Life of fashion, culture and adventure

2025 Don & Ji Got Back Out in Jan

2025-02-27T18:30:00.305+08:00

2025 January: 18th Anniversary Drive (Cebu and Bohol) Part 1 - Cebu!

Hello there!

Waiting @ Davao Int'l Airport

How long has it been since the last time I published??? It has been awhile, not weeks, not even months, but years!!! But let's not talk about it, what's done is done. Sincerest apologies...

Let's go back to the 'what-now(?)-mode'...

So, it's our 18th wedding anniversary (Jan 25) and as usual, we travel. This time however, it wasn't the usual, survivor-race-like-adventure, but rather, a lazy-moment-escape, one place at a time. Also, this time, we had accessories 😉, we rented a self-drive car for the duration of our stay in Cebu and Bohol 😊.

Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway

We normally commute. We would take some busses, taxis, grab cars, tricycles, tuktuk and etc.. Now, we kind'a want this time to be a little more convenient in hopping from one place to another... (I guess we're getting older... )

Destinations: Cebu (Cebu City, Mactan, Moalboal) and Bohol (Tagbilaran, Sikatuna, Panglao)

Day 1 : Jan 25 | Davao - Cebu flight at 8:50AM

Road trip! Taken on Jan 26
(on our way to Moalboal)

Mindset: Since we planned to visit some relatives, we wanted to bring some pomelo with us. But then, there was a recent info relayed that the Bureau of Plant Industry requires to check the boxes and will have to issue some clearances for domestic transport (CDT) of plants and other agricultural commodities. A friend also relayed that it wouldn't be necessary if you bought the goods from the airport before departure. Hence, since we really don't have more information yet, so instead of buying from the market (supposed to buy more and have it checked-in), we bought a single box of pomelo, right before getting to the boarding gates.

At Nustar Parking Area

The seller just told us that if we get inspected, we can just show the receipt. But nothing like that happened and we just went in as usual, carrying that single box as our "hand-carry" item. Around mid February (while writing this), some posts confirmed the requirement. One of those is the DOT FB post here.

Our Ride:

Lazy stroll @ Nustar

We arrived in Cebu on time (TY CebPac!), and as mentioned, we rented a car, with delivery and pick-up options (additional fee). So just when we were about to get off the plane, the driver called, informing us that he is already at the airport waiting for us to take the car.

Kazuwa Prime Al Fresco Area

We got into the car and parked somewhere we can spend a few minutes checking the rented car's conditions, and of course, pay the full amount. Down payment was only Php500 BTW. Below are some deets:

Shop: JBMC Autocare Center Cebu
Type: Sedan
Model: Toyota Vios
Rent/day (24 hrs): Php1,500
Rent (half day/ 12 hrs): Php1,000 (They don't do half day, but I requested an exemption, and they agreed)
Carwash: Php300
Delivery: Php350
Pickup: Php300
Total bill: Php5,000 (for 2.5 days - 60hrs)

Picking which restau to dine-in

Our Anniv Lunch:

After the documentation, and agreement signing, we were all set. We parted ways with the driver who delivered the car, then off we went for our lunch at Nustar Resort and Casino, particularly at a Japanese restaurant - Kazuwa Prime (FB Acct).

Kazuwa Prime's location is perfect with its outdoor area, that gave us easy pics with the Nustar facade as our background, not to mention, a good view of the Cordova bridge.

Enjoying Lunch!

Lunch was served, and while everything was superb, I couldn't finish my beef rice toppings. Servings were ranging generally between (estimated) Php350-Php600.

Our lunch! Arigato Gozaimasu!

We ordered a bowl of ramen (tantanmen), a set of california maki, chicken teriyaki rice bowl, gyudon (beef rice bowl), and a can of sprite/soda. We paid a little over Php2,000 for the meal, took a few stroll inside the mall and then off to our temp home for the night.

Our Anniv Temp Home (Jan 25):

How Sheraton greets you in your room

We normally don't book a lavish room without a discount or if it is not on sale, but this time, we kind of, went all out, fully siding on the hotel we wanted to stay-in this time. As we were intrigued by it, chosed Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, booked for a King Room with balcony and ocean view, including a breakfast for two (2).

The view from our balcony 😃

Below were our splurges:

Resort: Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
Membership Booking App: Marriott Bonvoy (optional)
Room: Php17K+
Deposit: Php5K upon check-in for possible room charges during the stay
Buhi Bar Expenses: 700+

Beach bumming mode on

Warning: Be careful with resort scam FB-sites. There are lots, I almost booked a stay at Pearl Farm, thru a resort FB acct saying they're offering 50% off. But what warned me was that the followers and likers were only 1K and there were angry emojis. Thus I checked another site and their FB acct has a blue check, indicating a verified account. Anyway, with Sheraton, we booked thru Marriott Bonvoy app, it's their membership app and there's an option where you can click if your booking as a govt personality, getting more or less a Php1K discount.

Our room. Elegant yet with local feel

We arrived at around 3PM at Sheraton, where we got accommodated right away. Then we spent an afternoon siesta in our cozy, luxurious and nice-smelling room, on a large, soft bed, while having a view of the ocean. So relaxing... 💤💤

After our siesta, we went for a swim at their beach. It was a good swim, very calming swim until 6PM. That's when the lifeguard asked everyone to get away from the beach.. We stayed a little while in the beach area, strolled our way to Buhi Bar, to initially check it out.

The tub greets you first in the T&B

A friend told us about Buhi Bar, and we were intrigued with the setup. It was cute, with a modern stone age feels. We looked inside for a while, but then, we felt hungry, so head back to our room to change and get ready for our dinner.

My afternoon view

Tip: check the tide in your area, just check out google and it will give you links to check for the tide table/status for the next 24hrs. That way, you'll know when to take a plunge in the beach or in the pool. We checked and it says high tide at past 7PM and low tide the following morning, so beach in the afternoon and some pool swimming the next morning.

Sheraton activity area

Our Anniv Dinner:

Why we stayed in Mactan Area? It's because we wanted to use our Megaworld Club Access membership complementary dinner for two (2). I renewed the membership again in December and one of the vouchers is that a member + 1 companion can have a free lunch or dinner buffet at any of the member hotels. This time we booked at Savoy Mactan for our dinner.

Savoy Chinese New Year Themed Dinner

We drove from Sheraton to Savoy for roughly 13 minutes and enjoyed a Chinese New Year inspired al fresco buffet. They had the usual dumplings, siopao, lechon kawali, hainanese chicken, chicken feet, etc etc...some sweets for dessert like tikoy, cakes, fruits, mango something (forgot, sorry ✌️), etc etc.. while being serenaded by a couple of musicians. It felt homey and romantic at the same time..

Savoy Hotel Al Fresco Dinner

After that empowering dinner, we went for a quick stroll within Mactan Newtown looking for Watsons to buy some meds we forgot to bring. Just enough to relax & assist our "digestive organs" after consuming loads of tasty foods over dinner.

@ Buhi Bar

Our Anniv Cocktails:

One reason why we stayed at Sheraton is because we got curious with Buhi Bar. It's been showing up in my FYP recently, and was suggested by one of my colleagues as well.

So after dinner, we went back to Sheraton and went straight to the cave-like-bar, the Buhi Bar. It wasn't that big, but, you will find yourself, looking up and around, wondering how did they design the place that you seem to be having a party inside a flinston-like ambiance.

@ Buhi Bar

Don had San Miguel Beer Light, while I ordered their 'State of the Nation' cocktail (as recommended). They gave us some free kropek and we "caved-in" with our preferred alcoholic drinks 'til we felt sleepy and headed back to our room as we retire for the night.

@ Buhi Bar

Just when I was about to go to slumber, I realized, we haven't tried their room coffee, yet. They had drip coffees, and they were soothing, just like music to our ears...

Room Coffee. Drip!

Day 2 : Jan 26 | Mactan - Moalboal

Sheraton Gym

Workout:

When there is a chance to have a 30-min workout in our hotel's gym, we usually take it before we head for breakfast, so we did. The gym isn't that big, but it was complete with the right equipment, gears and accessories, from modern/smart treadmills, to yoga mats and with a TV showing how-to-do pilates, etc.. The gym has ready towels as well for the guests and weighing scales so we can check how "cute" we were when we came in.. :)

Morning Boardgames

Also, only check-in guests can use the gym, since you will need your key card to open the door.

We jog/ran/walk for about full 20 min, then we tried the skipping rope, which then told me that my right knee is still a little unready (sports collateral), so I stopped.. We cooled down a bit, then head for breakfast.

Activity Area

If you don't want to go to the gym, but still wants some exercising done, they have a wide variety of things to do aside from swimming. We wanted to play badminton, but the area is being used as an extension for the breakfast setup, they're fully booked (I think). So, we checkout another area.

They have, however, an open area where there are tables at the side for those who wants to play chess, jingga board, etc... There are also archery corner, and an open (center) where you can play soccer among others. That morning, since the badminton area was occupied, they set it up at the open area for some outdoor badminton play.

Sikwate and Kakanin! Lami-an!

5 Cien Breakfast:

5 Cien is one of the restaurants of the resort, and it's where we had our breakfast. The breakfast was a buffet of so many culinary options and my breakfast faves have always been bacon and sikwate! Hahaha

Salad Corner

I always ask if the hotel's hot beverage options include sikwate (native hot chocolate) and boy I'm hype when they said YES, and pointed to the direction where you can get them, and also offered to get you one instead, which I gladly took.

We picked the table where there is a closer view of the ocean, and enjoyed the breakfast for the next 2 hrs.

More sweets!

They have local & foreign delicacies, some salad, cheeses and cold cuts, bacon and other protein-rich food, variety of hot & cold beverages (brewed coffee, espresso, tea, milk, choco, juice, etc), they even have one personnel roaming inside the place calling out for those who wants taho (carrying the tubs like those we see out on our streets). They had desserts that you don't want to miss, but I did miss some, 'cause it's just toooooo much to take.

The Pool Zumba:

Zumba by/in the pool!

So we were "done" with breakfast, and we think, we lost 2 calories earlier at the gym, and gained a hundred over breakfast.. So we rested a bit, changed into our swim wears and went to the pool to continue our lazy morning...

Some bar at the side...

When we reached the pool, we were greeted by a bunch of guests in the pool and at the sidewalks, doing zumba, following the fitness instructor just in front of the 2nd pool. Of course, me being me, joined! ;)

It was super fun and the guests appreciated this activity.

Ready for Moalboal:

Aftie ride to Moalboal

After the swim, we prepared to check-out and went out of the hotel, driving our way to Moalboal! For our lunch, we played-it-by-ear and when we think we're hungry enough, went for a drive thru at Jollibee Naga.

Drive thru for lunch

We reached moalboal at around 4PM, and we were surprise of how crowded the area is... Our expectations is that, we would be having difficulty in looking for food during dinner later that day, but reality tells us otherwise... We spent quite a fews minutes looking around and choosing where to eat, because options were many!!

Sunset watching at the resort

Being picky for a Temp Home in Moalboal:

Anyway, before we get to dinner, let me tell you where we stayed. Since our main agenda in Moalboal, is the sardines run, we booked a resort along Panagsama Beach, we booked at:

Resort: Sunset Beach Resort
Private Room only for 2: Php2,500
Food: They serve breakfast for a fee from 7:00AM to 10:00AM

The pool area

Activity: They have snorkeling gears at Php400; Request for a guide at Php800 (if my memory serves me right). I knew about these upon our arrival, but we already booked, so this is just for reference.

Sunset Beach Resort (beach side)

The room was clean, they have a nice area to watch the sunset, or just to hang out and/or swim at their pool, and the same area has a direct access/exit gate to the beach. They literally have the beach when you open a gate, and we loved it. We didn't go for a swim though as we got a little exhausted that afternoon.

The beach exit gate...

This was the last accommodation I booked for the trip, I initially wanted to book somewhere near Basdako Beach, but then it would take a few minutes to drive and we would be wet when we get back after the underwater activity, we don't want that in the car, etc etc considerations, so we decided to book at Panagsama Beach, near the sardines run activity.

I have checked a few establishments via FB accts, but nothing sticks. Until I saw this one tiktok post of Sunset Beach Resort, and right after I saw that post, I was convinced to book there and I did! Booked thru their website and also message their FB msgr account regarding other details like if they have a parking space, which they do, and that sealed it.

The busy street of Panagsama

They have wifi access, and that's one of our requirement when we book a temp home, since Don usually has to do some work while we travel. That night, we cannot connect, and we ended up using our network data. It wasn't that efficient, but we had no choice. The owner/fb msgr holder replied to my msg that they already called Globe and that there really are times that some gadgets cannot connect. This time, 3 phones and 1 laptop, did not get connected. Nonetheless, he got the work done. Some room for improvement, but I could still say, we picked a good temp home.

Betty's Grill:

Mojitos @ Betty's Grill

Here goes dinnertime! We ended choosing a place where there was a line of customers waiting to get a table. We thought, this could be a good one - Betty's Grill. Don ordered grilled salmon and I had the grilled porkchop. The salmon was great, we enjoyed it. The porkchop was regular, but, you get three (3) porkchops for Php380, and that's not bad, not bad at all.

Our Dinner

We had one serving of mango shake and since mojito is B1T1, we got 2! Before we head back to the resort, we walked a bit, to look for the place where we will proceed in the morning for the underwater activity fundive shoot. It was just a few mins walk, until we reached the shop - Moalboal Underwater Adventure.

Quite a night in Moalboal

We also bought a cup noodles and some snacks at a convenience store and eventually went back to the resort to sleep earlier than usual, so we can get up early, since the activity is best to start between 6AM to 8AM.

The Sardines Run!!!

We booked a fun dive photoshoot, below are the package deets:

Shop/Agency : Moalboal Underwater Adventure
Package costs: 1,700/pax (snorkeling gears, fins, 1 guide, 1 photographer/videograher, use of gopro/underwater cams)
Graded goggles : 300/pax (optional, we opted for this for clearer vision during the whole activity)

Briefing first

Around 6:00AM, we cooked the cup noodles we bought a night before, as a partial breakfast, then in our preferred swim suits, walked towards the shop and registered us for the underwater fun "run" photoshoot. Upon arrival, they gave us fins and checked which ones will fit. They noticed both of us wearing glasses, so they told us that they have graded goggles, and they let us choose which are more comfortable. I got the -2.5 (minus 2.5), while Don, got the -3 (minus 3), and then we were all set.

Tired but exhilarated

We all headed towards the shore, and before the actual activity, they gave us a short briefing (the dos & don'ts). There were four (4) areas/sites/dives to cover, (1) sardines (2) turtle (3) corals and (4) mermaid point. Per our guide's assessment of the waves (kind'a having a good swelling) and the direction of the (sea) current, we started our shoot at the mermaid statue site, so we walked towards the south and headed to the waters where the mermaid point is, then swam our way to the other sites one after another.

The dive was very challenging for first timers like us. Although we had tried scuba diving before, but this is different, no heavy gears to take us down to the seabed. Oh well, one of the guide's role was to push us down so we can reach the sites (just imagine... 😁😉). Here's a subject to your imagination.

The Mermaid Point - Its the site where there's a statue of a mermaid submerged in the water. It's about 5 meters deep, so it was ok 👌 for beginners like us.

Corals site - This site, is actually right across our hotel/resort (about 15-20 meters from the sea-exit gate). From the site, I can see the resort's veranda, the rooms, etc.. It was probably the only site we didn't need much pushing as it was not so deep (low tide), and there were stones/rocks/dead corals to grab on so we didn't need pushing.

Swimming with the Turtles - It was a gloomy morning, it was raining earlier before we started, and there was only one (1) turtle who graced our activity. It was a hit and miss activity though, since the turtle is also having a leisure time (we think). It would sometimes go deep and take cover, thus we have to wait again until it surfaces, so the cams can take a shot.

Sardines Run - The highlight of our trip! In front of us are schools of fishes, quite amazing and an undeniably God given awesomeness, for lack of more awesome words (sorry, it was just so awesome!) 😆😁. So the usual guide-diver relationship, the pushing, the diving, the posing and the documenting of the 'aura-moment' underwater was undertaken again and again. We were tired, short of breath, but in awe of the nature and quite thankful of the experience. Don couldn't stop talking about it! While I'm already thinking of when to come back... 😊

After a few more tries, I got a cramp in my left leg, maybe for trying so hard in using the long fins for about two (2) hours. If we weren't using the fins, we could dive down easily actually, but not with the fins that we aren't used to. Hence the desire to come back, with a vengeance (just kidding!). Nonetheless, it was good that we are almost too tired to try again when that happened. We aren't so sure yet if we've got good shots, but there's a movement (rotate from back to front to back) I'd like to try, however, the guide told me that since that requires me to put more effort on my legs (with cramps), he suggested to drop it. Now I have more reasons to come back.... 😉

There.. there... We ended the fun dive photoshoot, they gave us a copy of the digital pics and off we went to our resort to prepare to leave for Cebu City Pier 1, to take our trip to Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Tops of Cebu:

Breezy afternoon delight

Upon arriving in Cebu City, we still have about an hour left, so we went to Tops before heading to the seaport. We stayed for a few minutes to take photos and embraced the relaxing ambiance of the area.

Chillin' at the Tops

There were restaurants and establishments to order food from, and the view was such a delight.

Exiting Cebu, Entering Bohol! Bye for now Cebu!👋

aesthetic location

We left Tops after ordering coffee to-go, and headed to Pier 1. BTW, we booked our Cebu-Tagbilaran via Oceanjet website while we were on our way back to Cebu from Moalboal, and it was so seamless, I liked it. 👍

Bound to Bohol!

Upon arriving near Pier 1's gate, Mr Driver from JBMC was already waiting for us. Together, he checked the car with Don. Finding nothing wrong, we got cleared, he drove it back to their shop, and we went in to take our fast craft trip to Bohol....

Moalboal Reels link --- Just for some fun!

That's it for now. Part 2 will be our Bohol side trip. See yah!

Happy 18th!

- Don and Ji

2015 July: BATAAN, Ikaw Na!

2016-07-04T13:22:00.003+08:00

With the new technology springing around, a few chances of glance from the old times bring us back into simpler expectations in life, so if given a chance to feel being there in the past for a day, I'll take it. So when Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar was featured on TV, it became one of my travel goals.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar showcases old mansions in one perfect location, in Bataan.When Labsy and I had a chance to be in Manila again last July 2015, we made sure to have our "old" and "mansions" day somehow...

Getting to Bataan and back:
- From NAIA, we took a taxi for Php220. It took us one (1) hour to reach the Five Star Bus Station in Cubao because we arrived in Manila on a rush hour (around 6:00 PM).
- Bus fare was Php200 per person. We were able to get our seat around 7:30PM and arrived in Bataan by 10:30PM.
- Return bus fare from Bataan to Avenida (Manila) was Php400.

Our Home in Bataan:
- Before we started this travel, I've already looked for our place to stay in Bataan and found Crown Royale Hotel appealing, so I made a reservation for one night.
- From the bus terminal, we took a tricycle for Php20 each and arrived in the front of our hotel in 10 minutes.
- We paid Php1,700 for our room with breakfast for two. And if I may add, breakfast was delightful!

Dine and Dash:
- We arrived late at night in Bataan, and thought we wouldn't have any other place to eat besides ordering room service from the hotel, but we were wrong. Just a few steps from our hotel were fast food restaurants like Chowking, a coffee shop, a tea shop, etc... Lesson learned, never underestimate anything, or any place... ;)
- So, for our late dinner, we chose Chowking and spent Php330.
- Breakfast was taken cared by our dear hotel, and I wouldn't want it any other way, it was perfect. Although the usual, Jollibee and Mc Donalds are just a tricycle ride away from a corner if you prefer them. :D
- For lunch, we have tried Tetaks, where we spent Php493, also just a Php20 tricycle ride away from our hotel, which we took after our Las Casa Filipinas de Acuzar Tour on Day 2 and just before heading back to Manila.

Going to that Tour:
- From our hotel, we took a tricycle ride to Balanga-Bagac Jeepney Terminal for Php15 each.
- Then a jeepney ride to Bagac for Php47 each (just tell the driver to drop you at the Las Casas Junction). Although it only cost Php35 each for the return ride to the terminal.
- Lastly, some "accredited" tricycle ride for Php30 to the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar compound, which took around 5 minutes from the at junction. Moreover, the crew will call for a tricycle for your ride back to the junction when you leave the compound upon your request.

Taking that Tour:
- Day tour was Php650 per person.
- For more information, you may visit http://www.lascasasfilipinas.com/.
- For some quick idea on what to expect, I'll let the pictures below tell you...

Where to Next?
- Bataan was a prelude to the more elusive location, the northern most islands in the Philippines, Batanes... So, heads up, imagine the imaginable!

Summary of Expenses (for two people):
1. Taxi from NAIA to bus terminal - Php220
2. Bus fare from Five Star to Bataan- Php400
3. Tricycle from Bataan Terminal to the hotel - Php40
4. Crown Royale Hotel with breakfast - Php1,700
5. Chowking dinner - Php330.
6. Tricycle ride to Balanga-Bagac Jeepney Terminal - Php30
7. Jeepney ride to Bagac - Php94
8. Tricycle ride to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - Php30
9. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Day Tour with snacks - Php1,300
10. Tricycle ride out - Php30
11. Jeepney to Balanga - Php70
12. Tricycle ride to the hotel - Php40
13. Tricycle ride to Tetaks for lunch - Php40
14. Lunch at Tetaks - Php493
15. Tricycle ride to the bus terminal - Php40
16. Return bus fare from Bataan to Avenida (Manila) - Php800

South-North Weekend in Cebu

2015-11-30T11:00:00.002+08:00

Oslob

Cebu again! I guess we're not done exploring Cebu just yet....

This time, we pick a spot from North and South to explore and do some chillin'...

Me and Labsy were in Dapitan last July 2014 and after my assignment there, we scheduled a side trip in Cebu before heading back home to Davao. So... after our Dapitan sweet escape, we flew to Cebu on a Thursday late afternoon and stayed for the weekend.

Here are our stopovers:

1. Crown Regency Hotel & Towers

Crown Regency Hotel & Towers

- Crow Regency Hotel & Towers (http://www.crownregencyhotelandtowers.com/) is probably our favourite home away from home when in Cebu. We are members of Club Ultima, so we got to use our prepaid vouchers during our stay. I'd say it's still expensive for our budget-travel-weekend, but, we've already paid for this, so why waste it?

Crown Regency Hotel & Towers

The hotel's service is great, although sometimes, I couldn't say the same with Club Ultima. Unfortunately, we've already spent some hard earned money and continually paying for the annual fee, so, there is no turning back. So for those who are thinking of becoming a member, think of your priorities, I wouldn't say there are no perks, but, as we are called VIPs as members, sometimes, I don't see that happening.

Crown Regency Hotel & Towers

Anyway, as they say, make good of what you have, so while we love the comfort of the hotel where we were, we let the luxury it offers spoil us. As always, we love the water massages at their pool and we also spent a few minutes with their 6D movie theater. http://www.skyexperienceadventure.com/

2. Port Restaurant (Cebu's Best Buffet)

Port

- We met with cousins Ate Nila and Kuya Andy and they took us for a superb dinner and late night hang out at Port Restaurant located at the Waterfront Hotel (http://www.port.ph/). One of the things to love about Port, is that they don't stop on dinner. Why? Because from 9:00 PM, it's late night snack buffet with ear worthy songs from their live band. And yes, beers and other drinks are available! Place was cool to hang out with friends and family who wants to have quality time while havin' a bar-like-family-pica-pica session...

3. Swimming with the Whales (South Bound)

Oslob

- Our next morning (Friday) started early with a South bound trip to Oslob. Good thing we arrived before 12:00NN because they will only cater trips to the whales until 12:00NN, so the whales can have a relaxing, tourist-free afternoon. Don't worry where to ask the bus to pull-over, just tell the conductor or the driver that you are going to swim with the whales and they will drop you off to the resorts along the road, and the resort personnel with take care of you.

We paid Php500.00 each to swim with the whales, which include free use of the snorkeling gears.

