 27, 2018 MONDAY DAY 3
Breakfast @El Union Roastery	620.00
Abbey’s money	1,100.00
Tricy to Partas Transit	100.00
Pasalubongs	300.00
10:30am Depart for Manila via Partas	1,048.00
7:00 pm arrive @Manila
Taxi to San Juan	200.00
TOTAL EXPENSES: PHP 11,912.00

Be good to one another. Always.

BOLINAO-ALAMINOS-DASOL 3DAYS 2NIGHTS ITINERARY APRIL 7-10, 2018

Beautiful Pangasinan province surprised us with a very spectacular Bolinao sunset, landmarks, Alaminos’ Hundred Islands, and Dasol’s amazing Colibra Island crustal-clear waters and white sand. I truly wished we could’ve explored more islands like Potipot Island but time was not on our side as we had to get back to the city. Anyways, we planned this at least a month in advance but things didn’t fall our way as expected but we still had a grand time!!!

The people of Pangasinan are a hardy lot, and everyone was so good and kind to us during our short stay.

So we’ve selected a few pictures to show you of our trip. Hope you like these.

Just came from Enchanted Cave, couldn’t take pics inside because of poor lighting but the cave had a pool inside it.

Bolinao Falls 2, so called because it has, as you can see, 2 waterfalls.

From a bit further out, there were a lot of frolickers during Holy Week here at Bolinao Falls 1,2,3

Centuries-old and made from crushed corals St James Parish interiors getting refurbished.

Patar Beach rock formations make for some interesting shots.

A giant clam was washed ashore many, many years ago.

From Bolinao, we made our way to Alaminos, checked in at Najeras Transient Inn (with a really nice and clean ACU room with private bath), just a stone’s throw away from Lucap Wharf, jump-off point to the world-famous Hundred Islands

The beaches on these islands were very clean in spite of the presence of a lot of people.

After our Hundred Island trip, we spent the night in Alaminos. The day after, we made our way to Dasol, and rode a tricycle to Tambobong Beach, the jump-off point to Colibra Island, or as the locals call it, Snake Island. Colibra Island-a hard place to get to but so worth it.

The waters here are so ridiculously clear and has 3 colors

The island’s sand shifts to the other side of the island during the monsoon rains.

We had it to ourselves that beautiful day.

Pangasinan has so much to offer and I truly believe we haven’t even scratched the surface of this paradise.

As always, to D.I.Yers out there, here’s the actual itinerary with expenses incurred for two (2) people. Remember, always plan ahead.

APRIL 7, 2018 SATURDAY	EXPENSES
11:40 PM DEPART FOR BOLINAO via Victory Liner
Victory Liner Bus to Bolinao	918.00	P459 each
DAY 1 APRIL 8, 2018 SUNDAY
7:00AM ARRIVE @BOLINAO
Breakfast	200.00
Tricycle to Resort	150.00	75.00 each
1 day 1 night (Jewel Beach Resort)	1,500.00	Aircon room
BOLINAO, PANGASINAN LAND TOUR (Tricycle)	800.00
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse	40.00	Entrance
Enchanted Cave	200.00	P100 Entrance
Bolinao Falls 1, 2, & 3	80.00	P20 per pax
St. James Church
LUNCH at ADORA’S	500.00
Miscellaneous	200.00	Water/Meryenda
Patar White Beach	200.00	Entrance
Patar Rock Formations	200.00	Entrance
Bought Patar Beach Tshirt / Souvenirs	250.00
DINNER	500.00
DAY 2 APRIL 9, 2018 MONDAY
Breakfast / checkout from Jewel Beach Resort	200.00
Tricy to Bus Terminal	100.00	50.00 each
Bus to Alaminos	100.00	50.00 each
Tricycle to Lucap Wharf	100.00	50.00 each
Check-in @Najeras Inn	1,600.00
Buy Lunch @Gaudencio’s Café / Water / Ice	500.00
Hundred Islands Tourist Welcome Center
* Register
* Pay day-trip entrance fee	40.00	20.00 each
* Fill-up the Passenger Manifest
Boat to tour: Hundred Islands National Park	1,400.00
Marcos Island
Governor’s Island
Quezon Island
Lopez Island
Children’s Island
Cuenco cave
Return to Lucap Wharf 4:00
Meryenda	200.00
Back to Najeras	100.00	50.00 each
Dinner @Marina’s Café	500.00
Socials	400.00
Day 3 APRIL 10, 2018 TUESDAY
Breakfast	200.00
Bus to Dasol	100.00	P50.00 each
Tricycle to Tambobong Beach	500.00 (21 kms. away)
Start of Island Hop 9:30am	1,000.00
Boat ride to Colibra Island
Return from Colibra Island 1:30pm
Tricycle back to Dasol	500.00
Jeep to Alaminos	96.00	P48.00 each
Lunch@McDonald’s Alaminos	350.00
Victory Liner Bus to Manila 3pm departure	918.00	P459 each
Taxi to San Juan	200.00
GRAND TOTAL	14,842.00

Be kind to one another. Always.

BALER 2DAYS 1NIGHT D.I.Y. ITINERARY

Just collected all pics from our Baler trip and sad to say, we weren’t able to get to Dipaculao beach and other sites that are equally if not more spectacular. All I can say is one can really fall in love with this place.

