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.
And we made it
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.
A lot of us came here today.
You can walk a hundred feet more and the water will still be knee high.
But I’m not gonna risk it 😀
It’s like a salt bed because the sand is hard.
The sand mimics the waves movements.
When we were there, a pool formed inside a pool.
You literally would have to carry a boat to deeper waters.
Nice picture.
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.
The landscape was alien-like.
It was fantastic just seeing and being on it.
Wow
Our Boatman.
An alien landscape, indeed.
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.
“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-establishmentslike 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
Eggs and toast
CHILLING ALONG THE SHORES OF NACPANBEACH
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
Sinigang na baboy, pansit, and rice
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
It’s a tourist invasion!
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
Mint chocolate
Called it a night by 9:30pm.
DAY 2 FEBRUARY 17, 2023 FRIDAYISLAND-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!
Inside the Secret LagoonKarst-limestone rock formationsIts surreal inside, feels like it comes at you straight out of The Lord of the Ringsor something to that effectIt.is.amazing.
The HIDDEN BEACH just off the Secret Lagoon
Unspoilt by pollutionTorquoise waters near the shoreMore amazing rock formationsNature 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.
Sun, sand, and sea worshippersAn afternoon rainbow while lying on white sandsThe sand is oh so close but not yet quite like Boracay’sAfter 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 OUTDAY
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:
Grilled LiempoGrilled fishNoodles for long-life hahaha
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
Just a starterQUATTRO STAGNIANICARBONARADELICIOUSLY GOOD
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
I call this the perfect “shot”
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.
“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:
ANGUS BEEF TAPABARBECUE RIBSEPIC COFFEE MENU
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.
ZURI HOTEL – CORON @night
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
LOAD UPWHAT A FULL STOMACH CAN DO
PLACES TO VISIT IN CORON TOWN PROPER
ST. AGUSTIN CHURCH (since 1901)
Ongoing Mass during our visit
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:
fall-off-the-bone Bulalo
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:
Just breathe and relax
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:
The sky is on fire
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:
Of course we had to have crabsNoodles for long lifeSisig
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 LakeThe 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&^ hahahahaIt was named BARRACUDA LAKE because a large skeleton of a barracuda fish was found herePlenty of snorkeling and scuba diving going on hereIt’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.Crystal clear watersAmidst very sharp rocksBARRACUDA LAKE’s razor sharp underwater cliffsPeople 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. Spectacularly clear watersThis 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 Small Lagoon
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 KawaliBarbecues
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.
At about 300+ steps
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 parmesanALLA CARBONARA, bacon, parmesan and mozzarella in fettucine noodlesFRUTTI 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
Coffee frappesIced Caramel Machiato
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.
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 WASON 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 cloudsDaraga Church Commemorative Plaque 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” keychainsIt is stunning up closeThere 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 pictureLake Sumlang is a pretty laid-back and relaxing placePeaceful and tranquilNothing 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:
Patience is a virtueShe inspires fear and aweOnly 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:
Cottages 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 RUINSPARK
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.
St Joseph’s Parish is impressiveThe church looks really oldBarcelona, Sorsogon signageBarcelona Ruins
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
Our viewThe 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
Pink beach sandEven the sky here is differentCan’t help but feel amazedby natureSunrise here is beautiful
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 isletThey breed giant clams hereThere 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:
Bacon brunchTapa for me
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
Good morning, Suki Beachwalked along Suki Beachto just to listen to the sounds of the wind, and the waves to marvel at nature’s beautythere’s something about deserted beaches in the mornings….not a soul in sight…Thank God for this…
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:
the pansit was delicious
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 shyBIGGS platter for me: chicken, spaghetti, barbecue, garlic bread, pineapple juicecarbonara, pizza slice, and chicken for my daughterBerries cake for dessert
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:
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.
Cebu City
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).
HOWWE 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
My daughter had a mango smoothie…
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.