Oslob

We were a bit hesitant to jump overboard but once we did, we couldn't get enough of our killer whale encounter. We had mix emotions. We were overwhelmed with the experience, felt lucky that the encounter was more enjoyable than risky/unsafe and very thankful to our God for granting this awesome moment in our lives.

Oslob

It was the best Cebu experience of my life! And I won't mind going back if there's ever a chance that I could. So if you are in doubt and asking yourself if it's worth your time and money? Doubt no more, get ready for a great fun, new adventure and memory worthy experience in your lifetime.

4. Rico's Lechon (Cebu's Best)

Rico's Lechon

- It's not Cebu if there aren't no lechon! So after a good swim and an 8-hour-travel (to and fro Oslob), we just have to get a taste of the famous Rico's Lechon. So we grab a cab from our hotel and off we went to Rico's Lechon and had a cholesterol-full-cheat-night dinner.

5. Bantayan Island here we come! (North Bound)

Anika Island Resort

- After our breakfast on Saturday, we went straight for our North Bound getaway. We went to the North Bound bus station and took a ride bound to Hagnaya Port for four (4) hours. Then we purchased 2 tickets at Hagnaya Port terminal and hop to the 1:30 PM ferry ride to Sta. Fe Port. We booked a room at Anika Resort earlier, so they were our ride from Sta. Fe Port to the resort.

Anika Island Resort

We arrived at around 4:00 PM at the resort, and it was drizzling, so we stayed in the resort and just feast on the beautiful beach and luscious food they served. We stroll along the shore, took a dip in the water, had some pics taken and retired for the night at a newly container van-converted-room of the resort.

Virgin Island Resort

The next morning, we chartered a boat for Php700.00 to get us to 2 islands we could hop to. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative at that time, so we only went to one of them, Virgin Island.

Virgin Island Resort

We paid Php100.00 each as entrance to the resort and just stayed there for about 30 minutes, because the clouds and the water coming down from it seemed to push us away. :( The beach at Bantayan Island was not that inviting for my taste, but the shore at Virgin Island teases me like El Nido's :) . I loved my 30-minute-swim/bonding with the waters.

NOTES to PONDER:

If you'll ask me what we should and should not have done? We could have went straight to Oslob on our first day and stayed there overnight to get the first swim-with-the-whale schedule and next day. Then we could have forgone the Bantayan adventure and continued to explore South and went to Sumilon Island instead and perhaps do the Glamping (Glamorous Camping) at Blue Waters Cebu.

But, with that in mind, it makes me want to make another trip to Cebu for a different itinerary. Which always bring hope, excitement and reason to look forward for the future. Moving on, looking forward and creating great moments that lasts...

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES:

1. Crown Regency 2N3D - Charge to Club Ultima Membership (Maybe I'll make one blog for this.), for rates and info, visit http://www.crownregencyhotelandtowers.com/.

2. Port Restaurant Dinner/Drinks - Sponsored by Cousins; for info, visit http://www.port.ph/

3. Oslob
- Bus (Php120 - 150)
- Swimming with the whales (Php500)
- Lunch (Php300 - Php400)

4. Rico's Lechon - Php400 - Php500 for dinner; Php100 - Php130 for the cab (to and fro restaurant - hotel).

5. Bantayan
- Bus (Php160 - Php200)
- Fast Craft (Php 170)
- Anika Island Resort - Php 2,000.00 for the room; Php 961.80 for food (dinner and breakfast).
- Chartered Boat - Php700

OTHER INFO.

Anika Island Resort Rates

Whale Shark Watching Rate

2014 July: Fantasyland and Dakak

2015-02-05T10:52:00.001+08:00

Dakak Entrance

I was on an assignment for a week in Dapitan City last July 2014. Hubby took a leave of absence and went with me. While I was with my colleagues solving some IT problems and giving an orientation on some work stuff, Labsy was busy researching for some place to go to while in Dapitan and when we get to Cebu on our way back to Davao.

We stayed at Villa Pilar Pension at the Sunset Boulevard, where mostly the highlights of the place are near. Take a peak here (http://dipolognon.com/dapitancom/dapitanhotels2AA.htm).

Dinner at Sunset Boulevard

So, the things you must do while in Dapitan City:

1. Sunset Boulevard for some BBQ dinner by the bay.

Air was refreshing and so was our conversation. My colleague and I were too busy during the day with work, Labsy stays in the hotel for some R&R (rest & research :>), but we get to linger over dinner together to get some updates on what each other were busy with while apart.

Rizal's Landing

2. Rizal's Landing.

On our third morning, the weather was fine so we had a chance to ate breakfast outside our hotel. We took an early walk towards Rizal's landing where there's a "Top Silogan" eatery in front of it, where my colleague, his wife and me used to eat breakfast at, way back during our 2010 visit.

Rizal Shrine

3. Rizal Shrine

Since we still have a few minutes to spend, we went for a quick visit at the Rizal Shrine after a short tricycle ride from Rizal's Landing for Php10 each. We just took a quick walk in the park, enough to burn what we had for breakfast, then went back to the hotel and then back to work.

The Zimerman Ride

4. Fantasy Land / Gloria de Dapitan

Labsy really wants to stay in Dakak, so he arranged to check us out from the hotel where we were staying and paid for a night stay at Dakak for Php6,600.00 (Php3,300 per person), which includes breakfast for two and two (2) all ride tickets for Fantasyland (worth Php1,000 each if paid separately). Since we were flying back to Cebu the next night, he grabbed that package and paid for the everything.

The Horror House

So after work was done, I went straight to Fantasyland where Labsy was waiting and we started our ride-all-you-can as early as a few minutes before 6PM. It was still raining so we opted to start with some indoor rides like their 5D. It was cool, like we purchased an all exclusive night, since we were the only ones in. Then we went to the other attractions & rides when the rain stopped.

The whole experience was awesome, taking notes on some extreme rides like the Zimerman and Python. But the most amazing thing in there, was the horror house, which was very interesting. The artists were great and the effects were stunning! Bravo!

5. Dakak Beach Resort

Dinner at Dakak

Dakak management arranged our ride to the resort at 8PM so 10 minutes before 8PM, we were ready and out of Fantasyland, but very hungry. We weren't able to watch the theater show though since we had to head to the resort and look for some dinner. We arrived around 8:30PM and was able to settle in our room around 9PM. Good thing is, their restaurant is 24 hours open, so, we went out, ordered dinner and enjoyed food, sea breeze and good service.

Night Swimming

After a sumptuous dinner, we went for a night swim at their pools, lingered for a while and enjoyed an all exclusive-feel resort ambiance, my-kind-of-rest! Followed by a good night sleep in a native-modern combo designed room, which sofa and porch were way cooler than expected.

Dakak Shore

Morning came and we had an early well deserved, nicely & elegantly served breakfast. Took a few dip & a couple of slides on & to the pool, then grab some pizza to go & for lunch on mobile and then back to work to do some more work loads while we waited for our ride to the airport late afternoon for a night flight to Cebu. And oh, by the way, Dakak also offers night tours for only Php100.00 from 6PM to 1AM. So if you don't want to deal with the scorching sun during the day, try to enjoy the night life at the resort instead.

Fun at the Slide at Dakak

It was a much welcomed quick lazy break which tweaked us away from the papers/documents, cables, computers & other work-related chaos.

As they say... "work hard, but play harder"! Love & fun makes life even more inspiring to live in and work for...

Zimerman Ride

Expenses:
Dinner at Sunset Boulevard: approx. Php100.00 each
Villa Pilar Pension House: Php700.00
Dakak + Fantasyland: Php6,600.00 (per couple)
Dinner at Dakak: approx. Php800.00
Pizza to go for lunch: approx. Php600.00

2013: Laoag - Pagudpud - Vigan - Sagada - Banaue Escapade in 1 (one)Week

2013-09-23T19:03:00.003+08:00

Day 1: Wednesday, Sep. 11, 2013 (Hello Laoag!)

Paoay Church

Our flight from Davao departed at 10:05 AM, Labsy and I were glad we had this schedule. Perfect enough that we don't need to be too early in the airport, we can still enjoy breakfast and just in time for lunch when we reach Manila. We stayed in the airport since we had another flight to Laoag at 7:05 PM and grab the chance to find some electrical outlets to charge our phones.

Our first day was spent mostly at the airport and since we won't be staying long in Laoag, I opted to look for a cheaper place to stay. I thought since we will arrive way past 8PM and will leave early the next morning to start the site seeing, a so-so place would be OK. But NO, it wasn't!

Our ride to town

But, before reaching to that "never-again" place for overnight. Our ride from Laoag Airport to town was free! Yes, free. The Laoag Airport has a free shuttle, using an electric powered multicab (small jeep) for the tourists. We registered at the Information Center and got ourselves two free seats to town or their Capitol.

Sinking Bell Tower

Then we took a tricycle and went to Pichay Lodging House. We were disappointed with the place, but since we were tired to go out to look for a better place, we stayed anyway. The place wasn't maintained, cleanliness was in question and the attendant wasn't also very encouraging. So, we just gave it a night and slept the disappointment over.

Manila Expenses:
Taxi - Php145

Terminal fee - Php200 each

Lunch at Kenny Roger's - Php425

Grocery (water and lotion) - Php75

Dinner at Mini Stop - Php130

Day 2 AM: Thursday, Sep. 12, 2013 (Around Laoag, Paoay and Batac)

Paoay Lake

We went out early for a breakfast at Mc Donald's Laoag, which is also a walking distance from the Church and the Sinking Bell Tower. We intended to leave our packages at the lodging house while we tour the tourist spots of Laoag. So, after breakfast, we went to the Church to pray and ask for guidance for the day's trip and spent a few minutes at the Sinking Bell Tower.

Malacañang of the North

We walked a few blocks to find the jeepney going to Paoay, so we could start at the Paoay Church. When we found it, it was still waiting for passengers, and we thought, we don't have the luxury of time, so we went to haggle with the tricycle drivers to take us to three spots we want to visit. These are the Malacañang of the North, Marcos Mausoleum and Presidential Center and Paoay Church. From their Php1,000 offer, we agreed with Php600. We said, we would not take long since we needed to go back to Laoag to check out from our hotel before 12NN.

Malacañang of the North

So off we went from Laoag City Proper down to Paoay. Our first stop, the Malacanang of the North. Situated near the Paoay Lake, which gives it a refreshing scenery that keeps you glued to the place. It was my second time, me and some colleagues went for an Ilocos trip last Dec. 2012. I didn't blog about it, because I was looking forward for this year's escapade with Labsy. :)

Marcos Presidential Center

The Malacañang of the North seems to have everything as it was, except for a corner which they made like a canteen. They offer refreshments and other stuff for the tourists, which is good, because after an hour of picture taking while visiting every room, you can just buy some drinks to ease your thirst.

We stayed for a few minutes and then off we went to Paoay Church. We didn't stay long in the place, we went inside to pray and took a few pictures outside. And since, it's just me and Labsy, we only got solo pics. What's better in The Malacañang of the North, there were tables or cabinets or bench to put the cam on timer mode so we can have a picture together.

Marcos Presidential Center

Next stop, Marcos Mausoleum and Presidential Center. I'm sorry but cameras are not allowed inside the mausoleum, so we only have pics inside the Presidential Center. When we went up the stairs, the view somehow disconnected me from what I remember from my visit last Dec. 2012. The whole center was repackaged, from an old mansion setting to a technologically enhanced and modern setup.

I'll admit, the personal effects of the Marcos' were not as numerous as the previous setup, but the presentation now is far better than it used to. The presentation was overall pleasing to the eyes and your camera. :)

SM, previously the Heroes Hall

After enjoying ourselves with the Presidential Center, we went back to Laoag and asked our driver to take us to SM. Their SM is not your regular boxed type or modern building, but it is the building that used to be the Heroes Hall. We went around the building and found Mang Inasal to take our lunch.

Lunch was your usual chicken BBQ experience, topped with a sweet, cold halo-halo. Burp! :)

Laoag Expenses:
Pichay Lodging House - Php600
Tricycle to and fro Loding House - Php11 per person/trip
Breakfast at Mc Donalds - Php200
Tricycle for the Tour - Php600
Malacañang of the North Entrance Fee -Php30 per person
Marcos Presidential Center Entrance Fee - Php50 per person
Lunch at Mang Inasal - Php207

Day 2 PM: Thursday, Sep. 12, 2013 (Pagudpud South)

Bangui Windmill

We checked out from the lodging house and took a tricycle to the Van terminal for Pagudpud. We contacted Jomar and told us to look for his tricycle when we arrive in Pagudpud. After getting off the van, a man approached us and asked if we were the ones who contacted Jomar. This man's name is Rocky, he's Jomar's younger brother. He said, his Kuya Jomar is on Vigan tour, so during our time in Pagudpud, Rocky was our man.

Bangui Windmill

Rocky took us to their suggested place for the night. The Jun and Carol Beach House. Our room was clean, with AC and TB, and has a veranda that offers the ocean view and smell of fresh air. All these plus breakfast for two (2) for only Php1,300. When we checked out their menu, breakfast is worth Php157 per set, so basically, our room just costs almost Php1,000. Not bad for a beach front location. While talking with Jomar, we asked discounts for his tour and he said his discount would be a free lift from the Pagudpud junction to the resort and resort to the Bus terminal the next day.

Bangui Windmill

It was almost 3:00PM, we asked Rocky if there is still enough time to tour the South part of Pagudpud, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and the Bangui Windmills. He said we can still make it, and so we refreshed, grab our cams and off we went for the South tour, for Php950. Rocky's Tour package was only Php600, but when the tricycle enters the jurisdiction of Bangui, they are obliged to pay Php50. Then, in reaching the junction for the Kapurpurawan Rock formation, the guests will transfer to another tricycle for the Cape Bojeador and Kapurpurawan Rock Formation trip for Php300. So that's what Php950 was for.

Bangui Windmill

The cost of the ride seems expensive, but that was okay. The location of these places were really far from the center of Pagudpud. It took us more than 30 minutes in a no traffic on a top speed tricycle from the resort to Bangui. Then around another 30 minutes to Cape Bojeador.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Rocky took us first to the Bangui Windmills. Labsy was surprised to see that these structures were really huge. I had the same feeling the first time I saw them, they look like toys in the pictures. Labsy went close to the foot of one of the windmill and he said it was scary. It felt like it will fall on you and something that huge will definitely show no mercy.

Next stopover is at the Tourist Center for the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. We paid Php20 for the registration and transferred to another tricycle. The driver told us that we will visit the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse first so we can still go up, since it closes at 5PM.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Initially, Rocky told us that he will wait at the Center, but we asked him to join us so we have someone to take our pictures and he did. Rocky became our official photographer during the tour and he didn't disappoint us.

Last stop is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. We still have a long way to ride from the junction and the road wasn't finished yet so some parts are still rough. After about a 10-minute tricycle ride, we walked for another 10 minutes and then we're there.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Labsy, my kinda' picky hubby, was kinda disappointed with the formation of the main rock formation. He said, "mao na to?" ("was that it?"), while we were in the viewing point. I told him, "no", wait for some more at the back part of the rock and there it is, he said something like, "oh, ok, that's better" and I felt relieved.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

We stayed longer in the rock formation enjoying every angle, shape and grade. We went back to the resort and ordered dinner. It was my goal to give Labsy the opportunity to taste Ilocos' very own bagnet and so, that's what I ordered for dinner, and he loved it.

We ordered hot water and had coffee before hitting the sack to seal the night away...

Day 3 AM : Friday, Sep. 13, 2013 (Pagudpud North)

Saud Beach

We woke up early to take a stroll along the shore of Saud Beach. The beach was very inviting but we planned to take a dip at the Blue Lagoon later after the North Tour. So we just strolled and played with the sand and each other. After a quick walk, we went back to the resort and ordered our breakfast.

Kabigan Falls

We asked Rocky to come back for the North Tour the next morning, which costs another Php600 at around 7:00AM. Our main objective was just to swim in the Blue Lagoon, but since we were located at the Saud Beach which is a few kilometers away, Rocky will ask for Php400, to take us there and back to the resort. Since the whole tour is Php600, we decided to cover everything. Rocky came around a little past 7AM, then we head to our first location, the Kabigan Falls.

Patapat Viaduct

The nice part going to the Falls was the walk, we get to stretch some muscles and exercise some sleepy joints, but not too much. It was about a 15 to 20 minute-walk after registering at their tourist center for Php60 each, which corresponds to the Php10 entrance fee and Php50 guide fee.

Paraiso ni Anton

I've already oriented Labsy that after all the beautiful waterfalls we were able to visit on our previous getaways (Cateel, Lake Sebu, Camiguin, Iligan, etc..), Kabigan Falls is not that much. But, we went anyway. I guess it isn't the view that we remembered more, it was the experience, our hangout.

Agua Grande

Next stop was the Patapat Viaduct, where we didn't stay long as well and just took a few pictures. Then we went to the Paraiso ni Anton. In all the places we visited, this is one of the two points, I'd consider the least places to visit. It's just a place along the road that offers a cold water streaming from the walls of the hill or something like that. Although, when we went there, I just remembered that there was a grotto of Mother Mary and Baby Jesus, which made the visit good.

Timmangtang Rock

Next we stopped by the Agua Grande. It's a picnic place, which offers fresh ocean breeze while having your picnic and a lazy environment to keep you stick with your company and have a great time. There's an entrance fee if you plan to stay, and since we didn't, we just took our picture by the entrance gate.

Fourth stop, is the second of the points I've mentioned above that I didn't find appealing and worth the stop. But since Rocky took us there, we took pictures anyway. The Timmangtang Rock. It's basically, just a rock in the middle of the shore. :)

Bantay Abot Cave

Next stop was the Bantay-Abot Cave. It's a little cave that opens the door for a nice view at the other side of it. It has a nice reddish rock formation that we didn't appreciate right away, until Rocky took our pictures with it.

Blue Lagoon

Last, final and the most awaited stop was the Blue Lagoon. When I went there last Dec 2012, I wasn't able to enjoy swimming and this time, I made sure that I did. We ordered food first so it will be ready after our swim. The place c/o Hannah's Beach Resort also offers zip lining from the mountain across the resort over the ocean, to the base back at the resort. We saw a couple of foreigners enjoying the ride, but we didn't, we already had our zip line share at Davao's Eden Nature Park, Digos' Camp Sambros and South Cotabato's Lake Sebu.

After that great swim, we ate our lunch and then went back to the resort to freshen up and get ready to check out and head to the bus station for a trip back to Laoag and then to Vigan after.

Pagudpud Expenses:
Van from Laoag to Pagudpud - Php80 per person
Jun and Carol Beach Resort - Php1,300 with breakfast for two

Refreshments (3 Gatorade) - Php140
Dinner (Bagnet, rice and soft drink) - Php389
South Tour - Php950
Kapurpurawan Registration Fee - Php20 (for 2, discounted, it's Php15 per person)
North Tour - Php600
Kabigan Falls - Php60 per person

Refreshments (Buko Juice) - Php45
Lunch (Half kl grilled pusit, half kl fried fish & half kl fish sinigang, rice, soft drinks) - Php521

Day 3 PM : Friday, Sep. 13, 2013 (Vigan)

Calle Crisologo

The bus ride back to Laoag took roughly 2hrs from 12:45PM - 1:45PM. We asked the conductor to take us or least tell us where to alight to catch the bus bound for Vigan and he did.

The Vigan bound bus (or so we were made to believe) departed around 2:30PM. When we reach a town (sorry I forgot which town, it seemed like a blur), after about an hour and 30 min. They asked all Vigan bound passengers to transfer to another bus. Good thing they didn't ask us to pay again. We reached Vigan around 4:30PM, and went straight to Green R Hotel (0923-837-5035 / 077-632-1149 / greenrhotel@gmail.com).

Kalesa in Vigan

The hotel room was only Php750. It was clean and well maintained. It wasn't a luxury room, but it was more than nice for its price, and it's just a walking distance from Partas bus station need you be there right away.

After settling in, we went out to get some nice old historic view at Calle Crisologo. I told Labsy that this is the most highlighted place to visit in Vigan and would also be nice if he could experience a kalesa ride. So after a few pictures taken and a little walk, we got ourselves a kalesa for Php150/hour.

The Kutsero gave us a quick round about the places to visit, but since it was already past 5PM, we just passed by most of them and just listen to his word of facts and history, except for the Church where we were able to went inside and offer a prayer.

After the tour, we asked the Kutsero to take us to Cafe Uno. That's where I had the best lunch when we went the last time. Labsy and I ordered, sapsapuriket (hot spicy chicken soup), salad otong katuday (string beans & corkwood tree flower salad) and bagnet sisig, which turned out to be the best!

Cafe Uno

Again, we were overly satisfied with the service and the taste. We went out undescribably full, so we strolled along Calle Crisologo to ease the tightness and bought a few souvenirs. We wanted to have coffee at Coffee Break, but we decided to have it later at the hotel, since we can't take anything anymore just yet. :)

Tricycle fees were varied. I'm pretty sure the distances between the places we were taken to have more or less almost the same in distance. From Capitol to the hotel it was Php30 (for two), from hotel to Calle Crisologo, Php20 (for two), from Crisologo to hotel Php40. What the??? Anyway, we just let it be...

We rested well that night as we look forward to the unsure adventure the next day. The route we took from Vigan to Sagada... ;)

Vigan Expenses:
Bus from Pagudpud to Laoag - Php60 per person
Bus from Laoag to Vigan - Php100 per person

Tricycle (Capitol to hotel) - Php30
Green R Hotel - Php750

Tricycle (Hotel to Calle Crisologo) - Php20
Kalesa Tour - Php150 per hour
Dinner (Bagnet sisig, sapsapuriket, salad otong katuday, rice and fruit shakes) - Php610
Souvenirs - Php280

Tricycle (Calle Crisologo to Hotel) - Php40

Day 4 : Saturday, Sep. 14, 2013 (Sagada)

Arriving in Abatan

We woke up around 5:30AM, prep, grabbed our bags and checked out from the hotel. We went to the nearest seven eleven store and had some noodles for breakfast and bought few stuffs for the road. We then went to Partas bus station and were able to get seats for the 7:00AM bus bound for Baguio.

Abatan to Bontoc

The regular route to Sagada would be, to alight in Baguio from Vigan for 4-5hrs, then take another bus ride from Baguio to Sagada for 6-7hrs. Which will get us to Sagada around 6PM or 7PM. I was looking for better options where we could shorten the time, but still get the chance for a little adventure along the way. I studied the map, asked a few inquiries from a fellow blogger (thanks to you!) and decided to take the Cervantes route.

Tour Packages

Initially, I was told to take the bus from Vigan to Bitalag junction (that's before reaching Tagudin town), then take a van from Bitalag to Cervantes, then another van from Cervantes to Bontoc, then a jeepney from Bontoc to Sagada, and we have to consider the time since most of the last trips are at 1PM.

Trip Schedules

So we told the conductor to take us to Bitalag Junction. We reached the place about 9AM. We head to the van stationed just a few steps from the junction. It departed around 10AM and we reached Cervantes by 12NN. We then asked where to get to the van heading for Bontoc and they said, there's no van going to Bontoc, but instead, to Abatan and we can get a van from there going to Bontoc. The van from Cervantes to Abatan leaves at 1PM, so we had an hour spare for lunch and so we took it at a nearby eatery.

Tour Packages

The best view we had in this road trip was the view along our Bitalag to Cervantes route. It was remarkably amazing. We were in awe with God's given nature and life. I'm sorry though because we were in route we couldn't take pictures, so we just feasted on nature's wonders along the road to Cervantes. I'm not sure how to describe the view but it was picturesque.

Egg & Lemon Pies

The van left Cervantes at 1PM and we reached Abatan at 2PM. We then went to the van for Bontoc and waited until it left Abatan around 2:30 PM, reaching Bontoc around 3:15PM. We then went to the location where jeepneys bound for Sagada were waiting. We just asked the van driver to take us to the nearest street and point it to us. The jeepney left around 3:45PM which took us to Sagada around 4:15PM.