We were fortunate enough to come here minus the Holy Week or vacationing crush of people…I would recommend that you do so because you will get to really appreciate Baler’s beauty, the warmth of its people, the truly rustic feel of Baler is an experience in itself…

Include in your itinerary the 1.3 km uphill / downhill trek to Ditumabo falls (you get to draw your inner strength), see the 600 year-old Balete tree, hike up to Ermita Hills, see the Aniao islets (pick sea urchins), go up to the lighthouse shaped like a plane’s wing, watch the sunrise, surf, swim at either falls, river, or sea, or where the river meets the sea, go kayaking, discover a deserted cove…Baler is really beautiful…thank you, Baler…

So to start off I’d like to share some pictures of our Baler trip, and after these, the actual itinerary and expenses we incurred, and it is hoped that this can be of help to those who would want to D.I.Y. to Baler.

Always, always befriend locals wherever you go and Dennis here was really knowledgeable of the history behind the numerous sightseeing spots in Baler.

A wishing well beside the great 600 year old balete tree.

This is the huge 600 year old balete tree. It is imposing, really, and very much alive and still growing.

On the way to Ditumabo Falls. A 1.3 km uphill trek up the mountain..

The stream along the way turns into a raging river during the monsoon season.

But during the summer, the waters are cool, calm, and refreshing.

The very rickety hanging bridge. There are a lot of souvenir shops under its base.

The Tromba statues…legend says that a town was feasting when an old woman foretold of a coming tsunami, which was heeded by this family, who went up all the way up Ermita Hill, and later that night, the tsunami came, and everyone perished except these families.

literally the word “jagged” comes to mind when you see these rocks

In the cove is a river that meets the sea

minus the crush of people…it should always stay this way but…

we had it all to ourselves that one beautiful day

till we got to the lighthouse shaped like a fighter plane’s wing

where I took a, shall I say, nervous selfie hahahaha

Don’t forget to buy one of these because it’s delicious.

As promised, here’s the actual itinerary and expenses incurred. Hope this helps you guys.

In the meantime, be kind to one another. Ciao.

VIGAN-PAGUDPUD 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

DECEMBER 30, 2017 – JANUARY 2, 2018

“History is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of human geography. It tells them where they are but, more importantly, what they must be.” – JOHN HENRIK CLARKE

When I first came across this quote, it immediately reminded me of Vigan, of how men and women of today seem to want to walk in the steps of those who have gone past. Visiting this incredible place makes one feel like being transported back to a simpler time, a simpler place, and a simpler life.

Vigan and Pagudpud are simply beautiful that words are not enough to describe these places.

To the uninitiated and to those who want to try out their D.I.Y. skills, here’s a simple itinerary (with expenses incurred by 2 people) you might want to give a run for:

DAY 1 December 30, 2017
Grab! From San Juan to Dominion	150.00
Chowking dinner	334.00
Coffee	35.00
Dominion Bus to Vigan (around 7-8 hrs travel time) / ETD 1:00am	1,160.00
Subtotal 1	1,679.00
DAY 2 December 31, 2017
Snacks at Carmen stopover	30.00
Arrived @Vigan 9:30am
Tricy fare looking for place to stay	80.00
Check in at Manuela’s Inn 9:53am
Brunch @Dada’s Carinderia	200.00
Tricy to Calle Crisologo 10:15am	20.00
Crisologo Museum Donation	20.00
Walk @Calle Crisologo
Meryenda at Irene’s Empanada 2:10pm	200.00
Souvenir Shirt	200.00
7-11 Pineapple Juice / others	82.00
Bantay Bell Tower Donation 5:35pm	100.00
6:00 PM onwards
San Agustin Parish
Vigan City Hall
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Bought Hoodie @Mart One (it was cold in Vigan)	449.00
Plaza Empanada Market (seriously, it was a huge market)	85.00
Plaza Salcedo
Watch Dancing Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo 7:30pm
Tricy Back to Manuela’s Inn	40.00
Tricy to Junofel’s 24hrs Diner (the pancit was superb!!!)	50.00
Dinner 9:35pm	445.00
Night photoshoot @Calle Crisologo (watch fireworks)
Subtotal 2	1,971.00
DAY 3 January 1, 2018
Coffee	10.00
Hire Tricy for Vigan Tour (Eddieson @09168544136)	750.00
Breakfast @Baluarte Zoo (pansit/hotdogs/water)	115.00
Hidden Garden (no entrance)
Lunch @Lilong at Lilang 1:20pm	530.00
Brgy. Pagburnayan Donation	50.00
Cristy’s LoomWeaving ( bought 2 bonnets / one woven blanket)	250.00
Arce Mansion
Quirino Museum
Syquia Mansion (Donation)	200.00
Sta. Catalina Beach
Dinner @Cafe Leona 7:30pm	420.00
Settled Manuela Inn 2 days stay (P1,300 per night)	2,600.00
Subtotal 3	4,925.00
DAY 4 January 2, 2018
Check out from Manuela’s Inn 4:30am
Coffee	10.00
6:30am Left for Pagudpud via GMW (2hrs)	410.00
Stopover @Laoag
Arrived @Pagudpod 10am
Tricy to Arinaya Beach Resort	80.00
Lunch @Arinaya	530.00
Tricy Tour (Billy @09471020965)	600.00
Store Purchases	50.00
Bangui Windmills
Connecting Tricy to Bojeador Lighthouse / Kapurpurawan (Allan)	300.00
Cape Bojeador Donation	40.00
Kapurpurawan Rock Formations Entrance	30.00
Emapanada (PM Snack)	100.00
Dinner @Arinaya	350.00
Overnight Stay @Arinaya	1,750.00
Subtotal 4	4,250.00
DAY 5 January 3, 2018
Tricy from Arinaya to Pagudpud Plaza	100.00
Bus Fare to Laoag City	150.00
Mcdo Laoag Breakfast	200.00
Pasalubong	480.00
Bus Fare to Manila from Laoag	1,595.00
Snacks (stop-overs)	350.00
Taxi back to San Juan	100.00
Subtotal 5	2,975.00
TOTAL	15,800.00