Tagilatelle Spaghetti BologneseCarbonara
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
SUNRISE @our backyardwhite sandwhat’s not to love about this place…
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
It is a magical place
DAKU ISLAND
Daku Island is beautiful, easily our favorite, because of its soft, pure white, yet somewhat pinkish sands
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.
Dreamy land and seascapeDAKU 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 breakfastThis one took me by surprise. Mango shake with Ice Cream. Need I say more?
GUYAM ISLAND
A small yet beautiful and oh so pristine islandPicturesque
Back at General Luna, where we had LATE LUNCH AT BRAVO RESTAURANT, after spending 6 hours on the islands
Lunch by the seaWhat can i say? Its my go-to-drinkBravo’s Chicken Peri-Peri Their Teriyaki Chicken is delicious
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 risesIt is absolutely gorgeous here
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:
The tide is recedingPools starting to formAlready had a dip but I can’t wait to try out this poolThe world is an oysterIts nature’s playgroundOne of the deeper poolsJust look up at the sky
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:
View
Dinner at the sands of a white beachVegan Chicken SisigScallops PastaOnion RingsChicken Nuggets with BBQ Sauce
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…
The sky is on fire during 5:20amIt doesn’t get any better that 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:
Cool and airy dining areaBacon and eggsFilipino breakfast with freshly squeezed orange juiceTheir Chocolate cake was superb
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)
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
Beautiful Alona BeachOur accommodation’s version of sizzling pork.Pansit CantonOur 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.Nature at its best in the evening.The stars came out, millions of them.
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.Blood Compact markerInside Baclayon Church. This church is more than 400 years old.It is a massive edifice.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.a ‘macaque” Wild turkeyDefinitely 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. ViperBirdswing butterflyMariposa butterly@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.Out for an afternoon swim.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.
SunrisePizza and grilled chicken for Lunch The waters definitely heal tired souls…This time the sunset’s golden.CalamariSisig
DAY 4 TUESDAY JUNE 29, 2021
Panglao sunriseBreakfast before we left for Manila.
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.
” 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.
Sweet ride.
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.The Boac Cathedral, built in 1792.Beautiful interiors.Old houses, called heritage houses, abound in Boac.Eight of these old houses burned last 2015.Only a few are left standing.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.Old and new.When you’re in Boac, you must eat here @Kusina sa Plaza.My daughter ordered Sinigang na baboy.Their lechon kawali is superb.The interiors evoke an old house feel.After lunch, I chatted it up with some locals and took a selfie with them. Like I said, they’re really nice people.Little MorionsPhotography works of Cholo Laurel was on display.We looked for and dropped by at Boac’s 10 y.o. Cafe.Coffee fix.Quaint interiors.
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.It’s white sand and crushed corals.Plenty of shops here, drinks, food, tents. cottages, accommodations, and resortsI had a great swim here. The waters were cool.Frolic in the waves.
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.Buyabod port @sunrise.At first the sun seemed to play a game of hide and seek.Taking a peek.And there she was!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 photosand an underwater picture.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. Very picturesque.Clear waters.Imposing silhoutte.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
Centuries old Sta. Cruz Church.This old house beside the church used to be a convent.Mass before the 5pm procession.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.Tuna pesto and carbonaraBefore 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. Resplendent in their Roman costumesI 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.Sunset at Balanacan port.
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
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 lunchAfter 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.It is about 70 feet above sea level. 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.Classic TapsilogFirst stop on our Luna trip: Namacpacan Church, said to have been built in 1587.Beautiful.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.A lot of picturesque pathways .When we visited, there was a pre-nup pictorial going on. Apparently, a lot of that happens hereand here.ArtworkPotteryStone worksCatching a break.Pebble BeachHere’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.Our dinner platterWith seafood.To wash it down, of course.The next day oh did we ever need coffee.Breakfast @El Union Roastery was simply perfect.See you again soon, Elyu
As usual, our actual itinerary and actual expenses incurred for two are also below.
Dondz's Corner 