Sagada Lemon Pie House

When we reached Sagada, we then walked towards their Municipal Hall, to register as tourists in the area and inquired regarding the tours we can accommodate during our stay. The officer told us that sometimes they allow the caving at night but they would recommend to do it the next morning for safety reasons. He said we can come back as early as 7AM and they can provide a guide for us. He suggested to do the short course caving with vehicle to save time and then the Eco Valley tour before leaving Sagada at noon.

After registration and a quick chitchat with the officer at the Municipal Hall, we headed to our home for the night, George's Guest House. For only Php400, we've got our own room, with 2 double size beds, our own CR, TV and veranda (we were at the third floor, with a good view). The room was clean and comfy, I could never ask for more. Further, the guest house also has it's own restaurant where we can order food especially for breakfast.

View from the guesthouse

After settling in, we went out for a stroll, bought some key chains as souvenirs Php200 (3 for Php100) and an umbrella (Php250) because it was raining at that time. While paying for the souvenirs, we asked where best to eat dinner and they recommended the Lemon Pie House. We ordered set meals for dinner, and while they were still preparing, we ordered a slice of each of lemon and egg pies, and their arabica brewed coffee to take the cold off.

Sagada Lemon Pie House

After consuming the pies and coffee, we concluded that we just had the best lemon and egg pies and the perfect coffee to have them with. Then dinner was served. Then we said, "did we order for four?". Each set meal looks like a set for two, we just need to add rice. The servings were really big for us.

Sagada Lemon Pie House

Anyway, after dinner, we went back to our temp home and asked if they provide in-house massage service and they do, for Php300. We scheduled it at 8:30PM, an hour for each of us and by 10:30PM, Labsy and I were relaxed, body felt light and we were looking for something to eat.. :)) We were hungry! Good thing, we didn't finish everything over dinner, so we took our leftovers and ordered additional egg pie to go, so the chicken and pie became our midnight snack, and then later took a deep, calm and peaceful sleep. :D

Roadtrip to Sagada Expenses:
Vigan breakfast at seven eleven - Php120

Bus Vigan to Bitalag - Php149 each

Van Bitalag to Cervantes - Php150 each

Lunch at an eatery - Php160

Van Cervantes to Abatan - Php70 each

Van Abatan to Bontoc - Php50 each

Jeep Bontoc to Sagada - Php45 each

Day 5 AM : Sunday, Sep. 15, 2013 (Sagada)

Hanging Coffins

A beautiful cold morning welcomed us on day 5. We started our day early to be at the Municipal Hall by 7AM. We ordered breakfast at the Guesthouse and went straight to the Hall bringing my sling bag, the cam and water.

Sumaging Cave

We were immediately entertained as we inquired at the Hall and were given quotations for the vehicle (this is optional), Php350 and guide fee of Php500 (guests up to 4 persons). Waited for around 10minutes and off we went to get the short course caving started with our driver Hans and guide Mang Aklay. I'm not sure if you can, but if you can, ask for Mang Aklay, he's perfect really. He assists well, talks about the rock formations pretty well and great in taking our pictures.

Sumaging Cave

Our first stop was at the viewing deck for the hanging coffins. Which gives us an idea of how and where coffins were hanged.

Next stop was the amazing Sumaging Cave. I never really expected to have a great time inside. It started that I was a bit scared of the dark and the rocks that we might slipped and end up at the bottom or hit the rocks or something to that effect. But, Manong Aklay was very good in assisting us in every step of the way.

Manong Aklay

We have been to Palawan's amazing Underground River and saw the nice formation in the cave but Sumaging Cave just topped it! We found or Manong Aklay showed us the different formation, some funny, some "pornographic" in a way, but definitely awesome. We only have this light brought by Manong Aklay, yet we had the best times with the rocks and the water like we have been to the place many times. It was one H*** of an experience and we won't mind coming back and doing it all over again.

Sumaging Cave

Third stop was the Lumiang Cave where we saw one of the burial place of the natives of Sagada, right at the entrance of the cave. It was a few steps down from the main street, a bit tiring after what we did in Sumaging Cave, but we were okay. :)

Sumaging Cave

That ended the short course caving tour. We asked Manong Aklay what else we can do with our time and he said that we better freshen up first, check out from the guesthouse and then we might be able to go for Eco Valley Tour before they'd take us to the jeep going to Bontoc at 12NN so we can catch the last trip going to Banaue at 1PM, and that's what we did.

Sumaging Cave

The Eco Valley Tour gave us the chance to see the hanging coffins up close. Labsy was a bit discouraged at the hanging coffins viewpoint earlier, because he really wanted to see them closer, and wish granted! Before going down where the hanging coffins are, Manong Aklay took us to its viewing area from the hill. He told us to shout and we can hear the echo. Labsy and I tried and we loved it. Hearing the nature saying what we shouted, it's amazing!!!

Lumiang Cave

We then walked our way down to the location of the hanging coffins. BTW, I may sound like the walk was effortlessly done, but no, some passages were rocky, some were slippery, and going down and back made us exhausted enough to shout again and again and listened to the echo while feeling blessed, relieved and at the same time punished. Oh well, that's what you get in an adventure. ;)

Eco Valley

Sagada stay is almost over, but before taking us to the jeepney terminal, we went to the Virgin Mary Church to offer some prayers, thanking God for the gift of life and love, for the adventure we had, the people who helped us achieved it and for each other for making this escapade worth doing and worth keeping (we still have one more journey to conquer).

Sagada Expenses:

Tourist Registraton Fee - Php70

Souvenir - Php200

Umbrella - Php250

Snacks and Dinner at Lemon Pie House - Php430

Massage - Php300 each + Php50 for tip

George's Guesthouse - Php400

Breakfast at the guesthouse - Php230

Short course caving guide fee - Php500

Vehicle during tour - Php350

Eco valley guide fee - Php200

Refreshments - Php100

Day 5 PM : Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013 (Banaue)

Hans and Manong Aklay took us to the jeepney waiting area and timing enough before the 12NN trip leaves.

From Sagada, we arrived around 12:45PM in Bontoc. We got into a van and waited. It was already past 1PM and yet, the van is still waiting for passengers to fill in the empty seats. And we need around 10 more!!! I wondered if we can still make it to Batad Village that afternoon. :(

Rent rates

Another driver from a different van came to us. He said they're from Banaue and they just took some tourist to Sagada earlier. They were taking time having some snacks and will start heading back to Banaue after. They offered us an early ride to Banaue then to Batad Saddle and they will fetch us at the Batad Saddle the next day to give us a ride back to Banaue for Php2,700. Miguel, the driver told us that the jeepney rent for Banaue-Batad-Banaue is actually Php2,800. He gave us Php100 discount plus our ride from Bontoc to Banaue, which was supposedly Php150 each would seem free. Justin, Miguel's friend also offered himself to be our guide for the roughly an hour walk going to Batad Village from Batad Saddle for Php1,200. Since the van we were in was not planning to leave Bontoc anytime soon, we agreed.

Considering the possible expenses we will incur for our Banaue-Batad journey, we asked Miguel and Justin to take us first at an ATM machine to withdraw few more cash. While we were at it, Miguel was able to let few more passengers to join us in the van going to Banaue. It was alright with us as long as they won't be cause of delays.

View from the terrace

As we were on our way to Banaue, the weather started to turn bad and was raining hard. I was a bit hesitant to continue to Batad Saddle, but they said it will be alright. We reached Banaue around 3PM and then went continually to Batad Saddle. I never really thought that it would be a long and rough ride, and since the weather made us closed all the windows, I felt a little sick, but somehow managed the whole trip. For times like this, keeping the Vicks vaporub close to my nose helped me ease the nausea.

Cleared landslide

During our roadtrip to Batad Saddle, the rain became heavier, the road looked dangerous and streaming with water from the mountains. I was a bit scared not because of the road but of that one hour walk we need to do under the rain. I imagined getting sick after that walk. Anyway, something happened. Before we reached the Saddle, around halfway through, there were landslide areas so we weren't able to continue and we turned back to Banaue. We were fortunate that we had a night to recharge our strength before taking that long walk to Batad Village, but sadly, there were people stranded from the other side, while some walked their way home to Banaue which made them leave their jeepneys on the side of the road and reached home late that night, all wet and perhaps hungry. :(

uncleared landslide

Miguel took us to People's Lodge & Restaurant, and we settled in a room with 2 twin beds, with CR, a veranda with a nice view of the mountains, but without TV and the most down side is NO electrical outlets for Php600. In charging our phones and gadgets, we need to stay in their restaurant and charge them at the counter table. It was okay, since we were already hungry and tired, we took the room, settled in and went up to the restaurant to order dinner.

uncleared landslide

I was glad that we stayed in Banaue and had a good night rest before taking another adventure the next morning. While feeling full after dinner and getting ready for the next day's event, a colleague called and told me some bad news about a colleague's wife's sudden demise. I was totally shocked and couldn't help but shed some tears. What a news!

Day 6 : Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 (Banaue)

a view from the stop-over

Morning came and we were ready by 7:30AM to go to Batad. After a day before's incident, Miguel brought his jeep this time and left his van at home. I also preferred that, I felt sorry for the van, with all the obstacles it tried to overcome the last time.

the road to Batad

Well, we started the trip to Batad Saddle at 8AM. We arrived a some 20-minute walk before the Saddle. As it happens, there were still uncleared road, so we left the jeep and Miguel told us that if the road clears later, they will wait at the Saddle. So we started walking on the mud that slid from the mountain side, over some trunk of trees and some streaming water on the road. Our shoes tell them all. :)

Batad Rice Terraces

We reached the Saddle after walking for about 15-20 minutes. Rested and ordered fresh buko juice. We went up to their viewing deck and had a quick look at our destination. Then a few minutes later, we started going down the steps towards Batad Village. It was another hour of walk, until we finally reached the Tourist Center and paid for the heritage fee of Php50 per person. We stayed for a while and took pictures where the Batad amphitheater like terraces as our background.

Batad Rice Terraces/Village

We continued our walk towards the village until we reached Batad Pension & Restaurant. Our guide suggested we place our orders for lunch before we continue our trek to the Tappia Waterfalls so it will be ready by the time we get back. We then continue our walk passing on the stone walls of the terraces. It was amazing seeing them up close and actually walking on these beautiful place and creation. We had a few stopovers for picture taking and some water breaks.

Batad Rice Terraces

Along the way there were stopovers prepared for visiting tourists with bench where we can rest and also there were sellers of refreshments. So if you forgot to bring water, you can buy there, although it would be more expensive.

After spending time with the terraces, we started our walk towards the Tappia Waterfalls. We were discussing if we wanted to go to the falls, I wasn't really excited to go, but we agreed that while we're there we should cover everything we could, so we continued the trek.

Batad Rice Terraces

It was a long, steep, tiring trek. When we finally arrived, we just took a few pictures then went back right away because the clouds seem to appear dark and looks like it was going to start raining. And besides, we were too tired to appreciate the view. :( So we head back to the Batad Pension & Restaurant. Our way back was harder because it was going back up. Going down, my knees felt weak at some point, but going up took my breath away. My legs seem to complain so I had a lot of stops to recover energy.

Batad Rice Terraces

When finally we arrived at Batad Pension and Restaurant it was already around 12:30PM. We were tired and hungry. We asked if they could already serve our orders and they did after a little while. We ate to our hearts' content and I felt heavier and all the energy we gave off going down to the waterfall went to the drain for a while. A few minutes later it started to rain and we were worried that there will be landslide again and will be stuck in Batad, we can't catch our ride with Ohayami Bus (http://www.ohayamitrans.com/) at 7PM that same day and our flight back to Davao the next. So we decided to start moving back to the Saddle despite the rain with only our umbrella to cover us.

Tappia Waterfalls

After around five (5) steps up the stairs, Labsy stopped and said he cannot move his leg. He said his having leg cramps. We let him rest and waited until he was back into his feet. After a little while we continued our journey. We had a lot of stops because Labsy's legs weren't cooperating, but eventually after a struggle, we made it back to the Saddle together, possibly not in a very good shape but in one piece. We were just glad that we made it back and super glad that we saw Miguel, which means we need not walk another step. :D

Banaue Rice Terraces

We went back to Banaue and since we still have an hour to spare, we asked Miguel to take us to the Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoints. Labsy was all disappointed with our trek to the waterfalls that he suspected to be the cause of his leg cramps. But when he saw the Banaue Rice Terraces, all his reservations were gone. He was too satisfied with the view and was way glad we were able to visit the place. While we were taking pictures, another group was gathering and their guide told them that they may trek down the terraces which will only take two (2) hours. Labsy was a bit furious at the sound of that. He said, here's this beautiful creation,very accessible, takes only 2 hours to trek, but why the h*** did we go to Batad? He loved the rice terraces in Batad, but the rice terraces in Banaue was blooming at that time, he'd rather blend with it and to add insult to the injury, the trek down to the waterfalls was unnecessary. :(

Banaue Rice Terraces

Well, we don't have the time to trek again and it started raining too, so we went back to the lodging house, washed up and ordered dinner. We went to the bus around 6:30PM and waited another 30 minutes, and we were on our way back to Manila.

Banaue Expenses:
Jeep Sagada to Bontoc - Php45 each

Refreshments - Php30

Van/Jeep - Php2,700

Guide - Php1,200

Heritage fee - Php50 each

People's Lodge & Restaurant - Php600

Breakfast - Php230

Refreshments - Php66

Lunch - Php610

Drinks buko & water - Php260

Souvenir - Php50

Dinner - Php260

Bus Banaue to Manila - Php450 each

Day 7 : Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013 (Manila)

Having fun with the rice terraces

We arrived at around 4:30AM in Sampaloc, Manila. We grab a cab and went straight to Mc Donalds, MOA for some pancakes, coffee and hot chocolate. We stayed there, then went walking and transferred to Jollibee for another set of breakfast. We stayed until MOA was opened and spent the rest of the morning at the mall. We bought some J.Co donuts for the family and colleagues back in Davao then went to the airport. We spent the rest of our afternoon at the airport, hopping from one restaurant to another, for some lunch or cinnabon or donuts. We were on food trip, then went for an hour and a half flight to Davao and head home. :)

Great time with Sumaging Cave

We've got everything we planned covered and we were so glad we endured and enjoyed it at the same time. Definitely there'll be a next time. While at the airplane, we were already looking at some flight connections for the next trip... I don't know when, but another day another location, another adventure...

Live life while we can and live it well happily!

Where's my Tidy? No more...

2013-05-20T01:04:00.002+08:00

"Where's my Tidy?"...

That's his pillow and bed if he sleeps alone

That's the line that I always use to start playing with my big dog "Tidy". Saying that while I cover my face with both hands. In his response, he'll lick my hands so I'll uncover my face, but if I insist in covering it still, he'll use his head, goes under my hands and separate them revealing my face in the process. He's one bright dog. He's also an "emo" dog, sensitive. When I get home from wherever, he should be the first one I'd greet before the other dogs, if not, he will ignore me for hours until I've convinced him I'm sorry and would love to play with him more.

He came to us way back around 2nd quarter of 2003. He was so cute and very playful. Me and bros would sleep in the "sala" (living room) so we can sleep with them (him and pudy). They would start to sleep near our legs and we'd wake up having them under our chin or on top of our tummy.

Resting under the dining table

Tidy was a little sickly when he was younger. He would chill in the evening, too inactive and wouldn't eat much during the day. I would wrap him with cloth or a towel and cuddle him while he sleeps. I could hear him somewhat havin' a dream or a nightmare. But on days that he's okay, he'd even grab the food that's already on Pudy's mouth. :))

My scariest time was when he got "parvovirus", a certain disease that could have killed him. It was a Sunday when I couldn't take it anymore, watching him crawl and vomit, so I went to Vetmix, it was the only clinic that was open on a Sunday. They kept him on a dextrose for three (3) days, and then he went home very alive and super active.

Resting after playing...

After that incident, I would take him to the Vet for his vaccines every week for 5 weeks. Sometimes, I'll leave him at the clinic for a few hours and pick him up later in the afternoon. The vet told me that he would stay on the doorstep and wait for my arrival almost the whole time.

He also underwent an operation on his left ear. He was already a grown dog then, we were reconstructing the back part of our house, and he was situated near it and his ear swelled. I took him to the clinic, they gave him something so he'd sleep and the Vet can start operating his ear. His left ear never went back to it's original shape, but he's fine and it didn't hurt anymore.

Tidy is "matampuhin". I remember when he was younger, I'd carry him and will try to get his attention and he would take his face away from me to show that he's "nagtatampo", and I'll have to continue saying "where's my tidy?" until he feels like playing with me again.

No chain is big or heavy enough for my Tidy. We've had the biggest chain we could find and he'd still manage to get out of it or tag it along with him as he walks along our backyard or on the roof. :)

Tidy and Pudy as part of the family

He grew up to be a loving dog. He became too big to keep inside the house, so we kept him outside and chained so visitors won't be too scared while within our property. Later when he seems to be getting into trouble too often and I've been most of the time away from home, we made a metal cage ("kulungan") for Tidy, so we can keep him safe from himself and to the people. Sometimes, mom and the rest of the people at home needed to wait for me to chain him because most of the time, he won't let them catch him. But when he sees me or hears me calling him, he'd run into my arms right away, starts playing with and gets me dirty in the process.

Tidy was also my "confidant". As I am not as close geographically with some friends anymore, he became the first living thing that I talk to whenever I get sad or nervous. Well, he's perfect for the job, he only listened, never talked back, didn't judge and definitely wouldn't tell anyone. He would just lean and offer himself for a hug, comforting me like he understood my sadness. Then a lick in the face was enough to keep me on my feet laughing... That I'll miss...

A few weeks back, I noticed his not moving well and saw one of his leg swelling. I moved him out of his cage and kept him near our doorstep so I could monitor him. He became well after a couple of days and started to walk and run again, although he couldn't jump anymore, he couldn't stand in just two legs. I thought he's maybe too old to do the jumping thing. But I was happy that he's well. I did not take him back to his cage so I could spend more time with my Tidy and I did. Although we couldn't do our up and jump thing, but at least I was able to pet him often.

Our Lookout...

Yesterday, (May 19, 2013), I was supposed to go with mom and others to take an early morning walk at People's Park but did not push through with it. After taking breakfast, I went out to give some food to the dogs. I wanted to transfer "Tidy" to another location, near to our other door. He seemed okay but looked very ill. He managed to stand though, but when we reached the location, he just lied down and stopped moving. I noticed he's urinated and he did not bother, then he let out three last grasp of air and then stopped. Everything stopped.

I knew he just died, but I was still in denial and was still calling his name. There was no response and he wasn't breathing anymore. I called Labsy and told him Tidy is dead. I was already crying.

Before we took him to his final resting place, I gave him his last bath. And I was still calling his name, wishing he'd respond and wag his tail for me. But there was nothing.

Play time!

I went to Mom and told her the bad news. My nephew Kevin (3) saw me crying, hugged me right away and told me not to cry anymore. My niece Yumi (5) told me it's okay, that Tidy will come back again as a puppy. She even explained how. She also lead us (me & Kevin) in a prayer to Mother Mary and Jesus somewhat asking for things to be okay.

I, Papo, Mamo, my bro Dodoy, my niece Yumi and nephew Kevin all went to bury Tidy. I picked a strand of orchids to leave with Tidy as we bid goodbye...

Where's my Tidy? Tidy no more... I miss you my Tidykoy... You'll forever be my Tidykoy...

2013 Jan: Happy 6th!!! In Cebu....

2013-02-26T12:00:00.000+08:00

Coaster Ride

Almost every year, we try to make a great deal on our anniversary. Well, we just want to do something special together, wherever and whatever it may be. Last year, we decided to just stay home and cooked something lavishing. A year before that (2011), we spent it in Puerto Princesa, Palawan (http://donandji.blogspot.com/2011/04/manila-puerto-nido-04-4th-anniversary.html). This year, we opted to spend it lazily in Cebu.

Day 1 / January 24: Hello B, Cebu!

At GV Tower Terrace

We arrived in Cebu via Zest Airlines. It was our first time to fly through the airline and it was A-OK, no hassles, no delays, and we arrived safe and sound. We booked earlier at GV Tower Hotels (http://www.gvhotels.com.ph/) for our first night. When we were still looking for a hotel, we came across a picture of the terrace of GV Tower, where Labsy became interested, so we decided to call and booked our stay in that hotel.

Simala Parish, Sibonga, Cebu

From Mactan Airport arrival area, we went up to the departure area so we can get a metered cab. We paid Php125 from airport to GV Tower. The guard told us to go to the seventh (7th) floor where the front desk is located. They gave us our room and paid for it right away. BTW, they also accepts credit cards.

Simala Parish, Sibonga, Cebu

We arrived early evening, and were hungry enough for some dinner. Before flying to Cebu, we made adobo to take with, so that became our instant dinner. Good thing we did, since we were kind of hungry already and tired to look for a place to eat. We rested for a while, perhaps due to the fact that we were nourished with food, we were a bit energized and wanted to take a walk along the streets of Cebu.

Simala Parish, Sibonga, Cebu

We went out of the hotel a little past 7PM, and we saw that we were just next to the University of Cebu. So we went towards the gate and then just went past by it and continued to stroll along the busy streets of the city of Cebu.

Simala Parish, Sibonga, Cebu

After about an hour of walking (HHWW), we felt tired enough and went back to the hotel. We bought some ice cream sticks and stayed in the hotel's terrace at the 7th floor, enjoying the wind and city view around us. After finishing our ice creams, we retired for the night and stayed in the room, and checking out maps through GPS (gaia) for our trip the following day.

Day 2 / January 25 : Happy 6th Anniversary!

Simala Parish, Sibonga, Cebu

We woke up early next morning and thanked god, we survived 6 years and are still in love. It's our 6th year anniversary. We then went down to the 7th floor to have breakfast. They have Php110 breakfast meals with coffee or juice. After a so-so breakfast, we went to their veranda/terrace, which Labsy was too kin of and stayed for a while taking some pictures as remembrances for the first morning of our 6th year together.

Simala Parish, Sibonga, Cebu

We planned to make this travel spiritually enriching, so we decided to visit the famous Simala Church in Sibonga, Cebu. Before we started our trip, we checked out from GV Tower Hotel and went to Crown Regency Hotels and Towers (http://www.crownregency.com/page/crown-regency-hotels-and-towers-cebu), where we booked to stay for our 2nd night. Since it was too early for check-in, we left our bags at their concierge. After settling our baggage, we went out and grab a cab bound to the South Provincial Bus Terminal, then we got into a non-aircon bus bound to Simala.

Simala Parish, Sibonga, Cebu

That morning was a bit cloudy and the wind was cold, so being inside a non-aircon bus for two (2) hours, was no problem. We paid only Php60 each for the ride and the conductor was helpful enough to tell us when to alight and what to do. We alighted at a corner where the conductor told us and took a single motorcycle (habal-habal) for Php20 each to the Simala Parish Church.

Simala Parish, Sibonga, Cebu

When we reached the gate of the church, we were greeted by persistent children selling oils for 3 for Php50. To make them all stop, we bought a set from one of them and every time someone asks us, we have a set to show them that we already have one.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

So when we're finally able to get inside the property of the church, we were awed and amazed by what appeared in front of us. It was a large unfinished building, beautifully designed and remarkably creating a holy and solemn peace within every visiting parishioners & guests. I felt at ease, but wanted to tip-toe as we went inside the church building. We were in time for the 11AM mass, but we went straight to the holy statue of Mother Mary, although we can hear the mass celebration since we were basically just right at the side of the main mass hall.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

After kissing Mother Mary, we went back where we left our shoes (shoes are not allowed inside the hall going to the statue of Mary, so we left it near the entrance). But before getting our shoes, we read and checked out all the letters posted and hanged wheel chairs, wigs, etc. at the walls.

Ayala Mall

The letters tell heart warming stories of healed people, board passers, saying their thank yous and appreciation of Mary's intervention in their lives. It made us realized, that many believed and did not give up faith in God and Mary. Labsy and I were glad we spent our 6th year anniversary with the Lord, we were thankful and hopeful for more years together, more blessings, and possibly another chance to visit the place again.

Mooon Cafe, Ayala

It was past lunch time and we were already hungry. The motorcycle took us to the nearest karinderia from the main highway and we stayed for lunch. It was not so much, but it gave us enough energy for the rest of the afternoon.

