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!

Bicol Day 2 - Barcelona Church (Part 1)

On our 2nd day at Bicol, we had the chance to visit a very old church built in 1874, and it was renowned as Bicol's Oldest Baroque Church.

It was Thursday, March 31, 2011, our last day of adventure in Sorsogon. After we had breakfast and fixing things to be brought in our outing, we proceeded to our first destination, Barcelona in Sorsogon!

Our intention was just to have some photo sessions like this;

One embarrassing moment happened to me while we were having our photo opps! Shyness!

We didn't stay long, after our picture-taking we headed to Bulusan.

Bicol Day 1 - Paguriran Island

It was a bright morning! We woke up early though we didn't get enough sleep. Mama Fe told us that we're quite lucky because it was raining everyday in the past few days. What a very good start! ^__^

pangkoreanovela.. ^__^ 

We stroll around the place, went to "burabod" (downside part of a hill where they used to fetch water) then after we had a fresh buko juice session! Oh man, this is life! ^__^ . Our feet headed us to my cousins house maybe 200 meters away from Mama Fe's crib. It's so nice to roam around and bring back the old days!

gala mode

my hubby with my bro

@ Burabod - The water which  flows here is from the mountain nearby, 
its definitely clean and natural.

my siblings goofing around

my Pap and my bro, making an improvised spoon to get the buko meat

sarap lang! ^_^

Pap's already compromised with a friend who owned a jeepney. So after we ate lunch, we en route to our first stop, Paguriran Island! Yey!

It turned gloomy that afternoon, but didn't rain. We passed by a market and bought some snacks and drinks. We travel around 45 minutes going to Paguriran from Payawin. There was an entrance fee, cottage rental and parking fee at the beach resort, but I forgot how much, ehehe..

my brothers, going to Paguriran

Paguriran at last!

The waves were a bit strong. We talked to a boatman and negotiated for the boat rental. Because we were hesitant to walk through the waters going to the islets. He offered us 200 PHP, we kept on haggling but the boatman didn't agreed. Suddenly, we saw a group of people in the island. How did they get there? They walked! So it was feasible! No need for a boat! Though we were frightened by the waves, we immediately packed our cameras and tripod and we moved on.

It was, wow! ^__^ We explored the islets and took lots of pictures! We really enjoyed our stay at Paguriran!

Here's a trivia about Paguriran Island..

Just off the excellent white beaches of Barangay Buenavista in Bacon District, the little island can be reached by motorized banca, either from the Bacon District center which will take about 40 minutes ride, or from Buenavista itself, which will take just 20 minutes. The island itself is very picturesque, with a kind of lagoon at its center with the earth and craggy rock wall enclosing it, jutting upwards, much like a volcano crater. In the past, the lagoon used to be a sanctuary for giant sea turtles or pawikan. Residents say there are plans to restore the pawikan sanctuary. At present, the waters surrounding the island is Bacon’s marine sanctuary. (www.sorsogontourism.com)

We just chilled at the mini island, swam on its perimeter and at the lagoon, snorkell, and had lots of fun! ^__^ When we noticed that the waves were getting stronger, we decided to come back to the shore. 

Before it gets dark, we packed up our things and went home.

Part 2 - A Memorable Mixture of Excitement and Misfortunes

Our wait was over! March 29, Tuesday, we were all excited! I woke up at quarter to three in the morning and took a bath right away! I wake them up as well. We were all prepared. Then I asked each of them to dont forget their id's for airport security purposes, when my brother Daryl started to panic! Oh-oh! Due to his disorderliness and being forgetful, he doesn't know where his passport is! The one and only identification that he has! Five of us were searching. We looked at every corner of our house. Then after 30 minutes of searching, he found it on a laptop bag! Ntsk! It was almost 4am! We should be at the airport 45 minutes before our flight at 6am and we're coming from Cavite! Another panic mode came in! The key on the main door's missing! T_T huhu. I'm losing hope already.. They searched again for the key. Time check, 4:15am. To my dismay, I just went outside to call Sepo and update him on what's happening. Pap decided to just lack the main door and move on as we were really running out of time!

We hurriedly head ourselves to the airport. Imagine, we will just commute! Waaaaaah! It took us less than an hour going to Parañaque. We then took a cab going to the airport. Sepo kept on calling, and saying that we should hurry because the gate's will nearly close. Huhu..T_T We arrived at Terminal 3 at 5:30am. The check-in counter for our flight was closed! We were late 15 minutes, huhuhuhuhu! I was like teary-eyed that very moment. But I kept myself composed. I don't want to ruin this vacation. The lady in the counter advised us to go to the Cebu Pacific's office. So me and Sepo went there, I asked advise on what to do with our situation. He checked for re-booking. But OMG! We'll get a damage of almost 15k just for the re-booking fees! Hell no! So we went outside whimpering. 

All of us were gasping and saying, "sayang".. We were very upset and despaired. Nobody wanted it to happen, nobody should be blamed. So we came up to the decision of riding a bus instead. But that would take 9 hours.. whew! I was worrying about the van rental. I kept on communicating with Kuya JB all through out.

outside the airport while talking with Kuya JB (van owner in Legaspi)
if you are looking for a van rental in Bicol
contact him at 09085794753 / 09223686306 / 0524802338
he'll be a major major help!

spell B-A-D-T-R-I-P?

