My Nature Adventures

Manila Bay Cruise-Manila, Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000

It’s the second time that we booked a cruise from Sun Cruises. The first one was when we visited the island of Corregidor. Cruising Manila Bay at night was relaxing specially if being serenade by the live band. The food was great by there were few choices but nevertheless we enjoyed the cruise. It’s worth the time and effort of booking the cruise. View of Manila at night is a great way of enjoying the night.

Sampaguita Gardens Resort-New Washington, Aklan, Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:55:00 +0000

My sister was in Aklan years ago but she didn’t visit Sampaguita Garden Resort because she and her group’s schedule were too hectic. That’s why when we planned to go to Boracay, we took the flight going in and out of Kalibo. Before going back to Manila we dropped by in Sampaguita Garden Resort. It was a nice experience because Christmas Carols greeted us as we enter the gate to think that it was not Christmas, the song was Silent Night. I love the merriment of Christmas even it’s already commercialized.

The resort theme is a year round Christmas. It was conceptualized by Samuel John Butcher, an American artist and creator of Precious Moments artworks. When I was teenager I used to buy precious moments greeting cards. Everywhere I could see Christmas ornaments. The entrance was 50 pesos consumable, which can be used to buy souvenirs and there was an entrance fee of 10 pesos to visit the Jojos’s Chistmas Cottage Museum of Christmas, where there were display of different sizes of Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Christmas wreath and many more. My eyes were mesmerized by the Christmas ornaments and decorations.

I love the view of the sea from the back of the building of the resort. The sound of the waves made me calmed and relaxed. There is a spa inside the resort to enjoy more one’s stay. And the one that caught my attention was the Sampaguita Gardens Academy, which offers practical short terms courses like housekeeping, household services, barista course. This academy has TESDA accreditation.

All Terrain Vehicle Ride in Boracay Island

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Every time we went out of our hotel there were hawkers offering activities, such as watersports, sightseeing, trekking, and a lot more. We wanted to try parasailing in Boracay but we couldn’t because the wind was strong that day. We were waiting for the wind to calm but unfortunately we were not lucky that day. Then we thought of trying the ATV ride since we didn’t try it yet. ATV ride is not allowed on the seashore of the beach to preserve the powdery and white sand. After talking to a lot of hawkers, we decided to go for Neo, a native of Bulacan. He is a nice guy oriented us about Boracay. He gave us a fair price for the ATV ride 400.00 pesos plus entrance fees for Tanawin Luxury apartment 60.00 pesos and Everland Aviary Farm 50 pesos. In that tours package the ride to the place where we would have a briefing on how to ride an ATV was included so we didn’t have to find a tricycle to transport us. He has no hidden charges. Those who want to experience Boracay Activities; you can contact him +639197317901.

Usually one should have a driver license to drive but in this island, one can even have no license and I am one of those. Before the ride there was a briefing, a waiver to sign and a test drive.

This tour is to see the highest peak of Boracay, the scenery was breathtaking, and the breeze was cold. The first stop was Everland Aviary Farm to see a plethora of Tropical birds and butterflies. In this farm guests can hold the wings of a bat, it was fun but at first I was scared. Then we proceed to Tanawin Luxury Apartment, where the whole Boracay Island can be seen.

Banchetto in Ortigas

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 05:41:00 +0000

It’s been awhile that we were planning to experience Banchetto. We didn’t know that it is located just on the place where our niece residing. She invited us to her place then we tried it.

Banchetto is an Italian word means feast. In deed it’s a feast, where we found a wide array of food ready to eat. Mostly stalls are cooking their food to be sold right there, in front of the customers. There are native delicacies from different provinces that can be found there. International cuisines are there.

At first the target market was the growing population of call center agents in the place. It is now a tourist attraction in the place, every Friday night till Saturday morning it is open. A certain portion of the road is closed. One should wear a casual clothes and comfortable shoes because there are a huge number of people and couldn’t easily pass thru. At the end of line of stalls there are tables and chairs but usually there is no vacancy so be ready to eat on the side of the road or eat standing anywhere that you can. There is a live band that makes the night lively.

When we reached the end of the stalls we were already perspiring but it was fun….new experience!

Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Boracay Island is one of the best beaches around the world. It is located in Malay, Aklan, Philippines part of Panay Island, Visayan Region. It can be reached thru airplane via Kalibo, Aklan or Caticlan, Aklan, or thru Roll on-Roll off, (via ship) program by the Philippine’s tourism. The place is perfect for vacation to get away from the busy life. The shoreline is long; the sand is pristine and powdery. There are hotels that can accommodate one’s budget, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Night life on the island is perfect from Station 1 to Station 3 different kinds of entertainment. During the day there are water activities that one can enjoy such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, rift-walking or known as helmet diving, parasailing, banana boat ride, flying fish, island hopping, all-terrain vehicle riding and a whole lot more. The island is secured; the police visibility is around the clock. Different cuisines can be found on the island. Automated teller machines are available too. One can really enjoy the stay on this island like I did. January is one of the perfect months to stay on the island because not that congested, and can make one really relax the vacation.

Bangui Windmill, Bangui, Ilocos Norte

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Bangui Bay windmill is the first commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia. It is one of the tourist attraction in this Part of the country, Ilocos Norte. Aside from enjoying the sight of the windmills, the place is stunning because of the clean shoreline and the mountains on the side. Tourists can find souvenir items on this place.

Ati-atihan Festival 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:01:00 +0000

It’s the mardi gras of the Philippines, one of the grandiose, beautiful and spectacular festivals in the country. The festival originated when Atis, native, black, kinky haired, short people asked food or help from the lowland people every time they gave help the Atis would dance. To honor the Atis those people from the lowland would paint their faces with black paints. Ati-atihan means make believe to be Ati. When the Spaniards came, the Sto. Nino was incorporated, that’s why now adays one can see people dance while the images of the infant Jesus are on their hands. There are other celebrations in the country similar to this festival.

NABCA CAVE – Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Sat, 15 May 2010 05:19:00 +0000

It’s the first time that I explored a cave that most of the course I had to crab walk and crawl. This cave has different species like bats, crablets, shrimp, spider and a lot more. At first it was exciting do the crab walk. The entrance was so small and short that one should do the crab walk, one by one in entering the cave. After almost more or less 50 meters of crab walk there was a 20 meters of area where everyone can stand. The stalactite and stalagmites are not that amazing like the ones in Sagada but the thrill was more on crawling in entering and going out of the cave. There is a cave connection where the explorer can go out in a mountain. Mostly those who explore this cave that path are omitted because the course has stagnant water and the passage is so small smaller than the one in the entrance. It is the part that has to craw till one goes out of the cave. Those who have claustrophobia should not enter this cave. But we decided to try and experience how to crawl in a short and small with stagnant water path so we did the course. I experienced to be tensed because there was a part where when I insert my head in the path that has water, I had to submerge my face just to pass. Our tour guides lacked of flashlight so I couldn’t see clearly the path. Nevertheless I enjoyed that part it’s a different experience.
After the trek we had a refreshing buko (young coconut) juice. And it made us more refresh and enjoy the place.

Emorhruo Beach Resto Bar-Evangeline Beach Resort, Pagudpud, Saud Cove, Brgy. Burayoc, Ilocos Norte

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Wed, 05 May 2010 07:00:00 +0000

We were exploring and enjoying Saud Beach, there were lots vendors near the shoreline, tattoo booths and restaurant and bars. Actually there was a bikini open on that night that’s why mostly restaurants along the beach were fully book. We found the Emorhruo Resto Bar by Evangeline Beach Resort but the tables on the main part of the restaurant were reserved for their guests instead we were offered a table near were the people would usually pass by so we refused. So we looked for some restaurant that would accommodate 10 people in a table but unfortunately all the restaurants were fully booked. While we were on our way back to the rest house one of the crew told us that one of the tables in the main restaurant was vacant.
The restaurant was nice although the service was so slow maybe because there were many guests. The seafood was fresh. What I like most among the food we ordered was the chopseuy, it was so yummy, and the vegetables were crunchy. Great food.
There was a band playing that night and it was the first time I heard and saw a band playing Christian songs instead of the usual, R & B, jazz, rock and the likes. It’s very unusual to see a band in bar playing Christian songs. It was a different experience.

Henna Tattoo - Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 07:33:00 +0000

Delia's BF Initial..why not?

Lisa's Tribal Tattoo

When we get tired of swimming and playing, we decided to explore Saud Beach. While walking the long shoreline, our attention was caught by the booths of the Henna tattoo artists. Then some of us decided to try it. We were all first timers. I saw some henna tattoo artists on some beaches that we were but didn’t try them. This time I tried it. It was fun. I chose flying butterfly design and let it be tattooed on my right shoulder.