Mooon Cafe, Ayala

On our way back to the main city of Cebu, we chose the van for Php80. The van driver took us back to the city, specifically at the One Citilink Terminal, where vans are authorized. Then we took a cab back to Crown Regency Hotels and Towers (http://www.crownregency.com/page/crown-regency-hotels-and-towers-cebu). We took our bag from the concierge and checked in at Tower 2. At first glance of our room from the door, we thought, it has the same size with the one we had in Boracay's Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center. But, as we went past the closet, we saw the whole size and what came into view was a den/sala of our own, a minibar, a refrigerator and a pool and city view.

Soup for the day, Mooon Cafe, Ayala

We loved the location of the hotel. It has a Starbucks coffee shop at the lobby, same street with some fast foods like Mc Donalds and walking distance with Robinsons Mall. Labsy and I both appreciated the flexibility of the location of the hotel.

Mooon Cafe, Ayala

We rested for a while and then went out for our anniversary dinner date. After searching and surfing for a good restaurant, Mooon Cafe appeared more often, so we decided to take dinner at their Ayala Terraces branch. We walked from the hotel to Robinsons Mall and asked the guard how to get to Ayala Terraces. He hailed us a cab and off we went to Ayala Terraces. When we arrived at Mooon Cafe, there were already some names in the waiting list, and we were peg at number 9. So, we thought, this restaurant must be good then, they have many patrons.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

After around 20 minutes waiting, they were able to get a table for us. We ordered their best seller grilled pork back ribs, gambas and their soup for the day. Labsy and I enjoyed our dinner and appreciated the cool and cozy ambiance of the restaurant. It was a good pick. We were actually considering the Blu Bar & Grill at Marco Polo, but Mooon Cafe seemed to be appreciated by more, so we picked the latter. Well, perhaps, next time, another place to discover again.

Date night ended with very satisfied palates and jam-packed tummy, thus we stayed in the mall for a leisure walk to ease the feeling of fullness, then went back to our hotel and watched TV as we eventually hit the sack.

Day 3 / January 26 : High!

Sto. Niño, Cebu

It was a Sunday and we hit the road early to be able to attend the 6am mass at Sto. Niño Church. We were a bit late though, but we attended anyway. I had one nice experience during the saying of "peace be with you" to other church goers. When I turned my back, I saw from about three (3) rows back, my high school teacher Mr. Llanes. It was nice seeing a familiar face in a not-so-familiar place, and someone dear that I haven't seen for a while. He's one of the teachers we loved to listen to. He always has this charming and convincing voice you cannot say no listening to. Oh well, those high school days... (reminiscing) :)

Sto. Niño, Cebu

After the mass, me, Labsy and Sir Llanes went near the presiding priest to be blessed and then said our goodbyes. He said he's got to do his novena before leaving and his flight was later that morning. While Labsy and I was going to visit and kiss Sto. Niño before going back to the hotel.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

When we came back to the hotel, we prepared for a morning swim at their pools. The hotel has two regular pools at the 9th floor, one rectangular shaped, which has equal depth, while the other is shaped like amoeba (that was what came to mind, sorry), which center part was the deepest part, although it was not really deep, since I was still able to managed it in tip-toe.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

Other than the two regular pools, they also have this pool with body massage facilities installed. It was ticklish, yet it felt so relaxing. That same pool also has two mini showers that drops water hysterically satisfying your back. Perfect for back massage.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

Another facility in that same roof top was a jacuzzi, which can fit around 6 or 8 people. A group of friends were hanging out that morning, enjoying their conversation while in the jacuzzi and the city view that's just beside them.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

We tried all three locations except for the jacuzzi since we don't want to disturb the group occupying most of the facility, that would be unlikely. So after the outdoor pools, we went to the 17th floor to try their indoor pool. It was like a big massage pool, with a panoramic view of the city. It was relaxing and stress relieving. We stayed there for a while, went at the terrace beside the pool and ordered some drinks.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

After exploring the pool facilities of the hotel, we went back to our room and made tuna sandwich for snack. We rested for a while then prepared for another breath taking adventure, the edge coaster.

The same hotel is offering the Cebu adventure seeker residents and guests a chance to do skywalks and ride the edge coaster. I was able to do the skywalk with Rommel and Tess way back Dec 2010 (http://donandji.blogspot.com/2011/02/2010-spillover-09-cebu-licious.html), so this time, ride the edge coaster with Labsy.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

We then went to the 19th floor to purchase tickets. We bought the Php800 package which included a choice of either edge coaster or skywalk, 4D movie and a buffet lunch. Since it was almost 12NN, we decided to grab the lunch first. We went to the 18th floor at Wang Shan Lo Restaurant and feasted on the variety of very delightful, delicious and appetizing choices of delicacies.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

Our lunch lasted for almost an hour. I tried to have a little of each delicacy so I can taste them all, but I couldn't cover everything. There were just too many for me. I was also very excited with their desserts but I can only have as much as I can managed. After trying to squeeze everything in and trying to find more room for more food but couldn't, we gave up and called it enough. Remembering now, I'd love to have another try. :))

Wang Shan Lo Buffet

After lunch, since it was almost 1PM, we took our bags and headed to the front desk to check out. Then we left our bags at the concierge while we went back to the 19th floor to await another chance of adventure.

Wang Shan Desserts

We then went to the 37th floor to get us prep for the edge coaster ride. We were asked to get settled at the coaster and were given a quick orientation in how to manage the ride. Then we finally said "go for it!". So the operator started to get the thing going and then it started to tilt and I started hearing myself screaming.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

The operator told us that they will tilt the coaster and after 5 seconds, we will be able to control it. So, I counted and my count reached 15 seconds and I thought why wasn't the coaster back to its normal position, and Labsy thought maybe because we'll be the one to do that then, and he did. Labsy untilt the coaster and we're back to normal position. Since Labsy can now control the coaster, we had fun time tilting and untilting the coaster as we pleased.

Crown Regency Suites & Residences

When I was already having fun, after a few scary moments, it was over. Well, I thought, there will always be another time. Perhaps we'll do another adventure the next time we visit Cebu's Crown Regency Tower, 'cause they've got some more to offer. So we stayed for a few more minutes, took out a couple of Php10 coins and used them to see some parts of the city closer through the telescopes at the viewing deck.

Crown Regency Suites & Residences

After that thrill experience, Labsy and I went down at the lobby and got our bags and get ready for another hotel hop. For our last night in Cebu, we wanted to stay in a hotel nearer to the airport, so we chose Crown Regency Suites and Residences (http://crownregency.com/page/crown-regency-suites-and-residences-mactan) in Mactan. It was not your usual hotel. It was built like your little house. Inside your room is your own mini sala, mini den, and kitchen. Moreover, the kitchen was full. We had our own toaster, rice cooker, microwave oven and stoves. And of course the refrigerator is very much available as well.

Crown Regency Suites & Residences

Our hotel has it's own mini grocery, more like a 24/7 convenience store. So if we feel like having some snacks, we can just buy some delicious bread, some juice, softdrinks and/or coffee from the store and bring it up to our room. Then we can put the bread in for a quick & easy toast, drinks goes to the fridge and the coffee will wait for the electric kettle to do it's job, and wallah, we've got some cool, not so expensive snacks. And that's exactly what we did!

Zubu Chon, Mactan

After having snacks and rested for a while, we thought of going out for dinner. After searching for a good place to dine, we ended at Zubuchon. I've always been curious as to, how extraordinary delicious really is lechon Cebu. So, we entered the place and ordered a Zubuchon and dinuguan w/ Zubuchon. Both were delicious but oddly disappointing.

Zubu Chon, Mactan

Well, when I said oddly disappointing, I didn't mean that it wasn't something to look forward to. It was, but, for me, I can say that it wasn't so extra ordinary, and I've tasted another somewhere better, or perhaps I was expecting too much, because of the huge popularity of lechon Cebu. And of course, that's just me, and I'm not a food expert, I just appreciate what my taste buds love most, which doesn't necessarily mean what everyone else's does.

Zubu Chon, Mactan

But before I forget, what I personally appreciated more was the 3-citrus iced tea we ordered. It was perfect! A perfect blend of tastes, with an exact mixture of fruit like provoking sourness, yet balanced with an overly appealing sweetness, that I haven't had the opportunity to have from any place I could remember. Now I miss it! :(

Zubu Chon, Mactan

After being able to finally experience lechon Cebu through ZubuChon, we went back to our hotel and called it a night. We stopped by the grocery to buy some new bread for snacks later and perhaps for our breakfast the next morning. We loved the idea of toasting bread in our own room, have coffee by the terrace and have a great morning. And that's exactly how I remember it.

Crown Regency Suites & Residences

Morning came and we did our toasts and coffee and prep for a morning swim at the hotel's pool. The pool was inviting and so we enjoyed it for a few minutes. We didn't stay long because we became uncomfortable with the group of guests/students who arrived at the pool side. They weren't doing anything wrong though, it was just not so comfy swimming wihile they're around. It felt like I'm a gold fish in an aquarium. Hehe. Silly me!

Crown Regency Suites & Residences

We went back to our room, rested for a while, and prepared our things. We were checking out at noon and will go straight to the airport for our flight at 4PM back to Davao. And at that very moment, I was missing home already... ;)

Crown Regency Suites & Residences

While waiting for clearance to check out, we talked about going for a cup of coffee at the Best Brew, located just adjacent of the hotel's lobby, but, we decided not to and to have lunch at the airport instead.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotels

We arrived a little past 1PM at the airport. We checked our bags in by 2PM and then went to grab some lunch. After lunch, we still had time to check out the stores in the airport and play with our gadgets while waiting for boarding, and then, we were on our way back home.

Crown Regency Towers & Hotel

It's always a feeling of restart and upgrade, in reaching every anniversary. I always feel like having a reboot of our togetherness, after a grand upgrade on my memories and storage with additional chips for stacking and queuing of years of sharing adventures of life and love. I sounded like an electronic device, but it feels like it. Which also entails that this, us, now, is more valuable than ever, and just suited to be taken cared for more, regularly update and maintain intact and all systems working, protected and loved.

So let's keep the fire burning, water freezing and music lingering... Let's celebrate life and love...

Other info you might be interested:

2012 Dec : Lazy Vacay at Boracay

2013-02-14T00:01:00.001+08:00


this is now prohibited, but here we are!

Normally, I am hesitant to visit a place twice, but sometimes, I do consider if I'll be going with a different company/group. Although if I do, I won't normally do the same adventure or activity. So when some friends decided to purchase tickets for a Boracay getaway last December 2012, Labsy and I decided to join them and visit the island for the 2nd time, but will have a lazy vacation this time. That means minimal adventure, which goes without saying that, we won't do snorkeling and island hopping this time. Perhaps merely swimming and hanging out with friends.

good morning Bora

The group has a mini group of two, I and Labsy, Ate Nilda and her daughter Ote, Yayang and Jojo, Dixie and hubby Miguel, and Levi with friend Cris. So it was me and office mates with our plus ones. Tickets were purchased earlier that year, so the excitement grew every waiting day.

Crown Regency Resort & Convention Center

December came and each couple looked for a place to stay during our escapade. Me and Labsy, decided to stay in Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center in Station 2. While the rest stayed at La Carmela de Boracay. What's also nice about the group, is that we are a group of ten (10) individuals, so computing the financial contributions for a fee was effortless. :)

Day 1: December 15: Davao - Kalibo - Caticlan

At the Ferry

We arrived at 8:35 AM in Kalibo via Cebu Pacific Airlines. After securing our bags, we looked for a van for our transportation, going to Caticlan Port. We ended up in a Php 250 per person fee, for the two-hour (almost) van ride from Kalibo to Caticlan Port and the ferry ride to Cagban Port. If you'll purchase the ferry ride at Caticlan Port, it's only Php 35.00 but since it's a bigger vessel than the usual motor boat (which costs Php 25.00), the waiting time was discouraging.

Other motor boat

We waited for about an hour, before the vessel started to make it's way to Cagban Port, which only took around 10-15 minutes. The wait was longer than the actual ride. But, we weren't really in a hurry, since check-in time in our hotels is at 2:00 PM, so we enjoyed taking pictures and having some snacks inside the ferry.

As we arrived at the hotel

Well, eventually, we arrived at Cagban Port and took a multi-cab to take all of us to our hotels. Labsy and I arrived too early for check-in, so we had lunch first at the hotel and then guided by a Club Ultima agent for a tour. After a quick tour of the hotel, we made time to enjoy its lazy, resort ambiance, then checked in and took a couple of hours to rest.

the minibar...

After settling in our nice room, which also covered our need of an internet access for Labsy to be able to somehow do some office work done, we prepared to go out. Well, I'd rather have Labsy joining the vacay and do a little work than being on a vacay without Labsy. But of course, it would have been better if Labsy won't be working.

Cris and Levi

Anyway, we then went out for a quick walk in the beach and had some siomai at Master Siomai. We bumped into Levi and Cris along the way and hanged out for a bit. Then we went to D'Mall to buy a few groceries, some water and stuff then went back to the hotel, changed and got ready for dinner.

Dancing Fountain at the Resort

As we went out of our room, we stayed at the lobby for a few minutes to enjoy the dancing fountain. It was refreshing.

Mint Bar

We had a buffet dinner at Canyon de Boracay. It's a member of Canyon Woods family of Hotels and Resorts. After a sumptuous dinner, we reunited with the rest of the group at Mint Bar, located at Station 1 and also just along the beach. We had fun time listening to the band and participating in a loud night of music and laughter.

Cris, Gig night? :)

And to keep the night more fun and interesting, Cris jammed with the band, did some stunts, which made the crowd in awe and sang with him as carefree as can be. Great times!

Labsy and I retired ahead about a little past 12MN and called it a day. Well, for me, it was. Labsy, was still pushing some keys for a work related stuff before going to bed.

Day 2: December 16: Surviving the Waves and ATV

playing, jumping & fooling around

Early morning the following day, we went out and had almost an hour of playing with the sand, cottages, beds and the huts along the shore. We watched the remnants of the night that has been, it's like there was no trace of a whole Island of Friday Night Partying that we witnessed a night before. That morning, whole beach was visible, people walking along the shore, tourists taking pictures and the green algae (lumot) that made Boracay beach their home for the season.

Andoks at Station 3

Along station 3, we noticed Andoks and we started feeling hungry. We went in and bought some food to go. We ate our breakfast in the hotel. We had our coffee and drinks on our minibar and in the refrigerator, and we don't want to waste them. Most especially, the adobo I made.

The wave with me, Ote & Yayang

After breakfast, the group visited us in our room and decided to swim in the hotel's pool. Yang and Ote joined us as we survived and conquered the awesome operated waves of Crown Regency.

Labsy and the wave

I have tried the wave pool of D' Leonor in Davao, but this one's way better and head over heels more satisfying. I have been caught by surprise on countless times, arms and legs got muscle pains and my nose definitely hurts. But those made it more exciting and challenging, you'd want more.

having tuna sandwich in out room

The group had lunch together at D' Mall and talked about what to do in the afternoon. We decided to ride on an ATV. We went for a little walk and caught up with Ace (09192281108), the one Labsy and I talked with a day before regarding activities we can do in Boracay, and so far has the lowest price among all of those offering the same stuffs.

The group w/ Ace (4th from right)

We decided to go for it and went with Ace to the Happy Dreamland theme park for the orientation and to get the wheels rolling. It was my first time to see the park and thought, why didn't we go here the first time we visited Boracay?

At Dreamland

I wanted to stay and have fun in the park but since it's gonna be dark soon, we went straight to the ATV parking garage right after we gave our Php 300 per person agreed fee to Ace.

Buggy Car (not the one we used)

Most of the ATVs are still in used, so they offered us the buggy car instead. Usually, Php300 in a buggy car for 2 people, but this time, we got a buggy car each. Although Dixie and Miguel were on the first two returned ATVs. Well, we went on for a ride! Driving a buggy car is not difficult, because it's like a no brainy thing (considering all parts are working well), but you have to be careful with the road. Some part got cliffs on the side and a few blind curves, so it's still better to be safe than sorry.

Race to the top!

After a safe and swift ride to the mountain. We went from driving to hiking. We conquered the steps to the highest point of Boracay, where you can have an overview of the Island. It was really not a very long journey, but the steps were steep and enough to get us all sweating and exhausted. Felt like I just had a good exercise with absolutely some great company who didn't say no to a little sacrifice for a great view waiting for us at the peak.

The view from the top, disturbing. ;)

When we reached the top, the wind itself, won us over. We loved that we went for it. The view was refreshing and the feel of the wind makes it more rewarding. We stayed for a few minutes and took a lot of fun pics together.

It was dinner time when we went back to the beach, so everyone was hungry. I was craving for some street bbq, so we all went separately as we looked for a place to satisfy our starving selves. There were many available place to dine in. If you want a restaurant ambiance, you can have it inside the hotels. If you'd rather have a buffet setting on the beach, they have a few as well.

There were a lot of place and food to choose from. If you're into fast foods, Boracay has Mc Donalds, Shakeys, Yellow Cab, etc. right along the shore of the Island. If you want a cool and soothing music atmosphere, Boracay have tents, with food and bands in it. Whatever you need, they've got it. You just have to be patient enough to stroll along the beach and take your pick.

Well, since I was craving for some BBQ, we ended in Eskinita Grill. We ordered pork BBQs, some grilled chorico, rice and softdrink and we came out full and craving-satisfied.

On our 2nd night in Boracay, we went to the same bar and hanged out with Ate Nilda, Levi and Cris. Ote, Yang, Jo, Dixie and Miguel retired earlier that night. I guess they had enough for the day. ;)

Day 3: December 17: Caticlan - Kalibo

Kalibo Hotel

Labsy and I decided to have a lazy vacay and that's what we did. So no more adventure besides the ATV/Buggy Car thing we did. That only goes for us. But for Dixie, Miguel, Cris and Levi, they have high spirits to do more and confirmed an appointment for parasailing. It was offered 750-1000 by some, but for Ace, it was just Php 500. So they contacted Ace and scheduled their trip that same morning.

2 Queen size beds at 1,600

Ace also took care of getting us a multi-cab for our ride from our hotels to Cagban Port for Php250 (same fee from the terminal) and assisted us with our luggage until Caticlan Port. He also settled a van for us from Caticlan to Kalibo for Php1,500. With Ace's discounts and kindness, we gave him an extra Php 200 tip for his service and assistance.

at Kitty's Kitchen

The van lead us to Kalibo Hotel formerly Beachcomber Inn. Which we got a room for Php 1,600 good for 4 persons. We took it, and we settled in. We rested for a while and then went out to grab some dinner. We went to Kitty's Kitchen BBQ Ribs via a tricycle for Php8.00 per person per trip. We ordered their best sellers and had good times trying to finish our dragon fruit shake. It was too much I think, but we managed to consumed all of it. We went out full and somehow, sleepy. :)

We didn't have our usual night out while in Kalibo, so we all headed back to our hotel and stayed watching TV for the rest of the waking time.

Day 4: December 18: Kalibo - Davao

New morning at Boracay

Our flight to Davao is at 9:05 AM. The same van that took us to the hotel was the one we rented to take us to the Kalibo Airport the following morning for Php 300. The driver picked us up at 7:00 AM and off we went to the airport. We arrived a little past 10AM and we went separately to our respective homes.

The experience heightened not only because we were in a place with a beautiful beach, but we had a great company to experience the place with. Sometimes, it wasn't the place that makes our day, but the company we are with in spending that day.

A Boracay getaway with Labsy will not go out of style. We'd love to have it over and over again. And Labsy insisted, we'll stay on the same hotel next visit. Crown Regency made our vacation worth the stay. Although the hotel wasn't beach front, felt like you don't have to be, the resort took care of a relax and free-spirit feeling within. Me, I just love the wave pool. :))

Glimpse of what has been... (me and Labsy's)

Taxi: house to airport = 200

Terminal Fee = 200 each

Van and boat transfer to Boracay = 250 each
Environmental fee = 75 each
Terminal fee = 100 each
Cagban terminal to beach / multicab = 250
Hotel (3D/2N at Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center, Station 2): c/o CU
Snacks at Master Siomai and some drinks = 125
Grocery on the first night = 200 (at D' Mall)
Breakfast: 4 rice = 48 (I made adobo in case we're stuck somewhere, which we weren't able to eat due to a free lunch at Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center, and a free dinner at Canyon de Boracay, so it was our breakfast the following day, plus some newly cooked rice from Andoks)

Lunch: Andoks, D' Mall branch = 232
ATV = 300 each
Entrance Fee at the Dreamland = 50
Dinner: Eskinita Grill = 195 plus Gelato ice cream = 200
Grocery on 2nd night = 179 (at Price Lite, at the lobby of our hotel, which we wished we knew earlier that we could buy supplies there, convenient location for us)
Drinks at the Bar: = 110 (We just had shake, so we only paid this much... Well, Levi and Cris had some beer)
Lunch: Shakeys = 650
Hotel to Terminal = 250 multicab (25 each)
Terminal Fee = 100 each
Boat transfer = 25 each
Tip for Ace = 200 (20 each)
Airport Terminal Fee = 40
Airport to hotel = 300
Dinner: = 380 (steaks and dragon fruit shake)
Tricycle fare = 32 (this is for 2 rides for 2 persons, Php 8.00 each ride)
Hotel = 800 (room was good for 4, for 1,600.00 which was for me, Labsy, ate Nilda and Ote)
Hotel to Airport = 300 (van transfer, 30 each)
Terminal Fee Kalibo Airpiort = 50

2012 06 : Coron, Palawan Vacay Part II

2012-08-13T07:27:00.002+08:00

Malcapuya Island

After putting up Part I of the Coron, Palawan adventure, now I am obliged to finish Part II and conclude the whole experience. Our first Island Tour was arranged by Coron Galeri, but we seemed to be looking for something that wasn't there. So our next Island tour, we asked the GLC attendant if they have a boat contact and he gave us Ms. Joy. She and family owned a motorized banca used for island hopping.

Bulog Dos Island

For the usual near places and beaches visited by tourists like Kayangan Lake, Atwayan Beach, Coral Garden, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Japanese Shipwreck, Siete Pecados, Twin Peaks Reef, CYC Island, Smith Beach, etc., they will lend the boat with a boatman for Php1,500, although you may need to pick the nicer places since you cannot cover everything in one tour and be able to enjoy them at the same time. However for further places like Malcapuya Island, Banana Island and Bulog II (Bulog Dos), that's Php3,000 for the boat rent.

Anyway, let's get the ball rolling ang start where we left off.

Day 4/June 10: Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island, Japanese Shipwreck and Barracuda Lake

Malcapuya Island

After our first island hopping and Mt. Tapyas trek on Day 3, we geared up for an island hopping to the beaches they compare to the famous Boracay Beach in Caticlan.

We rented the boat for Php3000 for the day and arranged to meet with Joy at the market at 7am to buy some foodstuff for our lunch, which our boatman will cook in time. The prices were reasonably okay. We bought some pork belly for Php150, pork chop for Php100, fish for Php90 and some allium vegetables for Php42. We gave Php200 to Ms. Joy a night before to prepare for our rice, water, soft drinks and charcoal for grilling.

Malcapuya Island

Our trip started at around 8:30AM. We were ready at 8:00am, unfortunately, I forgot my cam at the lodging house so Labsy needed to get it back. So, before leaving town, make sure you check the things you will need in the trip, it's gonna take a lot of time wasted if you are already in the middle of the trip and remembered what you left. Make a checklist if you need to.

Our first stop is at Malcapuya Island. It took us almost 2 hours to reach the island. It was a long stretch of white sand and a nice rock formation at each side.

Malcapuya Island

We strolled the whole beach line and captured how we enjoyed our moments in the island. While we took some time wandering around, our boatman (Joy's husband), prepared our lunch. We bought some pork belly, pork chops and a large fish (sadly I forgot what it's called), which was superbly delicious after it was grilled.

We took our overly satisfying lunch in the island and had a good swim at the very much undeniably inviting water after. Then we prepared to leave, paid our bill, which was Php200 each for the entrance fee and Php100 for the cottage we used.