The story of our misfortunes didn't ended at the airport... We went to Pasay Philtranco Terminal. The schedule departure of bus going to Legaspi was at 11am, all of us don't want to wait for 5 hours. So we left Philtranco to try St. Jude Bus, they said they will leave at 9am. Thus, we went inside the bus and chose our sits. It was an ordinary bus, so it really feels hot! All were hungry. We haven't take breakfast yet. Good thing I've prepared egg sandwich and we just bought some drinks and some snacks to a convenient store nearby. We waited for almost two hours but it seems they would really want that bus to be full of passengers! I was still communicating with Kuya JB and he kept on giving advises just to continue the trip. He was very helpful and kind enough to understand our situation. Until I've decided to cancel the rental. :( Our Legaspi Tour was cancelled. huhu. T_T 

We can't wait any longer! It felt very uneasy! There's no Legaspi Tour for us, therefore, we decided to go directly to Sorsogon. So Pap told us to just transfer to Cubao Bus Terminal, hoping for a bus going straight to Sorsogon. 

Tired and exhausted! That's what we felt that time! So much of walking with our bags on, we felt like we were on an amazing race competition. In Cubao, we immediately rode a bus. Take note, there's only one bus left going to Sorsogon at 400 PHP each for the fare, ordinary bus! What's worst was that it will leave at 11am! Damn! Why we left Philtranco?! Huhu! T_T We just don't have a choice, but to stay and wait. I bought our lunch to the nearest fast food chain near the terminal.

It was almost 12 noon when the bus left Cubao. And it was past 12 midnight when we reached Sorsogon! We had I think, four stop overs. The bus wasn't comfortable at all! Before we knew it, there were no more jeepneys going to Gubat. Drivers had strike! The only choice was to ride a tricycle for 250 PHP. I just don't know who brought the bad luck on our trip, sigh..  Who wouldn't be disheartened with our misfortunes?!

One of our stop overs

staring at our supposed to be itinerary.. huhu.. T_T

After an exasperating and tiresome journey, we arrived at Mama Fe's house safe. Though our supposed to be  first day Bicol trip (Legaspi Tour) didn't happened, and our supposed to be first day in my itinerary became a disaster, we're still thankful to God. And looking forward for our next day's adventure!

@ Mama Fe's hammock
spell T-I-R-E-D? 

Part 1 - A Memorable Mixture of Excitement and Misfortunes

My father’s roots came from Bicol. He grew up in Gubat, Sorsogon until he decided to go and reside in Manila for college. We once lived in Bicol only for months when I was kid, but because my Pap’s and Ma’s work were in Manila, we left Gubat and we just go and visit every summer vacation. Our place in Bicol is a haven of relaxation and simplicity of life. That’s what I really miss most in our province.

Here's how it all started! That was October 10, 2010 (10-10-10), and Cebu Pacific's giving away promos of air tickets for just 10 PHP base fare! We hurriedly faced our computers and waited for 12MN (Philippine time) to grab some promos! I checked first MNLA-LEGASPI, and then we're booked right away! After Bicol, Sepo checked some destinations where he can treat his family, and ended in Cebu. Again, another jackpot! ^__^

Our confirmed e-ticket! ^__^ - see how cheap we got?! This ticket is for five person.

The date we booked was supposedly the date for Pap's family reunion (Holy Week 2011). Well, that's what I thought. 'Til we've found out later on that those dates were not. Waaaaaah! We booked the wrong dates! (Paktay!) We have no choice but to continue the trip, and it would be a waste of effort if we don't avail it. This was also my siblings Teban and Memer's first airplane ride.

My brother Daryl decided to go back to Philippines last January after staying two years in Doha. So, he wasn't really included in our trip's budget. The promo fares were done. We've waited, but nothing came. We have no choice but to purchase the regular fare of Cebu Pacific for my brother.

My bro's ticket, ang mahal.. sigh.. :( 

In addition to, we don't have yet our tickets going back to Manila. I checked Zest Air and they got a promo, but not as good as Cebu Pacific. We purchased our tickets online through Sepo's brother-in-law, Kuya Chad's credit card! (Thanks Kuya! ^__^) Then were done with the tickets! Yey! 

Good enough for six pax, ayt?

Our tickets costs 5,390.88 PHP back & forth, for six persons! Good deal huh?! ^^

Since then, I've been busy searching tourist spots near Sorsogon. Even though we're from Bicol, Me and my Pap haven't got much idea on where to go and enjoy, aside from the famous Rizal Beach and Masacrot Spring. 

Lakwatserong Tatay's blog was a big help! ^__^ Thank you Sir! This blog gave me lots of travel informations not just for Bicol, but as well as for other tourist destinations. His blog is very informative. After some researches and readings, I've came up to this itinerary,

Expenses ^_^

Tourist Spots

My own personalized itinerary. ^_^ 

Pretty much convincing huh? ^__^ The budget, tickets, itinerary, and I even contacted a van rental for our Legaspi tour, were all set! Excited much! My Pap already talked to his older sister, Mama Fe, and asked a favor to let us stay in their home for 3 days. And were just waiting for the said dates to come!