My Beautiful Flying Butterfly

The Tattoo Ladies

Saud Beach, Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:35:00 +0000

After we reached the guest house, we freshen up and toke a nap. Before the sun set we went to Saud Beach. It has an entrance fee of P20.00 per person. There were cottages for rent but we opted not to have one because we wouldn’t stay long in the beach. The beach has a long shore line, pristine and fine sand. But there are portion of the sand in the water itself that is rocky, one should be careful. One of our companions, had cuts on her foot. Nevertheless we enjoyed our swimming, played with waves, toke pictures and enjoyed the place and the companionship itself. Our tour guide told us that we should wait for the sun to set because it could be captured as if the sun would be on one’s palm or head. Can be a subject for a nice sun set pictures but that afternoon the sun was shy before it set, it was covered by the clouds. We were sort of frustrated but still our experience there was great and fabulous.

Rock Formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:43:00 +0000

After long hours of travelling, seems endless road, but fresh air and green surroundings, our tour guide dropped us at a beautiful rock formations. So refreshing, my energy was revived and felt that I was ready to explore the place. But our tour guides didn't explain that we had to trek few minutes to see the rock formations hidden in that place, the white rock formations. He was thinking that we were in a hurry to reach the house, where we were going to stay to freshen up and relax from that long hours of trip. We were almost 14 hours on the road before we reached the village, Saud, Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte. For sure we are going to visit Ilocos Norte again someday. There were still places to go to visit like the falls and the caves, which we didn't explore because of the limited time. Till then Ilocos!

Summer Time

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Panoramic View from the top of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Baluarte Zoo, Vigan

The weather is so hot and humid. Students are on break. Malls, parks and beaches are full of people. During this time, its really nice to go out of the metropolis and be in a place, where one could relax and enjoy. It’s been a while that I was planning to explore the north part of the Luzon Island. Local and foreign tourists are usually go to the southern part of the Philippines, especially Boracay in Panay Island and the blooming tourist destination Bicol Region, one of those is the Caramoan Peninsula. Finally I and my sister’s coworkers and friends went to Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. The experience was really fabulous, awesome and fun. I love the experience; it’s a tour that combined the history and the heritage of my race.

Paoay Lake

We booked a tour of 10 persons with The Three Honeys Van. It concluded the transportation and accommodation. Entrance fees and food were shouldered by us. We enjoyed the road trip as well, seeing the landscape while passing the different towns and provinces. My companions were all game and ready to explore the place where we were. Early in the morning we got up early to prepare and get ready to enjoy the place and the day.

Cape Bojeador

Our driver was so accommodating. He served as our photographer, entertainer and guide. We had fun having him around. Thanks ate Rhea aka Roy. LOL. He was really fun to be with. He made our trip fun and lively.

Sagbayan Peak – Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

The one that captures my attention in Sagbayan are the statue of different toy characters and animals, which are huge and fun to look at. The viewing decks in this place are an attraction itself, which give one a 360 degree view of the chocolate hills. From this place the island of Cebu can be seen. The sea that separates Bohol and Cebu are really spectacular to look at.

Prony the Live Anaconda of Bohol – Sta. Filomena, Alburquerque, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Prony is a python, which is named after its captor. It is the biggest python in captivity in the province. Today it is being feed with live pig. Before it was feed with stray dogs but the animal kingdom federation, Inc., requested the mayor to stop the owners from feeding the python with dogs since it is a violation of the Animal Welfare act.
There is a donation box to help the owners to maintain the sanctuary.

Carmen Chocolate Hills-Carmen, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Bohol is famous for Chocolate hills and tarsiers. Carmen Chocolate Hills Development is one of the places that hard to resist enjoying and unleashed its beauty. The hills look like have similar sizes and shape. It’s really amazing how these hills have no trees just grasses during rainy seasons and they turn into brown during summer. In between hills are green ride fields, carabaos, coconut trees, etc.
Amazing place, amazing people!

Blood Compact Monument -Tagbilaran, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Touring Bohol is a delightful experience, communion with nature and glimpse of bits of the history of the Philippines. Blood compact in Bohol is one of the peace treaties between two nations of different races. On March 16, 1565, Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of the Spanish expedition and Datu Sikatuna, the chieftain of Bohol then, they sealed the friendship through blood compact. Blood compact was a native custom at that time where both parties draw drops of blood from their arms, mix the blood with wine and then equally drunk the mixture.

Boholanos consider this event as a very special and commemorate it with a yearly festival called “Sandugo”, which means “one blood” It’s a long month celebration, which starts every 22nd of July on the Bohol Day celebrations and extends it up to late August.