Banana Island

Our second stopover was at Banana Island, which took us just about 10 minutes to get to. Our boatman was concerned about our group's expenses, since if we visit the island, we'll have to pay another Php200 per pax for the entrance fee and we might not stay long enough to get completely enjoy ourselves, but we went anyway. And just before we land, we were already consumed with the beauty of the island and paying Php200 was worth the visit.

Banana Island

The island has a nice side curve that uniquely gave away a nice spot to hang out and have an overwhelming game of "catch me if you can" with your company. We asked our boatman why was the island named Banana, and he said because if you look at it from the top, it formed a Banana-like shape. On the other hand, we were kind of looking for some banana tree within the resort to justify the name, and indeed we found two growing banana trees, still in their adolescent stage. :)

We spent a few minutes in the island and then off we went to the nearby island, Bulog Dos, which is also owned by the owner of Banana Island. Thus, we paid Php250 before leaving Banana Island, that is Php200 for Banana Island and Php50 for the Bulog Dos entrance fees.

Bulog Dos Island

Bulog Dos is a small island, where you can enjoy swimming on all sides of the island, somehow it felt like a sand bar. It also goes without saying that you should not go there without your sunblock, there ain't no shade to cover from the UV rays. We stayed there for a few minutes, we tried to go around the island, but with the tide rising and with the considerations of our equipment, we just swam nearby.

Bulog Dos Island

After Bulog Dos, we went for a little scary ride back to the beaches nearer Coron town. The waves were kind of going a little crazy, we had goosebumps. But hey, despite the crazy waves and all, we ate our leftovers during lunch, while on board a dancing boat. What can I say, we were hungry after those swimming and jumping and having so much fun in those islands. Then after about an hour or so, we reached the location of the Japanese shipwreck, the waves were friendlier and we were full again. :D

Skeleton Shipwreck

We were about 20 meters from the nearest shore and so we thought, we won't be paying another fee while snorkeling in searched for a view of the Japanese shipwreck. But nope! There was a collector, on his own little boat, rowing as he gets nearer the boats on standby waiting for their passengers enjoying the waters. Only three of us went down, Labsy, Nonots and I. Helen stayed in the boat, so we only have to pay Php300 for all three of us. "Again?", we said, and we thought Hundred Islands is somewhere in Pangasinan. There are new versions of Hundred Islands in Palawan, because every island you visit, you need to pay at least Php100. ;) So, that's why the nickname (some visitors call Coron, Hundred Islands).

Skeleton Shipwreck

Anyway, the water was not clear enough to get a view of the shipwreck, so after a few moments of snorkeling and some fish feeding, we went on to our last destination, the Barracuda Lake. After our experience a day before with Kayangan Lake's trek, we imagined the same. When we arrived at the landing area, we prepared ourselves for another trek, but our boatman said, it's not as tricky as Kayangan Lake's. So, we went on, and indeed we found a few steps of a wooden ladder going up and then another few steps going down, and wallah! We have arrived at the famous Barracuda Lake. We put on our life vest and off we go for a little swim.

Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake was a nice place. The water was clear, that we can see the rock formation going down to the bottom of the lake. We also saw a big colorful fish, that some visitors tried to pursue. But of course, the fish was fast and it can breath underwater, so it was effortless to avoid human disturbances. :)

Barracuda Lake

We were a bit worried that the wind might go crazy later again, since it's already past 5:00PM, so we started to move out and head to our boat. And of course, paid another Php100 each (php400) for the fee of visiting the place.

After a full island hopping day, we went back to GLC lodging house, get freshen and warmed up and went out again to look for a nice place to dine.

Barracuda Lake

After much thought and discussions, we ended dinning at Coron Edge Restobar again. We had sizzling mixed seafood (again for Php215), hot and spicy squid, nosi goring rice for Php160, which we all love so much but we also ask for a couple of plain rice (php20 each) to mixed with it, sweet and sour lapu-lapu (Php 75/100g minimum of 300g) and bottomless iced tea for a total of Php 1,010.00.

Coron Edge Restobar

The food were delicious, but right after we finished all of them, we saw a plastic covering within the plate of one of the viand we had. We asked what was that and the waiter said it was a hot sauce cover. We told them to check their food and be careful next time. I'm not sure if they've thought about it though, they didn't seem concerned.

After some good food, nice ambiance and quiet surroundings, we head back to our place and laughed out loud while viewing our pictures and the places we visited.

Day 5/June 11: Siete Pecados and Smith Beach

Siete Pecados

On our day 5, we had friends who wanted to visit Coron's Safari, and invited us to join them. The four of us then talked and decided to decline. One consideration is, if we are joining them, we need to wake up and start the road trip by 4:00AM, since it's a long way up the northern part of the island, about 3 hours away, then another few minutes of boat ride to the Calauit Island where the Safari Park is located. The early trip is necessary to arrived there on time for the feeding of the animals.

Siete Pecados

According to our friends, the place was nice, they enjoyed their hands-on feeding experience with the giraffes and live encounter with the zebras. It was evident they had so much fun in the island, as I saw their faces in their pictures, in full smiles but showing a little bit scared and giggling like they were tickled. It was amusing.

Since, we did not join them and at the start of this vacation, we wished to have a lazy day in the beach, that's what we did.

Siete Pecados

In all the famous places we visited, we skipped the Siete Pecados, so before going for a lazy day, we requested our boatman to take us to Siete Pecados. The boat fee was Php 1,500 and this is for the whole day including cooking lunch for us. Of course, we passed by the market place to buy some big squid, pork and fish for grilling later. We also bought some soda/soft drinks and water. We have already requested Ms. Joy to prepare a cooked rice for us, we paid Php100 for the rice, uling and a 1.5L soft drink.

Siete Pecados

So, our first stop for day 5 was Siete Pecados. We heard good and not so good comments in the place, but we went anyway. It turned out, it was the place we had the best experience and play with the fishes in the island. They said fish feeding has been disallowed in the island, since there was one tourist who was wounded by a swordfish. Well, we knew about it after we already gave a few sliced bread to and played with them.

Smith Beach

The fishes were indeed very friendly, and I guess super hungry too, they would surround you and so our underwater cam got nice pictures under with or without our faces in it. It was so far, the best fish encounter experience ever. After playing with the fish, we swam around the place and awed with the corals underwater. Although I would say, best coral gardens we visited were in Samal Island, Camiguin and Puerto Galera.

Smith Beach

After our Siete Pecados stopover, we passed by Calachuchi Beach to check if it's nice to spend the lazy day there. We did not get too close because we might pay another Php100 and we aren't sure yet if we were staying. Well, we decided to move on and went to Smith Beach and decided to start the lazy day in Coron. We arrived around 10AM in the island and stayed there until about 5PM in the afternoon. The sand was white, water was clear and wavy, we had so much fun swimming and playing with the water and of course, picture taking and enjoying each other's company.

Smith Beach

In the middle of the day, it rained which offered a great time to swim, because the sun rays weren't too painful for our skin. We ate our lunch, rested for a bit and went back to the sea, sun and sand. We had quite a wonderful lazy day in Smith Beach, Coron.

Our lazy day ended but the memories linger.

We were tired, but we had the best day, so, when we reached GLC, we agreed to stay for dinner, cooked some rice and just buy some canned goods from a nearby store, consumed them graciously and then we called it a day...

Day 6/June 12: Downtown Food Trip

Centro Coron Restaurant

Labsy and mine's Day 2 in Coron was more of familiarization of the town, but we didn't really get a chance to roam around town's food offering establishments. So on our supposedly last day before our flight date, we intended to do some food trip.

Ice Valley

We started with brunch at Centro Coron, which is famous with their goat delicacies and miso soup. If I am to rate, the food we had were more expensive for their taste, but it compensated by the quantity of servings, which were more than we expected. The service was also okay, the crew were sensitive to our needs. Unfortunately, the turn-off of the place were the flies, big flies flying in front of us and around our food. The owner, who noticed us being very disturbed by the flies, approached us and told us that during rainy days, flies are also abundant in the area. So, after feeling full, we asked the crew to packed our leftovers, then we readily looked for a place to transfer, away from the flies.

Ice Valley

Although it was raining then, we wanted to eat something cold, so we moved to a nearby location we noticed earlier, Ice Valley. We were so excited to order, since we thought of it like Ice Giant, an establishment in Davao, where getting sweet and cold delicious edibles is effortless. Well, with Ice Valley in Coron, we ate some ice, which have some fruits and chips on top. We initially thought that there would be some ice cream at the bottom, but, we were pretty much disappointed. :( But hey, it was a place that shielded us from the rain, the sun and the flies in that warm and wet fly-full afternoon, so hurray to Ice Valley still. ;)

Coron Sign

After brunch and dessert, we went to visit San Agustin church again to pray and thanked God for a safe and fruitful stay in the island. On our way back to our temporary home, we passed by Coron Souvenir shop and bought some t-shirts, refrigerator magnets, key chains and cashew nuts (Coron's known product). Then we went home to rest and waited for the rain to stop.

Coron Sign

When the rain finally stopped, we went out again and requested the tricycle we hailed to take us to the Coron version of Hollywood sign like near the PAG-ASA office. It was quite near from GLC so we reached the foot of the slope/hill in less than 3 minutes. We started to walk our way up until we reached the Coron sign and then looked for a perfect place for the camera to take our pictures from.

After taking some pictures and moving around the grassy-sloppy location, we started to walk our way back home just in time when the streets started to dark and the rain started to fall again.

Coron Sign

After a little climb to the Coron sign, we freshened up and went out to look for some seafood for dinner. We went to another known restaurant named La Sirenetta and ask if they have available shrimps and crabs, unfortunately, they don't have anymore. They suggested a nearby restaurant Bistro Coron and so we went. We wanted to order food to go but their crew said, the only food allowed for take out are the pizzas. Since plastics are not allowed in Coron, they don't have proper container for the food unless we would bring one. So we ended up ordering a 16-inch pizza to go.

Bistro Coron

After waiting for a few minutes, we had our pizza to take with us back to our lodging house. We still have some leftovers from our food earlier from Centro Coron, so we just cooked some rice (Did I mention we brought a little rice cooker? well, we did. For times like that, when we're too tired to stay in a restaurant and the weather wasn't cooperating, the rice cooker was handy.). So we had fresh cooked rice, some caldereta and soup leftovers and pizza for dessert and then we felt thankful to Coron...

Day 7/June13: Going Home
It was the day the we were suppose to go home to Davao City but some very unfortunate event happened. The weather wasn't cooperating, the airline sucked and we were too disappointed to describe the rest that happened. So for Day 7 and Day 8 happenings, please visit http://donandji.blogspot.com/2012/06/airline-worst-service.html.

Conclusion:

Mt. Tapyas

The vacation ended with some hassles but we enjoyed Coron as much as we could. For those asking which nature adventure was better between our Puerto - El Nido and Coron getaway, there were highs and lows on both sides, but I appreciated more the Puerto - El Nido journey. But in general, I am more than glad and happy to have been to both sides of Palawan. The island is more than what the word amazing can make any of us imagine. So, grab those lazy butts, put some adventure spirit and get high with nature's wonders! Best high feeling ever! Believe me! Never fails.

Summary:
Boat Rentals - Php 1,500 and Php 3,000
Food during Island Hopping - Php 500-Php700 for 4 pax
Coron Edge dinner for 4 - Php1,010 (Sizzling mixed sea food, hot spicy squid, nosi goring and plain rice, sweet and sour lapu-lapu and bottomless iced tea)

Entrance Fees:
Malcapuya Island - Php200
Banana Island - Php200
Bulog Dos Island - Php50
Skeleton Shipwrek - Php100
Barracuda Lake - Php100
Beach 91 - Php100
Banol Beach - Php100
Smith Beach - Php100
Siete Pecados - Php100
Calachuchi Beach - Php100

Links:
Manila - Puerto - El Nido Adventure
1. http://donandji.blogspot.com/2011/03/manila-puerto-nido-01-manila-manila.html
2. http://donandji.blogspot.com/2011/03/manila-puerto-nido-02-birthday-prince.html
3. http://donandji.blogspot.com/2011/04/manila-puerto-nido-03-el-nido-palawan.html
4. http://donandji.blogspot.com/2011/04/manila-puerto-nido-04-4th-anniversary.html

Manila-Coron
1. http://donandji.blogspot.com/2012/07/2012-06-coron-palawan-vacay-part-i.html
2. http://donandji.blogspot.com/2012/06/airline-worst-service.html

2012 06 : Coron, Palawan Vacay Part I

2012-07-12T06:29:00.000+08:00

Enough is enough... With my sadness and disappointments with Airphil Express' service. It's time to move on and think of happy thoughts. Let us fly with gladness and cherish good times and exciting adventures in life.

So, that said, let me share my Coron, Palawan experience with Labsy (hubby), brother Nonots and his wife Helen, though we normally call her Kels (long & funny story behind the nickname, perhaps will share it next time). It was our plan to have a relaxing getaway this time. Not the usual, amazing-race-like-adventure that we normally do because we lack time and we want to cover everything. This time, we allotted ample time to enjoy nature and the town of Coron.

Before deciding where to stay in Coron, I've checked a few websites for references. We were looking for an affordable place since we will be staying for a while, seven (7) days that is. Besides the regular hotels, inns and pension houses, there were transient homes being offered.Transient homes good for 12 people for Php 3,500 and the likes. It can also be arranged for a lesser expensive rent for smaller groups. Of all the cellphone numbers I come in contact with in the transient homes category, these are the two numbers that responded 09196042929, which offered the Php3,500 for 12 pax and 09085808180 which offered Php 1,700 for 4 pax, Php 2,700 for 6 pax and Php 3,900 for the whole house, which can cater more than 9 pax.

After much thought and considerations, we opted to stay at GLC lodging house. It's a 5-minute-Php10-tricycle-ride to town, so it's not that noisy during the day. They have a dinning area, we can use to eat together comfortably. Although they don't cook unless you arranged for a package, they have a kitchen you may use if you have the time to cook and prepare your food. Another advantage is that, they have a water dispenser with free water at the dinning area, plus free coffee for all tenants/clients.

Day 1: June 7
Labsy and I arrived on June 7, 2012 at around 2:00PM at Busuanga Airport. Busuanga has quite a small airport but so far, it was the only domestic airport we visited that asked us to fill-in an arrival card form. It felt like filling-in an immigration form in an international flight.

We arrived a day early than Nots and Kels. Our van ride was already waiting for us at the airport for Php150 per person arranged by GLC Lodging House (http://www.coron-glclodginghouse.com/) where we stayed for the whole vacation duration. For direct contact with them, please call/text 09399197303 and 09194162255.

waiting for our baggage

Since it was just the two of us and a week before that, we were too busy preparing, we spent the whole afternoon sleeping, woke up at 9:00PM then ate our "baon"/packed meal from home. Normally, when we take vacations on a not-so-familiar-place, we would pack adobo from home. That is if in case, on our first day, we cannot find anywhere to eat or too tired to look for one.

Day 2: June 8
My brother Nots and wife Kels, arrived in the afternoon of June 8, 2012. So, while waiting for them, me and Labsy had the time to walk around town and inquired for some island tour package. GLC attendant suggested to go to Coron Galeri (http://www.corongaleri.com.ph/) for cheaper package tours and so we did. For a hassle-free tour (http://www.corongaleri.com.ph/?pg=coron_tours_coron_daily_tours), their prices are okay. But we only did this ones, we opted for an exclusive tour the following days. We reserved to join one of their packages, the Php650 worth Coron Island Tour, which we scheduled the following day (June 9). The tour visited Kayangan Lake, Twin Peaks Reef, Atwayan Beach, Coral Garden, CYC Is. and Hidden Lagoon (which I'll be giving you details later).

One of our aims also, is to have a chance to scuba dive in Coron. So after our inquiry with the Island Tour Package, we went to Seadive Resort to inquire. But unlike the dive we had in Davao where in beginner's dive is less expensive than the licensed diver's dive, in Coron, the most expensive dive is the one for the beginners. Although they explained that they will have a thorough orientation for the beginners.

After our inquiries, we went to Coron's Church to pray and ask to bless us with good weather and hassle-free stay in the island. We inquired for a nice place to dine in the island and they recommended the "Kawayanan", but we decided to wait for Nots and Kels to dine there, which we did not pursue due to a disappointing review of a family of Cebuanos we met during our tour the following day.

So we went off for our first town-meal lunch at another suggested place, Lolo Noynoy's Food Station, which we reached through a Php7-tricycle ride from the Church. But, if you're fond of walking, it isn't far, if I recall it right, it's just a couple of blocks away from the Church. Their prices are reasonable and you have quite a few dishes to choose from. We had crablets (Php150), Halo-halo (Php50), Grilled Chicken (Php95), Lumpia Shanghai (Php60), Rice of course and 2 8oz soft drinks (Php15).

Then we strolled along the streets of Coron looking for a bakery so we can buy some bread. That is for our snacks and for the fish feeding during our island tour. As we scanned every corner for a bakeshop, we ended up in the Public Market area, and we found a lone bakeshop in front of the Palanca Guest House. We bought some sliced bread and then headed back to see some stores where we may buy some things we might need during our stay.

We went back to our lodging house to wait for Nonots and Kels so we could go together to Maquinit Hot Spring. They arrived around 5:00PM, rested for a while and then went for a Php350 (The driver would agree for Php250 for 2 pax) bumpy tricycle ride to Maquinit Hot Spring. But before we head to the Spring Resort, we passed by Lolo Nonoy's Food Station to pack some food for our dinner, which we consumed after a hot bath at Maquinit.

Maquinit Hot Spring is open from 9AM to 10PM. But I recommend to go there when you think you need a really warm/hot bath, that is when it rains or during the night, because the place stands to its name HOT Spring. We paid Php150 each for our entrance fee, that is the adult fee for the non-Coron residents. Php120 for Senior Citizens, Php75 for Children 5-10 years old and free for children below 5 years old. For Coron/Culion residents however, whom they require an ID as proof, it is Php75 for adults and free for children below 5 years old.

Day 3: June 9
KAYANGAN LAKE
We prepared for an Island Hopping Tour and went to Coron Galeri at 8:00AM for the assembly. We paid the remaining balance of Php2,100 and then off to the pier for the start of the tour. Since it was a join-in group tour, we had some company, a couple of French guys and a family of three from Cebu, who were the ones disappointed with the not-so-delicious-high-priced menu in Kawayanan.

First stop of the tour is the amazing Kayangan Lake. Before reaching the lake, we had to climb and trek about 150 rocky and muscle tightening steps, which paid off as we swam and linger at Kayangan Lake's beauty and serenity. A few steps before reaching Kayangan Lake, we stopped for a photo opportunity with Coron's famous view that we usually see from postcards and magazines.

We stayed at the Lake for a totally stress-free hour with a relaxing water we floated onto, a serene environment and a family to enjoy those with. We lost track of time, our guide needed to call our attention to come back to the boat.

Something to consider as well, is that since it was a packaged tour, we need not pay entrance fees to the resorts or place we visited, but if it was not, Kayangan Lake is a Php200-per-person-entrance-fee. The water also is quite clear, thus with the aid of an underwater camera, pictures under will be quite amazing.

TWIN PEAKS REEF

Our next stop was The Twin Peaks Reef. We spent snorkeling for a few minutes. The current was a bit strong, but it did not stop us from having fun watching and feeding the fishes. If the tide is low, please wear some water-shoes or your slippers because there are a lot of sea urchins lying on the seabed.

ATWAYAN BEACH

We spent our lunch and siesta time at Atwayan Beach. We did not pay an additional fee, but if you are not on a packaged tour, it is Php100 per person for the entrance fee. The beach was great, we had a grand time swimming and enjoying the sun.

The food that was prepared for us were chicken barbeques, grilled fish, lato salad, some banana, rice of course and a bottle of water. It wasn't really a great meal, and so we wished we brought additional food for ourselves. Specially some soda/soft drinks. We ate some grilled food and it was just not so satisfying to end them with only water. Or perhaps we were just too thirsty, we wanted some very cold drinks to quench our thirst.

CORAL GARDEN
After lunch and a few minutes of swimming at the Atwayan Beach, we went a few meters from the shore and did some snorkeling at the Atwayan Coral Garden. The current then was a bit strong and the water was cloudy so we did not have a clear picture under, but we still had fun. It was here where our French companions saw a turtle.

CYC ISLAND
CYC beach is the only place in the island that does not ask for an entrance fee, so you can stay there as long as you want and as frequent as you can. We did not quite like the place since almost half of the shore have mangrooves, although, they were helpful at noon time, giving temporary shades to the visitors like us.

TWIN LAGOON
Our last stop was the twin lagoon. It's landing was quite far from where our boat stopped. There were many boats nearer its landing, thus our boat cannot get as near, so we ended up swimming our way to the ladder. Besides going up the ladder and then going down on the other side of the rock formation, there is also a way under. The guide said it was a meter long, so if we opt to go through the whole, we need to hold our breath long enough to get through and get ourselves to the twin lagoon at the other side.

Since the Twin Lagoon was our last stop for the Island Tour, we stayed quite a while and we enjoyed playing with the water and the claw-like part of a tree/plant that were residing in the water quietly like it was their peaceful home. And again, this place asks for Php100 per person if your are not in a packaged tour that includes this.

That concluded our first Island Tour. After the Twin Lagoon, we went back to the pier and then headed back to our lodging house to take a bath and put on some warm clothes.

It was still too early to end the day, so we decided to conquer the steps of Mt. Tapyas after refreshing our wet and salty self from an Island Tour that was almost if not perfect.

MT. TAPYAS

They say it's best to visit, and complete the 724 steps toward Mt. Tapyas view deck in the afternoon as the sun shows itself retiring and bidding goodbye to Coron Town. So after preparing our selves for a sweaty afternoon, we head on to the foot of Mt. Tapyas. From GLC Lodging House, you may ride a tricycle and pay for Php10 to take you to the nearest road going to the foot of Mt. Tapyas where you can start your first step.

We had fun teasing each other and taking pictures of Coron Town as we started to see it from the higher ground. It reminded me of a place, a restaurant in Davao we call Hill Top, where you can see the beauty of the lights coming from the main streets of the city. But in Mt. Tapyas, we could see the beguiling view of the ocean, the giant-like formation of the rocks, the relax town amidst the number of tourists in the area.

But amongst the amazing view we witness while going up to the view deck was the amazing sunset we can never get used to. It always reminded me that everything has to end, but it doesn't have to be ugly, it could be soothingly wonderful and satisfying, which promises an even better and different new beginning.

When we reached the top, we stayed for a few minutes before heading back down. Before I forget, please bring some water or refreshments, you'll need it. We brought some, but it wasn't enough. Good thing, there is a boy vendor who accompanied us and brought some gatorade with him. It was more expensive, but what do you expect? When your sweating and catching your breath, you wouldn't mind. ;)

After a tiring activity going up and down Mt. Tapyas, we passed by a restaurant called Coron Edge and we more than welcome any food at that moment. When we checked out the menu, it was a bit pricy, but not too much also. We ordered rice (Php20), sotanghon guisado (Php160), chopsuey (Php160) and sizzling mixed seafood, which became our favorite (Php215).

It was the first time we were satisfied with the food since we arrived in Coron, and it was perfect for the night. We consumed all we ordered and we went home pretty full and sleepy, like we just had the best part of the day. I guess that's what happen where we're too hungry... ;) Although some co-tourists had a bad-insect-encounter at this restaurant a few days later. :( Perhaps an accident or their kitchen needs some cleaning or the cook/chef aren't careful enough.

We are still on Day 3 of the adventure, tune in for more fun in the sun on the Part II of this blog. Just remember, "It's more fun in the Philippines!"