Summer 2011

One of the best summer I’ve ever experienced! As I am working abroad, every year we're allowed for a month vacation in our home country. And I chose to have it on summer (March-April) in the Philippines! Yehey! I’ve got so many plans and ideas for it to be memorable not just for me, as well as for Sepo and my family. Well, I did some research! ^__^ 

March 25 was my departure going to Manila. That was a hell of experience! Worst flight I’ve ever had for the past 3 years! Well, it was my fault though! Hehe! Choosing a connecting flight instead of a direct flight was really not a good idea! Anyway, what important was that I arrived in Manila safe and sound. ^__^

March 29, Bicol was on my number one list of places to visit. Unluckily, we faced so many hindrances on our way. But it didn’t stop us to enjoy our province more!

Cagsawa Ruins - Bicol

April 12, Batangas! My Sepo planned this trip. He coordinated with his fellow FSE and voila! It turned well. It was so nice meeting and mingling with his colleagues plus Jhun’s wife Girlie and son Kiel, and James’ girlfriend Riza. I definitely enjoyed their company!

La Luz Labas - Laiya, Batangas

April 16 was JoGan’s Day! ^___^ Hello Zambales! This is the bestest college barkada out-of-town trip ever! Though there were lots of flaws in our stay we managed to be appreciative with nature, laugh more and enjoy the moment with Iyot barkada.

Anawangin Cove, Zambales

April 19, Boracay ohw yeah! ^_^ It was supposedly the highlight of my vacation but due to my sudden change of mood, it turned to a-not-so-well holiday. My bad! ^_^ ehehe..

Puka Beach - Boracay, Aklan

Those trips made my vacation worth it and so memorable!

Palawan, We Shall Return!

Next to our Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour was our time to bid goodbye to the amazingly superb City of Puerto Princesa. Our flight going to Manila was at 7:35 PM.

at the van heading to Ren's pad

After the tour, we hurriedly went back to Renwick’s pad to take a bath and change clothes. Kuya Allan and the driver were kind enough to wait for us outside. When we’re finished, I took the chance to have a glimpse at Palawan State University, where Ren studies.

Palawan State University

We also went to a market where different kinds of “pasalubongs” can be purchased.

Our Palawan Trip was our first time travelling as a couple, which made it so unforgettable and memorable for the both of us. This also started our eagerness to travel and explore more of Philippines’ exemplary beautiful, and wonderful places that will make us more proud as a Filipino.

As of now, we are looking forward seeing more of Palawan’s paradise on its north part, like El Nido and Coron. For us to meet our desire on travelling, we need more cheap airfare. And I can say, Im a certified avid fan of Cebu Pacific’s promo fares. ^__^ Goodbye for now Palawan, we shall return!

Bye Puerto Princesa, see you soon!

Honda Bay - Island Hopping

Sepo and I woke up early and prepared our things as we were about to check out at Circon. Kuya Allan, with a driver fetch us and brought us at Renwick’s place. We left our things there and headed to Honda Bay together with Ren and Redge.

We travelled half an hour and reached St. Lourdes Wharf. Our driver and Kuya Allan left after they dropped us, they’ll just come back after our island hopping tour. We paid for the boat rental and some other fees. Afterwards, we went to a store near the cashier and rented snorkeling gears. We bought also bread for the fish feeding. 

@ the cashier, paying for our boat rental

Entrance fees at each island

paying for the bread

First stop was Star Fish Island. We just roamed around and looked for starfish! ^_^ Our boatman was kind enough to search for us much bigger starfish for picture purposes, then after the photo session we sent it back where they belong.

Sepo, me and Ren at Starfish Island

hindi ko po sila sinaktan, hinawakan ko lang po
at nagpapicture tapos ibinalik ko din po sa dagat.. ^__^ 

Next was Snake Island. Here, we had our lunch, took lots of pictures, snorkeling and fish feeding.

@ Snake Island

sige try mo mangutang ^_^ 

these are what we had for lunch - paluto, plus rice and crabs

Third stop, Pandan Island. Of course, lots of photo opps, swim and rest for a while.

at Pandan Beach..

Then we headed to our last destination, the Pambato Reef, for our major snorkeling experience. This was what I enjoyed most! ^_^ We saw a breath-taking paradise underneath the sea. The corals were magnificent! I saw different kinds of fish and lots of schools of fish, they were beautiful! Yiiiiee! ^_^ I was just so overwhelmed with this God’s creation! The feeling was exquisite! 

1.. 2.. 3.. Jump!

Palawan Rocks! \m/

I was amazed with our boatman, because he guided us along Pambato's perimeter without life vest. There's this rope tied at his waste while me and Sepo held on it. ^__^ (Ang bigat namen db?!) You can not do snorkeling here if its low tide. 


We ended our island hopping with a big smile! ^___^ It was so enjoyable! Hours of exposure under the sun, unforgettable first time experiences, all of these will be forever cherished!