Simply Butterflies Conservation Center - Bilar, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Simply Butterflies Conservation Center is located in Bilar, Bohol. The goal of this conservation center is to protect and strengthen the natural environment of the butterflies. It aims to raise population of the butterflies in Bohol as well as to seek additional livelihood for the Boholanos.

Visiting this center will open your eyes to the colorful world of the butterflies. Its life cycle and life span. U can play and let the butterflies get near u. There is a picnic area inside the center, where the visitor can rest and eat before proceeding to the other tourist spots.

Baclayon Church-Baclayon, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion is also known as Baclayon Church. Located in Baclayon, Bohol. It is one of the most the most preserve stone churches in the Philippines. Considered as the oldest church in the Province of Bohol.
The church building has a dungeon where the violators of the Roman Catholic law was punished. It has an old convent with a small museum, where religious artifacts believed to be centuries old.

Rajah Sikatuna National Park-Bilar, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Rajah Sikatuna National Park is also known as Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape. It was declared as National Park under Proclamation No. 129 on July 10,1987. If you r a nature lover and bird watcher, this place is a haven for you. It is in Bilar, Bohol, the heart of the province.

Loboc Church-Loboc, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:52:00 +0000

The province of Bohol has one of the beautiful Churches in the Philippines. One of them is the St. Peter and Paul Parish church also known as Loboc Church. It is the second oldest Church in the province. The famous Loboc Children's Choir is raised and trained here. The style of the Church is Roman style. The Bell tower is more or less 100 meters away from the church. There is a 3-storey building attached to this Church, which the Loboc Museum can be found in the third floor. Religeous artifacts are there.

Visiting Churches in Bohol, one should wear something that would not show some skin. If you are wearing shorts or sleeveless, you will be given a shawl to cover your legs or your arms. But that shawl should be returned after visiting the church.

Loboc River - Loboc, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:51:00 +0000

One of the attractions in Bohol is the crusing on Loboc River. It's a cruise where one can experience the beauty of nature as well as the culture of the Filipinos. The food while on the cruise is unlimited. Native delicacies, fresh fruits, grilled foods, which would satisfy your appetite. While cruising there is a band serenading. And there are cruise stops, which local performers entertain the visitors. At the end of the river is the falls called Busay falls.
There is a cruise at night too, where u could experience the lights and dances of the fireflies.

Krus Na Daku (Big Cross) -Loboc, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Krus na daku is considered as the Mt. Sinai in Loboc, Bohol. During Holy Weeks Boholanos are commemorating the passion of Christ in this Mountain. Stations of the Cross are there the last station is the Krus na Daku, which stands on the top of the mountain. It takes an hour before reaching the top of the mountain.
The scenery at the top of it is the 360 degrees of the province of Bohol. From here you can see the beauty of nature. Refreshing and unwinding to rest after the trek. This cross can be seen while cruising the Loboc River. At night it has light.

Hanging Bridge at Sipatan River - Sevilla, Bohol

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Exploring Bohol is great, its like u enter a new paradise. The place is enchanting. Every town has its own place to share for everyone to enjoy the stay. U just have to rent a van or any for rent vehicle to tour around. One of the places that u should not miss is dropping by at the hanging bridge at Sipatan River. The fee for traversing the bridge is 10 pesos that is less than a dollar. Actually that fee is for maintaining the bridge. The capacity of the bridge is just 10 persons. Crossing the bridge is fun specialy when ur companions have fear of height and somebody would shake the bridge. Torture for them. The water of the river is not clear its like muddy one but the place has rich in vegetation. Fresh air. There are buko, which is perfect after the tiring experience of crossing the bridge. And there are sourvenirs for sale.

Kalamay - a Native Delicacy

noreply@blogger.com (Lakwatsera) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Filipino food is a fusion of different style and taste. We have unique taste and food. When I'm on trip I usually look for pasalubong or gift for my friends and loved ones left. I don't want to buy anything just to have pasalubong for them. Usually, native delicacies that are distinct can be found on that place or region. In Bohol there are many gift items for sourvernirs and pasalubong. One of the native delicacies that catch my attention is the kalamay. Kalamay is usually made of grind glutinous rice, sugar and coconut milk. But in Bohol it has flavor of peanuts and ube. Ube is a root crop. Ube means violet. The packaging of kalamay with peanut is unique they put it in a coconut shell. Perfect pasalubong for sweet tooth person. It's nice toeat when it is cold, can be served as dessert. Kalamay Ube is an ingredient too for halo-halo, which is a Filipino food too.