Part I Summary of Expenses:

Airport to Lodging House - Php150
Day 1 GLC Room for 2 - Php700
Day 2-3 GLC Room for 4 - Php1,300 per night
Lolo Nonoy's Food Station Lunch - Php415
Maquinit Tricycle - Php350
Maquinit Entrance - Php150 each
Tricycle Rides from the Lodgin House - Php10 each
Tricycle Ride around town - Php7
Island Tour - Php650 each (includes Kayangan Php200, Atwayan Php100, Twin Peak Php100, Twin Lagoon Php100, boat ride and lunch)
Coron Edge Dinner - Php695

Reminders:

1. Sun Cellular does not have a signal, so better bring another sim card to use or try setting up your phone to detect and use smart signal as repeater in the area. This was taught by one of my bosses in the office (Ma'am Milds) and I've only tried this with Samsung Champ but perhaps you can find the equivalent in your phone.
      a. Go to settings then network then network selection
      b. From the usual Automatic, choose Manual then it will scan for available network
      c. Choose Smart then save and go back to home or your main screen, you will find an "R" on the top displays, on some phones, besides the "R", there is also a "Sun Smart" display.
      d. Then do the same steps, except pick automatic so the phone will pick Sun again, but every time, sun has no signal in the area, it will use, smarts. :)

2. Plastics are not allowed in Coron, so better bring your own containers or plastics if you think you will need them.

3. They do not have a convenience store, seven eleven or mini stop that's open 24 hours. So better bring all you need to bring for your trip. There are no malls nor a grocery store like the ones in the city. Their grocery store is a sari-sari store this is larger than the usual store you find along the streets. We normally visit the Road Side Store for some little "shopping".

4. SUNBLOCKS!!! You will need more than you think you would!

Airline's Worst Service

2012-06-20T14:46:00.001+08:00

My next blog is supposedly about our adventure blast in Coron, Palawan. But before I give you the good part of the journey, let me tell you a warning about an airline's way of handling canceled flights situation.

Our flights last June 7, 2012, inbound Coron, DVO-MNL & MNL-USU were both okay. Although our MNL-USU seemed to be a bit scary for some of the passengers. I was mostly asleep within the flight time, but was already awake when the pilot announced he cannot see the runway and will try to go around. Next thing I know, we have landed and the instant that we did, most of the passengers were loudly clapping and cheering for gladness. I asked Labsy if the flight was bumpy, and he said yes, so I thought, "Thank God" we've safely arrived. Some of the passengers even took pictures with the Captain and congratulated him and his Co-Pilot for a job well done.

Well, I'll be telling you about our great and not so great times in Coron next time, but for now, let's fast forward to our supposedly last day, Wednesday, June 13, 2012.

Our flight back to Manila is at 12:35PM. It was a rainy and cloudy day. The rain seemed to bully us, since it will suddenly stop then after a while, it'll go berserk. We were a bit worried that our flight would be scary because of the weather, but then there were flights that went through earlier so we believed we're going to be okay.

The airline of our choice announced that our flight would be delayed, as well as other airlines. We waited for another couple of hours. Around 2:30PM, they announced that our 12:35PM flight has been canceled. We were worried but glad that the airline we chose was concerned with our safety and will not take risk to fly with the weather condition on that day.

A few minutes later, when we were taking our bags back, we saw people lining up at the counter for check-in for the 3:30PM flight going to the same destination as ours, USU-MNL. We immediately asked the airline's staff, why did they cancel our flights due to weather problem when they are accepting guests for their 3:30PM flight? The staff just told us that they (guests) were booked for that flight. So we asked, what about us? If you can fly them out, why can't you fly us? They took our cellphone numbers and told us to wait for them to contact us.

Our group went back to Coron town. It was Php150-ride per person. So for me, Labsy, my brother and his wife, would be Php600. We also called the lodging house we stayed that we are coming back and to reserve us a room, which was another cost we never expected. Airphil Express did not accommodate us since it was due to weather problem.

So we waited for their updates. Dinner time came and we still haven't heard from them. So Labsy started to call them and ask for updates on our flight home while we were finishing dinner at Sea Dive Resort's Restaurant, the only place in town that accepts credit cards by the way, but with additional 5% charge. Despite the sizzling fish, garlic and chilli crabs on our table, I couldn't get myself to be in the mood to eat with how the staff answered to Labsy's queries.

Labsy again asked why is it, that the 3:30PM flight went through while they canceled us, when all passengers patiently waited for our delayed flight. The person from the other line answered "nagbayad po sila sir eh". That irked us more, aren't we all payers? Didn't we all booked ourselves with a fee whether in economy, promo or not? The staff then told Labsy to wait until 7:30PM for their announcement.

I tweeted airphilexpress and asked about our flight as well. Their answer was only this. "You may approach our airport staff for updates. They're in the best position to give you the details. Thanks." Well, that's what we did, and that did not get us anywhere. :(

7:30PM came and a text message from Airphil came as well. Informing us that they will not have an extra flight tomorrow due to unfavorable weather condition...etc... (Please see photo)

From my previous canceled flights experiences, the airline normally arrange us to the next available flight. But in this case, after they canceled our flight, they relieved themselves to that responsibility, instead, made it ours, to rebook ourselves and made arrangements for everything. I asked myself, "aren't they supposed to do that? We felt bad, but knowing we are already in town and we can't do anything for the night, we decided to settle things in the morning.

Morning of June 14 came, we stood and waited for their office to open from 7:00AM to 8:30AM along with some other passengers. When they opened, we inquired when can we fly back to Manila. The staff said there is only one flight to Manila at 3:00PM so she cannot book us there, she can only book us the next day, Friday, June 15 since there will be two flights then. The passengers argued and insisted they make a way, the weather is not anymore an issue since we've got better looking sky than a day before. So we assumed they can give extra flight then, or make extra room or something. The staff also suggested that if we want to try to fly today, we should go to the airport and list ourselves as chance passengers.

So I said, that's new again. When your flight is canceled, you wait in the airport for the airline to take you as chance passengers the following day.... hmmmm... was that cool? You have to be their early to be in the list, and wait for you're-not-so-sure-flight.

While there was a commotion inside the office, I tried to call the airline's hotline. Someone answered and listened to my problem, somehow he understood and said he will forward the complain and make the management listen to the recordings of our conversation. That was the good part, what was disturbing is that, he mentioned as per his record, there was no canceled flight from Busuanga a day before. So I asked, how did that happened when we were still in Coron complaining?

Anyway, our group and a couple more friends and co-dabawenyos went to the airport instead. We packed our bags, went to the airport through a van, and of course, paid Php150 each again for the 30-45-minute van ride to the airport.

When we arrived there, there were already about more than 10 co-passengers waiting for answers but no staff were to find yet at the counter. Some said they will arrive around 10AM for the Coron-Puerto Princesa flight at 12NN.

When they came, we asked again for our flight since they texted that no extra flight due to the weather and since the weather is okay, they will find a way. Well, that was what we thought. Besides, they cannot say it was due to weather condition since Cebu Pacific and Zest Air were flying in and out already. According to those who came earlier (who believed one staff's words to come around 6-7AM for their flight), the Cebu Pacific canceled guests were accommodated to the earliest flight and have flown already. They were even served coffee while waiting for their early flight. Then I told myself, so that's why we didn't see any yelling or angry guests in front of their counter unlike the scene where we were standing.

The airline's staff asked if we received their text a night before, and if so, if we have already booked ourselves. We told him what their office staff told us, to come here. He then said, some of the passengers were able to book themselves, which was true indeed. Our co-passengers who stayed in their MTR office was later booked for the 3:00PM flight. They told us, they almost witnessed a physical fight since one passenger was already too mad to take their reasons for this dilemma. But then one more airline staff arrived and suggested to check the manifest if they still have available seats for the afternoon flight, and sure they did, and then booked around ten of them.

While some of the passengers were booked in their MTR office, (after some fight over it), the remaining chance passengers in the airport insisted on our right to be accommodated. Some mentioned they have less cash left, they can't afford to go back to Coron town again and back, one even mentioned they already ate their "pasalubong". Some have connecting flights to get to, a couple of Koreans are worried that they cannot make it to their international flight via Cebu Pacific. The staffs even suggested if we want to really go home right away, we can book ourselves with the other airlines. Cebu Pacific and Zest Air are accepting passengers for around Php6,000, and in cash, since they cannot process credit cards. One co-passenger, also a Dabawenyo, shell out his Php6000+ for his flight back to Manila via Cebu Pacific. That's good for those who've got cash to pay, but most of us will not pay that much and let this airline just get away with it.

While others are still trying to push the airline's staff to do something, I had enough of the yelling and noise. I went at a certain corner, plugged my phone so I won't run out of battery, turned on data roaming and started tweeting for help.

A political personality (Vice Mayor, I think), happened to be at the airport for his flight to Puerto Princesa, so he was there for check-in. One of the passengers approached him and asked for assistance with our problem. Unfortunately, he cannot do anything re the airline's responsibilities. I thought, if he cannot do something about it, and he was there, where can we turn for help? I thought, perhaps someone who's got the power or someone who knows someone who has, so I tweeted help to some network and news personalities I follow.

I also tweeted airphilexpress but the reply was unsatisfactory just like the reply a night before. After they replied telling me to file a formal complain to customercare@airphilexpress.com, I did not answer already, we've been complaining and now we are told to file a formal complaint to an email add? What do you think will happen if we did and just wait for someone to answer? I felt so bullied.

So I continued tweeting and asking help to some media personalities, newspaper and network stations. Of course, not everyone mind me, but a couple did. Yey! I heart rejoiced at those moments. I sensed a sudden hope.

Inquirerdotnet replied ("Relayed to the bureau") right away. Although I'm not really sure what that exactly meant for us but I was just glad that someone did something.

Bayanmo tweeted and asked some bayan patrollers to tweet the weather condition in their locations and I grabbed that opportunity to reply to the tweet.

Luckily, someone answered to my tweet to @bayanmo, @indayevarona. She asked me re the situation. She also RTed my tweet and I was hopeful that something good will come out of it.

A few seconds after, all of a sudden, airphilexpress DMed me and later asked for our ticket numbers, and so I did. Then the next tweet is that they have talked to their Busuanga Staff to accommodate us. While almost at the same time as well, my brother is in communication with airphilexpress also through Facebook and told him that they will contact Busuanga.

Then, almost right away, a staff approached our group and he was kinder this time, he said they will make a way to accommodate everyone today. I told myself, that was quick! I wasn't sure which way came through. My recordings through the call earlier, my bro's facebook inquiry, our co-passenger's advise at the NAIA (who flew through Cebu Pacific, which we are also unsure if he did approach and informed Airphil) or my panic-mode tweets to the media. Whichever came through for us, I'm just glad we have these technologies right now. They made life faster and easier in some good ways...

But the dilemma wasn't over yet. They told us to wait until the check-in counter closes at 2:20PM so they can check if they can still accommodate us to the next flight. All of us tried to sneak in some food while waiting, everyone's hungry. 2:20 PM came and they were uncertain how many passengers were already checked-in and provided by a boarding pass. How uncool is that? They asked the personnel handling terminal fees to count his through his receipts. We waited for a few more minutes and then finally they told us we can board the plane.

We flew at 3:00PM and landed almost an hour later. We then went to their passenger assistance counter staff, who then told us to go to lane C and look for the duty manager for the day for our flight to Davao. When we arrived at the counter, they readily recognized us and asked if we were those flying to Davao. They also looked for other passengers with connecting flights to Cebu and some to Kalibo. We were accommodated swiftly and then that was the only time we started feeling safe.

One of the basic things Airphil should learn from this experience is that all their staff should be oriented well especially in handling cases like this and in dealing affected passengers. They should anticipate all not-so-good possibilities they might encounter. Their staff don't even know how to answer well and very inconsistent. I can even say, inconsistencies were nationwide, Manila appeared from our inquiry did not know there was a cancelled flight on June 13 from USU, while USU staff is telling us it was Manila's decision not to provide a plane for us. Being one in reason and in principle should also be looked at and it should mostly, consider first the welfare of their clients, this is supposedly a client-based business right?

Lesson learned, never fly through Airphil Express again unless we don't have much choice. If we do, after booking our flight, we should start praying that things will all work out well and know our rights as passengers. And of course, activate tweeter and Facebook accounts and follow media or known personality accounts for a possible severe and grave situations. ;)

My First Dive (Samal Island)

2012-03-14T23:22:00.005+08:00

I have been intrigued by scuba diving for a long time but didn't have an open door to make a step towards it. I've always been a fan of the world under and fascinated w/ the whole new universe that sea creatures are having.

But, as they say, anything is possible! A day to visit the world under "UP CLOSE & PERSONAL" happened for real!

Orientation by Sir Ivan

I expected to have a better diving chance on our future travel to Coron, Palawan. But what do you know??? Ma'am Beth, the owner of the boarding house where my father and brothers used to stay while in Manila, visited Davao and stayed in our humble home for a few days. Who happens to be an avid fan of scuba diving and wanted to experience diving in Samal Island to add to her list. Well, as expected, mom won't join us since she's afraid of activities like that. So, despite our persistent request to Mom and Papo to join, but failed, still with all excitement, Labsy & I, coordinated w/ a few diving centers to look for someone who can facilitate our needs but keeping it within the budget.

The gear

After a few inquiries from Wind and Wave Davao, Davao Scuba Center & Carabao Dive Center, we chose the latter. It was only Carabao Dive Center that suits the need, budget & schedule for a short notice dive, the following day.

March 11, 2012, the much awaited day came and despite being a little scared, we prepared for a weekend activity that we never thought would happen-scuba diving.

We were instructed to meet the group at the Center's office at 7:30AM. The dive will be a join-in group dive so we were expecting some company. There were quite a number of divers but only 8 of us who were first timers.

Saying "OK"

The boat trip started at Sta. Ana Wharf. It was about a 45-min trip to our dive site, Angel's Cove in Talikud Island, Samal. While on our way there, one of the Dive Masters gave instructions/orientations to the beginners or the Intro Divers.

There were 9 of us who signed up for intro diving although only 8 of us were first timers. For Ate Beth, it was her 25th I think. But she joined us anyway.

After the orientation, we were grouped into 3. So we had 3 batch for intro diving. We, (me, Labsy & Ate Beth) were the first batch. All three of us had assigned dive master so we were guided all throughout the 30-minute-dive. I was the first one to drop, so I was suited first. I was a bit scared, too excited and kinda serious as I felt the heaviness of the tank seemed to grow on my back.

Nice drop

Well, when it was time to drop, it's time to get into the deep and so I did. My assigned Dive Master was Sir Ivan, who waited for me and took me after the drop from the boat. As I dropped, I felt the heavy tank, the disturbing waves and perhaps my mask wasn't tight enough, that somehow made me uncomfortable as the water went inside my mask and so I dropped my regulator. Which then made me do a little move or twist, that gave me a little pain at the lower left portion of my back. It was tolerable though so when Sir Ivan got me, we adjusted my mask and prep me before we went down 30 ft below sea level.

As we went down, my mask was perhaps not properly tightened so there were often times I needed to take the water out. Good thing I listened during the orientation on the "how tos" part during in trouble. So besides the sometimes little annoying water inside my mask, everything went well and I had the best time enjoying the view and gently touching some corals and fishes for real. Another one great adventure experience to add to my "nice-to-do-again" list. :)

After our time is up, we went up and conquer the irritating waves as it played with us while we were waiting to be picked up by our boat ride. When our time is over, the next 2 batches were preparing for their time to dive in as we changed location.

Snorkeling at Marissa Reef

From Angel's Cove, we went to Marissa Reef, which is near the known resort in Samal, The Pearl Farm Beach Resort. The next 2 batches and the other certified divers had their first and second dive there respectively. While they were having a great time down there, we, (me, Labsy, Ate Beth, Helen & Neneng) were having a grand time above them snorkeling and feasting on the wonderful view of different corals, wandering and playing fishes, and the dancing light like sun rays in the ocean bed that were breathtakingly fascinating and perfectly amazing.

After all divers and snorkelers went back into the boat, we headed back to Sta. Ana Wharf and to the Carabao Dive Center Office to wait for a CD copy of our underwater pictures and to thank everyone in the center for a job very well done.

Diving at Angel's Cove

In every adventure, there are always new discoveries, in the place we're into or ourselves, or new friends to know, or new life experience to cherish in our lifetime. We just need to keep that faith in God that we can conquer fear, and enjoy the freedom of choice and the unending charade of the wonders of the world to be thankful and grateful for. So I say, "Tara let's!"...

'Til next adventure!

BTW, for the contact and cost info, please find them below...

Corregidor Island Chance Tour

2012-01-31T09:26:00.004+08:00

In our last getaway, it was trekking to Mt. Taal and we were astounded with what our country can offer foreign and local tourists. Which somehow made us think of how was Philippines years ago when we were not so free to travel & take vacations within our own country. So, we decided to refresh our knowledge in history and took chances for a day tour at Corregidor, where huge portion of our history happened.

It was one Monday morning of Dec. 12, 2011. We woke up early and went straight to Sun Cruises office to try our luck as chance passengers/participants for their day tour in the Island of Corregidor. Luckily, chances granted for all six (6) of us. Although, we only got the sun deck, non-air seats, but it was a refreshing ride nonetheless. So, we paid for Php 2,064.00 each, boarded the ferry and got excited for another good times with friends in a not so familiar territory.

It took almost two hours for us to arrive at the island. As we stepped in and as we saw its front view, we were greeted by their loud and cheerful tour guides, directing us to which group we should join. And then we were tourists in shuttle number 7!

Our tour guide was very friendly and kinda' funny. She has her way of keeping us attentive and curios. She would point history markers, emphasize on the who's, whens and especially whys.

We did quite a round in the morning, visited the ruins of the place, it's light house, old battery, caves, museum, and take a good look, literally touched and play with their missiles and old weaponry. Good thing though, most of them aren't working anymore.:) Then after a number of exhausting walks and fooling around while taking pictures, our last stop in the morning, was LUNCH BUFFET!

It was a lovely lunch as we enjoyed it in the only hotel in the island with cool wind breeze and perfect overlooking view of the island. We were greeted with a welcome drink/juice, the service crews were warm and friendly, and the food were satisfying. It could be that we were exhausted and got hungry because of the tour, or the brush of fresh air just caught us up, or the food were just good, we went back to the buffet table more times than the usual. :D

Our lunch experience was almost perfect, well, almost that is. When I was waiting in line for the use of their lavatory and mirror at the rest room, I saw a co-participant/tourist in a wheelchair. She was going to use the toilet, and asked for some assistance from the crew. The crew was kind enough to try to assist her, but the toilet rooms were really small to fit the wheelchair comfortably. After some tries, she was able to use the toilet and then was casually pointing out the location and the size of the rest rooms. And I think the hotel should consider a little renovation, considering the differently abled tourists. :D

Well, after lunch we continued to explore more remains, of the war that has been, and ended the tour with the light and sound show at the tunnel, showcasing the lives of our war heroes and the victory of goodness and peace.

After the lights and sound show, we boarded our shuttles, which delivered us to the ferry. We arrived in Manila by 4:00 PM.

I would love to talk more about the tour but, I'd rather want you to be curious and wanting to experience it first hand. So hop in for a tour, enjoy the ride and the blast from the past....

LINKS:

Ticketamerica.com has tickets for the chicago bulls and the portland trail blazers and the dallas mavericks tickets.

chicago bulls tickets
portland trail blazers tickets
dallas mavericks tickets

Mount Taal Trek

2012-01-15T12:05:00.005+08:00

The boat, Mt. Taal and
our excitement!

Tagaytay has been one of the tourist destinations in the Philippines. We were able to visit the place last August (29th 2011) and have quite enjoyed the view and the fresh air. But, we wanted to really experience the beauty and prowess of Mt. Taal hands-on. Thus, last December 10, 2011, a Saturday, we put Taal Trek as our first itinerary for a weekend adventure!

Eva, Adan, Ada, Labsy & Em-em
at the boat launch point

We (Eva, Adan, Ada, Em2, Labsy & Me) flew from Davao on the last flight to Manila (9:50PM) on December 9. We weren't able to grab enough dinner before we went to the airport, so when we arrived in Manila, we stopped by the nearest McDonalds (just right in front of Terminal 3) and took a semi-snack/dinner.

Just arrived at the peak

When we reached our temporary home in Manila, we slept the night away and prepared ourselves for the Taal Trek the next morning.

Morning came and we geared up early and took an FX ride to Baclaran for Php 20 each, to wait for buses going to Tagaytay. But before we hop on those waiting buses, we got to make sure were fully prepared, so we took our breakfast at the nearest Max's Fried Chicken restaurant, just right across the street.

Labsy, relaxing after the trek

Before we came to Manila, I was in constant inquiry from my friends Pia (in Manila for seminar) and Glinn (base in Laguna) on the weather conditions on both areas. They told me it has been raining almost every afternoon and evening. With that in mind, I prepared some possible change of plans. Because if it rains, some or possibly all of our plans just might not push through.

Labsy and Me

After we had breakfast, we waited for our bus ride. A few raindrops started to fall, so I started to worry too. It may be funny to most, but my mamo (sometimes that's how I call my mom) had this somewhat crazy idea of how to stop the possible rainfall. You have to make scissors-like shape through your fingers (point & middle), and start to cut the dark clouds in the sky. So far, every time mamo does that, the dark clouds never turned out to become a rain. So I said, "what the heck!". The next thing I was doing? Cutting those dark clouds through my scissor fingers. Perhaps it was just how the day should be or my scissor-fingers worked. Either way, since the rain did not push through, I'm grateful whichever the case may be.

So we boarded the next bus bound for Tagaytay. And every time it seemed like clouds are starting to form like Dark Vader's minions, I would make my fingers do the cutting before it's too late. LOL!


Some narrow portions of the trek, take care of those possible bumps

After about two hours, and a few questions to the bus conductor regarding our Taal trek plan, we alighted at the Olivarez Terminal, as he suggested, then boarded a jeep bound to the nearest Public Market for Php 7. When we reached the market, we needed to take another jeep going to the place where we could get a boat that will take us to the foot of the mountain. The jeepney waited for other passengers, but it seemed like there were only us plus a couple of ladies. One of the jeepney drivers in that market terminal asked if we need a boat and said he has or know someone who has one. He told us, their price is the minimum price, same price published by their Tourism Department. Thy also told us, if we won't take their offer, we should beware of those barkers or negotiators along the highway, that instead of asking of Php 1,500 for the to and fro boat ride, they would usually go as high as Php 3,500. After discussing with the group we agreed to take the boat offer and also we took the jeep we were in for Php 500 (we actually haggled it from Php 800) so we can go and no more time wasted waiting for other passengers.

On our way up

They then took us to the lake side, prep their boat, boarded on and off we went to the foot of the mountain, where you'll have to pay for the tourism fee of Php 50 each and decide between two choices. Either you trek by riding a horse or by foot. The trek isn't that hard (for me that is, way far from falls hopping and Mt Apo climb), so if you have all the time, it would also be refreshing to trek by foot. But if you don't have the liberty of time or would love a horse back riding experience like us, rent a horse for Php 500 and ride your way up with a guide...

Crater Viewing Deck

It was a fun filled ride. Specially for Ems, Adan & Eva whose guides showed them how to ride a horse in full speed while competing with each other. Later they were complaining how scared they were as they passed each other and along a cliff for cryin' out loud! It was one remarkable experience.

Taal Crater

When we reached the crater, we were awed by the nicest crater view imaginable. We enjoyed capturing rare moments together with friends and the beautiful and refreshing view engulfing our very soul with gladness.

Nature indeed is astonishing! We were and still are, overjoyed with another rare and serendipitous adventure we have conquered in this lifetime. As Julius Caesar once said, "Veni, vidi, vici!" (I saw, I came, I conquered!), I say, seek, make it happen and experience happiness in this changing world of ours. Keep smiling! ;)

Note:
Whether by horse or by foot, don't forget to bring water, you'd want to have some. Bottled water at a store near the shore before getting in the boat is only Php 15. When you reach the foot of the mountain, it's Php 35. At the top of Mt. Taal it's Php 50. And I'm talking of the same size here. So, just want to give you some heads up. Another thing, there ain't any rest room at the top, so just be ready. ;)

Cost Summary to take note of:
Fx from Intramuros to Baclaran : Php 20
Bus from Manila (Baclaran) to Olivarez Terminal, Tagaytay: Php 78.00
Jeepney fare from Terminal to Public Market: Php 7
Jeepney from Market to Boat Launch Point : Php 500 (pakyaw - one way fee for the whole jeep)
Php 1,500 per boat/banca maximum of 6 persons (P250/pax)
Php 50 landing tax (Tourist Center)
Php 500 for horse with a guide (horseback ride to the crater lake)
Php 700-750 if you decide to get a horse in the middle of the trek.
Php 20 docking fee
Php 10 barangay fee

Talikud Island : A must visit!

