Anawangin Cove, Zambales

This was supposed to be an Anawangin, Capones and Camara Island Hopping getaway! But due to unexpected bad luck, we only had the chance to enjoy Anawangin. (sigh. :c )

Early February 2011, our college barkada started to plan about having a summer out-of-town trip. A lot of suggestions were given and after considering our budget and accessibility of the places, we opted to go to Anawangin, Zambales.

There were a lot of ads in the internet offering packages trip to Anawangin (just google it) and it includes transportation, foods, drinks, tour guides, tents, etc. Pinoy Caravan and anawangintourpackagezambales.blogspot  to name few. Sepo contacted Pinoy Caravan, the same package that their college batch dealt with. We were supposed to book with them, but Sepo asked feedbacks. And according to some of their friends who availed the package, it didn't meet their expectations. The foods weren't enough they said. So we decided to do the trip in D.I.Y (do it yourself) way.

The Pinoy Caravan's Package costs 2,000 PHP/pax, but I think we spent less than that on our DIY Anawangin Trip. We divided the "things to bring" with the group, as well as some foods and drinks and just paid each damage on the same day of our tour. Sepo contacted a van rental, while myself searched for the boat rental over the internet. I was happy when I found out about Kuya Jr, he offered 200/pax + 50/pax PHP for Camara and Capones side trips. He's got the cheapest rate among those I contacted. He also provided us the tents and a casserole. All were set! And we were all excited! ^__^

La Luz Labas - Laiya, Batangas

This trip was organized by my Sepo. ^__^ He coordinated with his fellow (PLDT - Mtp. & Alabang) FSEs and came up with this two days and one night fun-filled summer getaway!

First week of April, Sepo and his colleagues came up with the idea of having an out-of-town trip. He searched over the internet and found out about La Luz Beach Resort, San Juan, Batangas. We were on a tight budget and we felt that it would be too much for all of us if we decide to book in that resort. For the reason that, the resort requires each person to pay 1,100 PHP for a food package for an overnight stay. Additionally, we also have to pay for the accommodation, transportation and other expenses. 

On Sepo's further research, he came across another La Luz. But it says, La Luz Labas? ("labas" means outside) It was a cluster of Nipa Huts (cottages) which was literally outside of La Luz Beach Resort's property. Sepo discovered that it was managed by a lady named Aling Ely. So he contacted Aling Ely and made a reservation.

Aling Ely was kind and very accommodating. She answered every query Sepo asked. So we're done with the accommodation, as well as the transportation, we would use Jhun's van and Archelle's suv. No need to pay any rentals, just for the gasoline. For the foods, they divided the responsibilities of preparing for those who were capable of, ehehe. I was assigned to do pork and tofu for pulutan and marinated pork liempo. 

April 12, Tuesday, the day it was! Me and Sepo together with Archelle, James, Riza, and Tristan came from Cavite and meet Jhun, Girlie with son Kiel, Bryan, Red, Caloy and Dags at Muntinlupa. Then we traveled to Batangas for about two hours.

Its not that difficult to find the place. Just follow La Luz Beach Resort's direction, ehehe. You will pass by La Luz Labas first before the entrance of La Luz Beach Resort which is at the top of a hill. You just have to ask and look for Aling Ely. She's a well-known person in the area.

Aling Ely manages the cottages in the area. There were fan and airconditioned rooms. The one we got was a two-storey nipa hut with one airconditioned room (two beds - a queen size and a double bed). It has one toilet, a dining table and a mini kitchen. You will not worry about the cooking utensils and other kitchen materials, Aling Ely got it all for you! ^_^ We paid 4,500 PHP for the cottage plus free use of the cottage with two rooms fronting the beach, good deal! 

Everyone seemed to enjoy everything about Aling Ely's, La Luz Labas! 

Bicol Day 3 - Legaspi City

This was our last day in Bicol. We planned in waking up earlier than 5am for us to be able to arrive at Legaspi before 7am (I've learned that the majestic Mayon Volcano hides with the clouds when it gets late in the morning). But because of laziness, we prepared late.