2012-01-08T00:30:00.005+08:00

Labsy & me @ Isla Reta 2

Last November 26, 2011, we initially planned to visit Pearl Farm, but the turn of events made us change it to an island hopping escapade in Talikud Island, Samal, Davao del Norte. It wasn't our (me & Labsy) first time, but we never really get tired or bored w/ the beauty of the beach & everything it offers...

Jun & Labsy @ Kaputian Beach

So morning of that Saturday, we woke up early enough to catch the 7:30AM trip bound for Kaputian, Samal. Well, the bus actually arrived past 8:00am which made us stood at the sidewalk in front of Magsaysay Park waiting for quite awhile. Then eventually, the bus arrived and we joined the pushings of the crowd just to get inside and grab a seat. Luckily, we were able to secure seats for everyone and in about 3-4 minutes, the bus took off with all seats taken plus about 3-4 people standing and later some more picked-up along the way.

Labsy, Hilda, Jun & Pam
on Our boat ride

We arrived in Kaputian a little past 10:00am, went to their palengke (market) to buy some meat and fish for lunch, which Ate (the kind, island hopping contact person) cooked for us. Who later told us that the earliest trip is 5:30 am. If we wanted to start the activity earlier, we should catch that trip. Well, maybe next time, if we can get out of our very own time machine, our bed (I've read from a friend's wall post in facebook, "if u want to take a nap for five minutes, when you wake up, it's five hours later")... :P

Anyway, when everything was prepared and cooked, we went up to the boat and prepared for yet another adventure and perhaps another wish to strike-through in the list.

Isla Reta 1

We started heading to Isla Reta 2, where we stopped for lunch. We passed by Isla Reta 1, which is preferred for a day tour activity than Isla Reta 2. But, I find Isla Reta 2 a more secluded and private place, in addition to that, regular ferry only stops at Isla Reta 1. Isla Reta 1's entrance fee is Php 70, while Isla Reta 2 is only Php 20. Isla Reta 1 is way more expensive, but shore/place is much cleaner and facilities are a bit more maintained than 2.

Lunch @ Isla Reta 2

Our boat driver suggested Isla Reta 2 and so we did. We paid Php 100 for our entrance fee (for 5 people), and an additional Php 50 for the table we rented during our lunch. So, for Php 150, we get a good somewhat exclusive swim and a place to lay our "baons" (food packs) and enjoy a beachside dining with friends. And as expected, we enjoyed every bit of it! No one scheduled for a light diet, and everybody knows we need the energy for swimming! ;)

Isla Reta 2's mini cave

After a few swim, moment capturing, especially at their mini cave, & some food indulging, we went off to our next stop. We stopped by the area of the former, Isla Cristina, which has been closed for awhile already. But you can still see traces of the previous resort, which once was a beautiful place to stay and chill out.

We jumped off from our "banca" (boat) and enjoyed a good swim in a very clear waters of that part of Talikud Island. It was so clear, we saw two (2) big star fishes we took for a while for picture taking but took them back to the sea after. Preserve, preserve, preserve!!!

After being stars-strucked by the star fishes we somehow befriended, we went to the Coral Garden of Talikud Island, which according to our boat driver, is more or less 2-hectares.

At the Coral Garden

There were available life vest to use, but we opted not to use them to swim more comfortably. Unfortunately, we are not good swimmers that would last too long in the water. With the kindness of our boat driver/tour guide, he let us used his ringlife orange salbabida, with the rope connected to the boat, so we can swim and take a rest whenever and wherever we want and when we were too tired to swim back to the boat, he will just pull us through the rope. ;)

At Isla Reta 2

It was the most amazing and fascinating part of the trip. We stayed a little longer at the Coral Garden, feasting our eyes on the nicest and biggest corals in the Island.

I believe that was the highlight of our Talikud Island adventure, because after that, our day was made! We were supposed to make a stopover at Babu Santa Resort, but we just took a glimpse at the resort, and then decided to continue the boat ride back to Kaputian Beach, where we freshen up and then prepared to head back home.

Isla Cristina

It was another awesome ride and adventure, specially when we got the chance to swim with the fishes and visit their homes in the Coral Garden. It's the best way to capture anyone's heart and make them believe, there are still more beautiful things yet uncovered or unappreciated. It also made us more thankful to our creator, respectful to the nature we enjoyed, and wishing more generations will have the same chance that we had. Let Us Help Save the Ocean! :)

Note: In case you want to do this, you may contact this number 09187236996, and they will take you to the next best thing in your escapade/getaway list. ;)

Mt. Apo : CONQUERED!

2011-12-02T16:29:00.006+08:00

A view of Lake Venado from the top

A few months back, a friend posted some pictures of us during our climb to Mt. Apo. It made me reminisce the past and as I did, it curved a smile on my face. I miss that place, I miss the people we spent those days with and I miss the feeling of getting to the top of the mountain... As I describe it, as FULL of AWESOMENESS!

1st Day: Monday, Aug. 21, 2005

We've just arrived in Kidapawan

In climbing the tallest mountain of the Philippines, Mt. Apo, you can choose between the Kapatagan and Kidapawan trail. Well, they say there is a third trail but I'm not familiar with it. For first timers like us, we followed the Kidapawan trail. They say it's the shorter but the steeper trail between the two. We left Davao City on a Monday morning, and arrived in Kidapawan before lunch. Settled our permits and off we went to Lake Agco Resort to stay for the night and prepare for the climb the following day.

2nd Day: Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2005

Preparing for a rainy night at
Lake Agco Resort

After a night's rest inside the resort, although we just slept on our sleeping bags under a covered hall, we geared up for the trail of our lives. We had breakfast before we head out, checked our tent, food and water, then off we went for the adventure of a lifetime.

Our first few steps

My friend Neil, whom we fondly call "Yeye" had his hydration supply stocked inside his bag with a tube so he need not get it out. Me, well, I've prepared a 500ml Gatorade for the climb up, and it worked for the whole day, I still had a little left when we arrived at Lake Venado late afternoon.

Before getting inside the forest

From Lake Agco, we started our climb to the highest mountain in the Philippines around 7:30 AM. We managed to group and regroup at some point along the climb, some of us have faster or slower pace than the other. Momi Shei is most often with Manny, while I'm usually with Yeye, Tatay and Jan2. Often, we would be a bit ahead, but if we think we're too far from Momi and Manny, we would stop and wait for them to take a little rest, regroup and recharge. Further, everyone has a whistle with, just in case something happens along the way and we need to call for some help.

At the Marble River

Just as we, (me, Yeye, Tatay and Jan2) were about to start the trek along the Marble River and have just started climbing the big boulders in front of us, that would be around 10:00AM, we heard a whistle from below. Tatay went down and checked what happened. Later we found out that Momi stumbled a big tree root and wasn't able to retain her balance and fell, face down and her forehead hit the ground or a rock, which resulted to a swelling forehead.

Jan2, Momi and Yeye

We put some meds on Momi's forehead while constantly asking her if she felt like vomiting or nauseous or if she wants to go back to Lake Agco or Kidapawan to seek medical attention or something. But she said, no and insisted that she is fine.

(R-L) Yeye, Jan2, Momi,
Marlon? (I'm not sure), Me and Levi

Later, we conquered the Marble River, me with literally a "pain in my ass", I slipped on one of the very slippery portion, my ass hit the ground with a "bog!" But anyway, I stood up like nothing happened and went straight to our lunch stop. When the rest of the group saw Momi, they were all worried and I might add, kind of a bit panicking. As Manny settled, he gave Momi around 5 capsules (I think most are vitamins), I'm not sure if she took 'em all though, but she was fine the whole trip.

At our lunch stopover

After lunch we continued the climb until we reached Lake Venado and setup our tents. We were also hungry, so while the guys are setting up the tents, we started preparing for food. We had a nice dinner, with a very cool ambiance, almost at the top of the Apo... :D

Stopover as we wait for the others

It was our first night and knowing that we only need about 4 more hours to reach the peak the next day, we were more than excited, we head back to our tent early and had a good night sleep. Me, Momi and Yeye stayed on one tent, while Tatay and Manny on the other and Jan2 our dearest guide/porter stayed in his.

3rd Day: Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2005

Almost there!
Momi, Tatay, Manny, Me & Yeye

Morning came and as excited as we were on our first step, we started boiling water for our coffee (which we sip right away before it got cold), then had our breakfast and geared up for the climb to the peak of the Mountain. Since we need to bring as little baggage as possible, we only brought one outdoor wear for the whole climb & a raincoat, so we re-used our worn and dirty (because of sitting on the ground and heavy rains almost every hour) shirts and shorts and started climbing...

Going to the Peak!

A few hours later, we reached another camping site near the peak and took our lunch there. Some of the campers would stay there for the night but it was not recommended for beginners like us, since it's windy up there and most probably colder. We stayed just a few minutes and started the climb again. We reached the peak of the mountain after about 20 minutes and it was amazing. I have to admit, it felt really good, I was glad I joined the climb and I'm not sure if there will ever be another chance in the future.

We stayed for a few minutes in the peak, took as many pictures as possible and started to trek down back to Lake Venado right after. Me and Jan2 had an agreement that if we reach the lake before 4:30PM, we'll take a dip or a jump, whichever one prefers. And so we did, since we've been jumping down our way back, we reached just before 4:30PM and went for some swim in the very cold lake.

The Peak!

Night came and it was our last night in the camp site, so everyone's getting pumped up and we had quite a celebration. At that same night, everyone's telling everyone that we conquered Mt. Apo, and not just amongst the climbers but also our families in Davao. Would you believe that TM (touch mobile) got signals at the camp site? Yes it did! Although we needed to look for the right spot, and that spot is inside Ramil's (one of my officemates) tent, right at the center. So the rest of them will get in and kneel, but for me, I was standing tall, the tent was just right about my height. :D How lucky can we get? I had with me my TM at that very moment, having unlimited text, so it was free text for everyone!

4th Day : Thursday, August 24, 2005

At our back is our camp site

It was our time to do the deed we were supposed to do at the mountain, to clean up, and we did. We brought back some garbage we had and some left by perhaps other campers or visitors at the site. After we took the garbage and prep our things, we started our trek down, back to Lake Agco. On our way up, we grabbed all the roots and trunks we needed to pull our selves up, but on our way down, we encountered the what we call, the "spiderman", where our feet were looking for a place to step on, since we cannot really look down there. We held on to the tree roots or branches as we get ourselves down. But we didn't call it difficult, we called it a challenge and we took it courageously, might be a little frightened, but as they say, you can't be fearless if you don't know fear... :)

We reached Lake Agco Resort a little before 5:00PM and among the best things on that resort were their hot/warm pools we somehow made grey because of the mud we had on us as we lay there and remembered the climb that has been. And we felt superior from our previous selves, we conquered Mt. Apo!

5th Day : Friday, Aug. 25, 2005

The last day of the adventure was spent going back to Davao and to our families who were excited to listen to the adventure we are also proud of telling about. Home sweet home...

I was 27 years old back then, and I actually thought I should have done this when I was younger. Most of us were ranging from late 20s to late 30s, but our boss who joined the climb was 56 and still went for it! So, it's never too late to dream, and when we want our dreams to come true, we work for it, enjoy every moment along the way and thank God for the opportunities.

NOTE: Thank you to Manny and Momi Shei for the pictures!

Showbiz Trip : The Buzzness

2011-12-01T16:16:00.010+08:00

It was a long weekend in the Philippines last Aug 27-30, 2011. The 27th & 28th fell on a Saturday and Sunday. The 29th was National Heroes Day and 30th was the celebration of Eid ul Fitr. And these days just fit our getaway paid tickets purchased a year ago through Cebu Pacific's piso fare promo (www.cebupacificair.com)!

Labsy and I were a bit hesitant to pursue this trip, but the holiday announcements made it too easy to say YES! So, we geared up, while a few days earlier, requested my friend Glinn to book us for a Studio Tour and The Buzz experience at ABS-CBN, and off we went for a splendid holiday at NCR!

Us @ ABS-CBN Studios

BTW, the tour was Php 150.00 each and you may call for reservations at (63)(2)415-2272 ext 3622 or 3624. Further if you need to get reservations for known shows like ASAP, Showtime, etc. on your preferred date(s), better make the call on the first day of the month, two months prior to your preferred date. Example if you need to watch it on any date on December, make the call or better yet visit the studio, (since more often than not, your call won't get through) on Oct. 1.

Supposed Itinerary for the trip:

Aug 27 : Tagaytay
Aug 28 : Cathedral / The Buzz / Comedy Bar (any)
Aug 29 : Las Casas Filipinas (Bataan)
Aug 30 : Shrine of Valor (Still in Bataan)

Tagaytay View from Up Here

When I told my friend that we will be heading to Tagaytay on our first day. He offered to pick us up in the airport and stay at the comfort and hospitality of their home, since they are just a few minutes away from the place and we could all go together the following day for our The Buzz show. What more could you ask for? So I said yes again!

Festival Mall

Despite our enthusiasm and high spirits, we were also in time with Typhoon Mina's arrival in the Philippines. It wasn't strong in the south part of Luzon, but it was raining the whole time so we decided to change course. Instead of going for a high wind breeze in Tagaytay the first day, we went site seeing and malling in the classy part of Luzon-Alabang.

My friend gave us a quick view inside Alabang Subdivision and their own Church, then drop us off at Festival Mall, where we bought this slimy mouse toy for Pot-pot and Pat-pat. We went around the mall and found something interesting, they have a cool place for kids and teens. Nice, pretty, colorful house to go up and down for the little ones, and some indoor rides for the teens; a mini-roller coaster awaits the risk takers.

From the cool mall, we went to the classy one. We could go to ATC (Alabang Town Center) through the jeepnies going to Zapote, but we had a chance to ride through the multi-cab turned mini-van (we call it loaf bread), paid for Php 60.00 and took us straight to ATC Mall. The mall it self was cozy and it has an outdoor feel due to the verandas and a mini park. Further, my friend told me it's one of those malls where bumping into a showbiz personality is quite a possibility since it's the nearest mall from the classy subdivisions of Alabang.

At Alabang Town Center

We weren't lucky enough to get a celebrity shot or glimpse, but no worries, we enjoyed much our pizza in Amici and our eyes feast on their desserts. Too full to take more food at that time... Pizza was too big for just the two of us, but we managed to completely take 'em all up!

At Mercato

Later in the afternoon, my friend Glinn picked us up from ATC then we joined them (him and Merly) to celebrate an anticipated mass at their parish, Christ the King Church. Glinn and Merly were part of the sponsored group, he read the second reading, Merly was one of the offerers and me and Labsy were requested to offer the chalice and the host. Then we spent the night chatting and loving Glinn's baked salmon...

There goes our first day! Second day came and we were full of enthusiasm for the up coming Studio Tour in ABS-CBN. We started our day early, went to Mercato to have our breakfast. It was a place where vendors and food carts gather on a weekend to offer their delicacies.

Breakfast at Mercato

It was a Sunday and a fun run also just ended, so, many runners came in to dine. Foodies came in different sizes, taste and inspired from different places, all superbly cooked and prepared, we didn't quite know which to take. Well, me and labsy ended taking the spicy beef steak, I think Merly had a Balamban liempo and I forgot what glinn had. But he sure enjoyed it! :P

After we had breakfast and feast on some delish goodies in Mercato, we went to Quezon City to start browsing on the place they call the city of the stars. We arrived rather early at the ABS-CBN building, so we roam around, went to PBB's (Pinoy Big Brother) House for a quick peak. Unfortunately, the house is restricted and we cannot get in, so we just stayed outside the gate and took some pictures. We looked for a place to stay for a bit, have our hair or nails done or maybe some massage, but the spa near the building is not yet ready for us. So we spent hanging out at ABS-CBN's Starbucks and food court while we wait for our "The Buzz" experience.

Our time came, call time is 13:00H or 1:00PM and we are in their waiting area... waiting... :) And despite hanging out in a coffee shop and a food court, we didn't get a chance to have lunch. The tour started with visits to the studios used by ABS-CBN shows. Before we went to the first studio, we bumped in with two young artists, Sam Concepcion and Enrique Gil in an ambulance, guess it was part of their presentation. They were also friendly enough to smile for our cams.

We continued with the studio tour. Visited studios used by shows like Happy Yipee Yehey, Showtime, Wowoweee and even the Bandila/TV Patrol.Among other things, we enjoyed playing around the studios' gadgets, specially getting ourselves behind the huge cameras they use, they were awesome.

Then came the time to enter the studio for "The Buzz" show. We were oriented with the staff on what and what not to do during the show. We may take pictures during the break. We may also take pictures during live as long as we won't use the flash.

When the show started and the hosts, Toni Gonzaga, Boy Abunda and Charlene Gonzales went on stage, we were nothing less than starstrucked. They were indeed quite a view. I personally focused on their footwear. LOL. Then the cameras were in for a long job!

One thing we noticed is that, KC Concepcion (one of the hosts, daughter of actors Gabby Concepcion and Sharon Cuneta) is absent. Well, one star less on our view. But "The Buzz" had ample guests at that time.They had Pokwang, celebrating her birthday as she was surprised by her daughter.

The main cast of the movie "Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi", Eugene Domingo, Zanjoe Marudo, Wendell Ramos and Toni Gonzaga. Well, Eugene is my personal favorite. I love her movies, they are all super funny.

The main cast of the TV show "Growing Up", Diego Loyzaga (son of actors Cesar Montano and Teresa Loyzaga), Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes. Not so much a fun, but I admire these kids taking care of themselves and their career.

And one of the highlights of the show, the Director of the movie "Thelma" and Toni Gonzaga's BF, Paul Soriano. As Toni somehow trapped him for a while with her unguarded personal YES or NO questions.

After the show, we were all hungry and went straight to dinner, just within Quezon City since we didn't plan to end the night just yet. After a big and very full meal, we went to Klownz, a comedy bar, for a late night fun and stomach-aching-laugh-like, where we meet up with Alden (Labsy's officemate who also happened to be in Manila) and his GF (who is working in Manila) ... and every moment was worth it!

Third day (Aug 29, 2011) came and we opted to go to Tagaytay. The day started good so we were excited to visit this known tourists spot. Unfortunately, since it was a long holiday, the traffic going to Tagaytay is way heavy. Instead of arriving within 30 minutes, we arrived about 2 hours after. Thanks to Glinn, we had a ride and didn't worry much on our transportation. When we arrived in Tagatay, we went straight to the Sky Park. Stayed there for a while, took a few pictures but didn't stay too long since, the weather seemed to change every now and then. Rain was on and off, and we can't afford to get sick. :D

We strolled a bit going down to the entrance of the park and then went for a jeepney ride going to the parking area. Glinn and family waited for us there, since it was raining when we arrived, kids stayed at the car. We were accompanied by Glinn's Ate and nephew though.

Then we headed out for lunch and still, so much traffic. Glinn declared not to visit the place at times like this. :D We ended having lunch at Max's, overlooking Mt. Taal while we dine. We head back to Glinn's place and had a very delish salad, with vinegarette salad dressing for dinner.

Havin' coffee & kaya toast
at the Airport while waiting
for our flight home

On our fourth and last travel day, Glinn and Merly took us to visit S & R, where shopping is exclusive for members only. They had awesome sales and lots of free-taste on some goodies. We bought vinegarette to take home and volcano chocolate cake, which we enjoyed consuming at home in Davao.

It was a relaxing vacation, thanks to Glinn and Merly who made it very "hayahay" as we call it in our language. We (me and Labsy) are glad we push this long weekend getaway through... Now, it's so much nice to look behind, smile and thank God for all the wonderful creations and friends around us...

My Wish : Me, MassKara Festival and Airphil Express

2011-09-13T17:33:00.003+08:00

Some of my blog entries were about my adventure trips. Often, if not all were the story of myself who have been in awe with the beauty of the place and the hospitality of its people. This includes my birthplace, Davao City. When I was a child, my mom would take me and my brothers to all the events, Araw ng Davao (every March 16) and Kadayawan (usually third weekend of August, this year is August 21).

It has been a while since the last time I participated on the celebration, yell on the streets and take pictures of the outstanding moments of the event. So, this year, I told myself, I'll be walking on the main streets of Davao and experience Kadayawan once again, and so I did! After fulfilling and sweating-all-day along the street, it gave birth to a wish. I wished I could be witness to the street dances of all festivals in the Philippines and make it the next trend on my blog posts-Philippine Festivals and Culture.

Today I was searching for the first festival I might be interested in, and I thought of Bacolod's Masskara festival. I visited this site http://www.themasskarafestival.com/ and the next thing I knew, I was searching for the best way to go to Bacolod next month. I have been to Bacolod once, so the place is a bit familiar and blogged about that visit with my family;

1. http://donandji.blogspot.com/2011/01/2010-spillover-03-caribbean-waterpark.html
2. http://donandji.blogspot.com/2011/01/2010-spillover-04-chicken-countrys.html
3. http://donandji.blogspot.com/2011/01/2010-spillover-05-museums-and-old.html

The city is indeed a city of smiles, the hotel crew/agent was always welcoming and did not get tired of answering questions regarding Bacolod. But at that time, it was November and we just missed their Masskara Festival of 2010.

Today as I browsed and looked for ways to go to Bacolod, since there isn't a direct Davao-Bacolod flight, we may head through Davao-Manila-Bacolod or Davao-Cebu-Bacolod through our promising airlines operating in the country. We may also visit Bacolod through Davao-Iloilo flight, which by the way, Airphil Express (www.airphilexpress.com) just launched this month and gave us promo fares for travels from Sept 1 to Dec 15, 2011 (go visit the site now!), and then undergo about an hour and a half (1.5Hrs) of ferry ride from Iloilo to Bacolod which is daily according to http://schedule.ph/boat/from/Iloilo/to/Bacolod and rates are reasonable as it is specified here, http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/codb6.htm. So, we've got options to choose from!!!

Later this morning, with my conviction to really be able to visit Bacolod next month, I asked my friend "Google" and searched for Masskara Festival 2011 Schedule and this is what I've got http://www.themasskarafestival.com/front-page/schedule/, where the best days would be October 15 and 16 if I want to witness street dancing and capture all the smiles of the people in the "City of Smile" through my lenses. To add to my dilemma and excitement, I've seen this Pick-A-Fest of Airphil Express https://www.facebook.com/airphilexpressph?sk=app_6009294086 where a blogger may win 2 roundtrip tickets to one of the three festivals this October, Masskara in Bacolod, Hermosa in Zamboanga and Lanzones in Camiguin via Cagayan de Oro, and next thing I know, here I am, blogging. Desperate much??? LOL... God Speed Airphil Express!!!!

Experience MassKara Festival, Hermosa Festival and Lanzones Festival this October. Airphil Express flies daily to BACOLOD, ZAMBOANGA and CAGAYAN DE ORO from Cebu and Manila. Visit www.airphilexpress.com to book!

Tired Heart

2011-08-25T16:38:00.005+08:00

I've always associated myself with the word patient and forgiving, because I believe that I am. But I also know that I am not perfect. I could be patient, but my patience doesn't last a lifetime. I could be forgiving, but I cannot forgive if I'm still hurting.

It dawned on me today that my patience does not exist anymore, that the wound is still too painful to offer forgiveness and anger is too strong to ignore. I realized, it's either I ignore the existence of one person and co-exist, or declare war, force a win and perhaps lose my values. So I kept my distance. I chose, not to co-exist. I chose to excommunicate and declare an unfathomable barrier in between two walls.

I thought I've only got to do this to one person, but NO, maybe the world holds too many holes for exceptional psychologically challenged beings (That's my own description, no medical basis. LOL). Now I've known two. One I cannot trust about anything anymore, and decided to not join in any social functions outside professional obligations. And another, as of this moment, is the one person I don't want to be in any room with.

I never really thought that there would be someone I'll have too many reasons to stay out of, that I'll be too irritated to keep cool and that even the sight of her name would bring an overflowing sadness and pain. Until today. When I was confronted with a situation to be in the same place with this person. I kept my cool, but kept my distance as well. Never turned around and kept myself away from where this person is. I never, not even thought of, putting my self in the same room with. That's how disgusted and disappointed I am...

But hey, don't yet judge this person, nor me. It has been a series of misunderstandings that lead to a rude ending. That made my heart grew tired of forgiving and my patience depleted like a tire stabbed for so many times, for trying to keep turning as I drove home.

And so it was ENOUGH. Enough, so I stopped. Stop when I should and to remain as it is...

That, until I can...

Music like the Old Times

2011-08-06T16:41:00.003+08:00

This morning I woke up with a lovely song lingering in the air. Suddenly the bedroom seemed to changed and I felt like everything went back to the early part of the decade of the 90s, and then I felt my lips curve and showed a meaningful smile. I remembered when mp3 wasn't there yet. When all I have were cassette tapes to play our most loved and appreciated songs. When internet was never heard of and lyrics can only be found on the "song hits" magazines.

I recalled myself as a music fan and a lover of good melodies. I felt a ticklish feeling as I imagined myself, back in the days when everything seemed to be very expensive for a regular high school student, that I was. When Air Supply's songs put meaning to everyday's hope. When Francis M, Gary V, Vanilla Ice, and MC Hammer among others, inspire us to put moves and geared us up for an active and energetic event.

As I went down memory lane, my company when I studied for an exam or a long quiz were hip-hop or rock songs in full/maximum volume. I love loud music as I put some notes into my kind-of-thick-head. LOL. While the love songs were lullabies as I hit the sack at the end of a busy High School day. All of them streamed from my little cassette player that I sometimes open and somewhat dissect for my electronic and electrical curiosity's satisfaction. That sometimes get messed up and I ended looking for a new one. :D

One of my fondest memory was collecting the lyrics of the songs I like. I had a notebook full of hand written songs. But since I don't have the funds to pay for an album or song hits, nor do we have computers back then to encode, let alone an internet, to download songs and lyrics. So to fulfill my goal, I would buy one blank tape, record the songs from the radio (FM), and play it repeatedly with too many pauses along the way as I write down the lyrics. Some artists aren't that clear when they say the words, thus at times, I would write a totally different word, and the song would sound funny... ;P

Haisstt!! The difficulty, without the technology that we have now. Back then, blogging was never an item, and if I have something to share, I'd write in on a piece of paper, but keep it to myself... :)) BUT, I missed those times. When every little hardship was too fulfilling and far way surprisingly amazing.

This morning I woke up knowing that selected MP3 songs were played the whole night from a net-book to serenade us (me and Labsy) as we rest. That cellphones and iPods were right next to us as we check our facebook accounts and tweet something out or to check out news, some hit songs or games, right at the tip or our finger tips. And that internet is not as expensive as it used to be, that it's even lesser than a regular household's electric bill. :)

We (humans) develop these technology enhancements, which gave us more convenience and maybe require lesser time and effort in almost everything we do. In the next decade perhaps, we would recall the 2000's decade and say, "it was a bit harder back then, yet it felt better".

Like music to our ears, we want life to be soothing and entertaining. But one thing that matters is that, we should appreciate every little thing we have and the experience that we had, as we strive for a better tomorrow, with the hope of more contentment and better understanding of what life truly is all about.

Online Booking's Dilemma

2011-08-04T21:29:00.006+08:00

I always have pretty praises for the airlines on my blogs. I usually talk about my travels and so far, all the airlines have been very accommodating and has this knack on service to their clients. But I guess, there are always exemptions and some loose connections at some point.

My friend booked a flight for someone via www.airphilexpress.com. Confident as usual, since her credit card has not failed her and she's got credit limit more than enough for a plane ticket, she pushed those keys and click those buttons. After a few minutes, the booking was confirmed. Email was received and itinerary is available already at the www.virtuallythere.com for printing and viewing. Due to the status stated (CONFIRMED), she forwarded the e-ticket and considered it a "job-well-done".

On the day of the flight, the person she booked went to the airport for check-in and an amazing surprise made that person's morning not good at all, his ticket was said to be null and void! Thank God there was still available seat for him, so he was asked to buy another ticket for himself. Then he did, paid the new tickets and got checked in.

My friend was embarrassed and she can only imagine the feeling of the person she booked. It was not okay, but she was thankful that the person who was going to board the plane got funds to pay for his ticket and there was an available seat. If she happened to book someone who didn't have funds with him/her, what could have happened? My friend can purchase another ticket, perhaps it would be on another, later flight, but there would be some unnecessary inconveniences.

How could it have been avoided... Hmmm... Perhaps the airline could have informed the person who booked the flight that her confirmed flight was NOT CONFIRMED. (????) :P

When my friend inquired from the airlines via phone, since she booked it online, the personnel from the other line told her, she should call their online hotline/center instead. Hhhmmm.... She made a few calls but did not get satisfied with their answers, so she went to the airport and inquired on the matter. She was told there was a system error, and yes, it happen sometimes. But hey, somebody could have explained it to her over the phone. (???)

Like humans, technology also gives us some headache. But the difference is, we can always get away with it saying, "sorry, it was a system error" and we can get mad at that "system" all we want, but it wouldn't have any reaction at all. Although, clients like us, expect an apology and assistance on matters like that, that's where customer relations come in. :D

I'm not sure if the airline gave enough assistance to my friend or the one she booked, or if they were apologetic enough with what happened, but what was clear to me is that, the airline should have made sure she/they was/were informed earlier to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and perhaps embarrassment. They're supposed to be treated as valued clients (I just thought...). The airline was the one who gave a confirmed e-ticket and if it was not really confirmed, they could have made all the necessary effort to contact the client (which information is included in the form we fill in during booking), which I believed they did not.

Me and a few friends are among those fond of purchasing and transacting online and we've got positive and negative experiences with it. From real to bogus, and from confirmed to denied, pending or system interrupted. Airline dilemma from delayed, transferred, rescheduled, or cancelled flights. There was also a time when credit cards got double charged or the purchased was reverse after a month, thus the ticket became invalid.

But so far, only few of my experiences were not manageable that gave me too much of a headache to handle, since most of the agencies, establishments, airlines, owners or the customer relations officer assigned to me, have been gentle, kind, apologetic and undeniably showing much effort you'd forget to blame them. To add, one of those experiences, I was even grateful, but sadly, it's also with this same airline mentioned here, that my friend had a not so good experience. :|

Perhaps this is what they call an isolated case and what happened to my friend is the collateral damage. But that's never an excuse, not to give back a good service, and service after service, that all clients deserve. Well, next time, let's just always consider the possibilities of a "system error" on online transactions, so give a leeway and maybe a grace period as well. But if you're hesitant, purchased it offline, go to a ticketing office and make sure, THEY confirmed it... :D

My Metrobank Experience

2011-07-02T20:57:00.002+08:00

Metrobank website says "Our commitment to you drives us to be the Best Bank in the country"...

I used to love my Metrobank credit card. It's the one card that goes through the very busy Cebu Pacific promo time and you don't have to worry since they also have this online secure access. Further, they have this "waive your annual fee" thing with a catch that is so manageable. It used to be my favorite credit card, with the smallest credit limit, manageable charges and good service.

UNFORTUNATELY, they seem to have lost it. When my first card got expired (I've had it since 2006), they sent me a new card with the same card number and all. When I tried to use it to purchase tickets online, it won't go through since my secure access key is incorrect. I thought, they must have changed it, since this is a new card. I called their customer care and requested to reset it, if they cannot retrieve it and send it to me either via email or text message and they said yes. I was very grateful and the agent was nice to accommodate my request. BUT, there was no email, call or text which came with my new online secure access key.

It takes quite a few minutes waiting for an agent to take my call, so I decided not to call anymore and use my other cards on online purchases. So for my plane tickets or something over the net, I would use my other cards, my Metrobank card became almost restricted to groceries and fuel/gasoline.

One month came that I ALMOST max this card, I never bothered to pay before the bill came since I know it's still within the limit and so overlimit charge should not be expected. SADLY, when the bill came, I was charged with an overlimit fee since it also happened to be the time they included the annual fee payment, which we will know only when the billing statement came (or you've really monitored which month the annual fee comes-which I don't since it's only annual!!!).

I called their customer care again and requested to take the overlimit charge of Php 500.00 since it went beyond the credit limit by a couple of hundreds (if I recall it right), not because of my purchases but due to the annual fee. The agent insisted it is NOT possible, since it's automatically charged when the card reaches beyond the limit. So, with a disappointed heart I asked if they can waive my annual fee like they usually do, and the agent said, they will only waive a portion of the fee which is Php 700.00 if I pay a certain amount (Sorry I forgot how much) within a certain period (I forgot how many days it was after the call). So, I did.

Next bill came, they did not waive the Php 700.00 they promised. So I had to pay everything, including the overlimit charge. To my DISMAY, I paid up everything and called their customer care to terminate my credit card. They transferred me to a Metrobank Officer and I told him all my disappointing experiences. He checked my records and said, that yes there was a waive of annual fee request. And I said, you did not approve that. He apologized for all the bad experiences I had and requested me to keep the card and they will debit that requested Php 700.00 annual fee. He also offered me to increase my credit limit, to which I declined.

The Officer seemed to be apologetic and kind enough, so I agreed to keep my card. (Labsy also gave them another chance and so instead of terminating his Metrobank credit card, he kept it too.) The Officer transferred me to another Officer In-charge on online access and we agreed that she will send me through a text message my new secure access key. Which to date, have not been received. :(

About a couple of months ago, I used this card to pay for an appliance. Before the bill came, an agent called and said, they will offer a balance transfer so I will have a fix very little interest for six months. He said I only have to pay the minimum amount for this month's bill because they will not consider it for the balance transfer. If I agree to the balance transfer, I won't incur finance charges anymore as long as I'll pay the fixed monthly payment. The finance charge, (if there will be) will only be calculated base on the future purchases. It was a nice offer and I said, why not. So I did what he told me and only paid a little more than the minimum amount.

This afternoon came the new billing statement. I was surprised to see a finance charge. I then called their customer care and she told me that the balance transfer was not considered as a payment thus I will still get a finance charge, but only for the first month. I was promised a no-finance charge billing statement, so I'm more than disappointed. The lady on the other line was apologizing for the misinformation, but this is my money I'm giving this bank, because they misinformed me. Had I known, I may have not agreed to their offered promo, or I could have paid more than what he said and did not use my card until the next statement, so the finance charge won't be as much as it is.

I told the agent to take note of my complains, so it will be recorded and hopefully they will be careful next time to their other clients. To me, since I have agreed to this six month installment thing, I will just continue this and terminate this card later. (Labsy also is very much considering to terminate his as well) and perhaps withdraw my deposit accounts in the bank as well (they are not much, but it's something I worked hard for)...

To some, a thousand is just as much as a centavo, but to most hard working people, a thousand would not be a thousand if there is a missing centavo... So when you promise a good service, try to live up to that promise, because to "regular work force", more often than not, that's one if not the only thing we look forward to and we cannot tolerate to be bullied and betrayed...

Our Papo's Day

2011-06-20T14:23:00.003+08:00

Normally, we don't celebrate Father's Day. Because on a "normal sit", our Papo is onboard some ship in the other parts of the world. Yesterday, he's home! Sadly, my three brothers aren't. So I'm the only child he has for the day.

Him and mom went out early to catch the 2nd Sunday Mass, but me and Labsy went out earlier to participate in the iRun for Rizal fun run in celebration of the National Hero's Day. Well, Labsy ran, while me walked around to catch a photo moment of the runners as they strive while having fun with friends toward the finish line...

Labsy, will be very work-busy during the day, so my intentions of going to the beach won't be possible. Instead, after the run, we met up with Mamo and Papo and went to the market to relived the tsokolate and puto-maya breakfast moments. I miss the taste every now and then, so it was perfect after my walk. ;)

After the breakfast, while Mamo and Papo went to buy something, me and Labsy sneaked up to buy a bouquet of flowers. We don't normally give flowers to guys, but I figured, it would be funny yet perfect to convey our love and appreciation to Papo.

After a little rest at home, Labsy head to the office, while me, Mamo and Papo went to do a little errand for Nonots (bro). But before that, it was near lunch time, so we stopped for lunch at Ahfat Seafood Plaza first (JP Laurel Ave., Davao City, Victoria Plaza's parking area). It was a very full seafood meal (Green soup, Crabs in spicy salt and fried lapu-lapu in sweet and sour sauce) and it was indeed a day with an occasion, since almost all tables were marked reserved already, we're lucky to have came early, we got the one last unreserved table available.

After lunch, we drove to Abreeza Mall then to LandCo Bldg for the errand thing. Then off to three big hardware stores (City, Wilcon and Express) to check out some tiles, since there's an on going construction at home. After a long afternoon of hopping from one hardware to another, we finally have the tiles we want, which numbers we want is available as well.

Because of a very full lunch or maybe we were engrossed with the tiles picking and design matching, we missed snacks. It was almost 5PM, when we thought, instead of having snacks, we might as well have an early dinner. So, we fetched Labsy, and went to Ayang's (Araullo St.) for a superb dinner buffet. At first, we initially wanted to go to Rancher Grill, but I figured, buffet would be best to have a variety of food and desserts. I picked Ayang's, since among four of us, all three of them haven't been there yet.

We arrived there a quarter before 6PM, so not all food are ready, but the appetizers were. So we started with it while waited for the main course. They had a variety of appetizers, three we perfectly enjoyed was the egg salad, kinilaw and fried chicken skin. They had veggies and salad dressings too for vegetarians. ;)

Later came the main course, they had clam soup, beef, fish fillet, shrimp, lengua, kare-kare, sotanghon and crabs in cheese sauce. So we dig in. We were so full, but we left a space for the dessert. They had ube jam, puto/rice cakes w/ grated coconut, fresh fruits like pomelo, pineapple and watermelon, fruit salad, macaroni salad, buko pandan, mango float, tiramisu (I'm not sure though), brownies and leche flan.

All of us agreed we had a very delicious meal. We stayed a couple of hours and chit-chat while munching on the desserts.

It was a full day and I'm so glad I have my Papo to spend Father's Day with... Let's celebrate the presence of the important people in our lives and cherish each moment we have them...

Come Again to "Camiguin"

2011-06-16T14:28:00.072+08:00

On our way to Camiguin

One of the near tourist destinations from Davao City is the Camiguin Island. I have been attempting to visit the place for quite a very long time now, unfortunately, time and company were in question. But alas! Last May 19-22, I, together with bro Nots, Helen and Labsy, got that chance of a lifetime, and did not miss it for all we care! :))

Our Camiguin escapade was finally realized. I prepared a 5-itinerary for bro to choose from. Plan A was a Camiguin-Cagayan adventure, Plan B was Camiguin-Iligan-Cagayan, Plan C was Camiguin-Iligan, Plan D was Camiguin only and Plan E was Siargao-Camiguin getaway. Out of 5, bro chose Plan D, he said, it's the only Plan that is not in a hurry. Well, he wanted more of a vacation, not a sight seeing adventure he said. Okay then, fine with the rest of us.

White Island take-off point

We planned to leave Davao City on May 18 at 10:00 PM, unfortunately, not all of us were prepared enough and Labsy wasn't feeling so good as well, so we decided to leave the following morning and catch the 4:00 AM trip. Consequently, instead of arriving early morning of May 19 and reaching Benoni Port of Camiguin through Paras Fastcraft by 10:30 AM, we opted for the Cagayan-Balingoan-Benoni Route.

Below is our revised (actual IT if you must know... :D)

May 19 (THU) CAGAYAN-CAMIGUIN

3:30 - Arrival at Ecoland Terminal

4:00 - Bus ride bound to Cagayan

- Php 500

12:00 - Arrival in Cagayan/Lunch @ Mang Inasal

14:00 - Bus Butuan Route, alight at Balingoan Terminal

- Php 143

15:30 - Arrival at Balingoan Terminal

- Tricycle bound to Balingoan Port

- Php 7

16:15 - Shuttle Ferry (RoRo) to Benoni Port

- Php 170

18:30 - Check-in @ Paguia’s Cottages

- Php 1,200 good for four

- Php 400 for the multi-cab from the Port

18:30 - Dinner and Paras Beach Resort

- Php 150 entrance fee for non-stay-in (consumable)

White Island

The big part of our first day was basically the trip from Davao to our hotel/cottage in Camiguin, which we were lucky enough to find one room available. Camiguin has become more and more famous that many tourists are visiting the place and it's getting harder to find a place to stay that's not going to be a problem in the budget.

Picnic breakfast at White Island

When we arrived at the Port, we rented a multi-cab for Php 400 from Benoni Port to Mambajao town to check the possible resorts or inns we may stay in. After a few turns and inquiries, we found a cottage/room at Paguia's Cottages, just walking distance from the take-off point going to the White Island.

Sto. Niño Cold Spring

Dinner came and we were so hungry and definitely glad that Paras Beach Resort was just around the corner. So we went in, paid for the entrance fee, found our table and ordered for dinner. The resort seemed to have prepared for only a few, we only saw two (2) crews taking and placing our orders.

Katibawasan Falls

The drinks came early, but the meal didn't. It took them more than an hour to deliver our orders, maybe they only have one cook too at the time being. And to add insult to injury, they delivered the wrong food, that instead of seafood termidoile (I'm not sure if I got the spelling right), they gave us a tenderloin steak. We asked how did this happen and what should they do about it, but they only left us to wait. We started eating yet didn't touch the steak. After a few minutes of waiting, we called and ask, what now how long will our real order be ready. And the crew just said that he did not place a replacement order or something. Like nothing's wrong. To our dismay, since they almost sounded the same, and we were too hungry to wait for another hour, so we dig in. Saddest part is, we never heard them say sorry... With good but heavy hearts, we let it pass....

J&A Fishpen

Before dinner, we went for a little stroll and was quite amazed with the resort, we considered transferring for the next night. They have amenities like swimming pool, billiard halls and others. So we thought of getting in touch with their receptionist/front desk officer after dinner. But because of what happened, we didn't even looked at their brochures anymore... :(

May 20 (FRI) CAMIGUIN (TOUR)

5:30 - Walk to White Island take-off point

6:00 - Arriving at White Island thru Paguia’s own boat

- Php 400.00 for two way

7:30 - Breakfast at White Island

9:00 - Back to the Hotel to change

9:30 - Off to the tour via multi-cab

- Php 1,500

10:00 - Katibawasan Falls

12:30 - Sto. Niño Cold Spring

- Lunch

14:30 - Old Church Ruins

16:00 - Ardent Hot Spring

15:20 - Sunken Cemetery

15:35 - Walkway

16:30 - Ardent Hot Spring

18:00 - Back to the Hotel

8:30 - Dinner at Luna Ristorante

Helen & Nots @ Old Church Ruins

The second day was amazing, we enjoyed too much picture taking and hanging out, especially at the Old Church Ruins, the place was quite picturesque. The day was almost perfect except for a little concerning stop-over at Ardent Hot Spring. We arrived there at around 4:00 PM and stayed there for only about an hour. Why too soon? Because we were bitten by the mosquitoes. I have quite a few bite marks on my feet, face and back. And the saddest part is, they went into my eyes too, thrice! We could have stayed longer, but I just couldn't tolerate those mosquitoes. Thanks to Helen, we now call her "the mosquito slayer", she was into mosquito haunt on me... (LOL)

Sunken Cemetery

We started our tour day with a swim at White Island with breakfast by the beach, (picnic style), and ended it with dinner at Luna Ristorante, where wifi was available. While dining, bro said, if we dined there a night before, we could have had a better dinner. But I told him, if we went to Luna Ristorante a night before, this night would have been at Paras, it might have ended differently, but, it just might still. There's nothing we can do, since that kind of detail on Paras didn't came up during my research. :( But anyways, the most important thing is, the 2nd day was a blast!

May 21 (SAT) CAMIGUIN-CAGAYAN

7:30 - Check-out got a multi-cab

- Php 400 (from hotel to Vjandep to Mantigue Island take off point)

8:00 - Breakfast at Vjandep

9:30 - Going to Mantigue Island

- Php 500 (two way)

- http://www.silent-gardens.com/camiguin-mantigue.php

10:00 - Arriving at Mantigue Island

14:30 - Lunch at J & A Fishpen

18:30 - Shuttle Ferry back to Balingoan

- Php 170

20:00 - Bus back to Cagayan

22:00 - Check-in at Louise Inn

22:30 - Dinner at Chowking

Walkway to the Station of the Cross

Third day came and it was snorkeling day! Not many tourists included going to Mantigue Island, but we did. We checked out early, went to Vjandep for some breakfast, bought a few pastel boxes, went straight to Mantigue Island take off point, and looked forward for a more fascinating day with the ocean ahead.

Ardent Hot Spring

We brought snorkeling gears with us so that saved us, Php 50 each for the rent. Before snorkeling, a tourist guide went with us to stroll the island and check out some trees and big bats along the way.

Unfortunately, it wasn't a season for the turtles egg laying/hatching, so we weren't able to check that out, our guide mentioned it's around August. After the island tour, he showed us the way to the nicest underwater place in the island. I particularly like the what they call the table-coral and the blue star fish. Finally, we ended our Camiguin adventure with a nice, fresh and very full meal at J & A Fishpen.

Vjandep

May 22 (SUN) CAGAYAN-DAVAO

8:00 - Breakfast at Jollibee

9:00 - Bus back to Davao

- Php 500

17:00 - Home sweet home

Mantigue Island

Our 4:00PM from Benoni Port to Cagayan Port was cancelled, so we bought tickets for the 6:15PM Benoni-Balingoan trip instead. Since there was a change of schedule, we arrived in Cagayan around 9:30 PM. The last air-conditioned bus trip to Davao leaves at 10:00 PM, so we did not board that trip since we were still very exhausted and haven't had dinner yet, so we were kind-of hungry as well.

Bats at Mantigue Island

We looked for a place to stay for the night, unfortunately, there was going to be a some sort of exam, so most of the hotels and inns were fully booked. Our last hope that was suggested by one of the inns we went to, King Louie's Inn for Php 350.00 per room. It was okay for the night and we were too hungry to find another, so we hop in.

We freshen up a bit and went out to take dinner at Chowking, Divisoria branch. That branch of Chowking was one memorable place for me and my officemates, way back 2006, so we dined in and I told that super funny story and left bro, Helen and Labsy having stomach cramps for laughing.

We strolled a bit, went back to the inn and retired for the night. We were definitely too tired to stay out longer, but we had a great time hanging out with some lauriat with it. We woke up the following day, went for a full Jollibee breakfast and started our way back home...

It's nice to know that a place pretty amazing to us is not too far from home, thus we should, and we have, taken the chance to explore the beauty of nature and life...

And as we do this, we may encounter a not-so-good adventure side effects, but that we can let go, since we have not only added another good place in our hearts, but another memory to cherish with our loved ones... :) Happy Living!

Why NOT take thy life?

2011-06-15T13:58:00.002+08:00

Everyone gets into the most undesirable position in life. It's relative, yes, but it's also true. We sometimes end up saying, "it's better to die than to live" or "I am better dead than suffer" or "I'd rather die than see them happy". But hey, why would we want to take our life? Because we're not happy? Will we be if we would? Some would say, we won't, but we won't suffer with the pain either. Some would say, taking one's life would make the people we left suffer and that's important.

But do we have any idea how indispensable are we? That when we take our life, the rest of the world, will still move on. Oh, yes, they will mourn for our death, they will say the nicest words we can think of, in eulogy or during the wake. That we are a lost to them. And yes, they will come visit our grave every year for the first five years maybe, but after that, everyone will move on. They won't even mention you in any conversation.

So, will it be worth it? Friends will continue schooling, get a job, get married, have kids and be merry. Family will gather on the date you left every year, but they will continue to celebrate every graduation, fiesta, wedding, christening and all the events that come their way as well. All of which, we can never be part of anymore.

Well, those are the consequences... But will they overrule the reason? Maybe, maybe not, but I hope we will find a better reason, not to... And know that no matter what happens to anyone, the rest of the world will continue to move, walk or run away from the past towards the future life nobody is certain, but I'm sure it's something everybody looks forward to...