From Mama Fe's house, we rode a jeepney going to Sorsogon City at 7 PHP/each. Then when we got there, we took a van (80 PHP/each), travel time of one hour. On our way to Legaspi, luckily, we witnessed how awesome Mayon is! I got amazed on its perfect-cone shape! She said hi! ^__^ And I was grateful!

We talked to the driver and negotiated to accompany us at the famous Cagsawa Ruins. Kuya was very kind and said yes. It was not allowed for them to have sidetrips, he said. But maybe Kuya needed money badly, ehehe. 

When we reached Cagsawa Ruins we paid 10 PHP/each for the park's entrance fee and a parking fee of 20 PHP. We didn't see Mayon Volcano's perfect cone, as what I expected she got shy and hid. So then, we just had photo opps without the postcard perfect Mayon, sigh. :(

Our flight was at 1:15pm. It was still past the hour of ten, but we didn't wanted to be late at check-in again. So after some picture-taking at Cagsawa Ruins, and buying some "pasalubongs" we hurriedly went through the airport. 

We ate lunch at the canteen beside the airport and ordered combo meals. 2 viands (meat and vegies) + rice + drinks for 100 PHP, was not bad though. 

After eating, we proceeded inside the airport to check-in. We were very early when we knew that our flight was delayed due to airport congestion! Haha! But we waited patiently. :)

And at long last! After so may hassles and hindrances along our journey, my siblings Teban and Memer's dream to ride a plane came true! Haha! They were very happy and glad! They both seated beside the window.

All the hardships and difficulties was worth it, as I saw those smiles on my siblings, Pap and Sepo's faces. 'Till our next Bicol Trip! So long Bicol! We shall return!

Bicol Day 2 - Mapaso Hot Spring (Part 3)

Mapaso in Bicol literally means, hot.

After our zestful lunch and vivacious visit at Lake Bulusan, we continued our journey. We were supposed to go to Mateo Hot and Cold Spring, that's the one on my itinerary's list of interest, but our driver said it was closed. Then they suggested going to Mapaso Hot Spring in San Benon, Irosin!

We entered a narrow street (which I think more or less 10 meters away from the main road) going to Mapaso Hot Spring, as in super narrow! Good thing our jeep was not that big. Then we passed by a cockpit. A lot of people were looking at us. I felt like a celebrity, haha! The route was bumpy. We even came across a parched stream. They said it was maybe a lahar pathway, where volcanic water and mud flowed. Well, what do you expect, it's located just at the foot of Bulusan Volcano.

Later on, after passing through rough roads, we arrived safely at Mapaso Hot Spring. We paid an entrance fee of 20 PHP/pax. 

I took a shower first and immediately dipped onto the pool. It was soothingly hot. There were three unique man-made pools with different depth. The water was naturally from Mt. Bulusan. Soaking at the pool was comforting, what a relief!

Staying there was all worth it!

After hours of swimming and relaxing at the pools, suddenly rain showered. Ughhh, I felt that was a blessing.

Before it got dark, we went home. And this ended our last day of adventure in Sorsogon!

Bicol Day 2 - Bulusan Lake (Part 2)

It was a one hella trip! Surpassed some unpaved roads, lots of zig-zag paths and cliffs. We even passed a narrow road going up to the lake with gorge at the side. But still, we were relieved by the sceneries and views that we witnessed. And it was remarkable!

Unluckily (again?!), because of the difficult and mazy roads that we've been through, the jeep's engine got overheated. So we had a stop over, near a mini water fall. ^_^ 

Upon arriving at the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park made me shiver! It was cold! They have an entrance fee of 10 PHP/pax. 

We ate lunch near the lake, we just spread our things and foods at the floor even without a mat or something, ehehe (cowboys/girls!). It was fun! ^__^ Though we didn't had a lot of foods (it was just enough for less than 20 people), all of us had a full stomach! It really feels good and can boost an appetite sharing foods with more people.

After eating and plenty of photo opps, we left the park, smiling ^__^. I'm loving Bicol more and more!